Agriculture minister William Ruto and five other ODM MPs on Sunday vowed to oppose the draft constitution if some amendments are not effected. Roads minister Franklin Bett also said that Kenyans would vote against the draft constitution if regional governments are not included in it.
Kanu leaders also added their voice the debate by threatening to mobilise party supporters to reject the draft during referendum unless contentious issues are ironed out. Party Secretary General Nick Salat said clauses such as abortion, land and creation of new regions were among those that should be amended to reflect the wishes of majority.
The leaders spoke as MPs prepare to take their differences on the draft constitution to Parliament this week when they vote on the document. Parliamentary Select Committee on the law review vice-chairman Ababu Namwamba on Sunday said MPs would on Wednesday debate and vote on proposed amendments.
And on Thursday, the House will conclude debate and take the critical vote to either approve or reject the draft. Mr Namwamba said the House requires 65 per cent or 145 MPs to amend the draft and a simple majority to approve or reject it. By last week, more than 19 amendments on devolution, kadhis courts, abortion, land and the tenures of Chief Justice, Attorney General and Controller and Auditor General had been presented to the National Assembly Clerk.
On Sunday, reports said there were more than 50 proposed amendments. In Nyeri, 14 PNU legislators differed over the suggested changes.
Amend it
Led by assistant ministers Peter Kenneth and Kabando wa Kabando, the leaders failed to agree on whether Parliament should approve the draft as presented by the Committee of Experts or amend it. Mr Kenneth, the Planning and Vision 2030 assistant minister, urged his colleagues to pass the new constitution the way it is, saying there was room for amendments later.
Mr Kabando, the Youths and Sports assistant minister, said a new constitution would compel the government to settle the internally displaced. But Molo MP Joseph Kiuna said Parliament had mutilated the draft drawn by the CoE. The MPs were speaking at a funds drive at Gathinja Secondary School in Kiharu, Murang’a East District.
Energy minister Kiratu Murungi said PNU’s stand was that if MPs could not agree on the changes, the House should approve the document as it is. “We want to avoid the 2005 referendum scenario and speak with one voice,” he said. “It is not the time for oranges and bananas.”
And the Orthodox Church said it would reject the draft if the clause on abortion was not amended. Addressing a Palm Sunday service in Nairobi, Archbishop Makarios Tillyrides said ‘in the eyes of the Orthodox Church, abortion is outrageous’.
And in Kisii, Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula, assistant minister Richard Onyonka and Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati opposed the creation of regional governments, saying it would divide Kenyans on tribal lines.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
EBUYA
Joseph Ebuya capped off one of the greatest days in Kenya’s cross country history by clinching the elusive individual senior men’s title in Bydgoszcz, Poland on Sunday.
It was also a personal triumph for Emily Chebet who pipped her compatriot and favourite Linet Masai to the senior women’s crown following a tremendous burst of speed in the final metres to winning in a time of 24:19.
Mercy Cherono lived up to her billing as the one to watch in the junior girls spearheading a Kenyan podium sweep while Caleb Mwangangi also a led a 1-2-3 finish in the junior men.
It was the first time since 1994 that Kenya had secured all individual titles in all four categories.
For Ebuya, it certainly was a day to remember as he ran the race of his life holding off runner up Teklemariam Medhin of Eritrea to bring the title back home since Paul Tergat in 1999.
Ebuya who stamped his authority 200m into the race crossed the tape in approximately 33 minutes.
Leonard Komon mounted a strong challenge to keep in touch with the race leaders but was just beaten to third place by Moses Kipsorio.
The much hyped battle between Masai and Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba failed to materialize as the race was dominated by the Kenyan contingent.
Kenya co-captain Lineth Chepkurui and Meselech Melkamu set the pace before proceedings were taken over by Masai and Chebet.
Dibaba appeared to be struggling with the pace of the leaders and never really threatened as she finished in fourth place behind her compatriot Melkamu.
Cherono was in a league of her own winning her race in a time of 18:47 ahead of silver medalist Purity Cherotich (18:54) and third place Esther Chemtai (18:55).
Lat year’s winner Genzebe Dibaba finished in eleventh place.
Mwangangi pulled away from the rest of the pack to win the junior men in a time of 22:07 while Clement Kiprono (22.09) and Japhet Kipyegon (22.12) finished second and third respectively.
David Letting’s team may have retained its overall team title but Ebuya’s will also be certainly be fighting for space amongst Monday morning headlines.
Results
Senior Men:
Joseph Ebuya –KEN (33:00)
Teklemariam Medhin-ERT (33:06)
Moses Kipsiro-UGA (33.10)
Senior Women:
Emily Chebet- KEN (24:19)
Linet Masai –KEN (24:20)
Meselech Melkamu (24:26)
Junior Men:
Caleb Mwangangi-KEN (22:07)
Clement Kiprono-KEN (22:09)
Japhet Kipyegon-KEN (22:12)
Junior Women
Mercy Cherono- KEN (18:47)
Purity Cherotich-KEN (18:54)
Esther Chemtai- KEN (18:55)
It was also a personal triumph for Emily Chebet who pipped her compatriot and favourite Linet Masai to the senior women’s crown following a tremendous burst of speed in the final metres to winning in a time of 24:19.
Mercy Cherono lived up to her billing as the one to watch in the junior girls spearheading a Kenyan podium sweep while Caleb Mwangangi also a led a 1-2-3 finish in the junior men.
It was the first time since 1994 that Kenya had secured all individual titles in all four categories.
For Ebuya, it certainly was a day to remember as he ran the race of his life holding off runner up Teklemariam Medhin of Eritrea to bring the title back home since Paul Tergat in 1999.
Ebuya who stamped his authority 200m into the race crossed the tape in approximately 33 minutes.
Leonard Komon mounted a strong challenge to keep in touch with the race leaders but was just beaten to third place by Moses Kipsorio.
The much hyped battle between Masai and Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba failed to materialize as the race was dominated by the Kenyan contingent.
Kenya co-captain Lineth Chepkurui and Meselech Melkamu set the pace before proceedings were taken over by Masai and Chebet.
Dibaba appeared to be struggling with the pace of the leaders and never really threatened as she finished in fourth place behind her compatriot Melkamu.
