Kalenjins can support any leader irrespective of tribe, just like they did in 2007, when they supported Raila Odinga, Chama Cha Mashinani leader Isaac Rutto has said.

“There is no problem if we vote for him once again. This time, in fact, we are going to support him fully,” he said on Saturday at a meeting in Bomet.

He was defending his move to support Raila and NASA.

“Kalenjins voted for Odinga in 2007 and there is no problem if we vote for him once again this round in fact we are going to support him fully no one should try and convince us further as to why we are supporting him,” Rutto said.

He expressed optimism that with Odinga being NASA’s flag bearer they were assured of winning the seat and send the Jubilee administration home come August 8.

Rutto said he is optimistic that NASA will win the election and send the Jubilee administration home on August 8.

“As principals in the coalition we all settled on Raila as our candidate because of his age and he will lead us for one term before other co-principals have it on a rotational basis,” he said.

Rutto urged the IEBC to ensure the general election is free and fair.

"IEBC must assure us that the election process is free…we do not want to hear these claims of rigging since Kenyans are eagerly waiting and they expect nothing but results that reflect their will,” he added.

A storm has erupted in both Wiper and ODM, following applications for the nomination of Kalonzo Musyoka's firstborn son and Raila Odinga’s elder brother to the East African Legislative Assembly.

Kalonzo's son Kennedy Musyoka and Nominated MP Oburu Odinga are among applicants for the EALA nominees, even as Parliament resumes tomorrow to, among other things, approve the selections or not.

Wiper and ODM are the two major National Super Alliance affiliate parties. The twin-storms have given negative-publicity political fodder to Jubilee.

NASA has campaigned on a platform of inclusivity, which is part of its seven-pillar policy platform articulated in the Alliance’s agreement.

“Kalonzo has defied advice that the nomination of his own son will cause an unprecedented public backlash and dent our campaign momentum,” a Wiper MP who did not want to be quoted by name told the Star.

It is believed that Kalonzo is positioning his son for presidential succession politics, especially if NASA is vanquished by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the August 8 election.

The Wiper leader introduced Kennedy, the secretary of the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation, to the public on Thursday last week, after the State suspended the organization and froze its accounts.

“The plan is to have him run as an MP in Mwingi in the event NASA loses out,” our sources say.

The EALA is an organ of the East African Community and has a wide-ranging mandate on top of being the legislative organ of the Community.

But Mwingi North MP John Munuve, Kalonzo's lawmaker in his rural backyard, was among legislators who vowed to oppose the nomination, terming it “a big shame”.

“I have never heard of Kalonzo's son even being chairman of a cattle dip. This boy has no qualification – look at his CV, somebody who finished school the other day, and is supposed to deliberate on matters East African when he doesn't know his village in Tseikuru,” Munuve told the Star.

ODM insiders are also grumbling that ardent, more youthful party supporters were ignored in favour of Oburu, 74.

Oburu is among the longest-serving MPs and was recently trounced in the ODM primaries for the Bondo parliamentary seat.

He was nominated to the current Parliament after a failed attempt to clinch the Siaya gubernatorial contest at the 2013 polls.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale vowed that they will shoot down the nominations and derided the kind of presidency a Raila-Kalonzo ticket would bring about.

“I want to assure the son of Kalonzo Musyoka and the brother of Raila Odinga that, despite their political party each having a slot in the EALA, I will lead members from both sides of the House to reject them,” Duale told the Star.

“We want to tell the country, you can see the leadership that Raila and Kalonzo Musyoka are bringing to Kenya. They talk about inclusivity, they deride Jubilee as composed of two tribes, now their government would be one of their own families.”

Immediate former Wiper Executive Director and Deputy Head of NASA secretariat Dr Temi Mutia and Ahmed Ibrahim are among Wiper EALA applicants.

Most Wiper MPs who spoke to the Star said they would support Temi, whom they remarked has toiled for the Party, sometimes without pay.

“Temi is a PhD holder and has been giving free labour as a volunteer. He has made himself a slave working with no pay over the years,” Munuve said.

ODM frontrunners for EALA are National Elections Board chairperson Judith Pareno and Raila's long-term think- tank member Abubakar Zein, both of whom are seeking a second term.

Nancy Abisae, who was among ODM’s 2012 nominees, is unlikely to get back her job.

An ODM insider yesterday told the Star that Western Kenya will fight to retain their slot.

Meru ODM activist Japheth Muroko, who coined the phrase “Baba while you were away”, also applied.

Those eying the EALA nomination through Jubilee are Dr Julius Kones, who lost in the Bomet primaries, and ex-Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua.

IF it is true that Kalonzo Musyoka’s son and Raila Odinga’s elder brother have submitted “wind-assisted” applications for nomination to the EALA, my immediate reaction is that these are foolish moves.

This cannot not possibly come from people who are serious.

You cannot look for votes from the people and you hold the same people in such serious contempt.

The Luo people from Raila’s own home have told him, “We don’t want anything to do with your brother”.

But why does Raila’s family want everything? I have always asked them to choose between the presidency and these small things. It would appear they are choosing the small things. If people can tell you in no uncertain terms – and not once – that they do not want such and such a person, why must you recycle them?

Who would believe you if you told them about employment? But the more fundamental thing is that you are holding people in such complete contempt. You are showing them they don’t matter and you don’t care.

How can Kalonzo and Raila be doing this, when they are facing such a critical election? How? It has never been easy and Raila is not a person who doesn’t know history. Even when President John F Kennedy made his brother Attorney General of the USA, a man who was very qualified, the kind of heat it generated should be enough to tell the likes of Raila, 57 years later, it’s never always easy to bring family into top public leadership.

In the NASA leaders’ case, it’s worse because they are dong it at a time when they are vote hunting. JFK wasn’t looking for votes, he was already President when he appointed RFK. The public never takes it lightly when you show them leadership is yours as a right, an entitlement.

