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Woman Beaten Up Over Ruto's Ksh50k Gift

A woman who interrupted Deputy President William Ruto's speech at PCEA Makongeni church in Thika, Kiambu County on November 24, 2019, opened up on tribulations she has faced since receiving Ksh50,000 from the deputy president.

Lucy Wangui approached Ruto towards the end of the church service asking for help as her 14-year-old child had been diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever and required surgery. A Ruto aide gave her Ksh50,000 in a blue envelope on the spot as the deputy president promised to ensure the child's treatment was taken care of.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Sunday, January 19, Wangui claimed that she had been defrauded of the money, physically assaulted and forcefully evicted from her house in events that followed the Sunday service.

She confirmed that she filed a report at Makongeni Police Station after allegedly being assaulted and kicked out of her home on Saturday, January 18.

Wangui broke down what happened, revealing that her landlady Jane Wanjiku Nyambura whom she considered a friend asked to hold the money for her moments after the service as she was surrounded by well-wishers who gave her an additional Ksh17,000.

Wangui claimed that after repeatedly failing to return the money despite several promises, Wanjiku allegedly sent goons to Wangui's house to evict her despite having no rent arrears.

"The landlady asked to carry the money for me because everyone was following me around and I could easily lose the money. We were very good friends so I trusted her. She went with Ksh60,000 in total and I remained with Ksh7,000.

"On Tuesday last week, she was to put the money in the paybill account but she didn't. Eventually, she told me that she had used the money to pay for a certain chama and promised to pay me back on Thursday morning.

"That Thursday I was outside washing the dishes when she came on a motorbike with two men but it is like she had planned for me to be attacked. She was waiting outside when a strange man grabbed me by the neck but luckily I hit him with one of the sufurias I was washing and ran back to the house screaming, I had to hide with my child in the house. I didn't even touch the money," she stated.

Wangui claimed that her landlady on Thursday, January 16, then came with police officers and accused her of disturbing other tenants but she refused to open the door and the officers eventually left. She disclosed that she went to Makongeni Police Station after the situation calmed down.

She further claimed that on Friday, January 17, she arrived home at night with her child from a medical check-up only to find her door locked, forcing them to seek accommodation at Makongeni Shopping Center.

Wangui disclosed that corporate titan Dimal Shah had offered to take care of her child's secondary school fees and bought him books in addition to enrolling him for a National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) cover.

On Saturday, January 18, Wangui returned to Makongeni Police Station and was assigned an officer who helped her to force open her door.

Wangui alleged that things took a turn for the worst later that Saturday when the landlady stormed her house accompanied by several men and welders.

"I saw about 9 motorbikes and hid in the house with my child. They sent welders and they cut the door open, it was so dramatic and we ran. They had no interest in putting my things outside they just wanted to get rid of me. Why didn't they kick me out with my things?

"The Nyumba Kumi chairman tried to beat me again. I told one of them, this woman wants to take the money Ruto gave me and then kick me out? Please I just want the money for my child," she asserted.

A video seen by Kenyans.co.ke shows welders outside her home slicing through the metallic door.

Watch it below:

 

Gideon Moi Cannot Replace Me - Murkomen

A number of local dailies on Friday, January 17, reported that there was an alleged plot within the ruling Jubilee Party to reshuffle its leadership in both the National Assembly and Senate.

It was reported that the plan majorly targeted the Senate, with a plan to replace the majority and deputy majority leaders alongside the majority whip for Senators who would fully support President Uhuru Kenyatta's agenda and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi's name was touted as fit to replace Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Murkomen stated that he was unaware of such a plot but informed that constitutionally, there is no way Moi could replace him.

This is because KANU, of which the Baringo senator is the party leader, is not part of Jubilee.

"In the 2017 General Election, KANU was not part of Jubilee and did not form a registered coalition that was deposited at the Registrar of Political Parties," Murkomen stated.

Moi would also not be able to replace Murkomen on account that the Senate Standing Orders No. 19 required only a member from the majority party be elected to the post.

