August, 2023 - Trending Vibes

File image of the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre in Nairobi. PHOTO | COURTESY

EACC Anticipates Wrapping Up Investigation into Uasin Gishu Scholarship Controversy in the Upcoming Weeks

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is closed to concluding its investigation into the Uasin Gishu scholarship scandals, which has drawn the attention of Kenyans and sparked significant protects in the county. An insider at the commission informed Citizen Digital that the investigation is nearly finished. The source added that once the inquiry concludes, the case will be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the subsequent steps. “The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, fully aware of the immense public interest and need for expeditious justice in this matter, has prioritized the investigation that commenced in the March 2023”, noted the insider “The commission is now at the tail end of the probe and will in the coming weeks submit the resultant file to the Director of Public Prosecutions with appropriate recommendations.” The anti-corruption agency has been investigating claims of misappropriation totaling ksh. 937 million involving Uasin Gishu County government officials. The funds were reportedly collected from parents to support scholarship programs for their children intending to study in Finland and Canada. Last Tuesday, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago was Questioned by EACC investigators regarding the incident. This occurred due to his role as the county Governor when the scholarship fund was initially devised and put into action. Reportedly established in May 2021, the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund account saw an accumulation of ksh. 957,167,143 from parents by December 2022. Read Also: Reportedly established in May 2021, the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund account saw an accumulation of Ksh. 957,167,143 from parents by December 2022. A total of Ksh. 257,326,740 was taken from the account to help students going to Finland and Canada for the programs. The EACC is now looking closely at Ksh. 57,538,429 taken out within Uasin Gishu County by officials responsible for managing the funds. Just last month, more than 200 parents, whose kids were supposed to get scholarships for Canada and Finland, talked to the DCI. They asked for their money back and said they’re not interested anymore because they think Governor Jonanthan Bii and Senator Mandago are playing games with serious things that are hurting them. The parents blame Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Mandago for mixing politics with important matters. The two leaders have been meeting with the parents to try and find solutions.

Kenya Kickstart Victorious Journey in Trinidad and Tabago Commonwealth Youth Games

Kenyegon2 years ago2 years ago03 mins

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Kenya Athletic squad embarked on a remarkable beginning at Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. Janet Chepkoech and Nancy Cherop played a pivotal role in solidifying Kenya’s supremacy in the woment’s 1500 meters event by securing victories in the first and second heats. The Male counterparts mirrored this achievement, as Josephat Sang and Adrew Kiptoo effortlessly sailed to triumph in their respective heats, securing their places in the finals. Cyclist Daniel Kiptala and Billy Graham showcase unwavering determination in their road race, engaging in a spirited battle that culminated in a thrilling photo finish, securing the 14th and 15th position respectively. Continuing their winning streak, the girl’s rugby team secured their second victory in consecutive matches. They dominated the host, Trinidad, with a resounding 48-0 victory, only to face a defeat against Australia with a score of 45-0 in their second match of the day. Later today , the young Lionesses are set on Canada in the final match of the round-robin tournament. In the Para-athletic category, Faith kavithi secure a spot in the final after clinching fourth place in the T35 women’s 100m . unfortunately, her final race was cut short due to a trip and fall. Read Also: Randy Odhiambo advance to finals in the T28 men’s 100m semifinals and secure a seventh-place finish. Turning to Swimming, Sara Mose achieved a personal best in the both the women’s 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle events, while Aker Mutinda accomplished a similar milestone in the men’s 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle.

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago makes opening remarks at the start of meeting on Monday, August 7, 2023. Image: SCREENGRAB

