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We’ll catch you, drugs thieves in Vihiga told

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Vihiga Governor Wilbur Otichillo has warned unscrupulous health employees who sell drugs supplied by the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency.

Addressing health staff before flagging off a consignment of drugs on Saturday, the governor said a new directorate to deal with community health has been formed.

Otichillo said software is being installed in all the 53 health centres in the county to monitor the use of the drugs on a daily basis.

“In my manifesto, I gave health the first priority. That is why in my first 90 days in office, I am flagging off a consignment of Sh30 million drugs,’” the governor said.

Otichillo said he would not fold his arms and watch as drugs are stolen.

He thanked the agency for coming up with the software to ease the monitoring of the movement of drugs in county hospitals.

He said the agency has been understanding and has given Vihiga county drugs, despite a huge debt left behind by the previous administration.

“We inherited a Sh47 million debt, which the former government owes Kemsa. I want to assure you I will pay the money,” Otichillo said.

He said the agency has not supplied the county with drugs since 2014.

Otichillo said he doesn’t understand how the previous government used to run the health sector without drugs.

“I cannot imagine the trouble the people of Vihiga have gone through for the last three years,” the governor said.

 


North Rift governors to set up Sh200 billion park in Uasin Gishu

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The North Rift governors have agreed to jointly support construction of a Sh200 billion industrial park at Plateau in Uasin Gishu.

The governors said the African Economic Zone Pearl River Industrial Park project would create more than 500,000 jobs.

North Rift Economic Bloc chairman Jackson Mandago, who is also Uasin Gishu governor, his Nandi counterpart Stephen Sang and Alex Tolgos of Elgeyo Marakwet said they would work closely with the investors.

The project was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta early this year.

Noreb is an economic bloc that also includes West Pokot, Samburu, Baringo, Turkana and Trans Nzoia.

The county chiefs spoke during a dinner for Chinese investors in Uasin Gishu.

Mandago and Sang said the region has raw materials and ready market for products that will be manufactured at the industrial park.

 “North Rift is the best region to invest in because it has all the requirements, including manpower and market,” Tolgos  said.

He said the region has favourable climate, infrastructure and resources.

Mandago said, “It will be the single largest industrial park in the country. We foresee major benefits that will open up the entire region for other investment opportunities in sectors like tourism.”

The governors said they have goodwill from the national government and support for the project.  Sang said the investments would open up key sectors for expansion.

“We have agreed to partner as counties under Noreb to ensure the industrial park succeeds and benefits the more than 10 million people in our region,” he said.

 Tolgos said the project will address unemployment problems. “The project will create jobs for our people, both directly and indirectly. We have adequate raw materials, especially from agriculture,” he said.

Businessman David Lagat said support from the local and national partners will play a critical role in the success of the project.

In August, the governors in the North Rift have planned to activate the North Rift Economic Bloc and implement key joint projects valued at more than Sh300 billion. 

The joint projects are in agriculture, water, energy and infrastructure.

The governors and other elected leaders will discuss peace and security in Kerio Valley to facilitate development programmes.

In 2015, the North Rift Economic Bloc started exporting fresh produce, the chairman said.

Mandago said the bloc will fight poverty and economically empower more than 15 million people. The counties produce 30 per cent of the flowers exported from Kenya.

Mandago said they will work towards increasing production of horticultural crops for export. “The bloc is a very viable plan, which we believe will help us benefit from economies of scale in both production and marketing of agricultural produce,” he said.

“We plan to have two or three cargo planes operating at the Eldoret Airport weekly. We can only do this if we come together and ensure our farmers produce the quantity required.”

The bloc held its first investor conference in Eldoret town between November 18 and 21, officially opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The counties endorsed a new plan for expansion and improvement of business at the Eldoret International Airport to boost investments.

Under the North Rift Economic Bloc, the airport was earmarked as an important part of Noreb’s investor-focused blueprint for regional development.

