High Court nullifies Moses Wetangula's election

Bungoma Senator and Cord's co-principal Moses Wetangula lost his seat on Monday, after a High Court sitting in Bungoma nullified his election citing malpractices as well as double registration.

The court also noted that the results that were anounced by the returning officer were inconsistent in various polling stations.

The petition was filed by Musikari Kombo, a former member of parliament.

In a sworn affidavit, Kombo said his supporters during the March 4th general elections were intimidated, something which he said worked against him.

Cord's top leadership had traveled to Bungoma for the ruling.

More to follow....

The faces believed to be behind the Westgate terror attack

 Ahmed Abdi Godane, alias, Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr
Mukthar is the Al-Shabaab founder and overall commander. According to leaked National Security Intelligence (NIS) report,Godane held a series of meetings in Somalia early this year to formulate strategies on how they would execute attacks in key areas in Kenya. The American FBI has put a $7 million bounty on him.

Mukthar, who was born in northern Somalia and has been at the helm of Al-shabaab leadership since 2008, studied accounting in Pakistan and while there he occasionally travelled to Afghanistan where he came into contact with al-Qaeda, led by the late Osama bin Laden.


Sheikh Mukhtar Robow alias Abu Mansur  
 According to leaked NIS report, Sheikh Robow, Al- shabaab deputy leader together with other al-shabaab instruments arrived in Hela Marer area, Gedo region, from Ufuro area in the Bay region, Somalia, on March 22.

They held a meeting with 50 other leaders where they discussed the mode of training for their operatives as well as plan on how to carry out attacks on vital installations in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Mombasa and Nairobi.

The FBI has put a $5 million bounty on Robow. He is also a former spokesman of the militants.

Sheikh Ahmed Iman Ali

According to a leaked National Security Intelligence report, Iman — who was appointed by Al-Shabaab as its de facto leader of Kenyan fighters in Somalia — was among the masterminds of the Westgate attack.

“Al-Shabaab remains focused on conducting attacks through individuals that have not been arrested before. The masterminds of the intended attacks are Kenyans, who are in middle and senior management levels of the terror group.

Among them; Maalim Abass Guyo, Ahmed Iman Ali and Jan Mohamed Khan alias Abu Musab Al Mombasa,” the NIS report says.

Samantha Lewthwaite alias “White Widow"
International media has claimed that she was involved in the Westgate terrorism attack.

However, there is no evidence so far linking her to the attack but police and security forces say Samantha Lewthwaite— the widow of one of the four suicide bombers who devastated London in July 2005 — was involved in the Kenya attack, let alone being a “mastermind,” as the British papers have claimed.

The International Police (Interpol) has issued an arrest warrant for her. She is wanted by Kenya “on charges of being in possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit a felony dating back to December 2011” as part of a suspected plot to bomb cities along the Kenyan coast at Christmas.


Abu Sandheere
Abu is believed to have been in charge of escorting the terrorists to Westgate Shopping Mall to carry out the attack.

According to a leaked NSIS report, Abu is believed to be a 50-year-old Kenyan citizen and an associate of the late Al-Qaeda leader in th eregion Fazul Abdullah. Sandheere, whose parents were a Maasai and a European, is thought to have escaped from Westgate moments after the assault started on Saturday.

“He escorted the attackers to the mall and then left as people were fleeing. He then travelled to the border and crossed to Somalia,” said an intelligence source. He is described as being extremely sharp.

Interpol issues Red Notice for arrest of Samantha Lewthwaite at Kenya’s request

International police body Interpol has issued a wanted persons notice for Briton Samantha Lewthwaite, at Kenya's request.

Ms Lewthwaite is the widow of one of the four suicide bombers who attacked London on 7 July 2005. Known colloquially as the "white widow", she has been linked with Somali militant Islamist group al-Shabab.

The group was behind the attack on the Westgate shopping complex in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, at the weekend. The assault and subsequent four-day siege left at least 67 people dead.

An Interpol statement said the 29-year-old was "wanted by Kenya on charges of being in possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit a felony dating back to December 2011".

The Interpol alert, known as a "Red Notice", requires member countries to detain the suspect pending extradition procedures. Interpol did not link the warrant to the Nairobi attack, but it comes after much speculation linking Ms Lewthwaite to events at the Westgate complex.

Kenya is continuing three days of official mourning for both the civilian and military victims of the siege. The funeral of pregnant television and radio star Ruhila Adatia-Sood was one of many being held on Thursday.

Flags are flying at half mast amid visibly tighter security around the Kenyan capital. Security guards were scanning passengers with metal detectors before they boarded buses.
Amid rising concern among Kenyans over the authorities' preparedness for such an attack, reports are emerging that the country's counter-terrorism strategy and its disaster response co-ordination will now be reviewed.

-BBC

ICC issues warrant of arrest for journalist Walter Barasa

The International Criminal Court at The Hague has issued warrant of arrest for journalist Walter Barasa for allegedly coercing and intimidating ICC witnesses.

Barasa, a retired journalist who wrote for the Daily Nation and later The People, has confirmed that indeed he has received warrants of arrest against him from the ICC but said he is not worried at all since, according to him, he is innocent.