Cherono was in a league of her own winning her race in a time of 18:47 ahead of silver medalist Purity Cherotich (18:54) and third place Esther Chemtai (18:55).
Lat year’s winner Genzebe Dibaba finished in eleventh place.
Mwangangi pulled away from the rest of the pack to win the junior men in a time of 22:07 while Clement Kiprono (22.09) and Japhet Kipyegon (22.12) finished second and third respectively.
David Letting’s team may have retained its overall team title but Ebuya’s will also be certainly be fighting for space amongst Monday morning headlines.
Results
Senior Men:
Joseph Ebuya –KEN (33:00)
Teklemariam Medhin-ERT (33:06)
Moses Kipsiro-UGA (33.10)
Senior Women:
Emily Chebet- KEN (24:19)
Linet Masai –KEN (24:20)
Meselech Melkamu (24:26)
Junior Men:
Caleb Mwangangi-KEN (22:07)
Clement Kiprono-KEN (22:09)
Japhet Kipyegon-KEN (22:12)
Junior Women
Mercy Cherono- KEN (18:47)
Purity Cherotich-KEN (18:54)
Esther Chemtai- KEN (18:55)
Votes
Battle lines have been drawn as Members of Parliament prepare to vote on the proposed constitution this week before the document finally moves out of the House on Thursday as stipulated by the Constitution of Kenya Review Act.
MPs are scheduled to debate and vote on the amendments on Wednesday.
By Thursday the office of the Clerk had 19 amendments surrounding abortion, Kadhis courts and the tenures of the Attorney General, Chief Justice and the Auditor and Controller General.
There were unconfirmed reports that close to 200 requests for amendments had reached the legal team by Friday. The panel will however merge most of the proposals since they touch on similar matters.
Should any of the amendments pass the document will be sent back to the Committee of Experts for incorporation.
Should the proposed document pass without amendments it will be forwaded to the Attorney General for publication in readiness for the referendum.
The reality of the daunting task of passing amendments started sinking late last week with two Cabinet Ministers admitting that there are slim chances of success.
Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang said it was unlikely that the numerous amendments being fronted by Members of Parliament would pass the test of 145 members' support to sail through.
Mr Kajwang said with the battle lines between political parties already drawn, it was almost certain none of the amendments would pass.
"Sixty five percent is close to unanimous and one will have to bring a very good amendment which almost all of us agree with," said Mr Kajwang.
The Minister however said there was a shared feeling that the Proposed Constitution is better than the current law, and would sail through the House with or without amendments.
"Our party (Orange Democratic Movement) had planned to push for the introduction of regions but we have noticed it is going to be a bit difficult to get agreement," he added.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo concurred with Mr Kajwang but said non-political issues could attract the numbers. He singled out the clause on abortion and the creation of the Parliamentary Fund as some of the issues which had support across the political divide.
Mr Kilonzo however regretted that failure by MPs to agree in their retreat early in the week had made the situation more difficult.
"I would propose to those seeking amendments to seek support across the board and put the amendments that have considerable consensus in a package then we can vote for them in the House easily," he told Capital News on phone from his Mbooni constituency.
However as Members of Parliament rush to submit amendment proposals, a section were vowing to frustrate any amendments to the proposed Constitution, saying their colleagues are out to mutilate the draft.
Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara on Friday claimed to have mobilised 80 MPs to prevent what he called entrenchment of the views of the status quo.
"Those of us who are determined to bring a new Constitution have agreed to block all attempts for amendments," he told Capital News. "We should not be worried by the sideshows and the narrow considerations that is behind a lot of these new proposed amendments."
MPs are scheduled to debate and vote on the amendments on Wednesday.
By Thursday the office of the Clerk had 19 amendments surrounding abortion, Kadhis courts and the tenures of the Attorney General, Chief Justice and the Auditor and Controller General.
There were unconfirmed reports that close to 200 requests for amendments had reached the legal team by Friday. The panel will however merge most of the proposals since they touch on similar matters.
Should any of the amendments pass the document will be sent back to the Committee of Experts for incorporation.
Should the proposed document pass without amendments it will be forwaded to the Attorney General for publication in readiness for the referendum.
The reality of the daunting task of passing amendments started sinking late last week with two Cabinet Ministers admitting that there are slim chances of success.
Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang said it was unlikely that the numerous amendments being fronted by Members of Parliament would pass the test of 145 members' support to sail through.
Mr Kajwang said with the battle lines between political parties already drawn, it was almost certain none of the amendments would pass.
"Sixty five percent is close to unanimous and one will have to bring a very good amendment which almost all of us agree with," said Mr Kajwang.
The Minister however said there was a shared feeling that the Proposed Constitution is better than the current law, and would sail through the House with or without amendments.
"Our party (Orange Democratic Movement) had planned to push for the introduction of regions but we have noticed it is going to be a bit difficult to get agreement," he added.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo concurred with Mr Kajwang but said non-political issues could attract the numbers. He singled out the clause on abortion and the creation of the Parliamentary Fund as some of the issues which had support across the political divide.
Mr Kilonzo however regretted that failure by MPs to agree in their retreat early in the week had made the situation more difficult.
"I would propose to those seeking amendments to seek support across the board and put the amendments that have considerable consensus in a package then we can vote for them in the House easily," he told Capital News on phone from his Mbooni constituency.
However as Members of Parliament rush to submit amendment proposals, a section were vowing to frustrate any amendments to the proposed Constitution, saying their colleagues are out to mutilate the draft.
Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara on Friday claimed to have mobilised 80 MPs to prevent what he called entrenchment of the views of the status quo.
"Those of us who are determined to bring a new Constitution have agreed to block all attempts for amendments," he told Capital News. "We should not be worried by the sideshows and the narrow considerations that is behind a lot of these new proposed amendments."
KADHI's COURTS
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has once again criticised the church over their stand on the abortion and Kadhi courts issues in the draft constitution.
Speaking in his Kibera Constituency where he made a resounding pitch for a new constitution on Saturday, Mr Odinga asked church leaders to climb down from their hard-line positions on the controversial abortion and Kadhi debate.
“Someone is saying that I will ensure that this constitution does not go through if it has the kadhi’s courts but if that happens, we will remain with the current constitution and all the work done will be null and void,” the PM argued.
