Kericho Governor Mutai Calls For Truce Between Conflicting MCAs

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January 17, 2023

Kericho County Governor Dr. Eric Mutai has implored Kericho Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to initiate dialogue to resolve their issues amicably rather than resorting to physical fights at the Assembly as witnessed last Friday during an ongoing session at the County Assembly.

The Governor who spoke Tuesday morning in a televised broadcast lamented that no single legislation had been advanced at the Kericho County Assembly due to wrangles among the members and urged them to settle down and focus on delivering on their mandate for the best interests of their electorates.

“For me that particular day I did not expect the chaos, I was pushing for the supplementary budget to be approved by the house, because my feeling is that a lot of things need to be done, the Assembly has had wrangles over and over, no single legislation, nothing is happening, and I really wanted the Supplementary budget to go through.” Said Dr. Mutai

“We need to mature our county assemblies more so that they are able to negotiate within themselves and reach a consensus among themselves on who should be a majority leader just like in the Senate and the National Assembly.” Added Dr. Mutai

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has already issued summons through a letter to the Kericho County Assembly Speaker Dr. Patrick Mutai to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee for failing to control the County Assembly during a session on January 13, 2023, leading to chaos, conflict, violence, and commotion.

According to the letter from UDA, the Speaker failed to guide the house in giving effect to the party’s clear directions in the matter and as a result, there arose confusion, confrontation, violence, and commotion in the house as extensively covered and published in the media compromising the party’s interest, dignity, and reputation.

The letter further says that the House Speaker Dr. Mutai is obligated to represent the party’s interests and uphold its values and principles in all of his business dealings, however, he fell short of that obligation

President Ruto: There Was A Plot To Abduct, Kill Wafula Chebukati

By

John Mutiso

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January 17, 2023

President William Ruto now claims that there was a direct attempt to assassinate outgoing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati during the August 2022 elections.

President Ruto stated that he is aware that a few actors were interested in compromising the elections and threatened Chebukati to subvert the presidential results.

“We know that there was a direct attempt to abduct Wafula Chebukati and murder him so that the commission would be paralyzed, or a compliant commissioner take over and subvert the people’s sovereignty,” he said.

“It was a hard, cold and lonely time, the threats were dire, the promised rewards lavish and the pressure relentless.”

He spoke on Tuesday at State House during the inauguration of a collaborative framework between the executive and commissions and independent offices towards the implementation of the constitution.

The Head of State added that there were Chebukati and two IEBC commissioners Abdi Yakub Guliye and Boya Molu as well as the CEO, Hussein Marjan, were “threatened with dire consequences for them and their families if they did not do the ‘system’s bidding and overturn the choice of Kenyans.”

“We now know that Chebukati, commissioners Abdi Yakub Guliye and Boya Molu as well as the CEO, Hussein Marjan, and their staff, were offered stupendous financial rewards to cooperate with the agents of impunity, but they bravely resisted,” said Ruto.

“We also know that they were subsequently threatened with dire consequences for them and their families if they did not do the ‘system’s bidding and overturn the choice of Kenyans. Again, we know that they stood strong and firmly said “NO!”.”

As a result, President Ruto praised the Chebukati-led team for remaining devoted and firm to their critical roles and exemplifying what he called integrity and leadership.

“It is this uncompromising commitment to his constitutional responsibility that enabled Chebukati to lead IEBC in learning effectively from the 2013 and 2017 elections to deliver an election that met the highest standards and, in fact, that was ‘unstealable’,” said Ruto.

He emphasised the importance of having vigilant independent institutions that are steadfast in carrying out their constitutional mandates.

President Ruto added that he will accomplish this by initiating a collaboration between the Executive and commissions and independent institutions to benefit the nation.

“If every institution rises to their highest potential and operates effectively, there will be an opportunity for coordination, collaboration, cooperation and complementarity, as well as healthy competition for the benefit of Kenya and our people.”

On Monday, during the launch of the Post Election Evaluation report, Chebukati said he exits the commission “a very content man”.

“Our tenure comes to an end on January 17. It is incumbent upon the commission and staff to adhere to the constitution. This launch marks my last duty as chairman, I exit as a very content man and I can say we did our best.”

Chebukati exits alongside commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu following the lapse of their tenure on January 17th.

Hungary To Aid Kenya in Ahero Modernization Project

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Vanessa Kariuki

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January 17, 2023

Written By Vanessa Kariuki ||

H.E. Zsolt Meszaros, the ambassador of Hungary to Kenya, met with Hon. Alice Wahome, the cabinet secretary for water, irrigation, and sanitation, and the PS irrigation, Gitonga Mugambi, to discuss the expansion of the rehabilitation and upgrading of the pumping station in the Ahero Irrigation Scheme.