Governors from the counties which form Noreb said they support plans by the Kenya Airports Authority to improve the capacity of the airport to attract new investors.

Nandi parents meet for thanksgiving prayers

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Parents at Bishop Muge Memorial School, the leading primary school in Nandi’s KCPE exam results, met at the school yesterday for thanksgiving prayers. 

The school had a mean score of 390 marks and produced the best candidate in Nandi county. It is named in memory of Anglican Bishop Alexander Kipsang arap Muge. Agatha Jepchirchir (pictured) was the top pupil with 439 marks.

Jepchirchir, 14, hopes to join Alliance Girls Secondary School. She would like to study medicine in future. Head teacher Sammy Sawe said 15 candidates scored more than 400 marks. The lowest mark registered at the school was 351. “All the 52 candidates did very well and we are proud of them,” Sawe said. Nadhifa Jeptoo scored 428 marks, an indication that girls posted better results compared to boys.

KBF shelve Blades, USIU play-off dueld

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Poor lighting forced the Kenya Premier League playoff quarterfinal match pitting Blades against United States International University at the Strathmore University courts to be cancelled. At the time of abandonment in the third quarter, Blades who trailed 22-18 at the break, led 39-35. Both teams are locked at 1-1 in the best of three series. The new date of the match will be announced later. Co-op Bank suffered a stunning 59-48 loss at the hands of Umoja. The former champions were down 35-27 at the breather and never recovered during the match interrupted by rains. Nick Ogol was huge for the self-supporting side, sinking game high of 23 points while Gilbert Obiro tallied 12 points from Umoja. Stuttering Co-op had eight points from Joshua Kisiali. Reigning women’s champions Equity Bank over-powered Eagle Wings 50-23. Joyce Nabwire scored 12 points while Winnie Wafula managed 10 points for the losers, who were down 21-11 at half time.
In the lower division, top seed Barclays Bank found the going tough as they were humbled 66-34 by Eldonets who led 43-24 at the break. Footprints beat Africa Nazarene University (ANU ) 61- 45, behind 17 points from Daisy Ayodi and 11 from Purity Wachira. Karen Shihundu bagged 14 for ANU.

Western power

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Western region fans will enjoy more football during the next season following the promotion of Vihiga United to the Sportpesa Premier League.
Vihiga United on Saturday joined Nzoia Sugar FC, Kakamega Homeboyz and AFC Leopards who have a majority fan base in Western Kenya.
Vihiga won National Super League champions after defeating Ushuru FC 1-0 at their Mumias Sport Complex home ground. Wazito also qualified after finishing second while Ushuru will play a playoff against Thika United.
In the do-or-die fixture Ushuru, who started the weekend at the top of the log with 78 points, squandered an opportunity to qualify directly by losing with a solitary goal.
Vihiga started the first half in attacking mood with captain Patrick Okulu missing a golden chance after a quarter hour of play when his close range shot went wide.
Vihiga took the lead in the 27th minute through Bernard Ochieng, whose powerful header from a fine Okulu’s cross went to the far bottom corner.
Ken Kenyatta’s boys tried in the second half to get an equaliser that would have guaranteed the direct qualification but in vain.
The tax men dropped to third place in 78 points and will have to wait for the playoffs with Thika United who finished third from bottom in the SportPesa Premier League.
Coach Edward Manoah said he was happy with the win and it was time to put behind the celebrations and work on the pre-season and transfers. “We reaped big from what we sowed and we have proved the boys are capable of achieving more in the future,” Manoah said.
The jovial Vihiga United chairman Indimuli Kahi exuded confidence that the new boys will prove the doubting Thomases wrong when they make their debut in top tier next season.
“We are happy to have won the league and earned the promotion. Now we are going back to the drawing board to ensure we keep pace with the rest in the top league,” Kahi said.
Vihiga United will be seeking to emulate and even surpass their neighbours Nzoia, who were promoted last season and managed to finish ninth on the log.
 The Kakamega Homeboyz chairperson Cleophas Toto Shimanyula praised the new boys and asked them to keep their head down and utilise the pre-season to prepare well for the top tier. “I am happy to see another team from the region playing with us next season. This will bring more competition in the western region,”  said Shimanyula.
Homeboyz themselves had a stellar season, finishing fifth with 50 points. He, however, appealed for sponsors to come up and help the teams meet their expenses.
He said Homeboyz are in negotiation with the Kakamega County Government to take over the team from next season. Replacing Vihiga in the national super league will be Kakamega High School’s  Green Commandoes who topped FKF Division One Zone ‘B’ league.

