President Ruto Hosts African Presidents In Nairobi

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July 16, 2023

President William Ruto will attend the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5th MYCM) of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, and Regional Mechanisms on Sunday.

The summit will take place at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi.

The summit will be held under the AU theme of “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation” for the year 2023.

On Saturday night, at least ten African presidents landed in the country.

Comoros President Azzali Assoumani, Ali Bongo (Gabon), Abdel Fattah (Egypt), Macky Sall (Senegal), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), and Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria) were all received by the Head of State.

Zachariah Njeru, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, was at the JKIA to greet and welcome Libyan Presidential Council Head Mohamed al-Menfi.

Presidents of Gabon, Egypt, Comoros, Botswana, Senegal, Chad, Burundi (also the Chairperson of the East African Community), Algeria, DRC, and Djibouti are among those attending the meeting.

The African Union says the event will examine the progress of continental integration and coordinate efforts to speed the integration process.

Coordination of the implementation of a defined division of labor and successful collaboration, as well as identifying areas of cooperation and building channels for regional, continental, and global cooperation in each sector or subsector, are other duties.

MP Elachi Defends Police Officers Captured In Viral Video Taking Gas Cylinders

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Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

North Dagoreti member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi, has come out to deny claims that the police officers seen in a viral video loading petrol cylinders into their vehicle during Wednesday’s protests were looters.

Elachi clarified that she was aware that the officers were only carrying the cylinders to protect them from looters during the demonstrations, not stealing them as many netizens had claimed.

She claimed that once the protests were over, the officers returned the gas cylinders to their rightful owners.

“The police picked the cylinders and put them in their car and were going to safeguard it and bring it back to the owner,” Elachi said in an interview with K24.

Despite the lawmaker acknowledging that some officers may be guilty of such crimes, she confidently allayed fears and the suspicions of the officers looting.

“I am not saying the police do not get into crime, they do, but on this one, they picked those cylinders and have returned them to the owner so it would be unfair,” Elachi noted.

“The police have already returned the gas cylinders to the owner.”

In the clip which circulated online for the better part of Wednesday during the anti-government protests, about four officers were captured loading gas cylinders into their vehicle packed by the roadside.

Some Kenyans on social media would later claim that the officers were stealing the cylinders, with others saying they were only safeguarding them.

Raila Vows To Soldier On Liberation Move Claiming Gov’t Plans Opposition Leaders Assassination

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Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has accused President William Ruto-led administration of unleashing what he terms a trained illegal killer squad to target opposition leaders.

Odinga claimed that the current regime is using a gang called Operation Support Unit (OSU) disguised as police officers to commit atrocities against Azimio leaders and supporters.

While blaming OSU for the deaths witnessed in Wednesday’s protests in Mlolongo, Kamkunji, and Jogoo Road, the Azimio chief stated that his organization would not back down in its fight for the country’s liberation.

According to Odinga, the president’s recent remarks that he would ‘conclusively deal with Odinga politically, once and for all’ point to the alleged killer squad’s directive to target Azimio leaders.

“This time, it’s not just official security officers who are terrorizing Kenyans. “Kenya Kwanza has embedded a trained killer squad into official security agencies under the guise of Operation Support Unit and unleashed it on Kenyans,” he claimed.

“OSU was disbanded a few years ago and its members were sent home,” says Mr. Kariuki. The squad has returned. OSU was active last Wednesday in Kamkunji, Jogoo Road, and Mlolongo, firing at protesters and killing some.”

Odinga added: “OSU’s main brief is to hurt and execute Azimio leaders and protesters. It is the squad Ruto is counting on ‘kusafirisha’ Azimio leaders as Mr William Ruto warned.”

The former premier cited the post-independence struggles for multi-party democracy and the fight for the new Constitution, reiterating that he would not be cowed by threats to stop the anti-government protests.

“Kenyans have never lost a liberation struggle. We get beaten, arrested, and killed but we never lose,” Odinga stated.