The Ministry has determined that the rehabilitation and improvement of the pumping station in the Ahero Irrigation Scheme in Kisumu County will be supported under the tied-aid arrangement. This was done through the National Irrigation Authority.

The Hungarian scheme in Ahero, which intends to set up a solar pumping system, has received praise from CS Wahome.

She added that the Ahero modernization project would lower water pumping expenses, lowering the cost of farmers’ rice production.

“The government is keen on expanding irrigated areas under rice as it has recently done in Mwea where an additional 10,000 acres has been opened up for production as a result of the Thiba dam,” said the CS.

On his part, H.E. Mr. Zsolt Meszaros expressed appreciation for the positive working relationships between the two nations and stated that the meeting’s goal was to expedite the implementation of the Hungarian tied-aid project in Aid.

During the discussion, a timeline for completing the tendering process, signing the commercial agreement, and finalizing the finance agreement for the project was laid out.

Nema Arrests 7 Traders Found With Banned Plastics Bags

By

John Mutiso

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January 17, 2023

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has arrested seven traders from Ololulunga Market who were in possession of banned plastic bags.

According to the agency, the traders will appear in court.

“NEMA appeals to all markets countrywide to desist using banned plastic bags and any offender found guilty risks a fine of not less than 2m or 6 months jail term,” Nema said.

Earlier, two traders were arrested in Eldoret for packaging their products without a prerequisite clearance from Nema.

The prerequisite clearance from the organisation allows for primary packaging of products from manufacturers in such bags.

According to Nema, plastic bags exemption clearance is free.

CS Mutua Courts India To Back Amb Karingithufor As IMO Sec. general

By

Vanessa Kariuki

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January 17, 2023

Written By Vanessa Kariuki ||

Dr. Alfred Mutua, the CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, visited Hon. Om Birla, the Honorable Speaker of the LokSobha (Lower House) of the Indian Parliament.

Along with the Speaker, they praised the close ties between Kenya and India.

Mutua advocated for the transfer of medical technology and asked Indian hospitals to establish themselves in Kenya and provide high-quality healthcare not just to Kenyans but also to the rest of the region in an effort to improve our bilateral relations.

Additionally, he urged the Speaker to support Amb. Nancy Karingithu’s candidacy for Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization and urged India to import pulses and other agricultural goods like mangoes and avocados.

Mombasa: Police Probe Mysterious Death Of TUM Student

By

John Mutiso

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January 17, 2023

Police in Mombasa have launched investigations into the mysterious death of a 24-year-old university student.

According to local reports, Gregory Mutinda, a student at the Technical University of Mombasa was found lying on the floor of his rented house in the Kaa Chonjo area of Tudor, Mombasa county.

According to police OB number 64/26/1/ 2023, members of the public led police officers to the said house where the door was forcefully opened since it had been locked from the inside.

“The body of a young man was lying on the floor and a syringe with some fluids and pesticide powder beside him. A kitchen knife and blood-stained clothes were also found on the floor of the house,” part of the police statement reads.

According to his girlfriend, Ms. Mercy Munyao, who is assisting police with ongoing investigations, the boyfriend had spent the previous day (Sunday) with their son.

“I was not around that day. But together with his friend they visited my place and spent the day with our son. In my mind, I knew all was well. The next day we talked early in the morning around 9 am in the morning and asked if he was going to the workplace where he was doing his internship. He replied in the affirmative and we bid each other goodbye,” said Ms. Munyao.

Ms Munyao recalls Mutinda calling her minutes later and borrowing Sh150 to buy ‘Mandazi’.

“I did not have any money in my Mpesa so I told him I had cash, he went silent and hung up. At around 11 am I texted Gregory but the message was not delivered,” explained Ms. Munyao.

She claims she assumed her boyfriend was busy at work.

“Around 3 pm I called my boyfriend and he did not pick up. I decided to give him a few minutes assuring myself that maybe he was in a matatu heading home, and once he arrives he will call me back,” said Ms. Munyao.

“He never missed picking up my calls, I was worried and called a friend who stayed in the same apartment as Gregory. The colleague informed me, he had moved out. I called two more people who said they were in school at the time. The fourth person I rang raised red flags, he told me the previous day that he was with Mutinda, he looked dull and in a somber mood and that I should immediately go and look for him, which I did,” said Ms. Munyao.

She peered through the window when she arrived at her boyfriend’s house and saw items scattered inside and her boyfriend’s body lying on the floor.

