Battle against Machakos PSB

Inside the battle to oust 
Machakos Public Service Board

 Details on sex, graft, incompetence and self interest and sheer greed

 

By Anchor Reporter

The Machakos County Assembly is battling with a motion to remove some members of the Public Service Board following a fall out with Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

Governor Wavinya and her Deputy Mr Mwangangi(L)

If approved by one fifth of the members of the assembly, Governor Wavinya will be empowered to remove the Chairman George Kioko wa Luka, his Deputy Ex Councilor Cecilia Sereka, man alleged to be randy now serving as Secretary of the Board Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya and Ms. Stella Nduku Muthoka.

Speaker Anne Kiusya

They are accused of a plethora of offences that undermine their integrity, nepotism, Conflict of Interest, abuse of office and irregular hiring. Muia also faces allegations of sexual nature- by using the tools provided for his work to procure sexual favours. The Board members deny the allegations and allege that the fall-out is as a result of rejecting efforts by the governor to impose unqualified people to be employed as Chief Officers of the county in the ongoing recruitment efforts.

The motion is being prosecuted by Assembly Majority Leader Mr Nicholas Nzioka who is also the MCA for Machakos Central Ward. 

Mr Nzioka

Below is the exact wording of the petition

“Honorable Speaker, Aware that Article 10 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides for

the National values and principles of governance beinga. Patriotism, national unity, sharing, devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and

participation of the people

b. Human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, nondiscrimination and protection of the marginalized

c. Good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability

d. Sustainable development

Honorable Speaker, aware that Article 73 of the Constitution of Kenya stipulates that;

1) Authority assigned to a State officer—

(a) Is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that—

(i) is consistent with the purposes and objects of this Constitution;

(ii) Demonstrates respect for the people;

 

 

 (iii) Brings honor to the nation and dignity to the office; and

(iv) Promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office

(b) Vests in the State officer the responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them.

(2) The guiding principles of leadership and integrity include—

(a) Selection on the basis of personal integrity, competence and suitability, or election in free

and fair elections;

(b) Objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not

influenced by nepotism, favoritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices;

(c) Selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by—

(i) Honesty in the execution of public duties; and

(ii) The declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public duties; (d)

Accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and

(e) Discipline and commitment in service to the people.

Honorable Speaker, Appreciating that Article 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides for

the values and principles of public service as –

a. High standards of professionalism ethics

b. Efficient, effective and economic use of resources

c. Responsive, prompt, effective, impartial and equitable provision of services

d. Involvement of the people in the process of policy making

e. Accountability for administrative acts

f. Transparency and provisions to the public of timely, accurate information

g. Subject to paragraphs (h) and (i) , fair competition and merit as the basis of appointments and

promotions

h. Representation of Kenya’s diverse communities

i. Affording adequate and equal opportunities for appointment, training and advancement, at

levels of the public service ofi. Men and women

ii. The members of all ethnic groups and

iii. Persons with disabilities.

Honorable Speaker, aware that Article 235(1) of the Constitution of Kenya stipulates that a county

government is responsible, within a framework of uniform norms and standards prescribed by an Act

of Parliament, for––

(a) Establishing and abolishing offices in its public service;

 (b) Appointing persons to hold or act in those offices, and confirming appointments; and

(c) Exercising disciplinary control over and removing persons holding or acting in those offices.

Honorable Speaker, acknowledging that Section 55 of the County Governments Act, 2012, provides

for the objectives of County Public Service being;

(a) Provide for evaluation and reporting on the extent to which the values and principles referred to in

Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution are complied with in the county public service;

(b) Provide for the organization, staffing and functioning of the county public service in ways that

ensure efficient, quality and productive services for the people of the county;

(c) Provide for institutions, systems and mechanisms for human resource utilization and development

in a manner that best enhances service delivery by county public service institutions;

(d) Provide a framework of uniform norms and standards to be applied in all counties in respect of—

(i) Establishment and abolition of offices in the county public service;

(ii) Appointment of persons to hold or act in those offices;

(iii) Confirming appointments; or

(iv) Exercising disciplinary control over and removal of persons holding or acting in those

offices

(e) Provide for the promotion of the values and principles set out in Articles 10 and 232 of the

Constitution in the county public service;

(f) Provide for human resource management and career development practices; (g) address staff

shortages and barriers to staff mobility between counties

(h) Provide for standards to promote ethical conduct and professionalism in county public service;

(i) Provide for the establishment of County Public Service Boards; and

(j) Make further provisions relating to appeals in respect of county governments’ public service.

Honorable Speaker, further aware that Section 57 of the County Governments Act, 2012 establishes

the County Public Service Board. Aware that Section 58 (5) of the same Act states that:

The members of the Board may only be removed from office—

(a) On grounds set out for the removal of members of a constitutional commission under Article

251(1) of the Constitution; and

(b) By a vote of not less than seventy five percent of all the members of the county assembly.

Honorable Speaker, Acknowledging that Article 251 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides

that;

(1) A member of a commission (other than an ex officio member), or the holder of an independent

office, may be removed from office only for—

(a) Serious violation of this Constitution or any other law, including a contravention of Chapter

six;

(b) Gross misconduct, whether in the performance of the member’s or office holder’s functions or

otherwise;

(c) Physical or mental incapacity to perform the functions of office;

(d) Incompetence; or

(e) Bankruptcy.

Honorable Speaker, Cognizant that, Mr. George Kioko Luka, the Chairperson of the Machakos

County Public Service Board has committed the offences;

(a) That Mr. George Kioko Luka on 13th July, 2021 presided over the inclusion of four (4) officers

into the payroll by purporting to reinstate them. The said people were never employees of the

County Government of Machakos. This is gross misconduct in the performance of the

Chairperson’s functions.

