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MPs Double Fuel VAT to 16%

A photo collage of President William Ruto speaking during the launch of a project in Nyandarua County on April 6. 2023 (left) and a petrol attendant about to refill a car at a petrol station on March 24, 2022 (right).
A photo collage of President William Ruto speaking during the launch of a project in Nyandarua County on April 6. 2023 (left) and a petrol attendant about to refill a car at a petrol station on March 24, 2022 (right).
Photo
PCS / ma3Route

Azimio la Umoja's bid to block President William Ruto from approving the 16 per cent increment on fuel products suffered a setback after Parliament voted to approve the increase.

This was after the push to amend the clause on Finance Bill 2023 failed to sail through during the voting exercise held on Wednesday, June 21, at the National Assembly.

184 voted to support the proposal while only 88 opposed it.

"A total of 272 members took their votes. Those who voted in favour were 184 and those who opposed were 88," Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who presided over the session, announced after the conclusion of the vote.

Below is the video:

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The approval came after a spirited Parliamentary debate in which Azimio pushed for the VAT to be retained at 8 per cent, while Kenya supported the increment arguing that it would provide enough funds for the state to stabilise the economy.

National Assembly Finance and Planning Committee chairman, Kuria Kimani, defended the increment noting that it will help the Kenya Kwanza administration do away with the costly subsidy programme.

Azimio team led by the leader of the minority, Opiyo Wandayi, argued that increasing VAT to 16 per cent will raise the cost of living.

"If there's one thing that is going to increase the cost of living in all aspects, it is this proposed increment on the VAT fuel," Wandayi insisted.

What Ruto Had Said

President Ruto had earlier defended the increase estimating that it will help his administration raise Ksh50 billion - money he insisted will be channeled towards road projects countrywide.

"This 8 per cent we are adding will give us about 50 billion shillings and begin to deal with the problem of roads in our country but to balance it out, I have removed on the same fuel, 3.5 per cent road development levy, 2 per cent of Import Declaration Fee (IDF), and 8 per cent VAT on gas,” Ruto stated during a joint media interview at State House.

Despite his explanation, players in the fuel sector warned that the increment would make the product hit Ksh200 affecting transport and other sectors of the economy.

Public service vehicle operators also announced that the increment will compel them to increase fare charges.

In the fuel prices announced by Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Wednesday, June 14, super petrol was reduced by Ksh0.66 to retail at Ksh182.04.

Diesel, on the other hand, was reduced by Ksh1.12 to retail at Ksh167.28

Undated photo of a person fueling a car
Photo of a person fueling a car at a petrol station in August 2018.
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EPRA

Ruto Appoints Atwoli to Team Selecting New DPP

From Left: COTU SG Francis Atwoli, President William Ruto and Labour CS Florence Bore in Geneva on Thursday June 15, 2023
From Left: COTU SG Francis Atwoli, President William Ruto, and Labour CS Florence Bore in Geneva on Thursday, June 15, 2023
PCS

President William Ruto, on Wednesday, June 21, appointed Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli to a team of seven tasked with picking the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Also appointed to the selection panel was Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) boss Twalib Abdallah Mbarak.

Others were Mary Adhiambo Maungu, Roseline Odede, Richard Onsongo Bush Obwo and Mary Kimonye. 

Solicitor General Shadrack Mose was also appointed to the team of seven.

President William Ruto with incoming Solicitor General Shadrack Mose (far left), Attorney General Justin Muturi, and outgoing Solicitor General Ken Ogeto at State House on March 20, 2023.
President William Ruto with incoming Solicitor General Shadrack Mose (far left), Attorney General Justin Muturi, and former Solicitor General Ken Ogeto at State House on March 20, 2023.
State House

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 8 (1) of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013, L, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint the seven to be members of the Selection Panel for the Selection of Nominees for
appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions," read the statement in part.

However, the timelines for the selection of the new DPP were not issued.