Church leaders have always stated that they will mobilise their faithful to reject the proposed draft constitution if the chapters on the Kadhi Courts and the right to life are not amended.
They want the Kadhi Courts expunged and the right to life guaranteed.
NCCK Secretary General Canon Peter Karanja had said that the State should be separated from religion and since Kenya is considered a secular State no religion should be mentioned in the supreme law.
The Christian community has been up in arms against the Committee of Experts (CoE) on the constitution for failing to recognise the courts as part of the contentions contained in the draft. The clergy faulted the PSC for failing to “listen to the Christians.”
Last month, the church leaders threatened to shoot down the draft in the national referendum after they claimed that the two review bodies had ignored the demands.
The church leaders claim that having such courts in the constitution was discriminatory as it makes references to Islam.
They termed as malicious a move by the CoE to remove provisions that guarantee the separation of State and religion, and that which provides that the State shall treat all regions equally.
Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo had called for dialogue between Christians and Muslims over the disputed Kadhis Courts issue, saying it would be a good avenue to avert the rejection of the draft at the referendum.
The draft establishes the Kadhi courts but limits them to the determination of the questions of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance, in proceedings where all the parties profess the Muslim religion and submit to the jurisdiction of the Kadhi’s courts.
Speaking at the same time in Kibera, Orange Democratic Movement Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo, who accompanied the PM, also said he would lobby for MPs’ support on the party position for the creation of 25 regions and 74 to 80 counties.
Parliament is expected to conclude debate on the draft constitution with or without amendments on Thursday.
Speaking in his Kibera Constituency where he made a resounding pitch for a new constitution on Saturday, Mr Odinga asked church leaders to climb down from their hard-line positions on the controversial abortion and Kadhi debate.
“Someone is saying that I will ensure that this constitution does not go through if it has the kadhi’s courts but if that happens, we will remain with the current constitution and all the work done will be null and void,” the PM argued.
Church leaders have always stated that they will mobilise their faithful to reject the proposed draft constitution if the chapters on the Kadhi Courts and the right to life are not amended.
They want the Kadhi Courts expunged and the right to life guaranteed.
NCCK Secretary General Canon Peter Karanja had said that the State should be separated from religion and since Kenya is considered a secular State no religion should be mentioned in the supreme law.
The Christian community has been up in arms against the Committee of Experts (CoE) on the constitution for failing to recognise the courts as part of the contentions contained in the draft. The clergy faulted the PSC for failing to “listen to the Christians.”
Last month, the church leaders threatened to shoot down the draft in the national referendum after they claimed that the two review bodies had ignored the demands.
The church leaders claim that having such courts in the constitution was discriminatory as it makes references to Islam.
They termed as malicious a move by the CoE to remove provisions that guarantee the separation of State and religion, and that which provides that the State shall treat all regions equally.
Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo had called for dialogue between Christians and Muslims over the disputed Kadhis Courts issue, saying it would be a good avenue to avert the rejection of the draft at the referendum.
The draft establishes the Kadhi courts but limits them to the determination of the questions of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance, in proceedings where all the parties profess the Muslim religion and submit to the jurisdiction of the Kadhi’s courts.
Speaking at the same time in Kibera, Orange Democratic Movement Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo, who accompanied the PM, also said he would lobby for MPs’ support on the party position for the creation of 25 regions and 74 to 80 counties.
Parliament is expected to conclude debate on the draft constitution with or without amendments on Thursday.
RAILA/KIBAKI
Rising tension and simmering acrimony between President Kibaki and Prime minister Raila Odinga are threatening to derail the Grand Coalition Government.
Our investigations reveal the relationship between the Big Two has deteriorated to the extent that below the veneer of partnership they occasionally exhibit at public functions, they do not see eye-to-eye.
Their falling out was most evident a few days ago when former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who mediated Kenya’s political crisis, came calling in but could not secure a joint meeting with them.
Despite public show of unity, investigations show Prime Minister Raila odinga and President Kibaki are not in talking terms as one party gives Annan three demands it insists must be met.
Multiple sources indicated the cracks between the two were evident to Annan from Tuesday as those planning his itinerary tried in vain to secure a joint meeting of the two principals, as has been the tradition.
"After fruitless efforts on the first two days and because timing was running out, he eventually opted to meet the principals separately," said one source in the Office of the President who cannot be named because he is not authorised to speak to the Press.
While fielding questions from journalists during his press briefing on Friday at the end of his four-day visit, Annan stressed the need for President Kibaki and Raila to consult.
How coalitions work
"They need to work together more closely and consult, consult and consult for that is how a coalition government works," he said.
During his last year’s visit to Kenya, Annan met the two leaders at Harambee House, and the two released a joint statement. This time, the offices of President and Premier released separate briefs on their meetings with Annan.
And it was telling that the Prime Minister told the Press that he had told Annan corruption must be fought from the top downwards and not vice versa.
Raila was obviously referring to his differences with Kibaki over his unsuccessful suspension of Agriculture Minister William Ruto and Education Minister Sam Ongeri over allegations of corruption.
Sources close to the Prime Minister revealed that Raila gave his conditions for normal relations with his co-principal to be restored. He said his party would not attend Cabinet meetings before the matter on Ruto and Ongeri was conclusively addressed; a commitment given that graft would be fought from the top; and that the Cabinet would take a stand on the Proposed Constitution once it is passed by Parliament.
Sources close to the two principals intimated to The Standard On Sunday that whereas the President and Prime Minister had started warming up to each other, the spat over the suspensions — which President Kibaki overturned within hours — was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Weekly consultations
Since then, Kibaki and Raila have not held any meeting, including their weekly consultations that used to be held on Wednesdays, a day to the traditional Thursday Cabinet meetings.
This scenario has, in turn, paralysed the weekly Cabinet meetings for the last two months, leaving in its trail scores of unattended matters.
The Cabinet could not, for example, meet to make its input on the inaugural Budget Policy Statement. Eventually, Assistant Finance Minister Oburu Oginga tabled the document on behalf of Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta last Tuesday without the Cabinet’s input.
Reached for comment, Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula denied existence of hostilities between the President and Prime Minister.
