Kenya’s political leaders are rushing to seek spiritual help ahead of August 8th general election. Both sides of the political divide are meeting with religious leaders.
Nasa flag bearer Raila Odinga caused a stir when he was recently seen praying at the Western Wall /Wailing Wall in Jerusalem Old City. President Uhuru Kenyatta had also prayed at the same wall in February 2016 during his state visit to Israel.
Raila Odinga prays at Western /Wailing Wall in JerusalemUhuru Kenyatta prays at Western /Wailing Wall in Jerusalem
Well, Nasa principal Moses Wetangula was seen rocking white shukas when he met His Holiness Syedna Muffadal Saifuddin, the Boha community spiritual leader in Karen.
Moses Wetangula’s meeting with His Holiness Syedna Ali Qadar Muffadal Saifuddin in Karen, Nairobi
Apparently the Bungoma Senator met the Boha community spiritual leader to request for his prayers ahead of August 8th general elections.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also hosted His Holiness Syedna Ali Qadar Muffadal Saifuddin at State House, Nairobi on 26th July 2016.
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s meeting with His Holiness Syedna Ali Qadar Muffadal Saifuddin at State House
President Uhuru Kenyatta was thought to be the richest politician in Kenya – he has appeared on Forbes list of richest African presidents. But apparently Raila is richer than him.
In 2011, Forbes estimated Uhuru’s net worth at $500 million or Kes 51 billion. Most of his wealth came from property. President owns stakes in Kenya’s largest dairy company Brookside Dairies, media company Mediamax, Heritage Hotels, Commercial Bank of Africa and hundreds of thousands of hectares of prime land in Kenya.
Robert Alai, former Raila Odinga ally who now working for Uhuru Kenyatta, has revealed that the government did an audit and they discovered that Raila’s personal wealth was in excess of Kes 3 trillion or $29 billion.
“After recent government audit, Raila’s personal wealth is found to be in excess of Ksh 3Trillion. Does it reflect in the life of his constituents? In 2007 alone, one country (Germany) gave him Ksh 110billion. He never invested the amount in his campaigns,” Robert Alai wrote.
Even though Alai probably inflated the figure, there is speck of truth in his claim given that a multi-agency meeting chaired by the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua was held at Harambee House last Thursday, the meeting resolved to closely monitor the interactions between the political parties and foreign donors, with more focus inevitably on Nasa.
Robert Alai
The Sunday Nation reports that the committee comprises of Mr Kinyua, officials from the Treasury, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and representatives from the Kenya Revenue Authority among others.
Is Raila really a dollar billionaire or Alai is just dragging his name through the mud?
Well, the Star has also uncovered interesting details about President Uhuru Kenyatta’s palace which is located next to State House.
The daily established that Uhuru demolished the historic house he inherited from his father to put up a Kes 700 million fortress around Caledonia Estate which has bulletproof windows and special sensors.
Uhuru’s mansion is privately funded but all security features are designed by government experts. Satellite images from Google Maps confirm Uhuru’s new home which shares a fence with State House.
Satellite images of president Uhuru’s mansion
The Google image shows a swimming pool, a helipad on the roof of the upper level and a driveway with a mini roundabout.
The Star says that Uhuru’s property is protected round the clock by GSU officer, apparently construction workers on site are not allowed to enter the premises with their mobile phones to avoid leaking photos of the mansion to the public.
No one outside the construction crew knows the nature of the interior, a concrete wall and high-tech electric fence have concealed the president’s property from the public.
Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta’s kin have been thrown out in the cold by voters in the recently concluded ODM and Jubilee primaries.
Raila’s cousin Jakoyo Midiwo lost to Elisha Odhiambo in ODM primaries for Gem parliamentary seat. Jakoyo only managed 8,900 votes against Elisha’s 13,400 votes.
Jakoyo Midiwo
Midiwo claimed the votes were rigged, he plans to inform the people of Gem of his next move if his concerns are not addressed.
Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga had also earlier lost his bid for Bondo parliamentary seat to incumbent MP Gideon Ochanda.
Ochanda had won with 28,446 votes against Oburu’s 4,000 votes; Raila’s brother rejected the results and ordered a recount. He argued that most polling stations in Bondo were raided by Ochanda’s supporters who kicked out his gents and took ballot boxes.