The ICC alleges that Barasa is behind the sporadic withdrawal of witnesses from the cases facing the Deputy President William Ruto at The Hague.

However, the former journalist has also claimed that the ICC is just but trying to hit back after he refused to cooperate with the court in nailing the Deputy President. He alleges that the ICC investigator Paul Irani, made fruitless efforts in trying to convince him get witnesses from Eldoret who would testify against William Ruto since they had none. He further alleges that the investigator even threatened to issue an arrest warrant and have him send to jail for five years should he fail to cooperate with him.

Meanwhile, the ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has also accused Barasa of being behind the delay of witnesses something which forced the ICC judges to adjourn Ruto and Sang's trial.

But Barasa has denied all these allegetaions from the ICC prosecution and said he is ready to cooperate with the International Criminal Court and show the evidence he has to the effect that indeed the prosecution coerced and coached witnesses, among them witness no 536.

If found guilty, Barasa will be send to jail for a maximum of five years.

Security organs had useful info on impending terrorists' attacks in Nairobi, claims Sonko

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko sensationally informed the Senate that intelligence officers as well as their security counterparts were fully aware of impending attacks in Nairobi, including that of Westgate Mall. 

While addressing the senate, Sonko claimed that had helped two women, of either Arabic or Asian origins, to give very useful information to the police about the impending al-shabaab attacks in some key areas in Nairobi. 

Sonko gave these claims when the senate took time off its business of the day to discuss the terror that hit the Westgate Shopping Mall.

He told the senate that the two women approached him about three months ago with information that al-shabaab elements had rented houses in Westlands and Parklands and were planning major attacks in Nairobi.

 “They mentioned Westgate Mall, Village Market, Parliament and the Kenyatta International Conference Centre as their targets,” claimed Sonko.

While directing his attacks at the National Security and Intelligence Service (NSIS), the Nairobi senator told members of the senate how he helped the two women record a statement with the police as well as the intelligence officers for further investigations.  

Sonko claimed that the two women in question were initially living with the gang but managed to escape after learning what the gang was planning to do and seeing the items they were preparing for the attack.

 “I know I will shock many people here. These people have remained in this area planning the attack for about three months and despite the investigators getting that information they could not quell the attack,” said Sonko.

Sonko said he is ready to record a statement with the police to the effect of his sensational claims.

The Motion was moved by Kithure Kindiki, leader of majority in the senate who termed the attack a national disaster.

 

President Kenyatta declares three days of national mourning following the Westgate Attacks

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday declared three days of national mourning as he confirmed to the public that the Westgate siege is finally over.

The head of state said the national mourning is in honour of all those who lost their lives, a period in which flags will fly at half mast.

“It has not been easy for any of us least of all the affected; our losses are immense. To the honour and memory of those who lost their lives in this attack, I have declared three days of national mourning starting tomorrow (Wednesday) during which official flags will fly half mast throughout the country,” the president said.

While addressing the nation, the president disclosed that 61 civilians lost their lives while 6 security personnel also died as they tried to rescue the hostages. He also added 62 survivors were admitted to different hospitals in Nairobi while those who suffered minor injuries and trauma had been allowed to go home. 

President Kenyatta said forensic experts had already moved into the scene to identify the nationality of the attackers who were killed, who according to the president numbers 5, as well as bodies of victims that may have been trapped in the building after its three floors collapsed.

“Towards the end of the operation, three floors of the mall collapsed and there are still several bodied trapped including the terrorists,” the President regretted.

“Intelligence reports had suggested that a British woman and two or three American citizens may have been involved in the attack. We cannot confirm the details at present but forensic experts are working to ascertain the nationalities of the terrorists,” the president said in regard to claims that a woman of British nationality was among the attackers.

The president also moved to pledge frequent updates just to make sure that the public is well informed on the happenings that have left the nation mourning the loss of lives.

 “I promise we shall have full accountability for the mindless destruction, deaths, pain, loss and suffering we have all undergone, these cowards will meet justice as well as their accomplices and patrons wherever they are,” he vowed.

The head of state urged Kenyans to continue praying and remain united.

Al-Shabaab now threatens to kill all the hostages should the KDF try to force its way into their hideout at the Westgate Mall

The Al-Qaeda linked Al-shabaab, who have since claimed responsibility of the Westgate attack, have now moved to warn that they will not spare a single hostage should the Kenya Defence Forces try, in any way, to force their way into the Mall where they are still holding hostage a number of Kenyans as well as foreigners following the Saturday attack.

According to the audio statement by Sheikh Ali Muhamud Rage, a spokesman of the terrorist group, they will kill all the hostages if the security agencies led by the KDF continues with their push to rescue them.

"The Israelis and Kenyan forces have tried to enter the Westgate mall by force but they could not, the Mujahedeen will kill all the hostages if the enemies use force" he said in that audio statement.

However, the security forces have vowed to push on with their rescue mission and there is nothing that will stop them.

Explosions, gunfire heard at the westgate mall as the terror at the mall enters day 3

Loud explosions and heavy gunfire were heard at the Westgate Shopping Mall on Monday as Kenyan troops fought the Al Qaeda-linked Al-shabaab gunmen, who have claimed responsibility of the attack and are still holding hostage an unknown number of victims inside the mall.