"The meetings have taken a break because the President released us to engage fully in the constitution-making process at Naivasha and in Parliament. Otherwise Government continues to run smoothly," the PNU allied minister sought to assure.
His ODM allied colleague, Amason Jeffa Kingi (East African Cooperation) was more guarded. He declined to confirm or deny that there was a simmering problem in Government.
"I simply have no idea as to why we have not been meeting," he said.
The Standard On Sunday has confirmed that the PM sent firm communication to the President stating that his side of Government would not attend Cabinet meetings until the Ruto-Ongeri issue was decisively addressed. However, the President is reportedly opposed to any action against Ruto and Ongeri, partly for fear that it might polarise the political environment and poison the pre-referendum campaigns.
And there lies the major standoff between the two principals. How is the Premier expected to sit in the same Cabinet and work with individuals he suspended? On the flipside, how can the President eat his own words by reversing the reprieve on Ruto and Ongeri?
Reasons for disharmony
Conceding that there are "reasons for disharmony" in Government, Water Assistant minister Maina Kiunjuri, however, offers that Annan might have deliberately opted to meet the two principals separately.
"There are obviously deep seated issues around the two and Annan might have wanted to dig out the problem. You see, it is easier to pick out one’s sense of feeling in the absence of a second party, or the one being accused," said the Laikipia East MP.
Kiunjuri further attributes the current crisis to the positions taken by the two leaders: "I want to believe that they have even talked and agreed on the way forward. Nonetheless, it is important that they make their views known."
This position is advanced by ODM MPs, who claim that the current misunderstanding is actually an attempt to try and force Raila out ahead of the new constitution.
They claim that some PNU-allied politicians were extremely worried about the transitional clause requiring that the PM be consulted in appointing constitutional office holders, especially the Chief Justice, Police chief, Attorney General and IIEC commissioners. But reached for comment, the PM’s Director of Communication, Dennis Onyango, denied knowledge of any "serious tensions" between the two principals.
Although he conceded that the two had not held their weekly consultative meetings, "nothing is out of hand yet".
Bad publicity
However, Annan is not in doubt that things are out of control.
He reportedly told the two principals that progress on the realisation of a new constitution had been overshadowed by bad publicity due to graft within Government.
The former UN boss is said to have warned the two principals that whatever other hallmarks they registered were meaningless as the world still looked at Kenya in bad light for its apparent thriving corruption practices.
Our investigations reveal the relationship between the Big Two has deteriorated to the extent that below the veneer of partnership they occasionally exhibit at public functions, they do not see eye-to-eye.
Their falling out was most evident a few days ago when former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who mediated Kenya’s political crisis, came calling in but could not secure a joint meeting with them.
Despite public show of unity, investigations show Prime Minister Raila odinga and President Kibaki are not in talking terms as one party gives Annan three demands it insists must be met.
Multiple sources indicated the cracks between the two were evident to Annan from Tuesday as those planning his itinerary tried in vain to secure a joint meeting of the two principals, as has been the tradition.
"After fruitless efforts on the first two days and because timing was running out, he eventually opted to meet the principals separately," said one source in the Office of the President who cannot be named because he is not authorised to speak to the Press.
While fielding questions from journalists during his press briefing on Friday at the end of his four-day visit, Annan stressed the need for President Kibaki and Raila to consult.
How coalitions work
"They need to work together more closely and consult, consult and consult for that is how a coalition government works," he said.
During his last year’s visit to Kenya, Annan met the two leaders at Harambee House, and the two released a joint statement. This time, the offices of President and Premier released separate briefs on their meetings with Annan.
And it was telling that the Prime Minister told the Press that he had told Annan corruption must be fought from the top downwards and not vice versa.
Raila was obviously referring to his differences with Kibaki over his unsuccessful suspension of Agriculture Minister William Ruto and Education Minister Sam Ongeri over allegations of corruption.
Sources close to the Prime Minister revealed that Raila gave his conditions for normal relations with his co-principal to be restored. He said his party would not attend Cabinet meetings before the matter on Ruto and Ongeri was conclusively addressed; a commitment given that graft would be fought from the top; and that the Cabinet would take a stand on the Proposed Constitution once it is passed by Parliament.
Sources close to the two principals intimated to The Standard On Sunday that whereas the President and Prime Minister had started warming up to each other, the spat over the suspensions — which President Kibaki overturned within hours — was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Weekly consultations
Since then, Kibaki and Raila have not held any meeting, including their weekly consultations that used to be held on Wednesdays, a day to the traditional Thursday Cabinet meetings.
This scenario has, in turn, paralysed the weekly Cabinet meetings for the last two months, leaving in its trail scores of unattended matters.
The Cabinet could not, for example, meet to make its input on the inaugural Budget Policy Statement. Eventually, Assistant Finance Minister Oburu Oginga tabled the document on behalf of Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta last Tuesday without the Cabinet’s input.
Reached for comment, Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula denied existence of hostilities between the President and Prime Minister.
"The meetings have taken a break because the President released us to engage fully in the constitution-making process at Naivasha and in Parliament. Otherwise Government continues to run smoothly," the PNU allied minister sought to assure.
His ODM allied colleague, Amason Jeffa Kingi (East African Cooperation) was more guarded. He declined to confirm or deny that there was a simmering problem in Government.
"I simply have no idea as to why we have not been meeting," he said.
The Standard On Sunday has confirmed that the PM sent firm communication to the President stating that his side of Government would not attend Cabinet meetings until the Ruto-Ongeri issue was decisively addressed. However, the President is reportedly opposed to any action against Ruto and Ongeri, partly for fear that it might polarise the political environment and poison the pre-referendum campaigns.
And there lies the major standoff between the two principals. How is the Premier expected to sit in the same Cabinet and work with individuals he suspended? On the flipside, how can the President eat his own words by reversing the reprieve on Ruto and Ongeri?
Reasons for disharmony
Conceding that there are "reasons for disharmony" in Government, Water Assistant minister Maina Kiunjuri, however, offers that Annan might have deliberately opted to meet the two principals separately.
"There are obviously deep seated issues around the two and Annan might have wanted to dig out the problem. You see, it is easier to pick out one’s sense of feeling in the absence of a second party, or the one being accused," said the Laikipia East MP.