(b) That on 26th April, 2021 Mr. George Kioko Luka shared a list of his preferred officers for

recruitment to all Board Members in anticipation of an advertisement that was due to run in the

newspaper. The advertisement was run in May 2021 and closed on 23rd May, 2021.The

advertisement was of 21 positions, twenty Medical Officers and one General Surgeon. After the

closure of the exercise he personally and deceitfully added four medical officers and one surgeon

making a total of 26. This violates Article 73(2)(c)(i) of the Constitution on honesty in execution

of public duties.

(c) That Mr. George Kioko Luka has let the board operate without a substantive Accounting Officer

and went into alliance with the Secretary who has usurped the powers of both the Chief Executive

Officer of the Secretariat and the Accounting Officer to serve his interest at the expense of

professionalism expected in the institution. This is a demonstration of incompetence on his part.

(d) That Mr. George Kioko Luka has constituted an enterprise in the name of recruitment and

selection that is normally used for illegal dealings and irregular recruitment. It is simply a

criminal enterprise that no law provides for and a serious violation of the law.

(e) That on 26th February, 2021 Mr. George Kioko Luka un-procedurally purported to allocate an

official vehicle to the Vice Chairman, KBX 810T for the single purpose of facilitating the

hiring of her son, Samson Sereka as a driver. Consequently he was hired on a three year

contract at Job Group D. The Officer was not qualified for the Job. This violates Article

73(2)(a) of the Constitution on selection on the basis of personal integrity, competence and

suitability.

(f) The Chairperson facilitated the hiring of Nine Officers among them son of the Vice

Chairperson, Ms. Cecelia Mbinya Sereka being Boniface Mutunkei Sereka of ID 29961233.

Through abuse of delegated authority on 6th August, 2020. The Officers were employed on

contract effective 4th January, 2021 to September, 2022. The son was employed at entry level

of Job Group K, without the necessary qualifications. On the 5th October, 2021, in a meeting

convened and Chaired by the Vice Chairperson (Mother to Boniface Mutunkei) the terms of

the nine officers were illegally changed to permanent and pensionable terms. This is without

regard to the fact that the officers were all being employed in a constitutional office whose

term was to end in August, 2022. This is abuse of office and violation of National Values and

principles of governance as provided for in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

(g) The Chairperson has failed to address the County’s huge wage bill which is currently at 55.4%

instead of 35% according to regulation 25 (1) (b) of the Public Finance Management (County

Governments) Regulations, 2015. Instead he has been presiding over the payment of huge

amounts of money in terms of illegal extraneous/ other allowances to his relatives among

Regina Mwakio Kioko and the Vice Chairperson’s relatives as well as others working for

different considerations. For instance most employees of the County Public Service Board are

on extraneous allowances despite the fact that they report to work at 8.00am and leave at

5.00pm. A look at the list of thirteen among them his daughter, includes cleaners who are put

on extraneous allowances for just what doing what they were employed to do. This is violation

of National Values and principles of governance as provided for in Article 10 of the

Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

(h) That Mr. George Kioko Luka being the Chairperson of the County Public Service Board has

never reported to the County Assembly through a report on the extent to which the values and

principles referred to in Articles 10 and 232 are complied in the County Assembly. This is

according to Section 59(1)(f) of the County Governments Act, 2012.This is violation of the

Constitution.

Honorable Speaker, aware that, Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya, the Secretary of the Machakos

County Public Service Board has committed the following offences-

(a) That Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya on 27th April, 2020 wrote to the Chief Officer, Department of

Public Service and Quality Management to unlawfully occasion illegal payments of extraneous

allowances to twenty four (24) officers working in the County Public Service Board including

himself. This is a serious violation on Chapter six of the Constitution of Kenya.

(b) That Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya illegally/unlawfully listed himself as a beneficiary of

Extraneous allowances of Kshs. 25,000 per month knowing well that Board Members are not

entitled to the allowance and without knowledge of other Board Members. This contravenes

Article 232(1) (a) and (b) on the values and principles of public services being high standards of

professional ethics, efficient, effective and economic use of resources.

(c) That Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya has listed one Mr. Joseph Wambua Deputy Secretary/CEO for

extraneous allowances of Kshs. 25,000 knowing very well that such a position does not exist in

the Board and therefore that would be a violation of law. This is misuse of public funds, violation

of the Constitution and incompetence.

(d) That Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya was involved in the awarding of extraneous allowances to

thirteen (13) officers including the Daughter of the Board’s Chairperson, Ms. Regina Wakio

Kioko and dishonestly concealing the surname to hide identity. This is violation of Chapter six

of the Constitution and misuse of public funds.

(e) That Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya wrote the Chief Officer, Department of Public Service and

Quality Management on the 13th July, 2020 to deceitfully purport to reinstate to the payroll four

officers claiming that there was a court order to that effect but where none existed. The said

officers had never been in the County’s payroll and the same had been communicated by the

CECM Public Service. This contravenes the provisions of Articles 10 and 232 of the

Constitution of Kenya

(f) That in the month of August , 2021, Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya was accused of sexual

harassment/intimidation by two officers through letters to the County Secretary and the County

Executive Committee Member for Public Service and Quality Management, which letters were

copied to all Board Members through their individual emails together with evidence inform of

electronic messages. The Officers were Hellen Musau and Caroline Nduku Nzioka. This

contravenes the provisions of Articles 232(1)(a) and 236 of the Constitution of Kenya on the

values and principles of public service. This is also gross misconduct.

(g) That by a letter dated 12th May, 2021 Ms. Caroline Nduku Nzioka was promoted to the position

of Human Resource Management Assistant 1 with effect from 1st January 2021 but her later held

by Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya during which time he was demanding for sexual favors from her.

When the same did not succeed and she reported the matter, he went ahead and purported to

withdraw the same via letter dated 22nd September, 2021 without the due process. This is a

serious violation of Article 236(b) of the Constitution of Kenya.

 (h) That Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya unprofessionally uses intimidation and incompetently handles

official matters in a way that would jeopardize the operations of the Board. He threatens

Members of the Board through advocates to sue when board members are on a different opinion

on a matter under consideration. This shows clearly he is incompetent and abuses the Office of

the Secretary, County Public Service Board.

