EACC Arrest Liquor Licensing Officer For Demanding Ksh40K Bribe From Bar Owner

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July 14, 2023

Officers from the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday arrested the Head of Liquor Licensing in Githunguri Sub-County, Kiambu County, Mercy Wambui, over allegations of soliciting a Ksh40,000 bribe.

According to EACC, Wambui was arrested following investigations into a complaint lodged by a bar owner in Kiambu.

The suspect is said to have impounded the businesswoman’s goods for operating the bar outside the stipulated hours.

“On 28 June 2023, Kiambu County Enforcement Officers, including the suspect, went to her bar business premises and found her employees stocking beverages and undertaking stock-taking for the day. The liquor licensing officials accused the complainant of opening and operating a bar before the stipulated time. They, thus, confiscated the complainant’s goods and went away with them,” EACC said.

“The complainant did a follow-up with the officials at their office whereby the suspect demanded a bribe of Ksh40,000/= in order to absolve the complainant of the alleged offence and return the impounded goods.”

On 4 July 2023, the complainant made another follow-up on the matter but was not assisted. Instead, the officer threatened to revoke her license and stop her from operating the bar business altogether unless the demanded Kes. 40,000 was given.

“On 11 July 2023, the complainant reported the matter to EACC which undertook investigations and verified the bribe demand. The suspect was arrested the following day while receiving the bribe from the complainant,” the EACC added.

She was escorted to Integrity Centre Police Station where she was processed and later released on Kes. 40,000 police bail pending court appearance.

Rodrigo leaves Leeds for Qatari club Al-Rayyan

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John Mutiso

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July 14, 2023

Spanish forward Rodrigo Moreno has joined Qatar’s Al-Rayyan from Leeds United, the Championship club said on Thursday.

The length of the contract and the transfer fee were not disclosed.

The 32-year-old, who arrived at Elland Road from Spanish side Valencia in 2020, emerged as their top scorer last season with 15 goals but was unable to prevent the club from being relegated from the Premier League to the second-tier Championship.

Leeds appointed Daniel Farke as their new manager on a four-year deal last week.

EACC Reclaims Ksh.7.5 Million From HIV Medicine Researchers

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Dan Ojumah

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July 13, 2023

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has reclaimed Ksh.7.5 million illegally acquired by two HIV/AIDS researchers in 2004.

Job Keittany and Michael Chesikaw were working at Par Aid, a community-based organization, which received a grant from the National AIDS Control Council (NACC) to test the efficacy of herbal medicines in combating the disease.

“Instead of undertaking the study, the defendants embezzled the funds and used forged receipts from Moi University to account for the funds.”

The recovery was realized through a civil suit filed by the defunct Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), the predecessor of EACC, on August 8, 2006.

Justice Esther Maina ordered Chesikaw to return the cash, plus interest at 12% P.A., to the AIDS Council via EACC, as Keittany passed away before the case’s determination.

The Commission also awarded costs to be paid by the 2nd Defendant (Chesikaw) because the 1st Defendant (Keittany) is now deceased.

Oparanya Set Free By DCI, Reveals Why He Was Arrested

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Dan Ojumah

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July 13, 2023

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been released after being arrested by DCI detectives in Kakamega on his way to Bungoma from Kisumu.

Oparanya claims that the DCI detectives forced him to record a statement for causing chaos and destruction of property during Wednesday’s anti-government protests in Busia, which lasted about two hours at the Kakamega police headquarters before releasing him.

“A Bungoma friend of mine had invited me to dinner.” “As I was driving there, my vehicle was stopped by three armed cars,” Oparanya told the press after his release.

Oparanya claims he was accused of driving a State-issued vehicle during the alleged incident and that he refused to record the statement. Echesa, his lawyer, did so on his behalf.

The former Governor went on to say that the DCI officers failed to explain why he was arrested.

“My client was detained as if he were a terrorist.” The regional DCI chief has refused to explain why my client was detained. They’ve even impounded Oparanya’s car, and we’ve given them 24 hours to return it because he’s entitled to it, according to lawyer Echesa.