Atwoli and the other six-panel members will shortlist, interview applicants and submit the names of suitable candidates to Ruto.

Ruto will then nominate one individual and submit the name to the National Assembly for vetting and approval

ODPP is mandated by Article 157 of the Constitution to prosecute criminal matters, direct investigation and guide the conduct of criminal investigations, monitor, train, appoint and gazette public prosecutors and facilitate victims of crime and witnesses during prosecution. 

Former DPP Noordin Haji assumed office as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) on June 14, succeeding Major General Philip Kameru, who had served since 2020. 

President William Ruto, who witnessed Haji's inauguration, assured the new NIS boss of government support in the execution of his duties. 

"Congratulations on your appointment, Mr Noordin Haji. You have my support, and I’m looking forward to working with you as you serve the people of Kenya. 

“As individuals, we are here, and tomorrow there will be others, and the best we can do is not to personalise the institution but make it better to serve the country beyond us," Ruto stated. 

National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji taking an oath of office on June 14, 2023.
National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji taking oath of office on June 14, 2023.
PCS

Reprieve for Uhuru as Supreme Court Nullifies Ksh500 Billion SGR Verdict

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta flags off the Nairobi-Suswa SGR line on October 19, 2019.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta flags off the Nairobi-Suswa SGR line on October 19, 2019.
PSCU

The Supreme Court, on Friday, June 16, nullified the Court of Appeal ruling, which had determined that procurement regulations were violated in the Ksh500 billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) agreement between Kenya and China.

The 5-judge bench comprising Deputy Chief Justice, Philomena Mwilu and justices, Mohamed Ibrahim, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung'u, and William Ouko declared that the procurement process for the Standard Gauge Railway project adhered to the provisions outlined in Article 227 of the Constitution. 

In their ruling, the judges also observed that the procurement was undertaken as a government-to-government contract and hence exempt from the provisions of the Public Procurement Disposal Act, 2005. 

A Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train while in transit.
A Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train while in transit on June 18, 2021.
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Kenya Railways

"In addition, the SGR project was subject to interrogation before Parliament in two committees, and none of the respondents opted to be involved. The said parliamentary process, which is open to the public, cleared the projects. Under our constitutional design, the people have the power to exercise their oversight power through elected representatives who are domiciled in Parliament. Whether a citizen agrees with or was satisfied with what was undertaken is a matter of conjecture, provided that the laid-out procedure was followed.

"In the premises, we respectfully disagree with the appellate court and hold that the procurement process for the SGR project met the requirements of Article 227 of the Constitution as read together with the provisions of the PPDA, 2005," the verdict by DCJ Mwilu read. 

The late President Mwai Kibaki initiated the SGR deal with contracts approved by President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta's administration. 

Busia senator and activist, Okiya Omtatah, filed a petition at the High Court challenging the procurement process for the construction of the SGR and the resultant contracts awarded to the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

The Law Society of Kenya also asked the High Court to bar CRBC from constructing SGR. The petitions filed in February and May 2014, argued that there was a lack of due diligence on the part of the government.

Uhuru's administration faced criticism for not conducting an independent feasibility study and failing to evaluate the project's design prior to selecting a contractor and assigning the project to CRBC. This was particularly concerning given the reported blacklisting of the company by the World Bank in January 2009.

According to the activists, single sourcing or direct procurement for a mega project such as the SGR was illegal. They thus argued that the government should have issued a restricted tender inviting other Chinese firms with the requisite qualifications to bid for the contract. 

The High Court, in a judgment issued by Justice Isaac Lenaola (now Supreme Court judge), dismissed the consolidated petitions in November 2014 on the basis of technicalities. 

Omtatah and LSK moved to the Court of Appeal to seek legal redress. The appellate court's objective was to ascertain whether there were flaws in the procurement laws pertaining to the case.

The Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s decision save for setting aside the finding that the procurement of the SGR project was exempt from the provisions of The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2005. 

