After threats of expulsion failed to make any impact on the Cord Coast political belligerents and rebels, the party leader Raila Odinga is reportedly desperate to mend fences. The fear is that the rebels are giving a foothold to Jubilee politicians to penetrate the region which in the last elections overwhelmingly voted for opposition.
Among the people Raila is desperate to bring back to the fold is Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro who has become more independent and vocal since being sacked as the minority chief whip. Close associates of Mung’aro claim that the Cord leader has been telephoning him countless times requesting for a meeting to persuade him to continue supporting the opposition.
However, advisers of Mung’aro say their man has no problem with the Cord leader as long as he will be able to reinstate him as the minority whip in the house, a position that has already been given to Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu. Observers say that taking the seat back from Mwadeghu will split the party even further and expose it to its opponents.
Those who know Mung’aro well say that he has already decided to pursue his political ambitions outside ODM and Cord. Early in the year, there were hints from his political camp that among the strategies he was pursuing is the formation of a strong homegrown political party to act as a unifying factor for the Coastal region. However, he has since shelved the idea for a while after it was politicised and fought by his Coast opponents led by Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.
A fortnight ago, Joho criticised Deputy President William Ruto for making frequent visits to Coast, claiming the DP’s forays were driving a wedge among Coastal leaders. Ruto was in Kilifi county recently hosted by Mung’aro for a fundraiser and opening of two police posts.
Ruto has in the recent past made several tours in Coastal counties to hold fundraisers. Inside sources within the DP’s political camp claim Ruto is building his own political base as he does not want to be caught ‘unprepared’ in case of shifting political alliances in 2017.
Within Coast, Ruto already has dependable allies who include Cord MPs Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Zainab Chidzuga (Kwale women rep), Suleiman Dori (Msambweni), Masoud Mwahima (Likoni), Mustafa Iddi (Kilifi South), Aisha Jumwa (Kilifi women rep) Dan Kazungu (Malindi) and now Mung’aro (Kilifi North).
The DP has also strengthened his Coastal political base through the state appointments he has influenced among them that of Labour cabinet secretary Kazungu Kambi.
It is against this background that Raila is uncomfortable seeing Ruto conquering Coast via his own political troops with whom he has fallen out. The former PM has reportedly requested Joho to reach out to the rebels and persuade them to return ‘home’.
Kenya's Most Authoritative Political Newspaper
Sunday, 14 December 2014
KIMAIYIO EXIT FACTOR IMPACTS ELGEYO MARAKWET POLITICS
Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen is under glowing fire following unconfirmed reports that he is responsible for the exit of Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo.
The allegation is now threatening to prematurely end his nascent political career. Sources say Murkomen who is DP William Ruto’s right hand man is widely believed to have influenced the forced resignation of Kimaiyo.
But Murkomen in a quick rejoinder has dismissed the claims saying he has nothing personal against the former IG and termed the allegations as malicious and blamed it on his political opponents pursuing a political agenda to tarnish his name.
During the 2013 elections, Murkomen was nominated by URP unopposed and had to square it out with former powerful cabinet minister in the Moi regime Nicholas Biwott. Murkomen garnered 88,902 votes against Biwott’s 25,100. Others were Julius Kipkorir of KNC who got 1,561, Luka Kiprop of ODM 1,730 and Tabitha Seii of WDM-K who managed 4,012 votes.
Sources say Murkomen has been fighting anyone in the county who seems to emerge as a powerhouse and as so, he wants to remain the only politician in the county DP Ruto listens to and relies on. He is not in good terms with his governor Alex Tolgos and rumours doing rounds in the county have it that he could be eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2017.
At one time, Murkomen accused Tolgos of surrounding himself with political losers of 2013 who are bent on benefiting from contracts from the county government.
But even as rumours spread that he is eyeing Tolgos’ seat, MCAs have little time for him. He has on several occasions come under attacks from MCAs over his flamboyant lifestyle and generous contributions at harambees.
Recently at Kapsowar Mission Hospital, Murkomen donated Sh1million saying it was a campaign pledge. Prior to this, he had donated another Sh1 million to Embobut squatters after they were moved out of the forest. He hires a chopper whenever he makes a trip to the county.
It is against this backdrop that the MCAs accuse the senator of going round arguing that the governors should be investigated for financial impropriety while he is being bankrolled by individuals that want him to take over from Tolgos.
Anti-Murkomen forces recently facilitated locals to demonstrate against him for being instrumentasl in the removal of Kimaiyo. The embattled senator blames Biwott and Tolgos for fundind the demos.
The allegation is now threatening to prematurely end his nascent political career. Sources say Murkomen who is DP William Ruto’s right hand man is widely believed to have influenced the forced resignation of Kimaiyo.
But Murkomen in a quick rejoinder has dismissed the claims saying he has nothing personal against the former IG and termed the allegations as malicious and blamed it on his political opponents pursuing a political agenda to tarnish his name.
During the 2013 elections, Murkomen was nominated by URP unopposed and had to square it out with former powerful cabinet minister in the Moi regime Nicholas Biwott. Murkomen garnered 88,902 votes against Biwott’s 25,100. Others were Julius Kipkorir of KNC who got 1,561, Luka Kiprop of ODM 1,730 and Tabitha Seii of WDM-K who managed 4,012 votes.
Sources say Murkomen has been fighting anyone in the county who seems to emerge as a powerhouse and as so, he wants to remain the only politician in the county DP Ruto listens to and relies on. He is not in good terms with his governor Alex Tolgos and rumours doing rounds in the county have it that he could be eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2017.
At one time, Murkomen accused Tolgos of surrounding himself with political losers of 2013 who are bent on benefiting from contracts from the county government.
But even as rumours spread that he is eyeing Tolgos’ seat, MCAs have little time for him. He has on several occasions come under attacks from MCAs over his flamboyant lifestyle and generous contributions at harambees.
Recently at Kapsowar Mission Hospital, Murkomen donated Sh1million saying it was a campaign pledge. Prior to this, he had donated another Sh1 million to Embobut squatters after they were moved out of the forest. He hires a chopper whenever he makes a trip to the county.
It is against this backdrop that the MCAs accuse the senator of going round arguing that the governors should be investigated for financial impropriety while he is being bankrolled by individuals that want him to take over from Tolgos.
Anti-Murkomen forces recently facilitated locals to demonstrate against him for being instrumentasl in the removal of Kimaiyo. The embattled senator blames Biwott and Tolgos for fundind the demos.
WILL UHURU'S POLITICAL TRICKS IN MAASAI POLITICS WORK?
There is more than meets the eye in the appointment of Kajiado Central MP Joseph Nkaissery to the position of Interior cabinet secretary. Analysts say it is part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s elaborate 2017 political game plan to subdue the opposition in the Kajiado county politics.
To show that Uhuru has interest in the Maasai politics, recently, he hosted the Narok leaders led by Senator Stephen ole Ntutu and included parliamentarians as well as Narok county assembly members who briefed the president on their row and sought his intervention.
Other Narok leaders present included MPs Moses ole Sakuda, Patrick ole Ntutu, Johana Ng’eno, Moitalel ole Kenta and former Narok North MP William ole Ntimama. It was the presence of Ntimama that was symbolic and Uhuru had to cool down tempers of the leaders who have been pushing for Narok governor Samuel ole Tunai’s resignation on claims of misuse of county funds.
On Kajiado politics, Nkaissery’s appointment which now awaits the approval of parliament is now said to be as well as approved-thanks to the tyranny of numbers. According to parliamentary sources, his vetting by parliament is just a mere formality as Jubilee has the numbers to approve his appointment.
Sources say Uhuru had options to get Joseph ole Lenku’s replacement from Maasai region but had to play his political cards well to ensure he takes full control of the county in terms of votes. Jubilee sources say, Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto had marked Maasai region with Kajiado being a preserve of TNA and Narok for Ruto’s URP.
It is against this background that when time came for Ole Lenku to be shown the door, Uhuru played his cards well by nominating Nkaissery so that a by-election could be held in Kajiado Central and knowing so well that with state machinery, TNA is likely to capture the seat and make the region 100pc TNA zone.
Uhuru and Jubilee now claim that although he beat Cord candidate Raila Odinga with a slim majority in Kajiado county in the presidential race, the wind has since changed direction and is now blowing favourably towards the TNA direction.
During the 2013 elections, in Kajiado County, Uhuru garnered 138,851 votes against Raila’s 117,856 votes. Statistically, the county is torn right in the middle between Jubilee and Cord. Now with Nkaissery almost through with the appointment, the battle ground now shifts to getting a suitable if not better replacement to represent the Kajiado Central people.
This is where Uhuru and TNA are now directing their energies and as things stands now, all indications are that majority of Kajiado Central residents have tactically moved from ODM to TNA and are likely to vote for Uhuru’s preferred candidate in the by-election.
During the last election, Nkaissery won the seat on ODM ticket after he garnered 17,332 votes against his closest challenger Patrick Tutui of TNA who garnered 8,456 votes. Others were Elijah Kenchory of KNC (7,565), Stephen Lukeine of URP (2,856).
But according to ODM leaders, the by-election is not up for grabs but a preserve of ODM but sources from the ground now say that Nkaissery was voted for overwhelmingly as a candidate and not because of the party. They further say that apart from him, all the MCAs from Kajiado Central were elected on TNA and URP tickets.
It is also worth noting that the Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye has also been meeting resistance from majority of MCAs at the county assembly. In order to survive politically, he has of late shifted allegiance from ODM to TNA so as to get the support of the county assembly where there is only one ODM MCA.
TNA further claims that even Nkedianye was voted for as a person and not because of Cord. He garnered 125,563 votes against Daniel Nina of URP who got 95,526 votes and Moses Par of DP (14,042). In the senatorial race, TNA won through Peter Mositet after he garnered 143,703 votes, Simon Peter of GNU (69,574) and Solomon Kinyanjui of
WDM-K got 45,054 votes.
It is also important to note that apart from Nkaissery, Jubilee won the rest of the parliamentary seats in the county. The Kajiado East seat was won by Peris Tobiko (TNA), Kajiado West by Moses ole Sekuda (TNA) and in Kajiado North TNA’s Joseph Manje romped home.
