Tag: Two term

  • Rachel Wandeto’s death is disturbing, she must get justice, vows CS Murkomen

    Rachel Wandeto’s death is disturbing, she must get justice, vows CS Murkomen

    Anger has greeted the sudden death of gospel artiste Rachel Wandeto, who was allegedly doused with petrol and set ablaze in Mwiki by unknown assailants over her political beliefs.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who had visited the musician at the Kenyatta National Hospital where she was admitted, vowed that justice would be served.

    Murkomen also mourned Wandeto, describing her death as disturbing. “I am profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of Ms Rachel Wandetto, which happened this morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital following a heinous attack by a vile and intolerant group of people. Her passing is deeply disturbing”

    He added that her passing on should prick the conscience of those propagating politics of hate, violence and division.

    “No one deserves to be injured or killed for their political views or affiliation in this day and age. When I visited Rachel in the hospital last evening, her face showed resilience and courage. It is quite unfortunate that she lost the fight”

    He pledged government’s support even as he conveyed his condolences to the family

    “We shall bring the perpetrators of this senseless act to book. Rachel will get justice. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends for this painful loss. The government stands with you in this time of immense grief”

    Wandeto had gone viral after tattooing the image of President William Ruto on her body alongside the words “Two Terms” inscribed on her chest.

    She was attacked Saturday and rushed to KNH after suffering 70pc burns. Doctors had assured she was receiving the best possible care.

    The head of Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, regretted what he described as painful and unnecessary death.

    “A young Gospel artist has been silenced while carrying nothing but her music, her faith, and her personal political beliefs. Rachel Wandeto Muthoni, did not deserve the hate, the pressure, and the hostility that surrounded her simply because she publicly supported President William Ruto”, he said on his X.

    He said no artist should be targeted because they think differently politically, expressing concern that politics of intimidation, cancellation, and tribal hostility are destroying lives and creating dangerous divisions.

    “Today we mourn not just an artist, but a daughter, a friend, a believer, and a human being whose only ‘crime” was expressing her political choice openly. She even tattooed the name of the leader she believed in on her body as a personal expression of loyalty and love for her convictions. Kenya must never become a place where artists are punished, isolated, or targeted because they think differently politically”. He stated.

    Leaders, government officials and human rights defenders have condemned the incident, reiterating that Rachel did not deserve to die in such a manner.

    The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has also weighed in on the matter, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.

    “Violence, intimidation, and attacks against citizens have no place in Kenya’s constitutional democracy and must be confronted firmly through justice and accountability”, it said in a statement.

    The female legislators further expresses concern over the emerging pattern of targeted violence and growing intolerance in public life, which they said threatens democratic participation and weakens public trust in state protection mechanisms.

    “We further urge all actors in public life to exercise restraint and responsibility, and to reject any narratives that normalize or justify violence against citizens. Kenya’s constitutional order is anchored on peaceful coexistence, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights”, they said.

  • Waiguru intensifies Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign

    Waiguru intensifies Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign

    Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has intensified campaign for the re-election of President William Ruto with a call for Kenyans to give United Democratic Alliance (UDA) a first round win for the Presidency.

    Waiguru said the opposition will be no match to President Ruto come 2027 elections adding that the ‘Two Term’ campaigns are gaining momentum because of the overwhelming support from Kenyans.

    The second term Governor who took the Ruto re-election campaign to Kwale, Coast region, said Ruto has a solid support across all the region.

    “This is only the beginning. We are going round the country to ensure President Ruto wins in the first round because the opposition has no plan for Kenyans apart from politics,” she added.

    Waiguru asked Kenyans to reject divisive and tribal politics allegedly being advanced by the opposition.

    Speaking during a women empowerment programme in Mavumbo Ward, Kwale County, Waiguru reaffirmed her loyalty to the ruling UDA party and dismissed speculation suggesting she was planning to exit.