Kinyangi Primary School Undergoes Total Makeover With Kakuzi PLC Investment

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 13, 2023

About 280 pupils from Kinyangi Primary School in Muranga are set to benefit from the total makeover of their primary school after Kakuzi PLC invested in an initiative to uplift learning in the school.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the successful handover of the renovated Kinyangi Primary School,” said Chris Flowers, Managing Director of Kakuzi PLC “This project represents our commitment to providing high-quality education and ensuring that pupils have access to the resources and facilities they need to thrive.”

The renovation started in November 2022 as part of our commitment to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education and will see the school environment improve immensely thus boosting the quality of education at the institution.

Additionally, Kakuzi has donated classroom furniture,computers, hand washing tanks, constructed an ablution block, connected water to the school, provided 2 BOM teachers fully paid by the Company and offers a scholarship to the top performing pupil

“We are very grateful to Kakuzi for the support it has given to our school. The school initially was in a sad manner, the roofs were falling, and some were blown by the wind, the walls were cracked, and there were no doors in some classrooms. When we wrote a request for renovation, Kakuzi told us to quote every class to be renovated and so far, they have worked on all the blocks” said Mr. David Gitonga, Kinyangi School Headteacher.

The impact of the renovated Kinyangi Primary School extends beyond the physical enhancements. It is expected to create a positive and empowering learning environment, encouraging students to reach their full potential and fostering a sense of pride and ownership within the local community.

Makini School Breaks Silence After Being Sued

By

Editor

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July 13, 2023

The Makini School Junior Academy has denied dismissing two minors due to the activities of their father, who is the Chairperson of the institution’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA).

In a statement to press rooms, Makini School advisory board stated that the allegations were false and only made to destroy the school’s reputation.

“The Board and Management of Makini Schools wishes to unequivocally state that these allegations are both false and malicious, and we have adequate evidence to show that they have no basis in facts.”

The Advisory board further stated that they would counter sue the ‘rogue’ faction of the PTA.

“Makini Schools is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the reputation and legacy we have diligently built over the years. To this end, we have instructed our legal counsel to take conclusive action against the perpetrators of these allegations.”

Respondents in the case include the school’s principal, Catherine Njuguna, Regional Managing Director Horace Mpanza, and Operations Manager Gary Wagner.

The minors, who are suing through their mother, claim that Ms. Njuguna removed them from class and handed them termination letters on July 7, 2023, and then ordered them to wait for their parents at the pickup shade.

Lawyer Apollo Mboya also claims that the two expelled minors are top students in their respective classes with no disciplinary issues, and that their treatment has been cruel and degrading.

Dena Atieno, the minors’ mother, stated in her supporting affidavit that she pays their school fees on a regular basis and that their records are up to date.

She went on to blame their expulsion on the activities of her husband, who was elected PTA Chairperson in 2019.

Reprieve For Kioni, Murathe As Court Issues Directive Against Jubilee Ouster

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 13, 2023

The High Court issued temporary orders suspending the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal’s (PPDT) verdict on Jubilee Party leadership.

This comes after a group led by Jeremiah Kioni appealed to the High Court’s Civil Division to contest the verdict, claiming that they were subjected to gross injustice before the tribunal’s members, in violation of their constitutionally granted right to a fair hearing.

Kioni is challenging the tribunal’s decision of upholding Kanini Kega’s appointment as Jubilee Party temporary Secretary General.

The tribunal also upheld Kioni and David Murathe’s dismissal from the Party as Secretary General and Vice-Chairman, respectively.

However, in the appeal, the Kioni faction argues that their expulsion from the Jubilee Party is draconian and curtails their rights under the Bill of Rights including their rights under Article 38 (political rights), Article 36 (freedom of association), Article 50 (right to fair hearing), Article 47 (Right to fair administrative action), Article 159(2)(e) (the duty of courts to uphold the purpose and principles of the constitution).

“Pending the hearing and determination of this application inter-partes, the Honorable court be pleased to issue conservatory orders to the effect that the underlying decisions the subject of the impugned judgement of the Political parties Disputes Tribunal in PPDT Complaint No. 10 of 2023, to wit; the decisions of the National Executive committee dated 10th February and 19th May 2023 and the decision of the National Disciplinary committee dated 18th May 2023 be and are hereby stayed,” reads the court order.

