There is growing disquietness among teachers in Kenya after they observed a pattern of LGBTQ content being introduced in the annual drama and music festivals for schools.
This unbecoming behavior has been noted to be rampant in Nyanza and Nairobi schools.
The Ministry of Education has allowed individuals who are not teachers but have technical knowledge in drama, theatre, film, and music training to seek contractual employment with schools.
These individuals who are supposed to adhere to the laid code of teachers are left to be with children without strict supervision from the school management.
The trainers end up grooming children to perpetuate agenda that could be outside the curriculum of education.
Murmurs within drama festivals have pointed at known trainers who groom children to be homosexuals or lesbians and then recruit them into LGBTQ societies.
Some of the drama trainers are known within the top committee of the festivals but no attempt has been taken to warn headteachers to be careful with them.
In one performance by Dagoretti High School in Nairobi, the boys who were groomed to dramatize like girls were obviously awfully groomed to the chagrin of the audience.
“We don’t discourage boys to dramatize female roles but there are certain boundaries and mannerisms that should just be left with girls.” said a source who watched the drama by Dagoretti boys.
Another source who is a parent at Maseno School in Nyanza raised concern about the level of which drama by Maseno School has been trained.
“My son was in one of the drama. I knew this during the half-term break. I began noticing queuer mannerisms from my son. He was walking, talking and gesturing like a female. His sister asked him if he is normal and why he was behaving this way, that’s when he disclosed that he is an actor and was advised to behave this way so that he doesn’t forget the moves.”
But when our source checked his son’s social media, he was shocked to meet offensive messages bordering on anal sex.
He has since transferred his son to a different school after his complaints to the school were unattended.
It has also been noted that LGBTQ activists are silently funding schools that are dramatizing content that promotes transgender ideologies.
The trainers, students, and headteachers are given luxurious treats by these subtle institutions to encourage them to “talk more openly” about transgender ideologies.
Some LGBTQ institutions are funding the organization of drama by donating trophies, certificates and allowances for the organizers of the fete.
It is apparent that headteachers and education officials are not scrutinizing the content of these performances.
The LGBTQI content will leave irreparable ramifications on the lives of the children including indoctrination, brainwashing, and gender affirmation.
The Ministry of Education appears silent on this issue that is threatening to rip apart the social fabric of our society.
The president has made it clear that homosexuality and its ideals are not welcome in Kenya.
The 2023 drama and music festivals for schools and colleges will be held in Mombasa from April 20th to 30th.
If you have ever visited a supermarket, there are those ladies that stand along some shelves with particular products, ready to convince you to buy theirs and not others.
It turns out that Naivas Maiyan branch, Ongata Rongai, mistreats them.
Read on.
Hi Nyakundi,
This is to highlight about how several staffers at the Naivas Maiyan branch are the rue of many merchandisers mostly through abusive and off-color sexist language towards female merchandisers and are always hell bent on getting cash from any merchandiser whenever they visit the outlet regardless of one’s financial state.
Now these said staff members could literally be fitting in a role as a Kenyan traffic cop. And it’s a culture that’s been embedded deeply in their psyche that it’s become like a right to them for you to part with not less than 50/- to 200/- whenever you visit that shop representing the supplier you merchandise for.
Many have come to state that they just have to part with whatever amount they are bullied into parting with so as to avoid the consequences of the staff members not placing orders for your products and even delisting some of the productions in that branch if you chose to not play along.
The grace bought with these bribes only lasts as long as your current visit and the next time you visit that shop the same staffers will still want money from you. One would think that they have some church building project or something that keeps guzzling the said funds it’s as if Naivas does not remunerate them well.
They take advantage of the control they have over the ordering processes and the display allocation over the subcategories within the shop and whoever plays ball will get preferential treatment sales numbers be damned because there’s always a competitor who’ll replace your product readily available.
Now the merchandisers with these complaints have evidence of recordings and mobile money transfers with their names. Their word is also final and taken as the gospel truth to their section leads and the management and for one to air this out would just make that work environment more toxic.
Now the rot is so pernicious to the extent that they rat a merchandiser out to his/her bosses whenever the merchandiser’s bosses happen to pop into the outlet and find that they are out of stock on key brands that they supply Naivas in this branch in particular. You’ll be labeled as incompetent amongst other choice words they’d have in store for you to your bosses and then they’d cause you to get fired. Others have been or get transferred to service other itineraries if you are lucky.
This is the proverbial sword of Damocles that has most of these merchandisers in fear of getting fired because it has turned into survival game for the most compliant bribe slave. Some of them have to visit that branch several times a week whilst others are stationed there on a daily basis.
I’m mostly writing this to get this branch to levels professionalism seen in other branches where camaraderie between the staff and the representative merchandisers leads to constant availability of goods for the valued shopper and more sales where both parties win.
I hope their HQ conducts a thorough investigation and end this vileness once and for all.
Ndirangu Maina, Chairman Lavington Five Roads Residents Association
Charity Shiunza Geoffrey, a former assistant administrator at Lavington Five Roads Association, has come forward to share her travesty of harassment and unpaid dues at her previous workplace.
Writing to this blog on Wednesday 5 Apr 2023, Ms. Shiunza, who worked at the association for over a year and almost three months, revealed that she faced unbearable working conditions and harassment from her immediate boss, Jaquiline Wanjiru Karanja.
Despite reporting the harassment to the association’s chairperson, Mr. Ndirangu Maina, no action was taken.
A brief meeting was held in response to Ms. Shiunza’s complaints, but she was forced to apologize to her boss for what was termed as “abusive language” in an email expressing her concerns.
The harassment continued, and in February of this year, Ms. Geoffrey was asked to attend a meeting with Mr. Maina, where she was threatened and forced to resign, citing constructive resignation.
In her resignation letter, she requested payment of three months’ salary in lieu of notice and gratuity as per the law, which amounted to Sh495,000.
However, despite a notice issued by her advocate demanding payment within seven days, the association failed to pay Ms. Shiunza her dues.
When contacted, the association allegedly claimed to have the best lawyers and threatened to win any legal battle Ms. Geoffrey might pursue.