For the Kajiado women rep, TNA won through Mary Yiane who garnered 123,455 votes, Gladys Wambui of Safina (2,484), Ann Tibiko of Pick (4,687), Dorothy Mashipei of URP (43,185), Emily Kiparki of ODM (79,499) and Jennifer Sikinani of NVP (2,038).
But even as the lobbying for Nkaissery replacement takes shape, it is evidently clear that TNA is likely to grab the seat. Last week, Kajiado County Assembly backed the nomination of Nkaissery and surprisingly the debate turned into drumming up support for Kajiado Central residents to vote for TNA in the by-election.
Shockingly, even the only ODM MCA in Kajiado assembly Peter Pariken (Magadi) abandoned his party and thanked the president for appointing Nkaissery and vowed to support the TNA candidate in the by-election.
But even as Jubilee boasts of tyranny of numbers in the house, ODM is warning Jubilee that they could pull a surprise and reject Nkaissery’s nomination. Reports now emerge that ODM together with some civil organisations plans to block his appointment following reports that he has been adversely mentioned in Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission report which accused him of gross human rights violations in connection with a 1984 military operation in West Pokot county.
But Nkaissery in a quick rejoinder has denied the charges, saying he was carrying out an authorised disarmament operation in a lawless region, an operation authorised by the National Security Council headed by then President Moi. Jubilee now fears that the report on the disarmament operation by the TJRC casts a shadow on the nomination for it had recommended that Nkaissery be investigated and possibly prosecuted over his role in Operation Nyundo.
Nkaissery, then an army major, is among the senior military officers the TJRC accused of gross violations of human rights, including torture, sexual violence and murders. He also is also accused of having sold thousands of cattle and transported them in army vehicles to Kitale, Eldoret, Nakuru and Nairobi.
The report reveals that the operation ordered by President Daniel Moi between 1982 and 1984 was a major undertaking to disarm the Pokot community. The report says more than 50 security operations have been conducted in the region but none were as devastating as the one in Lotirir, which resulted in a massacre.
Helicopters were used for about six months to locate cattle rustlers and stolen cattle and to search for arms caches.
“It is from the sound of the helicopters, Lotiriri, that the massacre that followed got its name. During this massacre, many people are said to have been brutally killed and many injured by the state security agents carrying out the operation,” the report states.
But Jubilee top brass together with Maasai political leaders and professionals have defended him saying he could not be accused of committing a crime while leading an operation ordered by the National Security Council chaired by then President Moi. He has also disputed that there were killings.
Back to the by-election, legislators from the Maasai community have promised to reward Uhuru with the Kajiado Central parliamentary seat after he nominated Nkaissery to the position of cabinet secretary for Interior. The leaders commended President Kenyatta for opting to ignore party lines by nominating Nkaissery, who is from ODM.
“I want to take this opportunity to guarantee our beloved president that the next MP for Kajiado Central will come from his party, which one is the only thing that we can do to ensure that we say thank you in a big way to him. The next MP for Kajiado Central will not come from ODM but from TNA,” said Lati Lelelit, the Samburu West MP. “We have concluded the issue of ODM in Kajiado, I think it will be no more and we will guarantee that we will deliver this seat through the TNA party,” stated Tobiko.
TNA has now told ODM to brace for a contest as they rejected demands that ODM should be allowed to retain the seat unopposed because Uhuru poached Nkaissery who was elected as Kajiado Central MP on an ODM ticket.
Raila had last week demanded that ODM should not be subjected to nominations and elections, adding that they should be given a free hand in producing a candidate to run unopposed to replace Nkaissery but TNA says that any seat that falls vacant should be filled through the people’s vote so they can express their will and not the other way Raila wants.
As to whether TNA will capture the seat, only time will tell and it will be a big political test for both Uhuru and Raila ahead of 2017 elections. It is said Uhuru is now busy reorganising TNA and now has his eyes set in Narok county.
In Narok county, URP won more seats than TNA. For the women reps seat, Roselinda Tuya of URP won with 108,380 votes against her closes challenger Lydia Nanenu of ODM who got 28,497 votes. TNA’s Nailantei Shonko finished a distant third with 6,865 votes.
For the governor’s race Samuel Tunai of URP won with 87,832 votes against ODM’s Johnson Nchoe who got 39,100 votes.
To show that Uhuru has interest in the Maasai politics, recently, he hosted the Narok leaders led by Senator Stephen ole Ntutu and included parliamentarians as well as Narok county assembly members who briefed the president on their row and sought his intervention.
Other Narok leaders present included MPs Moses ole Sakuda, Patrick ole Ntutu, Johana Ng’eno, Moitalel ole Kenta and former Narok North MP William ole Ntimama. It was the presence of Ntimama that was symbolic and Uhuru had to cool down tempers of the leaders who have been pushing for Narok governor Samuel ole Tunai’s resignation on claims of misuse of county funds.
On Kajiado politics, Nkaissery’s appointment which now awaits the approval of parliament is now said to be as well as approved-thanks to the tyranny of numbers. According to parliamentary sources, his vetting by parliament is just a mere formality as Jubilee has the numbers to approve his appointment.
Sources say Uhuru had options to get Joseph ole Lenku’s replacement from Maasai region but had to play his political cards well to ensure he takes full control of the county in terms of votes. Jubilee sources say, Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto had marked Maasai region with Kajiado being a preserve of TNA and Narok for Ruto’s URP.
It is against this background that when time came for Ole Lenku to be shown the door, Uhuru played his cards well by nominating Nkaissery so that a by-election could be held in Kajiado Central and knowing so well that with state machinery, TNA is likely to capture the seat and make the region 100pc TNA zone.
Uhuru and Jubilee now claim that although he beat Cord candidate Raila Odinga with a slim majority in Kajiado county in the presidential race, the wind has since changed direction and is now blowing favourably towards the TNA direction.
During the 2013 elections, in Kajiado County, Uhuru garnered 138,851 votes against Raila’s 117,856 votes. Statistically, the county is torn right in the middle between Jubilee and Cord. Now with Nkaissery almost through with the appointment, the battle ground now shifts to getting a suitable if not better replacement to represent the Kajiado Central people.
This is where Uhuru and TNA are now directing their energies and as things stands now, all indications are that majority of Kajiado Central residents have tactically moved from ODM to TNA and are likely to vote for Uhuru’s preferred candidate in the by-election.
During the last election, Nkaissery won the seat on ODM ticket after he garnered 17,332 votes against his closest challenger Patrick Tutui of TNA who garnered 8,456 votes. Others were Elijah Kenchory of KNC (7,565), Stephen Lukeine of URP (2,856).
But according to ODM leaders, the by-election is not up for grabs but a preserve of ODM but sources from the ground now say that Nkaissery was voted for overwhelmingly as a candidate and not because of the party. They further say that apart from him, all the MCAs from Kajiado Central were elected on TNA and URP tickets.
It is also worth noting that the Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye has also been meeting resistance from majority of MCAs at the county assembly. In order to survive politically, he has of late shifted allegiance from ODM to TNA so as to get the support of the county assembly where there is only one ODM MCA.
TNA further claims that even Nkedianye was voted for as a person and not because of Cord. He garnered 125,563 votes against Daniel Nina of URP who got 95,526 votes and Moses Par of DP (14,042). In the senatorial race, TNA won through Peter Mositet after he garnered 143,703 votes, Simon Peter of GNU (69,574) and Solomon Kinyanjui of
WDM-K got 45,054 votes.
It is also important to note that apart from Nkaissery, Jubilee won the rest of the parliamentary seats in the county. The Kajiado East seat was won by Peris Tobiko (TNA), Kajiado West by Moses ole Sekuda (TNA) and in Kajiado North TNA’s Joseph Manje romped home.
For the Kajiado women rep, TNA won through Mary Yiane who garnered 123,455 votes, Gladys Wambui of Safina (2,484), Ann Tibiko of Pick (4,687), Dorothy Mashipei of URP (43,185), Emily Kiparki of ODM (79,499) and Jennifer Sikinani of NVP (2,038).
But even as the lobbying for Nkaissery replacement takes shape, it is evidently clear that TNA is likely to grab the seat. Last week, Kajiado County Assembly backed the nomination of Nkaissery and surprisingly the debate turned into drumming up support for Kajiado Central residents to vote for TNA in the by-election.
Shockingly, even the only ODM MCA in Kajiado assembly Peter Pariken (Magadi) abandoned his party and thanked the president for appointing Nkaissery and vowed to support the TNA candidate in the by-election.
But even as Jubilee boasts of tyranny of numbers in the house, ODM is warning Jubilee that they could pull a surprise and reject Nkaissery’s nomination. Reports now emerge that ODM together with some civil organisations plans to block his appointment following reports that he has been adversely mentioned in Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission report which accused him of gross human rights violations in connection with a 1984 military operation in West Pokot county.
But Nkaissery in a quick rejoinder has denied the charges, saying he was carrying out an authorised disarmament operation in a lawless region, an operation authorised by the National Security Council headed by then President Moi. Jubilee now fears that the report on the disarmament operation by the TJRC casts a shadow on the nomination for it had recommended that Nkaissery be investigated and possibly prosecuted over his role in Operation Nyundo.
Nkaissery, then an army major, is among the senior military officers the TJRC accused of gross violations of human rights, including torture, sexual violence and murders. He also is also accused of having sold thousands of cattle and transported them in army vehicles to Kitale, Eldoret, Nakuru and Nairobi.
The report reveals that the operation ordered by President Daniel Moi between 1982 and 1984 was a major undertaking to disarm the Pokot community. The report says more than 50 security operations have been conducted in the region but none were as devastating as the one in Lotirir, which resulted in a massacre.
Helicopters were used for about six months to locate cattle rustlers and stolen cattle and to search for arms caches.
“It is from the sound of the helicopters, Lotiriri, that the massacre that followed got its name. During this massacre, many people are said to have been brutally killed and many injured by the state security agents carrying out the operation,” the report states.