Court Grants IG Koome, NPSC 7 Days To Agree On Police Promotions

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 13, 2023

The National Police Service Commission and Police Inspector General Japhet Koome have been granted seven days to confer and achieve an agreement on police promotions.

This comes after Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Byram Ongaya extended the orders suspending 514 officer promotions announced by IG Koome.

“I have a lot of faith in the parties; they have the capacity to guide governance in accordance with the constitution,” ordered the Judge.

The inspector general through his lawyer told the court that parties in the case are in the process of reconciling and what was remaining was signing and filling of the consent.

In the case, Senator Okiya Omtata moved to court to challenge the promotion of police officers by Koome.

Omtatah accused IG Koome of assuming the mandate of the National Police Service Commission in promoting the 514 police officers contrary to the Constitution.

Azimio: Maandamano To Resume Next Week On Wednesday

By

John Mutiso

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July 13, 2023

Azimio la Umoja announced a new wave of protests on Thursday, July 13, which will begin on Wednesday, July 19.

Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa read the statement read by opposition leaders at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation.

During his speech, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also stated that the protests would take place across the country, despite criticism from President William Ruto’s administration.

“We will have countrywide meetings next week Wednesday whether the government likes it or not,” Raila stated.

Furthermore, Azimio stated that it would observe five days of mourning in honour of Kenyans who died during the July 12 protests.

The opposition has also promised to financially assist the victims’ families.

Raila’s team also stated that they would take legal action in response to police brutality witnessed during the protests. The coalition was revealed to be gathering evidence in order to file a lawsuit.

Azimio added that they would target individual police officers in an effort to improve accountability within the force.

As a result, Kenyans who were affected by the protests were asked to submit videos and photographs to Raila’s office on Capital Hill.

“We have instructed our legal team to institute proceedings against officers who went against their mandate of protecting Kenyans. We are asking Kenyans to share photographs of police who brutalised Kenyans.

“We are going for individual responsibility. We are also going against police commanders who know the actions of the Kenyans,” read the statement in part.

President Ruto Accuses Uhuru, Raila Of Using Stolen Money to Fund Protests

By

John Mutiso

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July 13, 2023

President William Ruto has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of funding the ongoing anti-government protests with money he stole from the government.

This is the first time Ruto has linked the former President to a series of anti-government protests by Azimio La Umoja that have rocked Kenya in recent months, including on Wednesday, July 12.

Addressing a public rally in Tharaka Nithi with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and local leaders, Ruto remarked that Uhuru was the pocket behind mass protests.

“Naambia hawa handshake brothers, nyinyi mnapanga, mnatumia pesa mulizoiba kupiganisha Kenya mkinunua vijana walete fujo na maafa kwa sababu hamtaki tuendelee kama Wakenya,” Ruto stated.

“I assure you that we can not accept anarchy in Kenya. We will not allow handshake brothers to hold our country at ransom and to hold hostage by causing violence,” he added.

Ruto blamed the current economic hardships in Kenya on the handshake and the failed Building Bridges (BBI) initiative pushed by Uhuru and Azimio Party leader Raila Odinga.

Ruto’s allies have previously accused Uhuru of being behind Raila’s new push, but this was the first time the head of state had expressed similar sentiments.

Other speakers at the rally at Tharaka Nithi accused Uhuru of fomenting the chaos that erupted across the country on Wednesday after protestors across 25 counties brought activities to a standstill.

“As people from Mt Kenya, we told Uhuru that we will not accept Raila as he is chaotic. We shall not allow those leaders in Raila’s camp to destroy the region,” Gachagua stated.

Ruto defended his decision to raise taxes, claiming that it was the only way to get the country out of debt.

“So much money was borrowed but we do not know how it was spent, we have taken loans from almost every country. Are we supposed to borrow more or collect enough taxes to be self-sufficient?” Ruto posed.

He also questioned how the ongoing protests would reduce the cost of commodities such as maize flour.

“This man (Raila) is chaotic, he has refused to accept defeat and he is now causing destruction and sabotaging the economy,” Ruto added.

The head of state vowed not to be intimidated into a ‘handshake’ by Raila and promised that all those involved would be arrested and charged.

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