Kenyan Parliament Resumes from Recess with Debate on Rejected Finance Bill
By Abdullahi yussuf
The Kenyan National Assembly has returned from a three-week recess, with the contentious Finance Bill 2024 at the forefront of their agenda.
Speaker Moses Wetangula, in a press conference on Monday, July 22nd, stated that the bill, which was recently declined by President William Ruto, will be a central topic of discussion in the House.
"The President sent back the Finance Bill 2024 with a memorandum, rejecting all its clauses. Under our Standing Orders, any member who wishes to overturn this memorandum must secure a two-thirds majority in the House. We will place the memorandum before the House for consideration," Wetangula said.
The Speaker also clarified that there is no legal requirement for the bill to become operational within 14 days of its rejection, stating, "It is not true, and we have no legal or constitutional basis for such a claim."
Alongside the Finance Bill, the government has introduced a supplementary budget as part of ongoing austerity measures.
The supplementary budget has been forwarded to the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which is expected to conclude sector hearings by Tuesday, July 22nd.
"The report on the supplementary budget will also be presented on the floor of the House," Wetangula noted.
The Division of Revenue Bill is also on the House's agenda, with Wetangula stating, "Given the shrinking fiscal space, the President has indicated that both levels of government must accept reductions in their revenue allocations."
President Ruto's rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 came following widespread public protests.
In a televised address on June 26th, Ruto expressed his gratitude to the MPs who voted for the amended bill, but acknowledged the public's dissent, stating, "Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede, and therefore I will not sign
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka Reacts to President Ruto's remarks calling Gen Z 'Anarchist'.
Homabay MP George Peter Kaluma Urges President Ruto to Prioritize Kenya's Wellbeing Amid Challenges
By Hassan Adan
In a statement shared on X, Homabay constituency Member of Parliament (MP) George Peter Kaluma advised President William Ruto to focus on improving and protecting the country during the ongoing crisis.
Kaluma acknowledged that Ruto is the president of Kenya until the general elections in 2027 and urged him to confidently take actions that would benefit the nation and its citizens.
"President @WilliamsRuto: You are the President of Kenya until 2027 when general elections will be held. As President, do not hesitate to do what is good for Kenya," Kaluma said.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker further encouraged the head of state to establish a government that would cater to the needs of all Kenyans and drive the country's economic transformation.
"Proceed and establish a government of all Kenyans as you had envisioned and create the Nation of Kenya," Kaluma added.
During a press briefing at State House Nairobi, President Ruto disclosed that after extensive consultations, he has decided to form a broad-based government that would harness the country's immense potential and facilitate its economic transformation.
Speaking in Bomet County on Sunday, Ruto vowed to protect Kenya's democratic principles from "anonymous anarchists" who have been responsible for the recent violent demonstrations that have resulted in deaths and injuries.
"Enough is enough! going forward I will protect the nation. We will protect Kenyans, stop the killers, we will stop anarchy and will stop looters. Kenya is a democracy and we want a peaceful nation," Ruto said.
The president emphasized the importance of the country's wellbeing over the interests of any particular group, stating, "The country is much more important than any group of people. We must stand together as a nation, protect our nation and make sure that Kenya is a democracy."
Ruto concluded by affi
President Ruto Vows Crackdown on 'Anarchists' Ahead of Planned Protests
By Abdullahi Yussuf
President William Samoei Ruto has vowed to deal firmly with "anarchists" who seek to disrupt the country's democracy.
Speaking to residents of Chebango, Sotik, in Bomet County on Sunday, Ruto said his administration will not tolerate any attempts to abandon democracy for "dictatorship, chaos, destruction of property, deaths and anarchy."
"We are a democratic country, we solve our issues peacefully through democratic means," Ruto said.
"What we can't do as a nation is to abandon democracy for dictatorship chaos, destruction of property, deaths and anarchy, that we shall not do."The President added
The President's comments come as the country braces for nationwide protests on Tuesday, organized by Generation Zoomers (GenZ) and Millennials to push for reforms in the government.
The police had last week banned any form of protests in Nairobi, citing an infiltration by criminals intent on causing destruction.