This happens as the stand-off enters its third day with 69 people having been confirmed dead so far by the Kenya red Cross society.

The rapid gunfire that erupted at dawn lasted for almost 15 minutes as soldiers posted around the complex took cover. According to the AFP correspondent at the scene, the gunfire was followed by three big explosions. 

The Kenyan Defence Forces has since said that it has secured a better part of the shopping mall.

Meanwhile, a security source said a final assault is underway to rescue all the hostages who are still being held at the shopping mall for a third day today.


“Our concern is to rescue all hostages alive and that is why the operation is delicate,” the Kenya Defence Forces said in a statement overnight, adding that it was trying to bring a “speedy conclusion” to the drama.

However,m the KDF did not say how many people were still being held hostage by the gunmen.

While addressing the nation on Sunday, President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed that the attackers will not get away with their despicable and beastly acts.

“We will punish the masterminds swiftly, and indeed very painfully,” he vowed.

According to a Kenyan security source as well as a Western intelligence official, Israelis were involved in the operation, along with British and US agents.

The Somalia based Al-Shabaab rebels said the attack was in retaliation for Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia, where African Union troops are battling the militants.

“If you want Kenya in peace, it will not happen as long as your boys are in our lands,” Shabaab spokesman Sheik Ali Mohamud Rage said in a statement.

The group also issued a string of statements via Twitter, one of them claiming that Muslims in the centre had been “escorted out by the Mujahideen before beginning the attack”.

Quite a number of witnesses, most of whom were inside the mall at the time of the attack on Saturday afternoon, have been quoted as saying that the gunmen were trying to weed out non-Muslims for execution by interrogating people on their faith or asking them to say the Shahada, or Islamic creed.

Westgate Attack in Pictures....warning: Graphic Pictures

A policeman takes up position during a shootout with armed men at the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi September 21, 2013. At least nine people were killed in a shooting in the shopping mall in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Saturday, witnesses said.

Armed police search through Westgate shopping centre for gunmen in Nairobi, September 21, 2013. Gunmen stormed the shopping mall in the Kenyan capital on Saturday killing at least 15 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets seeking safety.

A body is seen as an armed police searches through the Westgate shopping centre for gunmen in Nairobi, September 21, 2013. Gunmen stormed the shopping mall in the Kenyan capital on Saturday killing at least 15 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets seeking safety.

An injured policeman holds on to his wound as his compatriot searches through the Westgate shopping centre for gunmen in Nairobi, September 21, 2013. Gunmen stormed the shopping mall in the Kenyan capital on Saturday killing at least 15 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets seeking safety.

A child runs to safety as armed police hunt gunmen who went on a shooting spree at Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi September 21, 2013. The gunmen stormed a shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday killing at least 20 people in what Kenya's government said could be a terrorist attack, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets in search of safety. Sporadic gun shots could be heard hours after the assault started as soldiers surrounded the mall and police and soldiers combed the building, hunting down the attackers shop by shop. Some local television stations reported hostages had been taken, but there was no official confirmation.

 

An injured woman cries for help after gunmen stormed the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi September 21, 2013. Gunmen stormed the shopping mall in the Kenyan capital on Saturday killing at least 15 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets seeking safety

 

People (top) crawl past the body of a man as they try to escape while police search through the Westgate shopping centre for gunmen in Nairobi, September 21, 2013. Gunmen stormed the shopping mall in the Kenyan capital on Saturday killing at least 15 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets seeking safety

 

A police officer tries to secure an area inside the Westgate Shopping Centre where gunmen went on a shooting spree in Nairobi September 21, 2013. The gunmen stormed the shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday killing at least 20 people in what Kenya's government said could be a terrorist attack, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets in search of safety. Sporadic gun shots could be heard hours after the assault started as soldiers surrounded the mall and police and soldiers combed the building, hunting down the attackers shop by shop. Some local television stations reported hostages had been taken, but there was no official confirmation

 

A woman's body in Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi after a shooting spree, September 21, 2013. Gunmen stormed a shopping mall in the Kenyan capital on Saturday killing at least 15 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets seeking safety

An injured woman (C) is helped out of the Westgate Shopping Centre where gunmen went on a shooting spree, in Nairobi September 21, 2013. The gunmen stormed the shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday killing at least 20 people in what Kenya's government said could be a terrorist attack, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets in search of safety. Sporadic gun shots could be heard hours after the assault started as soldiers surrounded the mall and police and soldiers combed the building, hunting down the attackers shop by shop.

A soldier carries a child to safety as armed police hunt gunmen who went on a shooting spree at Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi, September 21, 2013. The gunmen stormed the shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday killing at least 20 people in what Kenya's government said could be a terrorist attack, and sending scores fleeing into shops, a cinema and onto the streets in search of safety. Sporadic gun shots could be heard hours after the assault started as soldiers surrounded the mall and police and soldiers combed the building, hunting down the attackers shop by shop. Some local television stations reported hostages had been taken, but there was no official confirmation.

-Reuters

Citizen TV's Willis Raburu comes under fire for allegedly revealing the identity of ICC witness 536

Citizen TV's Willis Raburu has come under fire for allegedly revealing the identity of the ICC witness 536 who testified yesterday against the Deputy President William Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua arap Sang at The Hague.

