PANIC in STATEHOUSE as Raila Movement GAINS Momentum in Jubilee Strongholds, FEAR of Silent Majority Supporting NASA

By Onchiri Mbaka
NASA raids on Jubilee strongholds — and huge, back-to-back spirited rallies — have sent shock waves through Statehouse.

It’s five months to the August 8 General Election and Uhuru is struggling to show a single Jubilee promise delivered.

The Jubilee administration is increasingly worried by Raila’s National Super Alliance forays into its bedrock and fears the opposition may convert vast crowds into votes to make Uhuru Kenyatta a one-term President.

NASA principals Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya) have stepped up their offensive.

Since last Saturday, NASA has held rallies in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu; and travelled around Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties. The optics are powerful with fears that there could be silent majority supporting Raila reminscebt of BREXIT and Donald Trump win in USA.

There has been no Jubilee countervailing push in recent days as a weak DP Ruto struggled to end violence in Baringo and Marakwet counties and Uhuru seems frustrated in Statehouse.

Analysts have been saying if the opposition remains united and speaks with one voice, then it be a knock out dry punch on Uhuruand his corrupt Jubilee regime.

For the first time, Uhuru’s diehard supporters have admitted the NASA wave should no longer be ignored.

Yesterday Igembe South MP Hon Mithika Linturi said Jubilee is facing a serious crisis in Meru over unfulfilled pledges.

“It is four years down the line, yet nothing has been done. The miraa-growing areas are gone unless Jubilee makes urgent interventions to correct the situation,” he told the local media. Jubilee has set aside Sh1 billion for the industry, but little benefit is visible.

The opposition has also shaken other Jubilee bastions of Masaailand, Kipsigis, Meru and Elgeyo Marakwet. In Elgeyo Marakwet, Deputy President William Ruto’s key ally Senator Kipchumba Murkomen is facing a reelection challenge from former police boss David Kimaiyo (KANU)

In Narok, several Jubilee politicians, including Senator Stephen Ole Ntutu, MP Ole Lenka have defected to Chama Chama Mashinani led by Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto and Raila respectively. CCM leans toward the opposition.

Statistics show Raila defeated Uhuru in Narok in 2013, polling 118,623 votes against 109,413. Kenyatta only beat Raila in Kilgoris and Emurrua Dikkir constituencies and lost to the opposition in Narok North, East, West and South.

Last Saturday NASA stormed DP Ruto’s Rift Valley turf with a successful rally at 64 Stadium in Eldoret, a major event that threw Jubilee operatives into a spin.

That first rally since unveiling he NASA coalition agreement last Wednesday was attended by thousands of supporters in the historic stadium, signaling shifting ground.

For the last two days, NASA has pitched camp in crucial Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties where Jubilee is facing strong resistance from Meru Governor Peter Munya’s PNU party.

Outspoken Igembe South IMP Franklin Linturi said the region was desperate and would end up being swayed if roads and water problems are not addressed.

“I am speaking what the majority of my area colleagues are unable to say. But if the issues are not corrected, then we will not have a problem. Historical issues of unemployment and underdevelopment must be fixed urgently,” Hon Linturi said.

It has since been established that days after NASA stormed the President’s backyard and received a rousing welcome, top officials of the ministry of Transport have been mobilising contractors to fix Meru roads.

“If I told you the number of meetings for the last two days, the phone calls and consultations going on, there is a higher gear to correct the scenario,” a senior Transport official said. He declined to be named because he is not authorised to comment to the media.

Political Analyst Martin Andati said Jubilee was losing ground in Meru because of failure to help miraa farmers.

“The UK blocked the miraa market, Tanzania banned miraa. There are serious underlying issues the government has failed to address. If it’s not careful, Jubilee will have serious problems in Meru,” he told local media.

Speaking at a rally on Monday in Meru, Raila promised miraa farmers if they elect NASA, he will expand the cash crop’s market to benefit all residents.

Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi said Jubilee is not perturbed by NASA’s huge crowds.

“Numbers do not lie. Polls conducted in this country have been very consistent. We are not scared even for a moment when we see people coming out in Meru. We (Jubilee) do not doubt who we are, where we have come from and where we are going,” Wamatangi said.