That brings me to the question of advisers. Do these people actually have advisers? We often hear they are advised by university professors: I will tell you why Raila risks losing this election. He doesn’t have advisers. The persons who masquerade as advisers around Raila are people who can’t talk to Raila, they can’t face him, they can’t look Raila in the eye, they can’t tell him the truth.

If the NASA principals had advisers, they would have told Kalonzo, Mudavadi, Wetang’ula, and Rutto, for instance, that Raila would be the Opposition presidential candidate.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has met leaders from Central who lost in the nominations and asked them to accept their loss and move on.

The President met the losers on Saturday morning and warned them against fighting Jubilee and those who were elected in the ruling party’s strongholds.

According to multiple sources, the President made it clear to the losers that he will support those chosen by the people to fly the Jubilee flag in Central Kenya.

“He asked us not to destabilize the party or fight Jubilee candidates on the ground, because that could affect voter turnout,” said a source that attended the meeting.

The President is also reported to have warned those who have decided to run as independents that they will be treated like the Opposition of they try to fight Jubilee and its candidates.

He told off Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi, who said the region’s leaders had been thrown out and Jubilee managers favoured some people.

“Don’t come here to tell me Central has no leaders. That is not true. The region has new leaders who are replacing the old ones. I will work with the new crop of leaders,” Uhuru is reported to have said.

The outcome of the Jubilee Party nominations has presented a new headache for President Kenyatta.

Key members of the President's reelection team were beaten in the hotly contested primaries. Among those who lost are Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando, Nyeri Town MP Murugi, Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau and Starehe MP Maina Kamanda.

Kabogo did not attend the State House meeting.

Speaking after being endorsed by Jubilee Party on Saturday, President Kenyatta assured the losers that they will not be left out should Jubilee win the August 8 polls.

Yesterday Kigumo MP Jamleck, who attended the State House meeting, said he will not leave Jubilee, despite losing to Mwangi wa Iria in the race for JP’s Murang’a governor.

The MP said he will continue serving the people of Kigumo until August, when his term ends, and he will also campaign for President Kenyatta.

“I have decided that I will not vie for Murang’a governor as an independent candidate, but will instead focus on my mandate as Kigumo MP and also campaign for President Uhuru's reelection bid,” he said.

Jamleck, who was speaking in Kirere Centre, further emphasised that he will continue with service to the community even after his tenure lapses in three months.

“We will however continue helping out where we can in terms of community development – for instance, all the children I have been educating, and those that are in the process of being sponsored, will have that aspect catered for,” he said.

The MP, who has been Kigumo legislator for two terms, called on his constituents to vote for “the right crop of leaders” to ensure development project initiatives do not stall.

“We all know what bad leaders make the voters go through, so I urge us all, as we cast our votes in August, let us be wary of such persons, otherwise we will all have ourselves to blame,” he stated.

Jamleck was defeated by Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, who garnered 205,976 votes while the MP got 119,339 votes.

Kamau had rejected the results of the Murang’a Jubilee primaries, saying the process was flawed.

The MP said that ballot papers marked with his name were found strewn in various places within the country, clearly indicating they had been removed from ballot boxes to ensure they were not counted.

Jamleck said he will not appeal to challenge the process, adding he had already complained to Jubilee Party before the nominations "but was ignored".

Johnson Muthama will not defend his Machakos Senator seat in the general election and has turned his focus to campaigns for NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga.

Wiper party, which is led by NASA vice president candidate Kalonzo Musyoka, did not hold nominations for the position. The Senator is a member of the party. He did not say whether he will quit.

Muthama cited massive irregularities and injustice in the party, saying only the chosen few were given tickets.

"I regret the way Wiper is being micro-managed to the disadvantage of some party members. My decision was influenced by the way Wiper affairs are being conducted," he told a press conference on Monday.

"I am ready to sacrifice my bid and continue serving the people outside of an elective position."

Muthama said he will not campaign anywhere for Wiper.

"As I contemplate my next move, I assure there will be a bruising political battle in Ukambani and that the voice of the people will be heard," he said.

"I do not feel that I have the face, anymore, to campaign or face out supporters of Wiper all over because the party has betrayed the people's trust, just like it did in 2013, by [imposing] Governor Alfred Mutua on the people."

Read: Muthama skips Wiper NEC as the party plays down tiff with Kalonzo

The Senator noted the issuance of direct tickets to some aspirants blocked voters from exercising their right and caused many to go independent.

"Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and CCU leader Wavinya Ndeti were given tickets while others were left to go through nominations which were marred by irregularities," he said.

He also gave the example of Kitui, whose Governor Julius Malombe faced Senator David Musila, who has now opted out of the party.

Muthama also said ballot papers were marked at Gracia Hotel on Friday, a day before the Machakos governor nominations were repeated, "in a bid for ensure Ndeti defeated Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala".

Ndeti initially defeated Kiala with 299,312 votes against his 4,663 but the DG raised several complaints and obtained a court order barring the party from conducting the primaries.

She defeated him again with 227,947 votes when the nominations were repeated on Saturday. Kiala, who caused drama at Gracia by trying to stop the dispatch of material, only got 4,508 votes.

More on this: Wavinya crushes Kiala with 299,312 votes for Machakos governor ticket

Also read: Wanvinya Ndeti beats Kiala in Machakos governor nominations rematch

USAID on Monday issued a notice to suspend funding for activities carried out by a number of Ministry of Health departments.

The US agency, in a May 8 letter, cites unspecified conditions that are yet to be met by some of the implementing partners.

However, funding for procurement of commodities and equipment related to life-saving treatment, prevention, outbreak or emergency response have been exempted.

Brian Woody, USAID Kenya and East Africa Contracting Officer, listed activities that directly strengthen county health systems will still be funded.

"Surveillance and service delivery will also continue receiving donor cash from USAID," he said.

The suspension will see salaries and wages for project coordinators, administrative staff, accountants, supply chain officers, financial officers, field epidemiology and laboratory training program staff cut.

"If your organisation is directly impacted by this suspension you will receive a separate letter suspending activities and assistance to the MoH."