Faceoff as cops ban NASA city prayer meeting

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A major showdown looms tomorrow between the opposition NASA and the police over a planned parallel prayer event to President Uhuru Kenyatta's swearing-in.

The police yesterday vowed that they will not allow the rally to go on, a situation that is likely to be a replica of the recent running battles between NASA supporters welcoming their leader Raila Odinga at the airport from his US visit and the police, after warning the opposition against holding the procession.

NASA has announced it will hold a memorial prayer rally for victims of police brutality in Jacaranda Grounds, Embakasi East constituency, while President-elect Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto will be sworn in at the Kasarani Stadium.

Read: Go to Jacaranda at your own risk, Koome warns, says NASA lying

The opposition's plan to hold rallies or processions in Nairobi has on several occasions seen them lock horns with the police either restricting them from accessing particular places or banning the events on alleged NASA failure to notify the cops as per the law.

Nairobi Police Commander Japheth Koome has said several city roads to be used by high-profile guests attending the Kasarani Inauguration will be under tight security by a multi-agency operation.

Military and General Service Unit officers will man Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Museum Hill and the Aga Khan Hospital areas, Wangari Maathai Road and the Thika Superhighway to avert any security threat on visitors and citizens.

The Kenya Red Cross Society will also be on standby in the multi-agency police operation of securing the roads.

NASA on Saturday notified the police about its Jacaranda Grounds function, but Koome, who spoke to Star on the phone yesterday, said the venue would be a no-go zone, while insisting that the coalition has not notified the area OCS.

NASA's lawyer Edwin Sifuna wrote to the Embakasi Station OCS James Ekwenye and copied the notification letter to Koome.

“Our clients shall hold a memorial on Tuesday 28th November 2017 at Jacaranda Grounds within Nairobi County for the 25 innocent Kenyans who met their untimely deaths at the hands of police and regime sponsored killer gangs in the past few weeks,” reads the letter.

“You are hereby notified of the same and requested to provide security during the said memorial to ensure the safety of all those who will attend and the public in general.”

NASA warns the police against attempting to disrupt the meeting by applying force and brutality.

“The coalition shall hold you and your officers personally responsible for any harm that shall come to any of its supporters or attendees during the memorial,” the letter reads.

[VIDEO] Tear gas, gunshots as NASA supporters wait for Raila outside JKIA

Koome dismissed the letter, saying the planned prayer event is illegal. He holds that NASA notified the wrong area police boss instead of notifying the Soweto Station OCS, under whose jurisdiction Jacaranda Grounds falls.

“Babu Owino is the area MP and he must be very well aware that this area is in Soweto. They should stop lying to Kenyans that they have notified the police. Anyone going there will be doing so at their own risk,” Koome said.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet refused to speak on NASA's planned rally and instead told a Star reporter to seek comments from Koome.

“The law says anyone planning to hold any procession, public meeting or demonstration should notify the OCS of the area at least 24 hours before the scheduled time for the event,” Koome said.

He warned that police will quell any attempt by NASA to proceed with the event because it will be violating the rule of law and public order.

NASA chief executive officer Norman Magaya, however, indicted Koome for plotting to disrupt the meeting and insisted that they are done with notifying the police.