Andati said Jubilee fortunes in its Meru and Rift Valley bastions are waning and people are shifting to NASA, posing a mathematical problem for JP.

He said heightened tension between Kanu chairman Gideon Moi and Ruto over control of the Rift vote bloc has diminished the DP’s relevance.

“This tension has destabilised the DP and he has been forced to go back home to fire-fight. If he loses,he becomes irrelevant. If part of the Kalenjin vote goes, he becomes weak.

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Am Not Under Investigations, Stop FAKE News- Governor Kingi Tells Mt Kenya’s Nation Media

THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KILIFI
Kilifi Governor Press Office

PRESS STATEMENT
GOVERNOR KINGI IS NOT UNDER INVESTIGATION ON CORRUPTION
In the Wednesday, March 1, 2017 edition of the Daily Nation, allegations were made suggesting that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is concluding investigations into possible misuse and wastage of over a billion shillings in Kilifi County.

The Nation story further claimed that one of the matters in the investigation is the purchase of the 11-acre Mtwapa Bus Park and market land in which, according to the Nation, an acre was bought at Shs. 28 million, bringing the total to Shs. 308 million, yet an acre at the location goes for about Shs 3 million.

We would like to state that these Daily Nation corruption claims amount to sheer propaganda against Governor Amason Kingi. Further, the Governor of Kilifi is not under any investigation on corruption allegations as claimed by the Daily Nation.
It should be noted that on the 16th and 17th November, 2016, the Daily Nation carried a similar story alleging that money lost by the Kilifi County Government had risen from Shs. 51,569,775.00 to Shs. 1.18 billion. This was not true.
We confirmed that only Shs. 51,569,775.00 was irregularly paid to various accounts belonging to companies based in Nairobi and that the matter had been reported to the various investigative agencies, including the EACC.
Further, we came to learn that the allegations of the loss of Shs. 1.18 billion reported by the Daily Nation were based on a list of payments made by the County Government. These payments were verified and were all genuine transactions made by the County Government for goods and services rendered.
On the Mtwapa land matter, also raised in the Daily Nation, we would like to state that when the Governor visited the EACC offices in Nairobi last year, he took the investigators through the procurement process done by the County. He told them that this was an open tender and that the successful bidder was Future Links Ltd at ksh.308million.
To ensure that the people of Kilifi got value for their money, the County Government invited the Jubilee National Government to do valuation of the land. The National Government valued the land at ksh 310 million.
As a measure of due diligence, the County Government sought to get a second valuation from a private valuer who was identified through a competitive process. The private valuer valued the land at ksh 295million.
On the strength of these two valuation reports, the County government paid the purchase price of Shs 308 million after it received the titles showing that the County was the registered owner.
We are aware that some media houses, in particular the Nation Media Group, has churned out propaganda stories against Governor Kingi. We re-state that the Governor is not under any investigation on corruption allegations, as alleged by the Daily Nation.

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Lessons on the Death of Nyeri Governor H.E Nderitu Gachagua

Lessons on the Death of Gov. Nderitu Gachagua On This Ash Wednesday
By Donald Kipkorir via FB
Today, Roman Catholics and other Christian adherents observe Ash Wednesday. Today marks the beginning of the Lenten period that will climax on Easter Sunday when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Last week, H.E Gachagua died in London. His body is still there. But already, Nyeri has a new Governor and his official cars taken away. His widow attended the swearing in of the new Governor. Basically, Nyeri has moved on.

The death of Gachagua and moving on of Nyeri is a teaching lesson for us during this Lenten period. Life is all but transient and temporary. It doesn’t matter how much wealth we have amassed or power we have acquired. When we die, our wealth and power separate from us.

What is important is the lives we have touched, the lives we have changed, the lives we have promoted. It is the testimony of those we leave behind that live on. And the prayers of the strangers we meet on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho that we assist without revealing our identity.

And we let History books to record our contribution. We work hard, make money, have fun and enjoy life, but also do charity. But charity is private. And we will have haters who try to pull us down to their level. We will ignore them.

