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  • Why Ruto is considering a handshake with Raila despite being against it

    Why Ruto is considering a handshake with Raila despite being against it

    Ruto is considering a handshake with Azimio leader Raila Odinga despite being against it according to his Chief Economic Advisor David Ndii.

    David Ndii, the chief economic advisor to President William Ruto, disclosed on Saturday, April 8, that the head of state was considering a handshake with Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga, despite having opposed the idea in the past. 

    Ndii claimed in a series of pronouncements that a handshake was feasible, particularly in light of Kenya’s economic situation. 

    He claimed that Ruto’s top priorities were a politically stable environment and a strong national economy that would benefit every link in the chain.

    “I have news for you. The first obligation of a government is survival and political stability. The more the dynasties foment destabilization, the more we will have to spend on political capital.  

    David Ndii was responding to concerned citizens who demanded answers on the state of the economy, especially, in the wake of delayed salaries for public servants and employees in parastatals. 

    “If push comes to shove, a handshake is always an option. How much do you think that will cost?” Ndii asked those who were trolling Ruto’s government. 

    As the chairman of the Presidential Council of Economic Advisors, he also defended the government’s wage bill regarding the appointment of 50 Cabinet Administrative Secretaries (CAS). 

    This is after Kenyans questioned President Ruto’s recent decisions to increase the number from 22 in President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime to 50 in his. 

    “Retrench the 50 CAS. Not needed. These are gifts to political supporters. Rutos does not need them for re-election. They are only 50 votes. 

    “(Prime CS Musalia) Mudavadi’s wife does not need an office, (duties) that line ministries can take. Austerity savings does not mean expanding govt,” a concerned citizen, Francis Hunt, responded to Ndii. 

    In Ruto’s defence, Ndii claimed that the 50 CASs salaries and allowances did not constitute a significant part of the national wage bill. 

    Raila had earlier demanded the government revisit the 2008 National Accord which birthed the 2010 Grand Coalition Government. The former Prime Minister argued that a bipartisan approach via Parliament would not address the key issues facing the country.

    Kenyans also demanded answers over reports that salaries for public servants had adversely been delayed across all government departments.

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    Some Kenyans found offence in Ndii’s insinuation that President Ruto had to choose between serving the loans acquired by the previous regime or paying the salaries. 

    The Economic Advisor claimed that the government was financially constrained at a time when there was a need for proper structural adjustments.  

    “Is public finance that difficult? It’s reported every other day, debt service is consuming 60 percent of revenue. Liquidity crunches come with the territory. 

    “When maturities bunch up, or revenue falls short, or markets shift, something has to give. Salaries or default? Take your pick,” Ndii stated. 

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  • Government lifts ban on maize growing in forests

    Government lifts ban on maize growing in forests

    Government lifts ban on maize growing in forests through Plantation Livelihood Improvement Scheme (Pelis) plots.

    The government of Kenya has lifted the ban on the growth of maize in forests.

    Chief Conservator of Forests Alexander Lemarkoko issued a circular on April 6, 2023, to Regional Forest Conservators, County Forest Conservators, and Forest Station Managers, instructing them to permit farmers to grow annual crops, including maize, in Plantation Livelihood Improvement Scheme (Pelis) plots.

    Sections 48 and 49 of the Forest Management and Conservation Act of 2016 contain the Pelis incentive system, which enables people that are near forests to use those areas for growing food crops while promoting the establishment of new forests.

    The cultivation of corn was prohibited, and only low-cover crops like kale, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes were permitted by the community.

    This is due to the fast-growth nature of maize which suppressed the growth of the tree seedlings in some areas, especially in the first year.

    “You are hereby notified that annual crops such as maize may be allowed in Pelis plots within forest plantation areas,” the circular read.

    This comes after the state Department of Forestry principal secretary Ephantus Kimotho last month promised farmers near forests that government would allow them to farm in forests.

    He said major forests have seen trees growing as a result of being taken care of by the communities who work closely with the KFS.

    “We cannot underrate the role the Pelis has played. We know it has helped in reforestation, protection, and conservation of forests” he said.