But Jubilee top brass together with Maasai political leaders and professionals have defended him saying he could not be accused of committing a crime while leading an operation ordered by the National Security Council chaired by then President Moi. He has also disputed that there were killings.
Back to the by-election, legislators from the Maasai community have promised to reward Uhuru with the Kajiado Central parliamentary seat after he nominated Nkaissery to the position of cabinet secretary for Interior. The leaders commended President Kenyatta for opting to ignore party lines by nominating Nkaissery, who is from ODM.
“I want to take this opportunity to guarantee our beloved president that the next MP for Kajiado Central will come from his party, which one is the only thing that we can do to ensure that we say thank you in a big way to him. The next MP for Kajiado Central will not come from ODM but from TNA,” said Lati Lelelit, the Samburu West MP. “We have concluded the issue of ODM in Kajiado, I think it will be no more and we will guarantee that we will deliver this seat through the TNA party,” stated Tobiko.
TNA has now told ODM to brace for a contest as they rejected demands that ODM should be allowed to retain the seat unopposed because Uhuru poached Nkaissery who was elected as Kajiado Central MP on an ODM ticket.
Raila had last week demanded that ODM should not be subjected to nominations and elections, adding that they should be given a free hand in producing a candidate to run unopposed to replace Nkaissery but TNA says that any seat that falls vacant should be filled through the people’s vote so they can express their will and not the other way Raila wants.
As to whether TNA will capture the seat, only time will tell and it will be a big political test for both Uhuru and Raila ahead of 2017 elections. It is said Uhuru is now busy reorganising TNA and now has his eyes set in Narok county.
In Narok county, URP won more seats than TNA. For the women reps seat, Roselinda Tuya of URP won with 108,380 votes against her closes challenger Lydia Nanenu of ODM who got 28,497 votes. TNA’s Nailantei Shonko finished a distant third with 6,865 votes.
For the governor’s race Samuel Tunai of URP won with 87,832 votes against ODM’s Johnson Nchoe who got 39,100 votes.
ILL HAPPENINGS AT TRAVELLERS BEACH HOTEL MOMBASA
James Muithiga Karanja aged in his early 50s is a bitter man and he is requesting Labour cabinet secretary Kazungu Kambu and Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli to come to his help following the tribulations he has undergone.
Karanja was employed by Travellers Beach Hotel from June 13 1994 to June 8 2014 this year after they retired him on medical grounds.
According to sources, his skin became rough and clinics said it was a fungal infection. In March this year a severe skin disease engulfed his whole body and the skin resembled a snake. He went to Coast General Hospital’s skin centre and the doctors identified the disease as psoriasis. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames or destroys healthy body tissue. It is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.
Travellers Beach Hotel located in Bamburi and owned by Dhanjal family and permits their employees to visit the Coast General Hospital whenever they have a medical problem and the employees meet their own medical bills. This is despite the collective bargaining agreement between the hotel and the union that states that the hotel pays the hospital bill of employees admitted or outpatient in any recognised medical facility. This was the brainchild of the general manager Fredrick Kiuru. Upon diagnosis of psoriasis, according to our source Karanja was instructed to buy drugs from selected chemist because the disease was rare. A dose went for Sh4, 500 a week and by April it was straining the patient.
Former colleagues at Travellers Beach Hotel raised money for the drugs. What was intriguing was that Kiuru and the human resources assistant Miss Jamila gave the patient an annual leave instead of sick leave as stated in the CBA. The CBA states that a very sick person shall get seven days sick leave or 75 days and if his situation worsens, he or she would get additional 90 days leave on half the salary.
He returned to work in mid April but his condition was bad. Being a guestroom attendant, his appearance was important. Other managers were sympathetic and volunteered to send him to Pandya Hospital. This, however, was only possible if the GM accepted. His efforts to reach GM office with works committee chairman a one Mr Okake, the diehard GM supporter was blocked. Even after the MD’s personal assistant told the GM to take care of his plight, nothing happened.
The GM, we have established, eventually ordered him to retire on medical grounds saying he could infect hotel guests and workers with the disease. He even threatened to sack him if he did not resign.
His visit to Kudheiha, the hotel workers union office in Mombasa did not help either. They instructed him not to resign and convened a meeting with the GM. The hotel refused to call him insisting he was a rebel and that had refused to answer their call.
The hotel retired him on medical grounds. His benefit was calculated to Sh250,000 which was suspect. After deductions he was paid Sh198,000 as retirement benefits and medical upkeep after working for 20 years.
Karanja was employed by Travellers Beach Hotel from June 13 1994 to June 8 2014 this year after they retired him on medical grounds.
According to sources, his skin became rough and clinics said it was a fungal infection. In March this year a severe skin disease engulfed his whole body and the skin resembled a snake. He went to Coast General Hospital’s skin centre and the doctors identified the disease as psoriasis. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames or destroys healthy body tissue. It is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.
Travellers Beach Hotel located in Bamburi and owned by Dhanjal family and permits their employees to visit the Coast General Hospital whenever they have a medical problem and the employees meet their own medical bills. This is despite the collective bargaining agreement between the hotel and the union that states that the hotel pays the hospital bill of employees admitted or outpatient in any recognised medical facility. This was the brainchild of the general manager Fredrick Kiuru. Upon diagnosis of psoriasis, according to our source Karanja was instructed to buy drugs from selected chemist because the disease was rare. A dose went for Sh4, 500 a week and by April it was straining the patient.
Former colleagues at Travellers Beach Hotel raised money for the drugs. What was intriguing was that Kiuru and the human resources assistant Miss Jamila gave the patient an annual leave instead of sick leave as stated in the CBA. The CBA states that a very sick person shall get seven days sick leave or 75 days and if his situation worsens, he or she would get additional 90 days leave on half the salary.
He returned to work in mid April but his condition was bad. Being a guestroom attendant, his appearance was important. Other managers were sympathetic and volunteered to send him to Pandya Hospital. This, however, was only possible if the GM accepted. His efforts to reach GM office with works committee chairman a one Mr Okake, the diehard GM supporter was blocked. Even after the MD’s personal assistant told the GM to take care of his plight, nothing happened.
The GM, we have established, eventually ordered him to retire on medical grounds saying he could infect hotel guests and workers with the disease. He even threatened to sack him if he did not resign.
His visit to Kudheiha, the hotel workers union office in Mombasa did not help either. They instructed him not to resign and convened a meeting with the GM. The hotel refused to call him insisting he was a rebel and that had refused to answer their call.
The hotel retired him on medical grounds. His benefit was calculated to Sh250,000 which was suspect. After deductions he was paid Sh198,000 as retirement benefits and medical upkeep after working for 20 years.
MATEMU SET TO TURN HEAT ON CIVIL SERVANTS COLLUDING WITH BANKS
The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission which this year has not netted any big fish is now understood to have raised the red flag over crooked staff both in the banking industry and civil service who are running amok stealing taxpayers funds using all manner of dubious tricks either through single source tenders for supplies or outright theft of public funds under their care.
In an end of year audit report leaked to Weekly Citizen, EACC is understood to be disturbed that graft cases it has followed up in the public sector which should have concluded with culprits facing jail terms have failed to take off despite glaring and overwhelming evidence that EACC sleuths were pursuing.
The report expresses outrage at what is seen as clear “bribery of its investigators” that have been blowing hot and cold in one specific instance, the sleuths were lavished with “cash for petrol” which it said is unacceptable violation of the law with impunity and vowed to crack the whip. “Those who have either stolen public funds or abused their position to protect culprits or facilitate acts of wanton corruption must face the full force of the law.”
The report cites cases where cheques having been forged by subordinate staffs that have been interdicted but the cases failed to take off in court after “a strange cold wind blew all the evidence into dustbin!” The EACC is emphatic it will soon arraign both “small and big fish” who have fiddled with public funds in court to face the law adding it has evidence some hospital CEOs in counties have abused their positions to enrich themselves with impunity “something that is unacceptable”.
Ever since the anti-graft body was set up in 1992 by now retired President Daniel Moi, it has never arraigned any big fish worth writing home about even as the country continues to reel under reports of mega corruption like the Anglo Leasing and Goldenberg where taxpayers have lost billions of shillings. Only former Kilome MP and Pick boss John Harun Mwau made a bold effort to arrest senior treasury officials implicated in importing duty free sugar in the 1990s but he did not last as his orders were reversed by the courts and he was later to be shown the door. Enter Aaron Ringera, he did nothing apart from arresting small policemen at roadblocks for pocketing Sh50 bribes. He kept talking of going for the big fish which never happened as he laughed all the way to the bank every month Sh2.5 million richer! Patrick Lumumba spoke of “high voltage files” but he too save for his characteristic flowery speeches did next to zero in the fight against corruption in government and public sector.
At the same time, the EACC is understood to have written to the Kenya Bankers Association asking for a complete list of rogue staff in the banking industry past and present accused of graft who it says must be blacklisted and details of their cases made public including court judgment of their cases saying in some cases, staff in KCB and Equity among others have colluded with accounts clerks in public institutions to steal taxpayers cash especially costsharing funds in public hospitals. “This must now stop and hospital CEOs are put on notice that it will no longer be business as usual” says the 300-page report on graft in government, parastatals and public sector year ending 2014-2015.
In an end of year audit report leaked to Weekly Citizen, EACC is understood to be disturbed that graft cases it has followed up in the public sector which should have concluded with culprits facing jail terms have failed to take off despite glaring and overwhelming evidence that EACC sleuths were pursuing.
The report expresses outrage at what is seen as clear “bribery of its investigators” that have been blowing hot and cold in one specific instance, the sleuths were lavished with “cash for petrol” which it said is unacceptable violation of the law with impunity and vowed to crack the whip. “Those who have either stolen public funds or abused their position to protect culprits or facilitate acts of wanton corruption must face the full force of the law.”
The report cites cases where cheques having been forged by subordinate staffs that have been interdicted but the cases failed to take off in court after “a strange cold wind blew all the evidence into dustbin!” The EACC is emphatic it will soon arraign both “small and big fish” who have fiddled with public funds in court to face the law adding it has evidence some hospital CEOs in counties have abused their positions to enrich themselves with impunity “something that is unacceptable”.
