NASA Split: Stay away from Luhya Nation — Wetangula, Mudavadi warn Raila

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June 1, 2020

A Jubilee style storm is headed NASA, after a section of leaders from Western Kenya have told off National Super Alliance party leader Raila Odinga over what they termed as meddling in the recent Ford-Kenya wrangles.- By Gerald Gekara.

Even as the cases of Coronavirus keep on rising, Kenya’s political factions seem to be immune to any form of danger.

The leaders who assembled at Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula’s home, were earlier on said to have visited the bereaved senator who had earlier lost his brother. However, the nature of the press conference held after, seem to pinpoint otherwise.

In a lengthy statement read by FORD-Kenya’s Secretary General Chris Wamalwa, the party hit out at its rebel faction, for staging the attempted take over of the party.

“Odinga has behaved like a rude guest. Because of the goodwill of our people, regardless of whatever position you have risen to, you cannot speak for us without our consent”, said Chris Wamalwa.

He also hit out at the rival faction comprising of Trade Unionist Francis Atwoli, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Eugene Wamalwa, metaphorically banishing them from speaking for the Western region.

“Our community issues cannot be debated outside of our home. It cannot be stage managed by outsiders” he added.

He has officially launched a political campaign, supporting the leadership of ANC Leader Musalia Mudavadi and FORD-Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula.

“Anyone who loves the people of Mulembe (referring to the Luhya community), must first respect our true leaders, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula. If you are not with our true leaders, sisi tutakutwanga kisiasa” He concluded.

In the 2017 elections, the chest thumping FORD-Kenya has only 2 governors in office, and 1 senator.

President Uhuru okays constitution change debate, as Kenya marks 57th Madaraka Day

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

President Uhuru Kenyatta has welcomed claims of a constitutional ammendment, provided it will trigger the faster development of the National agendas.

This was after officiating Kenya’s 57th Madaraka Day celebrations at the State House in Nairobi.

While quoting the likes of the late Tom Mboya, President Uhuru urged Kenyans to exercise their right to question the constitution provided it does not help them achieve national objectives, such as maintaining peace.

“I am already discerning a constitutional moment, not a moment to replace the 2010 constitution, but one to improve on it; to right what we didn’t get correct – a constitution that will bring an end to the senseless election violence cycle.” President Kenyatta said.

Re-Opening the Economy

He went on to state that the government is mitigating with economic policy leaders on how the economy will be back on its feet again.

The hospitality industry, which has suffered the brunt of the Coronavirus pandemic, will recieve a Sh2bn to hoteliers to cushion workers in the hospitality industry as earlier announced in the 8 point economic stimulus.

He also added that the government is in consultations with the education sector, urging Education CS Prof. George Magoha to come up with an updated school calendar of when schools are set to return, hinting that this year’s national examinations might be postponed.

“Finalize ongoing consultations with all stakeholders to provide a calendar for the gradual resumption of education in the country, including all measures to be taken when these institutions reopen”.

He further directed the Ministry of Interior Coordination to finalize measures that will ensure Kenyans uphold strict guidelines when the churches, mosques and other religious establishments begin reopening to the public.

Uzalendo Award

While concluding his address, Uhuru outlined a new State award, dubbed ‘Uzalendo Award’ to recognize and honour Kenyans who have exhibited exemplary service, sacrifice, patriotism, and high sense of civic duty in helping steer Kenya through the current Pandemic.

Deputy President William Ruto, who also addressed the meeting, threw his support behind the president, praising him of managing the country through tough coronavirus times, and steering the country since he took office in 2013.

“Your excellency, as a people we are confident that under your leadership, the govt will take the necessary decisions to ensure we mitigate and minimize the effects of this pandemic”, DP Ruto said.

London Marathon organizers admit rescheduled October race is in doubt

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

Sports ministry released the first batch of the stimulus package to players and athletes, with each receiving Sh 10,000 directly.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought sporting events worldwide to a halt, leading to a loss of income for players and athletes with Kenyan sport remaining shut since March 13 when the country announced its first positive case.

Last week, the Ministry of Sports announced it had released Sh20 million to help players as part of the Sh50 million stimulus package set aside from the Sports Fund to cushion sportspersons.

At least 231 Paralympian’s had a reason to smile after each got Sh10,000 from the government as the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage rolled out its Sh50 million COVID-19 stimulus package program on Friday.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) players begun receiving Sh10,000 each in monthly stipend as part of the Government fund to cushion them from financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Four top-tier teams and one women’s team benefited from the first batch of the Sports Fund

Thirteen-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions AFC Leopards and 2009 champions Sofapaka were among the first top-tier teams who received the first batch of the stimulus stipend. Others are zoo kericho and Kisumu all stars

Women’s footballers were not left behind. Gatundu based Gaspo FC who are taking part in the Kenyan Women Premier League (KWPL) received their fair share. The technical bench and players numbering 28

Man drives truck into protesters on Minneapolis highway

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

minneapolis trucker — Creator: Eric Miller | Credit: REUTERS

A man has been sereverly injured after he was assaulted by protesters, minutes after he drove into them on the highway – By Gerald Gekara.