"However, whether you receive a separate letter or not, you are to refrain from any activities further specified in this letter and inform your contracting or agreement officer immediately," Woody said.

Funding for domestic, international travel and activities undertaken during such trips like training, conferences, site visits and conventions have been suspended.

Other activities the agency will not fund include meetings, events, and workshops as well as the printing of communication material such as brochures, training materials, and guidance documents.

Woody, however, said that clinic data collection tools and national guidelines may be exempted from the suspension.

"Please contact your COR/AOR prior to conducting any of these activities," he said.

Other key departments affected by the suspension order include ICT, security services, building and equipment maintenance, fleet maintenance and fuel.

"USAID will host an information session on Wednesday in order to address any questions or requests for clarifications related to this suspension notice," Woody said.

Woody did not give specific reasons for the mass suspensions although the move could likely be in line with US President Donald Trump's proposal to cut aid.

In the Ministry of Health, US deals with interventions on nutrition, family planning, and maternal and child health, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and strengthening health programs.

There are also programs aimed at making devolution work for the benefit of all Kenyans through democracy, governance and conflict programs.

In 2015, USAID distributed 3.8 million mosquito nets in 23 endemic and epidemic counties prone to malaria attacks.

In the same year, the agency signed a Sh65 billion ($650 million) contract with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

This increased the amount of US-funded medical commodities it procures, warehouses and distributes.

More on this: How Trump’s proposed US aid cuts will affect Africa healthcare

Technology company Oracle has raised issues with the IEBC about software supplied with election equipment that may not be properly licenced by it.

If the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is not licenced as the end-user of the software, Oracle can demand that the IEBC pay for it or be sued for piracy.

The software is supposed to be used alongside the election equipment, the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System, delivered by French firm Safran Identity and Security that was awarded the tender.

CEO Ezra Chiloba yesterday however said there was no issue on the software powering the KIEMS technology for verification.

“The kits do not run on Oracle neither do they need an Oracle licence to operate. So far, the Kenya Bureau of Standards has run all the expected tests on the KIEMS and we are happy to report that there is 100 per cent conformity with required standards,” he said.

Chiloba clarified that it is the Biometric Voter Registration central processing system that runs on an Oracle licence acquired in 2012 as a package.

“Safran is one of the main dealers of Oracle in Europe and it would not make sense for both parties not to ensure compliance. Since 2012, the Commission has come a long way in ensuring necessary reforms are taken to guarantee the security and integrity of its systems before the General Election. And that is what we continue doing and will continue to do,” he said.

The IEBC is set to start biometric voter verification on Thursday in all the 44,000 polling stations across the country. It has also received 11,000 devices and staff training has been going on.

The IEBC chiefs hurriedly awarded the Sh4 billion tender to Safran Identity and Security, despite its having been knocked out by the tender evaluation committee.

But in what may now throw preparations for the General Election into disarray, the Star was told yesterday by staff of the Commission that the Safran licence which IEBC acquired at Sh500 million could lack a number of proper licences.

“In a meeting with the Commission, Oracle could not confirm the authenticity of the licence, [whether] it was purchased from a third party. Even then the documentation should have stated it somewhere,” a highly placed source familiar with the behind-the-scenes intrigues told the Star.

By 7pm, Oracle country director Corine Nana had not responded to our calls and text messages, despite promising to give us a response.

Safran supplied the over 15,000 BVRs that were used in 2013, amid claims of inflated pricing.

There are now questions why the Commission disregarded the report of the evaluation team against going back to Safran.

It is alleged that the kits are yet to be stress-tested, especially for areas with unstable electricity supply, ahead of the Thursday voter verification of the register.

Safran had been knocked out by a five-member evaluation committee, chaired by David Towett, on four grounds.

First, the copy of certificate of incorporation it submitted indicated that it has been in existence for nine years, two months and 18 days by the closing date, as opposed to the required 10 years.

Safran’s tax compliance certificate had also expired.

The accounts the firm provided, the evaluation committee report states, were not signed by any external auditors and therefore could not be considered as audited accounts.

Some pages of the submitted bid documents were not serialised.

But IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati then defended the decision to single-source, citing time and budgetary constrains.

Gemalto SA, the company that was responsive on all mandatory requirements, was later knocked out on what the IEBC said were budgetary constraints.

The company quoted Sh5.2 billion above IEBC’s Sh3.8 billion budget.

According to the Election (Amendment) Act 2017, voter verification should take place in all the polling stations across the country.

“The Commission shall, not later than ninety days before the date of a general election, open the Register of Voters for verification of biometric data by members of the public at their respective polling stations for a period of thirty days,” the Act states.

However, Safran has only supplied 11,000 gadgets known as the KIEMS. Over 30,000 gadgets are still pending.

In an interview with the Star last week, Chebukati said only 10,000 gadgets will be distributed for the exercise and the remaining 1,000 will serve as backup.

There are fears that some IEBC staff are setting the stage to again award the Sh2.5 billion contract for the printing of ballot papers to Dubai printing firm Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing.

Some 15 firms were invited to bid, but only eight responded. Among them are Uniprint Ltd from South Africa, Ellams Product Kenya Ltd, GI Solutions Ltd from UK, Rosecate Promotions and Supplies Ltd from Kenya and African Infrastructure Development Company, also from Kenya.

“There are forces within the IEBC who still want to derail starting the evaluation process to cite lack of time to facilitate them to go for direct tender to Al Ghurair. Tenders of this nature can be evaluated in five days with all experts on board and the IEBC will get the best bidders for supply of a sensitive nature,” another source said.

The Isaack Hassan-led IEBC team was hounded out of office late last year, mostly because of integrity issues.

The National Super Alliance principals have consistently condemned the IEBC for what they call shoddy preparations for the August 8 General Election.

Eighteen Kenyans will battle it out for the Presidency in August, if cleared by IEBC, after getting the nod from the Registrar of Political Parties.

Of the 18, seven will vie under different party umbrellas while the rest will seek election as independent candidates.