In addition to the harassment and unpaid dues, Ms. Shiunza also claims that during her employment, the association failed to pay for her NHIF and NSSF services and did not issue her a contract despite her repeated requests.
She states that Jaquiline Wanjiru Karanja harassed not only her, but also other employees including guards and gardeners.
Ms. Shiunza is now seeking payment of her dues as stated in the notice.
Shocking revelations have emerged of a massive financial scam orchestrated by Vishaal Shashikant Shah, a Kenyan businessman based in Dubai, who has been compared to the infamous American fraudster Bernard Madoff.
An anonymous wrote to this blog with information that sheds light on how Shah has allegedly swindled over USD 30 million from unsuspecting investors, including childhood friends, family members, business associates, and employees.
According to the information provided, Shah moved from Kenya to Dubai around 15 years ago and acquired 20% shares in a company called Panache, which was originally based in Fujairah, UAE.
Within a few years, he allegedly took full control of the business without paying the original shareholders for their shares, and moved the company’s operations to Dubai.
From there, he reportedly started recruiting potential investors for his fraudulent schemes.
The source reveals that Shah’s first major scam involved attracting investors to Panache, with some injecting as much as AED 5 million (approximately USD 1.3 million) into the business.
Many of these investors have not seen any returns on their investments and have suffered significant financial losses, with some even losing their lives or loved ones due to the immense financial pressure caused by Shah’s scams.
When the route of investors was exhausted, Shah allegedly started a Ponzi scheme, where he promised fixed returns ranging from 5% to 30% annually to non-shareholder investors.
He reportedly secured funding from peer-to-peer lending companies like Beehive and an invoice factoring firm based in Mauritius, where he converted both real and fictitious invoices into cash.
He also colluded with bank staff to secure extra funding from financial institutions like Habib Bank, Emirates Bank, RAK Bank, and Mashreq Bank, and targeted friends, family members, and staff to repay the banks and fund his schemes.
The source further notes that Shah had manipulated accounts, overinvoiced the value of goods he purchased to get extra funding from banks, and defaulted on payments to suppliers of raw materials and machinery, keeping a revolving credit running for millions of AED (Emirati Dirham) at all times.
The extent of Shah’s fraud and the number of people affected by his schemes is staggering.
Many of his employees are reportedly unpaid for several months, and numerous individuals and businesses have suffered financial losses.
Despite the magnitude of his scams and the devastation caused to many lives, Shah has managed to evade accountability for a long time.
A recent report by the Auditor General has exposed how two directors at City Hall, Nairobi, colluded to pocket millions of shillings of taxpayers’ money.
The director of intergovernmental relations, Joyce Kinyanjui, and the immediate former Director of administration, Dominic Odera, are under investigation after they failed to produce documents relating to the expenditure of Sh11,422,273 on foreign travel and subsistence.
Tension is high at City Hall as Governor Johnson Sakaja demands an explanation for the suspicious expenditure.
City Hall sources have revealed that Ms Kinyanjui and Mr Odera failed to produce supporting documents, such as attendance registers, reports of work performed or programs by staff members, invitations to various overseas trainings and workshops, imprest requisitions and applications, and proof of travel documents like boarding passes and stamped passports to various destinations.
Further investigations unearthed that Mr Odera, whose responsibility was to approve the list of those attending workshops and trainings, colluded with Kinyanjui to ensure that only friendly staff members attended such workshops and trainings.
This suggests a deliberate effort to misuse public funds for personal gain.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ms Kinyanjui is the only county staff member who testified against former Governor Mike Sonko during his impeachment motion at the Senate.
This has raised suspicions among Sakaja’s handlers, who are warning him to handle Ms Kinyanjui with care, as she cannot be trusted and could betray Sakaja, just as she did to Sonko.
There are concerns within City Hall about Ms Kinyanjui’s integrity and her potential to compromise the investigation.
There are calls for her to be transferred to a different section, as her involvement in the corruption scandal has raised serious doubts about her credibility for the role.
An anonymous source has come forward with information about a Kenyan national who has been allegedly deceiving donor organizations and other institutions in the name of community development.
The source identified the suspect as Noah Nasiali Kadima, who reportedly operates a Community-Based Organization (CBO) known as Afarmers.
According to the source, Kadima has been receiving funds from organizations such as UNIDO, UK TECH HUB, and Wild Aid for various projects but misuses the funds for his personal gain, along with his wife, Mary Muthama.
The source claims that Kadima has a history of deceiving donors by promising community development projects but failing to complete them.
He is accused of using the funds for his personal gain, including paying for his children’s education in an international school.
The source further alleges that Kadima does not pay his employees.
In the latest wave of complaints, a section of workers have reportedly gone five months without receiving any pay.
The source claims that Kadima allegedly uses his employees to write fake reports, which he then submits to donor organizations to show progress on the projects for which he has received funding.
Questions have been raised why Kadima, who boasts of millions in online winnings and wads of cash from donor organizations, still lives in a rented house.
The source alleges that Kadima’s priorities are misplaced.
In Kajiado, where he is reportedly building a training center, more than 20 of his casual laborers who are working on a farm have gone unpaid for months.
The source alleges that the training center is part of Kadima’s latest plan to swindle unsuspecting members of the public.
The allegations against Kadima are serious and warrant further investigation.
Donor organizations and other institutions must exercise due diligence in vetting community development projects and CBOs to prevent such fraudulent activities.
We shall closely follow this story and publish subsequent developments.
NCBA Managing Director John Gachora, had earlier admitted that the bank benefited from a Ksh.350 million tax waiver during the merger between NIC Group PLC and Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) back in 2019.
Gachora however, said that should the court find NCBA to have contravened any tax-related law, following the waiver which has been a subject of public debate, then they will pay without hesitation.
“I want to assure the public and every Kenyan that should the court find that NCBA Kenya was not entitled to that waiver, the day the court makes that determination, I can promise that the following day we will send a cheque of Ksh. 350 million to the exchequer,” Gachora told the media.