Kiunjuri further attributes the current crisis to the positions taken by the two leaders: "I want to believe that they have even talked and agreed on the way forward. Nonetheless, it is important that they make their views known."
This position is advanced by ODM MPs, who claim that the current misunderstanding is actually an attempt to try and force Raila out ahead of the new constitution.
They claim that some PNU-allied politicians were extremely worried about the transitional clause requiring that the PM be consulted in appointing constitutional office holders, especially the Chief Justice, Police chief, Attorney General and IIEC commissioners. But reached for comment, the PM’s Director of Communication, Dennis Onyango, denied knowledge of any "serious tensions" between the two principals.
Although he conceded that the two had not held their weekly consultative meetings, "nothing is out of hand yet".
Bad publicity
However, Annan is not in doubt that things are out of control.
He reportedly told the two principals that progress on the realisation of a new constitution had been overshadowed by bad publicity due to graft within Government.
The former UN boss is said to have warned the two principals that whatever other hallmarks they registered were meaningless as the world still looked at Kenya in bad light for its apparent thriving corruption practices.
GONE ASTRAY
Agriculture Minister William Ruto hit out at MPs from Rift Valley who are still supporting Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying they had gone astray.
Mr Ruto said: "The politics of Rift Valley is going in one direction and those who are not in this direction have gone astray and we will deal with them."
The minister said the few legislators were not a threat to the political direction majority of their colleagues had taken.
The Eldoret North MP called the locals to ignore the MPs and support one of their own come the 2012 polls.
Ruto accused Raila of turning his back on the people of Rift Valley who supported him in the 2007 General Election.
He cited the Mau evictions, which the PM spearheaded, alleged unfair distribution of Cabinet slots that discriminated the province and neglect of ODM youth who were arrested over the post-election violence.
Our interests
"Yet he (Raila) will still traverse the region asking for your votes. This time round we shall say no. We need people who we can trust to champion our interests," said Ruto.
The ODM deputy party leader was speaking in Marakwet East District where he led four MPs in presiding over a fundraising in aid of Kerio Valley Boys High School on Saturday.
The MPs were Linah Kilimo (Marakwet East), Moses Lekuton (Laisamis), Charles Keter (Belgut) and Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central).
They said Ruto will be Rift Valley’s presidential flag bearer in 2012 and that they had made up their minds about it.
Kilimo, who was elected to Parliament on a Kenda Party ticket, told the MPs to ditch ODM. "The suspension of Ruto from Cabinet was a clear indicator that you (MPs and Raila) are no longer friends. What are you still doing there?" she posed.
The Co-operatives Development Assistant Minister hit out at ODM Chairman and Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey accusing him of betraying the Kalenjin by his continuous support of the Prime Minister.
"We are all going to support Ruto. Woe unto those who are outside the fold," she added.
Different ideals
Keter said Rift Valley MPs were no longer looking up to Raila for political direction and were firmly behind the Agriculture Minister.
"Even though we are all in ODM, it is clear that our ideals and aspirations are now different," Keter said.
Lekuton and Mwaita led locals in chanting "Ruto for 2012, Ruto Tosha (is enough)".
The MPs said they would oppose the Proposed Constitution if devolved system of government is abolished.
Ruto also said MPs would support the quest by councillors to have counties increased.
He expressed optimism that MPs would make "the most necessary" amendments while retaining the majority wishes of Kenyans.
"I am sure we will reach consensus because majority of clauses in the Proposed Constitution are not our proposals as MPs, they belong to Kenyans. Ours is just to fine tune the document," he said.
Mr Ruto said: "The politics of Rift Valley is going in one direction and those who are not in this direction have gone astray and we will deal with them."
The minister said the few legislators were not a threat to the political direction majority of their colleagues had taken.
The Eldoret North MP called the locals to ignore the MPs and support one of their own come the 2012 polls.
Ruto accused Raila of turning his back on the people of Rift Valley who supported him in the 2007 General Election.
He cited the Mau evictions, which the PM spearheaded, alleged unfair distribution of Cabinet slots that discriminated the province and neglect of ODM youth who were arrested over the post-election violence.
Our interests
"Yet he (Raila) will still traverse the region asking for your votes. This time round we shall say no. We need people who we can trust to champion our interests," said Ruto.
The ODM deputy party leader was speaking in Marakwet East District where he led four MPs in presiding over a fundraising in aid of Kerio Valley Boys High School on Saturday.
The MPs were Linah Kilimo (Marakwet East), Moses Lekuton (Laisamis), Charles Keter (Belgut) and Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central).
They said Ruto will be Rift Valley’s presidential flag bearer in 2012 and that they had made up their minds about it.
Kilimo, who was elected to Parliament on a Kenda Party ticket, told the MPs to ditch ODM. "The suspension of Ruto from Cabinet was a clear indicator that you (MPs and Raila) are no longer friends. What are you still doing there?" she posed.
The Co-operatives Development Assistant Minister hit out at ODM Chairman and Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey accusing him of betraying the Kalenjin by his continuous support of the Prime Minister.
"We are all going to support Ruto. Woe unto those who are outside the fold," she added.
Different ideals
Keter said Rift Valley MPs were no longer looking up to Raila for political direction and were firmly behind the Agriculture Minister.
"Even though we are all in ODM, it is clear that our ideals and aspirations are now different," Keter said.
Lekuton and Mwaita led locals in chanting "Ruto for 2012, Ruto Tosha (is enough)".
The MPs said they would oppose the Proposed Constitution if devolved system of government is abolished.
Ruto also said MPs would support the quest by councillors to have counties increased.
He expressed optimism that MPs would make "the most necessary" amendments while retaining the majority wishes of Kenyans.
"I am sure we will reach consensus because majority of clauses in the Proposed Constitution are not our proposals as MPs, they belong to Kenyans. Ours is just to fine tune the document," he said.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
BIG BROTHER
End wrangling and speed up reform — that was Dr Kofi Annan’s message to President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday.
In what he described as "honest and sincere" discussions with the two principals, the mediator of Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence asked them to resolve their differences and lead the country to attain desired reforms. He warned the leaders that history would not forgive them if they let the momentous opportunity to slip through their fingers.