They include Professor Michael Wainaina - PhD, Peter Ondeng (Restore and Build Kenya Party), Abduba Dida (Tunza Coalition), Kennedy Mongare (Federal Party of Kenya) and Ekuru Aukot (Thirdway Alliance Party).

Joe Nyagah (Independent Presidential Candidate, Nazlin Omar (Independent Presidential Candidate), Cyrus Jirongo (UDP Party), Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee Party), Raila Amolo Odinga (ODM) are also in the list.

Also in the list seeking for the top seat include David Munga, Stephen Oweke Oganga, Robert Mukwana Juma, Joseph Ngacha, Japheth Kavinga, Nixon Kukubah, Joseph Musyoka and Erastus Nyamera.

Compared to 2013, this election will be hotly contested as only 350 aspirants sought clearance to run for seats as independent candidates in the run up to the last poll.

Read: Headache for Uhuru, Raila as 4,000 opt to vie independently

According to Joshua Ngala, the registrar's Communication Officer, by Monday evening, 30 people had been cleared to contest for senator positions across the country, 13 for woman representative, and 1,659 for MCAs and 27 others were cleared to vie as governors while another 215 were given the nod to seek MP posts.

If cleared by the electoral, the 18 will first face off in the two planned Presidential debates before the elections

According to the Kenyan constitution, one qualifies for nomination as a presidential candidate if the person--

(a) is a citizen by birth;

(b) is qualified to stand for election as a member of Parliament;

(c) is nominated by a political party, or is an independent candidate; and

(d) is nominated by not fewer than two thousand voters from each of a majority of the counties.

The last requirement means that each of the 18 aspirants must get a minimum of 48,000 nominators to get clearance from the IEBC to contest.

THE LIST

Saturday was a good day for Uhuru Kenyatta who was endorsed by four parties as their presidential candidate.

Uhuru attended the National Delegates Conventions for Maendeleo Chap Chap, Narc Kenya, Kanu and Economic Freedom Party.

He was greeted by large crowds of cheerful leaders and supporters who promised him support in the August 8 general election.

Chap Chap is led by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Narc-K by Martha Karua, Kanu by Gideon Moi and EFP by chairman Hassan Abey and secretary general Abdullahi Gessey.

The parties will field candidates for all seats except that of the president.

The conventions took place at Chap Chap's Lavington headquarters, St Andrews Hall (Narc-K), Kasarani stadium (Kanu) and Nyayo stadium (EFP).

Mutua said Kenyans are proud of what the Jubilee administration has done. He cited road construction, electricity connections and the free maternity programme.

“As a party we decided to give you opportunity to continue the work you began. Kenya has changed and Kenyans want a score card. We have seen your score card," he said.

Karua said Uhuru's policies benefit Kenyans.

“We have made a conscious decision, as a people who have been in both teams, to join your team. It is not accidental; we looked at which team will bring benefits to all Kenyans,” she said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua during the party's National Delegates Convention at St Andrews Hall in Nairobi, May 6, 2017. /PSCU

Gideon said the party decided to support Uhuru so he can continue implementing policies that will improve lives.

“It is important for us that you leave behind a good legacy of changing lives, We will stand with you,” said the Baringo Senator.

Secretary general Nick Salat said the party will fully back Uhuru and DP William Ruto in their bid for a second and final five-year term under Jubilee Party.

“This is your home...we will ensure that your government continues to serve Kenyans under your leadership,” he said.

More on this: Kanu will support Uhuru re-election, Salat says after NEC meeting

Abey told Uhuru: “We support you as our President and are mobilising voters to ensure you garner all the votes because of your track record.”

Read: EFP partners with JP to back Uhuru reelection bid

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Kanu leader and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi during the party's National Delegates Convention at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, May 6, 2017. /PSCU

The President gave short addresses at each of the meetings; his key messages were unity and Jubilee Party's focus on development.

"We will unite and help build Kenya," he said at the ERP convention.

The President noted that unlike the Opposition, Jubilee believes in the fundamental principle of uniting Kenyans for all to prosper.

“Our objective is bigger than those of our competitors whose only aim is to get jobs for four guys,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that four men who have been in government for a total of 100 years are still not aware of the challenges facing Kenyans. What they want is to share leadership position."

AT the ERP meeting, Uhuru said no country can achieve prosperity without unity and peace among citizens.

“We cannot develop as a country if we are divided along tribal and religious lines. I believe God gave us one country so that we can celebrate our diversity and use it to share our prosperity."

The President also called for peace so there is no bloodshed.

Uhuru said he will talk to security officials regarding the curfew in Mandera county, which he said will be reviewed for residents to move freely during the holy months of Ramadhan.

President Uhuru Kenyatta receives his endorsement certificate from Economic Freedom Party during its National Delegates Convention at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi, May 5, 2017. /PSCU

The President then left for Bomas of Kenya where Jubilee is holding a delegates meeting, a day after ODM held its own at Kasarani stadium.

ODM leader Raila Odinga said he was ready to face Uhuru and will not let Kenyans down on the August 8 polling date.

This will be the fourth time the 72-year-old will run for president; he vied in 1997, 2007 and 2013.

An enthusiastic crowd of supports broke into song, shouted and cheered as Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho welcomed Raila to the stage and while he addressed them.

"With this nomination, I will keep the Kenyan dream alive. I commit to spend my last breath for the liberation of our country," he said.

More on this: My last breath will be for Kenya's liberation, Raila says after ODM nomination

Also read: ODM endorses Raila as presidential candidate at charged Kasarani rally

NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga has claimed that the architects of the Ministry of Health scam are relatives and friends of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

This was after the USAID suspended Sh2.1 billion in assistance to the ministry.

US Ambassador to Kenya Bob Godec said the steps taken were due to concerns about corruption and weak accounting procedures.

Read:USAid suspends funding for health ministry departments

"It is common knowledge that the architects are highly placed people in Jubilee government," Raila said in a statement from Israel on Tuesday.

He challenged Uhuru to come clean, arrest the architects of graft, arraign them in court and recover the money lost.