It also ruled that Kenya Railways Corporation failed to comply with, and violated the provisions of Article 227 (1) of the Constitution, Sections 6(1) and 29 of the PPDA, 2005, in procuring the SGR project.

Kenya Railways thus proceeded to the Supreme Court, which overturned the ruling. 

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah (left) and an SGR train in transit.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah (left) and an SGR train in transit.
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Okiya Omtatah/KRS

EPRA Reduces Fuel Prices for June

An-Image-of-a-Car-Fuelling-At-a-Petrol-Station
A photo of a petrol attendant fueling a car on February 2020.
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Ma3Route

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Wednesday, June 14, released fuel prices taking effect from midnight.

In the new review, a litre of super petrol was reduced by Ksh0.66 and will retail at Ksh182.04. Diesel, on the other hand, will retail at Ksh167.28 after being reduced by Ksh1.12.

However, the price of kerosene was increased by Ksh0.35 and will be retailing at Ksh161.48 per litre for the next month.

An aerial photo showing motorists lining up for fuel at a fuel Station in Kileleshwa on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
An aerial photo showing motorists lining up for fuel at a fuel Station in Kileleshwa on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
ma3route

"Taking into account the weighted average cost of imported refined petroleum products, the changes in the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super petrol and diesel decrease by Kshs.0.66 per litre and Kshs.1.12 per litre respectively while Kerosene increases by Kshs.0.35 per litre," read the statement in part.

In Mombasa, a litre of super petrol will retail at Ksh179.20 while diesel will be sold at Ksh164.45.  A litre of Kerosene in the coastal county will go for Ksh158.65.

EPRA also revealed that a litre of super petrol in Nakuru will go for Ksh181.18 as diesel in the new city sells for Ksh166.78. The price of kerosene was pegged at Ksh161.01.

The authority added that the new prices also factored in the 8% Value Added Tax (VAT) as stipulated in the Finance Act 2018 and the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020.

"The purpose of the Petroleum Pricing Regulations is to cap the retail prices of petroleum products which are already in the country so that importation and other prudently incurred costs are recovered while ensuring reasonable prices to consumers.

"EPRA wishes to assure the public of its continued commitment to the observance of fair competition and protection of the interests of both consumers and investors in the energy and petroleum sectors," read the statement in part.

In the May-June fuel price review, super petrol retailed at Ksh182.70 after an increase of Ksh3.40. Kerosene was the most affected with an increase of Kshs15.19 per litre - making it retail at Ksh161.13.

Kerosene, on the other hand, retailed at Ksh168.40 after an increase of Ksh6.40 per litre.

The increase in fuel prices in May was attributed to the removal of the subsidy that had been placed on diesel and kerosene.

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo during a meeting on Wednesday April 26, 2023
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo during a meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 26, 2023
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EPRA

Hustler Fund: How to Apply for Ksh 1M Group Loan Via USSD & Mobile App

President William Ruto during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Moi Stadium, Embu County on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
President William Ruto during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Moi Stadium, Embu County on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
PCS

President William Ruto, on Thursday, June 1, launched the second phase of the Hustler Fund, targeting groups such as chamas and Saccos.

The Group Micro Enterprise Loan products allow members to apply for between Ksh20,000 to Ksh1 million.

"It is now my honour and pleasure to introduce and officially launch the second product of Hustler Fund, the Hustler Group Loan," Ruto stated. 

"I am glad that this launch of the group loan product is taking place against the backdrop of the phenomenal success of the Hustler Fund Personal Loan product. I expect this product will encounter even greater appetite from the market," he added.

President William Ruto inspects the Guard of Honour during Madaraka Day Celebration in Embu on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
President William Ruto inspects the Guard of Honour during Madaraka Day Celebration in Embu on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
PCS

According to the Head of State, the second product of the Financial Inclusion Fund will enable groups to overcome exclusion and barriers to participation in credit, savings, social security, health insurance and other socioeconomic amenities. 