Raburu is said to have done this through his twitter account which has a huge following.

This act made the social media go wild about the witness story with everybody posting what he/she thought about the whole story.

However, quite a handful of individuals have sided with Raburu defending that he wasn't the responsible for string of tweets that eventually revealed the identity of the witness but the originator, Davis K. Lagat who only has just but a few followers. 

Willis Raburu, a public figure is blamed for having mentioned the name of the ICC witness 536, keeping in mind that many people would believe him than they would Mr. Lagat.

Willis' act is being taken as contempt of court since him being a journalist knows pretty well that he wasn't supposed to even take part in that conversation that finally led to the identity of the witness in
question being known to the public.

This act will for obvious reasons put the life of the witness in jeopardy.

Below is the conversation on twitter that is said to have led to the identification of ICC witness 536


Willis has since denied these allegations.

High Court orders Ariel adverts suspended

The High Court in Nairobi has issued interim orders to stop Ariel advertisements from running in the media until the case against it is mentioned on November 11, with a view to confirming the case and issuing further orders.

 However, Justice Jaqueline Kamau said the adverts on billboards will not be brought down on the effect of the orders. “In the circumstances foregoing, I hereby issue interim injunctions restraining the first and second defendants by themselves, their servants, agents, employees or advertising agents from running, flighting or airing the Ariel One Wash campaign advertisements in their current form at all media houses and all forms of print or electronic media,” she said.

In her ruling on an application by Unilever Ltd’s counsel, Kamau Karuri, the judge said she had considered the company would suffer prejudice during the period she had allowed the lawyers of Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble Service Ltd and Scan Group Ltd to file their affidavits.

In the same case, Scan Group lawyer Donald Kipkorir told the court his client was not the advertising agency for the Ariel product.

Unilever had applied that “the adverts falsely and by implication depict their product Omo as being grossly incapable of removing stains in one wash,” and thus sought to stop the adverts until the court determined the same.

Unilever is aggrieved by Procter & Gamble’s prime time TV adverts that promote Ariel as the best stain-removing detergent compared to other products.

-The Standard 

Seven perish in Nairobi-Kangundo road accident

Seven people lost their lives yesterday, Monday 16th September, 2013 when a public service vehicle they were traveling in collided with a lorry at the Nairobi-Kangundo road.

Seven more passengers suffered multiple injuries and were admitted in hospital. According to police sources, two of the injured are in ICU with serious injuries.

Kayole police commander Samuel Mukindia said the vehicles collided head on at Kamulu, near Ruai market.

“We have reports the lorry was overtaking a saloon car when it collided with the matatu headed on the opposite direction,” said Mukindia.

The driver of the matatu was among the people who lost their lives on the spot. Three male and a child were also among the people who died.

The accident happened at around 6pm involving a matatu and a lorry which was ferrying sand. So far, more than 2,000 people have been killed in road accidents since January in rising cases that seem to be uncontrollable.

Monday’s accident adds the statistics of those who have been killed and injured in the accidents that have been blamed on speeding and drivers’ error.

Four more witnesses pull out of Ruto's case at the ICC

The ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda suffered yet another big blow on her case against the Deputy President William Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua arap Sang', after four witnesses recanted their statements incriminating the two Hague suspects.

Confirmed sources indicate that the four witnesses pulled out of the cases following what they termed as 'tired of being coached and bribed to incriminate innocent persons'.

This comes as a big blow to the prosecution since one of the witnesses who pulled out on Sunday is C6 who was heavily relied upon during the pre-trial hearings in nailing the now Deputy President William Ruto and his co-accused Joshua Sang'.

It is alleged that witnesses who recants their statements are 'rewarded' with large sums of money, figured to be around Sh2-3 million. Those who resist are said to be coerced through their families,  relatives and friends until they give up.

However, one of the witnesses refuted these allegations saying they decided to pull out from these cases after realizing that ICC is a 'mere political court meant to frustrate African leaders'.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President said on Sunday that he is ready to travel back to the ICC to attend his trial.
 
“And as I go to The Hague tomorrow (Monday), the Bible tells me to march down against them because I will not have to fight this battle. It also tells me to take up my position and stand firm without fear,” he said when he attended prayers at the Dominion Chapel in Kiserian in the outskirts of the capital Nairobi.

Police stoned as they raid a brewer's den in Kiambu

Police officers in Kiambu, led by the Embu West deputy county commissioner Erastus Mbui,were attacked when they tried to raid a home of a notorious illicit brewer in the area over the weekend.

Brewers with the support of the illicit brew consumers turned against the police when they tried to arrest them and hurled stones at them.
 
The brewer is said to have locked his gates immediately he learned of the police presence and incited the crowd to attack the security team. However, the crowd had to dis[purse when the police officers accompanying the deputy county commissioner started cocking their guns and approaching the surging crowd.

While addressing the press on Sunday, Mr. Mbui said the home owner had tried to frustrate efforts by the police on the grounds that he had a court order barring any search in his home. However, the deputy county commissioner who was posted to the area only last month went ahead and got a court order warranting the search of the three storey building.

