Tag: Gikaria

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Senator Kihika, MP Gikaria react after being locked out of Uhuru’s meeting

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria have finally come out public on the Tuesday incident where they were denied access to a State function that was officiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nakuru.

Addressing media in Nakuru town on Wednesday afternoon, the two leaders termed the incident as unfortunate stating that as elected leaders in Nakuru they were shocked to be told that they could not be allowed in due to the ‘order form above’.

They duo are now pointing an accusing finger to a section of Nakuru county leaders among them the County Commissioner for trying to create a none-issue on matters security.

Senator Kihika stating that whatever they were subjected to on Tuesday at the Rift Valley Regional Headquarters gate in Nakuru is due to their continued agitation for the interests of the citizens.

While lauding the President for the issuance of title deeds to the Nyankinyua Group,Senator Kihika noted that it was wrong for them to be locked out of the exercise yet they had contributed in the whole process of titling.

“Our biggest role as Legislators is oversight not only on counties but also in National government and the issue of titling we were part of it only to be told that we could not access the venue of the function” said Kihika.

The vocal Nakuru Senator who is also a member of the ruling Jubilee Party that is led by President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto stating that they will not relent in agitating for solutions towards challenges facing common citizens.

The Senator refuted claims that there is rift between leaders in Nakuru and the country at large citing that local politics had a hand in the Tuesday incident.

“If agitating for the interests of common citizen will see us can see us locked out of state functions then let it be but we shall go on. We hold offices that we were given by the people.We shall continue whether we are shut in or out as long as we are serving the people” said Kihika.

Similar sentiments echoed by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria who stated that as Legislators and members of Jubilee they believe in manifesto among them titling.

Gikaria admitting that he heard on Radio that the President was to be in Nakuru for the titling program and expected the National government administration to invite them as local leaders but on his surprise they never got any.

He adds this forced them to avail themselves only to be blocked at the gate.

“I heard on the Radio that the President is coming and we expected the Administration to invite us. However we never got one. So as leaders we decided to attend only to be blocked at the gate” said Gikaria.

He claims local leaders among them Governor and County commissioner had a hand in whatever happened.

The second serving Nakuru Town East MP calling on the organizers of the Presidential events to re-think and stop using the President who is the symbol of unity to divide leaders.

“The organizers of the President events should be advised. People were ferried from Subukia and Gilgil to Nakuru yet no resident of Nakuru Town East was a beneficiary. As leaders we respect the President who is the symbol of unity. Let no one use the symbol to divide us” said Gikaria.

PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria addressing media in Nakuru on Jan 15,2020.

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Nakuru leaders fault government for denying Senator, MP access to State function

Nakuru leaders have condemned an incident in which Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria were denied access to a function officiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Rift Valley Regional Headquarters office in Nakuru on Tuesday.

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika on Tuesday said she was blocked from attending a function in Nakuru that was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kihika, in a post on Facebook, said she was blocked, together with Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, from the function in which the President was to issue title deeds to locals.

According to the Senator allied to Deputy President William Ruto, they were blocked from attending the function that was held at the Rift Valley regional headquarters in Nakuru county following orders from above.

And addressing media in Nakuru on Wednesday morning, the leaders led by Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri termed the move unfortunate and disrespect for the duo who are also members of the ruling Jubilee party.

Ngunjiri who is also the Chairperson Nakuru County Legislators Caucus said such a move to bar elected leaders from accessing state functions was uncalled for if indeed the government means it in the spirit of handshake and Building Bridges Initiative.

He said it was wrong for the government to talk of Building Bridges yet at the same was causing divisions among Kenyans as well as elected leaders.

The vocal Nakuru Legislator also taking an issue with the people who organized such a function to be held at the Rift Valley Regional Headquarters instead of Afraha stadium of Nakuru statehouse grounds where every Nakuru resident could attend instead of the function being left for a few.

“We saw the President was here in Nakuru yesterday but the organizers decided to take him at the PC’s parking yet we have Afraha stadium and even statehouse ground. They also went ahead to block Senator Kihika and MP Gikaria yet these are elected leaders who fought for the title deeds” said Ngunjiri.

Sources have it that Senator Kihika and MP Gikaria were blocked accessing the meeting following their continued close association with Deputy President William Ruto.

PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri addressing media in Nakuru on Wednesday 15 Jan,2020.

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2022 succession politics dominate speeches at Inua Mama meeting Nakuru edition

The 2022 succession politics and debate around referendum dominated speeches during the Inua Mama Nakuru County edition held on Friday at the Nakuru ASK grounds.