Borrowers, he stated, have accessed nearly Ksh30 billion, and repaid Ksh19.7 billion, with 7 million being loyal or repeat customers. 

"Not a single shilling has been stolen through corruption, and borrowers do not need to know anyone, bribe any official or go through complex bureaucratic procedures to access the Hustler Fund. They only need a device, a little airtime and a few minutes, and they can get money wherever they are.

"On its way to becoming the biggest financial institution by the number of borrowers and active loans effectively, the Hustler Fund also turned around the country’s fintech, transforming it from a predatory ecosystem to a more responsible one," he underlined. 

Safaricom, he highlighted, enrolled at least 2 million new subscribers into its financial ecosystem courtesy of the Fund.

"Without a doubt, the Hustler Fund has been more than transformational; it is revolutionary.

"This engagement with the business community inspired the creation of the Financial Inclusion Fund or the Hustler Fund. To eliminate the financial cost, delay, and bureaucracy entailed in complying, the facility employs the latest fintech, powered by Kenyan telecommunications corporations. 

"The Hustler Fund also re-engineered the idea of collateral by deploying the borrower’s credit score as effective security," Ruto explained. 

Group Micro Enterprise Loan Products (GMELP)

Features

Offers amounts between  Ksh20,000 to Ksh1,000,000

Interest rate:  7 per cent per annum on reducing balance and 1.5 per cent default rate 

Repayment in six (6) months from the disbursement date. Borrowers can opt to repay in instalments or lump sums.

Saving: 5 per cent of the approved amount respectively, channelled towards group members' savings scheme.

The Groups scoring will be appraised through a credit scoring algorithm based on collective individual members' scores, including but not limited to, their savings and repayment history.

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Qualifications

All group members should be Kenyan citizens of 18 years and above with a valid National Identification Card (ID).

A group should comprise of at least 5 members.

Each member should have an active sim card issued by an approved Mobile Network Operator for the last 90 days. 

The chama should be verified relevant government Institution

All group members should not have defaulted on the Personal

How to Apply for Hustler Fund 

According to the ministry, applications for the loan will be through a USSD code *254# that will lead the user to a menu.  

Alternatively, you can access the credit facility through mobile applications provided by mobile money service providers in the country. 

Dial USSD code *USSD code# or mobile application. 

Select the loan request option to view the limit, interest, and loan tenure. 

Enter the loan amount and press OK to continue. 

Confirm loan details as displayed to continue.

Enter Mobile Money pin.

Receive SMS notifications on Loan allocation with relevant loan information.

Cultural Dancers
A group of cultural dances entertain President William Ruto and other guests at Embu Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
PCS

Azimio Calls Off Bipartisan Talks Again; Here's Why

A collage of President William Ruto and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
A collage of President William Ruto and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kenyans.co.ke

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Tuesday, May 23, revealed that the Azimio coalition had, once again, called off the bipartisan talks after the committees failed to agree on four fundamental demands.

In a statement, the Senator noted that the suspension came after the Azimio team could not persuade its Kenya Kwanza counterparts to agree on the terms of engagement.

The issues they differed on included lowering the cost of unga, preservation of the election servers, suspension of IEBC reconstitution and for the Ruto regime to stop meddling in Jubilee Party affairs.

"We have had to suspend the bipartisan dialogue after we could not persuade our friends from Kenya Kwanza to concede to some common sense interim measures namely; lowering of the cost of unga, preservation of the election servers, suspension of IEBC reconstitution and for them to leave Jubilee alone.

An image of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in a past function
A photo of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
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ODM

"These are necessary in our view in order to safeguard the outcome of the talks. We hope sense shall prevail," stated Sifuna who is a member of the Azimio bipartisan committee.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Monday, May 22, reiterated that if the Kenya Kwanza team was unable to meet their demands, they would call off the talks and resume the nationwide protests. 

Earlier on March 17, both parties issued additional demands as the talk continued writing to the National Assembly and Senate Speakers to seek additional funds to facilitate the deliberations.

Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo, a co-chair of the bipartisan team further revealed that they had already formed a sub-committee to prioritise the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel.

Additionally, the 14-member team hoped to enjoin members from outside Parliament in its discussions in a hybrid system.

"We want to expand this team. Although we will not be adding more members to the 14-member team, we will bring in other members who will serve as a technical team,” Tharaka MP and bipartisan co-chair George Murugara revealed.

Azimio agreed to the talks after the Kenya Kwanza team replaced Eldas MP Adan Keynan from the team on May 3, as per their demands.

The team was expected to deliberate, among other issues, the cost of living, the office of the opposition leader and the restructuring of the IEBC selection panel.

Maratha Karua at Azimio la Umoja
NARC Kenya Leader Martha (Centre) reads statement on behalf of Azimio la Umoja coalition on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
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Raila Odinga

PS Esther Ngero Resigns After Ruto Reshuffles Her

A photo collage of President William Ruto and former Principal Secretary Esther Ngero taking oath of office at State House on December 3, 2022.
A photo collage of President William Ruto (left) and former Principal Secretary Esther Ngero taking oath of office at State House on December 3, 2022.
Photo
PCS

President William Ruto, on Tuesday, May 23, accepted the resignation of Esther Ngero, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, who quit office for personal reasons.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the outgoing PS was recently reassigned from the State Department for Performance Management and Delivery Services in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary to the State Department for Correctional Services within the Ministry of Interior & National Administration.

Ngero was lauded for establishing the institutional framework to support the implementation of Public Service Performance Management and Monitoring for Ministries, State Departments, and State Agencies (MDAs).

"The Head of State has conveyed his gratitude to Ngero for her service to the nation and wished her the very best in all her future endeavours," the statement read in part. 

President William Ruto gives a speech during the centenary anniversary of Limuru Girls High School, Kiambu County, on May 20, 2023.
President William Ruto gives a speech during the centenary anniversary of Limuru Girls High School, Kiambu County, on May 20, 2023.
PCS

A certified accountant by training, Ngero joined the ranks of Principal Secretaries in December 2022, after amassing an almost two-decades career in the petroleum sector.

She attained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies and Mathematics at Kenyatta University in August 2002. Then she pursued a professional certification in Petroleum Stocks Control and Management at the Kenya School of Petroleum Studies.

She ventured into the petroleum business in August 2004, joining the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) as an assistant accountant. 

After two years, she jumped ship to Dalbit Petroleum Limited as Operations Manager. She rose to Chief Officer in the Petroleum Supply Chain and Trading department.

Her role involved ensuring efficiency across the company supply chain and optimizing the Group's petroleum business operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Eastern and Southern DRC, Southern Sudan, Uganda and Mauritius.

After a 12-year stint at the company, she became the Chief Executive Officer of Janus Continental Group in January 2020, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ngero prides herself in managing highly effective and dedicated multicultural teams while ensuring strong collaboration and embedding a high-performance culture within a particular organisation. 

Ruto recently reassigned seven PSs in a reshuffle following the sacking of Public Health Principal Secretary Josephine Mburu over the  alleged impropriety within the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) 

Former Health Principal Secretary Josephine Mburu speaking on April 29, 2023
Former Health Principal Secretary Josephine Mburu speaking at a conference on April 29, 2023.
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Josephine Mburu

Registrar of Parties Approves Uhuru, Kioni & Murathe Ouster From Jubilee

A collage of former President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and his predecessor, William Ruto (right).
A collage of former President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and his sucessor William Ruto (right).
Kenyans.co.ke

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta lost the battle over the Jubilee Party after the Office Of the Registrar Of Political Parties on Friday, May 19, confirmed that his wing was illegal. 

The Registrar Of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that she addressed her directive to Joshua Kutuny, Deputy Secretary General of the Kanini Kega faction allied to President William Ruto. 

