Who are your friends? This question was the highlight of the week after President William Ruto confirmed that his friends partly funded his US State Visit.
Hello and welcome to today’s edition of The Roundup.
Top Stories of the Week
President William Ruto addressed speculations that his USA state visit cost taxpayers Ksh200 million. At first, the President said he chose the Boeing 737-700 jet because KQ was more expensive.
His statement, however, sparked outrage from some Kenyans who interpreted his statement to mean that KQ flights are unaffordable.
The Head of State said the trip cost less than Ksh 10million, adding that he continues to lead from the front in implementing austerity measures to ensure Kenya lives within its means.
He has since clarified that his friends gave him the jet for Ksh 10million.
Later, state house revealed that the jet which Ruto traveled in for the historic US State Visit was offered to Kenya by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at a relatively low cost.
Trouble in the Ruling Party – UDA
The rift in the ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) widened after the Secretary General (SG) Cleophas Malala sent a warning to some of the party members.
The members included MPs Oscar Sudi and Gathoni Wamuchomba, CSs Kipchumba Murkomen and Moses Kuria and Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
Malala accused the politicians of disrespecting the party leadership and engaging in early campaigns.
In retaliation, Nyeri Governor said Malala is not fit to be the party’s SG and should be voted out in the upcoming national elections.
Later, UDA National Election Board Chairperson Anthony Mwaura labeled the notice issued by Malala as fake.
Ban on Muguka
The county governments of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta placed a ban on Muguka, a move that has been considered unfair by farmers and traders of the crop.
The county heads ordered a total prohibition on the sale Muguka and its products within the devolved units.
According to Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir who initiated the ban, scientific evidence has unequivocally established that muguka consumption causes mental health disease and disability.
In retaliation, Muguka traders and farmers called on the government to conduct a laboratory analysis of the crop, disputing claims that the crop is to blame for ruining the lives of many youths in the Coastal region.
However, the High Court suspended the ban imposed on sale and consumption of Muguka in Mombasa County and Kilifi County following a petition filed by Kutherema Muguka Society in Embu.
Also, President William Ruto commented on the issue, ordering the Ministry of Agriculture to convene a consultative meeting of key stakeholders to discuss the concerns on the sale and use of muguka.
Consequently, Shariff stated that he had agreed to suspend his county’s ban on muguka after a call from the President who revealed that leaders from counties that had banned muguka agreed to participate in a meeting of all stakeholders to be convened by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
What the Governor Said:
“I reject the stereotype that the most we can amount to as the people of the Coast is to be consumers of drugs; muguka or otherwise. We are in this, not for ourselves but our children and their children after that. I am confident that future generations will look back at this as the turning point.”
When to Expect South Africa Election Results
South Africa held its national election on Wednesday, May 29, in what could be the country’s tightest contest in 30 years since the end of Apartheid in 1994.
This election could also make a mark on the country’s history if the incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa fronted by the ANC which has been the ruling party since its independence loses the race.
Results of the elections are expected on Sunday, June 2.
Sad News
Standard Group (SG) and KTN senior education news reporter Shadrack Mitty died on May 29 while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital.
According to the Standard Group, Mitty complained of severe body pains before he was rushed to the hospital.
Preliminary reports, however, indicate that he died of heart related complications.
Also, the colleague further revealed that Shadrack had battled a blood condition for some time.
Also Big this Week
- Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary Schools are set to go for half term on 26th and 28th June 2024 following an extension by the Ministry of Education. The initial half-term break had been scheduled to commence from 20th June to 23rd June.
- Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet broke the World 10,000 metres record after clocking 28:54.14 to become the first woman to finish the race in under 29 minutes on the track on Saturday, May 25.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development have warned several Eastern Africa countries of potential Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak. Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan are at a high risk due to the persistence of suitable conditions for vector amplify and the potential movement of infected animals.
- South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (“CfPPA”) which regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private setting just hours before the polls.
- Rwandan gospel sensation and Nina Siri hit maker Israel Mbonyi is coming to Kenya for a concert to be held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex along Lang’ata Road on August 10, 2024.
- So, what do you know about the proposed Finance Bill 2024? Recently Kenyans called out nominated senator Karen Nyamu after she fumbled explaining contents and her understanding of the bill. Being a law maker, netizens expected the senator to be more aware and in prospect of the proposed bill.
Photo of the Week
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Compiled by Lynn-Linzer Kibebe
Graphics by Felix Kabugi