Ruto warned that the government will pull out all the stops to ensure the safety of citizens and their properties.
"As a government, we will protect our democracy, we will protect the peace and stability of our nation, we will deal firmly and resolutely with those who are engaged in mayhem, anarchy, causing deaths and destruction of property," he said.
The President was adamant that there is no room in the country's constitution for anyone to engage in "mayhem, anarchy, death and violence" against Kenyans.
"There is no place in our country and in our Constitution for anybody to have a free licence to visit mayhem, anarchy, death and violence on the people of Kenya," Ruto said.
Ruto addressed the public after attending a church service in Sotik for the official opening and dedication of the newly completed Chebango AGC church.
Presudent William Samoei Ruto address Residents of Chebango, Bomet County.
DP Gachagua Urges Gen Z Protesters to Avoid Infiltration by Criminals
By Abdullahi yussuf
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to the youth, particularly the Gen Zs, to refrain from anti-state protests, assuring them that the government has heard their concerns and is ready to implement their demands.
Gachagua acknowledged the right of Kenyans to protest and seek answers from the government on governance issues.
However, he lamented that the Gen Z protests have been infiltrated by people with criminal intent, leading to looting and property destruction.
"Tafadhali Gen Zs my sons and daughter please we have heard you. You have spoken clearly what you have said needs no full stops or commas it is clear," the Deputy President said.
Gachagua was in Kirinyaga county and was accompanied by several leaders, including Njeri Maina, the Kirinyaga Woman Representative, John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini MP), Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa (Kiambu), and former MPs Alfred Mwangi Nderitu, Peter Gitau, Kabinga Wachira Thayu, and Wangui Ngirichi.
The Deputy President urged the Gen Z protesters to avoid allowing their demonstrations to be hijacked by individuals with criminal intentions.
"But when you come out to picket, some criminals infiltrate your demonstrations and start looting. So we want to ask the Gen Zs please don't allow your protest to be hijacked by people with criminal intent to steal and destroy property," he said.
Gachagua affirmed that the government has heard the grievances of the youth and they should now give the Kenya Kwanza administration time to act on their demands.
"What you have said is enough you need not to say anything more. The President, government and everybody has heard you, now let us wait for the action that follows," he said.
The Deputy President's appeal underscores the government's willingness to address the concerns of the youth, while emphasizing the need to maintain peaceful and lawful demonstrations.
Dawa FM: Uplifting Mandera County through Responsible Journalism
Opinion.Article
By Hassan adan
In a world where media outlets are often criticized for their biased coverage and sensationalism, one local radio station in Mandera County stands out as a beacon of responsible and impactful journalism.
DAWA FM , the leading FM station in the region, has consistently proven itself to be a valuable asset to the community through its commitment to uplifting stories and initiatives that truly matter.
"Journalism" is not about criticism, as most people think. It is a tool to assist and uplift our society in terms of good things.
And this is precisely the approach Dawa FM has embraced.
Rather than fueling the changing political narratives that often divide communities, the station has maintained a steadfast focus on cross-border cooperation, peace, and coexistence.
Through its diverse programming, Dawa FM has provided a platform for women leaders, Muslim clerics, and community elders to come together and amplify the importance of these vital issues.
One recent program, for instance, invited these influential voices to share their perspectives and engage the public in meaningful discussions about the Importance of Peace in the region which is very vital to " Our People"
But Dawa FM's impact extends beyond mere dialogue. The station has also leveraged its reach to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals in need.
The recent story of a young boy, Hussein Abdi Mohamed, who was struggling with mental illness and financial challenges, is a testament to Dawa FM's dedication.
After the station aired his plight, a generous well-wisher stepped forward to sponsor his medical care and education, a true testament to the power of responsible journalism.
"Dawa FM, the leading FM in Mandera County, you have really [served] our county and its people with your good professionalism and good ethics."
In a world where the media landscape is often dominated by
President Ruto Promises Clear Cabinet Mandate, Delivery Timelines Next Week
By Hassan Adan
President William Samoei Ruto has announced that he will be issuing a clear outline of the assignments and deliverables for his newly appointed Cabinet next week.