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    The PELIS system is not entirely a new concept as it was formerly referred to as the Shamba system before being rebranded.

    The portions are subdivided through a balloting method among the CFA members.

    Once a CFA member has been given a portion, they are required to pay an annual commitment fee depending on the portion of land owned by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

    A quarter an acre costs Sh250 which is paid once every year until the trees grow.

    An agreement between the farmer and KFS specifies what they are and are not allowed to do in relation to their activities on the forest area. 

    This also entails the use of some chemicals, such as specific herbicides, which when sprayed may kill the tree when it is still a young tree.

    Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences for breaking the agreement include being forced to leave the forestland, losing the portion assigned to someone else, and losing the member’s eligibility for future allocations.

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  • Kikuyu elders move to reconcile Raila and Gachagua

    Kikuyu elders move to reconcile Raila and Gachagua

    Kikuyu Council of Elders move to reconcile Raila and Gachagua following their negative utterances against each other.

    The effort to reconcile Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Azimio leader Raila Odinga has been initiated by the Kikuyu Council of Elders.

    Recently, Gachagua accused Raila of instigating Kenyans by urging nationwide protests, while the leader of the ODM branded the DP as a hardliner in pushing for talks aimed at bringing the nation together.

    Speaking on Friday, the council chairman Wachira Kiago said that they have initiated the process to reconcile the two for national unity.

    Even though he urged the church and elected officials to bring the community together and ensure that everyone fulfills their various tasks, he emphasized that unity is essential for the growth and development of the nation.

    Wachira urged both the Azimio team and the Kenya Kwanza to embrace each other and strike out effective working formulae.

    “Rigathi Gachagua is our leader and our son from the mountain and we will reach out to him to strike peace with Odinga for the sake of the country,” he said.

    During the last general election, the Kikuyu Council of Elders supported Raila’s quest for the presidency but lost to Gachagua and President William Ruto.

    He said the unity and peace accord is aimed to heal the country from the last general election where Kenyans were divided along political lines.

    The Azimio leader, who spoke to the nation on Tuesday, claimed that President Ruto and his allies had invented the idea of a “handshake,” stressing that his call for protests is intended to pressure the government to keep its election-related pledges.

    “We have never discussed the ‘handshake’. This is the language that is coming from the other side. They are the ones who have been saying that these people want a ‘handshake’ and a sharing of the cake. Take it to Mr. Gachagua, I do not even want to shake his hands,” Raila said. 

    Speaking at an oil consecration ceremony in Kiambu county on Thursday, the DP said that he did not want to shake Raila’s hand either and that his people did not want a ‘handshake’.

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    Gachagua said that he won’t be part of any negotiation with the Azimio leader and warned Ruto of any such move.

     “Those individuals should let me be. I am not a hardliner; I am merely voicing the desires of my superiors. My constituents do not desire a ‘handshake’ – or do you?”

    President Ruto has said that he will not have a ‘handshake’ with the opposition, saying that waters down democracy.

    The head of state said a bipartisan approach on the matter through Parliament would, however, be sufficient to address the areas of concern.

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  • Stop abusive language against Raila, Ruto ally tells Kwanza Leaders

    Stop abusive language against Raila, Ruto ally tells Kwanza Leaders

    Ruto ally and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri tells Kenya Kwanza leaders to Stop using abusive language against Raila Odinga.

    Laikipia East MP and leader of The Service Party (TSP) Mwangi Kiunjuri has urged Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Party rivals to act with decorum and sobriety ahead of peace talks.

    The MP lent his support to efforts to forge a bipartisan discussion between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, and he even suggested that the newly established committee look beyond concerns made by the opposition and consider revising Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. 

    Speaking in Laikipia on Thursday, April 6, Kiunjuri dissuaded the political disputes between the two factions’ leaders, saying they were unhelpful for solving the actual problems that Kenyans were facing. 

    He was categorical that Raila and his supporters had done well to stop mass action and agree to sit on the table and Kenya Kwanza leaders needed to reciprocate by stopping their verbal slurs against the Opposition. 

    “We have all agreed that is why we want to have this conversation. I urge Raila to get out of the streets and stop wearing sufurias and throwing stones come on the table. 