Ever since the anti-graft body was set up in 1992 by now retired President Daniel Moi, it has never arraigned any big fish worth writing home about even as the country continues to reel under reports of mega corruption like the Anglo Leasing and Goldenberg where taxpayers have lost billions of shillings. Only former Kilome MP and Pick boss John Harun Mwau made a bold effort to arrest senior treasury officials implicated in importing duty free sugar in the 1990s but he did not last as his orders were reversed by the courts and he was later to be shown the door. Enter Aaron Ringera, he did nothing apart from arresting small policemen at roadblocks for pocketing Sh50 bribes. He kept talking of going for the big fish which never happened as he laughed all the way to the bank every month Sh2.5 million richer! Patrick Lumumba spoke of “high voltage files” but he too save for his characteristic flowery speeches did next to zero in the fight against corruption in government and public sector.
At the same time, the EACC is understood to have written to the Kenya Bankers Association asking for a complete list of rogue staff in the banking industry past and present accused of graft who it says must be blacklisted and details of their cases made public including court judgment of their cases saying in some cases, staff in KCB and Equity among others have colluded with accounts clerks in public institutions to steal taxpayers cash especially costsharing funds in public hospitals. “This must now stop and hospital CEOs are put on notice that it will no longer be business as usual” says the 300-page report on graft in government, parastatals and public sector year ending 2014-2015.
BUNGOMA WOMEN SACCO ON VERGE OF COLLAPSE
A bitter row is brewing at Bungoma County Women Sacco over what its members term as nepotism coupled with rampant corruption prompting some staff to desert the Sacco.
The case in point is the recent allegation by the Sacco members that it has lost over Sh700,000 to people well connected to Bungoma woman MP Reginalda Wanyonyi.
Led by political activist Sedie Omar, the members accused the legislator over nepotism that has riddled the Sacco’s management.
It has also emerged that the Sacco chairman Francis Wanyonyi is the husband to Reginalda Wanyonyi and treasurer James Mukhwana being his firstborn son.
“Let the MP come out and state where Sh1million alleged to have been withdrawn by his family members went to,” said Sedie.
On the other hand, workers have complained over salary payment delayed for eight months and have however threatened to stage a demo over the delayed salaries.
Reached for comment, the MP denied the allegations stating that its just malice laced with propaganda to tarnish her name.
The case in point is the recent allegation by the Sacco members that it has lost over Sh700,000 to people well connected to Bungoma woman MP Reginalda Wanyonyi.
Led by political activist Sedie Omar, the members accused the legislator over nepotism that has riddled the Sacco’s management.
It has also emerged that the Sacco chairman Francis Wanyonyi is the husband to Reginalda Wanyonyi and treasurer James Mukhwana being his firstborn son.
“Let the MP come out and state where Sh1million alleged to have been withdrawn by his family members went to,” said Sedie.
On the other hand, workers have complained over salary payment delayed for eight months and have however threatened to stage a demo over the delayed salaries.
Reached for comment, the MP denied the allegations stating that its just malice laced with propaganda to tarnish her name.
UNION, KEMRI IN ANOTHER SALARY DISPUTE DUEL
Salary adjustment case filed in the Industrial Court in Nairobi by the Union of Kenya National Research and Allied Institutes Staff of Kenya on behalf of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (staff has finally ended in favour of the staff.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Njagi Marete on case filed by Unrisk secretary general Zachary Achacha, the ruling reads in part: “I therefore find in favour of the claimant union and order that this court adopts and enforces the agreement of the parties in the various items as hereunder; leave allowance, commuter allowance, medical risk allowance, hardship allowance, general wage increase, heads of units allowance and basic salary wages.
In the ruling, the effective date of the collective bargaining agreement was set for July 1 2013 and shall be in force for four years and shall expire on June 30 2017 and that Unrisk be allowed and authorised to recruit its union membership from staff cadres and categories MR 1 to MR 15.
In the CBA signed by Unrisk secretary general Zachary Achacha, Solomon Mpoke for Kemri and witnessed by George Ambuche of FKE, Article 40 of the agreement under basic salaries and wages, the unionisable staff were awarded a 17pc salary increment.
Article 41 of the agreement reads: “The institute will operationalise the payment of new salaries in light of the new re-categorisation of the institute from PC 4B-4A with effect from July 1 2014 in the alternative in line with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission”. In Article 45, heads of units will be entitled to a monthly telephone, responsibility and entertainment allowances.
On transfer allowance, employees transferred from one duty station to another will qualify for transfer allowance at the rate equivalent to one month’s basic salary.
The leave allowance of the staff has also been adjusted with the minimum now being Sh5,000 up from Sh4,000 while the maximum will be Sh11,000 up from Sh10,000. The monthly commuter allowances have also been adjusted with the least now getting Sh3,500 up from Sh2,000 and the highest now getting Sh16,500 up from Sh16,000.
The ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services principal secretary Karoli Ooko in a letter dated September 26 2014 confirmed having received for registration an agreement signed on September 2014 by Unrisk and Kemri.
“The ministry has analysed the agreements with regard to their conformity with the wages guidelines issued on August 29 1973 and the subsequent amendments especially the latest of November 23 2005. On the basis of the analysis, I have found no reason to object to the registration of the agreement. I therefore forward it to you for further action,” the report said.
Following the directive, the agreement was registered on October 17 2014 by Industrial Court Judge Justice JN Abuodha. The certificate reads: “This is to inform you that the court having duly considered the CBA entered into by you dated August 25 2014 has this day accepted the said CBA for registration in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Labour Relations Act No 14 of 2007.
A letter dated August 8 2014 signed by Commissioner Nicodemus Odongo of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission and addressed to Kemri director Solomon Mpoke approved a request for approval of realignment of salary structure for Kemri staff.
The letter reads: “The Salaries and Remuneration Commission during its 75th commission meeting held on July 21 2014 deliberated on your request approved and hereby advises that Kemri adopts the remuneration structure as shown”.
In the new approved rates, the lowest paid staff will take home a basic salary of Sh14,944 while the highest paid will take home Sh400,000. Unrisk’s Achacha has vowed to continue fighting for the rights of the Kemri staff and other union members. Unrisk also represents staff from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kenya Trypanomiasis Research Institute, Kenya Forestry Research Institute and Kenya Sugar Research Foundation. Staff represented by UNRISK are known to have benefited a lot under the wise leadership of Achacha whom they describe as fearless unionist when it comes to fighting for the rights of UNRISK members. They say members have gained in terms of general wage increment, termination of employment, non-practice allowance, insurance against accidents and periodical medical check up.
Unlike many trade unions which rely heavily on hiring lawyers to argue their cases at the Industrial Court, Achacha in most cases makes personal appearance in court as he understands union law and worker’s rights that he rarely hires lawyers to represent union but interestingly, he has always won court battles without legal representation.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Njagi Marete on case filed by Unrisk secretary general Zachary Achacha, the ruling reads in part: “I therefore find in favour of the claimant union and order that this court adopts and enforces the agreement of the parties in the various items as hereunder; leave allowance, commuter allowance, medical risk allowance, hardship allowance, general wage increase, heads of units allowance and basic salary wages.
In the ruling, the effective date of the collective bargaining agreement was set for July 1 2013 and shall be in force for four years and shall expire on June 30 2017 and that Unrisk be allowed and authorised to recruit its union membership from staff cadres and categories MR 1 to MR 15.
In the CBA signed by Unrisk secretary general Zachary Achacha, Solomon Mpoke for Kemri and witnessed by George Ambuche of FKE, Article 40 of the agreement under basic salaries and wages, the unionisable staff were awarded a 17pc salary increment.
Article 41 of the agreement reads: “The institute will operationalise the payment of new salaries in light of the new re-categorisation of the institute from PC 4B-4A with effect from July 1 2014 in the alternative in line with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission”. In Article 45, heads of units will be entitled to a monthly telephone, responsibility and entertainment allowances.
On transfer allowance, employees transferred from one duty station to another will qualify for transfer allowance at the rate equivalent to one month’s basic salary.
The leave allowance of the staff has also been adjusted with the minimum now being Sh5,000 up from Sh4,000 while the maximum will be Sh11,000 up from Sh10,000. The monthly commuter allowances have also been adjusted with the least now getting Sh3,500 up from Sh2,000 and the highest now getting Sh16,500 up from Sh16,000.
The ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services principal secretary Karoli Ooko in a letter dated September 26 2014 confirmed having received for registration an agreement signed on September 2014 by Unrisk and Kemri.
“The ministry has analysed the agreements with regard to their conformity with the wages guidelines issued on August 29 1973 and the subsequent amendments especially the latest of November 23 2005. On the basis of the analysis, I have found no reason to object to the registration of the agreement. I therefore forward it to you for further action,” the report said.
Following the directive, the agreement was registered on October 17 2014 by Industrial Court Judge Justice JN Abuodha. The certificate reads: “This is to inform you that the court having duly considered the CBA entered into by you dated August 25 2014 has this day accepted the said CBA for registration in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Labour Relations Act No 14 of 2007.
A letter dated August 8 2014 signed by Commissioner Nicodemus Odongo of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission and addressed to Kemri director Solomon Mpoke approved a request for approval of realignment of salary structure for Kemri staff.
The letter reads: “The Salaries and Remuneration Commission during its 75th commission meeting held on July 21 2014 deliberated on your request approved and hereby advises that Kemri adopts the remuneration structure as shown”.
In the new approved rates, the lowest paid staff will take home a basic salary of Sh14,944 while the highest paid will take home Sh400,000. Unrisk’s Achacha has vowed to continue fighting for the rights of the Kemri staff and other union members. Unrisk also represents staff from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kenya Trypanomiasis Research Institute, Kenya Forestry Research Institute and Kenya Sugar Research Foundation. Staff represented by UNRISK are known to have benefited a lot under the wise leadership of Achacha whom they describe as fearless unionist when it comes to fighting for the rights of UNRISK members. They say members have gained in terms of general wage increment, termination of employment, non-practice allowance, insurance against accidents and periodical medical check up.