The tanker drove through thousands of people who were marching on a Minneapolis highway to protest the death of George Floyd on Sunday before protesters dragged the driver, and beat him.

According to authorities, no protester was injured when the truck raced towards them.

Police arrived soon after and arrested the truck driver, who was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, MNDPS said.

“The incident just underscores the volatile situation we have out there,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said.

This is the second incident of a vehicle driving at people protesting Floyd’s death after a New York City Police car was captured on video on Saturday driving into a crowd of protesters.

Championship football to return in same week as Premier League as EFL reveal June 20 is the planned restart date

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

The 2019/20 Championship season is set to resume on June 20, the EFL has confirmed.

After the Premier League announced its intention to restart their campaign on June 17, the second tier of English football has now followed suit.

The return of elite football in England comes after the Government eased lockdown restrictions and published guidance giving competitive sport the green light to resume behind closed doors from Monday.

The planned restart date is subject to all safety requirements being met and clubs receiving clearance from their local authorities in order to stage matches at their own stadiums.

EFL chair Rick Parry said: “With Sky Bet Championship clubs set to return to full contact training later this week and following Saturday’s Government announcement, we are edging closer towards resuming the 2019/20 EFL season. We have therefore today consulted with the board’s Championship directors and agreed to fixtures restarting behind closed doors on 20 June.

“Whilst matches will unfortunately have to take place without supporters, we are working with our broadcast partners, EFL Championship clubs and all relevant stakeholders to broadcast the remaining 108 games plus Sky Bet Championship play-offs either live on Sky Sports, iFollow or a club’s equivalent streaming service.

“We must stress that at this stage the date is only provisional and will only be confirmed once we have met all the requirements, as the health, safety and well-being of all participants, staff and supporters remains our top priority.

“Clearly completing the season in a safe manner is going to require a significant effort by all concerned and, whilst not unprecedented, it will need clubs to play a significant number of matches over a relatively short period of time.”

All 24 Championship clubs have nine matches left to play of the 2019/20 campaign.

The news will be a relief to many teams, particularly Charlton, Barnsley and Luton, who would have been relegated had the season been cancelled – with an unweighted points-per-game system used in that case – but now have the chance to fight for survival.

The likes of Bristol City, Blackburn, Cardiff and Millwall will also be boosted as they look to battle their way into a play-off position.

With the remaining matches set to be played over a quick-fire period, the EFL has revealed that it will consider the use of five substitutes and increasing the match day squad from 18 to 20 players, with discussions “to continue with Championship clubs in this respect”.

La Liga: Barcelona to resume title defense against Real Mallorca on 13 June

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

Barcelona will resume their La Liga title defence against Real Mallorca following the coronavirus shutdown.

Football was suspended in Spain on 12 March but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said it can resume.

Barca will travel to face Real Mallorca on 13 June, two days after the season resumes when Real Betis face Sevilla.

Real Madrid, who trail league leaders Barcelona by two points after 27 matches, play their first match on 14 June against Eibar.

Organisers have only released scheduling details for the first two rounds of fixtures although La Liga chief Javier Tebas confirmed that there will be matches every day of the week until the season is completed on 19 July.

Barca also host Leganes on 16 June and Real play at home to Valencia on 18 June.

La Liga will be the second of Europe’s top five leagues to resume after the coronavirus pandemic delay.

The Bundesliga started again in May, while the Premier League is set to resume on 17 June.

Rio club Vasco da Gama report 16 positive for COVID-19

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

Rio de Janeiro side Vasco da Gama said on Sunday that 16 players had tested positive for COVID-19, the news coming a day before the state’s clubs are due to restart training after a two-month coronavirus shutdown.

The club said the 16 players, out of 43 tested, would be isolated. Another three had already recovered from the disease.

“This only proves that we are taking great action, identifying infection in our athletes as quickly as possible,” the club said in a statement. “This allows us to stop the virus being spread.”

Players in Rio de Janeiro will be allowed to undergo physical tests and undertake individual training routines from Monday but contact training is not yet permitted. Other states have yet to rule on when their clubs can restart full training.

The state championship was suspended in mid-March.

Brazil has reported 514,849 cases of the novel coronavirus with a death toll of 29,314, the fourth highest in the global pandemic after the United States, Britain and Italy.

NBA great Michael Jordan speaks out on death of George Floyd: ‘We have had enough’

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

Basketball great Michael Jordan voiced outrage on Sunday over the death of George Floyd, a black man shown on video gasping for breath as a white policeman knelt on his neck in Minneapolis, an incident that has triggered violent nationwide protests.

Jordan said his heart went out to the family of Floyd and others who have died through acts of racism.