    “Those of us in Kenya Kwanza must stop abusing Raila and Azimio so that we can address the real issues facing Kenyans. So far no one can chest thump that they have more numbers than others,” Kiunjuri stated. 

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    The MP who served as a Cabinet Secretary in former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime said that the discussion which needed prioritisation was how well Kenyans are represented and their issues solved, not political supremacy battles. 

    “There is no room for chest thumping about who is superior to the other. We have done our calculations and it is clear that Kenya has 7.8 million unrepresented voters, seven million Opposition voters and and 7.1 million voters who voted for the current regime. There is no one who can brag that they have the superior numbers thus Kenyans come first,” Kiunjuri said. 

    This comes at the back of Raila, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and host of Kenya Kwanza ieaders having taken on each other in verbal battles over an anticipated handshake arrangement. 

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  • Ex-KDF officers warn Ruto of bipartisan talks with Raila

    Ex-KDF officers warn Ruto of bipartisan talks with Raila

    Ex-KDF expresses reservations on the bipartisan talks warning President Ruto against agreeing to a handshake with Raila Odinga.

    On Thursday, April 6, retired Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldiers pressed President William Ruto to refuse a handshake proposal at their bipartisan discussions with the Azimio La Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga.

    The Ex-KDF soldiers all agreed, drawing on their military background, that a handshake was not good for the nation.

    “We advise that hardline stances are not healthy, if they take root at a time like this, they will bring turbulence and increase political temperatures. 

    “We support the bipartisan approach but we do not support a handshake. Handshake, in our experience as retired soldiers, is a poison to any democracy,” they noted in a statement.

    They consequently urged the President to oppose any efforts to create a “handshake” government and pushed the opposition to back off from making demands akin to a “handshake.” 

    The group asserts that Azimio La Umoja is adamant about creating a “handshake” administration.

    A handshake deal hinders multiparty democracy, the soldiers continued, and it is not permitted by the Constitution.

    This brings to mind the infamous handshake on March 9, 2018, between former leaders Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta.

    As a result, the Orange Democratic Movement, led by Raila, and the ruling Jubilee Party, led by Uhuru, collaborated.

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    Additionally, it caused tension between President Uhuru and his deputy William William Ruto.

    The soldiers also advocated for peace after serving in war-torn countries while conducting peace-keeping missions as part of the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) peace-keeping missions.

    Founded in 2008 following a government resolution and approval, Kenya Veterans for Peace is made up of retired KDF soldiers or those who have resigned on compassionate grounds.

    In 2022, former President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Kenya Defence Forces Military Veteran Act of 2022 into law.

    The law caters to the well-being of KDF veterans by providing resources to help them reintegrate back into civilian life.

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  • Azimio demands an inquiry into the financial crisis as civil servants miss salaries

    Azimio demands an inquiry into the financial crisis as civil servants miss salaries

    Azimio coalition now wants an inquiry into the country’s financial situation delays by the government in paying civil servants, among them MPs.

    The Opposition has called for a probe into the Kenya Revenue Authority following delays by the government to pay salaries.

    The coalition wants to know what the government did with the money it saved when it scrapped subsidies on basic goods.

    In a statement issued on Friday morning, signed by National Assembly minority leader and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, Azimio said the inquiry should compel the production of documents to establish what has gone wrong in critical financial institutions.

    “Azimio is deeply concerned at the worsening economic situation in the country, which has seen the government unable to meet one of its most basic of obligations, which is paying its workers. We fear this country is collapsing while we sit pretty, hoping for miracles,” stated Mr. Wandayi.

    The coalition noted that the government can no longer hide behind the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the general economic meltdown around the globe.

    “We believe a lot of our cash flow problems have to do with the corruption, tribalism, nepotism, incompetence, and plain theft at critical revenue collection points, starting with the KRA, in addition to wrong spending priorities,” Opiyo Wandayi wrote.

    National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said the probe should be extended to individuals and systems at the National Treasury and Central Bank of Kenya with a view to establishing what has gone wrong.

    He stated that for the first time since independence in 1963, the government of Kenya is unable to pay salaries to civil servants and Members of Parliament.