“Koome is just playing games. If he wants to break up the meeting, it is fine let's meet there and break it up. We have been compiling a long list of people who are being killed on his orders,” Magaya said.

He added,“The international crimes against humanity are applicable in this country and we are going to sue no other person other than Japheth Koome himself.”

Read: Koome names red zones, talks tough on security for Uhuru swearing-in

Raila, his NASA co-principal Musalia Mudavadi and opposition lawmakers on Saturday during a Maanzoni Lodge leadership forum in Machakos County vehemently denounced Uhuru’s presidency.

The leaders maintained that together with their supporters, they did not “individually or collectively” delegate their sovereignty to Uhuru as Kenya's head of state and government.

As of last evening, the State was still tight-lipped on the list of heads of states and governments who will attend President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta’s swearing-in ceremony.

Only Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President John Magufuli of Tanzania are reported  to have confirmed that they will attend the ceremony.

The Times of Israel newspaper reported on Wednesday last week that Netanyahu will fly in tomorrow morning and leave after the ceremony, which, according to multiple sources, is expected to be attended by over 20 heads of state and governments.

Unlike in 2013, where there was a power handover from then President Kibaki to President-elect Uhuru, this time round there is no such colour.

Sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency told the Star yesterday that a number of Presidents from the African Union would attend.

“The dignitaries who have confirmed they will attend remain a guarded secret maybe for security reasons, but what I know is that a number of leaders from AU nations, and more so East Africa, will be present,” a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Star.

Tomorrow, Uhuru will be the last dignitary to arrive at the 60,000-seater International Sports Centre  Kasarani, for  the swearing-in ceremony that the law decrees must take place in broad daylight, between 10am and 2pm.

But before the main event, there will be prayers from the different religions.

Read: UhuRuto preach unity, say swearing-in a celebration of diversity

Uhuru will, during the swearing-in ceremony, take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation of allegiance and the oath or affirmation for the execution of the functions of the President.

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi will administer the oaths, witnessed by Chief Justice David Maraga, or, in the absence of the CJ, in the presence of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.

Yesterday Uhuru and Ruto urged politicians to use the country’s diversity for the national good instead of abusing it for personal gain.

Speaking when they attended a thanksgiving Sunday service at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Huruma, Nairobi, Uhuru said hat the celebrations at Kasarani will not be about him and winning an election but Kenyans celebrating their diversity, peace and unity.

The President pointed out that, Kenya being a democracy, it is normal to compete for political positions but the competition should not be based on ethnicity, race or tribe but ideas that will lift the lives of Kenyans.

 The President added, “Within the political world, it is normal to have political differences but that does not mean we can’t co-exist and live together in peace".

DP Ruto said, “Today, let us all resolve that we will refuse hate, resist negative ethnicity and reject divisive politics so that we can live together as one people – the people of the great nation of Kenya”.

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Duped: Raila advisers made him withdraw and now call him President

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Tuesday is a very special day for all Kenyans and it is detestable for the National Super Alliance to purport to hold a parallel event on the same day.

It is clear on face value that the said meeting to be held in Nairobi when the swearing of President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President-elect William Ruto is taking place is meant to embarrass the State and the people of Kenya.

While it is their constitutional right to hold the said prayers, it is also very important to take heed of what the police have advised. Tuesday will be a security intensity day, when the attention not only of Kenyans but also the entire world will be on our nation, therefore it will be morally wrong for the opposition to plan other events for the day purposely meant to provoke the police, who may respond by using force.

Read: NASA says notice for Tuesday memorial given, Koome 'unaware'

Also read: Go to Jacaranda at your own risk, Koome warns, says NASA lying

NASA should consider shelving their meeting to a later date when the police are less occupied with such weighty matters. And in any case, both the President and the Deputy President have invited the opposition to join them during their swearing-in at Kasarani Stadium.

It is time our leaders put aside their political differences and embrace peace and unity. What happened in the two concluded elections in which, unfortunately, NASA withdrew in the last one, was just but competition – and in any competition there must be a winner.