"The largest party or coalition of parties in the Senate shall be the majority party and shall elect a senator belonging to the party or coalition of parties to be the Senate majority leader," the act reads.

On Thursday, January 16, Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, in a post on Facebook, stated that their faction of the party was seeking to make changes to the party's leadership.

He alleged that it was the mandate of the Jubilee Party members to fully support the president's agenda.

"In 2020, we will change Jubilee parliamentary leadership and align it to the president's agenda," Wambugu posted on Friday, January 16. 

"The leadership of the house - the majority leaders, whips in both National Assembly and Senate were nominated by the Jubilee Party to champion the president’s agenda in the house," he added.

The first time legislator sounded a warning to Jubilee leaders who were against President Uhuru, advising them to quit the party.

"Any Jubilee MP who currently occupies a leadership position in either Senate or the National Assembly is therefore on notice," Wambugu stated.

"If you are not aligned with the president's agenda, if you don’t agree with the fight against corruption or support the BBI, pack and leave that office before February," he added.

PS' Lavish Hotel Inside Kenyatta's Farm

Energy Principal Secretary and close ally to President Uhuru Kenyatta, Joseph Njoroge, boasts immense wealth, one of his major achievements being the construction of the lavish multimillion hotel known as The Rain, located few kilometres off Thika Superhighway along Kenyatta Road that leads to Gatundu Town.

The hotel that opened doors in June 2017 sits on land that belongs to Njoroge but is surrounded by Kenyatta's land on all sides.

According to a source who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, Njoroge acquired the land after the Kenyatta family agreed to sell it to him due to a long-lasting friendship. 

The source further intimated on the exclusive nature of the hotel, which helped host the high and the mighty in government and in the private sector. 

“The hotel is expensive and this has placed it as a reserve of the wealthy. However, this goes hand in hand with the services offered.

“Meals are simply not less than Ksh 500 per plate,” he informed. 

The hotel also boasts other merits including a vast piece of land that gives way for activities that also attract a high fee.

“Kayaking is available for not less than Ksh 1,000 for 20 minutes, whereas bike riding goes for not less than Ksh 2,000.

“Other services like sitting in the gazebo attracts more charges to the visitors,” added the source.

The principal secretary was first appointed to the Ministry of Energy in 2013.

He was later re-appointed in the same position in 2017 and is among the few officials who have maintained in the same positions for long.

Before appointment to government, Njoroge was the managing director at Kenya Power.

Njoroge stood to be one of the longest-serving officials at the power distributor, having joined it in 1980.

Why Kiunjuri is Unfit to Be Ruto's Running Mate - Kabogo

In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke on Friday, January 17, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo rubbished the possibility of former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri becoming Deputy William Ruto's running mate in 2022.

Kabogo was reacting to media reports that Kiunjuri was in line to be Ruto's number two and a headline by Daily Nation on January 15 which read, Did Uhuru Sack Ruto's Running Mate?

The former governor explained that the axed CS had demonstrated incompetence while in office and that the DP knew better.

"You have seen the way he ran the ministry, Kiunjuri demonstrated a lack of intelligence, look at how he handled the locust menace, he should have pre-planned," Kabogo stated.

"How do you tell people to take photos of locusts and send them to you? Is that an intelligent person?" he posed.

Kabogo argued that senior state officers required discretion and the intelligence to run the country. He highlighted that the office of the deputy president could not be occupied by any random individual.

One would have to demonstrate the ability to execute the mandate afforded to them by having a proven track record and according to Kabogo, Kiunjuri has failed in that.

"Some jobs are just not for everybody, it's like if you went to your village picked some random person and installed him as president, it doesn't work that way," Kabogo argued.

"Being the deputy president requires utter intelligence and a good track record. Kiunjuri has clearly demonstrated he cannot," he added.

The former Kiambu boss recounted the efforts he put into improving the lives of farmers in the region and blamed Kiunjuri for the woes the Agricultural sector in the region faces.

"You are aware of the work we did in Kiambu. Now it is worse. Farmers are suffering," Kabogo stated.

