John Ngirachu
- Writer and Editor, Oxygène MCL
Nairobi
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Articles by John Ngirachu
Agression against ODM’s 9 lawmakers speaks doom for the party
If the petition by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch goes through, the Orange Democratic Movement will start the process of expelling nine of its members who visited State House without authorisation. Removing someone from a party is hard, especially if that person is an elected representative. ODM could argue that the nine MPs promoted the ideology, interests or policies of President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
A return of the politics of tax
Taxation in Kenya has taken a political twist in a week that saw President William Ruto train his guns on former President Uhuru Kenyatta and businesses associated with his family. Speaking a day after Azimio leader Raila Odinga held a rally at Jacaranda grounds, Ruto claimed that the political gatherings are sponsored by “people who are not willing to pay tax.” His allies and associates at the same time launched social media attacks against the retired President.
Electoral reform agenda gets back on the table
January 27, 2023 - 5 Minutes Read - By John Ngirachu Opposition boss Raila Odinga this week began piling the pressure on President William Ruto that he hopes will culminate in a discussion at the negotiating table. His plan, according to a media report, is to rally his supporters into mass action and civil disobedience. Mr Odinga’s basis is the report by a so-called whistleblower at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and his aim is to have electoral reform.
How to avoid conflict during this season of heated political debate
In political debates, I have found that most people agree that the election is too far away for firm positions to be taken. [Courtesy] It is the season of roast meat, drinks and endless chapati. It is also the season of heated political debate courtesy of the early campaigns, where we have a defiant deputy president up against an eternally hopeful former prime minister going for the presidency a fifth time.
From Kiambu to the bar - tracing Otieno Kajwang’s last hours
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 — updated on July 03, 2020 Just hours before his death, Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ (right) had accompanied his Senate colleagues, among then Mr Kimani Wamatangi (left) on an inspection tour of the Southern bypass at Kikuyu Town. When his turn to speak came, he told the crowd: “Tutapambana na hii shida iko hapa”. PHOTO | ANNE MACHARIA | What you need to know: MPs who interacted with Mr Kajwang’ at the bar on Tuesday evening told the Nation he was “in his element”.
Kenya: Parliament Fails to Beat Deadline on Gender Rule
Parliament has failed to beat the 60-day deadline set by a judge in March to enact laws to bring into the effect the two-thirds gender rule. Neither the National Assembly nor the Senate have obeyed Justice John Mativo's order to pass the law.
Grieving in the time of the coronavirus
Blog Grieving in the time of the coronavirus Being told that someone you know has died always gives you a jolt, and now, with a partial lockdown, handling the events after a death is more than surreal. If the person has died suddenly at night, you cannot go to them, and if you do, you will have a lot of explaining to do at roadblocks. When morning comes, and you start holding the meetings to organise the funeral, you will be doing it in unusual circumstances.
Treasury has no cash, needs to borrow Sh78bn
The National Treasury on Thursday acknowledged that it is facing a cash crunch, but expressed confidence that the situation would soon improve. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich told Parliament’s Budget and Appropriations Committee in Nairobi that a combination of domestic and international loan repayments falling due, the traditional slow collection of government revenue at the beginning of the financial year and demands for disbursements had led to the cash crunch.
Auditor reveals Ngunyi was overpaid by Sh12.5m for NYS job
Political commentator and consultant Mutahi Ngunyi was paid Sh12.5 million more than was due to him for developing a strategy for the restructuring of the National Youth Service, the Auditor-General has said. Mr Ngunyi’s firm, The Consulting House, was hired to restructure the service in what later came to be referred to as the NYS 5-Point Vision. It had two contracts — one signed in March 2014 for Sh40 million and another for Sh50 million. The first one was fulfilled and Mr Ngunyi was paid.
House team seeks to combine initiatives to amend constitution
"text/javascript" language="javascript" src="/code/view/DailyNationMobile/-/3134374/-/format/xhtml/-/p7nihcz/-/jquery-1120min.js"> Politics Thu Mar 24 08:16:00 EAT 2016 House team seeks to combine initiatives to amend constitution The National Assembly in a past session.
Uhuru rejects Bill seeking refund for power outages
By JOHN NGIRACHU More by this Author President Uhuru Kenyatta has rejected a Bill seeking to compel Kenya Power to compensate customers for blackouts lasting more than three hours.
Rising expenditure affirms Kenya's economy is growing, Treasury says
Economy Rising expenditure affirms Kenya's economy is growing, Treasury says Tuesday, March 28, 2017 8:53 By JOHN NGIRACHU National Treasury PS Kamau Thugge during a past press conference in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG Treasury officials have downplayed the perception that despite the much vaunted economic growth, the effects are not being felt by ordinary Kenyans.