She also affirmed the leadership of Sabina Chege as party leader and Kanini Kega as Secretary General.

Likewise, ORPP noted that David Murathe, who served as Vice Chairman, had duly been expelled and deregistered as a member of the Jubilee Party.

Uhuru and Anne Nderitu
A photo collage of Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Anne Nderitu who on Friday, May 19, 2023, advised on the Jubilee Party wrangles.
PCS

"It is further noted that the party concluded the disciplinary processes against Hon. Jeremiah Kioni, Hon. David Murathe, and Mr. Kagwe Gichohi, wherein they participated in line with Section 14B (2) of the Political Parties Act, 2011 (PPA).

"Consequently, the party expelled Hon. Kioni, Hon. Murathe and suspended Mr. Kagwe. Following a review of the submitted documents in line with the PPA and the party constitution, this Office is satisfied that the party adhered to due process," read part of the letter from ORPP to Kutuny dated Friday, May 19. 

Nderitu also confirmed that Jeremiah Kioni was duly expelled and deregistered from the party. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke Kutuny noted that, by way of the Office Of The Registrar Of Political Parties declaration, the National Delegates Conference held on Monday, May 21, at the Ngong Race Course was illegal.

"It, therefore, means that Uhuru-led National Delegates Conference and its resolutions are null and void," Kutuny stated, clarifying that Kega's wing was the legitimate leadership of the party," Kutuny stated. 

Uhuru had also affirmed that he would not be threatened to quit or retire, urging the President William Ruto faction led by Kanini Kega (EALA MP) to leave the party.

"I wanted to leave politics and deal with other issues and had hoped to relinquish my position in such an NDC, but some people have decided to issue threats and use violence against us.

"Today I want to tell them to look for someone else to intimidate, not Uhuru wa Kenyatta," the former president underlined. 

Lawyer Ndengwa Njiru, had on Tuesday, May 23, hinted at moving to court to counter any plans to force Uhuru into retirement.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Former President Uhuru Kenyatta holding hands at the Jubilee Party NDC on May 22, 2023. President William Ruto speaking in Isiolo on May 21 (in a circle).
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Former President Uhuru Kenyatta holding hands at the Jubilee Party NDC on May 22, 2023. President William Ruto speaking in Isiolo on May 21 (in a circle).
PCS
Jubilee Party

Jubilee Party, Kenya's former ruling party, had been embroiled in leadership wrangles since the end of President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term in office. 

The wrangles began in earnest in April 2023, when Uhuru and Ruto's allies held rival National Executive Council (NEC) meetings. 

A majority of the party's elected officials attended Uhuru's NEC meeting, while a smaller group of loyalists attended Ruto's meeting.

The two factions have since been locked in a power struggle, with each side accusing the other of being illegitimate. 

Uhuru's faction had accused Ruto of trying to take over the party by force, while the Ruto-leaning outfit had accused Uhuru of trying to sideline it. 

A collage of Jubilee Vice Chair David Murathe and the Party's Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni.
A collage of Jubilee Vice Chair David Murathe (left) and the Party's Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni (right).
Kenyans.co.ke

Ruto Nominates Noordin Haji to Succeed Major General Kameru as NIS Boss

Haji
Incoming Director General of NIS Noordin Haji addresses the gathering during a multi-agency meeting held at the Kenya School of Law on April 27, 2023.
Photo
ODPP Kenya

President William Ruto, on Tuesday, May 16, nominated Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji, for the appointment as the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). 

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei, Haji would return to the NIS after a six-year tenure as the DPP. 

Before his role, he served as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit within the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Haji, upon confirmation, will succeed Major-General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru, who is set to proceed on retirement. The President, however, did not nominate Haji's immediate replacement as DPP. 

