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Monday, September 5, 2022

'I vehemently disagree' Raila breaks silence after Supreme Court ruling

September 05, 2022 0
Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga has said he respects Monday’s ruling by the Supreme Court upholding the election of President-elect William Ruto.

In a statement to newsrooms,Raila said the Azimio Coalition stands for the rule of law and respects the Supreme Court ruling although they “vehemently disagree” with it.

“We have always stood for the rule of law and the constitution. In this regard, we respect the opinion of the court although we vehemently disagree with their decision today,” said Raila.

“Our lawyers proffered irrefutable evidence and the facts were on our side, unfortunately the judges saw it otherwise,” he added.

On Monday a seven Judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, unanimously upheld the election of President-elect William Ruto in the August 9 polls.

"We declare the election of the first respondent as President-elect to be valid..." Chief Justice Martha Koome ruled at 1:34PM.

At the same time, Raila took issue with the abridged judgment saying it was “incredible” that the Supreme Court would dismiss all the nine issues they had raised with the presidential results in their petition.

“We find it incredible that the judges found against us on all nine (9) grounds and occasion resulted in unduly exaggerated language to refute our claims,” he said.

 “This judgement is by no means the end of our movement, in fact it inspires us to redouble our efforts to transform this country into a prosperous democracy where each and every Kenyan can find their full belonging.”

Mr.Odinga thanked his supporters noting "We will be communicating in the near future on our plans to continue our struggle for transparency, accountability and democracy.”

Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua had moved to court seeking to nullify William Ruto’s election.

Electoral body Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared Dr. Ruto as the winner of the presidential election after garnering 7,176,141 votes, representing 50.49 per cent of the per cent of the total votes cast. 

Odinga came in second with 6,942,930 votes, which translates to 48.85 per cent of the votes cast.

Earlier in the day, Karua had reacted to the Apex Court ruling saying she respects the decision although she does not agree with its findings.

“The court has spoken. I respect but disagree with the findings,” she said in a tweet minutes after the ruling.


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Lizz Truss elected UK Prime Minister

September 05, 2022 0
United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was on Monday announced as the UK's next prime minister, after winning an internal leadership contest of the ruling Conservative party.

Ms. Truss beat her rival, former finance minister Rishi Sunak, by 81,326 votes to 60,399, after a summer-long internal contest sparked by Boris Johnson's resignation in July.

She becomes UK's third female prime minister following Theresa May and Margaret Thatcher.

The contest for the seat begun in July after Johnson announced his departure following a series of scandals and resignations from his government.

The 47 year old campaigned on a promise to slash taxes and prioritise economic growth, with Britain tipped to enter recession later this year promising to ''within a month present a full plan for how we are going to reduce taxes" and "get the British economy going".

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President-elect William Ruto to be sworn in next week

September 05, 2022 0
President-elect William Ruto will be sworn in on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. 

This is after the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition by his competitor Raila Odinga, ruling that Dr.Ruto was duly elected in the August 9 General Election. 

According to article 141 of the Constitution the date on which the court renders a decision declaring the election to be valid, is the first Tuesday following seven days after the court gives its verdict.

The swearing in of president-elect William Ruto will take place on Tuesday, September 13 with the Assumption of the Office of President Committee expected to announce the swearing in venue. 

The President-elect then assumes office by taking and subscribing the oath of allegiance, and the oath for the execution of the functions of office.

During the ceremony,  the President-elect shall be sworn in publicly before the Chief Justice or the Deputy Chief Justice if the CJ is absent.

Upon taking the oath, the President shall sign a certificate of inauguration and the outgoing President shall hand over to the President the instruments of power and authority: a sword and the Constitution.

Parliament shall by legislation provide for the procedure and ceremony for the swearing-in of a President-elect. Parliament was mandated to enact legislation to provide for the procedure and ceremony for the swearing-in of a President-elect. 


