Kenyan Newspapers Review, August 25: WhatsApp Chats Link William Ruto to "Misconduct" of Parliament
On Monday, August 25, the local newspapers reported on an array of topics, including the corruption talk days after President William Ruto accused the two houses of parliament of institutionalising it.
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Elsewhere, one of the newspapers highlighted Ruto's alleged influence in the business of the legislature.
1. The Standard
The newspaper spotlighted President William Ruto's alleged hand in the businesses transacted in the two houses of parliament, a week after he accused the legislature of tolerating corruption.
Addressing a joint parliamentary group meeting between the ODM and UDA parties, the president called out the lawmakers for leveraging their positions to solicit bribes from public servants appearing before them.
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At one point, the president claimed that lawmakers in the National Assembly demanded KSh 10 million to pass a certain bill.
He also accused the senators of troubling governors, demanding bribes during committee appearances, or even during impeachment hearings.
A day after the accusations, Ruto went ahead to establish a multiagency team to fast-track the fight against corruption.
But The Standard reports that almost all business transactions in the house happen with the knowledge of the president and his instructions.
According to the newspaper, "coercion and political whipping" always precede every serious business on the floor of the house.
The Standard reported that "MPs are mobilised behind closed doors, in private meetings, party caucuses, Parliamentary Group meetings and WhatsApp groups where they are pressured to advance the agenda of the Executive, even when it runs counter to public interest."
One such WhatsApp group is named The Project 22, according to The Standard, and brings together close allies of Ruto, including MPs, senators, governors and the president himself.
In several messages allegedly seen by The Standard, legislators from both the Senate and the National Assembly are whipped to support House business aligned with the president's agenda, whether in the public interest or not.
An instance was drawn from the impeachment of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua last October.
The newspaper shared alleged excerpts of the lobbying done during the impeachment.
In a particular communication, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah is seen allegedly rallying legislators to support the ousting of Gachagua.
He reportedly conducted a roll call to verify which members would attend the session and be ready to cast their votes.
A number of them confirmed their involvement, one allegedly saying "... The troops are ready, sir!"
Gachagua's home MP, Eric Wamumbi, allegedly wrote: "He took me through hell for three months. He is lucky it has been four weeks. It is payback time. No pity. No mercy. No sympathy. He has to go home today."
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja allegedly underscored Wamumbi's statement by saying;
"Three months? Some of us it's been two years"
After the vote for Gachagua's impeachment went through, Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro reportedly congratulated his colleagues for being patriotic.
"Hon Members of the bicameral parliament, THANK YOU AND CON- CONGRATULATIONS. You have restored the dignity of Parliament and the country's leadership. The former DP was indeed an embarrassment not only to himself, but to those of us who fought for and still defend this government. NEVER AGAIN should we find ourselves in this situation. Asa turudi kazi....A sigh of relief to H.E (the President), to Parliament and to the country at large," The Standard quoted Osoro as having said in the group.
After the impeachment, The Standard claims that Ruto went back to the same group to rally the members behind the nomination of then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua's replacement.
"Teammates, we thank our almighty God for bringing us this far. We trust God in all situations and commit our nation to HIM. I have just forwarded the name of my nominee for Deputy President to the National Assembly for your consideration and vote. I request you to kindly consider this nominee positively. God bless you, and I'm eternally grateful for your support. WSR," Ruto reportedly posted in the group.
In a show of unity, members collectively voiced their allegiance to the president, while a few criticised their colleagues who failed to attend the voting session.
The Standard quoted them as responding to the president in the group;
"Count it done," "Obliged boss," "Mara moja," "Congrats boss," "Boss you are always right," "Your voice is the voice of God, Pamoja," "Forward march," "waiting," "en route".
This, according to the WhatsApp group excerpts obtained by The Standard, is how the parliament operates.
2. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the emergence of a third force political faction comprising politicians breaking away from mainstream politics.
Dubbed Kenya Moja, the team has embarked on a popularisation bid, traversing parts of the country to rally Kenyans behind them.
The team comprises renowned politicians like Nairobi senator and ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Githunguri's Gathoni Wamuchomba, Kitutu Chache South's Anthony Kibagendi, and Caleb Amisi of Saboti.
They have resolved to challenge Ruto's re-election bid; they also hinted at meeting with the current opposition led by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to reinforce their mission of making Ruto a one-term president.
"We have decided to walk together to save our nation from the hands of the Kenya Kwanza regime. To beat the current government, we must unite. That is why I'm appealing to my colleagues to bring on board leaders like Kalonzo, Gachagua, Natembeya, and Matiang'i so that we may rescue our country," Daily Nation quoted Kibagendi as saying.
On his part, Sifuna vowed to stick to the group's resolve to change the country's governance despite pressure from the government.
"We have said that, come what may, we will stay together. We are ready to risk our lives for the agenda we believe in. We will not be silent while watching wrong things happen in our country," Sifuna said.
They accuse Ruto of running down the country and failing to keep up to the promises with which he sought office in 2022.
3. People Daily
The newspaper reported on the looming political showdown in Mbeere North, whose constituents will be partaking in a by-election on November 27.
The constituency lost representation in the National Assembly after MP Geoffrey Ruku was nominated to the Cabinet.
Ruku won the seat in 2022 under the Democratic Party (DP) headed by former Attorney General and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.
The forthcoming by-election is shaping up to be a politically charged showdown featuring Ruto, his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and Muturi.
Vying for the seat are Leonard Muthende from UDA; Duncan Mbui, fielded by Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP); and Newton Karis, backed by Muturi’s DP.
The race is expected to serve as a crucial gauge of Gachagua’s claimed dominance in the Mt Kenya region.
For Ruto, it offers an opportunity to reinforce his influence amid criticism from groups unhappy with Gachagua’s impeachment last October.
A win for Muturi’s candidate would signal his rising political clout, and vice versa.
4. Taifa Leo
The newspaper spared a page to report on the passing of former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel.
Lempurkel died on Sunday, August 24, from injuries he sustained in an accident.
He died while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), after being involved in a serious road accident in Rongai, Kajiado county.
Lempurkel reportedly sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he died.
The leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Rigathi Gachagua, led the condolences, describing the deceased as a loyal leader who was dedicated to serving the public.
"Lempurkel was a member of the DCP and was the formerly Member of Parliament for Laikipia North. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may God grant strength, comfort and patience to his family, loved ones and all who loved him during this time of grief. He is gone, but his memories will live on forever," said Gachagua.
Lempurkel served as Laikipia North MP for one term between 2013 and 2017 after winning on an ODM party ticket.
He was known for his strong advocacy on issues of the pastoralist community, especially in the Laikipia area and the wider Maasai community.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