Unlike many trade unions which rely heavily on hiring lawyers to argue their cases at the Industrial Court, Achacha in most cases makes personal appearance in court as he understands union law and worker’s rights that he rarely hires lawyers to represent union but interestingly, he has always won court battles without legal representation.
MUMIAS BIZMAN TO SUE POLICE FOR IMPOUNDING SUGAR FROM UGANDA
A prominent businessman who claims that he incurred losses amounting to Sh5 million has threatened to sue police officers at Mumias Police Station who allegedly confined his sugar illegally for 10 days making him to incur the loss.
The businessman, a one Essendi said that police impounded three trucks which were transporting sugar which he had imported from Kakira Sugar Factory in Uganda while on the way to Nairobi.
Essendi who is the director of Northcort Company said that he will sue the police officers who impounded the trucks and confined them at the station despite having proper documents which had been verified by Kenya Revenue Authority and KEBs officers at Busia border
point.
He was speaking to Weekly Citizen in Mumias after the three trucks were released from Mumias police station and allowed to proceed to Nairobi with the sugar that had been impounded on allegation that it was being smuggled into the country.
“I am going to sue the police officers who confined my trucks illegally for the last 10 days making me to incur a loss of Sh5 million,” Essendi said.
He said that the three trucks were transporting 420 bags of brown sugar from Uganda when they were impounded by police officers at Shibale and taken to Mumias Police Station.
He said that he had been given permit by Kenya Sugar Board to import brown sugar from Kakira in Uganda for one year.
Essendi showed the press a letter which he had been issued from KSB which was dated November 21 2014 instructing Mumias police boss to release the impounded trucks immediately because it had been imported legally and not smuggled into the country.
The letter was signed by R Mkok who is the head of Kenya Sugar Board and was also copied to cabinet secretary state department of agriculture, ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The director said that Uganda government was forced to intervene when it learnt that his sugar which he had imported from Kakira factory had been detained by police officers at Mumias Police Station.
“Uganda government intervened immediately when it learnt that my trucks which were transporting brown sugar imported from Kakira had been impounded and detained at Mumias Police Station,” Essendi said.
He said that the Kenyan High Commissioner in Uganda took over the matter first making the trucks to be released immediately last weekend and President Yoweri Museveni castigated KRA officials for allegedly blockading Uganda sugar to Kenya. “We buy a lot of goods from Kenya. Some of those Kenyan officials are narrow-minded. Now they have blockaded our sugar. Now they have gone for our chicken,” Sunday Monitor quoted Museveni as saying on November 29 in Kampala.
Essendi said that samples of the sugar were taken to Kisumu by KEBs officers where it was confirmed that the sugar was fit for human consumption.
He said Uganda officials from the trade ministry and their Kenya counterparts held a joint meeting on the two sides of Malaba border where it was revealed that Kenyan police officers were hampering free movement of goods and people within East African Community states.
Essendi said that Kenyan police officers were acting like KRA officers by trying to verify documents of transit trucks which they were not conversant with instead of doing their security job.
“Kenyan police officers were ignorant about the new law of KEBs regulation which states that goods are only stamped once from the country of origin and is only verified before being allowed to proceed within the EAC member states,” Essendi said.
He said that a total of 800,000 tonnes of sugar is produced in the country annually which was not enough, making the country to have a deficit of 300,000 tonnes to be imported by different appointed companies and businessmen.
Mumias police boss Mohammed Farah confirmed that the trucks were detained at the station pending official reports from KEBs who had taken sugar samples for analysis.
Farah said that police suspected that the sugar was being smuggled into the country illegally but they had no intention of detaining the trucks.
He said that the trucks were released when results from KEBs confirmed that the sugar was fit for human consumption.
The businessman, a one Essendi said that police impounded three trucks which were transporting sugar which he had imported from Kakira Sugar Factory in Uganda while on the way to Nairobi.
Essendi who is the director of Northcort Company said that he will sue the police officers who impounded the trucks and confined them at the station despite having proper documents which had been verified by Kenya Revenue Authority and KEBs officers at Busia border
point.
He was speaking to Weekly Citizen in Mumias after the three trucks were released from Mumias police station and allowed to proceed to Nairobi with the sugar that had been impounded on allegation that it was being smuggled into the country.
“I am going to sue the police officers who confined my trucks illegally for the last 10 days making me to incur a loss of Sh5 million,” Essendi said.
He said that the three trucks were transporting 420 bags of brown sugar from Uganda when they were impounded by police officers at Shibale and taken to Mumias Police Station.
He said that he had been given permit by Kenya Sugar Board to import brown sugar from Kakira in Uganda for one year.
Essendi showed the press a letter which he had been issued from KSB which was dated November 21 2014 instructing Mumias police boss to release the impounded trucks immediately because it had been imported legally and not smuggled into the country.
The letter was signed by R Mkok who is the head of Kenya Sugar Board and was also copied to cabinet secretary state department of agriculture, ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The director said that Uganda government was forced to intervene when it learnt that his sugar which he had imported from Kakira factory had been detained by police officers at Mumias Police Station.
“Uganda government intervened immediately when it learnt that my trucks which were transporting brown sugar imported from Kakira had been impounded and detained at Mumias Police Station,” Essendi said.
He said that the Kenyan High Commissioner in Uganda took over the matter first making the trucks to be released immediately last weekend and President Yoweri Museveni castigated KRA officials for allegedly blockading Uganda sugar to Kenya. “We buy a lot of goods from Kenya. Some of those Kenyan officials are narrow-minded. Now they have blockaded our sugar. Now they have gone for our chicken,” Sunday Monitor quoted Museveni as saying on November 29 in Kampala.
Essendi said that samples of the sugar were taken to Kisumu by KEBs officers where it was confirmed that the sugar was fit for human consumption.
He said Uganda officials from the trade ministry and their Kenya counterparts held a joint meeting on the two sides of Malaba border where it was revealed that Kenyan police officers were hampering free movement of goods and people within East African Community states.
Essendi said that Kenyan police officers were acting like KRA officers by trying to verify documents of transit trucks which they were not conversant with instead of doing their security job.
“Kenyan police officers were ignorant about the new law of KEBs regulation which states that goods are only stamped once from the country of origin and is only verified before being allowed to proceed within the EAC member states,” Essendi said.
He said that a total of 800,000 tonnes of sugar is produced in the country annually which was not enough, making the country to have a deficit of 300,000 tonnes to be imported by different appointed companies and businessmen.
Mumias police boss Mohammed Farah confirmed that the trucks were detained at the station pending official reports from KEBs who had taken sugar samples for analysis.
Farah said that police suspected that the sugar was being smuggled into the country illegally but they had no intention of detaining the trucks.
He said that the trucks were released when results from KEBs confirmed that the sugar was fit for human consumption.
BRIBERY CLAIMS IN LOOMING MULTI-BILLION COAL TENDER AWARD
The government’s announcement that the ministry of Energy will announce in March 2015 the firms selected for the concession of the Mui Basin Coal Block A, Zombe-Kabati and Coal Block B Mutitu-Itiku has raised eyebrows.
Bribery claims have emerged with top firms said to be reaching out to top Energy ministry officials to compromise them to have them selected for the mining rights.
Word spreading within the corridors of the ministry now says that top managers of the three firms already pre-qualified for the job have been sending emissaries to the ministry officials where it is claimed huge amounts of money have exchanged hands.
Investigations now reveal that the future of a planned coal mining project worth more than Sh8.5 billion in Kitui county now hangs in the balance following opposition by local leaders and a court suit.
Some leaders from the county now want Mui Basin coal mining project stopped over allegations of impropriety and corruption. The Law Society of Kenya is also said to have joined the war and is threatening to go to court to block the signing of an investment agreement between the government and a Chinese investor.
Emerging details, they said, suggest that Fenxi Industry Mining Group could have been a “proxy”. It is claimed that the said Chinese company, Fenxi Industry Mining Group, did not exist in China or in Kenya.
It is alleged that the company is a briefcase one being pushed by a clique of powerful individuals in politics and business circles angling for the deal at the expense of the project and the people of Kitui county.
Back to the shortlisted companies, it is suspected that managers of Transcentury Investments Ltd, Liketh Investment Kenya Ltd and Northeast Electric Power Engineering Corporation have open the zips of their wallets and could be the company which offers the biggest bribe that is likely to win the tender.
What has made the competition tight and the bribery mark higher is the requirement that the shortlisted companies must show proof of ability to raise investment funds in excess of Sh17.6 billion.
Another requirement is that the prospective investor must demonstrate their technical capability and a history of coal mining projects of similar nature in at least three developing countries.
The eligibility criteria were contained in an advertisement placed by the ministry of Energy in the dailies that invited bids from international companies.
“Those interested will have to prove ability to raise funds in excess of Sh17.6 billion in current exchange rates for the projects and a clear demonstration of effective environmental preservation,” the tender notice read.
According to well-placed sources, the three firms will then be invited to give proposals for exploiting the controversial Mui Coal Mines in Kitui. The Mui Basin Coal block includes two blocks comprising of the Zombe-Kabati block and Mutitu-Itiku block.
The winner among the three will join China’s Fenxi Mining Company that is working coal Blocks C and D.
Reports from the ministry indicate that the Mui Basin has an estimated one billion tonnes of coal, valued at $75 billion, and which can produce 5,000MW of electricity.
The move by the government to concession the coal blocks A and B accelerates Kenya’s vision of being a coal producer, after the mining contract for the first coal blocks C and D were awarded three years ago to Chinese investors Fenxi Mining Company.
The basin has been subdivided into Zombe, Kabati, Itiko, Mutito, Yoonye, Kateiko, Isekele and Karunga sub-basins. The later four basins fall under Block C and D.
The government’s decision to concession blocks A and B will see two mining companies involved in extracting the resource simultaneously.
Blocks C and D were awarded three years ago to Fenxi Mining Company of China.