"Let us look to the future with hope and determination… I appeal to the leaders to work together — and with the people — to achieve this goal. History will judge them harshly if this opportunity is allowed to slip," he said.
Lauding the resilience of the Kenyan people in emerging from the post-election conflict, Annan told MPs to reach a consensus on the Proposed Constitution and unite in pushing it through at the referendum in a few months’ time. And he made it clear the international community would continue to be engaged in the Kenyan situation.
Reacting to reports expressing dissatisfaction with his frequent interventions, Annan said he "still felt welcome" and was not acting "big brother but a loyal friend keen to help".
But he said seeking solutions to the crisis in which at least 1,200 were killed and more than 300,000 displaced was not an "event" but an "ongoing process."
"I don’t want to behave like a colonial master but we (international community) are here to help and not to interfere or intrude unnecessarily," he said.
Ever the diplomat, Annan’s press conference was devoid of harsh language as would be expected of somebody frustrated by the slow pace of reforms. Instead, he exhorted the principals to work together, using the word ‘consult’ three times in one breath.
"There are many contentious issues in the coalition but I have talked to the two leaders on the need to consult, trust and have confidence in each other. I am confident they will resolve their differences," he said.
The former UN secretary-general was visiting at a time a difference between the two principals over the handling of corruption in Government has caused a storm in Cabinet.
In fact, observers see the failure by the Cabinet to meet for over a month as a direct consequence of coalition partner ODM ministers’ threat to boycott Cabinet meetings. However, the Government has said Cabinet meetings are the prerogative of the President.
The boycott threats followed President Kibaki’s decision to rescind Raila’s suspension of Agriculture Minister William Ruto and his Education counterpart Prof Sam Ongeri over allegations of corruption in their ministries.
Substantial progress
On Friday, Annan said that the spirit of the coalition was to "consult, consult and consult".
Raila recently said that "the other side was not consulting ODM" when making key appointments in Government.
Annan did not explain if Raila raised the issue or sought his intervention in the matter. He acknowledged there was substantial progress in the reform agenda, but noted that discord in Government had slowed down the pace of reforms.
Annan, who said his latest tour was largely dedicated to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, said he met the two principals separately to fit in their busy schedules.
Annan, who flew into a storm as the coalition partners tussled over the Proposed Constitution, urged MPs to rally behind a consensus document to improve its chances at the referendum.
Annan described 2010 as a historic year for Kenya to complete reforms but reiterated that the window of opportunity was closing fast. "The longer the reforms take, the more complicated it will become for elections and politics will cast a long shadow on the process," Annan told reporters at Nairobi Serena Hotel, the venue of the historic peace talks he spearheaded at the height of the 2008 post-poll chaos.
Asked about a February letter to him by the Premier seeking his intervention as the rift in the coalition widened, Annan said he told the two principals to resolve the crisis by themselves.
"I encouraged them to stay united and settle the dispute between themselves. These are divisions in a coalition that have to be managed by the leaders," he said.
There have been efforts by the political class to have Annan and the international community to disengage from the country’s affairs since they were called in to douse the raging fires in the aftermath of a bungled election amid claims of a stolen presidential vote. As late as last month, the President told Kenyans to learn to look for local solutions to problems instead of always seeking foreign intervention.
His remarks followed coalition partner ODM’s decision to "declare a dispute" in the coalition and to ask for the African Union’s intervention.
Speaking less than a week before Parliament passes the Proposed Constitution, Annan emphasised the importance of speaking in one voice on the final stage of the process.
"I urge Parliament to reach consensus and to unite in supporting approval of a new constitution at the referendum," he said.
He also expressed hope that Kibaki and Raila would go out and drum up support for the draft constitution.
He asked Kenyans to be vigilant throughout the reform period. "Kenyans must not allow individual or parochial interests to derail the process," he said.
Genuine reforms
"The economic recovery that has started to take place since the post-election violence is testament to the resilience of the Kenyan people… But this can only be sustained if genuine reforms continue to be implemented and there is cohesion in Government," said Annan.
The former diplomat condemned the intimidation of potential witnesses in post-election violence and extra-judicial killings trials and urged the Government to speedily enact the Witness Protection (Amendment) Bill.
"I am particularly concerned about report of intimidation of potential witnesses and human rights defenders, and of extra judicial killings," he said.
Annan, who turned over the secret envelope to The Hague, said the International Criminal Court would later this month issue a verdict on whether a full-scale investigation would be opened on the Kenyan case.
He said he had not raised the matter of establishing a local tribunal with the two principals as it was up to the Government to decide when to reintroduce the Bill, which was defeated on the floor of the House.
On the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission, he hoped that it would "overcome its current challenges" to get on with its crucial mandate.
"All Internally Displaced Persons must be settled as a matter of urgency," said Annan.
In what he described as "honest and sincere" discussions with the two principals, the mediator of Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence asked them to resolve their differences and lead the country to attain desired reforms. He warned the leaders that history would not forgive them if they let the momentous opportunity to slip through their fingers.
"Let us look to the future with hope and determination… I appeal to the leaders to work together — and with the people — to achieve this goal. History will judge them harshly if this opportunity is allowed to slip," he said.
Lauding the resilience of the Kenyan people in emerging from the post-election conflict, Annan told MPs to reach a consensus on the Proposed Constitution and unite in pushing it through at the referendum in a few months’ time. And he made it clear the international community would continue to be engaged in the Kenyan situation.
Reacting to reports expressing dissatisfaction with his frequent interventions, Annan said he "still felt welcome" and was not acting "big brother but a loyal friend keen to help".
But he said seeking solutions to the crisis in which at least 1,200 were killed and more than 300,000 displaced was not an "event" but an "ongoing process."
"I don’t want to behave like a colonial master but we (international community) are here to help and not to interfere or intrude unnecessarily," he said.
Ever the diplomat, Annan’s press conference was devoid of harsh language as would be expected of somebody frustrated by the slow pace of reforms. Instead, he exhorted the principals to work together, using the word ‘consult’ three times in one breath.
"There are many contentious issues in the coalition but I have talked to the two leaders on the need to consult, trust and have confidence in each other. I am confident they will resolve their differences," he said.
The former UN secretary-general was visiting at a time a difference between the two principals over the handling of corruption in Government has caused a storm in Cabinet.