“I did not open the door, I went and bought credit and called my friends who came and we opened the door together. We had to break down the door since it was locked from inside. We found a syringe beside him and he had injuries on his left side of the chest,” she narrated.

Mutinda was a third-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student at TUM.

At the time of his death, he was on attachment at Kenya pipeline Changamwe.

According to a police signal, a kitchen knife and blood-stained clothes were recovered on the floor of the house.

According to police, the deceased’s body had one deep knife stab.

Police are now looking into whether the death was a result of murder or suicide.

The body has been moved to the Coast General mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Chebukati Hands Over IEBC Exit Report To President Ruto

By

John Mutiso

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January 17, 2023

Wafula Chebukati, the outgoing chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has handed over his exit report to President William Ruto, marking the end of his tenure.

The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at State House, alongside other 15 commissions that were also handing over their exit reports.

Mr. Chebukati delivered the report on behalf of the entire electoral body, along with a post-election evaluation report that was released on Monday.

Shortly after, he took the podium and reiterated that he is happy with how the August 2022 election went and that they have laid the groundwork for the next team that will run the elections.

“What we have here is our exit report together with our post-election evaluation report making the end of the last phase of the election cycle and the beginning of the new one to 2027,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that the commission will remain steadfast under the leadership of CEO Hussein Marjan and the incoming team of commissioners.

“We ran a free fair credible and transparent election in 2022. We have put in place structures that the new team should build on, we have standard operating procedures and manuals. We have a strong secretariat led by our CEO Marjan,” he said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Attorney General Justin Muturi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi were also in attendance.

Chebukati leaves alongside commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu.

Mombasa Policeman Denies Murdering Wife

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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January 17, 2023

A police constable based at Mombasa has been arraigned in court over the murder of his wife.

Meshak Kosgei is believed to have murdered his wife Emily Misiza under unclear circumstances, in Nyali on December 6, 2022.

However, the police officer pleaded not guilty to the murder and requested the court to release him on reasonable cash bail.

Lady Justice Ann Ong’injo released Kosgei on Ksh1M bond with surety of similar amount.

The Judge also warned the suspect against interfering with witnesses and the investigation process.

The case will be mentioned on February 6, 2023, for pretrial conference.

Donholm: Congolese Man Killed After Trying To Steal Phone From A Teenager

By

John Mutiso

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January 17, 2023

A Congolese immigrant was killed after attempting to steal a smartphone from a minor in Donholm.

The teen was walking to nearby shops when a man grabbed his arm and attempted to steal her phone.

Good Samaritans came to her rescue after she screamed for help.

The mob then swarmed the man with punches and kicks.

His attempts to flee the mob’s wrath were in vain, as he was pinned to the ground and fatally beaten.

Police arrived at the scene and found the man dead and the body was taken to a mortuary.

The identity of the man has yet to be revealed.

Klopp Has No Plans To Quit As He Plots Liverpool Overhaul

By

John Mutiso

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January 17, 2023

FBL-ENG-PR-BRIGHTON-LIVERPOOL — Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp arrives for the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on January 14, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Jurgen Klopp says he will not leave Liverpool unless he is told to go, hinting at a major overhaul of his ageing squad at the end of the season.

A sixth Premier League defeat of the campaign at the weekend means the 2020 champions are 10 points outside the top four with just over half the season remaining.

Klopp last year signed a contract extension until 2026 and the 55-year-old stressed only the sack would prevent him seeing that through.

“Either the manager’s position changes or a lot of other things change,” he said. “So as far as I am concerned unless someone tells me I will not go.

“So that means maybe there is a point where we have to change other stuff. We will see that, but that is something for the future. Like summer or whatever. Not now.

“I have space and time to think about it — we have to play better football now.”

Captain Jordan Henderson (32), Fabinho (29) and 31-year-old Thiago Alcantara remain first-choice picks in a midfield that is showing its age but Klopp denied he was being too loyal to the old guard.

“The problem is too complex. You have a good player who did a lot of good things in the past and then in your mind (you think) maybe that’s it for him,” said the Liverpool boss, speaking of the need for rejuvenation.

“If you can then go out and bring in another player to replace (him) that makes sense. If you cannot bring anybody in you cannot bring anybody out. That is the situation.”

Klopp, whose team face Wolves in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, also rejected the suggestion that longer-serving players had stopped listening to him.

“I was not that often in a similar situation but I know exactly how it works when things don’t go well,” he said.

“There is a list of things you go through and one of the things is the players aren’t listening to the coach anymore.

“In Germany we say the manager doesn’t reach the team anymore. So I understand it looks like this sometimes but it is just not the case. You can take that off the list.”