Oburu Odinga
The recount was finally done and Oburu emerged as the winner with 15,784 votes against Ochanda’s 9,538 votes.
Crossing over to Uhuru Kenyatta’s backyard, voters decided to reject the president’s niece. Annah Nyokabi, the incumbent Kiambu Women Representative, was trounced by radio journalist Gathoni Wamuchomba – Nyokabi only managed to garner 26, 768 votes against Wamuchomba’s 374,306 votes.
The controversial blogger has been under siege for close to three years as state machinery decided to punish him for insulting president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Sometimes in 2014, Robert Alai took to social media to rant about Uhuru Kenyatta, he referred the head of state as an ‘adolescent president’.
“Insulting Raila is what Uhuru can do. He hasn’t realized the value of the presidency. Adolescent president. This seat needs maturity,” Robert Alai tweeted.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) instigated a reign of terror upon Alai, he was arrested and sued for undermining the presidency.
Robert Alai in court
Alai has been fighting to be acquitted in the corridors of justice, he even filed a counter suit against the Attorney General and DPP claiming his rights had been violated when charges against him were preferred.
The High Court on Wednesday 26th directed that the DPP should drop charges against Alai. Justice Enoch Chacha Mwita declared that a section of the law that stipulates undermining authority of a public officer as an offence was unconstitutional.
And just like that the controversial blogger was off the hook for calling Uhuru Kenyatta an ‘adolescent president. What a win!
Robert Alai and Uhuru Kenyatta in a past State House summit
Hassan Joho must be laughing wherever he is – President Uhuru Kenyatta blocked him from attending Mtongwe ferry re-launch but now the Jubilee flagship project is turning out to be real white elephant.
President Uhuru caused a stir when he commissioned the resumption of Mtongwe Ferry services in Mtongwe, Mombasa County on March 13th 2017 – he blocked Joho from attending the function and told him to stop following him around because he wasn’t his wife.
President Uhuru during the re-launch of Mtongwe ferry service
Well, part of the landing structure at the Mtongwe ferry channel broke off and fell into the ocean barely two months after President Uhuru re-launched the ferry services.
Mtongwe ferry ramp that collapsed
Two pillars that supported the ferry ramp were dislodged by strong tides on Tuesday night causing the collapse of the structure.
No one was injured as the ferry serving the channel – MV Likoni – was not in operation at the time at the time of the accident.
Ever wondered whether Mr president knows his way around the kitchen? Well, he is! He has left many shocked after he was photographed making chapati while in the company of some prominent Arabs moments before he officially opened the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy Complex in Kenya.
This building is designed for the learning and recital of the Quran and was launched in Nairobi, Surat, Karachi and Mumbai.
Uhuru during the inauguration of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy Complex in Kenya
However what many peoples attention is a photo of the president holding a rolling pin as he showed off his skills by spinning the dough on the cooking board. This is not the first time the president is pulling such a unique stunt as he has been seen dining at local vibanda’s and buying a soda at a shop.
Ray C is NOT interested in being Ringtone’s sweetheart, she has her eyes set on President Uhuru Kenyatta whom she desperately wants to meet in person.
Sometimes in 2015, Ringtone said he was ready to marry Ray C, this was after the Tanzanian singer took to social media to launch a husband bid.
Ringtone later withdrew his interest explaining that he wanted Ray C to be his friend because she was like Pamela who had returned to God.
Ringtone
It has taken Ray C two years to respond to Ringtone’s sensational claim. The onetime queen of Bongo music told Mzazi Willy Tuva that Ringtone didn’t stand a chance of dating her.
“Nilisoma hizo taarifa Kwa mitandao, namjua tu kama msanii kwanza wa Gospel, kwa hiyo nilishangaa sana ila ni mtu mzuri sana napenda anavyoshirikiana na wasanii wa Gospel wa Tanzania, ila hio haipo kwenye ratiba yangu though,” Ray C said in a phone interview with Mzazi Tuva on Radio Citizen on Wednesday April 19th 2017.
“Aiiii hio hapana,” She added when she was asked whether Ringtone stood a chance to win her heart. The ‘Moto Moto’ hit maker reiterated that she was interested in President Uhuru.
Ray C
Back in 2015, Ray C took to the social media to express her undying crush on Kenya’s commander in chief.
