Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika’s move to contest the Nakuru gubernatorial seat in 2022 received a major boost on Saturday after Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri vowed to support her bid.
Kihika has declared interest for the gubernatorial seat to unseat Governor Lee Kinyanjui who recently states that he will defend his seat on Ubuntu People’s Forum.
Ngunjiri made the remarks before Deputy President William Ruto who was on a tour in Subukia and Bahati sub counties.
“I will do all I can to support you Senator for the top seat in the county.I have no issue” said Ngunjiri.
The move has left many shocked after the Bahati Lawmaker in the past vowed to only support DP Ruto.
The Legislator also made it clear that he had burried their political differences with Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika for the sake of UDA party.
Kihika on her part called on residents of Nakuru county to support DP Ruto’s bottom up economic models.
She reiterated that UDA party will form the next government.
“Thank you so much people of Bahati and Subukia for turning out in large numbers.UDA is the party to watch come 2022 and we must all come and support DP Ruto’s agenda to transform this agenda.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has dismissed a possible formation of alliance between Deputy President William Ruto-linked United Democratic Alliance(UDA) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM party.
Addressing the media in Nakuru on Sunday, Ngunjiri who was flanked by business tycoon Zakayo Maina accused the former prime minister of having a history of creating havoc in any political formation.
Ngunjiri who is a close ally of DP Ruto maintained that UDA is well on the course towards 2022 and will not allow such an alliance.
He was however quick to state that UDA is open to anyone who subscribes to the manifesto of improving the lives of Kenyans.
“We know the history of the former Prime Minister wreaking havoc in political parties that he joins and as UDA we will not allow such” said Ngunjiri.
According to Ngunjiri,UDA is the party to watch in 2022 politics revealing that already many politicians are now making their way to UDA ahead of 2022.
The vocal Nakuru Legislator reiterated that UDA is not in any way against the President,but aims at uniting all Kenyans.
“We don’t want tribal parties and that is what DP Ruto stands for to ensure Kenya is united” said Ngunjiri.
He maintained that UDA is the party that reflects Kenya as a nation.
On the issue of BBI, Ngunjiri stated that it should be separated from 2022 succession politics.
The Lawmaker stated that BBI was not a priority during this time Kenyans are facing harsh economic times due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our stand has always been that the BBI is not a priority at this time.We have many issues affecting Kenyans even in the healthcare sector which should be addressed” said Ngunjiri.
A section of elected leaders in Nakuru have hit out at Governor Lee Kinyanjui urging him to respect all leaders.
Speaking on Monday at Lanet during a ground breaking ceremony for Nakuru Airport,the leaders led by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika claimed Kinyanjui was running the county through a one man show.
Kihika noted that many leaders including herself were not invited for the ceremony yet they were elected by Nakuru residents.
The Senator also wondering why the event was made secret yet it was for the interest of the public.
“Governor Lee should respect all elected leaders and should know that this county is not a one man show” said Kihika.
The function was made secret with only afew Journalists being invited to cover.
Were it not for Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri who posted on his Facebook account,members of the public would not have known about the event.
Senator Kihika has mantained that members of the public should be respected as well as elected leaders.
Nakuru Woman Rep Liza Chelule also stating that it was wrong for elected leaders not to be recognized.
“We are elected leaders and we should be recognized as leaders” she said.
Sentiments echoed by host MP Kimani Ngunjiri.
The MP stating that leaders are known by the respect they ha e for their electorates and fellow leaders.
It should be noted that the Nakuru Airport project is a national Goverment initiated.
Deputy President William Ruto has decried the abuse of criminal investigation and prosecution targeting people because of their tribe and political affiliation.
The DP says such a move is wrong and even worse if the offices are used to incite ethnic hate and tribalism in the country.
Speaking in Nakuru on Tuesday, the DP called on public officers tasked with protection of Kenyans and country not to be used for the wrong.
“I want to ask public officers charged with protection of our country not to use those offices for the wrong for in doing so you will be taking our country backwards” said Ruto.
His sentiments come days after the Director of Criminal Investigation George Kinoti was on the receiving end after he met purported victims of 2007/08 Post-election violence and vowed to revisit the cases.
The move saw Kinoti faulted from all corners.
And now Deputy President Ruto says the country has made strides towards cohesiveness and such should not be taken for a ride by anyone.