(i) That Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya being the Secretary of the County Public Service Board has

never reported to the County Assembly through a report on the extent to which the values and

principles referred to in Articles 10 and 232 are complied in the County Assembly. This is

according to Section 59(1)(f) of the County Governments Act, 2012.This is violation of the

Constitution.

Honorable Speaker, further aware that, Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka, a member of the Machakos

County Public Service Board has committed the following offences-

(a) That Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka did not declare conflict of interest during a sitting of 6th August,

2020 in the Recruitment and Selection Committee were her son (Mr. Boniface Mutunkei Sereka)

was an applicant and was later recruited. This violates Article 73(2) (c) (ii) of the Constitution

on declaration of personal interest that may conflict with public duties.

(b) That on 5th October, 2021 Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka convened a Committee meeting under

career progression and the terms of employed of Mr. Boniface Mutunkei Sereka was changed

from contract to permanent and pensionable. This also violates Article 73(2)(c)(ii) of the

Constitution on declaration of personal interest that may conflict with public duties.

(c) That on 17th March, 2021 under minute no. 293/03/2021, the recruitment and selection

Committee deliberated on the matter of appointment of a driver. This was based on

misrepresentation that the Vice Chairperson was a PWD (person living with disability). The

committee recommended a personal driver to serve with the official car allocated to her bye the

Chairman, KBX 810T. The deceitful act was made to benefit her and facilitate the hiring of yet

another of her sons namely Samson Sereka on Job group D. This also violates Article 73(2)(c)(ii)

of the Constitution on declaration of personal interest that may conflict with public duties.

(d) The above appointment was meant to benefit the Vice Chairperson through appointment of her

son. The said son was not qualified for the position nor was recruitment competitively done for

the benefit of the said officer. It is also worth noting that the members of the County Public

Service Board have not been provided with official vehicles and therefore Motor Vehicle

registration number KBX 810T was simply towed to the premises to facilitate the appointment

of son to the Vice Chairperson. This is serious violation of Article 10 and Chapter 6 of the

Constitution of Kenya and gross misconduct

 (e) That on 5th October, 2021 Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka convened a meeting under career

progression and gave extraneous allowances to a group of employees among them the daughter

of the Chairperson of CPSB one Regina Wakio Kioko, Deputy Sub County Administrator under

job group P Kshs. 25,000 backdated to 1st July, 2021. This had been declined earlier in

December, 2020. This violates Article 73(2)(b) of the Constitution on objectivity and impartiality

in decision making.

(f) That Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka being the Vice Chairperson of the County Public Service Board

has never reported to the County Assembly through a report on the extent to which the values

and principles referred to in Articles 10 and 232 are complied in the County Assembly. This is

according to Section 59(1)(f) of the County Governments Act, 2012.This is violation of the

Constitution.

Honorable Speaker, further aware that, Ms. Stella Ndinda Muthoka, a member of the Machakos

County Public Service Board has committed the following offences-

(a) That Ms. Stella Ndinda Muthoka was the Chairperson of the recruitment and selection committee

which during a meeting of 26th February 2021 approved appointment of a driver for the Vice

Chairperson (Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka) one Samson Sereka on Job group D. The position had

not been advertised. Samson Sereka is the son to Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka hence conflict of

interest. This violates Article 73(2) (c) (ii) of the Constitution on declaration of personal interest

that may conflict with public duties.

(b) That on 17th March, 2021, chaired by Ms. Stella Ndinda Muthoka under minute no. 293/03/2021,

the recruitment and selection Committee deliberated on the matter of appointment of a driver.

This was based on misrepresentation that the Vice Chairperson was a PWD (person living with

disability). The committee recommended a personal driver to serve with the official car allocated

to her by the Chairman, KBX 810T. No certificate from Council of Persons living with disability

was presented to warrant for appointment of a personal driver. This is a violation of Article 10,

Chapter 6 and Article 232 of the Constitution.

(c) That Ms. Stella Ndinda Muthoka has been involved in undertakings of the Machakos County

Public Service Board were there was abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds through;

a. Approval of extraneous allowances for specific officers yet the officers working on

normal office hours and perform the duties listed in their appointment letters.

b. Recruitment of officers without following the right criteria.

c. Promotion of Officers without following the provisions of the existing laws and circulars.

d. Appointment of Mr. Joseph Wambua as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the

County Public Service Board yet such office does not exist in the Constitution and the

County Governments Act. This is misuse of public funds, gross misconduct and violation

of Chapter six of the Constitution.

e. Reinstating four officers claiming that there was a court order to that effect but none

existed. The said officers had never been in the County’s payroll and the CECM Public

Service had communicated the same. This contravenes the provisions of Articles 10 and

232 of the Constitution of Kenya

f. Recruitment of five extra officers against an advertisement of 21 positions, twenty

Medical Officers and one General Surgeon Kioko. The advertisement closed on 23rd

May, 2021.After the closure of the exercise four medical officers and one surgeon were

added to the list making a total of 26. This violates Article 73(2)(c)(i) of the Constitution

on honesty in execution of public duties.

g. Has never reported to the County Assembly through a report on the extent to which the

values and principles referred to in Articles 10 and 232 are complied in the County

Assembly. This is violation of the Constitution.

Honorable Speaker, PURSUANT to Article 251(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and Section

58(5) of the County Governments Act, 2012 I wish to give notice of motion that; this House Resolves

to recommend removal from office by the Governor of the following;

1. Mr. George Kioko Luka- Chairperson, Machakos County Public Service Board on the grounds

of serious violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct and incompetence.

2. Mr. Onesmus Muia Mutisya- Secretary, Machakos County Public Service Board on the grounds

of serious violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct and incompetence.

