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Articles by Samson Kitavi
Education CS Magoha directs school buses to ferry learners home
Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has directed schools to mobilize additional buses to ferry students to designated drop-off points after schools were closed to forestall the spread of the coronavirus.
Gov't urges KNUT to meet committee over strike
The seven member reconciliation committee appointed by labour ministry will this Saturday meet Kenya National Union of Teachers executive committee over the looming teachers strike. The committee will be seeking clarification on the demands by teachers following the strike notice.
Office of DPP emerges best govt entity in fighting corruption
The office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has emerged as the best performing government institution in the war against corruption at 49 percent according to the latest survey by the Infotrack pollster. The survey conducted between end of November and early this month also puts the office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations as the second in public confidence at 41 % while Judiciary comes third at 40%.
Orengo urges MCA to conduct themselves with decorum
Senate Minority leader James Orengo has put on notice wrangling County Assemblies saying they risk losing public confidence. Orengo claimed that what is being witnessed in a number of Assemblies was purely hooliganism and intimidation and must be condemned. A number of County assemblies across the Country have been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons; relentless wrangling with some even resorting to fist fight.
Ksh3M bounty on suspects linked to Italian volunteer kidnapping
A one million shillings bounty has been put on each of the three suspects linked to the abduction of an Italian aid worker in Kilifi. Inspector General of police, Joseph Boinnet, is asking Kenyans with information on their whereabouts to share it with the authorities. Sylvia Constanca, a volunteer at Milele Africa – an NGO based in Kilifi county was abducted after suspected al Shabaab militants attacked the said children’s home.
Kenyans urged to support new police reforms
National assembly committee on security chair Paul Koinange has supported the recent comprehensive police reforms announced by President Kenyatta. Koinange says the reforms will restore dignity to the members of the national police service and build trust among the citizens.
President Uhuru proposes reduction of fuel VAT to 8 per cent
President Uhuru Kenyatta has proposed a reduction of the controversial 16per cent VAT on petroleum products to 8 per cent. In his address to the nation that came hours after his rejection of the amended finance bill 2018 Thursday evening, President Kenyatta said he has taken the steps following a huge public outcry. If the proposal sails through, petrol will reduce from the current 127 to 118 shillings per liter while Diesel drops from 115 to 107 shillings per liter.
Court dismiss Assembly’s application on Elachi’s petition
Embattled Nairobi Speaker Beatrice Elachi has got a reprieve after the Employment and Labour Relations Court threw out an application by the Nairobi County Assembly that sought to set aside the order halting her impeachment. The court further extended the orders allowing Elachi to remain in office until Monday next week.
Matiang’i: No place for illegal immigrants
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i maintains that the ongoing exercise to flush out illegal and undocumented workers will continue until the country is free of illegal immigrants. Matiangi however says the exercise will be carried out within the confines of the law. For last three months, the government has been undertaking a crackdown on illegal immigrants and undocumented foreigners, deporting those found culpable.
EU to assist in tackling unlawful immigration by 2020
The EU plans to send 10,000 more border guards to tackle unlawful immigration by 2020. In his annual state of the union address, European Commission’s president Jean-Claude Juncker committed to further develop the European Asylum Agency to offer more support to member states processing asylum seekers. President, Jean-Claude Juncker called for more solidarity, rather than ad-hoc solutions for people on migrant ships.
KNUT Sec Gen Sossion threatens to issue fresh strike notice
The Kenya National Union of Teachers is threatening to issue a fresh strike notice accusing the Teachers Service Commission of backtracking on some of the agreements that led to the shelving of the planned industrial action. KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion says even after TSC agreed to halt teachers transfer and appraisal policies among other issues, the commission has gone ahead to reprimand teachers who allegedly defied the directive.
LSK urge Government to provide security for its members
The Law Society of Kenya is now calling on the government to provide protection to its members after an alleged assassination attempt on lawyer Charles Kanjama. LSK Nairobi branch Vice Chair Paula Njuguna has demanding for the arrest of those behind the threats warning that it will stage a protest if the culprits are not brought to book. Kanjama claims his life in danger for representing Idris Mukhtar a former CEC who survived an assassin two weeks ago.
MPs threatens to sanction Treasury CS Rotich over fuel VAT
Public outcry has greeted the decision by KRA to implement the 16% VAT on petroleum products barely 24 hours after the new levies took effect. A section of MP’s have now threatened to sanction Treasury CS Henry Rotich accusing him of ignoring amendments passed by parliament shelving implementation of the tax. At the same time pressure is piling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to assent to the bill that will reverse the 16% VAT.
