Hello, dear readers! Welcome to The Kenya Times weekly roundup! This week has been a rollercoaster of political intrigues and tech rivalry, leaving us on the edge of our seats.
From the impeachment threats against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the rise of Starlink’s influence in Kenya, there’s plenty to dive into.
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Clock Ticks for DP Gachagua as Impeachment Motion Gains Momentum
DP Rigathi Gachagua finds himself in the hot seat after an impeachment motion against him gained overwhelming support.
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As of Thursday, September 26, evening, 242 Members of Parliament had signed the motion, exceeding the 117 needed to push it forward.
The mastermind behind this political upheaval, Kimilli MP Didmus Barasa, announced, “I am the sponsor of the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” showcasing his determination to oust the proclaimed spokesperson of the mountain.
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But what’s sparked this unprecedented move?
Some of Gachagua’s alleged crimes that have rattled the legislators include his controversial statement on the shareholding in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Also, the DP has been accused of playing divisive politics by pushing the interests of Mount Kenya region at the expense of other regions.
MP Owen Baya, the National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader, hinted at a “watertight case” against Gachagua, asserting that even those in his corner are ready to jump ship.
Reports further indicate that the motion could be brought to the National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, as early as next week.
DP Sends Warning
Gachagua earlier on Sunday sent a warning to President William Ruto, urging him to avoid reviving the politics of betrayal that have historically sparked acrimony in the country.
As tensions rise, the political arena is primed for a showdown, and Gachagua’s fate hangs in the balance.
Will he manage to stave off this impending challenge, or is the clock truly ticking on his deputy presidency? Only time will tell.
Starlink vs. Safaricom: A Cosmic Clash in Internet Services
The supremacy battle in Kenya’s internet service market has intensified as Starlink continues to register its dominance entrance into the market.
On September 26, Starlink announced the availability of its Mini kit for Ksh27,000, bringing high-speed internet to the fingertips of Kenyans everywhere.
With monthly plans starting at Ksh4,000, this is a competitive option poised to shake up the status quo.
During his visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Ruto commented on the burgeoning rivalry between Starlink and Safaricom, the telecom giant that has long dominated the Kenyan market.
Addressing attendees at the Kenya Business and Investment Roundtable, Ruto acknowledged that Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa might not be thrilled about the new competition.
“Sometimes he is not happy with me for bringing in some other characters like Elon Musk,” Ruto said, before encouraging Ndegwa to embrace the challenge.
“Competition helps you keep ahead,” he emphasized, setting the stage for a spirited rivalry.
Musk, the owner of SpaceX and Starlink, also weighed in, affirming that competition drives innovation.
“As the President of Kenya says, Starlink causes local competitors to provide better services,” he remarked.
With Starlink now operational in Kenya, the tech landscape is ripe for transformation, and Safaricom is gearing up to respond.
Notably, Ndegwa on September 26 said that the company is in talks with Tesla owner and billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink and other satellite providers on potential future partnerships.
As both companies compete for consumer loyalty, the question remains: who will come out on top in this fierce contest for connectivity?
Bill Seeks to Extend Presidential Term Limit
Kenya’s political landscape could face a seismic shift with the introduction of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Spearheaded by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, the bill seeks to extend the terms of elected officials-including the President-from five to seven years.
If passed, this would mean that a president could serve for up to 14 years. The bill’s proposal also includes the creation of a Prime Minister’s office, appointed by the president among MPs.
While proponents argue that the bill could lead to greater stability and governance, critics are already voicing concerns about its implications for democracy, calling it an attempt to concentrate power.
The bill is set for its first reading in the Senate, and the political debate is promising to be fierce.
Medic takes own life over toxic working environment
And to some heart-wrenching news, Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a medical intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, ended her life on September 22, after facing what appeared to have been overwhelming work-related frustrations.
Moraa’s apartment’s caretaker discovered her lifeless body hanging from a balcony on the fourth floor of the apartment, just meters from the hospital where she was working in.