In fact, observers see the failure by the Cabinet to meet for over a month as a direct consequence of coalition partner ODM ministers’ threat to boycott Cabinet meetings. However, the Government has said Cabinet meetings are the prerogative of the President.
The boycott threats followed President Kibaki’s decision to rescind Raila’s suspension of Agriculture Minister William Ruto and his Education counterpart Prof Sam Ongeri over allegations of corruption in their ministries.
Substantial progress
On Friday, Annan said that the spirit of the coalition was to "consult, consult and consult".
Raila recently said that "the other side was not consulting ODM" when making key appointments in Government.
Annan did not explain if Raila raised the issue or sought his intervention in the matter. He acknowledged there was substantial progress in the reform agenda, but noted that discord in Government had slowed down the pace of reforms.
Annan, who said his latest tour was largely dedicated to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, said he met the two principals separately to fit in their busy schedules.
Annan, who flew into a storm as the coalition partners tussled over the Proposed Constitution, urged MPs to rally behind a consensus document to improve its chances at the referendum.
Annan described 2010 as a historic year for Kenya to complete reforms but reiterated that the window of opportunity was closing fast. "The longer the reforms take, the more complicated it will become for elections and politics will cast a long shadow on the process," Annan told reporters at Nairobi Serena Hotel, the venue of the historic peace talks he spearheaded at the height of the 2008 post-poll chaos.
Asked about a February letter to him by the Premier seeking his intervention as the rift in the coalition widened, Annan said he told the two principals to resolve the crisis by themselves.
"I encouraged them to stay united and settle the dispute between themselves. These are divisions in a coalition that have to be managed by the leaders," he said.
There have been efforts by the political class to have Annan and the international community to disengage from the country’s affairs since they were called in to douse the raging fires in the aftermath of a bungled election amid claims of a stolen presidential vote. As late as last month, the President told Kenyans to learn to look for local solutions to problems instead of always seeking foreign intervention.
His remarks followed coalition partner ODM’s decision to "declare a dispute" in the coalition and to ask for the African Union’s intervention.
Speaking less than a week before Parliament passes the Proposed Constitution, Annan emphasised the importance of speaking in one voice on the final stage of the process.
"I urge Parliament to reach consensus and to unite in supporting approval of a new constitution at the referendum," he said.
He also expressed hope that Kibaki and Raila would go out and drum up support for the draft constitution.
He asked Kenyans to be vigilant throughout the reform period. "Kenyans must not allow individual or parochial interests to derail the process," he said.
Genuine reforms
"The economic recovery that has started to take place since the post-election violence is testament to the resilience of the Kenyan people… But this can only be sustained if genuine reforms continue to be implemented and there is cohesion in Government," said Annan.
The former diplomat condemned the intimidation of potential witnesses in post-election violence and extra-judicial killings trials and urged the Government to speedily enact the Witness Protection (Amendment) Bill.
"I am particularly concerned about report of intimidation of potential witnesses and human rights defenders, and of extra judicial killings," he said.
Annan, who turned over the secret envelope to The Hague, said the International Criminal Court would later this month issue a verdict on whether a full-scale investigation would be opened on the Kenyan case.
He said he had not raised the matter of establishing a local tribunal with the two principals as it was up to the Government to decide when to reintroduce the Bill, which was defeated on the floor of the House.
On the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission, he hoped that it would "overcome its current challenges" to get on with its crucial mandate.
"All Internally Displaced Persons must be settled as a matter of urgency," said Annan.
Friday, March 26, 2010
MAGARA
The South Mugirango by-election will be held on June 10. But voters in Matuga constituency will have to wait a bit longer to vote for their next MP, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission chairman said on Friday.
IIEC chairman Issack Hassan said the Speaker was yet to issue writs for Matuga constituency so the electoral body could not fix a date for the by-election.
“The commission received the writs for South Mugirango on March 16 and according to the law, the by-election must be held within 90 days since that day. June 10 falls within the ninety day window,” Mr Issack said at a press conference.
The South Mugirango seat fell vacant after the Kisii High Court nullified the election of former Trade assistant minister James Omingo Magara citing irregularities. The petition was filed by Manson Oyongo Nyamweya, the Ford People candidate during the 2007 election.
The Matuga seat also fell vacant after the Mombasa High Court nullified the election of former Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere early last month, citing election anomalies as well.
Mr Isaack announced that political parties wishing to field candidates in the South Mugirango by-election must finalise their nominations by May 9 and hand in their nomination papers to the returning officer on May 17 or 18.
He also announced that the returning officer and his deputy would be Mr Bonventure Obongoya and Mr Jacob Mengo Mokua respectively.
Early campaigns have already kicked off in South Mugirango with potential candidates at the constituency to woo voters. Among those who have declared an interest in the seat besides Mr Magara include Mr Nyamweya, Mr Rashid Minyong’a, Mr Abaga Sagero, Mr Ibrahim Ochoi, and Mr Kepher Marube.
Others include Mr Henry Ogeto, Ombasa Apepo, Rosemary Obara, Gideon Moreka, David Kombo, Aungo Bw’Onderi, Mater Ondara, Mauti Sagwe, David Mogunde, and Ezekiel Okemwa.
Those seeking to clinch the ODM ticket include Mr Magara, Mr Ochoi and Mr Ogeto. Mr Nyamweya has indicated that he will gun for the seat on a Ford People ticket while Mr Minyong’a will run on a PNU ticket.
There have been calls by a section of ODM leaders led by Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Cherangani MP Joshua Kutuny that Mr Magara be given direct nomination given his status as the party’s national treasurer. But the director of elections, Mr Philip Okundi has insisted that the party will hold nominations in line with its constitution.
Meanwhile, the IIEC has registered 700,000 new voters since the exercise kicked off on Monday, Mr Issack announced. He however said the electoral body had encountered logistical challenges in some parts of the country owing to the heavy rains.
“We have experienced logistical challenges in Tana River, North Horr and Lodwar and we have been forced to hire helicopters at times to access some of these areas,” he said.
IIEC chairman Issack Hassan said the Speaker was yet to issue writs for Matuga constituency so the electoral body could not fix a date for the by-election.