NCBA Kenya Intends not to pay
However, reports have indicated that the bank is devising ways to turn back in their remarks as the Ruto administration puts pressure on the bank to return what they illegally evaded.
According to reports, the bank has been accused of even trying to look for means to compromise the courts so that they don’t pay the money which will confirm that the bank illegally got the waiver.
According to sources, NCBA Kenya Managing Director John Gachora has been at the forefront, under the direction of the Kenyatta family, trying to ensure that the money is not paid.
Reports further indicate that due to the strained relationship between the president and former president Uhuru, the current administration wants to ensure that the money is paid to embarrass the bank and expose the Kenyatta family as a thieving empire
Ethnocentricity has reared its ugly head in the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and despite the sport of Rugby Union historically being viewed as an elite sport therefore above the primal politics of the hoi polloi sports in Kenya, this hasn’t been true in the last decade.
Chairman Alexander Kiplagat Mutai at Center of Controversy as Tribalism Threatens Kenya Rugby Union Leadership
This ethnicity has in its crosshairs Kenya Rugby Union Chairman, Alexander Kiplagat Mutai, who barely a year ago was elected unopposed to the position, having previously served on the KRU board a Director and subsequently, a Vice-chairman.
Sasha, as he is popularly known, a mere two weeks ago felt the heat of intent, when several clubs and board members engineered a vote of no-confidence in him, at the KRU AGM on 28th March 2024.
Whilst he was able to prevaricate around the issue, he will definitely be forced to face the issues head-on when KRU delegates meet again in 30 days for a scheduled SGM (Special General Meeting).
Behind all the murmurs of fidelity to the KRU constitution by those bringing forth the no-confidence motion against Sasha, there lies the unspoken question among them, at least not spoken openly in polite company, of “Kalenjin alijulia Rugby wapi” (to translate this would decontextualize it completely).
You see, Sasha is a member of the Kalenjin community in Kenya, a community that has gained global fame for their athletic exploits in both Middle and long distance running over the last 70 years.
On the other hand, 95% of all contact sports in Kenya is dominated by members of the Luo and Luhya communities, with a smattering of members from the other communities, including Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii et al.
This includes Rugby where the robust athleticism and performances by the members of the Luo and Luhya communities in club and National teams, in both the male and female categories, is indisputable and the stuff of legend.
Over the years, these players transitioned to become club officials and ultimately the delegates at the KRU AGM, with powers to appoint and disappoint the officers and Directors of the Union.
The elite nature of Rugby in Kenya comes from the illusion that because the sport is largely played at University, with these University graduates moving onto club Rugby while simultaneously scaling the corporate ladder, it is wrongfully assumed that these academic achievers would make enlightened decisions for the game.
Notwithstanding the elitism with which Rugby is viewed by the rest of the country, it is impossible not to take note that the KRU hasn’t had a vote of no-confidence in the last 8 odd years.
These 8 years sat astride the terms of 2 different KRU Chairmen, namely Richard Omwela (more or less a caretaker Chairman) and Jeff Oduor Gangla (2 terms of office).
It is important to note that these two gentlemen are from the Luhya and Luo communities respectively.
The last time acrimony of this magnitude hit the KRU was during the shortlived and tumultuous era of Mwangi Muthee, a member of a minority Rugby community (Kikuyu) in Kenya and who was hounded out of office by his Vice-chairman Philip Jalango, a move that also led to such a massive haemorrhage of sponsorship, from which KRU is yet to fully recover.
There can be no other inference drawn from the above scenario than that the majority Luo and Luhya voters who side with the no-confidence motion may be compelled to do so for no other reason than that they have been called to action by their tribemates.
That is how low the reasoning in the KRU appears to have sunk over the last decade.
The motion of no-confidence has been proposed by Kisumu RFC, a club from the lakeside City of Kisumu, the ancestral roots of the Luo community and the epicentre of agitation politics of all kinds in Kenya.
The real issue appears the control of the almost Kes. 500m annual budget of the KRU and the cronyism expected by the KRU delegates from those they place in office.
Sasha faces the exact same problem that Muthee did 8 years ago.
Muthee was a hugely successful and accomplished individual entrepreneur over and above being a highly capped ex-player for the Kenya National team and other representative sides.
It was known that he did not need to tap into KRU resources to line his pocket unlike some of his colleagues in the KRU Board.
At the time, Rugby was wading chest-deep in sponsor and government goodwill, with much money in its coffers.
These Board members resented this fact and his obstinacy against allowing them to raid said coffers.
Similarly, Sasha is viewed as a well-to-do professional who doesn’t need to dip into KRU for more money.
He may not have realized that some of his colleagues don’t share his sentiments and outlook.
To them, the KRU is their personal piggy bank and an opportunity to reward cronies, often in the most clumsy of ways.
For sure, Rugby isn’t where it was a decade ago. The national 7s team has been relegated from the WR7s circuit and now fights for promotion back into the top flight.
Its popularity among a majority of Kenyans has taken a dip, along with their spending power.
A successful vote of no-confidence would surely sound the death knell for what is left of the sport.
Those close to the game may not realize this because they seem to exist in some sort of echo chamber.
It isn’t accidental that Sasha came onto the helm of KRU unopposed, that the lack of interested takers for that position was an oversight…no?
Those in the know say this job is thankless and back-breaking and certainly not for the faint-hearted.
More needs to be written about the internal affairs of the KRU; otherwise, these elected officials seem all but ready to sink the game.
They seem to have lost historical perspective and do not see how precarious a position the game is in now.
Serious allegations have surfaced against four high-ranking officials in Nakuru County, raising concerns about their conduct and potential misuse of county resources.
Nakuru County residents demand accountability from Governor Susan Kihika as allegations of misconduct and resource mismanagement swirl around top officials, including a romantic couple holding significant positions.
The parties in question include the County Secretary, the CEC for Health, the CEO of Medical Services, and the Director of Procurement.
The accusations brought to light by an insider within Nakuru County point to possible unethical practices and mismanagement, casting a shadow over the efficiency and integrity of the county administration.
Of particular concern is the fact that two of the implicated officials are reportedly in a romantic relationship, prompting questions about the objectivity and fairness in decision-making processes.