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From left: President William Ruto, his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta and outgoing NIS boss Philip Kameru at State House, Nairobi, in 2016
PSCU

"His Excellency the President has, in accordance with Section 7 (1) of the National Intelligence Service Act, nominated Mr Noordin Haji, CBS, for appointment as the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

"Haji returns to the National Intelligence Service after a six-year sojourn as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Before becoming the nation's apex public prosecutor, Haji served as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit within the National Intelligence Service (NIS)," Koskei stated.

Major-General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru, EGH, the outgoing Director-General, has served as NIS Director-General since September 2014, transitioning from the military. He was appointed to the role by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

At the Kenya Defence Forces, he rose through the ranks to the position of Director of Military Intelligence. 

"Under his watch, Kenya's premier civilian intelligence agency has made monumental strides in the fight against terrorism, transnational crimes and other major threats to our national and regional security. 

"Maj-Gen (Rtd) Kameru has been at the forefront of guiding special security assignments and multi-agency coordination that have made Kenya, and indeed the region, more secure," Koskei lauded the outgoing NIS DG. 

Meanwhile, the DPP holds Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) degrees from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and a second Masters Degree in National Security Policy with Merit (MNSPO) from the Australian National University. 

Haji was admitted to the Bar in 1999 and, thereafter, joined the Public Service in January 2000 as a State Counsel at the Attorney General's Office.

Ruto passed the nomination to the National Assembly for consideration by Parliament as stipulated by the Constitution and the National Intelligence Service Act.

President William Ruto speaking during a Media Engagement, at State House, Nairobi on May, 14, 2023.
President William Ruto speaking during a Media Engagement, at State House, Nairobi on May, 14, 2023.
PCS

Ruto Fires PS Josephine Mburu, Dissolves KEMSA Board

President William Ruto speaking during a Media Engagement, at State House, Nairobi on May, 14, 2023.
President William Ruto speaking during a Media Engagement, at State House, Nairobi on May, 14, 2023.
PCS

President William Ruto on Monday, May 15, terminated the appointment of Josephine Mburu as the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards over the alleged impropriety within the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

In a statement signed by Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, the president also revoked the appointment of the chairperson and dissolved the entire board.

Consequently, the head of state appointed Irungu Nyakera as chairperson of the board and reconstituted the entire board with four new appointees namely FCPA Hezbon Oyieko Omollo, Bernard Kipkirui Bett, Dr. Jane Masiga and Jane Nyagaturi Mbatia.

The president also suspended Terry Ramadhani as KEMSA Chief Executive Officer alongside eight other staff members namely Martin Wamwea (MOH) and Lenson Kariuki (MOH). 
 

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) facility in Nairobi on May 10, 2023.
Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) facility in Nairobi on May 10, 2023.
Photo
KEMSA

Others include Pauline Duya (MOH), Livingstone Njuguna (MOH), Dr. Charles Kariuki Chege (MOH), Justus Kinoti (KEMSA), Cosmas Rotich (KEMSA) and Anthony Chege (KEMSA).

At the same time, Ruto appointed Dr. Andrew Mutava Mulwa as KEMSA's Acting CEO.

The president directed the new management to assure the propriety of procurement processes within the Authority.

Ruto assured Kenyans that his government was committed to rebuilding the KEMSA supply chain management system to ensure effectiveness and accountability.

"Therefore, in keeping with the Administration's Health policy of "leaving no one behind", the Administration will spare no effort in rebuilding the KEMSA supply chain management system so as to secure efficiency and accountability in the provision of medical supplies to all health facilities across our nation," the head of state indicated.

Josephine Mburu was fired five months after assuming office

The news comes as The Global Fund was forced to cancel a Ksh3.7 billion mosquito nets tender owing to KEMSA's irregular procurement process.

This is after the foreign agency established that the three companies, which had been qualified by KEMSA, had improper bids. Further, the companies which were disqualified by KEMSA had met the requisite standards.

The tender process was flagged as the foreign agency faulted the tender committee for siding with some of the bidders.

Kenyans outside KEMSA offices in Nairobi
Kenyans outside KEMSA offices in Nairobi.
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KEMSA