"I will be issuing next week a clear offer on the assignment that the new cabinet is going to have, with clear timelines of delivery," Ruto told the nation.
The President emphasized his belief in the "tremendous potential" that exists in Kenya and his determination to "drive our country to greatness."
This announcement comes shortly after Ruto unveiled his initial Cabinet lineup, which included a mix of new faces and familiar names from the previous administration.
By providing a clear mandate and deadlines for his Cabinet, Ruto appears to be signaling his intention to hit the ground running and work towards his vision for the country's future.
The details of these Cabinet assignments and delivery timelines are eagerly awaited, as they will likely shed more light on Ruto's priorities and strategies for transforming Kenya in the coming years.
Press Briefing in State House Kenya
Mudavadi Urges Youths to Cherish Peace, Warns Against Undermining Stability
By Hassan Adan
The Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has implored the younger generation to recognize the preciousness of peace and stability in Kenya.
Speaking at the launch of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET-CDACC) strategic plan 2023-2027, Mudavadi drew a chilling comparison to the dire situation in neighboring Sudan, where millions face a humanitarian crisis and widespread displacement.
"As we reform, as we put the corrective measures, our key anchor must be peace and stability so that the environment can be conducive for everybody to go about their activities.
It is easy to take it for granted but I can tell you, there is no peace in Sudan today," Mudavadi stated.
The Cabinet Secretary painted a sobering picture of the long-lasting impacts of conflict and instability, urging the youth to consider the future ramifications of their actions and decisions.
He cautioned against the repercussions of undermining the hard-earned peace and stability in Kenya, drawing parallels to the prolonged struggles of nations like Somalia, which have taken decades to recover from turmoil.
"So let us not as a community, as a society, take our peace and stability for granted. Let us take corrective measures but not undermine the peace and stability. The countries that have suffered have taken up to 40 years to show signs of recovery," Mudavadi noted.
Emphasizing the importance of dialogue and understanding, Mudavadi called upon parents to engage with their children, acknowledging the significance of self-expression while upholding the value of peace.
He advocated for a harmonious balance between voicing one's opinions and safeguarding the nation's tranquility.
"It is important we look at it more broadly and encourage our young people as we express ourselves that there must be a very clear indication that peace and stability are criti
Protests Cost Kenya Billions, Government Warns of Economic Downturn
By Abdullahi Yussuf
The Kenyan government has revealed that the recent wave of protests sweeping the country has resulted in an estimated loss of Ksh6 billion, according to data from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
In a weekly address, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura expressed concerns that the economy could face further setbacks if the demonstrations persist in the coming weeks.
Mwaura pointed to the public's rejection of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which was set to raise Ksh346 billion, as a major factor contributing to the government's challenges.
He also noted that the administration is grappling with a pending bill of about Ksh220 billion from the previous financial year.
"The country has lost approximately Ksh6 billion according to KRA as a result of demonstrations. Fears are bound that if the protests continue, the economy will have a negative impact," Mwaura stated.
The government spokesperson further explained that entrepreneurs have incurred significant losses due to the weekly protests, with businesses experiencing reduced sales and income, in addition to the incidents of looting and vandalism.
Appealing to the young people who have been at the forefront of the protests, Mwaura urged them to give President William Ruto's administration time to implement measures aligned with their demands. However, he emphasized that the government is determined to protect the country from descending into anarchy or lawlessness.
As a gesture of goodwill, Mwaura issued an apology, acknowledging the public's concerns about the display of opulence by some state officials.
He assured that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to addressing the issue of corruption, which has been a key focus during the demonstrations.
TVET - CDACC Strategic Plan 2023-27 Launch - Nairobi
Chaos Erupts at Azimio Coalition Meeting in Nairobi as Hired Thugs Disrupt Kalonzo's Address
By Abdullahi Yussuf
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party post-Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday was disrupted by hired thugs who stormed the venue, interrupting Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's speech and forcefully ejecting attendees, including journalists covering the briefing.
According to reports, Azimio members, including co-principal Raila Odinga, had convened for the meeting at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation grounds.