The County Secretary who occupies a key role in the county’s governance structure is accused of engaging in activities that may jeopardise the county’s finances.
Similarly, the CEC for Health, responsible for overseeing crucial health-related matters, faces accusations that could impact the delivery of essential services to the residents of Nakuru County.
The CEO of Medical Services, a key figure in the county’s healthcare system, is also under scrutiny for possible involvement in the alleged unethical practices.
The Director of Procurement, responsible for overseeing the county’s procurement processes, is also implicated in the scandal, which raises questions about the transparency and fairness of procurement activities within Nakuru County.
The insider’s plea to Governor Susan Kihika is a call for immediate action to address these reports and safeguard the interests of Nakuru County and its residents.
The seriousness of the accusations necessitates a thorough investigation into the conduct of the implicated officials to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
It remains to be seen whether Governor Susan Kihika is aware of these allegations and their potential implications. As the leader of Nakuru County, she should take decisive action to ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct within her administration.
Nakuru County residents deserve a government that prioritises their well-being and uses public resources for the greater good.
CAPTION: Mihr Thakar: Investor at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) | Photo: X Social Media
An investor has filed a case at the Capital Markets Tribunal contesting the extension of the suspension of the trading of Kenya Airways (KQ) shares at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
The appellant, Mihr Thakar sued the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), KQ, and NSE for breach of law, protesting that the reason for the suspension of trading of KQ shares at the bourse was no longer valid.
“That the Respondent erred in law and in fact by extending a suspension whose initial cause had faded away”, the Court document under Appeal number 001 of 2024, seen by cnyakundi.com stated in part.
Capital Markets Authority announced to the public via a notice dated 2nd January 2024 of the extension of the suspension of trading of the shares of Kenya Airways Plc. The notice was gazette on 4th January 2024 paving the way for a fifth suspension since 2020.
KQ has been facing headwinds and was scheduled for operational and corporate restructuring and government buy-out when its securities were suspended from trading at the bourse on 3rd July 2020.
Capital Markets Act
At that time, CMA stated that the suspension would last three calendar months. However, subsequent suspensions in September 2020, April 2021, January 2022, January 2023 and now January 2024 is hurting minority investors as per the lawsuit.
“The Respondent erred in law by making a decision that is, prima facie biased against the interests of minority shareholders of Kenya Airways Plc. The principle in law behind the Respondent’s power to suspend shares is pursuant to section 22 A of the Capital Markets Act is to ensure that there is a fair, transparent and efficient operation of a securities market. The Respondent also has a duty to ensure that there is a proper and integral management of systematic risk in the securities market,’ Mihr Thakar avers.
As per section 22 B of the Capital Markets Act, suspension of trading in a particular company’s shares should not last more than three months. Mr Thakar further accuses the defendants, CMA of being ‘unreasonable’ in suspending trading in KQ shares for over a year stating that is it ‘disproportional and unjustified’.
Mr Thakar who owns over 71,075 KQ shares, is presented on a pro-bono basis by lawyer Francis Njoroge of IC LAW ADVOCATES LLP. The case that was filed yesterday, 16th January 2024, is set for mention on 25th January at 2:30 pm for directions.
The law under Section 35 of the Capital Markets Act gives the Capital Markets Tribunal the authority to hear and determine such an appeal.
Here is the rest of the document Appeal 001 of 2024: Capital Markets Tribunal
Pakistani National Hussain Jarrar Deported Over Claims Of Money Laundering
A Pakistani national, Hussain Jarrar, who had been hiding and evading justice in Kenya, has finally been deported.
Jarrar, 49, had been illegally residing in Kenya for two years with no action taken, until he was picked up from his Lavington residence and bundled onto a KQ flight 310 from Nairobi to Dubai on Friday evening.
He was scheduled to land in Dubai and then be shipped to Karachi, according to officials familiar with the situation.
Immigration officials indicated that the move followed an order by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, after confirming that Jarrar was an illegal immigrant who had been enjoying protection from certain corrupt government officials.
“The man was finally deported. His property may be taken over by the Asset Recovery Agency. Let us wait,” said a credible source aware of the issue.
Jarrar’s work permit had expired in November 2022, and he possessed a forged Kenyan ID, known to authorities but overlooked.
The last interaction he had with immigration officials was in July last year when they summoned him over his status.
He appeared before officials who later released him on a Sh100,000 cash bail, promising to summon him the following day for further processing.
Jarrar was under investigation, along with others, over claims of organized crime.
Police wrote to the immigration department seeking information on Jarrar as they probed him over terror claims.
The Anti-Terror Police’s letter dated December 15, 2022, requested information on his presence in the country for their investigation into organized criminal activities.
It remains unclear what happened with the probe. Jarrar, who arrived in the country in 2006 and later worked as a sales motor vehicle agent, suddenly became a billionaire, raising eyebrows among government agencies.
He was cited for money laundering and investigated for forgery due to obtaining a Kenyan identity card fraudulently.
What exposed him was declaring himself as Kenyan in one of the companies he runs, Silver Dash Limited, with his two children based in Pakistan.
His unsuccessful renewal application for a work permit as a foreigner further heightened suspicions.
Operating from his hideout in the city, Jarrar used proxies to conduct his deals since his work permit expired in November last year.
He did not respond to calls for comment on the claims.
A woman claiming to be his wife called, but when asked to share his identity card, she went silent.
Officials reported that he had been moving around seeking help to renew his documents without success.
Kenyan officials suspect Jarrar could be part of an international money laundering ring, given his Sh1.2 billion mall project, Al-Shujah Mall, next to Yaya Centre.
“Hewas employed as a sales official at Al-Husnain Motors in the city where he earned Sh70,000 up to 2013. He can’t explain how he made the billions he is splashing around,” said an official aware of the probe.
Multiple agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, ATPU, the Financial Reporting Centre, the Immigration Department, and the National Intelligence Service, are pursuing him.
Correspondences between these agencies reveal a concerning picture of the businessman.
For instance, one agency’s letter in May 2022 explained how Jarrar arrived in the country.