Speaker rejects Waiguru impeachment motion after MPs withdraw signatures
By JOHN NGIRACHU More by this Author In Summary Eight of the MPs who withdrew their signatures did so before the motion was submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly, according to a letter that National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi wrote to Mr Keter. Mr Muturi’s letter to Mr Keter and the new rule effectively handed Ms Waiguru a lifeline and reduces the pressure she had been under over the loss of Sh791 million at the National Youth Service, which falls under her ministry.
Speaker rejects Waiguru impeachment motion after MPs withdraw signatures
By JOHN NGIRACHU More by this Author A motion to impeach Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru was on Thursday rejected after 17 MPs withdrew their support. Their withdrawal meant that the motion fell short of the number of signatures needed for it to be passed for debate on the floor of the National Assembly. This means Ms Waiguru has escaped an impeachment attempt for the second time, after an earlier bid by Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi ran aground when he failed to move it.
Jubilee MPs tell Wetang’ula to resign over graft claims
By JOHN NGIRACHU More by this Author In Summary Mr Duale said Mr Wetang’ula cannot wish away the claims and must tell the country what his engagements with BAT were and why, as a Trade minister, he was hobnobbing with its officials and receiving freebies. He also asked the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Director of Public Prosecutions to start investigations on the local aspects of the scandal.
Kenya gives Sh90m for African court
By JOHN NGIRACHU More by this Author ADDIS ABABA Kenya on Saturday evening pledged to contribute $1 million (Sh90 million) towards the establishment of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights, the continent’s version of the International Criminal Court (ICC). President Uhuru Kenyatta made the pledge at the African Union Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa as the Kenyan push to have the court’s mandate expanded to include crimes against humanity gained the support of 11 countries.
Budget experts decry unfinished projects worth Sh3 trillion
In its report to MPs ahead of the processing of the Budget, the Parliamentary Budget Office has asked MPs to request project appraisals before a project is selected for inclusion in the allocation for the next financial year. “It is estimated that as of June 2015, there were more than 1,000 projects which were classified as ongoing. The estimated cost to complete these projects is … Sh3 trillion,” the PBO says.
Kenyan MPs pass draconian media law
Kenyan MPs pass draconian media law Thursday October 31 2013 PHOTO | FILE MPs at a past session in Parliament. In Summary The repressive sections of the KICA Bill, passed by Parliament Complaints Commission has been moved from the self-regulatory Media Council to the new authority controlled by the government under the guise of a tribunal handling media and multimedia issues. All the issues it will be handling are regulatory ones, which currently fall within the mandate of the Media Council.
How new cyber laws will affect bloggers
The Act was amended on the floor of the National Assembly to add provisions deemed contrary to the Constitution. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act is aimed at punishing cyber fraud and illegal hacking. Kenya’s new cybercrime laws limit fundamental freedoms, including those of information and expression, lobbies have said and asked for their rethink.
Kenya: Killer Dam is Illegal, Says Water Management Official
By Joseph Openda and John NgirachuThe dam that broke its banks and flooded areas downstream in Solai, Nakuru County, is one of seven illegal ones in Patel Coffee Estates Ltd, officials of the Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) said Thursday. Simon Wang'ombe, the regional manager for the Rift Valley, said officials from Warma had been visiting the farms occasionally.
Kenya: Patel Dam Tragedy - 44 Dead, 41 in Hospital and 40 Missing
Photo: Ayub Muiyuro/Daily Nation This image taken on May 10, 2018 shows the damage caused by cascading water after Patel Dam in Solai, Nakuru County, burst its banks. The rumble at about 8pm on Wednesday sounded like a faint clap of thunder. Elija Chege stepped out of his single-room house at Energy Village in Solai, Nakuru, to check what was happening as the sky had been clear just a few minutes earlier. Then he heard the rumble; loud, louder, and ominous.
Death in the mud: Angry Patel Dam washes away sleepy village
Elija Chege stepped out of his single-room house at Energy Village in Solai, Nakuru, to check what was happening as the sky had been clear just a few minutes earlier. Then he heard the rumble; loud, louder, and ominous. It did not sound like the usual cacophony of rain drops on the greenhouses of Patel Coffee Estates behind the hills. The village erupted in chaos as the 41-year-old mason and his neighbours ran for their lives, some towards Solai Shopping Centre, others in the opposite direction.
Killer dam is illegal: Water official
Their main cause of concern was a dam near Solai shopping centre, he said, that appeared weak and water has been seeping onto the road. Simon Wang’ombe, the regional manager for the Rift Valley, said officials from Warma had been visiting the farms occasionally. The dam that broke its banks and flooded areas downstream in Solai, Nakuru County, is one of seven illegal ones in Patel Coffee Estates Ltd, officials of the Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) said Thursday.