“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan, a Basketball Hall of Famer and owner of the National Basketball Association’s Charlotte Hornets, said in a statement. “I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration.

“I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”

The comments from Jordan came as many U.S. cities were bracing for another night of unrest after cleaning up streets strewn with broken glass and burned-out cars as curfews failed to quell confrontations between protesters and police.

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion who was at the heart of the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty in the 1990s, called on people to show compassion and empathy and never turn their backs on senseless brutality.

Rigathi tastes Ruto’s chalice, stares at jail term

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

As they say, choices have consequences. Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua is a marked man. Just like others who dare to dream about DP Ruto Presidency and are domiciled in Central Kenya. – By Enock Mukoma.

The Nyeri legislator is being probed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for Money laundering offenses dating back to the days when he was the personal assistant to his brother-then the Governor of Nyeri, the late Nderitu Gachangua.
However, Rigathi is not a stranger to controversy.

He was an aide to Uhuru Kenyatta during the President’s days in the opposition as an official leader. They remained together until 2008, but now Rigathi has chosen to dare Uhuru at his lethal most.

And so on Tuesday, Rigathi will be served as a living example for the likes of Ndindi Nyoro, Moses Kuria, and Kimani Ichungwa…and the consequences may be grave politically.

Rigathi is accused of engaging in massive money laundering during the reign of his brother as Governor of Nyeri County.

Raila hand sighted in Wetangula fumigation

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 1, 2020

By Henry Kimoli
The sacking of Moses Wetangula as Ford Kenya boss and his replacement by Wafula Wamunyinyi has brought to the fore the ongoing vicious 2022 politics.
Talk is rife ODM Supremo Raila Odinga is behind the Wetangula tribulations as he seeks a final stab at the Presidency in 2022.

Talk is rife that Raila wants to fumigate and clean his backyard ahead of an expected titanic battle with Dp William Ruto for the Presidency.
Wetangula’s removal is not a surprise to political pundits.
The Bungoma Senator has never been considered a child of Ford Kenya, the party whose alumni include Masinde Muliro, Jaramongi Oginga Odinga, Michael Kijana Wamalwa, and yours truly, Raila Amolo Odinga.
Wetangula is viewed to carry the “blue KANU” blood, which to date is detested in Western Province.

According to Ford Kenya die-hards, Ford Kenya should have remained in the trusted hands of Eugene Wamalwa, considered to be ahead of Wetangula in the pecking order of the Ababukusu Clan.
Unofficially, the Bukusu clan claims coronation rights to Ford Kenya. And Wetangula, a naturalized Bukusu, is not considered royal enough to lead the party.
As such, it was easy for Ford Kenya owners to plan, connive, and execute the plan to fumigate Wetangula…on the eve of Madaraka day.

There will be no tears for the Bungoma Senator.
Politically, he stands of shaky ground in Bunguma, where he rose to political prominence during the inquiry into the death of the late Robert Ouko.
It is while he held the brief for the Ouko brief that Wetangula brashed shoulders with big wigs of the then President Moi Government.
He remained fixated in KANU during the clamour for Multipartism and the subsequent 10 yearcfinal term for President Moi. This was between 1990 and 2002.

For his loyalty, Wetangula made a fortune from the system in legal fees and other freebies that Moi doled. He was also nominated to Parliament in 1992 and 1997. During this period, Wetangula was one of the legislators detailed by KANU to infiltrate the opposition ranks. This role he executed to the satisfaction of his masters.
When forces of natural attrition began to wear Ford Kenya, Wetangula so the leadership vacuum and grabbed it.
His court poet skills perfected during the KANU days came in handy for him during the Mwai Kibaki era. He was appointed the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

This docket however nearly landed him in jail, over the purchase of Tokyo land to build an Embassy.But was vindicated by investigators.
Sometimes in 2016, Wetangula made a report of assault at Karen Police, claiming to have been beaten by his wife loosing machoness amongst his peers.
There are rumours in Western Kenya that Wetangula roots are in Uganda.
This is the second time the Ford Kenya leader had faced humiliation since 2018.
He was dropped as Leader of the Senate Minority in favour of James Orengo shortly after the handshake.
The Wetangula chronicles have added colour to the ongoing political fumigation in Kenya, ahead of the President Uhuru Kenyatta succesion.

His removal officially signals the end of the NASA political vehicle, assembled by Raila Odinga ahead of the 2017 polls.
Wetangula, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Musalia Mudavadi were the other principals.
Kalonzo and his Wiper party are deep in a relationship with the President Kenyatta government, where he plays a key role.
Musalia is still procrastinating on his next political move. He insists he will be in the ballot in 2022.

The replacement of Moses Wetangula by interim part leader Wafula Wanyonyi has brought to the fore the ongoing vicious 2022 political battles. He says what goes around 1comes round. Wetangula literary stole the leadership of Ford Kenya from Musikari Kombo.