Jarrar was a director at Al-Shujah Motors Limited, established in 2012, and had previously been a director at Al-Husnain Motors Limited.
In June 2021, he applied for citizenship by lawful residence, but the process was halted due to an adverse notice related to his suspicious involvement with Iranians.
A security agency report states that the company Jarrar runs has been associated with drug trafficking, particularly after his brothers, who were his associates, were deported over narcotics trafficking claims.
He learned of plans to deport him in 2007, left the country, and resurfaced five years later to establish a new company under a different name.
Officials at the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) alerted bank managers of a local bank about an account held by a Pakistani national, Saleem Qamar, as Jarrar had been running it.
Investigating agencies believe he is receiving protection from certain politicians in exchange for a fee.
The agencies are racing against time to trace Jarrar as he rushes to make massive local investments with questionable cash.
Staff and other stakeholders are in a state of alarm as corruption and cronyism in The Nairobi Hospital threaten the very existence of the premier private hospital in the country.
Allegations of mismanagement, bribe-taking and other underhand dealings have rocked the hospital founded in 1954, wreaking havoc on staff morale and productivity.
At the centre of the controversy is the emergence of a cartel which appears hell-bent on only getting rich quickly at the expense of the operations and well-being of the hospital.
Insiders who are privy to the goings-on intimate that the current chairman of the hospital’s board Dr. Chris Bichage has entered into an unholy alliance with the CEO James Nyamongo, Company Secretary Gilbert Nyamweya, Dr. Barcley Onyambu, Dr. Fred Kambuni, Dr. Meshack Ong’uti (not a board member) and other board members to the chagrin of other stakeholders.
Mr. Nyamongo is said to have left Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) before joining the Nairobi hospital under very unclear circumstances due to fraudulent activities.
He was also bundled out of office barely a week after being appointed the interim CEO at the National Oil Corporation of Kenya in 2019.
Dr. Bichage, a former MP for Nyaribari Chache, is no stranger to corruption allegations.
Impeccable sources intimate that Dr. Bichage was discontinued at the University of Nairobi during his undergraduate studies for academic non-performance.
This makes his academic and professional qualifications to be questionable. In 2017, he was charged in a Kitale court with defrauding advocate of the High Court David Biketi Ksh. 11.1 million by pretending he could sell him 10 acres of land in Trans Nzoia County.
Dr. Bichage is said to have committed the offence between August 7, 2015 and March 11, 2016.
“The Nairobi hospital, being a top class hospital in the East and Central Africa region, is expected to have in place strong and robust corporate governance structures to govern and manage the institution both at the board and management levels,” said a senior manager, who requested to remain anonymous.
However, the reality on the ground and practice in the institution is in total contrast to expectations.
The latest controversy which should interest the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) is the billion-shillings tender to supply, implement, maintain and support a Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
In April 2022, the hospital advertised in the local dailies for a consultancy for the supply, implementation, maintenance and support of HMIS and ERP.
After a thorough procurement process was undertaken, including due diligence and site visits, a Joint Venture (JV) of two companies, GoodX Enterprises(PTY) Limited, a South African company and DynamicNav Systems Limited, a Kenyan company, won the tender.
The winning JV was awarded the contract in June 2023 at a contract sum of USD 5,643,334 (approximately Ksh. 960 million) for a period of five (5) years, and the contract was signed in August 2023.
The JV fulfilled all the required conditions as per the contract, including submitting a Performance Bank Guarantee of 5% of contract value (USD 282,167) within the time specified by the hospital.
The JV, which was referred to as “System Integrator” in the contract, immediately commenced the execution of its mandate in the project according to the work plan approved and in agreement with the hospital Project Implementation Team (PIT) requirements.
The System Integrator was given an office in the hospital equipped with WiFi, a printer and a shredder.
In addition, the System Integrator was given parking and identification badges to enable its staff access various parts of the hospital in the course of carrying out their work.
The contract was signed when Dr. Irungu Ndirangu was the chairman of Nairobi Hospital board.
However, when the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA) conducted the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September 2023, there was a change in the board of directors including replacement of the chairperson Dr. Ndirangu by Dr. Chris Bichage.
Immediately after Dr. Bichage took over, the System Integrator started to experience hostility, interference, resistance, non-communication and sabotage from the new board and management.
There were allegations from the current chairman, CEO and a section of the new board that the System Integrator had failed to meet the required conditions in the contract, which they themselves (Dr. Bichage and CEO James Nyamongo) had signed.
To the surprise of the System Integrator, the board members who were making the allegations were from the same tribe as the hospital’s chairperson, chief executive officer and the company secretary, supported by other board members who apparently had been compromised.
They claimed that the System Integrator failed to submit a Performance Bank Guarantee as specified in the contract.
The guarantee was indeed sent to the hospital, addressed to the CEO.
The bank attempted severally to contact the CEO but he declined to collect the original copy from ABSA Kenya Limited, Trade Finance Department, Bishops Gate, which is a walking distance from the hospital.
The System Integrator made the effort to collect the original Performance Bank Guarantee from the bank and delivered it to the CEO’s office.
Unfortunately, the CEO instructed the secretary not to accept its delivery. Eventually, the System Integrator sent a copy to the CEO via email.
In October 2023, the System Integrator submitted to the Nairobi hospital an invoice of USD 1,594,948 for the services already rendered from the date of signing of the contract.
The hospital however declined to acknowledge receipt nor honor the invoice.
The System Integrator has now come to find out that after the September 2023 AGM, a section of the new board is out to cancel the contract and give it to a company called ICT Health, which had competed in the previous tender but was technically knocked out.
This company is allied to James Nyamongo, the CEO, who is past retirement age.
Nyamongo’s contract expired in December 2023 but was renewed under mysterious circumstances against the Nairobi hospital’s human resource code of regulations, to fulfil his personal interest in the HMIS-ERP contract.
On the other hand, Nyamongo and section of board members are happy to maintain the status quo with the current hospital’s ICT system, which has serious financial leakages for whatever reasons known to them.