He reiterated President Uhuru Kenyatta’s sentiments that public officers in government as well as politicians should think before taking some actions which might have repercussions on strides made.
“As President said every leader before taking any action use your mind lest you mess the country. We want to warn the criminal investigation and prosecution not to take the direction they are taking” said DP.
Sentiments echoed by MPs Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati) Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika with the trio calling for the sacking of DCI George Kinoti.
According to the Legislators, Kinoti has shown his weakness in serving in the Directorate of Criminal Investigations by trying to revisit the 2007/08 post-election violence cases.
Sudi noting that, “Whatever Kinoti was about to bring out was a mess.We will not allow anyone to mess peace in this country. I want to tell off Kinoti and the likes that if they want this country to go back into war, then we will not allow.”
Senator Kihika on her part stating that, “Kinoti has no iota of decency, morals to mess the peace.In other countries he would have resigned already. Such a man should not be leading DCI. The President should fire him so that we know he has zero tolerance to such.”
Kihika calling on communities in Riftvalley to continue living in peace and not to allow anyone to divide them.
Sentiments reiterated by MP Ngunjiri who is also the chair Nakuru Legislators’ Caucus.
“We are peaceful in Riftvalley but Kinoti wants to mess us and that is why we are appealing to President Uhuru Kenyatta to sack Kinoti” said Ngunjiri.
Deputy President William Ruto has warned that there is no room for divisive, tribal politics in Rift Valley and Kenya as whole.
Speaking on Tuesday at St.Michael Catholic Church during the funeral service for Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri’s mother Edith Wanjiku Ngunjiri,the DP maintained that Kenyans must shun divisive leaders.
He said those eyeing various political seats will not be allowed to fuel ethnic tensions among communities.
According to DP, such leaders should not be elected to hold any office anywhere in the country as they are not fit for such.
“Anyone who has no manifesto to transform Kenya but rather their work is to incite and cause divisions among Kenyans, such should not be elected to head any office including being in charge of cattle dip” said Ruto.
The DP calling on locals in Riftvalley to maintain peace ahead of the 2022 politics adding that no one can be threatened on tribal lines.
According to Ruto, politics based on hatred were buried long time and cannot be resurrected whatsoever.
Politics of Building Bridges Initiative took centre-stage during the burial service for the late Edith Wanjiku Ngunjiri (Mother to Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri).
The casket of the late Edith Wanjiku Ngunjiri(Mother to Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri.PHOTO/Courtesy.
Addressing mourners at the St.Michael Catholic Church in Kiamaina, Bahati sub county of Nakuru, Deputy President William Ruto calling on the need for BBI to accommodate everyone.
The DP who has in the past had reservations on the BBI process now says there is room for accommodation of all views to ensure a win-win situation.
He told off a section of leaders whom he said their focus is to see a divided country towards 2022 succession politics.
“On BBI, we need to accept to accommodate one another so that we have a win-win situation. There are individuals whose focus is on dividing but that is not welcome in Kenya at this moment” he said.
Ruto once again revealing that there might be differences between him and other politicians but the focus should be on the much that unites the country.
The DP reiterating that there was no room for politics of division in Rift valley and Kenya adding that peaceful co-existence is a personal responsibility.
He urged communities in Riftvalley to ensure peaceful coexistence adding that the peace is not brought about by police officers or government but individuals.
While noting that electorates have a great role to transform the society, the DP urged Kenyans to shun leaders with record of politics of divisions, hate and tribalism adding that they have no space to lead in any office.
“Kenyans have decided to ensure peace in Riftvalley and Kenya as a whole and no one in Rift valley will be threatened. The focus should be on how to eradicate poverty and ensure development and uplifting the lives of Kenyans” said Ruto.
Siumilar sentiments echoed by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika who is also a close ally of DP William Ruto.
Kihika adding that as leaders in Riftvalley they will not allow anything to mess up the prevailing peace.
“We cannot allow anything to come between the peace we have in this region. It’s better we lose seats but peace to prevail” said Kihika.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui on his part calling on all leaders in Nakuru, Riftvalley and Kenya as a whole to put aside their political differences and focus on building peace.
Kinyanjui revealed that he supports the BBI process due to fact that it will see more allocation to agriculture (Backbone of Nakuru’s Economy) as well as the expanded executive to accommodate everyone.