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Supreme Court unanimously upholds William Ruto's victory

September 05, 2022 0
The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the election of President-elect William Ruto in last month’s presidential vote, paving the way for him to be sworn in next week on Tuesday.

In a lengthy verdict delivered on behalf of the 7 Judge bench by the Chief Justice Martha Koome said"This is a unanimous decision of the court and we make the following orders; The presidential election petition number E005 of 2022 as consolidated with presidential election petition numbers E001, 2, 3,4,7 and 8 of 2022 are hereby dismissed."

"As a consequence, we declare the election of the first respondent as President-elect to be valid under Article 143 of the Constitution. This being a matter cutting across the public interest, we order that each party bear their own cost. It is so ordered."

The electoral body chairman Wafula Chebukati, on August 15, 2022, declared William Ruto the winner after garnering 7,176,141 votes, representing 50.49 per cent of the total votes cast. 

His main challenger Raila Odinga of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition party got 6,942,930 votes representing 48 per cent of the votes cast.

While delivering the abridged version of the judgement, Chief Justice Martha Koome who promised to avail the full judgment in 21 days said the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there was electoral malpractice to warrant nullification of Ruto's elections victory. 

"It is our finding that the declared President-Elect attained 50% +1 of all the votes cast in accordance with article 138.4 of the constitution," she ruled.

 

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President Kenyatta gazettes first sitting of 13th Parliament

September 05, 2022 0
President Uhuru Kenyatta has gazetted Thursday, September 8 as the first sittings of the 13th  Parliament. 

Members of both the National Assembly and the Senate will be sworn into office on that day. 

“I, Uhuru Kenyatta, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defences, appoint that the First Sitting of the National Assembly and Senate shall be held at the main Parliament Buildings,” President Kenyatta said in Gazette Notice Number 10527.

The National Assembly will have 349 members, including the 47 County MPs and 12 Nominated Members of Parliament.

In the Senate,67 members, including 20 Nominated Senators will be sworn in. 

The President is required by the Constitution to declare the date for the first sitting of the both Houses via a gazette notice within 30 days of the elections.

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Introduce fuel kitty for Senators-Tabitha Karanja urges Ruto

Laura Karwira quits Citizen TV, reveals next move

September 05, 2022 0

Citizen TV Gospel Sunday presenter Laura Karwira has quit her job to pursue further studies.

Karwira has been hosting gospel show dubbed Bambika alongside Timeless Noel and DJ Gee Gee.

Announcing her exit on Sunday, she bid her fans goodbye, saying she will be relocating to England where she is set to pursue master's in public health at Oxford Brookes University.

"I am not only leaving the show but also leaving every familiar thing behind: my family, friends and country, and going to England, in the UK, particularly Oxford," she said.

Karwira, a gospel singer, joined Citizen TV as three years ago was grateful for the things God has done in her life.

"I am walking miracle, even how I came onto Bambika is a great miracle

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Conjestina Achieng: I'm not dead

September 05, 2022 0
Boxing legend Conjestina Achieng has refuted rumours that she died while undergoing treatment at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network hospital.

Speaking to the press on Sunday Ms Achieng urged Kenyans to continue praying for her as she recuperates at the facility battling mental illness. 

The boxer,was addressing the press alongside former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko who visited her at the facility in Jomvu sub-county. 

“I am responding well to treatment. Those spreading rumours that I succumbed I want to tell them I am alive and well,” she said.

Ms Achieng who received boxing gear from Mr Sonko said she's preparing to head back to ring and defend her International Boxing Federation title before she retires. 

“I want to defend my International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the International Female Boxing Associating locally before I retire. I urge sponsors to chip in like how Mr Sonko has done. I will appreciate you. I have begun training already. It will be a local fight,” she added.

On his part,  Mr Sonko who rescued Ms Achieng from her Yala home said he was impressed with Conje's response to the treatment. 

“Ms Achieng has improved, and I have brought her the training equipment. I would want her to train other girls to be like her,” said Mr Sonko.