Furthermore, it is alleged that the CEO has never gone on leave for the last three (3) years when in office, which raises many questions about the corporate governance levels of the Nairobi hospital.
The hospital has gone ahead to initiate a direct tendering process for selected companies by writing to companies like Microsoft, which supplied the Joint Venture with the ERP in the current HMIS-ERP project which has a running contract.
This is in complete breach of the hospital’s procurement rules where an open tender is required for any goods or services worth more than Kes. 5 Million.
Furthermore, it has to be passed by the full board as opposed to a section of board members.
Reliable sources has revealed that Nyamongo and other board members; namely Philomen Mwaisaka (a former Provincial Administrator) and Dr. Magdalene Muthoka (Chief Manager, HR New KCC) received bribes from ICT Health (based in Jakarta, Indonesia).
It is said that the CEO has used the money to build residential flats in Riat, Kisumu County. Curiously, a contractor by name EPCO which is doing construction work for the Nairobi Hospital is the one which built the flats from Nyamongo.
Dr. Magdalene Muthoka should also be investigated by the head of public service, New KCC board and EACC for being in two payrolls; at New KCC as a public servant and on retainer at the Nairobi hospital.
Another issue is that the Indonesian firm favored by the cartel is not the owner of the system, but are just resellers. The system is developed and owned by an Indian company in Cheney, India.
ICT Health also do not have local representation as purported.
They gave an address of an office in Loita Street which turned out to be a government office.
“The local contact person they gave, a Mr. Mogaka, turned out to be an employee of TechMahindra who were the consultants who drew the ToR for the RFP. They were not eligible to bid due to conflict of interest,” said the source.
Historically, the hospital has been known to have serious governance issues, which is in the public domain. Recently, the US government, under U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), granted the Nairobi hospital USD 1.1 Million to undertake a feasibility study to expand and improve healthcare access in Kenya.
The study was to support the hospital’s intent to establish five medical centres across Kenya, digitize its operations, and expand cancer treatment services at the hospital.
The US government did this on the premise that the governance issues in the hospital have been resolved.
It is apparent that the governance at the hospital is currently at its lowest since the changes in the board in September 2023 with a lot of questions regarding processes of revenue collection, recurrent and capital expenditures and asset management.
There are several unresolved issues surrounding the hospital operations, staff welfare and safety, including the death of the former acting Finance Director who was murdered under mysterious circumstances.
The current situation at the Nairobi hospital therefore, calls for the trustees, shareholders and all stakeholders to urgently step in and seriously interrogate the management and operations of the hospital under the current board and the CEO, whose contract was recently renewed under dubious circumstances
Up-and-coming rapper Charles Waga Otieno who died after falling from the 5th floor of a city apartment had multiple head fractures and internal bleeding, according to a post-mortem examination at Coptic Hospital mortuary.
Rapper Charles Waga Otieno met his tragic end after falling from the 5th floor of Corner Heights Apartments along Naivasha Road
While the final report detailing the cause of death is with detectives, family and friends suspect foul play, pointing to four Nigerians in custody.
The fateful day began like any other for the 25-year-old rapper.
On Monday, 29th January, Waga was on a routine assignment to deliver a carpet to a Nigerian client residing in Room 56 on the seventh floor of the Corner Heights Apartments along Naivasha Road.
His colleagues recount that he left his phone charging in the janitor’s office at “Identity Cleaners,” a car wash located on Naivasha Road, off Ngong Road, before taking the lift.
Thirty minutes later, a resident’s call alerted colleagues that Waga had fallen.
Upon rushing to the scene, his colleagues found him in a car belonging to one of the apartment’s tenants.
Efforts to quickly get him medical attention were in vain at the first hospital they visited, as the doctor was unavailable.
Their next stop, Coptic Hospital, saw desperate attempts to revive Waga, but he was already gone, leaving colleagues and friends in shock.
The scene of the crime raises unsettling questions.
Waga’s belongings — pants, shoes, bracelet, marvin, and belt — lay scattered in the hallway leading to the apartment where he delivered the carpet.
Notably, an earring, inconsistent with Waga’s usual attire, was also found.
“We want justice for Waga because he was an innocent boy, and these suspects should face the law. How did he end up with a boxer?” Jaffer Ochieng, a friend of the deceased, asked.
The final report on the exact cause of Waga’s death remains in the hands of detectives investigating the matter, leaving family and friends anxiously awaiting answers.
Edward Nzesya Mutilangi, the younger brother of the late Kenyan PepsiCo executive William Mulwa Mutilangi, has filed a petition in a New York court seeking to be declared the administrator of his vast estate.
Heir or Hoax? Tanzanian Claims Pepsi Executive’s Fortune
William Mulwa passed away last year under unclear circumstances and Bakari Malanda, asserting to be his son, authorized the cremation of Mulwa’s body.
Subsequently, he sought to acquire Mulwa’s assets in Nairobi and New York.
The petition, filed on January 29, tentatively values Mulwa’s estate in the US at not more than $500,000 (approximately Ksh81 million), according to legal documents.
The $500,000 estimate specifically pertains to Mulwa’s assets in the United States, and it is considered a tentative figure.
Mr. Matemu emphasized that a comprehensive valuation of Mulwa’s personal and real property is yet to be conducted.
He mentioned working with an accountant, Nicholas Kamwela and the intention to employ a private investigator to ensure the recovery of all assets belonging to William Mulwa.
Mulwa’s assets include a townhouse in Peekskill township, a 2017 BMW sports utility vehicle, life insurance, employee death benefits and several registered patents in the US.
He also owned prime real estate in Nairobi and Machakos, with his total assets estimated to be worth at least Ksh500 million.
The legal proceedings face hurdles as information on Mulwa’s assets is being withheld.
On October 24, 2023, Bakari executed a power of attorney, authorizing New Jersey-based Peter Nderitu Githinji to make decisions on behalf of the executor.
This power of attorney has instructed various institutions to withhold information regarding Mulwa’s assets.
The petition lists Mulwa’s five surviving siblings—Vincent, Mary, Lilian, Alice and Judy—as potential beneficiaries of the estate.