“The home owner tried all manner of things to intimidate us including insulting me. We eventually broke in and watched from the window as he drained the illicit brew into a septic tank. You cannot engage in a fight by hurling stones to a group with guns,” said Mr Mbui.

The police managed to arrest 10 people during that raid.

Government sets aside Sh500 million to celebrate Kenya's 50th birthday

The Jubilee government has set aside sh500 million to celebrate Kenya's 50th birthday, known as the jubilee celebrations, which will held on the 12th of December.

According to the state house spokesman Manoah Esipisu, President Uhuru Kenyatta agreed to the formation of another committee that will oversee the preparations and planning of events. This is after a committee that was formed earlier was disbanded.

Hassan Wario, Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary, will chair the 19 member with Saima Ondimu serving as the committee’s executive director and secretary.

  “As you are aware President Kenyatta disbanded the committee tasked with arranging celebrations to mark our country’s 50 years of independence. The President has now agreed to the formation of a new 19-member steering committee,” Esipisu said.

Mr. Esipisu also noted that the Sh500 million is not exorbitant when compared to the Sh2.5 billion that had been proposed by the earlier committee that was disbanded. He, however, said that the figure is expected to go higher than that.

“As you recall, the budget was a particular issue of concern to the President. Dr Wario will work with a provisional budget of 500 million shillings. The private sector will be heavily involved in Kenya at 50 and we expect to see millions of private sector shillings in supporting the initiative,” Esipisu told journalists during the start of his weekly briefings yesterday at State House, Nairobi.

The committee is made up of 6 executive members and 13 non executive members. Apart form Dr Wario, other executive members will include James Kinyua, who will be the head of programmes and operations, a nominee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to head protocol and Government reception and another nominee from the Interior ministry to serve as head of security and defence.

Benson Ndeta, the chairman of Savanah Cement will be among the executives, heading the fundraising and finance while Extreme Sports and Communications head, Hussein Mohamed, will serve as head of public relations and communications.

Ndeta and Hussein are expected to mobilise the private sector to contribute towards facilitating  a successful jubilee fete.

Future Kenyan leaders win prestigious scholarships to British Universities

Nine Kenyans have won prestigious scholarships to study Masters Degrees in the United Kingdom, under the British Government funded Chevening Scholarship Scheme.

The British High Commissioner, Dr. Christian Turner announced the awards, to the value of over £171,000 (23m shillings) when he hosted the youth of Kenya event at his Muthaiga Residence on Thursday evening. The event, which was sponsored by Chase Bank, was attended by Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Art, Dr. Hassan Wario, a former Chevening scholar himself, Buuri Member of Parliament Kinoti Gitobu, other former Chevening scholars, and various young Kenyan leaders.

Dr Turner congratulated the new Chevening scholars and hoped that they would become future leaders of Kenya. He noted that they would be following in the footsteps of former Chevening alumni like Hon Hassan Wario, Judge of the Supreme Court Njoki Ndungu, and Raphael Tuju, all of whom are playing a major role in Kenyan society today.

The new scholars, selected from a field of around 350 applicants, are already making their mark in important areas in Kenyan society. They include: Lt Col Catherine Wanjiru Gichuki;,Mirithi Mutiga, Terry Wanjiru Kahoro, Matilda Nzioka, Mwalyo Ndulu, Angela Muraguri, Aisha Mahmoud Abdula Aziz, Benjamin Muindi and Angela Atieno Okuku.

Dr Turner also welcomed the recognition of the quality of British education and the benefits returning Kenyan students bring back with them. ??We are proud of our long-standing educational links with Kenya. What I find especially pleasing is that increasingly Kenyan students in Britain are pursuing courses of relevance to the development of Kenya, whether it is medicine or law, business management and IT, bringing their new skills and knowledge back to Kenya to contribute to the growth of this wonderful country.

-Mwakilishi

Police imposter Joshua Waiganjo found guilty, jailed for two years

Police imposter Joshua Karianjahi Waiganjo has been sentenced to two years in jail by a Naivasha court. Waiganjo was left tongue-tied after he was found guilty of being in possession of police uniform.


The incident comes a week after he released the first chapter of his book Goodbye Police Comrades in which he incriminated a senior politician on the ICC issue. Naivasha Resident Magistrate Selina Muchungi found Waiganjo guilty of being in possession of various police uniforms against the law.

Waiganjo had been charged that on October 31 2004 in Kabati estate in Naivasha, he was found in possession of police gear.

More to follow....

Kenyatta University breaks ground for its Sh3.5 billion city project

Kenyatta University broke ground for the Sh3.5 billion phase one of their Uni-City project last friday. The new ‘city’ is going to be constructed parallel to Thika Superhighway, at the University’s main campus.

KU chancellor Benson Wairegi presided over the ground breaking ceremony for phase one of the project. Among the facilities to be constructed in the Sh3.5 billion first phase are a hyper market, retail shops, food courts, auto care centre and petrol station, car park, banks/ATMs. Some of the confirmed tenants in the city are National Oil, Uchumi Supermarket and Galitos.