He promised to set up a gym for her and buy more equipment. Mr Sonko said the legend boxer brought accolades to Kenya hence must be taken care of. 

He said he will continue monitoring the former boxer progress until she fully recovers and can stand on her feet.

“Politics is over its now time to work for the less fortunate. The outgoing regime was not serious about our legendary artists and sports personalities. These are people who should be supported,” he added.

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Saturday, September 3, 2022

MCAs raise the bar for speaker

September 03, 2022 0

A section of the newly elected Members of County Assembly (MCA)of the Murang'a Coynty Assembly have set out requirements for candidates seeking to be the assembly's speaker saying that they want a speaker who will look after the interests of the people of Murang’a

The MCAs drawn from all the 35 wards in the county say candidates who are expressing interest for the seat, should first and foremost have the interest of the locals at heart. 

Led by Kibe Wa Carì, MCA elect for Ithirù ward and who is eying the seat of the majority leader said that they will be speaking to people who have shown interest in contesting for the seat to ensure that they elect the right person who will deliver once they are elected

“We promise to the Murang'a people that the current assembly will deliver all the promises that the assembly will have set to achieve," he told KNA 

The assembly will be seeking to replace Nduati Kariuki who has been the speaker for ten years 

The MCAs elect are expected to take the oath of office as soon as the governor Irungu Kang'ata convenes the third assembly.


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Audit reveals 861 ghost workers in Kisii, as focus turn to health facilities

September 03, 2022 0

Kisii Governor Paul Simba Arati has unearth 861 ghost workers from the county government in an ongoing purge across all departments as he intensifies the fight against corruption. 

Speaking to a local television station,  Arati put on notice all county workers without academic  papers to brace for tough times amid a looming overhaul in various departments in the county.

The vocal county boss confirmed various changes in his administration,  with several departmental heads being among the casualties. 

“I have caught them pants down, I’m sure they can’t run, there is nowhere to hide. I’m told there are those contemplating to resign but they must account for the sins they have committed,” Arati said.

“If you know you have been earning, please come to my office and ask for amnesty and we will give you. If we discover you didn’t have the papers, you have lied, you must be taken to court and refund the money which was meant for development and you have pocketed,” he stated.

The county boss similarly invited the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to Kisii to conduct an audit. 

“I hope the officers of EACC will help unearth the rot in Kisii.

The focus of the Governor now shifts to the health department. 

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Kiraitu's 'MBUS' joins Kenya kwanza Alliance

September 03, 2022 0
Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi’s Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) has joined President-elect William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Mr.Murungi who was accompanied by several leaders including his Deputy and Embu gubernatorial candidate Lenny Kivuti was welcomed by the President-elect William Ruto at his Karen residence. 

"We welcome the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) to Kenya Kwanza. Their resolve to work with us is an indication that leaders agree that the interests of Kenyans override our personal or party interests" Dr Ruto said on Twitter after the meeting.

Before the run up to the August 9th elections, Mr Murungi braved a flurry of attacks from Ruto's UDA leaders who urged him to abandon Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja coalition but he dismissed them. 

Kiraitu a post independence leader was trounced by Mwangaza who had served as Woman Rep since 2017.

Ms. Mwangaza garnered 209,148 votes beating her closest challenger, former senator Mithika Linturi who got 183,859 votes while Mr Murungi garnered 110,814 votes.

DEP enjoys a minimal majority of 13 MCAs in the Meru County Assembly. 
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Thursday, September 1, 2022

IEBC gazettes newly elected Senators, MCAs

September 01, 2022 0

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has gazetted all the 47 senators-elect following the August 9 General elections.

In the notice released on September 1, 2022, the commission also gazetted all the 1,450 MCAs- elect who are awaiting to be sworn in.