In their retreat that took place in Machakos county on Saturday, I have seen that NASA has asked its members of Parliament not to participate in the vetting of various nominees that might be forwarded to Parliament by the President and they also resolved that they will not recognize Uhuru and Ruto as President and Deputy President, respectively. As long as you do not have the instruments of power, you have not taken the oath of office in the presence of the Chief Justice, then all those other things they are purporting are just nonsense. 

Another thing that the opposition needs to take note of is that they are in Parliament courtesy of their people. Raila should reconsider his team of advisers; of late they are doing a disservice to him, from telling him to withdraw from the presidential race to now lying to him that he is the President.

Read: Raila risks jail for treason if he takes presidential oath

The writer is the MP for Baringo North and a lawyer 

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'Treacherous shenanigans': The inside story of Mugabe's downfall

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After another tense meeting with Mugabe on Nov. 5, Chiwenga left Harare on a pre-arranged official trip and traveled to China, which wields significant influence as a major investor in Zimbabwe.

A day later, Mugabe sacked Mnangagwa as vice president and purged him from ZANU-PF, the liberation movement that Mnangagwa had served since his youth and for which, as a young militant caught bombing a train, he had nearly been executed.

For the generals, Mugabe had gone too far. The military immediately activated a “Code Red” alert, its highest level of preparedness, a military source said.

ASSASSINATION PLOT

Moments after Mnangagwa was ousted on Nov. 6, the security details assigned to him and his house were withdrawn, according to a statement he issued later. He was told his life was in danger.

“Security personnel, who are friendly to me, warned me that plans were underfoot to eliminate me once arrested and taken to a police station,” Mnangagwa said in a Nov. 21 statement. “It was in my security interest to leave the country immediately.”

From Harare, he managed to escape over the border into neighboring Mozambique, where he caught a plane to China, according to one source familiar with his movements. There he met up with Chiwenga, the source said.

Reuters could not confirm the account; but an intelligence report from Nov. 13 indicates that Mugabe suspected some of his generals of preparing to overthrow him from China.

“A number of generals are now in China ready to plot Mugabe’s ouster with Mnangagwa,” the report said. It was not clear which generals, and whether their travel to China was authorized.

Protesters calling for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to step down take to the streets in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 18, 2017. /REUTERS

Mugabe’s spies suspected old allies had turned against the aging president. An intelligence report, dated Oct. 30, said Beijing and Moscow both supported regime change out of frustration at Zimbabwe’s economic implosion under Mugabe.

“China and Russia are after change,” the report said. “They are after change within ZANU-PF as they are sick and tired of Mugabe’s leadership.”

“The two countries are even ready to clandestinely supply arms of war to Mnangagwa to fight Mugabe.”

Neither China’s Defense Ministry nor Foreign Ministry responded to a request for comment. The Foreign Ministry had previously said Chiwenga’s visit was “a normal military exchange mutually agreed upon by China and Zimbabwe.”

Reuters sent written requests for comment to the Kremlin, the Russian Defense Ministry and the Russian Foreign Ministry. None of them responded.

China has long taken an interest in Zimbabwe, having supported Mugabe’s forces during the liberation struggle. After independence it developed connections there in mining, security and construction.

Inside State House in Harare, Robert Mugabe was in the tightest spot of his 37-year rule. Tanks were on the streets and troops had occupied the state broadcaster, from where the army had announced it had taken control of Zimbabwe.

Mugabe, 93 years old but still alert, remained defiant. The only leader the country had known since independence was refusing to quit.

At a tense meeting with his military top brass on Nov. 16, the world’s oldest head of state put his foot down: “Bring me the constitution and tell me what it says,” he ordered military chief Constantino Chiwenga, according to two sources present.

An aide brought a copy of the constitution, which lays out that the president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Chiwenga, dressed in camouflage fatigues, hesitated before replying that Zimbabwe was facing a national crisis that demanded military intervention.