Uasin Gishu Parent Calms Senator Mandago in Meeting

Kenyegon2 years ago2 years ago06 mins

Reading Time: 3 minutesOn Monday, Senator Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu faced an uneasy situation as he engaged with parents and students in a meeting concerning the Finland education programme. The Uasin Gishu County Government Official, lead by the Governor Jonathan Bii , were also in attendance. Despite ongoing investigation by the Ethic and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into the alleged misappropriation of shilling 837 million by Uasin Gishu County Government officials, both Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago have consistently refuted any accusation of mismanagement regarding the funds contributed by parents for their children’s fees. While making submissions, a parent raised an objection, asserting that Senator Jackson Mandago’s alleged statement claiming that parents hadn’t paid for school fees were untrue. He reported that a total of 51 students were granted admission to Finish university, with 25 of them enrolling in degree programs and the remaining 26 opting for nursing courses. “For Hon Mandago to say parent’s never paid fees is false,” he said. However, before the parent could continue , Senator Jackson Mandago interrupted him, uttering the phrase,’Ngoja kidogo’ (wait a moment). In response , other parents used hand gestures and vocalized their demand for the senator to allow the parent to complete his statement. “No! no! no!, i can not allow yoy to go further,” Mandago said. ” I’m not in dispute of what he has just said, but is there anywhere i said parents never paid fees?” the senator Asked. Seemingly acknowledging his mistake regarding that particular assertion, the parent somewhat abandoned that line of discussion and proceeded with his remarks. “Tulia, tulia Mr Mandago, tulia,” he said as the senator sought to clarify he said parents paid for fees. “Tulia, you must be emotionally intelligent, tulia. you had your time na umezungumuza mengi kwangu but it’s okay, it’s right,” the parent said. At the outset of the gathering, Senator Jackson Mandago had urge the attendees to maintain composure and allow each participant ample time toshare their viewpoints. Read Also: “Tulia, you must be emotionally intelligent, tulia. You had your time na umezungumuza mengi kwangu but it’s okay, it’s right,” the parent said. At the outset of the gathering, Senator Jackson Mandago had urged the attendees to maintain composure and allow each participant ample opportunity to share their viewpoints. “We all don’t have the same ideas , let everyone say they have to say, don’t tell them to keep quite,” he said. “We want to listen to every parent who has something to say, we wan to listen to everybody. Anyone who has evidence say it, that’s why we are here,” he added. As per the findings of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, a total of 233 students are currently engaged in their educational pursuits in Finland, while an additional of 45 students have chosen to further their studies in universities located in Canada. The commission disclosed that funds designated for children who had not yet embarked on their overseas journey were utilized to cover second-semester fees for those students who were already studying in international universities. The EACC stated that their ongoing investigation will uncover any potential instance of embezzlement that might have occurred throughput the process. “A total of sh257,326,740 was debited from the Uasin Gishu Overseas Account to beneficiaries indicated as agents and/ or intermediaries for onward transmission to universities in Finland and Canada,” EACC said in a statement on August 1. Additionally, the commission emphasized that the investigation will specifically center on the withdrawal of shilling 57,538,429 made by the county officials who were tasked with overseeing the management of the Trust Fund Account within the local context.

Senator Osotsi: Economy Stability Hinges on Government Resolving Dispute with Opposition

Kenyegon2 years ago2 years ago05 mins

Reading Time: 2 minutesSenator Osotsi: Economy’s Stability Hinges on Addressing Opposition Discord Moses Kinyamjui Published on: August 07, 2023 08:30(EAT) Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has emphasized that the goverment’s ambitious plan to stabilized the economy cannot be achieved without efffectively addressing the ongoing political discord with the opposition. Osostsi argues that as the opposition holds substantial representation within the nation, failure to reconcile with them will hinder effort to revitalize the struggling economy. During an appearance on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show on the monday, Osotsi conveyed his apprehension that the nation could be facing a standstill due to the government’s apparent lack of interest in resolving difference with the opposition. “Some may underestimate the significance of this issue, but Azimio holds influence over a significant portion of the country;s support. when such a substantial part of the nation opposes the current regime, it inevitably affect economic performance,” he explained. READ ALSO: “It would be in their best interest to address this matter promptly. Based on their approach, i am skeptical of their commitment to resolving the political situation in the country.” The legislator also warned that the surging economy is at risk of causing businesses to falter and Kenyans to lose employment opportunities. He suggested that Kenya Kwanza, an economic initiative, needs to prioritized organization and reconciliation. “Contrary to optimistic image postrayed by Kenya Kwanza, the situation is less than ideal. There are significant challenges that need to be addressed. This is evidenced by their decision to sign performance contracts a year after asuming office, indicating the presence of performance issues within the regime,” he noted “With the Finance Act’s effect, particularly the 1.5% Housing Levy, unemployment could surge. Employers might contemplate relocating to other countries due to the substantial strain.” These remarks coincide with President William Ruto’s assertion that the nation jhas successfully achieved economic stability and manage to debit crisis. Ruto claimed that his effort to stabilized the struggling economy over the past 8 months have borne fruit. ” I have engaged in numerous discussion with the World Bank, IMF, and other entities from which we have borrowed funds. I wanted to assure the people of Kenya that we have stabilized the economy, and we are no longer susceptible to debt threats. What i cannot permit is continuous indiscriminate borrowing for our nation,” he emphasize during a previous Thanksgiving service. As an alternative to borrowing, Ruto proposed that the nation will rely on revenue collection to sustain its operations. He encourage Kenyans to embrace his taxation proposals. “We will focus on tax collection within our borders. i will personally lead those who remit their taxes. We are seeking those tax revenues to independently support our country,” he asserted