He went on to call out Daily Nation for the headline, stating that it sent a misleading narrative to members of the public.

"And Nation should stop putting out such titles, its as if they are paid to do so," Kabogo remarked.

However, popular political analyst Herman Manyora argued that Kiunjuri was best suited to become DP Ruto's running mate in 2022.

He explained that with Kiunjuri having been the most vocal Cabinet Secretary in the Tanga Tanga faction of the Jubilee Party allied to Ruto, his exit from the Agriculture Ministry positioned him as the man who took the fall for Ruto.

"Kiunjuri looks set to become Ruto's running mate in 2022 because he has taken the beating for Ruto," Manyora opined.

How I Struck Youtube Gold With Gossip - Edgar Obare Reveals

Edgar Obare is one of the country's most recognisable Youtube personalities, having made a name for himself with entertainment content that has garnered him a massive following.

His channel has established itself as the go-to for many Kenyans seeking to catch up with the latest celebrity gossip.

In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, January 15, Obare revealed there was more to him than the gossip videos colloquially referred to as 'tea', speaking on his journey so far.

Unknown to many, Obare is a technology guru and holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science.

"I did my undergraduate in Information Systems and Technology at USIU [United States International University-Africa] before going to Italy where I did my Masters in Computer Science," he disclosed.

After graduation in 2019, a leg injury left Obare struggling to get around despite his desire to apply for various opportunities and go for job interviews.

"I broke my leg in a skiing accident," he intimated, revealing that he started making videos while recuperating at home.

Obare experimented with various content types and formats including reactions and story vlogs but eventually realised his audience gravitated towards investigative gossip videos.

Although he still creates different types of videos, Obare's BNN segment which focuses on breaking down celebrity gossip stories complete with exclusive screenshots and audio notes has proved the most popular.

Responding to critics who claim that he offers people a platform to lie about others, Obare emphasised his independence, objectivity and insistence on evidence being provided for tip-offs.

"It is easy to lie about someone but you have to go to great lengths to make up proof.

"My followers know me, I ask for evidence and they know I can turn against them if they lie. And I also know who they are," he explained, noting he did not simply post tip-offs from random faceless accounts.

His exposés which delve into the personal lives of high-profile Kenyan celebrities have seen Obare threatened and harassed online.

"Of course I've received threatening messages online and sometimes people warn me that some people are planning something, but no one has pulled up on me," he confirmed.

Obare noted that he took such threats seriously and always tried to be cautious and mindful of legal obligations.

With his platform growing fast, the vlogger confirmed that he planned on expanding the operation to keep producing quality content.

"The next step is to start a company, hire people and put proper structures in place. I'll continue to tell Kenyan stories," he asserted.

 

What Kiunjuri's Sacking Means for Ruto - Herman Manyora

University of Nairobi (UoN) don and political analyst Herman Manyora in an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, January 14, reacted to President Uhuru Kenyatta's unprecedented address to the nation.

Manyora maintained that Uhuru's message was meant to assert his authority and dismiss the narrative that he had neglected his Central Kenya backyard as had been suggested by some leaders. This was why, Manyora argued, Uhuru's speech dealt with issues of coffee, tea and dairy farming in addition to re-structuring the cabinet.

With Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri sent home in the re-shuffle, Manyora claimed that the move left Kiunjuri in pole position to become Deputy President William Ruto's running-mate in 2022 when Ruto is expected to run for President.

"Kiunjuri looks set to become Ruto's running mate in 2022 because he has taken the beating for Ruto," Manyora explained.

Manyora argued that with Kiunjuri having been the most vocal Cabinet Secretary in the Tanga Tanga faction of the Jubilee Party allied to Ruto, his exit from the Agriculture Ministry positioned him as the man who took the fall for Ruto.

He however, cautioned that while Kiunjuri's political profile had received an immediate boost, his star could quickly be diminished if Uhuru's message resonated with the people of Central Kenya.

Manyora explained that the decision to replace Kiunjuri with Trade, Industry and Co-operatives CS Peter Munya was calculated and strategic.

