Moses Kuria Heckled for Criticizing Gachagua during A Burial in Murang’a

Senior Economic Advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, was recently heckled and chased away from a burial ceremony in Murang’a as the fallout of the impeachment of former DP Gachagua continues in Mt Kenya. Mourners reacting angrily to Kuria as he spoke at the late MCA’s funeral at Wangu Kiharu The priest presiding over the service started leading a worship hymn to quell the rising tensions and despite this, the angry congregants could still be heard voicing their fury. Kuria was in a state of confusion as the scenario unfolded, resulting in his speech being cut short and afterwards Kuria had to leave the podium. The crowd moreover expressed their frustrations with the government by heckling a representative of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki off the stage who was set to read a speech from DP Kindiki. The clergy advised the representative to hand the speech to the family of the deceased MCA so as to manage affairs. Over the past few months, the political landscape in Mt. Kenya has pointed to a region in limbo after the impeachment of former DP Rigathi Gachagua.

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Court halts Government’s Directive on Registration of Mobile Phone IMEI Numbers

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The high court has suspended the government’s directive requiring mobile phones importers and assemblers to submit devices for IMEI numbers. The operation was expected to begin in January 2025 which awaited the pending determination of a suit filed by Katiba institute. Communications authority of Kenya (CAK) had published a notice requiring disclosure of IMEI numbers for mobile phone devices for use in the country in October 2024. Later on, KRA directed that all phone manufacturers, retailers, and mobile network operators must upload each device IMEI number to its portal for tax compliance. The Katiba institute moved to court saying that lack of sufficient safeguards after disclosure of IMEI numbers risks the fundamental rights and freedoms of an individual which may lead to illegal and unwarranted State surveillance. They added that the directives were not tabled in Parliament, hence were unconstitutional, null and void. Communications Authority of Kenya had explained that the new registration system was proposed by the Presidency to ensure tax compliance and uphold the integrity of products in the market. Yet, Katiba Institute said creation of master database of IMEI threatens the right to privacy and is a building bock towards unmitigated mass surveillance. They further said that the threat made by the government to switch off non-compliant mobile phone devices would deepen the digital divide. According to Katiba institute, the divide would impact a range of economic, educational, and social outcomes, as the internet and digital tools for participation in modern society.

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President Ruto throws Shade at Sipangwingwi Despite Employing Hit During Elections

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The Head of State has criticized the song Sipangwingwi. This was during the graduation ceremony of National Defense University in Kenya where he spoke about religion and information. Sipangwiwngwi is a song that was sang by Trio Mio Ssaru and Exxray Taniua. What is the place of family? What is the place of society? What is the place of religion in bringing up a morally upright patriotic citizenry? So that we can better understand the break down that leads into young people committing femicide. President Ruto said. He added that the moral challenge Kenyans have is family where family members end up being a threat to themselves and where society have adopted a defiant belligerent posture. During the speech, he gave a sample of a song called ‘Sipangwingwi’ which he said wasn’t leading Kenyans or any family member anywhere and goes against their religion, culture, morals, standards. The Head of State added that due to different spaces, it is much easier to inform and misinform the public for fakes news travel miles before knowing what the truth is especially in social media. The President further said that Kenyans should also participate in protecting our country and ourselves to be able to address emerging security threats as well as the military.

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Korir Sing’oei Denies allegations that the Kenyan government was involved in Kizza Besigye’s Abduction

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Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei has denied claims that the Kenyan government was involved in the abduction of Ugandan politician Kizza Besigye. According to Sing’oei, Besigye’s travel to Kenya was neither officially communicated nor facilitated by the authorities, leaving them unaware of his presence. “We did not know Kizza Besigye was in Kenya to offer him additional security. There are protocols that relate to the travel of senior politicians and leaders. They inform us and seek facilitation, and we even give them security” Sing’oei further maintained that Kenyan security agencies were not involved in the abduction. “The circumstances surrounding his travel to Kenya were not known to us. The abduction is not the act of Kenyan security officers.” However, his statement comes after Uganda’s Information Minister, Chris Baryomunsi confirmed that Ugandan authorities collaborated with their Kenyan counterparts in the abduction. Speaking to a Ugandan media outlet, Baryomunsi noted that such an operation could not have occurred without Kenya’s knowledge. “The Government of Uganda was in touch with the Government of Kenya in the arrest of Kizza Besigye. How would you arrest somebody in the middle of Nairobi and then bring him back to Uganda without the full knowledge and support of the state there in Kenya?” The abduction has moreover drawn international attention, with the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs urging clarity and transparency in handling the matter. “We are closely following reports on the abduction and transnational rendition of civilian political figures Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale from Kenya to Uganda. It is important that the circumstances be clarified with transparency and full legal protections”