Pope Francis blesses the olive branches as he leads the Palm Sunday mass on April 2, 2023 at St. Peter's square in The Vatican. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / POOL / AFP)

Pope Francis On LGBTQ: The Church Is Inclusive But With Guidelines

Kenyegon2 years ago2 years ago04 mins

Reading Time: 2 minutesPope Francis On LGBTQ: Pope Francis conveyed on Sunday that the Catholic Church maintains an inclusive stance, welcoming all individuals, including those from the gay community. He emphasized the church’s responsibility to guide them along a personal journey of spirituality, while still adhering to established framework of its principles. speaking with reporters during his return flight from Portugal to Rome, Pope Francis also provided an update of his health, expressing that he had recovered well from his abdominal hernia surgery in June. Although his stitches had been removed, he shared that he would continue to wear an abdominal band for additional two to three months to strengthen his muscles. Following the World Youth Day Catholic festival in Portugal, the 86-year-old pontiff appeared in good spirits as he engaged in a candid press conference, fielding question for approximately thirty minutes from his seat at the forefront of the plane’s reporter section. ALSO READ: one journalist reminded him of his previous statemen during the trip, in which he had declared the Church ‘s openness to “everyone, everyone, everyone.” The reporter inquired whether it was contradictory that certain groups, such as women and gain individuals, did not possess the same rights and access to certain sacraments. This reference alluded to the prohibition of women from becoming priests through the sacrament of Holy Orders, as well as the Church’s stance against same-sex marriage and blessings for same-sex couples, both of which are considered sacramental matters. “The Church is inclusive, yet it adheres to regulations governing its internal life,” Pope Francis responded. He urged that as per these regulations, certain sacraments may be restricted. However, he clarified that this should not be interpreted as the Church being exclusive. He highlighted the individual’s unique connection with God within the Church. Pope Francis underscored that Church ministers are tasked with supporting all individuals, including those whose choices may not align with the established rules, exhibiting the patience and compassion akin to that of a mother.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen

CS Murkomen Urges Kalonzo and Ichung’wah to Cease Back-And-Forth, Initiate Bipartisan Talks

Kenyegon2 years ago2 years ago02 mins

Reading Time: < 1 minuteRoads and Transport CS Murkomen has issued a challenge to National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka, urging them to initiate bipartisan talks promptly instead of getting involved in an unnecessary exchange of letters. CS Murkomen expressed his disapproval of their ongoing back-and-forth, stating that it is hindering the progress of the talks. “I don’t know why Kimani Ichung’wah and Kalonzo are writing letters to each other. What is it for, why don’t they call each other and meet?” Murkomen posed. The CS emphasized the importance of avoiding another wave of protests in the country and urged for a more constructive approach through bipartisan talks, where both sides can listen to each other. ALSO READ: The talks, which are expected to involve the government and opposition, will be mediated by former Nigeria president Olesegun Obasanjo. Kimani Ichung’wah will lead the Kenya Kwanza, while Kalonzo will lead the Azimio side. Despite the anticipation, the official commencement of the talks is still pending. Recently, Kalonzo sent a letter to Ichung’wah inviting his team for talks at Serena Hotel. Ichung’wah however, rejectd the proposed venue, considering it too expensive and a potential waste of taxpayer’s money. He suggested that the meeting should take place in a public venue instead and expressed his unwillingness to discuss issues relating to the high cost of living during the talks.