Written by Lisa Murimi

Several prominent figures in Kenya, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, have recently faced disturbances caused by agitated youth allegedly incited for disruptive actions.

These politically motivated incidents have often resulted in property damage and nationwide demonstrations, raising concerns about societal stability.

The targets of these attacks have included high-ranking officials like Raila Odinga and a former aide to Daniel Moi. Properties worth millions of Kenyan Shillings have been destroyed, with the most costly being a Ksh4 billion company set on fire.

Among those affected are:

1. Uhuru Kenyatta: In March, during nationwide protests led by Raila Odinga, a group of youth invaded Kenyatta’s Northlands farm, making off with around 1,400 valuable sheep and causing extensive property damage.
2. Raila Odinga: In March 2023, a mob attacked Raila Odinga’s East African Spectre Company, damaging property and targeting the company’s general manager.
3. Paras Shah: In August, a youth group set fire to Megvel Cartons Limited, owned by Paras Shah, amid a land dispute with a rival company.
4. Kipchoge Keino: Youth encroached on an Eldoret ranch linked to athletics legend Kipchoge Keino, claiming ownership and demanding title deeds.
5. Benjamin Kipkulei: Squatters invaded the land of Benjamin Kipkulei, a former aide to President Daniel Arap Moi, seeking farming rights.

These incidents highlight the challenges of political unrest and land disputes in Kenya, prompting calls for intervention and resolution to ensure stability and protect valuable investments.

CS Foreign Affairs and Diaspora DrAlfred Mutua signed Performance Contracts for FY2023/24 with PS Foreign Affairs Singoei AKorir and PS Diaspora Rose Njogu at the Ministry Hqs.

During the event, CS Mutua urged the two State Departments to work towards achieving predetermined goals to guarantee service delivery to Kenyans.

With economic diplomacy now at the core of Kenya’s foreign policy, CS Mutua urged ongoing dedication in advancing Kenya’s interests abroad.

The CS emphasised the importance of Kenyans in the Diaspora and the high expectations Kenyans had of the Ministry to create new possibilities locally, regionally, and internationally.

Delegates attending the 8th Devolution Conference are planting trees at Eldoret Arboretum in Uasin Gishu County.

To evaluate the level of readiness for the tree-planting activity, Principal Secretaries Mr. Gitonga Mugambi (forestry) and Eng. Festus Ng’eno (environment and climate change) travelled to Eldoret Arboretum in Uasin Gishu County on Tuesday.

Among other senior Ministry officials, the PSs were accompanied by Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and KEFRI Ag Director Dr. Jane Njuguna.

The Conference’s official inauguration, with the topic “10 Years of Devolution: The Present and the Future,” will be presided over by H.E. President William Ruto.

The 8th annual Devolution Conference will look back on Kenya’s devolved system of government’s first decade and consider how to strengthen existing frameworks to improve transformational service delivery in Counties.

The Ministry coordinated the tree-growing effort as part of the 15 billion national tree-growing and ecosystem restoration initiative.

Renowned journalist Emmanuel Juma has been appointed as the head of communication in the office of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

“Mr Juma brings a wealth of experience in all media areas and has the personality, creativity and drive to enable the Ministry communicate its Foreign and Diapora positions more effectively,’ said CS Alfred Mutua.

The CS noted that the Ministry will be holding regular press conferences starting this September to brief the public on foreign and diaspora matters.

“ The media sessions, to be named The Foreign Brief, will be presided over either by myself or in my absence, by either of the Ministry’s two Principal Secretaries, Roseline Njogu for Diaspora Affairs and Korir Sing’Oei, Foreign Affairs,’ added Mutua.

Juma started his career at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) before moving to KTN where he worked as a reporter.

Juma moved to NTV in 2005 where he hosted a political comedy program called Bull’s Eye. However, Juma, among other journalists left Nation Media Group in 2018.

He later joined Switch TV, before leaving after a month and has since kept quiet until news of his re-employment was made public on Wednesday afternoon by CS Mutua.