Has the curse of former Vice Presidents finally caught up with The Hustler?

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July 17, 2019

It’s no longer clear if Jubilee will implode but when it will, the remnants of the political implosion will be many, but DP Dr. William Samoei Ruto stands out like a sore thump.

Sample the following. Ruto and his Tanga Tanga team have resigned their Jubilee future to fate, but not the DP’s Presidential ambition.

Tellingly, the DP has told his handlers private to prepare for life outside Jubilee. Reason? He appears to have fallen out with the President and the political machinery that ‘manages’ political succesion in Kenya.

Some of the die hards of Jubilee however say there is the light at the end of the tunnel. They claim Uhuru has never outrightly disowned the DP, the same way former President Moi rejected Professor Saitoti, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi in favour of Uhuru.

So what political card is DP Ruto is hiding in his political coat?

1. He has galvanised the Rift Valley voting machine quietly against his political nemesis Raila Odinga.

2. He has silently started a hustlers movement with a view to up-stage political dynasties.

3. He has made forays to Western Province the political headquarters of Raila.

4. He has raided a table banking countrywide initiative for support.

His political enemies are however not in a mood to relax.
The mood for a referendum to change the political structure that includes the watering down of the Presidency has is already in place.

Former Civil service chief is an experienced political fixer who planted and watered the UhuRuto ticket during their tribulations at the Hague. His body language suggests he is about to midwife another alliance that will exclude Ruto.

Muthaura upstaged former President Mwai Kibaki bid to install Musalia Mudavadi as his successor. He made Wiper Leader Kalonzo, his former boss at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lose his status as the automatic successor to Kibaki.

Could he now be pushing Kalonzos bid to gain the vital GEMA support.
Then there is the multi billion Raila question. GEMA looks set to thank Raila for crowning Kibaki president in 2002.

Has the curse of former Vice Presidents finally caught up with Dr.Ruto? Only time will tell.

Cameroon fires head coach after being Kicked out of AFCON campaign

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 17, 2019

BY BONIFACE MUUSYA – Cameroon have said goodbye to their headcoach Clarence Seedorf after an unacceptable exit aginst Nigeria.

Seedorf’s assistant, the former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, has also been kicked out after the defending champions were dumped out in the last 16, losing 3-2 to Nigeria

Cameroon who will host the next Africa Cup of Nations in June 2021, have an uphill task to take part in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers that are likely to start later this year.

Seedorf, the former Milan and Netherlands midfielder, was in charge for 12 matches which they only won four – against Zambia, Comoros Islands, Malawi and Guinea-Bissau.

President Uhuru to commission Lake Turkana Wind Power project

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 16, 2019

On Wednesday, President will join energy stakeholders at the commissioning of the LAKE TURKANA WIND POWER (LTWP) in Loyangalani, Marsabit County.

LTWP which is the largest wind farm in Africa has an installed capacity of 310MW of clean, reliable, low cost energy. The expansive facility has 365 wind turbines with a capacity of 850kW each.

Globally, Kenya is celebrated as one of the leading countries in the world with an energy mix dominated with renewable sources especially from geothermal, a technology in which our country has become a continental centre of excellence.

The coming on board of LTWP, is a testament of Kenya’s commitment to pursue clean sources of energy and is a major boost to the country’s international commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Further, the successful implementation of LTWP demonstrates Kenya’s outstanding credentials as an investment destination in Africa and is a perfect example of the immense potential of the public – private partnership model of implementing development projects.

Uhuru, Magufuli to deepen trade ties and tighten Border security

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 16, 2019

According to a press briefing held by the State house spokesperson, President Uhuru Kenyatta had made a successful two-day private visit to the United Republic of Tanzania at the invitation of His Excellency President John Pombe Magufuli.

During the visit, the President and his host agreed to reinforce ongoing bilateral engagements aimed at growing trade and deepening people-to-people interactions between the two countries in the spirit of the East African Community accord.

To attain the two goals, the two leaders specifically agreed to enhance maritime transport on Lake Victoria, establish a natural gas trade pact and address cross-border security issues, among them terrorism.