The NASA leader said this will enable the country to be at peace with the donor community.

"We challenge Uhuru to stand with the ordinary women, children and poor people living with HIV/Aids for whom PEPFAR and other US programs on health were the only source of hope," he said.

However, USAID maintained that health intervention programmes will not be affected by the proposed cuts.

He said Uhuru needs to understand that Kenyans are running out of patience adding, "this betrayal of our citizens must come to an end."

Raila said Kenya has been a focus country of US President’s Malaria Initiative adding that it was unfortunate that the Jubilee administration has responded to the suspension "with the usual hubris and propaganda."

Earlier, Health CS Cleopa Mailu said the suspension of the US does not affect them in any way.

Mailu said support for the procurement of life-saving essential commodities has not been affected.

"Consequently, we assure Kenyans that stock-outs or non-availability of medical supplies will not be experienced," the Cabinet Secretary said.

More on this: Sh2.1b USAID funding suspension does not affect Health ministry - Mailu

But Raila said the ministry should not purport to be speaking for the US Government.

Raila further said the Estama Ltd, which was paid to supply 100 container clinics at Sh1 million each, is associated with people close to the President.

"Only recently, the man who supervised this grand theft, Nicholas Muraguri, was transferred to a more lucrative ministry instead of being sacked and prosecuted," Raila said.

Last year, the Health PS who was at the centre of the Sh5 billion “Mafya House” scandal, was under pressure from State House operatives to quit.

The sleaze, also linked to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s own relatives, turned into a public relations nightmare for the first family and the Jubilee government, just months to the August general election.

Read: Uhuru sister, cousin were paid Sh200m Health cash

[VIDEO] We got Sh41 million health tender legally - Uhuru cousin

The matatu driver who clinched the Jubilee Party nomination ticket for Frere Town ward in Nyali constituency is confident he will win the seat in August.

Samuel Mwambegu, alias Adebayo, has been plying the Kisauni-Bamburi route for three years. He said he has the backing of the majority of the youth. The 27-year-old started as a conductor in 2010 and became a driver in 2015.

Mwambegu joins the list of the people who could not have been imagined to be at the ballot.

READ: Mechanic, cook defy odds to clinch JP tickets in primaries

Speaking to the Star in Mombasa Tuesday, Mwambegu said he was in the youth campaign team of the incumbent Amir Thoya during the 2013 elections.

Thoya lost the ODM nomination to another youthful aspirant Charles Kitula during the recently concluded primaries. He said he would run as an independent candidate.

Mwambegu said Thoya failed the youth and the general population of the Frere Town ward.

“He (Thoya) failed to help the youth secure employment opportunities at the county government. Majority of the MCAs helped their youth supporters to be employed as county inspectorate officers, but Thoya failed us completely,” said Mwambegu.

According to him, he has the interest of many youth at heart.

He trounced two other candidates in the JP primaries held on July 26.

“Those two other aspirants were seen to be more serious than me, a matatu driver, but by God’s grace I was able to win fair and square,” he said.

He got 408 votes whereas Hussein Osman got 378 followed by Jones Wanje with 140 votes.

He said he enjoys the backing of the youth, local churches, the Mijikenda community and the general Jubilee supporters in the region.

“I know there is a perception that this region is an ODM zone, but we are sure that we will beat them hands down in August 8,” said Mwambegu.

In Kericho’s Waldai ward, Daniel Ng’etich who has been a cook for seven years at Sosiot Girls Secondary School, won with 2,250 votes against the incumbent MCA John Too, who managed 1,300.

In Kiambu, a mechanic Cyrus Omondi, popularly known as Gearbox, won the JP ticket for the Kahawa Wendani ward.

“In Nairobi during the JP delegates meeting last week, the cook and the mechanic got a warm reception from the President. I was not recognized because I never featured anywhere in the media after my victory,” said Mwambegu.

He said Osman, who lost to him had filed a petition with the Jubilee Election Tribunal forcing him to wait for the outcome of the verdict.

The tribunal however upheld his victory.

Jubilee has contracted the services of global data mining company Cambridge Analytica in the run-up to the August presidential election.

The party will also use the British PR firm BTP Advisers that successfully managed the TNA campaign that brought President Uhuru Kenyatta to power in 2013.

READ: Uhuru sets up six strategic teams to run his re-election

Cambridge Analytica is credited with helping President Trump to win the American presidential election last November and with helping the Leave side to win in the Brexit referendum in the UK last June.

It has been described as a "psychological warfare firm".

CA, a British company, is owned by American billionaire Robert Mercer and alt-right Trump adviser Steve Bannon.

An expose by the Guardian this week claimed that CA, in conjunction with its sister company AggregateIQ in Vancouver, Canada, essentially won the Brexit vote by trawling Facebook and buying up commercial consumer datasets to identify 'persuadable' voters whom it then bombarded with more than a billion social media posts and adverts.

The Guardian claimed that the company employed senior ex-army officers experienced in psychological warfare operations.

“It was like working for MI6. Only it’s MI6 for hire," a former employee told the Guardian.

AggregateIQ was paid £4.7 million (Sh705 million) for its work on Brexit, possibly a breach of campaign finance rules in the UK.

Cambridge Analytica did the same work for Trump in the 2016 campaign, which he won with a margin of just 70,000 votes in three key swing states. Without CA, he might well have lost.

The CA website says it is a "global leader in data-driven campaigning with over 25 years of experience, supporting more than 100 campaigns across five continents". Besides Kenya, those countries include Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Iran and Moldova.

"Within the United States alone, we have played a pivotal role in winning presidential races, as well as congressional and senatorial elections," CA says.

If CA does the same work in Kenya for this election, it can be expected to pay Facebook and other third-party data companies for information about Kenya's undecided voters whom it will then bombard with social media posts and adverts.

A small CA team arrived in Kenya at the weekend to find out what voters believe the Jubilee administration should have done and what it should do, according to well-placed sources in the Office of the President.

The CA team will work closely with BTP Advisers, which has already started campaign planning. Its staff have been coming in and out of Kenya for some time.