16pc hike on petroleum products still on
Kenyans could be headed for tough times after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) effected the 16 % VAT on petroleum products in a development that will see fuel prices go up beginning 1st September 2018. The taxman has directed importers, depots, distributors and retailers, including pump stations to charge, account and submit returns on the same to KRA by 20th of next month.
Kabuchai Parliamentary by election raises political temperatures
The yet to be slated Kabuchai Parliamentary by election is already raising political temperatures between supporters of Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula and Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa putting to test the recent political peace deal between the two leaders. The election of Kabuchai MP James Mukwe who vied on a Ford Kenya ticket was nullified by the court of appeal after his main challenger Nabangi Tale, an independent candidate challenged his win.
Jubilee mulls over disciplinary action against Murkomen
The ruling Jubilee party is considering taking disciplinary action against Senate majority leader and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen for contradicting a government directive on Mau forest eviction. Jubilee party secretary General Raphael Tuju while insisting that the exercise will continue said the party’s disciplinary committee will analyse Murkomen’s remarks in view of taking the necessary action. Murkomen told Mau forest evictees to stay put and defy the government’s eviction order.
DP Ruto, Kalonzo didn’t know about handshake, Raila says
Opposition leader Raila Odinga now claims he kept his colleagues in the National Super Alliance on the dark regarding his meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta to avoid pressure. Raila who was speaking in Kitui says there was a mutual understanding between him and President Kenyatta that they formulate a way of bringing the nation together and as such did not want preconditions from their lieutenants to curtail their resolve.
DP Ruto puts ongoing succession debate to rest
Deputy President William Ruto has sought to put to rest the ongoing succession debate saying that no community owes him a political debt. Speaking during a church service at All saints Cathedral, Ruto said claims that a certain community owes him a political debt were misguided. The declaration coming amid questions over the state of the jubilee party in the wake of claims of disunity within its ranks ahead of the 2022 general election.
Mawathe moves to Supreme Court challenging court ruling
Embattled Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe has moved to the Supreme Court to challenge an appellate court ruling that nullified his August 2017 election victory. Court of appeal judges Daniel Musinga, Mohammed Warsame and Kathurima M’inoti observed that the election was not free and fair directing the independent electoral and boundaries commission to conduct fresh election with accordance with the law.
Independent commission should probe corruption says MP
Mwingi central MP Dr Gideon Mulyungi has supported the proposal to form an independent commission of inquiry to probe the escalating cases of corruption. Mulyungi claimed the parliamentary committees investigating various corruption scandals in the country might be biased based on their political inclination.
DP Ruto dismisses Jubilee Government fallout claims
Deputy President William Ruto has dispelled rumors of a possible fallout with his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta saying the Government is unshakable. Ruto says the narrative that the ruling jubilee party is on the rocks is a creation of people intent on distracting the government’s development agenda. Ruto was in Narok County for the second day running in a charm offensive as he seeks to consolidate his support in his yard.
DP Ruto says jubilee is focused on implementing manifesto
Deputy President William Ruto now says he is not worried about 2022 succession politics but focused on delivering the Jubilee manifesto. Speaking in Moi Naikarra secondary school in Narok County during a fundraiser, Ruto called on leaders to prioritize development projects, a yard stick which he says, will be used by the electorate to identify leaders come the next general elections. Ruto spent the better part of Saturday in Narok County, at a fundraiser for Moi Naikarra secondary school.
A section of legislators to oppose budget proposal
A section of legislators from Western Kenya region have vowed to oppose the budget proposal in parliament saying it was unfriendly to the common man. The legislators led by Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula cited the proposed increment on money transfer charges and other basic commodities saying it will hurt majority of law income earners. The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich on Thursday read the 2018/19 budget proposal.
2018/2019 budget losers
This year’s budget seems to have targeted both the rich and poor after review of taxes affecting both. While presenting this year’s budget, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich increased excise duty on mobile money transfer service from 10 to 12 percent which could mainly affect those relying on mobile money. In addition, users of second hand clothes and shoes, who are considered poor, should expect to get poorer following an increase on duty.
TV anchor Kanze Dena appointed Deputy State House Spokesperson
President Kenyatta has appointed Television news anchor Kanze Dena as Deputy State House Spokesperson and Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU). Ms. Dena will take leadership of the core communications teams, including digital, messaging, research, branding and press. She has also been tasked to focus on the President’s brand positioning, media relations and messaging with respect to the delivery the Big Four agenda.