3. Ms. Cecilia Mbinya Sereka- Member, Machakos County Public Service Board on the grounds

of serious violation of the Constitution and gross misconduct

4. Ms. Stella Nduku Muthoka- Member, Machakos County Public Service Board on the grounds

of serious violation of the Constitution and gross misconduct”

New Fuliza Tariff

By Irene Nyanzi

 in Nairobi

Safaricom PLC has announced new changes in their overdraft Service, Fuliza.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Safaricom, NCBA and KCB said they have reduced their daily charges on overdrafts by 40 percent.

“We have continued to assess the evolution of consumer behavior and economic conditions to identify ways in which we can further enhance the utility of our digital financial services,” Fuliza said in a statement.

Adding that; "Towards this end, we are introducing a new discounted tariff of up to 40% on Fuliza."

In the changes, borrowers between Sh101 to Sh500 will be charged a daily fee of Sh3, down from Sh5.

Any overdraft above Sh501 to Sh1, 000 will attract a daily fee of Sh6 down from Sh10.

The new tariff takes effect on October 1, 2022.

Fuliza further announced that overdrafts of less than Sh1, 000 will have a three-day waiver on daily fees.

The overdraft capped at Sh70, 000 will see those taking between Sh1, 001 to Sh1,500 Sh2 less in the daily charges down from Sh20. This will be a 10 percent discount.

Sh1, 501 to Sh2, 500 will have users pay Sh20 in daily fees, down from Sh25, representing a 20 percent discount.

Users who will overdraft Sh2, 501 to Sh70, 000 will also have a 16.7 percent discount. This will see users have a daily fee of Sh25 down from the initial Sh30

 Mutula Jnr roots for
 County Grants Bill

September 28, 2022

NAIROBI

By Anchor Reporter

 

 

A bill to facilitate the disbursement of funds from donors and development partners to counties is in the offing.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

According to Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo, the County Grants Bill which was prepared in the last Senate and was never passed is to be fast tracked, leading to the creation of a law to help in the flaw of funds to counties from sources other than the national government.

In a dispatch, Mr Kilonzo said the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had directed that the bill be published in the National Assembly as soon as it opens during an emergency meeting with all Governors that took place on Monday September 16, 2022 to seek ways to alleviate the current famine situation.

The meeting, chaired Mr Gachagua was attended by outgoing Cabinet Secretaries Margaret Kobia, Ukur Yattani and James Macharia.

The government has so far dispatched 23 trucks of foodstuff including rice and flour were later flagged off by President William Ruto.

Said Mr Kilonzo “While I was at the Senate in the last Parliament, we prepared the County Grants Bill which was never passed. As the Chairman of the Council of Governors Legal Affairs and Government relations committee I was tasked to work on the Grants bill to fruition. This will ease disbursement of funds to counties by donors and partners.

The relief food was sent to the 10 most affected counties in Kenya in the arid and semi-arid counties in Northern Kenya. CS Kobia confirmed that 29 more counties including Makueni will shortly receive the relief food as the Treasury CS was directed to make provisions for funds to support the initiative.

During the meeting, the governor proposed that the relief food be distributed with the assistance of Sub County administrators to curtail pilferage and ensure it gets to deserving residents.

 

Get out to the field,
Mutula orders Doctors 

WOTE: September 14th 2022

By Governor's Press Service

MAKUENI Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has ordered more than 58 Senior Doctors out of their comfortable offices in Wote to offer services to wananchi in local health facilities.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

They will work from the field to mark the County's Makueni Public Health Week. The medical officers will be required to routinely choose one or more health facilities in the county and camp there for the whole week offering specialized healthcare services.

The Public Health Week begins on Wednesday September 14, 2022 in Mbooni sub-county.

Directors and Medical Superintendents in the Health Services department will lead the campaign and monitor how health services and medicines are dispensed at the facilities.

Governor Mutula Jnr said the decision was borne from the realization that the county has a huge number of talented medical specialists whose services are not available to the residents.

He said it was pitiful that such specialists operate only from the county headquarters and in offices while residents are forced to seek services elsewhere at exorbitant costs.

Governor Ndeti hits the ground running

Governor Ndeti visits

Machakos L5 hospital 

By Daniel Nzia 

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti today kicked off her official duty as the second governor of Machakos county by touring Machakos Level 5 hospital. 

She came face to face with the state of want at the referral hospital and was quick to identify immediate interventions.

She identified lack of medicine and other medical equipment as the major problem crippling smooth service delivery at the facility. 

"Doctors and other para medical staff are here and rearing to go but they lack the necessary tools of work to offer effective service to the sick people ", she lamented. 

Wavinya who was accompanied by her Deputy Francis Mwangangi said her administration will look into the challenges with a view to fixing them and quarantee quality health care to the residents. 

"Health care matters are close to my heart. We shall employ immediate,short and long term plans to address these challenges ",she affirmed. 

Governor Ndeti said she will endeavour to decongest the level 5 hospital by ensuring that the other health institutions across the county are staffed and equipped with medicine so that residents are served within reasonable distance.

She acknowledged the high standards of cleanliness at the facility but hoped this was not done because she was visiting. 

The Governor and her Deputy were set to have another meeting in her office at White House with senior officials from the hospital for further deliberations on the way forward in tackling the identified hiccups.

Governor Malombe takes Oath of Integrity

NEW Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe has committed to uphold good governance in the county.

Speaking moments after taking Oath of Integrity, Dr Malombe called on the people of Kitui to  join hands and tackle the issues affecting their lives head on as the county administration sets its priorities. They include the the revival of the economy and rekindling the hopes and aspirations of the residents. 

On the micro and small businesses, Governor Malombe said the county levies and fees will be waved for 6 months to allow them recover from the adverse effects occasioned by the COVID 19 and the 2022 post election economic slowdown.