BTP played a major role in Uhuru's 2013 win. The firm helped to conceptualise the now-defunct TNA, before its launch in May 2012.

Jubilee has created a team of 500 campaigners from across the country to popularise the Jubilee agenda before the grand launch of the Uhuru campaign.

Fresh details have now emerged on how the Jubilee presidential campaign teams have been subdivided.

The communications team is headed by Alfred Getonga. The strategy team is led by Solicitor General Njee Muturi assisted by Deputy President William Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet, JP vice chairman David Murathe and former Energy CS Davis Chirchir.

Resource Mobilisation is led by Equity chairman Peter Munga who reportedly has already managed to "have enough money" for the campaign.

The Logistics team and the Central Command Centre will be directly supervised by Uhuru's younger brother Muhoho and their maternal uncle and former KAA boss George Muhoho.

Civil servants have been instructed by the President to desist from campaigning but CSs have the leeway to explain how their ministries have implemented the Jubilee manifesto.

Every one of Kenya's 290 constituencies will have a Jubilee coordinator assisted by four officials. They will answer to a regional coordinator. Polling station teams will be recruited online.

Each county identified as a 'Jubilee zone' will be assigned at least one campaign vehicle and more towards August 8.

Aspirants who won nominations in the just-concluded Jubilee primaries will be expected to campaign for Uhuru in their home areas.

A deal has been offered to nomination losers to stick with Jubilee and be rewarded with state jobs after the election.

On Saturday when Uhuru was unveiled as the JP presidential flagbearer, he called on aspirants and party members to campaign for him, as well as for themselves.

"You have been given tickets, I ask you to be my campaigners and, God willing, we will form the next government again", he said.

READ: DP Ruto steps up onslaught on NASA zones with key pointmen

Safaricom's net profit for the full year ended March 31 increased to Sh45.1billion from Sh38.1billion in the same period last year,the company announced on Wednesday.

The total revenues went up 8.8 per cent to Sh212.89billion from Sh195.7billion last year.

Revenue from mobile data posted the highest growth of 38.5 per cent to Sh29.29 billion from Sh21.15 billion, while M-Pesa recorded 32.7 per cent growth to Sh45.08 billion from Sh41.50 billion.

Voice revenues continued to account for the largest share of the revenues, although at a slower growth rate of 2.9 per cent to Sh93.46 billion from Sh90.80 billion.

Income from SMS services however dropped 3.7 per cent to Sh16.68 billion from Sh17.33 billion the year earlier. Chief executive Officer Bob Collymore attributed the growth to increased revenues from M-Pesa.

"Voice, M-PESA and Data continue to show growth although we have seen slight decline in SMS revenue," Collymore said.

Speaking during the release of the results, Collymore further said 3 million additional Kenyans joined Safaricom in the past year.

Safaricom board further proposed a dividend payout of Sh0.97 a share from Sh0.76 last year.

In 2016, Safaricom's net profit for six months through to September increased to Sh 23.93 billion from Sh18.08 billion in the same period in 2015.

The telco attributed the 32.35 per cent growth to increased revenues from non-voice services, largely M-Pesa and data.

Total revenues rose 5.02 per cent to Sh102.1 billion from Sh97.22 billion a year earlier.

Voice services is still the single largest source of income at Sh45.77 billion in the six months, although at the slowest pace of 1.1 per cent compared with last year's Sh45.19 billion.

More on this: Safaricom half year net profit hits Sh 23.93 billion

NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga was on Wednesday spotted 'walking in the footsteps of the Biblical Joshua'.

When Raila was named Opposition presidential candidate, he said he would be the Joshua who would deliver Kenyans from their hardships.

He and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) will face President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto of Jubilee Party at the ballot.

[VIDEO] Raila named NASA flag bearer, Kalonzo deputy in August poll line up

In pictures doing the rounds on social media, Raila is seen praying at Israel's Wailing Wall, wearing a Kippah and holding a bible.

A kippah can be worn conveniently under a street hat, as was the custom for most Jews in the first half of the 20th century.

It is still the practice of many Orthodox Jewish men to wear a head covering not just during prayer but throughout the day.

NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga reads the Bible at the Wailing Wall in Israel. /COURTESY

The Western Wall, or Wailing Wall, is the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people. It is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is the western support wall of the Temple Mount.

Thousands of people journey to the wall every year to visit and recite prayers. These prayers are either spoken or written down and placed in the cracks of the wall.

The wall is divided into two sections, one area for males and the other for females.

Via Twitter on Wednesday, Raila wrote: "Few know my history with this Holy Site. The Western Wall is the pulpit of the Temple of Solomon and is said to have been built over 5,000 years ago. The site is sacred to all three Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Islam and Christianity - and to me it is a very strong symbolism of strength and unity. The story goes that you write your wish on a piece of paper, stick it on the wall and say a prayer and the message goes directly to God."

The ODM leader said he began the tradition of writing his wishes while he was in detention, as it is a "miserable place with time mostly spent alone".

Raila was detained for six years without trial over a failed 1982 coup against the then President Daniel Moi. He was charged with treason. Before this he had been on house arrest for seven months.

NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga inserts a note with his wishes into the Wailing Wall in Israel. /COURTESY

Raila said he spent 23 hours a day alone and that at the time, it would take six months for he and family to exchange letters.

"With a lot of time on my hands, I used to write down the many wishes I had for the people of Kenya. Every time I visit, I take one of those wishes and place it on the wall."

Raila wants to make life better for Kenyans, primarily by improving the economy and ending corruption.

While on the tour, he has called for a peaceful and fair election to prevent the bloodshed that arose after the 2007 vote, whose results he disputed.

The Opposition chief, who travelled to Israel on Sunday, delivered an address the next day on democratisation, religion and the pursuit of peace in Africa at the Truman Institute.

More on this: On Israel tour, Raila makes passionate call for peaceful, fair August poll

Governor, MP, deputy governor or MCA candidates risk spending six years in jail or a fine of Sh2 million if found guilty of using state resources to seek reelection.