He assured of triumph saying, “We shall not lose the one currently under way. Police killings during protests have happened in the past. Almost always, those shot are innocent Kenyans not involved in demonstrations. These killings are meant to spread fear among Kenyans so that they succumb to the excesses of the regime.”

KDF CS Duale Vows To Eject Somali Militants From Kenya

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

The Kenya Kwanza government has vowed to confront terrorist organizations head-on.

Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, stated that the Kenya Defence Forces and other security forces will deal with terror-related activities to ensure Kenyan soil remains safe.

He warned the militia that they would not be allowed to thrive in terror operations on Kenyan soil.

“Militia shall not find a safe haven in Kenya once they are flushed out of Somalia. The Kenya Defence Forces and other security teams remain vigilant and steadfast to degrade the terrorist-related activities,” Duale added.

The CS promised that his ministry would continue to improve the Kenya Defence Forces’ ability to acquire modern and sophisticated weapons in order to improve force posture and enable the military to combat the ever-changing security threat.

Duale commissioned the construction of a borehole at Gherille that will be drilled by the KDF to supply clean water to the local community in order to reduce conflicts caused by the scramble for resources.

Governor Guyo Fires 600 Isiolo County Casual Employees

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Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

At least 600 casual workers in Isiolo were sent home after the county government paid their outstanding arrears.

Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo announced on Friday that he had paid all arrears and that their services would no longer be required.

“I have paid their outstanding arrears, as promised last year, but their services will no longer be required in the county.” “There are currently no additional spaces for them,” he explained.

“They had not been paid for two years, but I have paid them and released them to go home to allow other people to work,” Guyo added.

The Governor noted that the employees had provided services during the previous regime, and it would have been extremely unfair for him to dismiss them without compensation.

Guyo stated that he wanted to eliminate ghost workers in county government and that employing hundreds of people whose services were not required was a waste of taxpayer funds.

Guyo offered to pay the wages owed to 600 casual workers transferred from the administration of his predecessor, Mohamed Kuti, in October of last year, but he insisted that their services would no longer be required.

Casual workers had threatened to sue the County government if Kuti did not pay them wages that had accumulated for months in June 2022, just before the August elections.

In May, they went on strike for two weeks but were forced to call it off after the county government promised to pay them, only to be let down.

Rice’s Farewell Message To Hammers Fans Ahead Of Arsenal Move

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

England midfielder Declan Rice says it has been a “tough” decision to leave West Ham but “it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game”.

Rice issued an open letter to Hammers fans as he nears a move to Arsenal for £100m plus £5m in add-ons.

West Ham also confirmed the 24-year-old was leaving the club.

“The last few days and weeks have been an absolute whirlwind of emotion,” said Rice.

“You have taken me into your hearts as one of your own from day one. Even when it was just a handful of fans at the Under-18 or Under-23 games, I felt that love, and it has just grown stronger as the years have passed.

“Playing in front of you has been an honour, we have had such great times together, and you all mean so much to me.

“I want you to know how tough a decision it has been for me to leave an environment that I have loved and cherished so much.

“Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game.”

Rice scored 15 goals in 245 games for West Ham, who he joined as a 14-year-old after being released from Chelsea’s academy.

He signed his first professional contract with the Hammers in December 2015 and made his first senior appearance on the last day of the 2016-17 Premier League season against Burnley, going on to make his full debut that August against Southampton.

President Ruto Urged To Punish Thieves In Uhuru Kenyatta’s Regime

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri asked President William Ruto’s administration to hold leaders who looted the government during the previous regime accountable.

Karauri also urged Ruto to hold leaders who perpetuated impunity in the government of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta accountable for their actions and decisions.

“If you do not hold the previous regime’s thieves accountable.” “You have no business being in this position if you do not hold the previous regime accountable for its impunity,” the said.

The MP went on to say that the President should demonstrate to Kenyans that, despite their efforts to pay taxes, no one is stealing it.