Phase two of the uni-city project entails construction of a mega conference centre, while phase three entails construction of an office block, apartments and a hotel.Here is the cost breakdown of the project.
Design and Structural works – Sh 400 million
 Supermarket – Sh 200 million
 Conference centre – Sh 500 milllion
 Hotel – Sh 500 million
 Office block – Sh 400 million
 Departmental stores – Sh 300 million
 Parking area – Sh 625 million
 Road infrastructure – Sh 585 million
 Total – Sh 3,510,000,000

-source

I'll be vindicated, Sang' tells the ICC in a moving and bold opening statement

Day two of the trials of Deputy President William Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua arap sang’ at the ICC was yesterday, Thursday 11^th September , 2013, characterized by somber moods punctuated with some light moments when the former journalist was making his opening statement that has come to be described as bold and moving.  

While making his seven-minutes presentation before the ICC judges, Sang’ narrated his side of the story explaining why he is still yet to come to terms with the allegations leveled against him by the prosecution.

 “Did the Government fail to stop me from inciting people because I was too short to be noticed by law?” Sang posed, a question that seemed to get everybody in the courtroom thinking. “If surely this shortest journalist in Kenya could not be seen by the same Government that had raided another media house on suspicion that they intended to publish materials that was a threat to national security, then I don’t know,” the former broadcaster added.

 

Sang’ maintained a steady gaze at the ICC judges, who appeared to be following his argument keenly. 

 “My first cousin is married to a Kikuyu and there is no way I would have chased away her husband,” Sang said in an almost tearful tone.

 

In the courtroom was also the Deputy President who equally seemed marveled by arap Sang’s boldness. Mr. Ruto sat on the same row with Sang’, looking amazed and occasionally taking a sip of water.

As the proceedings continued, the MPs who travelled to The Hague to show solidarity with the Deputy President attentively followed everything that happened from the gallery together with Ruto’s wife and daughter. 

The cases had to be adjourned to Tuesday in what the judges termed as a shame after the prosecution failed to call its first witness to take the stand.

Nyakach MP dumbs body at Government Official's Door Step

Nyakach Member of Parliament Aduma Owour shocked people yesterday, Tuesday 10th September, when he dumped a body of a man with arrows stuck on its chest at the doorsteps of Nyanza Provincial Coordinator's office.

The MP was protesting the death of the 80-year-old, who was killed by cattle rustlers who also left with six heads of cattle.

In justifying his move, Owuor said he decided to take that action after the police failed to heed or respond to his calls to go to the grounds to address the rising state of insecurity.

“We have even given the authorities names of compromised police officers yet the former Provincial Commissioner and the county commander haven’t taken any action” said Owuor, accusing the police of doing very little to fight crimes in the area.

The police, led by Kisumu Police boss Musa Kong'oli arrived later at the scene and pleaded with the MP to take away the body. Kong'oli however said that there is a security committee on the ground that ought to address the security concerns raised by the Member of parliament.

The MP however heard known of the Police boss's pleadings forcing the police to remove the body. “A body is not allowed to be handled the way it is being done to this and according to law, I should take action on the person who brought the body here,” said Kong'oli.

Owuor was accompanied by his supporters.

When contacted, Mutie, the Nyanza Provincial Coordinator, termed the action by the MP as barbaric, noting that investigation into the killing of the old man is ongoing.

ICC forced to adjourn Ruto and Sang's cases over witnesses delay

The cases against the Deputy President William Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua arap Sang' will take a break until Tuesday next week after Wednesday's opening statements.

This is after the prosecution led by Fatou Bensouda said it was not prepared to call its first witness. The witness in question, who was not named, was suppose to have started to give his evidence today, Wednesday 11th September.

Telling the court why it was not able to call its first witness, the prosecution said the witness was traveling and would get to the ICC on Thursday and therefore asked the court to allow them bring in the witness on Tuesday.

The prosecution has lined up 22 witness to testify in the Ruto and Sang' case and their identity has been safeguarded by the prosecution especially after the massive withdrawal of witnesses from the prosecution side.

On Wednesday, the hearing is set to begin with the opening statement from Kipchumpa Katwa Kigen, Mr. Sang's lead Defence Counsel after which the ICC will take a short break until Tuesday next week.

Speaking on the prosecution's witnesses hitch, Ruto's lead Defence Counsel Karim Khan said, “As this case unravels, witnesses are not here, they have withdrawn. The case will be adjourned tomorrow until Tuesday for want of prosecution witnesses. I don’t want your honours or anybody in this courtroom or watching, to be under any illusion why those witnesses have withdrawn or dropped or don’t come.”

“There is a rotten underbelly in this case which the prosecutor has swallowed hook, line and sinker, indifferent to the truth all too eager to latch on to any account, any version, any story that somehow tips the box in relation to putting forward a summons or a confirmation hearing. No semblance to reality at all,” Khan added.

Most of the witnesses the prosecution was relying on have since recanted their statements leaving it in an awkward position in trying to prove its case before the judges. 

Another witness in the Deputy President William Ruto's case at The Hague withdraws at the last minute

Confirmed reports indicate that another witness in the Deputy President William Ruto's case at the Hague has pulled out.

The witness who claims to be a victim of the Kiambaa church fire is the latest to withdraw his statement, at the last minute, linking William Ruto to the 2007/2008 post election violence that hit the country.

