After extending an olive branch to Gen Zs, President William Ruto now seems to have struck an agreement with Raila Odinga (the senior, more on Raila Junior’s dissent below) and his minions.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Today, the opposition leader witnessed the Head of State assent into law the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill, which the duo had been at loggerheads over for several months.
Key Facts: The Bill was initially introduced and passed in the National Assembly in May. It was later sent to the Senate which subsequently passed it on June 11. The amendments were done on the 20th of June.
The new law gives a roadmap to the formation of the IEBC. The IEBC selection panel will now consist of nine persons. 2 nominated by the Parliamentary Service Commission, 3 by the political parties liaison committee, 1 will represent the Law Society of Kenya and 1 will represent the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICAK). The Inter-religious council will front two people.
The new provisions have emphasized the need to consider a two-thirds gender quota in the constitution of the selection panel.
Afterwards, the two leaders held a press conference in which President William Ruto announced the formation of a multi-sectoral forum to expedite the issues raised by anti-government protesters.
What Ruto is Saying: “This will be a six-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country. In the interest that we live within our means, all participants will bear their costs of attendance.”
The Head of State further asked Parliament to expedite the Conflict of Interest Bill 2023 for it to be passed promptly arguing that it would present a chance to hold everyone accountable over corruption.
“I want to encourage Parliament to expedite the Conflict of Interest Bill that will support our anti-corruption measures, especially in relation to public officers,” he remarked.
Raila Stance: The former Prime Minister, who was flanked by Hassan Joho and Kalonzo Musyoka among other opposition leaders, backed Rutois decision to form a committee noting that contentious issues such as the cost of living were part of the discussions.
“I can confirm that we have had consultations and after the consultations, we have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we have had as a country,” Raila stated.
“We have agreed we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves and come out with the grievances that are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found.”
The Aftermath: Whereas attendees and high-ranking government officials shared their celebratory messages, the rest of Kenya still held preservations over the alliance and likely outcomes.
Raila’s son Raila Odinga Jr resurfaced with a social media post seemingly distancing himself from his father’s political move. “Everybody is an individual, please! Even people with the same exact names,” he poignantly stated
Other Kenyans, especially Gen Z and millennials, however, disavowed the dialogue to be held arguing that all they needed from the government was the delivery of their mandate.
“Dialogue tena? Si ata last year kulikuwa na dialogue?… We cannot use an old map to navigate new territory!” wondered Pauline Njoroge.
“The dialogue is between two individuals: William Ruto and Raila Odinga. We refuse to be controlled by selfish politicians who only value their stomachs. Gen Zs and Millennials are now taking the bull by the horns,” lamented Cornelius Ronoh.
“We told Raila Odinga to rest and let us handle our own matters. We are not going to dialogue with President William Ruto. We know how it ends and Baba is a clear example of how dialogue never works!” Added another.
All eyes are now on the forum to fulfill promises
Dried World Bank Tap
On Monday, the World Bank announced that it was discontinuing its funding for the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP).
The statement was made by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) where the project was domiciled.
Why It Matters: The project had enrolled over 165,000 youth before its sudden closure and directly benefited over 300,000 people throughout the republic.
Under the program, Kenyans were provided with business development skills, start-up grants as well as essential employability skills. The last cohort of youth had received Ksh20,000 in the first tranche and had not received their second disbursement before the closure.
What MSEA is Saying: “After 6 successful years of supporting youth employment and entrepreneurship, KYEOP’s last disbursement was done from December 2023 to February 29, 2024, when the project ended.”
Catch Up Quick: The World Bank started the project as a way to increase employment and other earning opportunities for targeted vulnerable youth while placing a premium on human development as well as supporting inclusive growth.
Worrying Trend: Investors have, however, predicted that Kenya’s economy will be plunged into tough times after Ruto borrows more money to finance the budget. Kenya’s capital costs may increase as a result of the decision to borrow
Waning Rating: Moody’s, a global credit rating agency, on Monday downgraded Kenya’s ability to access external loans, citing the government’s inability to deal with bulging debt.
Murkomen’s Love for Luxury
After years of donning expensive luxury fashion and setting tongues wagging, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is convinced that his explanation holds water, even as the State House struggles with funding the budget.
The Highbrow Goods: In an interview on Obinna Show last night, Murkomen admitted that he loves expensive watches, belts and shoes. A Ksh20,000 tie may rank as the cheapest clothing item.
He bought a Ksh4 million watch, his most expensive shoe cost Ksh80,000, and his belt is worth Ksh50,000.
A photo collage of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen wearing a Hublot Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold watch at State House on June 27, 2023 (left) and the price of the watch as sold by the manufacturer (right)
PCS
Hublot
Murkomen Explanation: “The most expensive shoe may be around Ksh70,000 to Ksh80,000. The belt is probably Ksh50,000. I don’t have to wear 2 belts in two years. One belt is enough. You can just buy one belt that can be flipped. One side is black and the other side is brown. The most expensive watch I have bought with my money is Ksh900,000. If you buy a watch for Ksh900,000 you wear it for 20 years.”
He further clarified that he bought the items with his own hard-earned money and was not a beneficiary of corruption.
Source of Wealth & Networth: The CS said that most of his wealth was acquired from his salary as a senator and CS, his law practice, avocado farming, and export business. Earlier, he declared that his net worth stands at Ksh550 million.
“Where I live in Nairobi is many times more than my watch. It took me 10 years to buy and build. When I went to Parliament, I declared that I was worth Ksh550 million. It will be easy to audit me,” he added.
As you ponder on that, here are five other stories we are keeping tabs on for you;
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has explained the Ksh3,050 fee charged to Kenyans intending to acquire smart driving licenses.
Fact Checker: How true were the claims President William Ruto made during his appearance on X Space on Friday? My colleague Kenn Osoro takes a deep dive fact-checking each claim.
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the Principal Secretary of Environment and Climate Change to avail records for a carbon deal signed between Kenya and a United Arab Emirates (UAE) firm.
Hustler Fund has successfully disbursed Ksh54 billion since President William Ruto launched it.
The Atlantic Council, an American Think Tank focusing on international affairs advised the Kenyan government to pursue debt restructuring describing it as the most viable way to solve Kenya’s economic crisis…CONTINUE READING>>