Safaricom employee in possession of illegal devices charged for computer misuse and cyber crime

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 15, 2019

BY PRUDENCE WANZA – A Safaricom employee has been charged with being in possession of illegal devices used in computer misuse and cyber crime.

Daniel Kionyo Njoki is accused of being in possession of a bash bunny, one large area network turtle and a modem IMEI which were used to interfere with Safaricom Public Limited Company computer system.

He is alleged to have committed the offence on 9th June,2019 at Safaricom shop in Village market ,Gigiri.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge before Senior Resident Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot at the Milimani Law courts.

He was released on a bond of Sh.1m or an alternative cash bail of Sh.500,000.

The case has been set for a mention on 29th July,2019 and the hearing on 12th August,2019.

Two people charged with obtaining money in the name of Mama Ngina Kenyatta

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 15, 2019

BY PRUDENCE WANZA – Two people have been charged with fraud after obtaining money in the name of Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

Irene Wanjiku Njeri and Fredrick Kinani are accused of conspiring to defraud Mary Wanjiku Waweru Sh 250,000 by falsely pretending that they were in a position to recruit her children in the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and secure them a job in Germany through Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

The two are alleged to have committed the offence on diverse dates between 1st February and 12th July in Nairobi jointly with others not before court.

Njeri and Kinani were also charged with obtaining the Sh 250,000 by false pretences from Mary between 1st February and 8th April this year.

They denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Kenneth Cheruiyot.

The accused persons were granted a bond of sh 250,000 or a cash bail of Sh 100,000.

The case has been set for a mention on 29th July and will be heard on 13th August.

Tough game ahead of Senegal as booked Koulibaly to miss out AFCON final

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 15, 2019

BY BONIFACE MUUSYA – Senegal’s triumph over Tunisia in the semifinals of AFCON came at a cost after dependable defender Kalidou Koulibaly was punished with a yellow-card therefore will be missing the final match against Algeria.

Koulibaly was deemed to have used his elbow to block a goal-likely shot inside the box which led into a penalty though was saved by the keeper helping his side stay in the game to eventually book a date with Algeria in the finals.

The Senegalese coach will be forced to reshuffle his backline as they aim to clinch Africa’s biggest football prize.

Uhuru urges leaders to focus on development and shun senseless politics

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 14, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta has reminded leaders to devote their efforts in the service of Kenyans instead of endless politics.

The President emphasized that the time for politics will come but at the moment focus should be directed to working to improve the lives of Kenyans.

“If you are a politician, do not only think about enriching yourself but instead ask yourself how you will improve the lives of the people,” President Kenyatta said.

He also challenged professionals in various fields to put service to their country first and not to be driven purely by personal gains.

“If you are a doctor, do not say you will only wait for a salary and cannot work without being paid. Remember the life of your fellow Kenyan is more important than what you are paid,” he said.

President Kenyatta spoke at Mangu in Rongai, Nakuru County during the funeral service of the late lawyer, politician and businessman Karanja Kabage.

The President paid glowing tribute to Karanja Kabage, describing him as a Kenyan hero who was committed to transforming the country.

The Head of State pointed out that the late Kabage worked hard to improve the lives of Kenyans not only through the insurance industry where he left a huge legacy but in other sectors as well.

“We can say without fear of contradiction that he was an honest man. He was a man who believed in working hard and earning from his sweat. But he also involved himself in other things that were of benefit to Kenyans,” President Kenyatta said.

“It will be recalled that he used to say there should be no difference between the health insurance policy for the rich and the poor. Sickness does not discriminate. This means for him, insurance was not only a business but also an avenue to improve the live of his fellow Kenyans,” the President added.

He said if all Kenyans emulated the late Kabage and committed to working to improve the lives of their compatriots, the country would realise its development targets faster than envisioned.

“If we will all become selfless in our various fields, we will be able to meet our development objectives because it takes commitment, it takes dedication and selflessness to achieve those objectives,” President Kenyatta said.