Part of the IEBC’s mandate is to ensure leaders do not use public resources in the cause of their campaign.

In The Handbook on Election Security launched on Tuesday, the IEBC and other stakeholders outlined that it is a crime to use resources from companies or corporations where the government has a controlling interest.

“This information is to be supplied to the commission within 14 days from the day the notice of request is put across and before the campaigns kick off,” the handbook reads.

The IEBC, through a notice, had asked all state officers to provide information on the state resources they had access to by May 2.

“Penalty on those found guilty will include a fine not exceeding Sh2 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years,” the Handbook reads.

However, it is not clear how many have complied.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the Handbook, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said the commission is keen to adhere to the election laws.

“We are working with the National Police Service and all other stakeholders to fulfill our mandate, which is to run a free, fair and credible election,” he said.

PRESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta's Sh700 million fashionable white fortress next to State House is almost ready for occupancy, satellite images around Caledonia Estate show.

The President is said to be keen to move back into his house, where he can host large private delegations without much scrutiny, before the August 8 General Election. The aim is to finish before the end of June.

Uhuru is said to have requested a large lounge to accommodate many guests and delegations that visit him privately.

The Star has established that the new structure will be a state-of-the-art residence protected by formidable physical barriers and the latest technology.

A concrete wall, high-tech electric fence, bulletproof windows and a state-of-the-art alarm system are among the security features. And 24-hour GSU protection.

The First Family moved out of their home at the beginning of 2015 to allow for major renovation. The President later decided to demolish the historic house he inherited from his father and rebuild it.

READ: Uhuru moves out of home for renovation, house to have bulletproof windows and special sensors

At the time, the Star established that the First Family was building a stylish, highly secure, bulletproof residence.

The mansion with an upper level is privately funded but all security features are designed by government experts.

The Sh700 million figure is said to be greatly understated, given the security and other features in the compound.

Satellite images from Google Maps confirm the stylish nature of the President's new home which shares a fence with State House.

The images show a driveway with a mini roundabout that opens into the entrance of the main building, which has two wings.

The wing on the right has a swimming pool, while the one on the left appears to have an unmarked helipad on the roof of the upper level.

There are three other structures on the left side of the compound.

One looks more like a garage than a dwelling. The other two appear to be small dwellings, likely to house bodyguards and staff.

The road outside the home was expanded to add a new lane for public use, while leaving a clear road into the residence, which is guarded by GSU officers around the clock.

Since the Star wrote the first story on May 20, 2015, construction workers on site are not allowed to enter the premises with their mobile phones.

The contractor or contractors have not been publicly identified.

So far, no one outside the construction crew knows the nature of the interior, though there are indications all fixtures and furnishings are imported to give the residence a modern feel.

Sources tell the Star that the new residence has a spacious basement/lower level for parking, offices and a kitchen.

The ground floor features a living room and dining room, kitchenette and more offices.

The upper floor contains three spacious bedrooms and other rooms.

The historic residence — which was demolished — was given to Prime Minister Jomo Kenyatta by its previous owner, the Aga Khan, as a fully furnished home, a week before Independence on December 12, 1963.

Kenyatta then bequeathed it to his youngest son, Uhuru, while his brother Muhoho bought a house in Nairobi's high-end Muthaiga estate. All his three children grew up in the house next to State House.

In May 2015, the presidency confirmed to the Star that the First Family had moved into State House to allow for a security upgrade and facelift to their private home on their expansive property.

At the time, spokesman Manoah Esipisu said the renovations were being funded privately.

"Going by world standards, the President must be as secure anywhere he goes as he is inside State House, one of the country's most secure locations," a source familiar with the project said.

The construction site is heavily guarded and only authorised workers are admitted.

No cars are allowed stop in front of the house.

If a car breaks down nearby, GSU officers step out of the gate quickly to check on the car and even push it away.

It is not unusual for a President's private residence to get a major security upgrade, especially when terror threats have escalated.

Since taking office in April 2013, Uhuru had preferred to live in his private home, using State House as his office.

He has, however, become accustomed to using the various State Lodges in the country — especially State House, Mombasa and the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri, which he uses as retreat destinations.

READ: Uhuru to host government retreat at favorite Sagana lodge

Uhuru is not the first President to prefer living in his private home — his father commuted from his Gatundu home for almost 15 years.

Those who knew the old man say he never slept a wink at night.

One of his closest associates, Duncan Ndegwa, revealed that Kenyatta would not sleep at State House because he said it was haunted by the ghosts of white people and frogs croaked the whole night.

For this reason, Kenyatta preferred his ancestral home in Gatundu from where he would make the 50km journey to Nairobi every morning to perform his state duties.

Unlike his father, Uhuru has made himself comfortable in State House, Nairobi, from where he performs most of his functions.

Kenya's second President and Uhuru's political mentor Daniel Moi also preferred to live in his private residence at Kabarnet Gardens in Nairobi.

Moi's house was initially the official residence of the Vice President. He lived there when he was Vice President and minister for Home Affairs.

He decided to keep it after he became President.

His successor, third President Mwai Kibaki, became the first President to live in State House, Nairobi. He made it his home for the 10 years he was head of state.

Kibaki was to retire in a Sh500 million house built for him by the State but has never moved in.

MORE: Kibaki set to retire in Sh500 million home

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday withdrew an appeal he had filed three years ago challenging a ruling requiring him to pay Adrian Muteshi Sh5 million.

Ruto, however, did not explain to the Court of Appeal the reasons behind his decision and neither did he indicate if he obliged with the High Court order and paid Muteshi.

Muteshi was displaced from Eldoret during the 2007 post-election violence and his farm taken.He accused Ruto of unlawfully taking over his farm and sought court intervention.

After hearing the case, the High Court ruled in his favour. Justice Roselyn Ougo ordered Ruto to pay Sh5 million as compensation for unlawfully possessing 100 acres in Uasin Gishu that belonged to an internally displaced person. She said Ruto was a trespasser as the evidence adduced in court clearly showed that Muteshi was the owner of the disputed land.