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William Ruto Cancels Deals With Adani Group Following Bribery Charges

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President William Ruto has cancelled the ongoing deals between Kenya and the Adani Group. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, November 21, during the State of the Nation Address, the president ended the multi-billion deals that were apparently meant to expand the two companies. Ruto directed that in light of the new information provided by international allies and investigating agencies, the procurement agencies should immediately cancel the expansion process of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and KETRACO. “Because of the information that has been provided to us by partner nations, I have directed agencies between The Ministry of Transport and The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, to immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for JKIA expansion public/private partnership transaction, as well as the recently concluded Ketraco deal, and immedlitely commence the process of onborading other partners,” he said. BREAKING: President Ruto cancels the JKIA and KETRACO deals with Adani Group pic.twitter.com/26Kmi3SVXW — Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) November 21, 2024 Gautam Adani accused of fraud This just comes hours after a report from the United States reported that Adani Group Chairperson and Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and other executives were indicted in New York for alleged bribery amounting to up to $250 million (KSh 32 billion). This is alleged to have been behind a scheme to develop a major solar power plant in the US. The billionaire’s nephew, Sagar Adani, promised $250m in bribes to Indian government officials to secure the energy plant contracts. According to CNN, the deal was expected to yield more than $3 billion in profits. Prosecutors said the renewable energy company raised over $3 billion in loans and bonds through false and misleading statements. Adani in Kenya Recently, Kenya signed a 30-year deal with Adani to build power lines and substations, which they would finance, construct and operate in a deal estimated at KSh95.68 billion. The group was also to ink a deal to take control of the JKIA and lead its expansion to a state-of-the-art, modern airport.

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Opiyo Wandanyi Defends Ketraco-Adani Despite Gatum’s Bribery Charges

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Opiyo Wandanyi, Kenyan politician and energy cabinet secretary Ketraco-Adani in the midst of Gatum Adani bribery charges of 32 billion. Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and other executives were recently allegedly charged with crime of bribery by the US of Ksh. 32 billion on Wednesday 20th. However, in a statement on 21st November 2024, the Adani group spokesperson denied the allegations by the US Department of justice and the US securities and Exchange Commission. The spokesperson also stated that Adani remains innocent until proven guilty. Opiyo Wandanyi said that the emerging reports of Adani would not affect the Ketraco-Adani project as the project would proceed out of the outcome of the phases conducted. Opiyo said that comprehensive due diligence was conducted by the government. He added that there were no cases of bribery and corruption as much as Adani solutions was concerned. So, would this emerging report affect in any way affect the project? We can’t tell because it is not related to this project. Opiyo Wandanyi said. &n CS Opiyo Wandayi: The emerging report of indictment of Adani over corruption will not affect the delivery of the Ketraco-Adani electricity deal pic.twitter.com/x22NdfQB4Z — Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) November 21, 2024 bsp; The CS said that the Adani solutions had provided document demonstrating their legal standing compliance to rules and regulations including tax compliance in their country, which is Indian.

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Rigathi Gachagua claims life is in danger, unmarked cars trailing him

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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed details of alleged surveillance and intimidation by security agents in unmarked cars. This comes weeks after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations denied reports of state agents surveilling the country’s second Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution. “Security agents in unmarked cars have been following me wherever I go. They are parking at the entrance of my Nairobi residence, taking note of all my visitors, and they trail me whenever I leave the house, even all the way to my rural home in Nyeri,” Gachagua’s post on X read. He also alleged that on November 17, he noticed a saloon car parked outside his house, which, according to him, had trailed him to several locations, including the PCEA Kerarapon Church, to a late lunch, and then back to his house. Gachagua decided to run the car’s number plate only to find that the car was registered as a lorry confirming his suspicions of unauthorised surveillance. He went further to relate this alleged intimidation as similar to the one perpetrated during the Moi regime. “This surveillance and intimidation of Kenyans was last witnessed during the era of the dreaded ‘Special Branch’ during the 24 years of Moi’s misrule!” he stated. According to Gachagua, he saw it fit to let Kenyans in on his plight, because of any eventuality that would lead to his demise, they would know who to blame. “In this era of extrajudicial killings, forced abductions, and disappearances by state agents, I have thought it important to share with Kenyans the harassment and intimidation I am going through and inform them to hold the state responsible if I am harmed by the state. I request the state to leave me alone! You hounded me out of office, and you should now allow me to enjoy my peace as a private citizen.”