“Lemme tell u a lil secret about Uhuru!!!!I love this guy to death!I have had a crush on him for soooooo long!!!huwa namuota sana sana!!!!I love everything about him!His Attitude, His accent!Total Package!!” Ray C posted on Instagram on July 17th 2015 at 3:17pm.
The songbird told Mzazi that she hopes to meet President Uhuru when she comes to Kenya in 3 weeks time. She even revealed the things she would do if she meets Uhuru.
“I will learn as much as I can from him. I will soon request for a dinner date, where he will advise on me on matters life. We’ll say two or three things to each other. I will look for him wherever he is. He is a nice guy. I can see he supports Kenyan artists to a detailed degree,” she said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tour of Kisumu was not without drama – guests scampered for safety after a green mamba surfaced at the dais.
The head of state visited the Lakeside city on Tuesday April 18th to attend the National Drama festivals gala which was held at Kisumu State Lodge.
A daring snake caused havoc at Kisumu State Lodge before the president arrived there, Uhuru had made a detour to Oginga Odinga Street to address a crowd that had gathered.
President Uhuru addresses Kisumu residents
Meanwhile the guests who were waiting for him at Kisumu State Lodge were being terrified by a green mamba that crept all the way to the main dais.
The main dais at Kisumu State Lodge
The snake was spotted after it surfaced a few meters from where the president seat had been reserved. Dignitaries ran for dear lives as the snake slithered while trying to escape.
Security officers rush to kill the snake that terrified guests at Kisumu State Lodge
Police officers attached to the presidential guard speedily hit the snake and incapacitated it. The bushy surrounding environment around the State Lodge offers a perfect habitat for serpents and other dangerous animals.
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s fleet of posh vehicles now includes a top of the range German-made Mercedes-Benz S Class Maybach.
The only other persons known to own such brand of a car are business mogul Chris Kirubi and SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri.
Mr. Karauki caused a stir when his machine was first seen in Nairobi in December 2016, and some four months later DJ CK unveiled his Mayback.
Ronald Karauri’s Maybach
Chris Kirubi’s Maybach
Uhuru Kenyatta is the other Kenyan cruising in the elegant German machine – the vehicle however belongs to the state.
The presidential fleet, which has high-end vehicles like Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600, Toyota Land Cruiser, Range Rover Vogue, BMW 7 series etc, has added a Maybach to its collection.
The head of state played tribal politics during his tour of Nyamira County in a bid to woo Kisii people to re-elect him for a second term. His move is now haunting him.
During his visit to Nyamira county last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta asked residents to give him another term in office saying that his government had given ‘their son’ a job, referring to Chief Justice David Maraga.
The head of state said that Maraga, Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Central Bank of Kenya chairman Mohamed Nyaoga were appointed because the government had Kisii people’s interests at heart.
President Uhuru Kenyatta greets locals during his tour of Nyamira County
The president’s worrisome remarks have made the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Chief Justice himself to blast him – both issued a statement on Monday in regard to what he said in Nyamira.
“This could have been misconstrued to imply a political hand in the appointment of the Chief Justice. There is neither room nor opportunity for the president to discharge this function in a political manner. Any implication, deliberate or inadvertent, that the appointment of the CJ was part of a political scheme is a grave distortion of law and fact. The Judiciary, in exercise of its authority, is only subject to the constitution and the law, and not to any person or authority,” JSC secretary Anne Amadi said in a statement.
Chief Justice David Maraga
“I have restrained myself from responding to these false statements so as not to give them undue prominence or credence. However, they continue to be claimed and peddled around as if they are the truth, and in total disregard of their corrosive effect on the perception of the independence of the Judiciary. My office requires me to be apolitical, and I have not and will never involve myself in any political activity. I am not a Chief Justice of a community or a county but the head of the Judiciary of the republic of Kenya. I took an oath dedicated to serve all irrespective of their, social, economic or political status. I would urge other players in the political and media scene to help me in this regard and refrain from making statements or reports that wrongly project me and the Judiciary as partisan,” CJ David Maraga said in a statement.
Embu governor Martin Wambora has endorsed the re-election of Uhuru Kenyatta in the coming election August 8th poll.
While addressing Embu business community in Nairobi, Wambora said Uhuru has done a lot for the country and thus deserved a second term in the office.
Embu Governor Martin Wambora
“I would like to request you my people re elect Uhuru Kenyatta as what he has done over the last five years deserves recognition, “he said.