The gazette notice by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati also includes the number of votes attained by each, in the August 9 polls.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Articles 88 (4), 93,98 (1) (a) and 101 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, section 4 of the IEBC Act, 2011, section 38,39 (1) and (1B) of the Elections Act, 2011, Regulations 87 (2) of the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012, IEBC declares that the persons whose names are listed in the Schedule hereunder were elected as Members of the Senate having received the majority of the votes cast in the elections held on August 9, 2022, and complied with the provisions of the Elections Act, 2011 and the constitution,” reads the notice.he third assemblies of all counties are expected to hold their first sitting on September 9.

The sitting, according to standing orders, should take place not more than 30 days after the general election.The governor is expected by the by-laws to convene the sitting. 


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Smartmatic declines to give full access to IEBC servers

September 01, 2022 0
Smartmatic International, the Dutch based company procured by IEBC to provide technology for the August 9th General Election, has declined the order to allow Raila Odinga's team full access to their servers as ordered by the Supreme Court.

During a status conference on Tuesday, the apex court asked the electoral body to, among other things, grant the petitioners access to any server used to capture images of Forms 34C.

In a letter to commission Smartmatic's Managing Director F. Gunnick noted that providing full access to the servers would be an infringement on their property rights.

Gunnick added that allowing access to their information to a third party would also render it insecure for any future use. 

“Providing full access would infringe our intellectual property rights,” reads the statement from Smartmatic. 

“Providing third parties access to our source code, and security features including transmission certificates and encrypted keys would render the system insecure – as it is today – for any future use in Kenya or anywhere else in the world. In addition to violating our IP rights, this would also jeopardize elections in other countries that are using or have used our systems," it further stated. 

Gunnick however recommended that the Wafula Chebukati led body makes all "data related to the Results Transmission System and the Results Transmission System logs" available which he stated should be sufficient to audit the results transmission and substantiate that its work was above boad. 

Gunnick further defended the accuracy of the results highlighting that "all physical tally reports were available" to everyone including political parties and election observers who were able to tally the results independently.


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Tiaty MP William Kamket joins Kenya Kwanza

September 01, 2022 0
Tiaty Member of Parliament elect William Kamket has ditched the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition for the Kenya Kwanza alliance led by President-elect William Ruto.

Kamket, who was recently elected on a KANU Party ticket, was welcomed to Kenya Kwanza at by Ruto at his official residence in Karen.

"Working together is imperative for the full realization of the economic objectives we promised the people of Kenya. I am pleased to welcome Tiaty MP William Kamket to Kenya Kwanza," said Ruto in a tweet.

The vocal leader is a close ally of KANU Party Chairman Gideon Moi who lost in the Baringo Senatorial elections during tge August 9th polls. 


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Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Roots Party picks Vinod Ramji as deputy

August 31, 2022 0
Roots Party of Kenya has appointed Vinod Ramji as the Deputy Party Leader.

The party has also appointed Naran Velji Arjan as CEO and Janet Akinyi Odhiambo as Deputy National Chairperson.

This follows a resolution by the Roots Party National Executive Committee in a meeting held at party head office in Karen.

Roots party leader and presidential candidate Prof George Wajackoyah and his running mate Justina Wamae have been pulling in different direction as they accuse each other of disregarding party rules.

The party had summoned Wamae after she congratulated President-elect William Ruto on his victory terming the concluded election as being free and fair. 
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Blow to Ruto as Supreme Court dismisses 2 petitions

August 31, 2022 0

The Supreme Court denied President-elect William Ruto's request that the four 
commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) be dismissed from the petition contesting the presidential election results.

The president-elect on Monday, through Kithure Kindiki Advocates, filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court saying that the election was held by IEBC as a body and thus individual commissioners should not be enjoined individually in the petition. 

The results were rejected by the four IEBC commissioners, led by Juliana Cherera, who termed it as being opaque. 

In a rejoinder, the Supreme Court struck out the aforementioned request, noting that the petitions filed before the court by the commissioners contain evidence that will be critical in the case's hearing.

"It is not lost on us that one of the main grounds on which the three Petitions are based is that the 1st respondent (IEBC) failed to perform its functions. This claim is based on a highly publicized Press statement by these very respondents disowning the declaration of the Presidential Election results by the 2nd Respondent (Chebukati)," reads court papers.