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President Ruto Sets Aside Ksh. 100M To Tackle Femicide Crisis

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President William Ruto has allocated Ksh. 100million to address growing femicide cases. The money was allocated towards Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign that seeks to end femicide cases across the country. During his speech at State House, the President said that the campaign would entail 16 days of activism beginning on November 25th, 2024, to voice against gender-based violence. Matters psychological support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority in my office. Through the women’s right advisor, we are launching a safe space campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that will start on November 25, 2024. The Head of State said. The President added in his statement that Kenyan communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and resources available to victims. Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitations, and I urge our young people to treat strangers on this platform with utmost caution. Parents, schools, churches and community organizations must step up to provide large skills and guidance to our young people. The head of the Republic said. He therefore said that he had instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandate without delay, holding the perpetrators fully accountable. Gender desks in police stations must be enhanced and gender desks will be introduced in hospitals to ensure the victims will receive immediate service. The President further said that he urged every Kenyan to join the movement ad protect every lady as he urged every parent to be present and approachable to their children.

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Ruto has not received the rejected Donation Yet

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On Tuesday, November 19, evening the State House revealed that it had not received back the rejected money. According to the State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, although the Catholic Church, through the archbishop declined Ruto’s donation, the church had not refunded it. This comes after details have emerged that the Catholic Parish of St. Joakim and Anne in Soweto, Nairobi, had personally requested the controversial donations. ”As the church too, there are requests that we have brought to you via our leaders and bishops, this is not via the Christians alone, but via the citizens too,’’ James Mburungu, the parish priest told Ruto. The request was confirmed by Ruto when he rose to address the jubilant congregation, following subsequent appeals by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and a host of other local leaders. ”I have been told by the chairman here that you are building the priest’s house and I am also a developer with a record in building various projects like affordable housing…I will give you Ksh 5 million,” Ruto stated. Ruto donated Ksh 600,000 to Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi for choir members and Ksh2 million that would be used to construct the father’s house. He also promised to donate an additional Ksh3 million that would be channelled to the church’s account to purchase a church bus. During the event, Governor Sakaja donated Ksh 200,000 to the same church. However, Bishop Anyolo noted that the donations made by the two senior government officials contravened the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024. The appeal states that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect.

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Storm in Parliament: Linet Toto Kneels While Adressing Male MP

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Bomet Women Representative Linet Toto has sparked speculations in parliament by kneeling before Sotik MP, Fracis Sigei while addressing him. This moment caused a heated debate among Members of Parliament with Female MPs criticizing the situation. Millie Odhiambo addressed the situation during parliament which caused laughter to some of the Members of Parliament. My concern is Honorable Toto is kneeling; I know that the member she is speaking to is a very Honorable and much older member but is she in order to be kneeling. In this house we are presumed to be all equal, as much as it shows respect culturally, it is not in order. Millie Odhiambo said. The Speaker addressed the issue by telling Millie that the last time the word kneeling was used in the house, a Vice President lost his job. Suna East Mp, Junet Mohammed allegedly said that he had just been informed that Linet Toto had just come back from Uganda, and she must have learnt the mannerism from there. Mp Dorice Donya who felt offended by the matter felt that the whole process of kneeling would ruin people’s marriages. Mr. Speaker, this statement might be taken seriously and when we go home our men will demand we start kneeling. You will be ruining our marriages. We are not going to live in a society where men tell women what to do on this 21st century. Kisii Mp Donya stated. The Speaker of Parliament, Moses Wetangula however stated that women kneeling before men was a normal behavior. The behavior of kneeling before men is practiced in Uganda where women kneel before men. The behavior is mostly practiced by the Baganda in the central region of the country.

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