He urged electorates to elect leaders on merit and not empty politics full of hatred and divisiveness.
Wambora hit out at his opponents urging them to wait until 2022 to vie for Embu gubernatorial seat, he was confident he will be re-elected in office for a second term.
“As you vote for Uhuru also remember my name will be in the ballot, as I and Uhuru have lot in common, we are devout champions of integration and strong pillars of devolution,” Wambora said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta
The governor is expected to battle for a Jubilee ticket with Runyenjes Member of parliament Cecile Mbarire as Embu senator Lenny Kivuti decamped Jubilee for Maendeleo Chap Chap.
Wambora says that Embu people are seeking a humble servant who is ready to fight for their needs.
“Embu people need actions but not empty politics, they have tested and you all know my strength and my projects are outstanding, all what I need is your support to transform the county to greater heights,” he said.
He urged locals to stay united and shun leaders of trying of promote divisive politics in our county.
“Shun down those leaders who are trying to divide us on bases of clan, all what Embu needs is developments and creation of jobs to our people,”Wambora said.
He outlined his achievements as milestones to the county and says that he has capacity to do more if accorded a second term.
The governor said that Embu County has one of the best healthcare systems in Kenya, with an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and HDU (High Dependency Unit) at the Embu Level 5 Hospital and a renal unit with more than 10 dialysis Machines.
He also requested the people to come out in large number during nomination exercise to vote for him.
Just like embattle Mombasa governor, President Uhuru’s academic certificates have been put under the microscope by critics who don’t believe the head of state graduated from a prestigious private liberal arts college in Massachusetts, USA.
The debate on Uhuru’s academic papers was temporarily put to rest after a certain Odhiambo Levin Opiyo confirmed that the name “Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta” was among the names of students on Amherst College’s yearbook.
But Uhuru was not off the hook per se, his determination to frustrate Mombasa governor Hassan Joho made his critics renew their energy in digging out information about his academic papers.
Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) implored Amherst College to not only confirm whether Uhuru was their student but also to make public his grades.
The American college confirmed Uhuru Kenyatta graduated in 1985 with a degree in economics & political science from their institution but refused to provide any information in regard to his behavior, temperament and grades.
The Odingas and Kenyattas love/hate relationship has been explained by Ruth Odinga – Kisumu deputy governor who is also Raila Odinga’s young sister.
Raila’s father Jaramongi Odinga and Uhuru’s father Jomo Kenyatta enjoyed a warm relationship that transcended work and tribal politics.
Jaramogi Odinga Oginga with Jomo Kenyatta
In an interview with SDE, Ruth Odinga revealed that the senior Kenyatta travelled to Kisumu with his son Uhuru Kenyatta to visit the Odingas.
“When they came to Kisumu with their father (Uhuru’s father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta) we used to play together. Uhuru is a good friend of mine, a very personal friend. It’s only our political paths that were different. I was born into a political family and politics is what we have grown up in. I met Uhuru through politics. If my father was not in politics, I would not have known Uhuru,” Ruth Odinga told SDE.
Raila Odinga with Uhuru Kenyatta
The relationship between the Odingas and Kenyatta took a new turn when Jaramongi resigned as vice president and quit KANU in 1966 to form the Kenya People’s Union (KPU).
Historians say Jaramogi didn’t agree with Kenyatta’s government, apparently Raila’s father favored communism while Uhuru’s father was pro capitalism; the two ideologies had split the world into two factions.
Ruth Odinga at her office in Kisumu
Jaramogi was put under house arrest and from there henceforth it was hell for the Odingas; Ruth says she would be taken to Central Police Station in Kisumu where she was forced to undress before being inspected.
“When my father was under house arrest and I was then a pupil at Victoria Primary School in Kisumu, I used to be taken to Central Police Station for inspection. I was forced to undress before being inspected, then I would be asked to dress again after which I would get clearance to go to school. At lunch time, I would be taken to Central Police Station again for screening and clearance.
Raila Odinga with Ruth odinga
“When my father was in detention, I was hawking mangoes to get money for ice cream,” Ruth Odinga disclosed.
Raila’s sister further revealed that she reconnected with Uhuru when she joined Kenya High and the president was in St. Mary’s. Ruth said she even knew the president’s college sweethearts.