According to documents seen by The Reporter, the witness wrote to  ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda with a sworn affidavit accompanying it , informing her of his withdrawal.  “I write to notify you of my desire to withdraw from being a witness in the first Kenyan case. Kindly allow me to withdraw as I’m no longer able to continue,” read the letter in part.

The witness said in the affidavit the he was approached by a man he only identifies as Paul who asked him to assist him in looking for people who witnessed and were victims of the PEV in Eldoret. “I accepted to be such a witness at the ICC in relation to the events that took place during the 2007-2008 post-election violence around Eldoret,” he said.

The witness however notes he opted to pull out as a witness in the Deputy President William Ruto's case after reflecting on many things. “That my name should therefore be removed from the list of witnesses in the case,” he said in the affidavit. The affidavit was filed on his behalf by lawyer Richard Wafula of Ngigi Mbugua and Company Advocates in Eldoret.

He goes further to mention in the affidavit that he did not recall any participation by the accused in the post-election violence in any way. “I therefore swear this affidavit to recant all and any statements that have been attributed to me,” said the witness.

The witness added that he reached the decision to withdraw from the ICC cases out of his “own free will and without any duress, coercion or inducement”.

Sonko might be removed from office for abusing radio queen Caroline Mutoko on air

Nairobi senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko, has found himself in trouble after hulling insults to renowned radio personality Caroline Mutoko live on air.

The Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) is said to be fronting calls to push Sonko out of office for what they term as lack of morals as well as setting  a bad precedent to the youths.

The coalition is also calling for immediate resignation of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero for serving Rachel Shebesh, Nairobi's women representative, what has come to be known as the 'gubernatorial slap'.

COVAW condemned Sonko's utterances directed to Mutoko saying it amounted to gross misconduct as well as abuse of office. They also called on the senate to institute a process to see that Sonko just like his counterpart, Governor Kidero, is removed from office.

"The senator's behavior demonstrates lack of respect for women, and an absence of civility and decorum on his part. His vulgarity live on the radio listened to by the whole country including children bespeaks a man who has forgotten that as a state officer he is to lead by example", the organization said.

Kenya Government Launches Sh6 Billion Uwezo Fund for Youth and Women

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday 8th September launched the Sh6 billion Uwezo Fund, a culmination of the Jubilee Coalition’s pledge of propelling the youth and women to the centre of national prosperity.

Speaking during the launch of the Fund in Nairobi, the President said the Government was not merely disbursing money to the youth but incubating enterprise.

“We are catalysing innovation.  We are promoting industry.  We are employing the youth.  And we are growing the economy,” President Kenyatta said.

He added: “Every encounter between the Jubilee Coalition and the young people of Kenya never fails to produce spectacular national transformation.  This launch is another such encounter.”

The President assured the youth that his Government will keep its promise and not allow any obstacle to be an excuse to neglect them at their hour of need. He said the greatest single asset the country has is its young people and that is why the Jubilee Coalition is empowering them to play their role in nation building effectively.

“Where there is no way, we shall make it. That is why I invite every young person in Kenya to get ready for action, and to join the national conversation.  My Government is your friend.  The Jubilee Coalition is your collaborator,” he told the youth.

Deputy President Ruto said the Uwezo Fund would mainstream the youth and women in development by enabling them to access capital to start businesses.

Youth and talent

The Deputy President said the Jubilee Government is also expanding the education curriculum to grow the talent of young people and give them an opportunity to participate effectively in nation building.

“If we are to succeed in growing the economy by double digit, we have to tap the talent, the expertise and capabilities of the youth and women,” the Deputy President said.

President Kenyatta expressed confidence that the Fund would initiate a 'multiplier effect' throughout the economy, as a new stream of entrepreneurs unleash energy into various sectors.

President Kenyatta said with the Fund in place, agribusiness and digital innovation would be revamped to enable the youth to play their role in accelerating economic growth. The President said he would personally recognise and interact with exemplary projects every year.

The President advised the youth to work with the Management Steering Committee of the Uwezo Fund to ensure transparency and equity in disbursement of the Fund.

The funds will be disbursed directly to beneficiaries through the Constituency Development Fund framework, under the administration of committees that has been established at each constituency.

The Head of State rooted for close partnership between the Jubilee Coalition and the youth. He said Government will focus on a consistent engagement with young people to transform the country.

“Let us continue our conversation and partnership.  Please go forth and accomplish your dreams,” President Kenyatta urged the youth.

The President said Government will, through universities, colleges and institutes of technology, equip the youth with requisite skills to service a modern economy.

He disclosed that a nationwide audit of skills and competencies will be conducted to help align training opportunities and resources with the country's actual needs at the national and county levels. A policy on internship is being developed to avail on-the-job training for all college students who need it, the President added.

“The challenge here is establishing a set of incentives for industries and businesses to respond positively.  But conversation with stakeholders is underway,” he said.

President Kenyatta said the youth-specific affirmative action in Government procurement to enable enterprises run by young people participate in development is also being effected already. He directed that the issue of 30 per cent allocation of all Government procurement to the youth should be adhered to, warning those who will fail to effect the directive will be sacked.

