Author: Nicholas Kigondu

President William Ruto Monday met Members of County Assembly allied to the Kenya Kwanza alliance in a stock taking engagement of the government’s performance.

In the meeting held at State House Nairobi and attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the caucus reflected on the performance of the government since it was elected to office and deliberated on planned coalition activities.

“We are routinely exchanging views with grassroots leaders so that we can accelerate the accomplishment of our country’s development agenda.” Said  President Ruto during the meeting.

The President urged Kenya Kwanza Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to understand the political alliance’s manifesto so that they can explain it to Kenyans at the grassroots.

He said the government is implementing a host of programmes aimed at transforming the lives of Kenyans. He cited subsidized fertilizer, universal healthcare, and housing and ICT hubs, among others.

Noting that some farmers have not received subsidized fertilizer because they are unregistered, the President asked MCAs to mobilise them for registration in their wards.

“We will make sure that every region gets adequate fertilizer. Our goal is to increase food production and eradicate hunger,” he said.

The inaugural meeting is expected to shape the political agenda for the party ahead of next month’s UDA grassroots election.

Among those who attended Monday’s meeting included council of governors’ chairperson and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa and his senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot.

Last month, the president held a joint meeting between the executive and members of parliament allied to Kenya Kwanza government where the president lauded the legislators for help push the government’s agenda in parliament.

Today’s meeting came just days after the ten-member National Dialogue Committee led by the Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka handed its report to the President and Azimio leader Raila Odinga. The report was handed over by the 10-member

Police in Nairobi are holding four people including the director of Joy Garden primary school in Umoja over the mysterious death of a pupil at the school.

Police have poked holes on a narrative by the school administration that the death of the pupil, whose body was found lying dead at a balcony in the school on Friday evening, could have been occasioned by a fall.

According to a report booked by the school Director Jane Kimani, the Grade eight pupil at the boarding institution was discovered missing at 6.30pm when she did not show up for supper.

The reportee indicated that a search had then been conducted throughout the school’s eight storey building before stumbling on her lifeless body at a 1st floor balcony outside the Director’s office.

After visiting the scene, Buruburu police who examined the body established that the injuries on the pupil’s body were not consistent with a fall from a higher floor as insinuated by the school management, leading to the arrest of four staff members to assist in the investigations.

Those being questioned by detectives are Jane Kimani, the school’s director, the head teacher  James Mungai as well as the school’s accountant Caroline Matheka  and Anthony Kimani.

The scene has since been processed and the body moved to Mama Lucy Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy.

President William Ruto has promoted Major General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Vice Chair of Defence forces.

Muriu replaces Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi whose term of service has come to an end after 42 years of service.

The president has also promoted Major General David Kimaiyo Tarus to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Commander Kenya Army. Kimaiyo replaces Liutenent General Peter Mbogo Njiru who has since retired after 39 years of service. Until his appointment, Kimaiyo was the Deputy Army Commander.

Also promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General is Commander Kenya Navy Major General Jimsom Longiro who will now be the Vice chancellor National Defense University.

Consequently, the president has promoted and appointed Brigadier Thomas Njoroge Ng’ang’a in the rank of Major General and appointed him the Commander Kenya Navy. Until his appointment, Ng’ang’a was the base commander Kenya Navy base Manda.

The President also upheld recommendations of the defence council promoting and appointing the following;

Major General Juma Shee Mwinyikai promoted to Liutenenat General and appointed Commander National Defense College.

Major General Mohammed Nur Hassan posted to Kenya Army headquarters and appointed Deputy Army Commander.

Brigadier Luka Kipkemoi Kutto promoted to Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding Eastern Command.

Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu posted to Kenya Military Academy and appointed Commandant.

Major General John Maison Nkoimo posted to border security command and appointed General Officer Commanding.

Brigadier Peter Shikuku Chelimo posted to headquarters Kenya Navy and appointed Deputy Navy Commander.

Brigadier Yahya Abdei posted to National Defence College and appointed Senior Directing Staff Navy.

President William Ruto Thursday offered behind the scenes insights into his efforts to have women vying under the United Democratic Alliance Party clinch gubernatorial positions.

Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the strategy for women governors’ caucus, the president would reveal the extent to which he went to ensure their political strategies resonate with the voter.

“I know sometimes, in the process of mentorship, you have to tell them some hard facts,” the president would divulge.

Recalling his pre-election engagement with Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Ruto said he at one time questioned her political rhetoric, choosing to take her through lessons on best practices in political communication.

“I remember one time I called Susan and told her, listen Susan. I am listening to you and you are not persuasive. I want you to rehearse your text; don’t leave home before you know what you are going to say in a political rally, even if you have to cram three things. I had to take her through lessons, because I really wanted her to succeed.” The president told the gathering.

The president says he advised the Nakuru Governor to leave the city and camp in her home County to ensure that she consolidates her support.

“Another time I called her and told her, I don’t want to see you in Nairobi. You must go and sit at the village. I told her she must put on rubber shoes. Sometimes I know women want to look beautiful, they want to put on skirts. These ones I told them look; this is not the time to look beautiful. Put on a long dress because this place is chaotic. And it was all because we wanted them to succeed.” Said the president.

According to Ruto, majority of political leaders who made the decision to support his presidential bid were women.

He said women are the drivers of change and agents of democratic governance, yet their active participation in politics is limited, restricted and always dotted with obstacles pledging his commitment to change the status quo.

“I made a commitment to the women in Kenya Kwanza that we would finally do something about the two-third gender rule. It has been a back and forth for over ten years. I want to commit that this time round, we will make sure that it is attained.” Pledged the President.