All of them must consent before Judge Brandon Sall of the Surrogate’s Court can grant Mr. Nzesya a “Letter of Administration” allowing him to act as the executor and trustee of the estate.
The siblings insist that Mulwa was single throughout his life and past relationships did not yield any children.
However, Bakari claims that Mulwa was his father and had drawn a will leaving his entire multimillion-shilling estate to him.
The probate hearing date is yet to be scheduled and Mr. Matemu is required by law to provide proper notice to all five siblings.
Probate procedures are typically complex and New York State rules can further complicate such cases, especially when there is no known “last will and testament” and foreign entities are involved. These cases may take several months or even years to resolve.
The filing indicated that Mulwa had no spouse or child.
Meanwhile, Mr. Matemu reported that the house where Mulwa lived in Peekskill township appeared to have been ransacked after his death.
The lawyer discovered the house in terrible condition when he gained entry on January 29, with several items, particularly documents, missing.
Consequently, he changed the house’s door lock. Sgt. Kevin Stewart of Peekskill Police Department confirmed that Mr. Matemu filed a report about wanting to replace the door lock to prevent potential property theft.
However, the police treated it as a civil matter, not initiating a criminal investigation into property theft or the circumstances surrounding Mulwa’s death.
Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Platforms To Face Stricter Regulations
This mandatory registration is a response to recent murders that have occurred in short-term rentals.
The Ministries of Interior, Gender, Education and Tourism issued a joint statement stating that the registration process aims to ensure the highest standards of safety and security for guests.
“Effective immediately, all operators of short-term accommodation rentals, including Airbnb, are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). This registration process is designed to ensure that all accommodations meet the highest standards of safety and security for guests,” reads the statement.
It adds that the Private Security Regulatory Authority has also implemented strict safety protocols aimed at enhancing security and accountability within these establishments.
“Starting from 5th February 2024, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), in collaboration with the TRA, will commence stringent inspections of all registered properties,” the statement added.
“We will subsequently coordinate with booking platforms to restrict unregistered rentals and further institute severe penalties, including fines and revocation of licences in cases of non-compliance.”
“We urge all stakeholders in the short-term rentals sector to adhere to these regulations, recognizing their legal and moral responsibility in ensuring a safe environment for all individuals regardless of gender,” they said.
This move follows the government’s efforts to regulate short-term rentals, with a focus on tax compliance.
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife had previously notified Airbnb operators to register with the Tourism Fund and the latest registration requirements further align with the government’s aim to bring these businesses under the tax bracket and collect the 2 per cent Tourism Levy.
For enforcement, the authorities plan to conduct inspections, collaborate with booking platforms and engage residents’ associations to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations in the short-term rentals sector.
A 29-year-old caretaker employed at a private school in Kariobangi, Nairobi, has been exposed for impersonating the spouse of Kilifi Principal Magistrate, Ms Ivy Wasike.
Caretaker pleads guilty to a three-year scheme posing as the spouse of Kilifi’s Principal Magistrate
The imposter identified as Mr Cryspinus Malenya Inyama from Khayega Sub-location in Kakamega county is facing charges of impersonation and cybersquatting after an alleged three-year-long deception.
Appearing before Kilifi Senior Resident Magistrate Daniel Sitati on Tuesday, Inyama was accused of exploiting financial gains and other benefits by posing as Ms Ivy Wasike’s spouse since 2020.
The suspect reportedly solicited money from the principal magistrate’s colleagues, friends and relatives using a Safaricom line that was formerly registered under the magistrate’s name.
Ms Wasike, who discovered the scheme, promptly reported the matter to Kilifi Police Station.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in Kilifi arrested Inyama on January 15 in Nairobi.
Following his arrest, he was presented before the Kilifi Court, where investigators were granted a 14-day period to conclude their investigations.
However, the accused surprised the court on Tuesday by pleading guilty to the charges.
In her affidavit, Ms Wasike detailed her futile attempts to resolve the matter with Safaricom customer care, prompting her to take legal action.
The principal magistrate had registered a Safaricom line under her name between 2010 and 2011, which she continued to use until early 2020.
It was at this point that she discovered the same number was being used by an imposter.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on February 13 for sentencing.
The 2010 Constitution of Kenya introduced the Counties of Kenya (Swahili: Kaunti za Kenya) as decentralized units of government, replacing the previous provincial system.
These counties, governed under Chapter Eleven of the Constitution, the Fourth Schedule, and Senate legislation, also serve as single-member constituencies for Senate and National Assembly elections.
As of 2022, there are 47 counties, aligned with 1992 district boundaries.
Following national administrative reorganization, each county has a county commissioner appointed by the national government to facilitate collaboration with county authorities.
County governments were established in all 47 counties after the March 2013 general elections, as outlined in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
Here’s a list of counties, categorized by their former provinces, along with their respective areas and populations according to the 2009 and 2019 censuses:
Oversight of county roads, street lighting, traffic management, parking, and public transportation services, including ferries and harbors, excluding international and national shipping regulation.
Trade Development and Regulation
Facilitation of markets, issuance of trade licenses (excluding professional regulation), ensuring fair trade practices, promoting local tourism, and supporting cooperative societies.
County Planning and Development
Conducting statistical analysis, land surveying, resource mapping, managing boundaries and fencing, overseeing housing projects, and regulating electricity, gas, and energy distribution.
Education and Childcare
Administration of pre-primary education, village polytechnics, homecraft centers, and childcare facilities, along with adult education programs and national exam registration.
Policy Implementation
Implementation of national government policies on natural resources, environmental conservation, soil and water conservation;
Forestry, and public works, including stormwater management, water, and sanitation services, fire fighting, and disaster management.
Coordination
Ensuring community participation in local governance, assisting in building administrative capacity at the local level, and fostering effective governance practices.
Detectives at the DCI headquarters are compiling a list of known land grabbing gangs operating in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area for action.
This is after they realized increased schemes of land grabbing and defrauding innocent and powerless landowners in areas of Eastleigh and Pangani areas of Nairobi.
Sources said they have profiled the gang, and it is a matter of time before action starts.