As the lobbying for the mining job continues with stakes rising higher by day, it has also emerged that a Kenyan tycoon has been spending sleepless nights as he plots on how to harvest the expected windfall in the estimated Sh3.4 trillion worth of coal deposits.
Sources say the billionaire is a major shareholder in a local bank joined the rush through a consortium through a Chinese Mining Company and is dealing through his company known as Great Lakes Corporation.
The billionaire now becomes the second Kenyan to place his bet on Kenya’s newfound mineral treasure after investor Chris Kirubi whose firm Centum Investment Ltd was awarded a tender to build a Sh300 billion coal power generating plant in Lamu county.
But even as wealthy businessmen prepare to pay hefty kickbacks to the ministry officials to be considered for the job, sources now say local residents are up in arms as issues such as displacement, resettlement and compensations have never been resolved.
Pressure is now mounting on local politicians and religious leaders from the affected communities to ensure that before the deal is signed, they must ensure a clause that any foreign company involved in the coal mining and coal power generation should have a local subsidiary owning at least 30pc stake.
It is now emerging that the tycoon who is also in the banking business had struck a deal with Fenxi Company but at the initial stages, it was discovered that the tycoon does not have any business or family in Kitui county and the deal was cancelled. Locals claimed that with no family or business in Kitui, the tycoon may not feel compelled to invest in a manner that will benefit residents. Apart from the tycoon, the other directors of the Great Lakes Company are George Kiriithi as the CEO.
The issue of how the locals will benefit together with the compensation has raised tension within Kitui county and sources now say that Energy cabinet secretary Davis Chirchir is expected to meet Kitui leaders and the Mui Basin Community Liaison Committee to discuss the formation of the land compensation and resettlement committee among other key issues.
Surprisingly, not many Kenyans are aware that Kitui country has huge deposits of coal that can produce thousands of megawatts of power and change the economy forever.
According to official reports, the Mui basin has an estimated one billion tonnes of coal, valued at Sh6.9 trillion, and which can produce 5,000MW of electricity. Coal exploration activities in the county started in 1996 when the ministry subdivided the 500km2 Mui basin into four blocks as designated Block A (Zombe-Kabati, covering 121.5 km2); Block B (Mutitu–Itiko, covering 117.5 km2); Block C (Kateiko–Yoonye, covering 131.5 km2 ; and Block D (Karunga–Isekele, covering an area of 120 km2).
Blocks C and D alone can produce 2,000MW of electricity, according to people familiar with the matter. In February, the national government advertised a power plant to be located in the region, adding fires to the scramble for coal in Kitui, which is expected to climax with real exploitation in the next few years. This will position the county as Kenya’s mining hub.
Kitui has more than its share of minerals, estimated at 14. Huge deposits of various valuable minerals include limestone, iron ore, graphite, gypsum, quartz, granite and copper. According to geological reports by the commissioner of mines, the wide variety of mineral resources places Kitui in the league of Goma and Kinshasa, the mineral rich regions of DR Congo.
Once the real mining starts, there will be other benefits, including royalty fees, to be shared between the national and county governments and the local community, in a formula to be determined in the proposed mining Bill. But the investors will get 76.4pc of the proceeds to recover their input. The government will acquire 11pc stake in the company.
The ministry of Energy and Petroleum has enhanced public sensitisation on coal in Kitui. The ministry team has been stressing the importance of supporting the project as it is expected to provide Kenya with reliable and cheaper electricity leading to increased investment.
The use of coal for domestic purposes will reduce the country’s over-reliance on wood fuels, which in effect will help in the conservation of our forests,” the ministry says in a communiqué posted on its website.
Coal energy comes with many advantages. Its gestation period is less than five years compared to seven years for geothermal and 20 years for nuclear. There are also minimal risks to the environment from the use of coal since modern mining is undertaken using the clean coal technology, which ensures that sulphur and carbon dioxide are safely secured. Mining and utilisation of coal is expected to create employment while businesses will thrive.
As per the land Act, mineral resources belong to the national government. However, it is proposed that revenue accrued from mining and processing of these minerals should be shared out on an 80-15pc for the national government, the county government and the local community respectively. In addition, the government is out to ensure fair and adequate compensation for those to be resettled by compensating them for the land and any developments on it.
The coal project has been dogged by controversies since the concession was awarded two years ago with numerous court cases filed by the local community demanding to be involved in negotiations.
Bribery claims have emerged with top firms said to be reaching out to top Energy ministry officials to compromise them to have them selected for the mining rights.
Word spreading within the corridors of the ministry now says that top managers of the three firms already pre-qualified for the job have been sending emissaries to the ministry officials where it is claimed huge amounts of money have exchanged hands.
Investigations now reveal that the future of a planned coal mining project worth more than Sh8.5 billion in Kitui county now hangs in the balance following opposition by local leaders and a court suit.
Some leaders from the county now want Mui Basin coal mining project stopped over allegations of impropriety and corruption. The Law Society of Kenya is also said to have joined the war and is threatening to go to court to block the signing of an investment agreement between the government and a Chinese investor.
Emerging details, they said, suggest that Fenxi Industry Mining Group could have been a “proxy”. It is claimed that the said Chinese company, Fenxi Industry Mining Group, did not exist in China or in Kenya.
It is alleged that the company is a briefcase one being pushed by a clique of powerful individuals in politics and business circles angling for the deal at the expense of the project and the people of Kitui county.
Back to the shortlisted companies, it is suspected that managers of Transcentury Investments Ltd, Liketh Investment Kenya Ltd and Northeast Electric Power Engineering Corporation have open the zips of their wallets and could be the company which offers the biggest bribe that is likely to win the tender.
What has made the competition tight and the bribery mark higher is the requirement that the shortlisted companies must show proof of ability to raise investment funds in excess of Sh17.6 billion.
Another requirement is that the prospective investor must demonstrate their technical capability and a history of coal mining projects of similar nature in at least three developing countries.
The eligibility criteria were contained in an advertisement placed by the ministry of Energy in the dailies that invited bids from international companies.
“Those interested will have to prove ability to raise funds in excess of Sh17.6 billion in current exchange rates for the projects and a clear demonstration of effective environmental preservation,” the tender notice read.
According to well-placed sources, the three firms will then be invited to give proposals for exploiting the controversial Mui Coal Mines in Kitui. The Mui Basin Coal block includes two blocks comprising of the Zombe-Kabati block and Mutitu-Itiku block.
The winner among the three will join China’s Fenxi Mining Company that is working coal Blocks C and D.
Reports from the ministry indicate that the Mui Basin has an estimated one billion tonnes of coal, valued at $75 billion, and which can produce 5,000MW of electricity.
The move by the government to concession the coal blocks A and B accelerates Kenya’s vision of being a coal producer, after the mining contract for the first coal blocks C and D were awarded three years ago to Chinese investors Fenxi Mining Company.
The basin has been subdivided into Zombe, Kabati, Itiko, Mutito, Yoonye, Kateiko, Isekele and Karunga sub-basins. The later four basins fall under Block C and D.
The government’s decision to concession blocks A and B will see two mining companies involved in extracting the resource simultaneously.
Blocks C and D were awarded three years ago to Fenxi Mining Company of China.
As the lobbying for the mining job continues with stakes rising higher by day, it has also emerged that a Kenyan tycoon has been spending sleepless nights as he plots on how to harvest the expected windfall in the estimated Sh3.4 trillion worth of coal deposits.
Sources say the billionaire is a major shareholder in a local bank joined the rush through a consortium through a Chinese Mining Company and is dealing through his company known as Great Lakes Corporation.
The billionaire now becomes the second Kenyan to place his bet on Kenya’s newfound mineral treasure after investor Chris Kirubi whose firm Centum Investment Ltd was awarded a tender to build a Sh300 billion coal power generating plant in Lamu county.
But even as wealthy businessmen prepare to pay hefty kickbacks to the ministry officials to be considered for the job, sources now say local residents are up in arms as issues such as displacement, resettlement and compensations have never been resolved.
Pressure is now mounting on local politicians and religious leaders from the affected communities to ensure that before the deal is signed, they must ensure a clause that any foreign company involved in the coal mining and coal power generation should have a local subsidiary owning at least 30pc stake.
It is now emerging that the tycoon who is also in the banking business had struck a deal with Fenxi Company but at the initial stages, it was discovered that the tycoon does not have any business or family in Kitui county and the deal was cancelled. Locals claimed that with no family or business in Kitui, the tycoon may not feel compelled to invest in a manner that will benefit residents. Apart from the tycoon, the other directors of the Great Lakes Company are George Kiriithi as the CEO.
The issue of how the locals will benefit together with the compensation has raised tension within Kitui county and sources now say that Energy cabinet secretary Davis Chirchir is expected to meet Kitui leaders and the Mui Basin Community Liaison Committee to discuss the formation of the land compensation and resettlement committee among other key issues.
Surprisingly, not many Kenyans are aware that Kitui country has huge deposits of coal that can produce thousands of megawatts of power and change the economy forever.
According to official reports, the Mui basin has an estimated one billion tonnes of coal, valued at Sh6.9 trillion, and which can produce 5,000MW of electricity. Coal exploration activities in the county started in 1996 when the ministry subdivided the 500km2 Mui basin into four blocks as designated Block A (Zombe-Kabati, covering 121.5 km2); Block B (Mutitu–Itiko, covering 117.5 km2); Block C (Kateiko–Yoonye, covering 131.5 km2 ; and Block D (Karunga–Isekele, covering an area of 120 km2).
Blocks C and D alone can produce 2,000MW of electricity, according to people familiar with the matter. In February, the national government advertised a power plant to be located in the region, adding fires to the scramble for coal in Kitui, which is expected to climax with real exploitation in the next few years. This will position the county as Kenya’s mining hub.
Kitui has more than its share of minerals, estimated at 14. Huge deposits of various valuable minerals include limestone, iron ore, graphite, gypsum, quartz, granite and copper. According to geological reports by the commissioner of mines, the wide variety of mineral resources places Kitui in the league of Goma and Kinshasa, the mineral rich regions of DR Congo.