    “I remain firmly in UDA and firmly in government. We are focused on supporting President Ruto because he is developing Kenya equally without discrimination,” she said.

    Waiguru also clarified recent media reports linking her to an apology directed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his impeachment, saying it was being twisted by the opposition for their own political gain.

    “I never apologised to any individual. I only said that if there are people who felt wronged by the government, then we regret that feeling. That should not be twisted into politics,” Waiguru stated.

    Waiguru said President Ruto had demonstrated commitment to equitable development across the country and urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government implements its development agenda.

    “The President has a plan for this country and we can already see development reaching every part of Kenya at a good pace. Progress takes time and wananchi should give him the opportunity to fully implement his agenda,” Waiguru said.

    The Kirinyaga governor also drummed up support for Governor Fatuma Achani, praising her leadership and development record in Kwale County.

    “I have been to Kwale before and witnessed the transformation Governor Achani has achieved, from the oncology centre to her outstanding investment in ECDE. She has proven that women are capable leaders and she deserves a second term,” Waiguru said.

    Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, in her remarks, noted that Waiguru was now ready for a bigger national leadership role after serving in various senior government positions.

    “She has served as Cabinet Secretary, Governor and became the first female Chairperson of the Council of Governors.

    She has distinguished herself nationally and deserves an even greater leadership role in future,” Achani added.

    Governor Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa) also rallied support for President Ruto and Governor Achani, saying the cooperation between ODM and UDA leaders had accelerated development and legislative processes that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans.

    “President Ruto has supported development at the Coast in a big way and the cooperation between ODM and UDA has helped leaders pass laws that ease the burden on wananchi, including measures touching on fuel prices.

    Those in opposition want the country to fail so that they can gain political mileage,” Abdulswamad said.

    Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho reiterated support for President Ruto while maintaining that ODM leaders remained committed to working together for the country’s development.

    “We are supporting President Ruto because leadership is about working together for Kenyans. Since appointing me as Cabinet Secretary, the President has shown commitment to ensuring mining becomes a major source of income for residents at the Coast,” Joho said.

    Joho further noted that the Coast region equally had capable leaders who could pursue national leadership in future.

    Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot urged Kwale residents to continue supporting the government, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration was committed to equitable development across all regions.

    “We want every part of Kenya to benefit equally from development regardless of how they voted. Some people in the opposition wanted government projects treated like shares in a company reserved for certain regions only, but we believe in equitable development for all Kenyans,” Cheruiyot said.

    The event brought together national and county leaders from across the country, with speakers using the platform to rally support for President Ruto’s re-election bid while calling for unity and continued support for women leadership.

  • Waiguru urges Mt. Kenya to pay “Two Terms” debt as she rallies region behind Ruto

    Waiguru urges Mt. Kenya to pay “Two Terms” debt as she rallies region behind Ruto

    Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has intensified calls for the re-election of President William Ruto saying Mt. Kenya should honour its past political commitments.

    Waiguru said the region risk being isolated for betraying President Ruto for failing to honour political pact made during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.

    She reminded residents of the region’s widely expressed commitment to support former President Uhuru Kenyatta for two terms and thereafter back Ruto for ten years, arguing that keeping that promise would earn the region respect nationally.

    “It is the former President Uhuru who said “Kumi yangu, kumi ya Ruto,” we must keep our promise. Our credibility as a community depends on keeping our word,” Waiguru said.

    Speaking during the homecoming and thanksgiving ceremony in hounor of Nyeri Women Representative Rahab Mukami following her election as President of Women’s Caucus of the Pan African Parliament, Waiguru said the region must remain consistent and trustworthy in its political dealings by honouring promises it made during the last election cycle.

    “A promise is a debt that must be paid. As a region, we must be known as people who keep our word. That is how we build trust and secure our place at the national table,” Waiguru said.

    At the same time, the governor sought to calm political tensions in the region following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a development that has reportedly stirred discontent among sections of Mt Kenya voters.