“We might differ politically but that should not make us loose our focus. We as leaders we are focused on the future to ensure cohesiveness. No nation is without blame. But that should inform our tomorrow.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri said he will continue with peace work in memory of his mother who was always advocating for peace.
He urged to emulate the same and be peace ambassadors adding that on the issue of BBI there is still opportunity for Kenyans to make their way.
“My mother was a peace ambassador and in her spirit even in politics we should love each other. I will stand with DP Ruto till the end. The Riftvalley Region leaders let us ensure peace.
Other leaders who addressed included MPs Martha Wangari(Gilgil), Janet Sitienei(Turbo),Charity Kathambi(Njoro),Kuria Kimani(Molo),Oscar Sudi(Kapseret),Rahab Mukami(Nyeri),Caleb Kositany(Soy), Rigathi Gachagua(Mathira) and David Gikaria(Nakuru East) among others.
The leaders stating that BBI should not be a reason for a divided country but rather it should be a unifying factor.
Deputy President William is expected in Bahati today for the burial of the late Edith Wanjiku Kimani(Mother to MP Kimani Ngunjiri.
According to one of the steering Committee member Dr.Peter Mbae,the cortege of the late Edith Wanjiku Ngunjiri will leave Umash Funeral home at 7.30am.
Upon arrival at St. Michael’s Catholic Church MailiSita at 8.30am, Service starts at 9am.
DP Ruto is expected to arrive at the church any time from 9am.
The Steering Committee states that there shall be messages of condolences from friends.
Family tributes will follow before mass commences at 11am.
The Mass is expected to be presided over by Catholic Diocese of Nakuru’s Bishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba.
The committee has directed that due to COVID-19 only family and few friends will leave for Kabatini home for final rites and burial.
National Assembly NG-CDF Committee has revealed that all funds for the current financial year will be channeled towards construction of classrooms before the schools resume.
According to the Committee, this is aimed at ensuring enough spaces in schools that will help reduce congestion that can lead to more spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The Committee’s chair who is also Member of Parliament for Kanduyi Wafula Wamunyinyi says his committee has already engaged with the National Government CDF stakeholders and management and agreed to pause the use of the funds in implementing Environment and bursary projects.
He was speaking when the Committee toured Bahati Constituency in Nakuru County.
“We have agreed that other projects can be suspended so that the money can be channeled towards construction of more classrooms and purchase of desks ahead of schools resumption” said Wamunyinyi.
The committee also advocating for need to amend the NG-CDF Act and add increase funds that will help the MPs address the issue of new classes.
As it stands now more schools are full due to the 100% transition initiative that was done by the ministry of education and the ministry of interior.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri stating that the social distancing in schools can be addressed if the government can allow funds diverted to NG-CDF towards construction of classrooms.
He adds that this can be made possible through a Bill in the Parliament.
“The Government should allow a bill in parliament so that we can have more funds from the COVID-19 kitty under NG-CDF towards construction of classrooms” said Ngunjiri.
Leaders in Riftvalley Region have called on residents to remain peaceful ahead of court verdict on Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi’s case.
Addressing media at the Nakuru Central Police Station on Monday where the MP is being held,the leaders said the case should not cause division among residents.
Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika stating that they will follow the due court process.
She called on residents to shun divisive politics and many dramas happening but rather remain focused.
“We shall not be intimidated as leaders.We shall follow due process of the court up to when the verdict shall be delivered” said Kihika.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri dissociating himself with those planning demonstrations across the country.
According to Ngunjiri,the demonstrations will cause more harm than good.
He appealed to residents of Nakuru and Riftvalley to maintain peace.
“Sudi’s case should not divide us.We have had peace in Riftvalley and we are not ready to mess up things.A leaders we shall ensure peace” said Ngunjiri.
Oscar Sudi will remains in custody after medical examination at Nakuru level five hospital following application by his 15 lawyers that he is ailing and need medical attention
Nakuru Chief Magistrate Josephat Kalo on Monday ruled the MP to be held until Tuesday after he declined the request by the prosecution to detain him for 14 more days.
His lawyer Gladys Sholei has however raised issues with addition of three more charges few minutes before the case commenced saying that the prosecution should have notified them earlier to enable them prepare their defense.
“As part of the defense counsel am surprised that hours before the case commenced other charges were added. The prosecution should have informed us earlier” she said.