Mugabe retorted that the army was the problem, according to the sources present. Then the beleaguered president indicated that perhaps they could find a solution together.

The meeting marked the start of an extraordinary five-day standoff between Mugabe and Zimbabwe’s supreme law on one side, and the military, his party and Zimbabwe’s people on the other.

The generals wanted Mugabe to go, but they also wanted a peaceful “coup,” one that would not irreparably tarnish the administration aiming to take over, according to multiple military and political sources.

Zimbabweans celebrate with soldiers after President Robert Mugabe resigns in Harare, Zimbabwe November 21, 2017. /REUTERS

The president finally accepted defeat only after he was sacked by his own ZANU-PF party and faced the ignominy of impeachment. He signed a short letter of resignation to parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda that was read out to lawmakers on Nov. 21.

Mugabe, who had run Zimbabwe since 1980 and overseen its descent into economic ruin while his wife shopped for luxury goods, was gone.

The country erupted into ecstasy. Parliamentarians danced and people poured onto the streets in their tens of thousands to celebrate a political downfall that sent shockwaves across Africa and the world.

To many, the end of Mugabe had been unthinkable only one week before.

Reuters has pieced together the events leading up to Mugabe’s removal, showing that the army’s action was the culmination of months of planning that stretched from Harare to Johannesburg to Beijing.

BITTER RIVALRY

Drawing on a trove of intelligence documents from within Mugabe’s feared Central Intelligence Organization (CIO), Reuters reported in September that the army was backing Emmerson Mnangagwa, then vice president, to succeed Mugabe when the time came.

The report detailed how Mnangagwa, a lifelong friend and former security chief of Mugabe, might cooperate with Mugabe’s political foes in order to revive the economy. It caused furore in Zimbabwe’s media and political circles.

Bitter rivalry intensified between Mnangagwa and Grace, Mugabe’s 52-year-old wife, who also hoped to take over as president and had the backing of a ZANU-PF faction known as G40.

In early October, Mnangagwa said he had been airlifted to hospital in South Africa after a poisoning attempt in August. He pointed no fingers - but he didn’t need to.

Grace’s swift response was to deny it and accuse her rival of seeking sympathy; she belittled him as nothing but an employee of her husband, according to a report in the state-run Herald newspaper.

As the pressure built, Mugabe became increasingly paranoid about the loyalty of army chief Chiwenga, a career soldier and decorated veteran of Zimbabwe’s 1970s bush-war against white-minority rule.

Mugabe’s spies, who permeated every institution and section of society in Zimbabwe, were warning him the military would not accept Grace as president.

“Mugabe is very worried of a coup,” one intelligence report, dated Oct. 23, said. “Mugabe was openly told by senior CIOs that the military is not going to easily accept the appointment of Grace. He was warned to be ready for civil war.”

Reuters reviewed the document, and hundreds of other intelligence reports dating back to 2009, before the coup took place. The documents come from within the CIO, but Reuters could not determine for whom they were written. The CIO is split into factions, some pro- and some anti-Mugabe.

In late October, Mugabe summoned Chiwenga to a showdown, according to another of the documents, dated Oct. 30. It said Mugabe confronted the army chief about his ties to Mnangagwa and told him that going against Grace would cost him his life.

“Chiwenga was warned by Mugabe that it is high time for him to start following. He mentioned to Chiwenga that those fighting his wife are bound to die a painful death,” the intelligence report said.

At the same meeting, Mugabe also ordered Chiwenga to pledge allegiance to Grace. He refused.

“Chiwengwa refused to be intimidated. He stood his ground over his loyalty to Mnangagwa,” the report said.

Reuters put questions about this exchange and other aspects of this article to Mugabe’s spokesman, George Charamba. In an enigmatic text message dated Nov. 23, he replied: “Enjoy Reuters copy. Goodnight.”