“The commission received the writs for South Mugirango on March 16 and according to the law, the by-election must be held within 90 days since that day. June 10 falls within the ninety day window,” Mr Issack said at a press conference.
The South Mugirango seat fell vacant after the Kisii High Court nullified the election of former Trade assistant minister James Omingo Magara citing irregularities. The petition was filed by Manson Oyongo Nyamweya, the Ford People candidate during the 2007 election.
The Matuga seat also fell vacant after the Mombasa High Court nullified the election of former Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere early last month, citing election anomalies as well.
Mr Isaack announced that political parties wishing to field candidates in the South Mugirango by-election must finalise their nominations by May 9 and hand in their nomination papers to the returning officer on May 17 or 18.
He also announced that the returning officer and his deputy would be Mr Bonventure Obongoya and Mr Jacob Mengo Mokua respectively.
Early campaigns have already kicked off in South Mugirango with potential candidates at the constituency to woo voters. Among those who have declared an interest in the seat besides Mr Magara include Mr Nyamweya, Mr Rashid Minyong’a, Mr Abaga Sagero, Mr Ibrahim Ochoi, and Mr Kepher Marube.
Others include Mr Henry Ogeto, Ombasa Apepo, Rosemary Obara, Gideon Moreka, David Kombo, Aungo Bw’Onderi, Mater Ondara, Mauti Sagwe, David Mogunde, and Ezekiel Okemwa.
Those seeking to clinch the ODM ticket include Mr Magara, Mr Ochoi and Mr Ogeto. Mr Nyamweya has indicated that he will gun for the seat on a Ford People ticket while Mr Minyong’a will run on a PNU ticket.
There have been calls by a section of ODM leaders led by Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Cherangani MP Joshua Kutuny that Mr Magara be given direct nomination given his status as the party’s national treasurer. But the director of elections, Mr Philip Okundi has insisted that the party will hold nominations in line with its constitution.
Meanwhile, the IIEC has registered 700,000 new voters since the exercise kicked off on Monday, Mr Issack announced. He however said the electoral body had encountered logistical challenges in some parts of the country owing to the heavy rains.
“We have experienced logistical challenges in Tana River, North Horr and Lodwar and we have been forced to hire helicopters at times to access some of these areas,” he said.
RECALLED
Those recalled include Dr Sospeter Machage (Russia), Mr Mutuma Kathurima (Germany), Mr Rateng Oginga Ogego (US) and Ms Ann Nyikuli (Italy). Others are Mr Mwakai Kikonde Sio (Spain) and Mr Lazarus Amayo (Zambia).
Foreign Affairs assistant minister Richard Onyonka could not tell the exact number of envoys and embassy staff who had been recalled.
Four-year term
“The changes are only looking major because previously they were done piecemeal. Nobody has been asked to come back before finishing the official four-year term,” Mr Onyonka said.
Most of those affected had served since 2003 when President Kibaki took over power. “It’s a normal requirement after end of duty. The ministry has no problems with any of them,” Mr Onyonka said.
He said long-serving Kenyan High Commissioner to the UK Joseph Muchemi was also replaced two weeks ago. Mr Muchemi, a confidant of President Kibaki, was appointed in 2003 and has served well beyond the regular limit in one station.
Mr Onyonka said the changes were meant to increase efficiency, adding that their replacement was in progress. The envoys are required to report back to the country by May 17.
Mr Onyonka said the junior staff, who include education attaches and accountants, had also completed their terms. They are expected to return by June.
On Thursday, Foreign minister Moses Wetang’ula declined to comment on the reshuffle until President Kibaki makes new appointments.
A diplomat said he had been asked to return to Nairobi by May 17. Some envoys were yet to get letters from the ministry recalling them, he said.
Dr Machage, a twin brother of assistant minister Wilfred Machage, was appointed in 2005. Mr Ogego was in the news prior to President Barack Obama’s election when he criticised the US president for his remarks during a visit to Kenya.
Kenya has 51 fully fledged missions with multiple accreditation, bringing its diplomatic cover to 100 countries. Some have, however, remained vacant because of differences between the PNU and ODM wings of the coalition government.
They include South Korea, Canberra, Brasil, Geneva, Vienna and Tokyo. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs public and communication director Egara Kabaji has resigned. Prof Kabaji said he quit on Monday for personal reasons.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
ARRESTED
Police in Nairobi have arrested three more suspected terrorists at the Wilson airport.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday morning as they reportedly made arrangements to travel to Mogadishu, according to police.
“The three suspects are being questioned to establish their activities in the country. They are being investigated over terrorism activities,” a police source said.
A police officer who is privy to the investigation against the three suspects said they were in possession of Kenyan, Australian and American passports.
“There are no specific charges against these three, but they are under investigation. We will let you know of the progress and if they will be charged in court,” the source added.
Anti-Terrorism Police Unit Chief Nicholas Kamwende when reached on telephone said “I am not aware of that.”
Police officers at the Wilson airport said the suspects were picked up by anti-terrorism officers who whisked them away to their offices in Nairobi Area.
The name of one of the three was almost similar to that of a terror suspect who fled from a police station in Busia, sparking anxiety amongst police officers who arrested him.
“We have since established it is a different person but we are still interrogating them,” another officer said.
On Wednesday, four other suspected terrorists were arrested in Mombasa and were due to be flown to Nairobi for further interrogation.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday morning as they reportedly made arrangements to travel to Mogadishu, according to police.
“The three suspects are being questioned to establish their activities in the country. They are being investigated over terrorism activities,” a police source said.
A police officer who is privy to the investigation against the three suspects said they were in possession of Kenyan, Australian and American passports.
“There are no specific charges against these three, but they are under investigation. We will let you know of the progress and if they will be charged in court,” the source added.
Anti-Terrorism Police Unit Chief Nicholas Kamwende when reached on telephone said “I am not aware of that.”
Police officers at the Wilson airport said the suspects were picked up by anti-terrorism officers who whisked them away to their offices in Nairobi Area.
The name of one of the three was almost similar to that of a terror suspect who fled from a police station in Busia, sparking anxiety amongst police officers who arrested him.
“We have since established it is a different person but we are still interrogating them,” another officer said.
On Wednesday, four other suspected terrorists were arrested in Mombasa and were due to be flown to Nairobi for further interrogation.
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