Once the real mining starts, there will be other benefits, including royalty fees, to be shared between the national and county governments and the local community, in a formula to be determined in the proposed mining Bill. But the investors will get 76.4pc of the proceeds to recover their input. The government will acquire 11pc stake in the company.
The ministry of Energy and Petroleum has enhanced public sensitisation on coal in Kitui. The ministry team has been stressing the importance of supporting the project as it is expected to provide Kenya with reliable and cheaper electricity leading to increased investment.
The use of coal for domestic purposes will reduce the country’s over-reliance on wood fuels, which in effect will help in the conservation of our forests,” the ministry says in a communiqué posted on its website.
Coal energy comes with many advantages. Its gestation period is less than five years compared to seven years for geothermal and 20 years for nuclear. There are also minimal risks to the environment from the use of coal since modern mining is undertaken using the clean coal technology, which ensures that sulphur and carbon dioxide are safely secured. Mining and utilisation of coal is expected to create employment while businesses will thrive.
As per the land Act, mineral resources belong to the national government. However, it is proposed that revenue accrued from mining and processing of these minerals should be shared out on an 80-15pc for the national government, the county government and the local community respectively. In addition, the government is out to ensure fair and adequate compensation for those to be resettled by compensating them for the land and any developments on it.
The coal project has been dogged by controversies since the concession was awarded two years ago with numerous court cases filed by the local community demanding to be involved in negotiations.
VIOLENCE REACHES NEW LEVELS IN BARINGO AS EX-SOLDIER, SON KILLED
Four chiefs from Baringo county have been summoned by the Baringo county commissioner Peter Okwanyo to shed light following the brutal murder of a former Kenya Defence Forces soldier and his son.
According to police report, Peter Kokoon and his son were shot dead on Sunday afternoon as they drove to his farm house in Mochongoi. The attackers later set the car ablaze with the bodies inside. However, the killers spared Kokoon’s daughter Valentine who took off and reported the grisly incident to the police.
Other sources say intelligence reports revealed that Kokoon, who at one time represented Kenya in Commonwealth Games, was ambushed at Arabal area by heavily armed bandits who attacked him before setting his vehicle on fire. It is suspected the bandits are targeting retired military and police officers.
It is further alleged that military officers and police officers from a certain community were being targeted on suspicion they mastermind cattle rustling in Baringo county. Local residents now demand that the government intelligence machinery should now trace the political inciters from both the communities and arrest them because they are the ones behind the attacks.
Already, tension is high in the area following the killings at Kasiela village and residents are said to be threatening to take the law into their own hands should the government fail to bring the killers to book.
Following the killings, residents are fleeing the area and more so, after rumours spread that the Pokot were planning a retaliatory attack for the killing of the ex-military officer.
Political and religious leaders led by Baringo North MP William Cheptumo have condemned the killings and urged the national government to step up security in Baringo North, Tiaty and Baringo South sub counties.
Baringo women’s representative Grace Kiptui also urged the national government to protect the lives and property of its citizens and step up security patrols in Baringo county and in particular, Arabal area where worried residents have fled their homes for fear of more attacks.
The killing of the ex-military man and his son comes barely a week after a Pokot community elder at Kasiela area in Baringo county was killed.
According to police report, Peter Kokoon and his son were shot dead on Sunday afternoon as they drove to his farm house in Mochongoi. The attackers later set the car ablaze with the bodies inside. However, the killers spared Kokoon’s daughter Valentine who took off and reported the grisly incident to the police.
Other sources say intelligence reports revealed that Kokoon, who at one time represented Kenya in Commonwealth Games, was ambushed at Arabal area by heavily armed bandits who attacked him before setting his vehicle on fire. It is suspected the bandits are targeting retired military and police officers.
It is further alleged that military officers and police officers from a certain community were being targeted on suspicion they mastermind cattle rustling in Baringo county. Local residents now demand that the government intelligence machinery should now trace the political inciters from both the communities and arrest them because they are the ones behind the attacks.
Already, tension is high in the area following the killings at Kasiela village and residents are said to be threatening to take the law into their own hands should the government fail to bring the killers to book.
Following the killings, residents are fleeing the area and more so, after rumours spread that the Pokot were planning a retaliatory attack for the killing of the ex-military officer.
Political and religious leaders led by Baringo North MP William Cheptumo have condemned the killings and urged the national government to step up security in Baringo North, Tiaty and Baringo South sub counties.
Baringo women’s representative Grace Kiptui also urged the national government to protect the lives and property of its citizens and step up security patrols in Baringo county and in particular, Arabal area where worried residents have fled their homes for fear of more attacks.
The killing of the ex-military man and his son comes barely a week after a Pokot community elder at Kasiela area in Baringo county was killed.
WILL KABOGO SURVIVE WELL ORCHESTRATED OUSTER PLOT
Kiambu governor William Kabogo might not be out of the woods yet despite a court order barring the Kiambu MCAs from introducing an impeachment motion against him. Kabogo is being accused of gross misconduct and abuse of office and failing to heed summonses from the senate to appear before it to explain the county government’s expenditure.
It has now emerged that some MCAs have again retreated to the drawing board to scheme afresh on a plan B to nail Kabogo. Sources say some MCAs are of the view that their only option is to go back to court to challenge a ruling which barred them from discussing the censure motion. Limuru Central rep Joseph Murungami has moved to High Court accusing the speaker of being biased in his rejection of the motion he had put on the floor.
Murungami met Kiambu senator Wamatangi for hours with three lawyers before filing the suit. Their plan B according one of the MCAs who did not wish to be named is to eject Kabogo through the courts and other constitutional avenues should their plan to oust him through the assembly come a cropper.
Last week, the MCAs were ready to discuss the impeachment motion but speaker Gathii Irungu ruled that the motion could not proceed because it had not attained the required threshold after five members claimed their signatures supporting the governor’s ouster had been forged.
It is said MCAs friendly to Kabogo have been playing hide and seek with their counterparts who have been pushing for Kabogo’s ouster by forcing technicalities such as lack of quorum.
According to sources, 30 MCAs had signed for the motion but five withdrew, which means the motion could not be tabled for debate because 29 are required to support it. The team that is pushing for impeachment is led by Murungami and Ngewa rep Karungo Thangwa.
The pro-Kabogo camp though the minority, are also said to be burning the mid-night oil and are not taking anything for granted on how to save Kabogo. Their game plan is to frustrate the assembly by denying it the quorum and the minimum threshold for transacting business of the house that could see development projects approved.
The anti-Kabogo camp is also known to have vowed to push for his removal despite allegations that they have been getting unfair rulings in the assembly aimed at curtailing and frustrating their efforts. They now plan to have the ruling interpreted in a constitutional court and should the ruling be found unlawful, they will go on and impeach the speaker.
The anti-Kabogo team now claims that Kabogo has dished money to scuttle the motion. One MCA was heard shouting that “money has changed hands” to ensure their plan failed.
But majority leader Patrick Chege denied claims that the speaker and other members had been compromised to block the motion, saying it lacked the required threshold to get to the floor. He is also accused of being pro-Kabogo, a claim he has denied.
The impeachment comes on the heels of a 14-day notice the MCAs gave Kabogo to relocate the county headquarters from Thika back to Kiambu town which is the official gazetted county headquarters.
Some county projects according to the MCAs are also being probed by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. However, the Kiambu assembly majority leader Chege Wanjiru has dismissed the claims, accusing her colleagues of playing politics with the county headquarter issue.
Apart from the MCAs, some Kiambu MPs have also been working on a plot to impeach Kabogo. Led by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, some lawmakers are unhappy with Kabogo’s leadership style. Other anti-Kabogo MPs are Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Kigo Njenga (Gatundu North) and Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town).
The MPs claim that Kabogo has not initiated any development projects in the county despite receiving billions of shillings from the national government.
It has now emerged that some MCAs have again retreated to the drawing board to scheme afresh on a plan B to nail Kabogo. Sources say some MCAs are of the view that their only option is to go back to court to challenge a ruling which barred them from discussing the censure motion. Limuru Central rep Joseph Murungami has moved to High Court accusing the speaker of being biased in his rejection of the motion he had put on the floor.
Murungami met Kiambu senator Wamatangi for hours with three lawyers before filing the suit. Their plan B according one of the MCAs who did not wish to be named is to eject Kabogo through the courts and other constitutional avenues should their plan to oust him through the assembly come a cropper.
Last week, the MCAs were ready to discuss the impeachment motion but speaker Gathii Irungu ruled that the motion could not proceed because it had not attained the required threshold after five members claimed their signatures supporting the governor’s ouster had been forged.
It is said MCAs friendly to Kabogo have been playing hide and seek with their counterparts who have been pushing for Kabogo’s ouster by forcing technicalities such as lack of quorum.
According to sources, 30 MCAs had signed for the motion but five withdrew, which means the motion could not be tabled for debate because 29 are required to support it. The team that is pushing for impeachment is led by Murungami and Ngewa rep Karungo Thangwa.
The pro-Kabogo camp though the minority, are also said to be burning the mid-night oil and are not taking anything for granted on how to save Kabogo. Their game plan is to frustrate the assembly by denying it the quorum and the minimum threshold for transacting business of the house that could see development projects approved.
The anti-Kabogo camp is also known to have vowed to push for his removal despite allegations that they have been getting unfair rulings in the assembly aimed at curtailing and frustrating their efforts. They now plan to have the ruling interpreted in a constitutional court and should the ruling be found unlawful, they will go on and impeach the speaker.
The anti-Kabogo team now claims that Kabogo has dished money to scuttle the motion. One MCA was heard shouting that “money has changed hands” to ensure their plan failed.
But majority leader Patrick Chege denied claims that the speaker and other members had been compromised to block the motion, saying it lacked the required threshold to get to the floor. He is also accused of being pro-Kabogo, a claim he has denied.
The impeachment comes on the heels of a 14-day notice the MCAs gave Kabogo to relocate the county headquarters from Thika back to Kiambu town which is the official gazetted county headquarters.