Aggrieved by this, Ruto filed an appeal. Ruto in his appeal had said he was not found to have committed any fault in the process of acquisition, transfer, possession and ownership of the disputed parcel in Uasin Gishu county.

He wanted the appeal court to suspend the decision of the High Court that ordered him to pay Sh5 milion to Muteshi.

He had argued that he would suffer irreparable injury if that amount was paid.

Former Interior PS Mutea Iringo is among Jubilee Party's 15 nominated candidates for the East Africa Legislative Assembly.

The EALA is an organ of the East African Community and has a wide-ranging mandate on top of being the legislative organ of the community.

National Assembly Majority leader and Garissa Town MP Aden Duale sent a letter on this on May 11, to Michael Sialai who is the National Assembly's clerk.

"I enclose herewith the prescribed form duly completed and endorsed as required together with other necessary documentations," he said.

Also nominated are Charles Mochama (Nyamira), Joe Muriuki (Kiambu), Eunice Karanja (Trans Nzoia), Abubakar Ogle (Wajir), Adan Mohammed (Mandera) and former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua (Nairobi).

Others are Irene Masit (Elgeyo Marakwet), Justin Nthiiri (Tharaka Nithi), Nelson Dzuya (Kilifi), Canon Waqo (Marsabit), Chepkemoi Stacey (Bomet), Florence Sergon (Baringo), Justus Mate (Embu) and Pius Ewoton (Turkana).

Duale vowed that they would shoot down the nomination of opposition candidates.

“I assure the son of Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and the brother of Raila Odinga (ODM) that, despite their political parties each having a slot in the EALA, I will lead members from both sides of the House to reject them,” Duale told the Star.

A storm erupted in both Wiper and ODM, following applications for the nomination of Kalonzo's firstborn son and Raila’s elder brother to the EALA.

Nominated MP Oburu Odinga later said he quit the race to focus on campaigns for NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga.

Read: I declined EALA slot to campaign for Raila, says Oburu

Dr Temi Mutia, immediate former Wiper Executive Director and Deputy Head of NASA secretariat, and Ahmed Ibrahim are among Wiper EALA applicants.

ODM front runners are National Elections Board chairperson Judith Pareno and Raila's long-term think- tank member Abubakar Zein, both of whom are seeking a second term.

Nancy Abisae, who was among ODM’s 2012 nominees, is unlikely to get her job back.

Wiper and ODM are the two major National Super Alliance affiliate parties. It is believed that Kalonzo is positioning his son for presidential succession politics, especially if NASA is vanquished by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the August 8 election.

More on this: Storm in NASA as Kalonzo son, Oburu nominated to EALA

Wiper has defended the nomination of party leader Kalonzo Musyoka's eldest son to the EALA , saying he is qualified.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who addressed journalists on behalf of the party on Thursday, said due process was followed in Kennedy Musyoka's nomination.

"He was the best candidate among the eight who applied. Five came for the interview," he said.

Kibwana further said Kennedy is an intelligent leader with proven abilities to represent the country.

"We cannot overlook someone's constitutional rights and yet he is qualified."

The Governor said the interviews tested applicants' knowledge of the activities of the East African Community activities and the East African Legislative Assembly.

A storm erupted in Wiper and ODM after both parties, which belong to the National Super Alliance, nominated Kennedy and Raila's brother Oburu Oginga (Nominated MP) for the EALA slot.

On Monday, Oginga said he decided to forego the slot to campaign for Raila, who is the Opposition's presidential candidate. Kalonzo is his running mate.

"People are focusing on a non-issue...I declined the move after realising more than three people applied. That is being spun to look like a favour because I am related to Raila," he said.

"I am just as qualified as any other person but I cannot focus on EALA as well as the presidential campaigns. That is why I declined the nomination."

More on this: Storm in NASA as Kalonzo son, Oburu nominated to EALA

Also read: I declined EALA slot to campaign for Raila, says Oburu

Johnson Muthama will not defend his Machakos Senator seat in the general election and has turned his focus to campaigns for NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga.

Wiper party, which is led by NASA vice president candidate Kalonzo Musyoka, did not hold nominations for the position. The Senator is a member of the party. He did not say whether he will quit.

Muthama cited massive irregularities and injustice in the party, saying only the chosen few were given tickets.

"I regret the way Wiper is being micro-managed to the disadvantage of some party members. My decision was influenced by the way Wiper affairs are being conducted," he told a press conference on Monday.

"I am ready to sacrifice my bid and continue serving the people outside of an elective position."

Muthama said he will not campaign anywhere for Wiper.

"As I contemplate my next move, I assure there will be a bruising political battle in Ukambani and that the voice of the people will be heard," he said.

"I do not feel that I have the face, anymore, to campaign or face out supporters of Wiper all over because the party has betrayed the people's trust, just like it did in 2013, by [imposing] Governor Alfred Mutua on the people."

Read: Muthama skips Wiper NEC as the party plays down tiff with Kalonzo

The Senator noted the issuance of direct tickets to some aspirants blocked voters from exercising their right and caused many to go independent.

"Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and CCU leader Wavinya Ndeti were given tickets while others were left to go through nominations which were marred by irregularities," he said.

He also gave the example of Kitui, whose Governor Julius Malombe faced Senator David Musila, who has now opted out of the party.

Muthama also said ballot papers were marked at Gracia Hotel on Friday, a day before the Machakos governor nominations were repeated, "in a bid for ensure Ndeti defeated Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala".

Ndeti initially defeated Kiala with 299,312 votes against his 4,663 but the DG raised several complaints and obtained a court order barring the party from conducting the primaries.

She defeated him again with 227,947 votes when the nominations were repeated on Saturday. Kiala, who caused drama at Gracia by trying to stop the dispatch of material, only got 4,508 votes.

More on this: Wavinya crushes Kiala with 299,312 votes for Machakos governor ticket

Also read: Wanvinya Ndeti beats Kiala in Machakos governor nominations rematch