The Orange Democratic Movement Party (ODM), led by Interim Party Leader Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, distanced itself from recent comments made by Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed and Mining CS Hassan Joho.
Nyong’o stated that there should be no misunderstanding, as ODM does not play second fiddle or trumpet the interests of any other political party.
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He added that the party remains a formidable force in shaping Kenya’s political landscape, firmly rooted in its principles and ideology.
The Kisumu Governor further emphasized that political partnerships should not be mistaken for acts of subservience, but rather strategic moves aimed at achieving their main goal: capturing political power to transform the lives of Kenyans.
ODM Speaks on Relationship With UDA
The clarification from ODM was made days after Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Joho warned Kenyans who are praying for the death of different leaders, saying that the government will “come for them”.
He also called out Kenyans who are not supporting Azimio Leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship position. According to Joho, their dissent is a show of disrespect which is uncalled for.
The CS lashed out at Kenyans criticizing government online, saying a country cannot be built on the internet.
On his part, Junet Mohamed sparked debate on Monday, December 1, after suggesting that the government should eliminate public participation in development projects, arguing that the process creates unnecessary bottlenecks.
A day later, in Taita Taveta County, Junet doubled down on his stance, openly expressing how the opposition is now singing to the same tune as the Kenya Kwanza government.
What he said
“The issue of Affordable Housing, and many others, were in our manifesto, and as the opposition, we have said that since these issues were in our manifesto, there is nothing to oppose,” he said.
Amson Cleared to Takeover Bamburi Cement
Amsons Group, a Tanzanian multi-business conglomerate, issued an update on its bid to acquire Bamburi Cement from Holcim, which was launched earlier in July 2024.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, confirmed that the company had received all necessary regulatory approvals to acquire up to 100% of the shares.
This update came after the recent arrest and release of Savannah Clinker Limited (SCL) boss Benson Ndeta.
In a separate statement, Savannah Clinker withdrew its competing offer to acquire Bamburi Cement shares, citing Ndeta’s arrest and indictment as the main reasons for the withdrawal.
Savannah Clinker explained that the arrest had led its financier to request additional due diligence.
Furthermore, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) declined a request made on December 2, 2024, to extend the offer period by 60 days, prompting the withdrawal.
Professor Olive Mugenda Resigning
The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Board Chairperson, Professor Olive Mugenda, resigned with immediate effect.
According to a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, President William Ruto officially received the resignation of Professor Olive Mugenda.
As a result, the President decided to disband the entire KUTRRH Board.
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Additionally, the hospital’s CEO, Ahmed Dagane, was ordered by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa to proceed on indefinite leave.
Ministry of Education Shuts Down 348 Boarding Schools
The Ministry of Education (MoE) ordered the immediate closure of boarding sections in 348 primary schools across the country for failing to meet safety and compliance standards.
The directive follows an extensive assessment carried out in September and October 2024, which evaluated these schools’ adherence to the Safety Standards Manual for Schools (2008) and the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021).
In a circular dated November 27, 2024, Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang revealed that the affected schools had grossly violated key safety provisions, prompting the closure of their boarding sections.
ALSO BIG THIS WEEK
- President William Ruto appointed the Chairperson and Members of the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ).
- Five universities and nine colleges across the country were suspended by the Kenya Nutritionist and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) from offering nutrition courses.
- Days after lecturers at the embattled Moi University called off the strike, the institution on Wednesday, November 4 released a revised academic calendar.
- Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang’o exposed county governors for spending zero on development and operating multiple bank accounts, allegedly to conceal misuse of funds
- Doctors on Tuesday December 4 announced a 21-day nationwide strike through the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
- 20 Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti to combat gangs have submitted resignation letters from the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
- The Kenya Railways Corporation announced new fare prices for passengers traveling on the Nairobi-Kisumu route, in anticipation of the festive season.
- The World Bank denied claims made by lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi regarding their funding of Kenya’s Judiciary.
- The US Embassy in Kenya addressed a public notice letter stating that Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi have been banned from travelling to the United States of America.
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced one-year paid internship and pupillage opportunities for graduate Kenyans.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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