Some county projects according to the MCAs are also being probed by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. However, the Kiambu assembly majority leader Chege Wanjiru has dismissed the claims, accusing her colleagues of playing politics with the county headquarter issue.
Apart from the MCAs, some Kiambu MPs have also been working on a plot to impeach Kabogo. Led by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, some lawmakers are unhappy with Kabogo’s leadership style. Other anti-Kabogo MPs are Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Kigo Njenga (Gatundu North) and Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town).
The MPs claim that Kabogo has not initiated any development projects in the county despite receiving billions of shillings from the national government.
BUNGOMA COFFEE FARMERS GET BETTER PRICES FROM UGANDAN BROKERS
Farmers in Bungoma West have resorted to selling their coffee produce to Uganda due to better prices offered by brokers compared to the amount they receive from the coffee factories.
According to the coordinator Job Butali people employed by coffee factories had lost jobs since factories within Sirisia and Mt Elgon constituencies remain closed as a result of farmers selling their coffee across the border for better returns.
“The county government should intervene and save the factories and the cooperative movement from total collapse by improving the prices offered,” said Butali.
He added that mass exodus by farmers from factories in the region has affected the strong cooperative movement established in the 1970s and equipment worth millions of shillings were being stolen at the factories by disgruntled and corrupt employees.
“The county minister for agriculture should do an audit of all factories and he will be shocked to find out that most parts of expensive machinery has been lost and is being sold cheaply to Uganda and to other unscrupulous dealers in Bungoma and Kitale towns,” said Butali.
Butali claimed that most farmers had resorted to sell coffee to Uganda since the crop fetches Sh100 per kg compared to a paltry Sh16 offered by the factories in the country.
He advised the county government to borrow a leaf from the county government of Nyeri that has partnered with investors from Europe to buy coffee from farmers at competitive prices.
“Farmers have suffered a lot under middlemen and corrupt cooperative officials thus the county government should not lag behind in getting donors that can offer better prices for coffee,” added Butali.
According to the coordinator Job Butali people employed by coffee factories had lost jobs since factories within Sirisia and Mt Elgon constituencies remain closed as a result of farmers selling their coffee across the border for better returns.
“The county government should intervene and save the factories and the cooperative movement from total collapse by improving the prices offered,” said Butali.
He added that mass exodus by farmers from factories in the region has affected the strong cooperative movement established in the 1970s and equipment worth millions of shillings were being stolen at the factories by disgruntled and corrupt employees.
“The county minister for agriculture should do an audit of all factories and he will be shocked to find out that most parts of expensive machinery has been lost and is being sold cheaply to Uganda and to other unscrupulous dealers in Bungoma and Kitale towns,” said Butali.
Butali claimed that most farmers had resorted to sell coffee to Uganda since the crop fetches Sh100 per kg compared to a paltry Sh16 offered by the factories in the country.
He advised the county government to borrow a leaf from the county government of Nyeri that has partnered with investors from Europe to buy coffee from farmers at competitive prices.
“Farmers have suffered a lot under middlemen and corrupt cooperative officials thus the county government should not lag behind in getting donors that can offer better prices for coffee,” added Butali.
KAKAMEGA COUNTY KNUT BOSS ACCUSED OF BEING MOLE
Teachers in Kakamega Central last week accused their chairman Tom Ingolo of being a Teachers Service Commission’s spy.
Speaking in Kakamega on return from the teachers’ conference held in Nairobi, a section of the teachers accused the official of indulging with one Maurine Munyasia, a TSC employee in Kakamega office.
“The closeness of the chairman and that lady leaves a lot to be desired because TSC appears to be having a lot of information on teachers in the county and we suspect Ingolo is behind all these issues of leakage,” said a Knut official.
They claimed the chairman and the married lady had been seen in social joints across the county swallowing hot spirits up to late in the night.
The officer who pleaded not to be named claimed discontent was brewing in the branch following actions lined up against teachers at TSC, a thing he said is not being handled by the branch officials despite being aware.
“So much is happening and teachers have been left defenceless because it appears the union that is supposed to protect them has its top officers cohabiting with TSC, the teachers’ employer and this is sad and teachers are concerned,” said the official.
The union official said it was sad that attempts to rein in on the chairman have borne no fruit as the branch secretary Ladan Wakhisi is always protecting him whenever matters come up for discussion.
Other teachers who spoke to the press claimed the TSC employee was also fond of asking for bribes from teachers whenever they have an emergency and that she has been hiding files of teachers seeking services and that could be dealt with had she not been involved with the chairman.
The teachers called on the branch secretary to quickly reorganise his office and bring to an end the discontent that is brewing.
Speaking in Kakamega on return from the teachers’ conference held in Nairobi, a section of the teachers accused the official of indulging with one Maurine Munyasia, a TSC employee in Kakamega office.
“The closeness of the chairman and that lady leaves a lot to be desired because TSC appears to be having a lot of information on teachers in the county and we suspect Ingolo is behind all these issues of leakage,” said a Knut official.
They claimed the chairman and the married lady had been seen in social joints across the county swallowing hot spirits up to late in the night.
The officer who pleaded not to be named claimed discontent was brewing in the branch following actions lined up against teachers at TSC, a thing he said is not being handled by the branch officials despite being aware.
“So much is happening and teachers have been left defenceless because it appears the union that is supposed to protect them has its top officers cohabiting with TSC, the teachers’ employer and this is sad and teachers are concerned,” said the official.
The union official said it was sad that attempts to rein in on the chairman have borne no fruit as the branch secretary Ladan Wakhisi is always protecting him whenever matters come up for discussion.
Other teachers who spoke to the press claimed the TSC employee was also fond of asking for bribes from teachers whenever they have an emergency and that she has been hiding files of teachers seeking services and that could be dealt with had she not been involved with the chairman.
The teachers called on the branch secretary to quickly reorganise his office and bring to an end the discontent that is brewing.
NYANDARUA POTATO FARMERS EXPLOITED IN KONGOWERA
A section of Mombasa residents who hail from Nyandarua county have protested the exploitation of farmers from their home county at the Kongowea wholesale market.
The residents led by Francis Kamau, the Coast chairman of Kenya Street Traders Association, have accused middlemen of buying Irish potatoes at a throw away prices from poor farmers in Nyandarua county and selling at exorbitant prices at Mombasa’s Kongowea wholesale market.
Speaking to Weekly Citizen in Mombasa, Kamau commended the Nyandaruqa county government for enacting a law to limit the packaging of the potatoes in 50kg bags instead of the 150 kg saying the move is the first step towards checkmating the cartels that have over the years exploited the hardworking farmers.
“These brokers have become millionaires overnight while our own brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers who toil in shambas every chilly morning to make ends meet continue to become poorer as a result of exploitation. This is unacceptable and I commend the Nyandarua governor Waithaka Mwangi for being sensitive to this issue that has gone for decades,” said Kamau.
He urged the Nyandarua county leaders to make a fact finding tour of the Kongowea market to witness how their people were being exploited. He suggested that the county government enters into a memorandum of understanding with Mombasa county to help streamline things for the peasant farmers.
The residents led by Francis Kamau, the Coast chairman of Kenya Street Traders Association, have accused middlemen of buying Irish potatoes at a throw away prices from poor farmers in Nyandarua county and selling at exorbitant prices at Mombasa’s Kongowea wholesale market.
Speaking to Weekly Citizen in Mombasa, Kamau commended the Nyandaruqa county government for enacting a law to limit the packaging of the potatoes in 50kg bags instead of the 150 kg saying the move is the first step towards checkmating the cartels that have over the years exploited the hardworking farmers.
“These brokers have become millionaires overnight while our own brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers who toil in shambas every chilly morning to make ends meet continue to become poorer as a result of exploitation. This is unacceptable and I commend the Nyandarua governor Waithaka Mwangi for being sensitive to this issue that has gone for decades,” said Kamau.
He urged the Nyandarua county leaders to make a fact finding tour of the Kongowea market to witness how their people were being exploited. He suggested that the county government enters into a memorandum of understanding with Mombasa county to help streamline things for the peasant farmers.
MATATU DRIVER STONED HIGH HIV INFECTIONS
A matatu driver with Travellers Choice Sacco was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital after he was reportedly hit with a stone thrown by a tout after the duo picked a quarrel at Kenol stage in Maragua of Murang’a county recently.
Andre Mwangi Karari, a father of one was at Kenol stage waiting for commuters to board his vehicle when the tout who was driving another matatu hit another one.
When Mwangi told the tout to be careful and that he was lucky not to have hit anyone, the tout shouted back at Mwangi and called him “Kihii” (uncircumcised boy) then a bitter exchange of words ensued.
The tout went for a huge stone and hit Mwangi on the back of the head sending him sprawling on the ground while bleeding profusely and in excruciating pain.
The victim who resides at Witeithie Estate in Thika was rushed to Sabasaba Hospital where he was given first aid. He was later referred to Thika Level Five Hospital.
He was later referred to Kenyatta National Referral Hospital for head scan. A family member said the scan showed the driver had suffered broken skull and would undergo a delicate head surgery.
Meanwhile, the tout is said to have also gone to Kabati Police Station in Murang’a where the matter had been reported to make his report in a bid to make it look like it was the victim who was wrong.
Andre Mwangi Karari, a father of one was at Kenol stage waiting for commuters to board his vehicle when the tout who was driving another matatu hit another one.
When Mwangi told the tout to be careful and that he was lucky not to have hit anyone, the tout shouted back at Mwangi and called him “Kihii” (uncircumcised boy) then a bitter exchange of words ensued.
The tout went for a huge stone and hit Mwangi on the back of the head sending him sprawling on the ground while bleeding profusely and in excruciating pain.
The victim who resides at Witeithie Estate in Thika was rushed to Sabasaba Hospital where he was given first aid. He was later referred to Thika Level Five Hospital.
He was later referred to Kenyatta National Referral Hospital for head scan. A family member said the scan showed the driver had suffered broken skull and would undergo a delicate head surgery.
Meanwhile, the tout is said to have also gone to Kabati Police Station in Murang’a where the matter had been reported to make his report in a bid to make it look like it was the victim who was wrong.
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