He said Government will set up centres of innovation to support the emerging generation of highly talented, innovative Kenyans.

The President thanked the young people of Kenya for their unstinting support and stupendous energy that they lent the Jubilee Coalition.

“You brought us into Government. Already, you have made a significant contribution to national transformation.  We have first-hand, incontestable proof of what young people can achieve when given an opportunity,” the President said.

He said Government will consistently tackle the challenges inhibiting the youth from exploiting their talents.

-Mwakilishi

President Uhuru says he'll not attend parallel trial proceedings with his Deputy William Ruto at The Hague

President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned that it will not be possible for him to attend trial proceedings at The Hague at the same time with his Deputy William Ruto. The President said that at least one of them must be in the country to run the government business.

Speaking on Sunday 8th September at a public rally on the eve of Deputy President William Ruto's departure to the Hague, warned the ICC to re-schedule their trial calender to make sure that one of them is the country.

The president talked tough on the ICC amid fears of a power vacuum suppose the two leaders attend the Hague trials concurrently.

But the Head of State said he and his deputy have been and will remain to cooperate with the ICC but it must also not it hard for them to do the same.

“We will work with the ICC but it must understand that Kenya has a constitution and Ruto and myself won’t be away at the same time,” the President said.

Ruto's case is set to begin on Tuesday while the President's will start on November 11, a period he will, according to the trial schedule, be at the Hague together with his Deputy until December 13.

If this hcalender remains unchanged, then the both President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy will be in the country on the 12 December to lead the country in the 50th anniversary of independence.

The head of state stated categorically that he will not at any point attend the Hague trials at the same time with his Deputy.

“We will work with the ICC but it must understand that Kenya has a constitution and Ruto and I won’t be away at the same time,” said the tough talking head of state. “They (ICC) should not make it impossible for the sovereign nation of Kenya to be led as its citizens democratically chose. Let them not make it difficult for us to conduct our business.” he added.

Deputy President William Ruto is set to jet out of the country today Monday 9th September for the start of his trial at The Hague.

IDPs to receive kshs 410,000 per household as government sets to close all the remaining camps

The government has announced its plan to close all the remaining Internally Displaced Persons' camps before the end of this month.

Announcing the plan, the Devolution and planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru said each household will receive Kshs 400,000 and an additional Kshs 10,000. “Resettlement of IDPs is a key component in assuring Kenya’s long-term stability and the Jubilee Government is fully committed to taking steps to resolve this matter,” she said.

While addressing members of the press, the minister said the Jubilee government set apart Sh3.3 billion to resettle some 8,298 IDPs households. “We want to ensure that those who were unwillingly uprooted from their homes and livelihoods find a way into normal society,” said the minister.

When asked how the money will be disbursed, the Cabinet Secretary said the government has already opened bank accounts for the families and the heads of the households will be signatories to the same and will be required to confirm them before the money is released. “The head of the household, and the spouse will be the joint signatories to the money. This is a move to ensure that women are not left behind in the monetary decisions that will ultimately affect their livelihoods,” said Ms Waiguru.

The government advised the IDPs, who have been in the camps for the last six years, to use that money to buy land where they would resettle.

The camps that are set to be closed include Maai Mahiu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kikopey, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu.

CORD MPs walk out as parliament votes to pass motion seeking to withdraw Kenya from the Rome Statute

Member of parliament stormed out of parliament yesterday during early stages of the special sitting that had been convened to discuss Adan Duale's motion that seeks to withdraw Kenya's membership at the International Criminal Court.

This happened even as he members of parliament who remained in the house, mostly those allied to the Jubilee coalition, went on to vote and pass the motion sanctioning Kenya's withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Speaker of the National Assembly had over-ruled attempts by the CORDs' members of parliament to block debate on the controversial motion.

MPs allied to to the ruling Jubilee coalition wants the government to initiate steps that will see Kenya finally pull out of the ICC.

If these attempts will be successful, Kenya will become the first nation to revoke its ICC membership.

Following the passing of the motion, the Jubilee government is now expected to introduce a bill in parliament in 30 days to repeal the international Crimea Act that domesticated the Rome Statute which established the ICC.

If this bill is approved, the government will have to notify the UN through its secretary general on the on its decision to pull out of the Rome Statute. This process will take a maximum of one year, meaning that even if Kenya chose to withdraw from the ICC, this decision will not have any effect on the cases that are before the ICC involving President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and radio journalist Joshua Arap Sang'.

While passing the motion, Jubilee MPs termed the ICC as a court merely 'perpetuating a neo-colonial agenda'. Attacking some civil society groups especially the African Centre for Open Governance (Africog), they were also of the opinion that the cases at the ICC should be brought back home. They blamed these civil societies for being the architects of the two Kenyan cases at the ICC. 
 
This hotted debate saw bitter exchange of arguments between the two sides of the coalitions, at some point the leader of minority in the National Assembly Jakoyo Midiwo calling his Jubilee counterparts thieves. He also led the Cord MPs walk out.

“A government that victimizes its citizens needs a big brother, and that big brother is the ICC. As Cord, we shall never be party to placing this country in a situation where a despot can come and kill people and have no one to answer to,” said Midiwo as they walked out of parliament.