Leaders who graced the ceremony include Former Vice President Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, National Treasury PS Dr  Julius Muia (CBS), Senator Enoch Wambua, County MP Dr Kasalu, MPs Dr. Makali Mulu, Stephen Mule, Dr. Rachael Nyamai, Hon. Charles Nguna Ngusya, Eng. Paul Nzengu Malili, Hon. Jessica Mbalu, Hon. Kimilu of Kaiti constituency, Senator Kasanga and Mr Andrew Sunkuli.

Stream of mysterious murders resolved as...

Girl, 15 owns up to

murder of three siblings 

The following is a verbatim police account of a matter that has left a family distraught.

 "The suspect one BRENDA WANJIRU KAGURU, a kikuyu female juvenile aged 15 years is the first born in a family of four. Her father is PETER KAGURU GICHUHI and her mother is CATHERINE WAMBUI NJUGUNA. She is currently a form one student at KAWETHEI GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL. 

The family hails from Gikambura area of Kikuyu Sub County within Kiambu County. Her other siblings now deceased were:- 1) LIAM GICHUHI aged one year, 3 months 2) VALERIA MUTHONI aged 5 years. 3) RACHEAL WANJIRU aged 7 ½ rears. 

All the above three children are now deceased having died under mysterious circumstances which made their parents to believe that the cause of their deaths might be natural however they all mysteriously died while under the care and presence of their elder sister BRENDA WANJIRU GICHUHI. 

The incidents occurred on diverse dates between the months of JULY 2021 and SEPTEMBER 2021. Briefly, on the 4th day of AUGUST 2022, BRENDA WANJIRU went to visit her grandmother at Gathiga in Kabete sub-county during the school mid-term holidays.

While there, an incident occurred on 16/08/2022 where by her cousin namely, MARTIN KIOGORA KARONGO aged 1 year, 8 months disappeared mysteriously while under her care within the compound of her grandmother. The mother to Martin Kiogora (MERCY GATWIRI) was in her shop which is just at the gate of the compound and when she noticed that she could not see her son, she asked BRENDA on the whereabouts of MARTIN KIOGORA but she confirmed that they were earlier together but she did not know where he had gone. 

They searched for him within and outside the compound but they could not find him. His father was informed over the matter and when he arrived home, they decided to open the water well which is in the compound and was securely locked and upon checking inside, they found the body of MARTIN KIOGORA which was removed and taken to KIHARA HOSPITAL MORTUARY.

BRENDA went back to her parents’ home in Waithaka on 18/8/2022 and her parents escorted her back to KAWETHEI GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL on 19/08/2022. 

Whilst in school on the 20th day of August 2022 at night, she borrowed a phone from one of the teachers and she called her parents where she informed them to tell KARONGO (her uncle and father to MARTIN KIAGORA) that she was the one who was responsible for the murder of Martin. Subsequently, her parents went to Kawethei Secondary school on 21/8/2022 and she confessed having murdered Martin Kiogora in front of teachers by drowning him in a water well and the teachers advised the parents to go home with her. 

While still at the school with her parents, and in the presence of the teachers she confessed to have killed all her other three siblings as follows:- On 14/7/2021, she murdered her brother by the name LIAM GICHUHI aged 1 year, 3 months by suffocating him with a pillow placed over his face for about 3-4 minutes until she confirmed that he was not breathing and she then covered him with a blanket.

On 7/08/2021, while at their home in Gikambura, she murdered her sister namely VALERIA MUTHONI aged 5 years by strangling her with a pillow placed on her face and later confirmed that her heart was not beating by feeling the pulse rate at the wrist. 

On 25/9/2022, while still at their home in Gikambura, she murdered her sister namely RACHEAL WANJIRU aged 7 ½ by strangling her on the neck using her hands for about 10 mins and drowned her in a basin containing some water in the bathroom before pouring hot water on her face.

Having confessed all this, they went back home on the same day 21/8/2022 and on 26/8/2022, her parents availed themselves to DCI Kikuyu Office where her confession statement was recorded.

 Her parents also recorded their statements and also the parents of Martin Kiogora were called and recorded their statements. Brenda WANJIRU also confessed that while committing the offence; she normally gets a strange feeling and becomes very much excited and very happy after the act.

Kibwana: Wiper is aiding burial of Kalonzo's long political career

Governor Charity Ngilu 

By Kivutha Kibwana 

It is clear Wiper was never in Azimio. Evidently, it has no intention of joining Azimio. Indeed it is methodically undermining Azimio. Up to now the party has never campaigned for Raila in Ukambani. Only the three governors did so and raised Raila's popularity in the region up to about 65%. Historically the people of Makueni in 2013 and 2017 gave more support to Raila than those of Kitui and Machakos. In 2017, Jubilee made inroads in the two latter counties. 

Today ( 8/5/2022) Wiper used a religious crusade to campaign for Kalonzo's deputy presidency. Curiously the presiding clergy turned himself into a politico. The Christians who had come for prayer had to watch from the Unoa field perimeter fence. Where on earth does a potential running mate blackmail a presidential candidate so as to be made a deputy by attacks, abuse, vitriol, confrontation, guile etc. In which democracy? Such strategy is deployed where one knows they may not qualify but wants to build sympathy among a section of the electorate. Wiper wants to shore up its dwindling fortunes by inciting the Kamba community against Raila Odinga. 

After the Wiper leader has antagonised Raila, Musalia, Wetangula, Ruto, the 3 Kamba governors, HE the President... who else will he work with in the future? Are Senators Kiio, Mutula and MP Maanzo helping Kalonzo to write his political obituary? Wiper is working so hard to alienate the Kamba community from the rest of Kenyans. But the community is wiser than before. 

Wiper had shambolic party nominations even after the cream of the region's candidates had chosen other parties. Her candidates are now part of a second eleven. Democratic elections are about persuasion and fair competition. Wiper leaders are still buried in the one party era. They believe they can establish a one party dictatorship in the Ukambani region and impose their candidates (six piece suit) and the DP demand on Raila.  Azimio must not continue to watch its house burn and not do something about it.