Killer dam is illegal: Water official
Their main cause of concern was a dam near Solai shopping centre, he said, that appeared weak and water has been seeping onto the road. Simon Wang’ombe, the regional manager for the Rift Valley, said officials from Warma had been visiting the farms occasionally. The dam that broke its banks and flooded areas downstream in Solai, Nakuru County, is one of seven illegal ones in Patel Coffee Estates Ltd, officials of the Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) said Thursday.
Oil exploration bill put on hold by Duale
Mr Duale said he suspended the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Bill on Wednesday evening after realising that the Energy Committee was changing too many clauses in the draft law he has sponsored on behalf of the government. The majority leader said he had been monitoring progress of the bill when he realised that the committee’s Vice-Chairman Robert Pukose was making changes that had not been published in the Order Paper.
Kenya: Govt Seeks to Make NYS Profit-Oriented
By John NgirachuThe government has asked members of Parliament to approve a change to the law to allow the National Youth Service (NYS) to go into business, opening the way for it to become a commercial entity. The proposal is a small part of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, but is a significant step for the youth agency that was the subject of a scandal for the best part of Jubilee's first term.
Audit firms generating tokens: MPs
Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, who chairs the committee, said members are concerned about reports that companies could be minting millions off the system at the expense of Kenyans. “One of the issues that we are going to be requesting at the special audit is how this whole thing was tendered, to look at the details of those companies, whether they are qualified to offer those services and the financial services,” Mr Nassir said.
Kenya: Kenyatta's Apology Marks Climax of State of the Nation Address
By John Ngirachu and Samwel OwinoForgive me." Those were the two words that marked the climax of President Uhuru Kenyatta's State of the Nation address on Wednesday as he used the annual event to make a call for Kenyans to unite in the wake of a divisive and fraught electioneering period last year.
Govt seeks to commercialise NYS
The government has asked members of Parliament to approve a change to the law to allow the National Youth Service (NYS) to go into business, opening the way for it to become a commercial entity. The proposal is a small part of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, but is a significant step for the youth agency that was the subject of a scandal for the best part of Jubilee’s first term.
Kenya: President Kenyatta Delivers State of the Nation Address
By John NgirachuPresident Uhuru Kenyatta is currently making his annual State of the Nation address to Parliament, the first since his re-election in two rounds of elections last year. The president is legally required to address a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly at least once a year and has used the event in the past to make momentous announcements. President Kenyatta: The trust that the people have bestowed on us is sacred.
WATCH: Uhuru gives state of the nation address
By JOHN NGIRACHU More by this Author President Uhuru Kenyatta is currently making his annual State of the Nation address to Parliament, the first since his re-election in two rounds of elections last year.The president is legally required to address a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly at least once a year and has used the event in the past to make momentous announcements.
Kenya: What to Expect From Uhuru Kenyatta's Address to the Nation
By John NgirachuPresident Uhuru Kenyatta is today afternoon scheduled to make his annual State of the Nation address to Parliament, the first since his re-election in two rounds of elections last year. The president is legally required to address a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly at least once a year and has used the event in the past to make momentous announcements.
What to expect from Uhuru's big address
President Kenyatta is also yet to elaborate on the practical steps to be taken after his agreement with Mr Odinga. While he has listed his priorities as universal health coverage, food security, increased manufacturing and housing, he is yet to state exactly how his Big Four, as they have come to be known, will be achieved.
Uhuru says sorry in healing drive
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, previously one of the most vicious critics of the Jubilee administration, grabbed the chance to make a statement. His one-hour-and-22-minute speech was met with an eruption of handshakes in the joint sitting of Parliament, and used words and expressions that advanced the spirit of the conciliatory tone.
Kenya: Visit Athi River for Cheaper Land As CBD, Upper Hill Remain Costly
Photo: Daily Nation A cement factory in Athi River, where land is cheaper compared to other parts of the larger Nairobi Metropolitan area. By John NgirachuAthi River has the cheapest land in Nairobi area while the Central Business District (CBD) and Upper Hill remain the priciest, according to the latest report by an investment company.
Report: Where land is still cheap in Nairobi
Athi River has the cheapest land in Nairobi area while the Central Business District (CBD) and Upper Hill remain the priciest, according to the latest report by an investment company. Last year’s combination of low lending as banks reduced the rate at which they were giving loans and the bad environment created by political uncertainty however resulted in reduced demand for land.