The women political leaders drawn from various counties in the country led by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika in their speeches making it clear that they will not be intimidated.

Addressing at the meeting, Kihika as women leaders they will continue to fight for their democratic space without any intimidation form any quota.

Kihika also using the opportunity to hit out at the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the BBI initiative which according to the leaders is meant to benefit the Dynasty system of governance rather than Kenyans.

The women political leaders who are rallying behind Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 Presidential ambition stating that they will only support referendum that is aimed at improving the lives of the common citizens.

“You can arrest us and do anything but we will not be intimidated. We will fight for our space and support DP William Ruto’s ambition and only support the referendum that is meant to benefit Kenyans but not a few individuals” said Kihika.

Similar sentiments echoed by Trans-Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo who called on the society to respect the role being played by women.

While lauding the work that has been done by various elected women leaders in the country, the Trans-Nzoia Woman Rep also challenged women to wake up from their comfort zones and ensure they clinch their space in leadership.

“Enough is enough and as women we have to wake up form our comfort zones.We will not continue to remain in kitchens as votes are being cast” said Nangabo.

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei on her part hitting out at BBI over what she termed is illegal initiative that is meant to confuse Kenyans.

Shollei who is a lawyer by profession arguing out that BBI has not followed the right procedure that is required as per the law to have referendum and therefore is only meant to benefit a few individuals.

The Uasin Gishu woman Rep who represents the home county to Deputy President William Ruto also using the moment to drum up support for DP’s 2022 political ambition.

“The BBI is telling us that they want to unite Kenyans as if Kenya is divided. Let us stand for the truth that the BBI has nothing new to tell us. Kenya is united and we shall work together and support William Ruto’s ambition towards 2022”said Shollei.

Sentiments reiterated by Isiolo Woman Representative Rehema Jaldesa stating that the BBI has not collected views from various stakeholders including political leaders.

According to the Isiolo Woman Rep,BBI is only aimed at benefiting individuals, a burden to Kenyans and should be rejected by Kenyans.

“We can’t support an initiative that is meant to burden Kenyans more to benefit individuals” said Chaldesa.

Lakipia Woman Rep Catherine Waruguru on her part hitting out at the Ministry of interior for trying to intimidate politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto.

Waruguru also warning Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru to keep off national politics and stop masquerading as spokesperson for Mount Kenya region.

“We want to state here in Nakuru today that we won’t be intimidated to stop supporting William Ruto.We are also telling Anne Waiguru that we are together on development agenda but on our political ambition and stand please give us a break” said Waruguru.

The Meeting was also attended by Nakuru MPs David Gikaria(Nakuru East),Kimani Ngunjiri(Bahati),Charity Kathambi(Njoro),Jayne Kihara(Naivasha),Samuel Gachobe(Subukia),Woman Rep Liza Chelule,and several MCAs and former MCAs from Nakuru County.Later the group Inua Mama team was to visit Njoro sub county to issue cheques to various women groups.

PHOTO/Wakibia James:Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika(Centre),Njoro MP Charity Kathambi(Left) and Wangui Ngirici during the Inua Mama Program Nakuru Edition meeting held on Friday 13,Sep 2019 at Nakuru ASK show ground.

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Nakuru hawkers decry harassment by County askaris

Hawkers in Nakuru County have raised alarm over what they term harassment from county enforcement officers.

Addressing media on Tuesday after holding peaceful demonstrations through the Nakuru’s CBD to the Governor’s office, the group of hawkers are blaming the county government of Nakuru for not having their welfare at heart.

They say there has not been clear mechanisms concerning how they can remit their levies to the county government of Nakuru but instead the county enforcement officers have continued to harass and even arrest them.

In what seems to be history repeating itself from the first county government, the Hawkers now calling on the county government of Nakuru to hear their grievances and address the same.

They claim that once arrested by the county enforcement officers they are forced to pat with up to shs.3000-money they say is beyond their reach as hawkers since the business does not earn them much.

“The county askaris are really harassing and arresting us in the name of we have not paid the levies to the county yet the county itself has not come out clear on what should be done. We want Governor Lee to step in address this matter” said the hawkers led by John Mwangi.

It will be recalled that during the first county government of Nakuru that was led by the then Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, hawkers lamented over harassment.

But this did not deter Kinuthia Mbugua from evacuating them from the Nakuru’s CBD-an issue that led to bad blood between Mbugua and the hawkers.

And with the new development the hawkers say they have no otherwise but their grievances be heard by the county government of Nakuru led by Governor Lee Kinyanjui.

Addressing media after a lengthy closed door meeting that brought together county officials and the hawkers’ leadership, area MP David Gikaria called for an amicable solution into the matter.