Unmasking Kalonzo Musyoka

By Kivutha Kibwana

 

 LAST weekend, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka jumped the OKA negotiations to enthrone himself as the flag bearer.  Before a gathering of predominantly some Lower Eastern Kenya residents, he declared that he will seek the presidency until the finishing tape. That declaration has all but put the last nail on OKA's coffin. 

Prof Kibwana

Kalonzo Musyoka

 Kalonzo was ostensibly also endorsed by the region's clergy, or so he said. It is however sad to note that the Ukambani Christian Leaders' Forum was not represented. The three key regional Elders' Councils were not in attendance. Both these two groups- clergy & elders- form the Akamba Leaders Forum (APEX). Last time they called him and other regional leaders to a meeting, he chose not to attend. SUPKEM was also not represented. 

 The vote basket of Ukambani stands between 1.6 million to 2 million and possibly with the diaspora vote and more votes from further voter registration the figure of 2.5 million is a real possibility. To win the presidency, one must get support from other regions whose total registered voters in 2017 stood at 19, 611, 423 million. For Kalonzo to appear to be a serious candidate, he must demonstrate that he will marshal huge nationwide support- which demonstration is neither here nor there.

The Kamba community and other Kenyan communities are wiser now and will not be used by individuals who merely want to capture a section of their communities in the name of presidential candidature for subsequent auction. Normally, Kalonzo’s real or perceived reach gravitates around his region. When he ventures out on his own, the crowds are unfortunately lean. 

 Kalonzo has been riding on a myth currently created that he enjoys massive support in Lower Eastern Kenya as he did during the NASA times when many leaders from the region supported NASA. Further, due to continuous state support, the region had come to believe he is the gateway to national goodies. Recent by-elections in Kitui and Makueni have shown that Wiper is a weak party. Even in Machakos, a Wiper Senator won after the Chap Chap candidate was prevailed upon to stand down. His invincibility is being incrementally unmasked.

 In the Yatta meeting Kalonzo claimed that three Ukambani governors stood on his shoulders to gain electoral positions! It is dumbfounding to imagine that he believes he is the sole voter in the region and the population of other 5 million voters is of no consequence. However, in 2013 I was elected under Muungano Party. In 2017 Governor Charity Ngilu was elected through NARC and Governor Alfred Mutua through Maendeleo Chap Chap even as Kalonzo fielded candidates in the two counties who actually rode on his shoulders. In 2017 Kalonzo had to plead with the people of Makueni to allow me to support Wiper and NASA. They called him for negotiations to a meeting at a place called Kambu, in Kibwezi East. In 2017 I helped NASA in Makueni to win decisively. Jubilee was not able to secure any seat as it did in Kalonzo’s Kitui and neighboring Machakos. As a negotiator I helped him to gain the Deputy President slot against Musalia Mudavadi, a gentleman and worthy presidential candidate. Kalonzo has not shown appreciation for the political work that people do for him. As a former chairman of his party, I stood in his place when he had to attend to his spouse’s treatment abroad.

 Moreover, Kalonzo has over time antagonized key regional leaders such as Johnson Muthama, David Musila, Governor Mutua, Mutua Katuku,  Mrs. Ngilu and myself. His casualties are many. In 2016 I helped to bring some leaders back to support NASA. Unfortunately, those who know him appreciate he is not a unifying, but a very divisive factor- whether in his region, OKA or elsewhere. In 2017 he used to say that the State could not accept Raila Odinga to win while he was his deputy. 

 Even before the Yatta meeting, Kalonzo told some of his inner circle whom we used to work together in the Think Tank that he will be a presidential candidate even if his community remains outside government for 20 years. Already 10 are gone.  He hopes to create a Wiper ' Wave' in Ukambani so he can hoodwink the community and get MPs/ governors, MCAs to use to bargain for himself in the next dispensation. 

 Kalonzo's under-belly is that he cannot show tangible development to his credit from 1985 for almost FOUR DECADES of public service. Whenever this plain fact is mentioned, he goes livid just like his ardent supporters. Even as a Vice President there isn't much to show. On the whole he prefers to recruit leaders who don't question him, extreme loyalists. Since 2004 when Mzee Mulu Mutisya passed on and Kalonzo was informally declared as de facto leader of the community, the crop and quality of leadership has continually deteriorated. He has often been accused of annihilating visionary and development oriented political leaders as well as regional civil servants and key business people who have a capacity to stand up to him now or in the future. On the whole Kalonzo has been unwilling or incapable of LOBBYING for his community at national level. In most spheres, the community representation in the public space has deteriorated substantially. 

 At the Yatta meeting, Kalonzo talked of other presidential candidates having occasioned strife in the past and that he is the man of peace and true safe pair of hands. If in 2007 Kalonzo had supported Mzee Mwai Kibaki or Raila, there would have been a decisive win either way. We would most likely have avoided the blood bath. His "KUPITIA KATIKATI" policy became a very personal and expensive stance for the country.

 Given that Kalonzo has done some diplomacy and peace work abroad, why is he unable to be a uniting factor in his region?  Does he gain from a divided region? 

 In presenting himself as a presidential candidate who cannot win but may garner some votes from Lower Eastern, he wishes to attack a former Raila stronghold. If the strategy is successful, William Ruto stands to benefit. Knowingly or unknowingly Kalonzo would have helped a candidate he could later work with. I guess that is Kenyan politics of intrigue. 

 In Lower Eastern the residents have begun to understand who the real Kalonzo is. People are tired of being used and others dumped or reused. They believe his presidential bid may be a blessing in disguise. Although he said he is God's candidate, God may be planning to retire him from the region's political environment. The Bible says God's ways are truly mysterious.

 Professor Kivutha Kibwana is the Governor of Makueni currently serving his second and last term.

  

IEBC launches final voter registration

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has today launched a mass voter enrollment exercise. A message from IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati

Woman kills 2 daughters then commits siicide

By Vincent Matheka

A 29 -year old woman today committed suicide after  killing her two daughters, leaving a village in shock.