Jesus lived for thirty three years only, and 2Billion believe in him. No other person compares to Jesus. For forty days, He lived in the wilderness tested by both man and devil. And survived to lay a foundation for Christendom. The most successful and only eternal Kingdom.

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BREAKING: Raila NASA holds Discussions with DIPLOMATS of USA, EU Members States and Canada

NASA PRINCIPALS MEET DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY:
Principals of the National Super Alliance Hon Raila Odinga, Hon Kalonzo Musyoka, Sen. Moses Wetangula and Hon Musalia Mudavadi this afternoon held discussions with members of the diplomatic community in Nairobi that constitute the Donor Group on Elections.

At the meeting were ambassadors and high commissioners from the European Union Delegation, the European Union member nations, the US and Canada.

Discussions focussed on developments in the Opposition including the formation of NASA and the preparations for the August elections. The meeting took place at the request of the group as part of a routine consultation between political parties and other stakeholders in the electoral process.

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Governor Ruto moves to VANQUISH Jubilee in Narok as Hon Lydia Ntimama DUMPS DP Ruto for Gideon Moi’s CCM-KANU coalition

One of The Main Agendas for Chama Cha Mashinani Party is pushing for Devolution of National Revenue from current 15% to 45% .Speaking Yesterday’ in Meru ,NASA Principal Raila Odinga said ,”As a government ,we will allocate 45 per cent of national resources to counties instead of the meagre 15 per cent given by Jubilee.”
NASA agenda is to protect devolution and increased Funding to devolved units ,CCM key driving factor. Should CCM back NASA Presidential Candidate ?.

Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) takes over Narok County. Thousands of Narok residents yesterday endorsed Narok West MP Patrick Ole Ntutu to contest for Narok County Gubernatorial seat during this year’s August General Elections on CCM party ticket.

Several leaders Led by Bomet Governor who is also CCM Party Leader H.E Isaac Ruto and KANU chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi addressed the mammoth rally held at Ntutu’s Olopirik home, Narok county.

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HOW Jubilee’s Hon Mungatana Used IFMIS and Kiambu Businesswoman to SWIDLE Millions from Kilifi County Government account

Mungatana at EACC over Sh51 million Kilifi county scam
Former Garsen MP Danson Mungatana has appeared before the EACC over the Sh51 million Kilifi county corruption scandal.

Mungatana appeared at Integrity Centre on Wednesday after his name was dragged into the mega scam that led to the suspension of 10 county officials.

Lucy Wanjugu, the third defendant in a civil suit filed by the county, claimed Mungatana was part of the theft engineered through IFMIS.

Wanjugu said in an affidavit that she was acquainted with the politician following their meeting in July last year

She said he told her during the meeting that he was expecting some money from the county and asked her to receive it on his behalf.

But Mungatana denied meeting Wanjugu who is a director at Zohali Services.

“For purposes of setting the records clear, I do not know Wanjugu and I have neither dealt with her nor given her instructions, or received any money from her, or companies linked to her,” he said.

Three suspects believed to have defrauded Kilifi county of the funds have already been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime.

Wanjugu, Sarah Kamau (Daima One Enterprises) and Stephen Ngunzi (Kilingi investments) denied the charges.

Kilifi senior resident magistrate Leah Wasighe released them on Sh5 million bond or Sh1 million cash bail each.

The fourth suspect, Samuel Macharia (Kilingi Investments), did not appear in court as he was sick, said his lawyer Shem Oduor.

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Uhuru Jubilee Party in TURMOIL, the Merger has BACKFIRED- Hon Kiraitu Murungi

By Benja Imende
Six months to the polls, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s mega Jubilee Party is in turmoil and key allies are regretting the merger of 11 smaller parties.

Six months after JP’s celebrated formation as the saviour of Kenyan democracy and unity, there are numerous defections, bitter infighting, distrust and claims of weak internal structures.

Uhuru’s close advisers are rethinking strategy.

Details of disarray emerged as the newly energised National Super Alliance, NASA, holds mammoth rallies in real and perceived Jubilee strongholds.

However, JP secretary general Veronica Maina dismissed reports of discord as false.

“Everything is on course and our focus is winning the elections, which we will,” Maina said on the phone yesterday.