    “Nearly all civil servants don’t know when or if they will ever be paid. The situation has been degenerating progressively since December last year,” he stated.

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    Wandayi said only members of the security services-police and military-have been paid.

    “..but it won’t be long before members of the disciplined forces also begin missing salaries if we continue this way,” he added.

    Since the beginning of the year, civil servants, including parliamentarians and their staff, who had previously been receiving their salaries by the 25th of every month, have been receiving their pay after the 30th day.

    By Thursday, 6, hundreds of thousands of government and parastatal workers, save for teachers and members of the disciplined services, were yet to be paid.

    Only individuals employed by the Teachers Service Commission, Kenya Defence Force, and the National Police Service have so far received their pay.

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  • Uhuru’s stand on bipartisan talks Ruto- Raila

    Uhuru’s stand on bipartisan talks Ruto- Raila

    Raila reveals Uhuru’s stand on bipartisan talks between the Azimio coalition and President William Ruto.

    Azimio leader Raila Odinga revealed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was in support of the coalition’s stand on the bipartisan talks with the government.

    Speaking on Thursday, April 7, during the Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos County, Raila said that Uhuru will support any decision the coalition will make on the talks.

    Raila said that Uhuru was unable to attend the meeting due to other engagements but as the Azimo chairman, he had desired to meet with his allies.

    Raila added that the former Head of State had full confidence in the deliberations the team would make regarding the talks with the government.

    “I bring apologies from our chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, he wanted to come but he was unable. He said he will support whatever resolution we will make today,” he stated.

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    Meanwhile, Azimio maintained that they would engage with the government side on a number of issues they wanted to be addressed including the cost of living and the audit of the 2022 General Election.

    Consequently, Azimio unveiled a team of seven parliamentarians to lead the coalition in the bipartisan talks.

    Senators included in the list were Ledama ole Kina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), and Enoch Wambua (Kitui).

    From the National Assembly, the coalition settled on Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David Pkosing (Pokot South), and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).

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  • Its only Raila who has the power to end tensions in the country – Ichung’wah admits

    Its only Raila who has the power to end tensions in the country – Ichung’wah admits

    Raila has the power to tensions in the country according to Ichung’wah as he can order his supporters.

    Kikuyu member of parliament, Kimani Ichung’wah has acknowledged that opposition leader Raila Odinga had the authority to defuse tensions in the country. 

    The leader of the majority at the National Assembly made the remarks on Thursday, April 6, while addressing the United Kingdom’s (UK) High Commissioner to Kenya, Jane Marriot, at his office in Parliament buildings. 

    Ichung’wah asserts that Raila could command his protesters to demonstrate peacefully, and they would comply. 

    “If Raila told his supporters to hold peaceful demos, if he said nobody will loot or destroy property, they will not. So he has the power to end the tensions,” Ichung’wah stated. 

    He further blamed the chaotic demonstrations on Raila, adding that he was responsible for peaceful or chaotic demonstrations.

    “I hope our friends will see the reason to have an election panel that will pick commissioners. Commissioners picked by political parties or politicians will always have their allegiance to whoever picked them,” Ichung’wah added, highlighting that the selection of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners should be conducted constitutionally. 

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    Ichung’wah who has been Raila’s fiercest critic, also underlined that talks between the government and the opposition should centre on election reforms rather than offering seats to election losers. 

    Meanwhile, Jane Mariott, the UK High Commissioner, was one of the signatories of a statement released on March 29, 2023, by eight embassies and High Commissions in Kenya calling for a resolution to the Azimio La Umoja-led protests.

    However, Raila bashed the statement claiming that the diplomats were turning a blind eye to electoral injustices in Kenya. 

    According to Raila, Kenyans had a right to demonstrate under Article 37 of the Constitution. 

    “There is no European democracy, American democracy, and African democracy. It must be measured by the same standards universally. 

    “You cannot put development ahead of democracy,” Raila lamented. 

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  • Ruto moves to woo Ukambani with development projects in his 2-day tour

    Ruto moves to woo Ukambani with development projects in his 2-day tour

    Ruto set for 2-day Ukambani development tour to inspect and launch new projects and woo the region to government’s side.