The incident happened in Katitika village, Gituamba sub location in Ithanga, Murang'a County.

The suicide note

Ithanga Subcounty Police boss John Ogolla has  divulged that the woman who is a spouse of Kenya Defence Officer based in Kiunga,Lamu was found having locked herself in a room and hanged herself after poisoning the girls with a pesticides.

The woman had left a suicide note citing marital challenges as the cause of the inhumane act.

The note contained a list of women she alluded to be her tormentors and PIN numbers to help her spouse access nearly Kes. 200,000 in her account.

Snake disrupts Kalonzo meeting

By Terry Nzau 

A reptile  momentarily stamped its authority when it caused pandemonium at the Yatta home of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.

The gathering of politicians organized by  the Wiper Party leader and 2022 presidential aspirant Kalonzo Musyoka at  the  farm house in Machakos County, saw the leaders run helter skelter to avoid the snake.

The special reptile guest appeared uninvited and slithered menacingly until a man wearing Wiper colours confronted it caught it by his right hand and walked away with it as it wagged its tail.

The snake appeared when the crowd had already settled and guests had to scamper for safety, with a few brave ones rattling the reptile which slithered into the tent at 12 noon.

Those in the meeting confirmed that at the time of the unexpected, the chief guest, Kalonzo Musyoka hadn’t arrived at the venue. 

“The snake was big in size,” eyewitnesses said.

The snake was later smashed with a stone be enraged Party functionaries .

One of the attendees of the event, thereafter, took its remains to an unknown place.

Musyoka met Ukambani leaders, pooled from politics and the business community, who are allied to him.

The purpose of the meeting was to strategically position Wiper and chart the way forward ahead of the August 9 General Election.

The meeting, however, continued after the snake scare.

High fuel prices to persist, says EPRA

By Martin Masai

PREVAILING High fuel prices will remain unchanged for the next one month, the industry regulator announced today.

A Notice by the Energy, Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said petrol, diesel and kerosene will retail in the current prices till February 14,2022.

EPRA said the decision is in

accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019, Legal Notice No.196 of 2010 and Legal Notice No. 26 of 2012.

EPRA Kenya has calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products which will be in force from 15th January 2022 to 14th February 2022.

The prices are inclusive of the 8 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2018, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020. 

Governors Mount pressure on Kalonzo

By Martin Masai

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and his Makueni counterpart Kivutha Kibwana today presided over a meeting that resolved to mobilize ukambani region into playing a significant role in national politics.

The leaders played down a perception that the meeting was aimed at scuttling another one scheduled on January 15 at the home of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. 

Governor Mutua and Kibwana acknowledge
 greetings as they entered the meeting venue

However analysts see the meeting as a local effort to pile pressure on Kalonzo to abandon his quest for the Presidency and support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's final stab for the seat.

Even then, the leaders called for a meeting to be held at a neutral ground to deliberate on the fate of ukambani in the National discourse.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu send apologies through Prof Kibwana.

The following is the full communique issued after the meeting held at the Machakos International Convention Centre. 

"Leaders drawn from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui Counties have met 

today at the Machakos International Convention Centre for a 

consultative leaders meeting. The meeting called by Governors Kivutha 

Kibwana, Dr. Alfred N. Mutua and H.E. Charity Ngilu has deliberated on 

various issues and resolved as follows:

1) That it is imperative that a representative of South/Lower Eastern

region leads Kenya or the community is a KEY part of the next

national government.

2) That the Akamba community has over 2 million votes and going 

forward we shall not agree to be taken for granted.

3) That all political players and political parties present in the region 

including NARC, MCC, WIPER, Muungano and others must mobilize 

to ensure the above over- aching objective is achieved despite their 

competition.

4) That overall, the developmental interests of the community must come

first before the personal interests of any leader. The people want 

development that rolls back poverty and not merely BIG POSITIONS 

for a few individuals.

5) That the three Governors are tasked to offer political direction that 

includes whether to support one of our own for the Presidency, or join 

hands with H.E. Raila Odinga and AZIMIO or any other progressive coalition. 

) That we will mobilize our community to receive Covid-19 vaccination 

and to observe Covid protocols to reduce illness and death.

7) That the three Governors will lead a massive voter registration 

exercise at the grassroots which will also double as consultative 

meetings on the preferred political direction.

8) That we shall request our community elders and religious leaders to

convene a meeting to bring together the different and even competing 

political players, at a neutral venue, to concretize our approach 

informed by the views of wananchi collected at the grassroots latest by 

end of February, 2022.

Wednesday, 12th January, 2022

Woman charged with fraud

By Mwende Kyalo

A woman was today charged with knowingly defrauding another woman Ksh 1,700,000. She is alleged to have defrauded Lucy Chege by pretending to be able to help her invest in an online trade where Chege would earn a 20 percent  monthly interest on the amount.

Ms Jane Karuri

Appearing before Milimani Law Courts magistrate Bernard Ochoi,  Jane Karuri pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond of Ksh 1,000,000 or a cash bail of Ksh 500,000

The offence was allegedly committed on diverse dates between January 10, 2020 and March 11, 2020, in Nairobi City.

The case will be mentioned on January 25, 2021

Man who conned Police boss nabbed

By Sharon Mwende

A prime suspect who defrauded Kasarani Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Peter Mwanzo Ksh600,000 will remain in custody for eight days.

The crime was committed through SIM swapping.

The suspect only ominously identified as Gideon Mark was arrested on January 8,2022 at Bomet county.

He was arraigned before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Ms Wandia Nyamu but was not charged with any offence after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations sought to have him detained to enable investigators complete their work.

According to detectives, it is alleged that the suspect executed the crime on diverse dates between January 4 and 5 this year with help of some staff at Safaricom by unlawfully swapping Mr Mwanzo's Safaricom line and using it to fraudulently transfer Sh 600,000 from his Equity Bank account.