While noting that such conflict arose way back in 2004 when he was a councilor, Gikaria called on county government to dialogue with hawkers so as to avert similar incidents.

The legislator vowing to work closely with the hawkers’ leadership to ensure their rights are safeguarded.

“As leaders we will not allow this conflict to continue. I call upon the county government to ensure amicable solution” said Gikaria.

The Nakuru Town East Legislator was accompanied by Simon Ole Nasieku form the hawkers’ association as well as Nakuru town businessman and politician Hezron Manyara.

PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria addressing hawkers outside the Nakuru county headquarters.

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Legislators oppose ‘speedy’ elevation of Nakuru to City

The process of elevating Nakuru to city may hit a snag after Nakuru legislators caucus presented a report that indirectly rejects the process which they term as pure public relation.

The report that was on Monday presented to the ad-hoc committee that is collecting views from members of the public on city status process cited various issues that are yet to be addressed before Nakuru can gain the city status.

According to Nakuru legislators, Nakuru still faces challenges of storm water drainage, solid waste management, lack of proper cemetery and a cremation, health facilities and ambulances, poor economic planning, Poor structure for SMEs and Industries, poor public transport sector system, water sewerage and sanitation.

Other areas that the legislators raised concern on the process include lack of proper public participation and its timelines with legislators arguing that members of the public have not had enough time to air their views on the elevation of city status.

The report that was prepared by all the Nakuru Legislators was tabled to the John Kitilit-led committee by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika who was accompanied by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria and his Bahati counterpart Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri.

Through the report, the Nakuru legislators have challenged the county government of Nakuru to address the challenges that Nakuru is facing before talking of the compliance to become a city.

The leaders are calling for a joint deliberation among stakeholders on the way forward for Nakuru Municipality becoming a city and that the process should be given up to 10 years to deliberate on the same and ensure all measures are in place.

“Majority hold the view that the county government has not given sufficient information on the impact of Nakuru becoming a city. The above challenges should be addressed before we even dream of becoming a city” stated the leaders in their recommendation read by Senator Kihika.

Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria who attended the session raising concerns on the security status arguing that there is need for more police stations in Nakuru Municipality.

The MP also took issue with Members of the County assembly whom he claimed might be compromised when the report shall be tabled.

He cautioned the county assembly legislators against being compromised to pass reports without understanding their impact.

“We know the report will land at the Senate but also at the county assembly, but we are worried with the way our MCAs behave. They should not be compromised to pass the report without reading the recommendations” said Gikaria.

Sentiments echoed by his Bahati Counterpart Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri.

The vocal MP who is also the chair Nakuru Legislators’ caucus calling on the Kitilit –led ad-hoc committee to go through the report presented and make conclusion depending on the recommendations the MPs had made.

“We are not opposed to the City status but we are saying let there be engagement among stakeholders. As legislators we have participated so as committee go through the report and call us again” said Ngunjiri.

Their insights coming barely a week after Nakuru Street Traders and Hawkers Association presented a petition to the ad-hoc committee stating similar concerns.

The ad hoc committee on the elevation of Nakuru was constituted and mandated to collect public views.The committee will then write a report with recommendations that will be tabled in the county assembly as well as Senate.

PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Nakuru Legislators Senator Susan Kihika,MPs David Gikaria(Nakuru Town East) and Kimani Ngunjiri(Bahati) when they presented their report to the ad-hoc committee on city status.

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How Senator Kihika,MPs saved Speaker Kairo from impeachment

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, MPs Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West) and David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East) move to meet MCAs might just have saved Nakuru County assembly speaker Joel Main Kairo from being impeached.

Sources have it that a meeting between the leaders and the MCAs saw a number of MCAs keep off the motion that was seeking to remove Mr. Kairo from office over alleged incompetence and abuse of office.

The intervention saw a meeting convened with a section of the assembly members on Sunday 17th June 2018 evening.The main objective of the meeting was to help initiate dialogue among the MCAs.

According to Senator Kihika, it was not the right time for MCAs to engage in conflicts with Speaker when there were other important issues such as budget for this financial year.“I call upon the MCAs to drop their bid and embrace dialogue” said Senator Kihika.

Senator Kihika who before served as first speaker of the Nakuru County assembly said she understands the assembly issues very well.

The fruits of the meeting came true on Wednesday after 32 Members voted against the motion making it impossible for the motion to sail through.

The motion was sponsored by Biashara Ward MCA Peter Njoroge Wanyaguthie.

 

PHOTO/Mediamax:Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika at a past function.

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