    On April 15 and 16, 2023, President William Ruto is scheduled to visit the Ukambani region to inspect the ongoing government projects and launch new ones.

    In statement after meeting political and professional leaders from the region, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua said the President will also attend a thanksgiving prayer during the tour.

    “During the tour the President will launch complete, ongoing and new development projects ahead of the prayer service in Machakos on 16th.

    “The professionals, elected leaders and government officials have been tasked to come up with development priorities to guide the tour.

    “The team will also build consensus and unity of purpose among all elected and appointed leaders in the region to give our people a clear sense of direction,” he stated.

    CS Mutua further called on all leaders from the region to unite and welcome the President despite their political affiliations.

    “In this regard all leaders including those who may have not supported the President before but are now willing to voluntarily stand with him are welcome

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    “Our desire is for all of us to work as a team, put our heads together as elected and appointed leaders, from CSs, Governors, Members of Parliament, Senior Government officials, religious leaders, professionals, business community and all players in leadership,” he added.

    The meeting was attended by among others, Secretary to the National Security Council Amb. Monica Juma, MPs Nimrod Mbai, HJoshua Mwalyo, Mwengi Mutuse, Rachel Kaki, Fabian Kyule, Joshua Mwalyo and Caleb Mule.

    It was also attended by professionals led by Senior Counsel Kioko Kilukumi (Machakos Convenor), Dr. Andrew Mulwa (Makueni Convenor), Advocate Wilfred Nyamu (Kitui Convener) Jeniffer Mumbua (Convenor Nairobi ), Francis Maliti former Deputy Governor Machakos and Florence Mwangangi former Machakos county speaker among others.

    “We will soon be announcing an important session that will usher in a new trajectory of growing wealth, sorting historical challenges of poverty and empowering our Ukambani community. United we stand,” he stated.

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  • Babu Owino disputes Raila’s decision on bipartisan talks

    Babu Owino disputes Raila’s decision on bipartisan talks

    Babu Owino calls out Raila for allegedly neglecting the youth in the team fronted for bipartisan talks to face the government. 

    Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga faced criticism from some Azimio parliamentarians hours after assembling a seven-member delegation on Thursday, April 6, to engage President William Ruto’s side in bipartisan talks. 

    Led by Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongiri alias Babu Owino, Raila was criticized for allegedly abandoning the youth in the team that will face the government. 

    In his argument, Babu Owino criticized the Azimio leader, contending that the youth should have been on the roster to speak with Kenya Kwanza’s side during the bipartisan negotiations.

    The second-term legislator claimed that the youths had experienced police brutality during weekly rallies and needed to be included in the lineup to voice their concerns.

    “A team has been set up to Represent Azimio in the Bipartisan talks.I wish them well. However, it would have been more effective and efficient if a youth was part of the team because it’s the youth who still at the forefront of the struggle,” Babu Owino stated.

    Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko supported Babu Owino’s sentiments indicating that the MP was loyal to Raila even during the anti-government protests.

    “It is not fair to leave Babu Owino out of the committee the way he has braced teargas to support you in protests. Be loyal Baba,” Sonko wrote.

    Besides Babu Owino, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai challenged Raila’s decision to pick a seven-member team to represent his side in bipartisan talks.

    Alai noted that members of the county assembly would have advanced Azimio’s demands without being compromised.

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    “It’s a team that might not work well for us. MCAs drove the resistance against impunity. MPs sold us off and were even bought in the National Assembly and Senate,” Alai stated.

    Meanwhile, Azimio picked three senators and four Members of Parliament (MP) to represent them in the bipartisan parliamentary talks. 

    They included Senators Ledama Olekina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Enoch Wambua (Kitui), and MPs David Kosing (Pokot South), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), and Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi).

    In his list of demands, Raila directed President Ruto to lower living costs, open the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers, and reinstatement of dismissed commissioners led by Juliana Cherera, the former IEBC vice chairperson. 

    Raila also directed Ruto to reconstitute the team seeking to appoint new IEBC commissioners.

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