    Waiguru offered an apology to residents, acknowledging the unease caused by the episode and appealing for unity moving forward.

    Her sentiments were echoed by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who emphasized the importance of consolidating support for President Ruto.

    Kihika noted that re-electing Ruto would help safeguard the interests of Mt Kenya people living and doing business across the country, strengthening their sense of inclusion and security within the broader national fabric.

    Nominated Senator Veronica Maina also rallied the region behind the President, pointing to what she described as tangible development gains under his administration. She cited ongoing and completed mega projects in the region as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.

    “We cannot abandon a government we elected and that is already delivering for us, only to pursue an uncertain alternative,” she said, urging voters to remain steadfast.

    Maina further called on the electorate to exercise their democratic rights freely in the upcoming General Election, encouraging them to use their vote to elect leaders of their choice without intimidation or coercion.

    Taita Taveta Woman Representative, Lydiah Haika, emphasized that the Central region had enjoyed the fruits of the current government more than other regions including the Coast.

    The event brought together a host of political leaders from across the region, including Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Bahati MP Irene Njoki, among others.

    The leaders used the platform not only to celebrate Mukami’s continental achievement but also to signal a renewed push to consolidate Mt Kenya’s political direction ahead of the next polls, with a strong emphasis on unity, consistency, and strategic alignment.

     

  • Broad-based Government: DP Kindiki optimistic of 2027 win, rejects one-term talk

    Broad-based Government: DP Kindiki optimistic of 2027 win, rejects one-term talk

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has expressed confidence that the broad-based government will secure another term in 2027, citing massive development projects and programmes that have consolidated its national support.

    The DP said those pushing one-term politics are focused on a fruitless theoretical engagement that will result in defeat in next year’s elections.

    “This broad-based government has brought real and tangible benefits to all the people across the country. No one should issue threats about one-term politics. One-term is theory; broad based is practice and serving all Kenyans,” DP noted.

    The Deputy President spoke on Friday when he graced the Resource Mobilization Event for micro and small trader groups in Suba South Constituency, Homa Bay County.

    He underscored that broad-based government is inclusive and seeks to ensure equitable development in every part of the country.

    “Broad-based does not exclude anyone. This government is not about one against the other. All of us can have a place in a broad-based administration because there is enough for all the people of Kenya and all communities to have a stake in the government of the Republic of Kenya,” DP emphasized.

    Earlier, the DP inspected the construction of the 150 million-shilling Nyandiwa Fish Landing Site in the area that will ensure fisherfolk get access to fish coolers and modern facilities once complete. It is among several landing sites being constructed by the government in Lake Victoria.

    Prof. Kindiki praised ODM leaders from the region for standing firm against attempts to drag the party away from the government saying they are fulfilling the wishes of the late party leader Raila Odinga.

    “This time, the people of Nyanza and members of ODM have said they are tired of opposition politics. The work of opposition has been done by ODM and the people of Nyanza for a long time, and now they are part of the government and will be inside this government to ensure they benefit from development like other Kenyans,” DP said.

    The government is funding projects worth billions of shillings in Homa Bay County as it accelerates their completion.

    In Suba South Constituency, the Mfangano Island Ring Road project, being funded at 3.3 billion shillings, is steadily progressing.

    “President Ruto has directed Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to ensure the funds are available for the project,” DP revealed.

    Similarly, the Homa Bay Town Fish Market has been completed and handed over. It was constructed at 350 million shillings. In total, 22 modern markets are underway in the County.

    Affordable housing projects are ongoing and more homes have also been connected to electricity in the county.

    “This is the development we are talking about electricity, markets, roads, housing, and empowerment of youth,” DP stated.

    The DP praised National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who hails from the county, for ensuring faster release of funds to finance projects going on in various parts of the country.

    “When you hear about all this development roads, electricity, markets, and fish markets – the person managing and signing for Kenya’s funds is a son of Suba South, a son of Homa Bay, John Mbadi,” DP said