"Munya has been very active pushing Uhuru's development agenda in Central. He has been the one countering the narrative that Uhuru is not working.

"Now he's been given a ministry where he is in a better position to handle the development issues that matter to the region such as coffee, tea and dairy farming," he noted.

Tanga Tanga leaders including Kandara MP Alice Wahome and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria had in recent weeks lamented about tribulations being faced by farmers in Central Kenya, insisting that funds channeled towards the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) backed by Uhuru and opposition leader Raila Odinga could have been better spent helping farmers.

"Waiguru (Kirinyaga Governor) has been the face of the politics on Uhuru's side while Munya has focused on development.

"If Uhuru's message resonates with the people then Kiunjuri's goose is cooked," Manyora observed.

He further noted that Uhuru's move could be cast as a reward for Munya having backed the president in the face of attacks from various Central Kenya leaders.

On his part, Kiunjuri convened a press conference hours after the president's address revealing that he did not plan on disappearing from the public eye.

"With my experience spanning over 25 years I have a lot to offer, I'll continue to serve faithfully in other capacities. Make no mistake, I'm not going anywhere," he asserted.

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Citizen TV Boss Lands Managerial Post at Switch TV

Former commercial director at Citizen TV, Gikonyo Macharia, was on Monday, January 13, confirmed as the Head of Commercial and Operations at Switch TV.

Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, Switch TV communications department stated that the appointment was in line with their new strategy hinged on sustained growth.

"Under his visionary leadership and with the support of the Board of Directors and the staff of Switch TV, the company is looking at sustained growth in the new year," the youth-focused broadcaster's message read in part.

Gikonyo has a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Daystar University. 

The new manager at Switch TV is also a recipient of the Marketing Warrior Award from the Marketing Society of Kenya. 

Our source at the station revealed that Gikonyo's vast experience having worked with Kameme FM, Royal Media Services, Metropol TV and as Media Consultant for over 10 years played a key role in his appointment.

Gikonyo served as the head of TV (broadcast and commercial) at Metropol TV from December 2018 to January 2020.

Back on January 6, the station explained in detail, the overall vision of the media house and the changes in the offing.

Gikonyo's tenure formally commenced on January 10, and he is expected to form the tip of the spear aimed at revamping the station and guiding the broadcaster to greater heights.

Switch Media further revealed that the station was embarking on a new direction under the Switch TV 2020 strategy necessitating the various changes. 

The new direction is set to include the introduction of new personalities on air with new shows scheduled to launch later during the year. 

Top Kenyan Artists Star in New Romance Reality Show

Ochungulo Family's Benzema and rapper Barak Jacuzzi are set to star in a new reality show dubbed Fisi Love.

The reality show has adopted a format similar to global hit The Bachelor and will see thirteen single contestants battle it out for a relationship with gengetone heart-throb Benzema otherwise known as Alejandro.

The trailer seen by Kenyans.co.ke painted a picture of a drama-filled, high-octane show with contestants demonstrating an unbridled competitive spirit complete with physical fights. In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke on Sunday, January 12, Benzema revealed details of the production.

"The show could hit the screens within two weeks," Benzema intimated.

He disclosed that with the Fisi Love trailer ready, they planned on distributing the show via online platforms and traditional television.

"We'll hopefully broadcast online and on TV, we're currently in negotiations with a few stations," he stated.

The show will see the contestants take on various unique challenges and tasks over a twelve-week period.

One contestant will be eliminated each week, with the last person left to take home the coveted prize, a relationship with Benzema.

The tasks and challenges will be carefully crafted and uniquely tied to Nairobi's bustling social scene.

Gas rapper Barak Jacuzzi will serve as the show's main host.

"The show is created by me and Barak. Barak will be the host of Fisi Love," Benzema confirmed.

Entertainment-themed Kenyan reality shows have proved a hit in recent years with shows such as Nairobi Diaries and Bahati Reality gaining cult followings.

Ochungulo Family has established itself among the most sought after artists in the country, headlining major shows and releasing chart-topping hits such as Kaa na Mama Yako and Na Iwake.