"The latter cannot be faulted for seeking to place before the court any evidence emanating from the four."

Regarding the President elect request to remove the Attorney General (AG) from the proceedings, the court stated that given the capacity of the office he holds, he does not require the assistance of  Dr. Ruto to join the proceedings.

In his petition he caimed that unless the court grants leave for him to be joined as a Friend of the Court, the AG has no role in the petition.

The AG has been listed in the petition as the 13th respondent. 

"The holder of such an office, has more capacity than any other litigant in this country to fend off any attempts to join him in proceedings to which he ought not to be a party. As the AG he does not need the aid of the 9th respondent to accomplish such a routine task."

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Supreme Court consolidates 7 Presidential petitions

August 31, 2022 0

The Supreme Court has consolidated seven petitions challenging President-Elect William Ruto’s victory in the just concluded general election.

While making the ruling during the pre-trial conference on Tuesday, the seven judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome stated that the various petitions raised similar issues.

Azimio La Umoja – One Kenya Presidential Candidate Raila Odinga who is the main petitioner seeking to overturn Ruto’s win, is being represented by Senior Counsels James Orengo, Phillip Murgor and Paul Mwangi,  Julie Soweto,  and Pheroze Nowrojee among others 

On the other hand, Ruto’ s win is being defended by Senior Counsel Fred Ngatia, Professor Kindiki Kithure and Kioko Kilukumi,  Katwa Kigen among other lawyers. 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati’s defense is being led by Former Attorney General Githu Muigai and Lawyer Eric Ngumbo.

During the session, Koome outlined nine key issues that will be considered during the hearing that include whether the technology used during the election met the standard of security to guarantee accurate and verifiable results

Whether there was interference in submitting form 34A from poll centre to the IEBC Public portal and if the postponement of the exercise in several areas affected voter turn out and hence dented the chances of the petitioners.

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Tuesday, August 30, 2022

ODM's Fernandes Barasa wins Kakamega governor race

August 30, 2022 0
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party candidate Fernandes Odinga Barasa has won the Kakamega Gubernatorial race beating Cleophas Malala of Amani National Congress (ANC) party.

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Bournemouth sack head coach Parker

August 30, 2022 0

Bournemouth has parted ways with head coach Scott Parker three days after the team suffered a 9-0 at Liverpool.

Parker led Bournemouth to promotion last season but has been dismissed, after 14 months at the helm. 

Since the kick off of the 2022/23 season, the team has won one of their first four Premier League matches. That came on the opening day against Aston Villa. Since then they have also lost 4-0 to Manchester City and 3-0 to Arsenal.

Bournemouth’s owner, Maxim Demin, while confirming Parker's exit thanked the technical for their efforts in guiding the team back to the top flight league. 

“I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us,” he said. “Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history.

“However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and a club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably. We must also show belief in and respect for one another. That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”

Gary O’Neil will take interim charge, assisted by Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick.

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KUP outshines UDA in West Pokot parliamentary elections

August 30, 2022 0
Kenya Union Party has proved his dominance in West Pokot after claiming two parliamentary seats in the county dominated by the United Democratic Alliance(UDA) party. 

The party associated with the immediate former West Pokot Governor John Kiprop Lonyangapuo has won the Pokot South and Kacheliba MP seats. 

In Kacheliba Titus Lotee of Kenya Union Party (KUP) trounced incumbent Mark Lomunokol (UDA) to clinch the MP seat.

Mr Lotee was declared winner by Kacheliba returning officer Wilson Kipchumba after garnering 20,073 votes against the outgoing MP Mr Lomunokol who got 17,903 votes.

Mr John Lodinyo of KANU came third with 1,346 votes

In Pokot South,  the Provisional results has put the incumbent David Pkosing of Kenya Union Party (KUP) ahead with 28,250. 

Mr Pkosing challenger Simon Kalekem of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) came in second with 15,298 votes. 

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