The Star pieced together this picture of the troubled party based on numerous interviews with JP operatives, Uhuru’s close advisers, JP politicians and dismayed officials of smaller parties.

Discontent reflects divisions among Uhuru aides and close allies who say people behind the mega party — launched on September 9 last year — do not grasp the convoluted political landscape.

Some of the President’s key allies say he does not appear to have a campaign diary, weakening strategies and giving rivals an advantage.

Trouble deepened over the weekend after Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, who spearheaded the merger, publicly admitted it had backfired.

“The idea was and remains noble — to unite Kenyans into one political vehicle. But Kenyans are not ready for such a big party,” Kiraitu said.

He said small parties outside Jubilee — Maendeleo Chap Chap, Chama Cha Mashinani, Kanu, PNU, among others — are bleeding Jubilee of its strong members.

This is because Jubilee members feel they will lose nominations and say they are marginalised within the huge outfit and intimidated by the ‘big boys’ who claim to be close to Uhuru.

It has been established that nine small parties on the powerful Jubilee Advisory Council are deeply dismayed and considering bolting and forming a new outfit. There is talks of joining another party, strengthening it and threatening Jubilee in its strongholds.

Officials of former parties say the new party structure has made them redundant.

“At times we are asked why they need us when someone else can do our work, even after we dissolved our parties,” former Republican Congress chairperson Said Ali said. His old party was led by Tourism CS Najib Balala.

“There is no hierarchy. Head of secretariat Raphael Tuju reports directly to the President because chairman Nelson Dzuya is nowhere in the structure. They brought in new people who were not part of our plans,” Ali said.

For two consecutive days, NASA’s four principals have received heroic welcomes in the perceived Jubilee strongholds of Meru and Eldoret. It’s not clear whether surging crowds signal a shift in allegiance away from Jubilee or just curiosity.

There are also complaints JP brass ignored the structures of former parties, which were to be adopted as part of the binding merger deal. New people are coming on board, violating the agreement, they say.

“We are in darkness since our last meeting with Uhuru when we dissolved our parties. We don’t get any support or communication from the party,” former Kibwezi MP Kalembe Ndile said.

Meantime, a section of Ford People members urgently wants the court to reverse the decision to fold up. They say the merger was illegal.

Edward Onyancha and seven others want the Registrar of Political Parties to rescind a decision dissolving their party.

JP has suffered an exodus of candidates to smaller parties allied to Uhuru such as PNU, MCC and Kanu.

The mass defections have come as a shocker, prompting Tuju to disown small outfits supporting Uhuru’s reelection but sapping JP members and competing against it.

“I categorically state JP does not have a memorandum with so-called friendly parties because we will field our own candidates. Those decamping should look for better reasons to leave but not blame nominations,” Tuju said last week.

Those ditching JP for MCC include Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, who is running for governor; nominated Senator Emma Mbura; Uhuru’s adviser Kilemi Mwiria; Embu Deputy Governor Dorothy Nditi, who is running for woman representative; Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua and many other aspirants.

PNU, led by Meru Governor Peter Munya, has also received JP defectors who want its ticket.

Embu Governor hopeful Kithinji Kiragu, who lost narrowly to Martin Wambora in 2013, has moved to PNU.

Political observers say the President is too entangled in party activities when the country is grappling with crises — doctors’ strike, lecturers’ strike, drought, famine and deadly violence in several counties.

This is fodder for the opposition.

Analyst Javas Bigambo said Uhuru’s focus on politics gives the impression he’s ignoring burning issues of insecurity, tribalism, hunger and unemployment.

Uhuru and DP William Ruto have spent a lot of time on primaries, the botched nomination of new officials, party recruitment drive and management.

“I don’t know what’s really happening, but we cannot win this way,” former Kibwezi MP Ndile said.

“We no longer meet the President and we are even informed he is visiting our strongholds through county commissioners,” he said.

Ndile says edging out former TNA boss Onyango Oloo was a bad idea. Oloo has joined ODM and is running for Kisumu Central MP.

In 2013, Uhuru’s campaign was efficiently coordinated by Team Uhuru working closely with Ruto and Jomo Gechaga, Uhuru’s chief of staff and personal secretary.

This time round, it’s different.

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