Production Whizz Behind NTV's Investigative Features That Shook Government

Working on with cameras and behind the production of some of the best investigative features in the country is one Kevin Gitau.

Gitau is a special projects producer at Nation Media Group, a position he has held for close to a year since leaving the University of East London, where he pursued a master's degree in film making.

Gitau in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, January 9, admitted that he is the face behind the production of NTV's investigative pieces, including Cot to Court, Sins of Saviours, Toxic Flow and Preying Missionaries.

Toxic Flow, a feature released on August 14, 2019, highlighted the release of raw and untreated sewage from companies, industries and lavish estates in Nairobi, polluting the Nairobi River.

Two weeks after the explosive feature, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), cracked the whip and closed down four companies that it found responsible for polluting the river.

Sins of Saviours was a feature that landed NTV in trouble, with the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK) seeking injunctions that blocked the airing of the shocking feature on the intended date.

The shocking feature documented the suffering of vulnerable, homeless children in the hands of their protectors who used them as cash cows for their own benefit.

On September 12, barely two months after the feature, the government sprang into action and introduced a spate of new policies to regulate the adoption process and streamline operations of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK).

Gitau told Kenyans.co.ke that of all the features he has produced, he couldn't point out one that stood above the rest, due to the different impact that it had on Kenyans.

Preying Missionaries, however, had one of the biggest impacts on his life.

"Preying Missionaries led to the arrest of the two culprits in the US and the case is currently in progress. Such a kind of impact is personal. I feel like even if it is just two people who were arrested, I feel good because it is something that has impacted the lives of many children," Gitau opened up

Gitau is also the producer of Dr. Kingori's Wicked Edition, alongside the special features, a feat which he manages to pull through proper organisation and teamwork.

"It's all about understanding who does what best and what they can do as a team. It is a very difficult thing to work on jokes every week, but we have able individuals who work on it, especially King'ori and his team who do 90 per cent of the work," he intimated.

Gitau also worked with Larry Madowo on The Trend, but both of them left after Madowo's last show in June 2017.

Moha Jicho Pevu's Dream About John-Allan Namu That Came True

Renowned investigative journalist and founder of Africa Uncensored, John-Allan Namu, in a phone interview with Kenyans.co.ke on January 9, recounted details of a dream by then-Jicho Pevu colleague Mohammed Ali, which he termed as 'freaky'.

Moha's dream occurred one night in Germany in 2009 where the fled to after threats arising from exposés the duo had produced.

Namu revealed that on the said evening, they had dinner and followed it up with a stroll before they retired for the night at their apartment.

The following morning, Moha woke up and informed his colleague that he had won a Cable News Network (CNN) award in a dream he had the previous night.

"I remember the evening before, we had just had dinner then we went back to the apartment. Then that morning Moha said to me, 'you know what, I had a dream that you have won a CNN award'.

Later in the day, Namu received a call from his then-boss, Katua Nzile, that he had been nominated for an award by CNN.

"Hours later, we got a call from my boss. He could not reach me so he used Moha's phone. He told me that guys from CNN had contacted him, and I had been nominated for an award for two stories that I had done," Namu revealed.

"It was the freakiest thing ever," he stated. 

That year, John-Allan Namu was feted with the CNN Multichoice African Journalist of The Year Award, 2009.

The award-winning journalist intimated that his friendship and work relationship with Moha was built on trust and an open-minded approach to ideas and concepts.

"If there is anything that I admire about Moha is his sense of instinct and premonition of certain things that happen," Namu praised.

On another instance in Ghana, 2014, while preparing to eat, Moha informed him and other colleagues of his aspirations to become an MP.

"We were in Ghana in 2014, just about to share a meal, and Moha goes, 'guys, what if I run for MP'. It was like he had a moment of foresight," Namu remembered.

Moha was elected as the Member of Parliament for Nyali Constituency on an independent ticket in the 2017 General Election, despite losing in the ODM nominations. 

"I came to trust the man's instincts of what would happen," Namu reiterated.