Sharing posts like Kirinyaga deputy governor's sex video to soon cost you Sh300k
Publishing fake news or peddling pornography will attract hefty fines or lengthy jail terms, or both, under a potentially harsh law passed by the National Assembly last Thursday. Under the Computer and Cybercrimes Bill, which is set to be presented to the President for assent, publication of false, misleading or fictitious information will attract a maximum fine of Sh5 million or imprisonment of a maximum of two years or both, upon conviction.
Kenya: Concern Raised Over Soaring Debt and Decreasing Development Cash
By John NgirachuHigher interests on debts and redemptions have pushed up Kenya's payments of debts by Sh27.6 billion, forcing Treasury to reduce development spending, according to an analysis of the Supplementary Budget currently before the National Assembly. Kenya has been forced to pay higher interests on the first Eurobond and loans taken from the Standard Chartered Bank and the Eastern and Southern Africa Trade and Development Bank.
Kenya: Bad News for Bloggers and Fake News Peddlers
By John NgirachuPublishing fake news or peddling pornography will attract hefty fines or lengthy jail terms, or both, under a potentially harsh law passed by the National Assembly last Thursday. Under the Computer and Cybercrimes Bill, which is set to be presented to the President for assent, publication of false, misleading or fictitious information will attract a maximum fine of Sh5 million or imprisonment of a maximum of two years or both, upon conviction.
Where to get cheap land around Nairobi
Athi River has the cheapest land in Nairobi area while the Central Business District (CBD) and Upper Hill remain the priciest, according to the latest report by an investment company. Last year’s combination of low lending as banks reduced the rate at which they were giving loans and the bad environment created by political uncertainty however resulted in reduced demand for land.
Kenya: Single ID Document Closer to Reality as MPs Debate Bill
By John Ngirachu and David MwereMembers of Parliament are set to debate and vote on a proposed law that would create a system for generating a harmonised national identification document for Kenyans. The creation of the National Integrated Identity Management System (Niims) is part of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly two weeks ago.
Kenya: Sharing Posts Like Kirinyaga Deputy Governor's Sex Video to Soon Cost You Sh300,000
By John NgirachuPublishing fake news or peddling pornography will attract hefty fines or lengthy jail terms, or both, under a potentially harsh law passed by the National Assembly last Thursday. Under the Computer and Cybercrimes Bill, which is set to be presented to the President for assent, publication of false, misleading or fictitious information will attract a maximum fine of Sh5 million or imprisonment of a maximum of two years or both, upon conviction.
Ordeal may stall Sh63bn projects
Ordeal may stall Sh63bn projects Sunday, April 29, 2018 8:56 By WYCLIFF KIPSANG By BARNABAS BII A stream that drains into Arror River, Elgeyo Marakwet. The issue of title deeds is also likely to delay the two proposed hydro-power projects.
Farmers want firm managers probed over coffee thefts
Farmers want firm managers probed over coffee thefts Sunday, April 29, 2018 9:16 By IRENE MUGO A farmer plucks ripe coffee beans.
Concern raised over soaring debt and decreasing development cash
Higher interests on debts and redemptions have pushed up Kenya’s payments of debts by Sh27.6 billion, forcing Treasury to reduce development spending, according to an analysis of the Supplementary Budget currently before the National Assembly. Kenya has been forced to pay higher interests on the first Eurobond and loans taken from the Standard Chartered Bank and the Eastern and Southern Africa Trade and Development Bank.
NIC Bank’s plan to ‘change the story’ with tree project
NIC Bank’s plan to ‘change the story’ with tree project Sunday, April 29, 2018 9:03 By JAMES KARIUKI NIC group managing director John Gachora.
Bad news for bloggers and fake news peddlers
Publishing fake news or peddling pornography will attract hefty fines or lengthy jail terms, or both, under a potentially harsh law passed by the National Assembly last Thursday. Under the Computer and Cybercrimes Bill, which is set to be presented to the President for assent, publication of false, misleading or fictitious information will attract a maximum fine of Sh5 million or imprisonment of a maximum of two years or both, upon conviction.
Single ID document closer to reality
Members of Parliament are set to debate and vote on a proposed law that would create a system for generating a harmonised national identification document for Kenyans. The creation of the National Integrated Identity Management System (Niims) is part of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly two weeks ago.
Single ID document closer to reality
Members of Parliament are set to debate and vote on a proposed law that would create a system for generating a harmonised national identification document for Kenyans. The creation of the National Integrated Identity Management System (Niims) is part of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly two weeks ago.
Maize farmers and millers blame woes on subsidy plan
Maize farmers and millers blame woes on subsidy plan Sunday, April 29, 2018 19:00 By BARNABAS BIIBy STANLEY KIMUGE Trucks loaded with maize outside the National Cereals Produce Board in Industrial Area, Nakuru. NCPB suspended buying of maize, leaving farmers without a market.
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