“Woe unto those whose leasehold titles are nearing expiry as their parcels are now fodder for cartels with strong ties at city hall lands offices,” said a senior official aware of the cartel.
The recent victim is businessman Khalid Khan, the owner of plot number LR.209/2389/129.
Khan was evicted from his developed parcel on the evening of February 3, 2024, by goons led by Erick Kiunda aka Ngarang acting on behalf of a cartel of notorious land grabbers.
The goons invaded the plot at around 5 pm with a group of youth said to be from Huruma Kiamaiko area, numbering between 30 and 40.
They evicted other tenants on the plot and also attempted to fence off the property with mabati.
The situation was quelled by local police who arrested Ngarang and a few of his goons.
Khan has the support of his neighbors who spent the night out in the cold to try and protect the property.
More revelations have established that one Francis Maina Ndegwa was granted a new certificate of lease on November 9, 2023, in regards to the same parcel now converted to Nairobi/Block 40/188.
Interestingly, the term of lease starts from 1/04/2007. Through connections from City Hall, Maina has already secured orders to carry out repairs of the said property as supported by a document signed by Michael Munyi acting for Director Planning Compliance and Enforcement.
This is just an illustration of the plight facing many landowners in Nairobi areas of Eastleigh and Pangani.
But the team of detectives has vowed to deal with the matter for justice.
As Tanzania prepares to host joint military exercises with China to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, pressing questions have been raised regarding the potential impact of this collaboration on the country’s environment and societal welfare.
The partnership, which involves Chinese naval vessels and troops, promises to strengthen military ties but also brings several challenges to light.
Environmental Concerns: Lessons from Past Military Exercises
Military operations in Africa have historically led to extensive environmental damage.
For instance, landmines and unexploded ordnance from conflicts in Angola and Mozambique have continued to harm ecosystems and disrupt agricultural activities long after the conflicts ended.
The residues from military explosives can leave lasting scars on the environment.
Experts suggest that similar risks could arise from the upcoming exercises in Tanzania if proper safeguards are not put in place.
“The absence of stringent environmental protocols could result in detrimental effects on Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems,” a distinguished environmental scientist with extensive experience in conflict-affected regions points out.
Handling Misconduct: Learning from Historical Incidents
Challenges also extend to the potential for misconduct by foreign military personnel.
Kenya’s history with the British Army, which includes reports of sexual violence against women and girls, raises the need for robust measures to prevent such incidents.
“It is crucial for Tanzania to establish clear protocols for handling any allegations of abuse or misconduct,” the learned professor, who wished to remain anonymous, added.
The Tanzanian government must ensure that foreign troops respect local laws and that there are effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing any issues that arise.
Strategic Intent: Short-Term Cooperation or Long-Term Presence?
The duration and scope of the Chinese military presence are key areas of concern.
While the current exercises are framed as a celebration of partnership, there are questions about the possibility of a more permanent Chinese military footprint.
Some takeholders and analysts are questioning whether these exercises could pave the way for a long-term Chinese military presence in Tanzania.
“Understanding the full scope of China’s strategic intentions is essential to ensure that Tanzania’s sovereignty is not compromised,” notes one stakeholder specializing in African-Chinese relations.
As Tanzania prepares for these joint military exercises with China, it is vital for the country to address these challenges proactively.
Ensuring environmental protection, safeguarding against misconduct and clarifying the strategic objectives of the partnership will be crucial in navigating this new phase of military collaboration.
Ex-governor Lenolkulal convicted in Sh83 million graft case
Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal was Wednesday found guilty of corruptly receiving Sh83 million for the supply of petroleum products at the county government.
This was when he was the county chief.
He and 11 others were found guilty of the charges of abuse of office for conferring a benefit by the chief officers.
Trial Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki said from the evidence produced in court by the prosecution, it is not in doubt that the former governor and his proxy Hesbon Ndathi were the ultimate beneficiaries of the public funds.
The magistrate said there is overwhelming evidence that Lenolkulal being the governor of Samburu at the time the offenses are said to have been committed acted in conflict of interest.
The magistrate relied on over 200 payment vouchers and Local Purchase Orders as evidence against Lenolkulal direct trading with the county.
He said his integrity was compromised by private interest.
“A public officers must taken keen inter Sr I’m affairs of his office. They should always adhere to principles of good governance. In law a governor stands prohibited from trading with his county government,” said Nzyuki.
He also faulted the county secretary who was the second accused person in the case for the role he played that led to the loss of theoniew.
He said the county secretary signed and approved payments while aware lenolkulal was the owner of Oryx Service Station.
“The accounting officer flatly lied on oath that they didn’t know Lenolkulal was owner of Oryx. They shouldn’t have approved the payments to Oryx,” said the court.
The magistrate said the evidence adduced in court by the prosecution led by prosecution counsel Wesley Namache was overwhelming in that lenolkulals co accused persons used their officers to improperly approve payments to oryx.
Lenolkulal was charged in 2019 with abuse of office and conflict of interest leading to the alleged loss of sh 84million.
He was accused of using his company Oryx Service Station to supply petrol and diesel to the county.
The charge sheet indicates Lenolkulal ‘knowingly acquired direct private interests in contracts between Oryx and Samburu for the supply of fuel.
The charge of Conflict of interest proved against the Governor
The prosecution said they were happy with the ruling.
Advocate Paul Nyamodi pleaded with the court to have Lenolkulal and his co accused persons to remain out on bail pending mitigation and sentencing.
The prosecution opposed the application.
This comes amid complaints from prosecutors which insiders say don’t meet threshold for prosecution.
The ODPP has always demanded the agencies to up their game.
Also found guilty were Stephen Siringa, Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Naamo, Reuben Marumben, Milton Lenolngenje, Bernard Lesurmat, Lilian Balanga and Hesbon Ndathi.
The court at the same time cancelled their bond terms.
He declined an application by advocate Paul Nyamodi to have the convicts admitted to bail pending mitigation and sentencing.
“I don’t find it appropriate to grant them bail pending mitigation. I disallow their application for release on bail,” said the Magistrate.
Parties to appear in court on Thursday for mitigation.
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