He asked Kenyans to live together peacefully and shun tribalism, saying that is the path to follow in order to develop.

Deputy President William Ruto eulogized the late Kabage as an outstanding Kenyan and a patriot who had a great influence on him.

Digital identification systems must protect human rights

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 12, 2019

On 18 October 2021, a consortium of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kenya published a joint press statement applauding a court judgement that requires the Government to undertake a Data Protection Impact Assessment before issuing digital identity cards, known as Huduma Namba.

The CSOs, which work on digital identity issues, also called for further reforms in the implementation of the Huduma Namba.

On 14 October 2021, the High Court found that the Data Protection Act applied retrospectively to data collected under the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS), including the Huduma Namba. The court stated that “the Government had not fully appreciated the import and extent of application of the Data Protection Act with respect to collection and processing of data collected under NIIMS.” It further required the Government to complete a data protection impact assessment prior to processing of data or rolling out Huduma Cards.

A Data Protection Impact Assessment is designed to identify risks that may occur through the processing of data and put in place proper mitigation measures. Such an assessment is critical to ensure compliance with both data protection laws as well as human rights obligations and is standard practice globally when implementing digital ID systems.

Kenya’s Data Protection Act came into force in November 2019. Since then, the Data Protection Commissioner, appointed in November 2020, has appointed a task force to help in the development of draft regulations necessary to operationalise the Act. These draft regulations released in May 2021 are yet to come into force.

In its joint statement, the consortium called on the Government to:

Ensure a fully inclusive identification system. This includes implementing Huduma Namba in phases with clear transition periods to enable all Kenyans to access identification documents, such as birth certificates and national identity cards, prior to moving forward with Huduma Namba.
Establish a robust legal framework and governance body via countrywide public consultations and through encouraging citizens to participate.
Ensure the full realisation of the right to privacy and data protection by ensuring Kenya has an independent and well-resourced Data Protection Authority capable of discharging its mandate.

Businessman Paul Kobia released on Sh.2m cash bail in Sh.14m gold scam

By

Dan Ojumah

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July 12, 2019

BY PRUDENCE WANZA – Businessman Paul Kobia has been released on Sh.2m cash bail in a Sh.14m gold scam case.

Kobia was charged together with his 13 employees where they are alleged to have conspired to defraud Italiana Antonio Cianci Director of Iron and Steel DMCC from Arab Emirates US dollars 14,000 by displaying metal boxes purporting them to be genuine gold bars and having an office trading as Duaf international limited and Malva Amit limited by falsely pretending that they were carrying out a genuine gold business.

Kobia and his employee Tanya Yvonne Goes are charged with obtaining money by false pretences. It is alleged that the two on 25th April,2019 with intend to defraud with others not before court obtained from Italiana Antonio Cianci ,a director with Iron and Steel DMCC US dollars 14,000 by falsely pretending they had genuine gold for sale a fact they knew to be false.

Kobia and his employees also face a count of preparation to commit a felony. It is alleged that on 26th April 2019 they were found in possession of fake gold nuggets,smelting pots, metal tongs, X- ray Fluorescence Spectrometers , assorted rubber stamps and company seals all used to convince unsuspecting people that they were carrying out a genuine gold business.

Kobia is also accused of forging stamps. He is alleged to have been found in possession of an instrument capable of making the impression of a stamp for Chief Magistrate’s Court Nairobi Republic of Kenya.

He is also accused of making a falsr impressed stamp in the words of “collector of stamps duties Kenya revenue paid pounds” used for the purposes of revenue or accounting by the Kenya Revenue Authority.

Kobia is accused of forging stamps from the National Treasury, Central Bank of Kenya, Director of Geological Survey, ministry of mining, Kenya Revenue Authority Customs and Excise duty department, Executive Office of Presidency Department of Procurement Nairobi and that of Registrar of Companies Kenya.

They all denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku at the Milimani Law Courts.

Kobia and Tanya Goes were released on a Cash bail of Sh.2m while the rest of the employees were released on cash bail of Sh.100,000.

The hearing of the case will be on 30th August, 2019.