The suspect is said to have conned the Kasarani OCPD pretending to be an agent of Safaricom. The suspect is alleged to have called the OCPD several times using a private number only to defraud him of his funds at Equity Bank account after obtaining his private information.

In an affidavit filed in court by the DCI through Corporal Kapario Lekakeny, DCI sought to be allowed to continue holding Mark,saying the investigations into the case involves weighty issues which require ample time as police are expected to travel to Bomet where they intend to make recoveries of the money.

The court heard that Mark is believed to belong to a syndicate roperating from Mulot within Bomet County that is defrauding members of the public using mobile money platforms.

"The suspect was arrested with the help of the service provider being the person who has been using  the Airtel and Safaricom line that received the money, however the money was not recovered and the investigators require adequate time to travel to parts of Bomet with the help of the suspect with the aim  of making recoveries," the detective informed the court.

Investigations reveal that Mark and his accompliances have turned Mulot into one of the hotspots of mobile phone fraud in the country.

The detective told the court that during the course of their investigations, assorted Sim cards and phones were recovered from the suspect which they require more time to extract information from to enable them arrive at the ideal charges to prefer against the suspect.

"That the DCI would rely on Mark to assist in identifying members of his syndicate who are all using subscribers' numbers registered with other people's national identity cards to disguise their identities," the officer stated.

During interrogation the suspect revealed that he is a member of the sim swap syndicate in Mulot in Bomet county which is known as "Confirmed" which has been swindling members of the public million of shilling through hacking their emails and mobiles number of Safaricom and Airtel. 

Police are also tracking down officials from the two giant mobile service providers (Safaricom and Airtel) who have been colluding with the scammers to siphon money from the members of the public. 

According to police, Mark told investigators that they target the elderly by hacking their emails and phone numbers which enable them to access all their private information and then use it to wipe out the victims' M-Pesa and bank accounts of all cash.

Police further claim that the suspect has since disclosed that in Bomet the syndicate buys the registered numbers at Sh 200 which they use to defraud their victims. The numbers are said to have been registered using Identity cards of the dead or lost ID cards. 

Sim-swapping is a form of fraud in which scammers manipulate unsuspecting mobile phone users to divulge their confidential information.

The scammers then use this information to replace the sim cards without the owners' knowledge, with the new cards then used to wipe out the clients' M-Pesa and bank accounts of all cash.

Rebel AIC Churches return to the fold

By Samson Mutua

OVER 20 rebellious AIC churches have returned to the mainstream Church.

AIC Machakos Area Bishop Philip Muia
welcomes rebel clergymen at AIC Mbaikini

The churches based in Mwala Subcounty broke away from AIC Kenya more than 10 years ago

They re-united after abandoning the separatist African Inland Church headed by Reverend Mbuvi. During the reunion, two suspended  clergymen-  Benjamin Musyoki and Elijah Musyoki  saw their  practicing licenses restored.

In a colourful thanksgiving service held at AIC Mbaikini and presided over by the Machakos Area Bishop Dr Philip Muia, flanked by pastor Benjamin Musyoki who led the sprinter faction, the prelates preached reconciliation in the church.

"Church unity is  symbolic of the body of  Jesus Christ our Lord.It is a great day to oversee and witness the greatness of this new dawn in our church and our congregants ", said Bishop Muia who represented the AIC-Kenya Presiding Bishop Abraham Mulwa.

Kitui County, NHIF sign

Universal Health Care pact 

The MOU  will see over 100, 00O homesteads benefit under the comprehensive super cover.

By Terry Nzau

 Kitui County government  Governor Kaluki Ngilu says her government will use a co-pay  program that will see the county pay 50% of the annual subscription of Ksh 6000 to NHIF while the rest will be paid by the covered household. " Sixty Percent of Kitui residents are classified as poor and lack means. With this we have a pocket expenditure to ensure affordable health for all", said Ngilu. 

Governor Ngilu during the signing of the
MOU with NHIF CEO Mr Peter Kamunyo

Kitui County has 262,000 households with currently about 79, 320 household being insurured with different insurances which is less than  thirty percent. 

According to Ngilu over sixty percent of Kitui residents are classified as poor and therefore lack the means to meet daily needs such as health. 

" Over  eighty percent of our people  are depended on public health facilities this places a huge demand for our county government to allocate resources to meet the needs", she said. 

"Thirty three percent of annual Kitui budget goes in health but with this MOU we have therefore decided to set aside ten percent of this allocation every year to support our vulnerable households  to enroll to UHC through NHIF", she added. 

Ngilu says that this MOU will ensure as the county government they provide health insurance cover for over 85,000 households for the first time ever in Kitui and largely  Kenya.

" I believe this will be the first time in our country when such a large number of ordinary wananchi in one county get health insurance. This will be a landmark achievement and one for which we are extremely grateful to President Uhuru Kenyatta who has enabled UHC dream come to life in this country", she emphasized. 

NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyo says they are geared at  socially protecting all citizens through Universal health coverage. " It gives me pleasure today to be signing an MOU with the county Government of Kitui supporting the healthcare in the county. And why so? because the spirit of UHC is  leave no one behind and the spirit of Universal Health Coverage is to ensure all those who can pay and those who can't are identified and supported" said Kamunyo. 

Kamunyo says they are focused at relieving Kenyans the burden of high cost of health and be productive. " The cost of Healthcare has continued and will continue to increase. This makes us one sickness away from poverty. Indeed it is true because 1 million Kenyans are driven to poverty  every year because of catastrophic health expenditure", he added. 

Kamunyo says it is important as the country goes through the scaleup for UHC they use the output base model known as an insurance model of risk transfer. " Basically what we are saying is that instead of carrying your own risk of health, be covered and the vehicle is NHIF and that you'll be able to transfer risk", said Kamunyo. 

" To ensure that once you have transfer the risk, you'll be able to get adequate services and I thank Governor Ngilu for being a trailblazer on this era of ensuring most vulnerable get the care they need", he emphasized.