CS Raychelle Omamo calls partnership in fighting terrorism
Defence Cabinet Secretary, Raychelle Omamo is calling for a pan-African approach to emerging security threats such as terrorism, cyber-crime and resource conflicts fueled by climate change. Omamo who presided over the graduation ceremony of Senior Military Officers and Senior Civil Servants from Kenya, Botswana, Burundi, Malawi and Egypt among other African countries at the National Defence College in Nairobi said the new global security challenges demand a new counter-approach.
Public Service PS grilled over NYS scam
Public Service Principal Secretary Lillian Mbogo-Omollo is currently appearing before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee to shed light on the alleged loss of 9 billion shillings in the latest National Youth Service corruption scandal. Omollo who alongside NYS Director-General Richard Ndubai stepped aside to allow investigations into the procurement scam denied any loss of money arguing that her claims are substantiated by a report by the Auditor General released this month.
DP Ruto urges speedy probe in NYS, NCPB scandals
Deputy President William Ruto is warning that tough action will be taken against those found to have participated in corruption that has seen Kenyans lose billions of shillings in the National Youth Service and National Cereals and Produce Board scandals. Ruto who was in Kisii called on the Director of Public Prosecution and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to move fast and bring the suspects to book.
Laikipia leaders fault operation targeting bandits
A section of leaders from Laikipia County have faulted the ongoing security operation targeting bandits accused of orchestrating acts of criminality. The group accuses security agents of blatant disregard of the rule of the law after about 200 houses believed to be owned by illegal grazers in Rumuruti area were destroyed. It is a police operation that has seen over 200 families left homeless after their houses were destroyed in an operation that started last Saturday.
Kalonzo steps in over Ngilu-Mulyungi spat
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has moved in to mediate over an altercation between Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Mwingi Central MP Dr. Gideon Mulyungi. The two elected leaders have been engaged in a supremacy battle that has degenerated into a public spat. The bad blood between Kitui governor Charity Ngilu and Mwingi Central MP Dr. Gideon Mulyungi came into force just a week after the Kamba Koma meeting early this month in which supporters of both leaders clashed in Mwingi town.
DP Ruto dismisses referendum calls
Deputy President William Ruto says any agitation for constitutional amendment will create another electioneering mood in the county which is yet to pick up pieces from the last divisive election. Ruto who was in Uasin Gichu said Kenyans are expecting service from the government and its elected leaders and not another cycle of politics. He said the county should be focused on the delivery of the 4 agenda and those agitating for constitution change were doomed.
KRA officials arrested with huge consignment of Mandrax
Three KRA officials and one Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board officer were Friday night arrested by police in connection with trafficking of Mandrax capsules at the Eldoret International Airport. Police managed to seize a huge consignment of Mandrax during the raid following intelligent reports that drugs concealed as vitamin supplements were frequently being trafficked at the airport. The actual value of the 80000 pellets is unknown.
Jubilee party against an expanded executive says Tuju
The Jubilee Party has maintained its hard stance on proposed amendments to the constitution to restructure the executive saying positions will not be created for a select few. Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju says the ruling party will not entertain the creation of the Prime Minister and two Deputies posts through the amendment of the constitution as proposed by a section of leaders.
Chebukati skips date with MPs over by-elections
Embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chair Wafula Chebukati failed to appear before the Justice and Legal Affairs committee Wednesday to give a brief on the happenings at the electoral body following the resignation of three commissioners. Chebukati instead sent an apology citing the ongoing ward by-elections in Nyeri and Kwale counties.
Security detail of remaining IEBC commissioners withdrawn
The security detail of the remaining IEBC commissioners has been withdrawn. According to IEBC communication officer Andrew Limo, the security of Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Commissioners Abdi Ga Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu was withdrawn Tuesday morning. IEBC has subsequently written to the Inspector General of National Police Service, Joseph Boinnet questioning what informed the drastic move.
Nairobi’s Kilimani residents oppose construction of high-rise building
Residents of the leafy Kilimani area of Nairobi, are up in arms against a planned construction of a 30 storey building in their midst. The residents who met the project developer, Cytton investment Saturday, opposed the project in totality on the grounds that it will affect the environment and learning in the neighboring schools.
Murang’a governor pushes for law to legalizing hawking
Hawkers and street vendors will soon be recognized as a profession like any other if a Bill seeking to legalize the trade is adopted. The Bill sponsored by Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria seeks among other things to structure the hawking business into cooperatives and create a national regulatory Authority to manage the trade.