Her tragic death, coming after just four weeks at the hospital and following a punishing 36-hour shift, has led to an outcry from different factions including the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
KMPDU has called for urgent reforms, demanding better mental health support and fairer working conditions, with Secretary General Dr. Davji saying that the system, as it stands, has failed. The case remains under investigation.
Manager Wins Millions After Dismissal for Romance with Junior Employee
In a landmark ruling, former G4S Manager Mark Ngugi Mwaura was awarded Ksh3.2 million after being unjustly dismissed due to a romantic relationship with a junior employee.
Mark, who started as a management trainee in 2000 and rose to become the Regional Operations Manager by 2018, was terminated in December 2020.
He described the termination as unfair and unlawful, claiming it stemmed from a combination of accusations that he vehemently denied.
The allegations included sexual advances towards a junior employee and improperly influencing her transfer—claims that he insisted were fabricated.
In a particularly distressing turn, the company forced him to undergo DNA testing to ascertain whether he had fathered the employee’s child.
The test results were negative, yet he was still terminated for alleged sexual harassment.
“The procedure was fundamentally flawed,” he stated, emphasizing that the disciplinary process was biased against him.
On the other hand, the company argued that Mark’s actions constituted sexual harassment, noting that a junior employee had previously reported a sexual relationship with him.
However, the court ruled in favor of Mark, asserting that not all workplace relationships equate to harassment.
“Romantic relationships at the workplace must be left to run their own natural course,” the court declared, emphasizing that the termination lacked a valid reason.
David Ndii Speaks About Wife’s Role in Multibillion Government Tender
Judy Mwende Gatabaki, wife of noted economist and advisor David Ndii, came under fire following her involvement with Apeiro Kenya Technologies, a company awarded a Ksh104 billion contract for implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.
The scrutiny has intensified due to concerns regarding Apeiro’s ties to the controversial Indian-based Adani Group.
David Ndii, currently serving as chair of President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors, defended his wife against allegations of impropriety.
He clarified that Judy was brought on board only after the consortium had secured the contract, tasked with establishing local operations.
“What do you have a problem with?” he challenged critics, emphasizing her professional qualifications and prior experience with organizations like McKinsey.
He strongly refuted claims of corruption, asserting, “They won a contract. They’ve engaged to do it. You call it corruption; we are okay with it.”
Also Big This Week
- President Ruto on Friday, September 20, departed for the United States to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
- The National Youth Service (NYS) advertised 215 job opportunities for its graduates, announcing 15 domestic linkages for drivers and tuktuk riders, and another 200 for data entry clerks.
- The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi dismissed reports stating that former Nairobi Catholic Church Archbishop Cardinal John Njue is dead.
- Nine roads in Nairobi, including Uhuru Highway, will be closed on Sunday, September 29, ahead of the Jubilee Insurance Live Free Cycling Race, with the closure set to last for 13 hours, starting from 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) called off their strike after a meeting with the inter-ministerial committee.
- Detectives in Nairobi launch probe into the murder of a businessman of Indian descent, Sagar Panara in Parklands, Nairobi who was shot dead by unknown assailants who left a clue on their possible motive in the shooting of Panara. Investigators after sweeping the crime scene found six ominous leaflets left behind by the assailants at the scene.
- The Central Bank of Kenya revealed that global oil prices have increased in the week that ended on September 19, 2024.
- Christopher Kirigua, the Director General of the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) at the National Treasury revealed that he is yet to accept his appointment as the Deputy Chief of Mission, Kenyan Embassy, Washington D.C.
- Dennis Itumbi shared screenshots while responding to a statement made by DP Gachagua that he was removed from a State House WhatsApp group used to share the President Ruto’s schedule.
- The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi hannounced entry-level job opportunities for high school and university students through a public diplomacy program known as the Ambassadors Fund Scholarship 2025 which is under the Greenheart exchange program.
Thank you for reading this week’s roundup! Stay tuned for more updates and keep engaging with us for the latest developments. Until next time, stay informed and stay inspired!
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