“I want a change from the culture that existed,” said Karauri, who ran on an independent ticket.

Karauri went on to say that it was past time for Kenya to realize its economic potential.

The President has been unequivocal in his anti-corruption stance, warning that all public officials implicated in corruption or facing graft-related charges in court will be forced to resign.

President Ruto declared on May 19 in Kandara Constituency that the war on graft is his to lead and that it will be ruthless.

CS Kindiki Challenges Azimio To Dare His Ministry On Wednesday Next Week

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to the opposition over its planned three-day protest.

Kindiki stated in Sondu on Saturday that he understands many people were skeptical of his statements regarding the protests, but the CS means what he says.

“If you try Monkey Business on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, you will live to regret it for the rest of your life.” “I know there are people who are skeptical of me,” he admitted.

Kindiki stated that the Azmio coalition-led protests will not result in any further losses.

“Ujeuri, kiherehere na ujuaji umejaa Kenya hii…msijaribu kuandamana wiki ijayo,” he said.

The CS who was in Narok referred to Wednesday’s protests as anarchy and economic sabotage.

“Your rights end where other people’s rights begin. There is no right or freedom to loot, kill, injure, or destroy private and public property. We will not allow it again next week,” he added.

Further, the CS urged the Raila Odinga-led coalition to criticize the government in a peaceful and legal manner.

Kindiki stated that no one should cheer or fuel when people’s lives have been lost.

“usitafute siasa kwa kushangilia akiuliwa.” “tafuta siasa kuleta barabara,” he explained.

Van Der Sar Moved To Dutch Hospital From Croatia

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

Edwin van der Sar has been moved to a Dutch hospital but remains in intensive care following a bleed on his brain, his wife Annemarie van Kesteren says.

The former Manchester United and Ajax goalkeeper, 52, had been in hospital in Croatia, where he was on holiday, for just over a week.

In a statement released by Ajax, his wife said he was repatriated on Friday.

“His situation remains the same: stable, in a non-life-threatening condition, and communicative,” she said.

“The Van der Sar family would like to express their deep gratitude to the University Hospital of Split for their great care during the last week.

“Edwin has to remain in the intensive care unit where he will be investigated further, and the family fervently hopes he can focus on his recovery afterward.”

The former Netherlands international, who won 130 caps for his country, resigned from his role as Ajax’s chief executive in May after the side finished third in the Dutch league and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2009.

He retired from playing after leaving United in 2011 before joining the Ajax board in 2012 and becoming the club’s chief executive in 2016.

Van der Sar made 266 appearances for the Red Devils and helped them to win four Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.

Okiya Omtatah Shifts War To Public Funds Looters

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 15, 2023

Senator Okiya Omtatah from Busia County has expressed concern that Kenyans have not been vocal enough in their condemnation of public funds looters.

Omtatah said in a statement on Saturday that despite the fact that this vice is driving the country into an “economic coma,” no one seems to care enough to address it.

“No one appears to care, and yet the Constitution is very clear on what awaits public-fund looters,” he said.

He cited Article 201 (d), which states that “public money shall be used prudently and responsibly.”

Further, Article 226 (5) states, “If the holder of a public office, including a political office, directs or approves the use of public funds contrary to law or instructions, the person is liable for any loss arising from that use and shall make good the loss, whether the person remains the holder of the office or not.”

Omtatah went on to state that over 10 months since Kenya Kwanza took the reins, it has not dealt with those involved in runaway corruption.

He also faulted the law enforcement agencies for not honoring their mandates.

“So far, the KK government has done too little to contain the re-emergence of corruption cartels which are looting public funds with abandon. The law enforcement agencies appear reluctant to act, or are unconcerned,” he said,

The Senator was commenting on remarks made by Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri urging President William Ruto to deal with the looters, especially those who defrauded the government in the last regime.

He said it was time for the country to recover and unlock its economic potential.

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