Kalonzo: NASA is intact and here to stay
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka insists that the National Super Alliance coalition (NASA) is intact and that there is no cause for alarm. Kalonzo who was in Kilifi said the coalition will not rest until electoral injustices are addressed.
DP Ruto urges Kenyans to respect rule of law
Deputy President William Ruto has asked all Kenyans to respect the rule of law regardless of their positions in the society. In a thinly veiled attack on the opposition for its recent mock presidential swearing in, the Deputy President said the country was governed by rules and the Constitution, saying all Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliations must obey the law.
MP Alfred Keter to be held at Muthaiga police Station
Vocal Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter will have to cool his heels in Muthaiga police Station cell until Monday, a move that is being protested by his lawyer. Lawyer Kimutai Bosek who had visited the MP alongside Cherang’any MP Joshua Kutuny claimed the legislators rights were being violated as no charges have been placed on him. Bosek claims police were infringing on Keter’s rights by holding him without preferring any charges.
Muslim faithful protest against alleged grabbing of cemetery land
Hundreds of Muslim faithful in Malindi held a peaceful demonstration in the town to protest against alleged grabbing of cemetery land at the ginnery area. The demonstrators demanded the arrest of two tycoons whom they claim are behind the grabbing syndicate. For the last 200 years, the Muslim community in Malindi has been burying their dead at the over 16 acre Muslim cemetery. However with the land grabbing spree reportedly witnessed in the coastal town, the cemetery has become the latest target.
Plans to swear in NASA leader Odinga on course
The National Super Alliance (NASA) has maintained that plans to swear in its leader Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka are on course unless the ruling Jubilee Party agrees on talks over electoral injustices. Minority leaders in Parliament Moses Wetangula and John Mbadi said NASA is ready to change its position if Jubilee Party agrees to dialogue before end of this month. The two spoke after meeting US ambassador Robert Godec at parliament buildings on Monday morning.
NASA intensifies push for Raila Odinga swearing-in
The National Super Alliance (NASA) says plans to swear in Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka are at an advanced stage and the event might take place before the end of January. This follows the appointment of an Assumption of Office Committee which is expected it announce the date and venue soon. NASA’s People’s Assembly National Steering Committee Thursday disclosed that the swearing in ceremony for the two will be held before 31st January.
Nairobians usher in the year 2018 at various social places
Nairobians ushered in the year 2018 at various social places among them churches and entertainment joints even as others chose to stay at home. This even as the church pushed for the toning down of political rhetoric and national dialogue, saying it is the only remedy for the political standoff occasioned by the recent general election that left Kenyans divided. At the Jesus Winner Ministry situated along Thika Superhighway, New Year celebrations were at their peak as the faithful sang and danced.
Silas Tiren defends move to go to court over suspension
Embattled Silas Tiren, the newly elected Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture chairperson, has defended his decision to seek legal intervention on his suspension from the House committee.
Proceedings at regional parliament end prematurely
Proceedings at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) came to a premature end after regional politics delayed the election of the speaker. The exercise was postponed to Tuesday following a dramatic walkout by Tanzania and Burundi legislators. The development coming after EALA MPs took the oath office on Monday After several weeks without transacting business owing to Kenyans domestic wrangles over the list of its nominees, the EALA is back to life.
AG accuses analysts of skewed interpretation of the law - KBC TV | Kenya's Watching
Attorney General Githu Muigai has hit out at political and legal commentators accusing them of misleading Kenyans on the interpretation of the law. Speaking during the launch of the legal aid national action plan for the period between 2017 and 2022, the chief government advisor took issue with those questioning his legal opinion on treason charges terming dismissing them of being ignorant of the law.
CPK wants leader of opposition post re-introduced
The Council of Professionals of Kenya (CPK) is proposing a change in the constitution to re-introduce the position of leader of official opposition in future presidential elections. The Council’s chairperson Ababu Namwamba said the move would save the Country the political standoff witnessed after the two last general elections under the 2010 constitution.
President Uhuru to be sworn-in on 28th November
President Uhuru Kenyatta will tentatively be sworn into office next Tuesday after the Supreme Court upheld his October 26th repeat presidential election win.
Laikipia County Assembly to draft law to regulate herders
The Laikipia County government is formulating a law that will regulate entry of illegal herders from neighboring Counties. The law is aimed at controlling animal movement into the county where owners later take advantage of grazing in private ranches and other farms causing cases of lawlessness. Cases of lawlessness have become the order of the day in Laikipia County as illegal herders invade private ranches in search of pasture.
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