Following the meeting's conclusion, Kalonzo was set to announce the resolutions passed during the gathering, but in Odinga's absence, the chaos ensued.
Just as Kalonzo began his address, the hired goons stormed the venue, chanting "meeting imeisha; kila mtu atoke nje," effectively disrupting the Wiper boss and his entourage.
Consequently, Azimio suspended the address but later issued a statement highlighting the key resolutions from the PG meeting.
These included the coalition's decision not to be part of the proposed broad-based government mooted by President William Ruto in the aftermath of the nationwide demonstrations.
Azimio also demanded the immediate apprehension of rogue police officers implicated in the maiming, deaths, and kidnappings of peaceful Kenyan protesters since the start of the Finance Bill protests on June
The coalition further called for the compensation of those killed and the payment of hospital bills for victims of police shootings.
Meru Governor Faces Third Impeachment Bid over Abuse of Office Allegations
By Abdullahi Yussuf
The Meru County Assembly has tabled a notice of motion to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza, the third such attempt against the first-time governor.
Zipporah Kinya, a nominated member and the Deputy Majority Leader, presented the impeachment motion on Wednesday.
The motion accuses Mwangaza of abuse of office and misappropriation of county resources.
According to the notice, Mwangaza has persisted in "discreditable acts" that violate national and county laws, which have "exposed the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Deputy Governor, the Assembly and its leadership, and the people of Meru County to national shame, scandal, embarrassment, ridicule, and disgrace."
The accusations against Mwangaza include:
- Failure to appoint chairpersons of various boards, such as the Meru County Revenue Board and the Meru Microfinance Corporation.
- Illegal revocation of the appointment of Virginia Miriti as the county secretary without a vote of at least 75% of all the Meru MCAs.
- Paying emergency call allowances to 161 doctors and medical officers using the wrong rates, leading to excessive payments of KSh. 74.3 million.
- Using a manual payroll to pay personnel emoluments amounting to KSh. 102.9 million.
- Employing a "bloated workforce of at least 111 personal staff" in her office, contributing to a spike in the wage bill by over KSh. 500 million.
- Paying a staff member in her office his full salary and benefits while he was in remand over a murder case.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Zipporah Kinya, argues that reconciliation efforts have been fruitless and that Mwangaza's continued stay in office has "persistently undermined effective and efficient service delivery and gravely hurt the interests of the people of the county."
This is the third impeachment bid against Governor Mwangaza. In November 2022, she survived her second impeachment attempt after a majority of
"Wewe unatupigia kelele!!Tuko na wewe maandamano!!" Gen Z tell president Ruto as he addresses the public in Nakuru
President William Samoei Ruto Accuses Ford Foundation of Sponsoring Violence During Protests
By Hassan Adan
President William Ruto has made a bold accusation against the Ford Foundation, an American private philanthropic organization, claiming that the foundation has been sponsoring violence and unrest during the recent anti-government protests in Kenya.
Speaking in Nakuru ,President Ruto alleged that the Ford Foundation has been hiring "goons" to cause mayhem and destruction of property during the peaceful demonstrations.
"Nataka niulize watu wa Ford Foundation watuambie hio pesa wanatoa, wanatoa ifanye fujo ndio wapate faida gani?" he posed.
The President further warned the Ford Foundation, stating, "If they are not interested in democracy in Kenya, if they are going to sponsor violence and anarchy, we are going to call them out, and we are going to tell them they either style up or they leave."
Ruto reiterated his claims on his X (Twitter) account, calling on the Ford Foundation to "explain to Kenyans its role in the recent protests" and stating that the government will "call out all those who are bent on rolling back our hard-won democracy."
The President has previously attributed the destruction of critical state infrastructure, including the Parliament building, to "hired young goons" whom he has labeled as "criminals."
The Ford Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1963, has been actively involved in advocating for civic justice and supporting social justice activists in East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The organization has disbursed over KSh 138 billion ($10.7 million) in the region since 2009.
The President's accusations against the Ford Foundation have raised concerns about the government's approach to handling dissent and the potential implications for the country's democratic process.