Two spokesmen for Chiwenga declined to comment.

Russia has also had ties to Zimbabwe since the early 1980s, and in 2014 a Russian consortium entered into a partnership to develop a $3 billion platinum mining project in the country.

Chiwenga’s trip to China culminated in him meeting Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan in Beijing on Nov. 10.

Two sources with knowledge of the talks told Reuters that Chiwenga asked if China would agree not to interfere if he took temporary control in Zimbabwe to remove Mugabe from power. Chang assured him Beijing would not get involved and the two also discussed tactics that might be employed during the de facto coup, the sources said.

Reuters could not establish whether Mnangagwa met Chang.

Having got wind of the talks in China, Mugabe summoned his still-loyal police commissioner, Augustine Chihuri, and his deputy, Innocent Matibiri, to detain Chiwenga on his return to Harare, government and security sources said.

The pair assembled a squad of 100 police and intelligence agents. But the plot leaked and Chiwenga supporters managed to pull together a counter-team of several hundred special forces soldiers and agents as their commander’s plane approached.

Some were disguised as baggage handlers, their military fatigues and weapons hidden beneath high-visibility jackets and overalls, one security source said.

Realizing they were outnumbered and outgunned, Chihuri’s police team backed down, allowing Chiwenga to touch down without incident, the security source said.

Mugabe’s spokesman did not comment on the incident.

“VERY ALARMED”

Two days later, Chiwenga and a group of military commanders demanded a meeting with Mugabe at his official State House residence in Harare, an ornate colonial villa complete with stuffed leopards and thick red carpets, according to a government source.

They said they were “very alarmed” at the firing of Mnangagwa and told Mugabe to rein in his wife and her G40 faction, whom they accused of trying to divide the military, according to the government official, who was present at the discussions.

“What do you think should be done?” Mugabe demanded of the soldiers as he sat slumped in an armchair.

The generals asked him to give assurances that they too would not be purged. Mugabe’s response was lukewarm, the government source said. Chiwenga told Mugabe he would be making his concerns about the G40 faction public.

Hours later, Chiwenga summoned reporters to the military’s main barracks near Harare to issue a statement.

“We must remind those behind the current treacherous shenanigans that, when it comes to matters of protecting our revolution, the military will not hesitate to step in,” he said, reading from a prepared text.

The following afternoon, Reuters reported six armored personnel carriers heading towards the headquarters of Mugabe’s Presidential Guard on the outskirts of Harare. It was unclear whose command they were under.

At the time, the city’s residents were on edge but still unsure what it all meant.

THE LINE WENT DEAD

 At around 6 p.m. on Nov. 14, Mugabe’s motorcade headed to his private “Blue Roof” residence, a heavily fortified compound in the capital’s leafy northern suburb of Borrowdale.

Meanwhile, social media buzzed with pictures of armored vehicles driving along roads to Harare, sparking frenzied speculation about a coup.

Increasingly concerned, Grace put in a call shortly after 7 p.m. to a cabinet minister asking to get WhatsApp and Twitter shut down, according to one source familiar with a recording of the conversation.

The minister, whose identity Reuters is withholding for safety reasons, replied that such a move was the responsibility of state security minister Kembo Mohadi.

“No-one will stand for a coup. It cannot happen,” said Grace, commonly referred to as Amai, which means Mother, according to a source who heard the recording.

Mugabe’s voice is then heard on the line: “As you have heard from Amai, is there anything that can be done?”

The minister gave the same response, about the responsibilities of state security, and the line went dead, the source said.

Mohadi declined to comment.

Two hours later, two armored vehicles rolled into the Pockets Hill headquarters of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), according to ZBC sources.

Dozens of soldiers sealed off the site and stormed into the studios where they accosted staff, snatching their phones and halting programs. State-owned ZBC, widely seen as a mouthpiece for Mugabe, switched to broadcasting pop music videos.

Mugabe’s inner circle, nearly all of them G40 loyalists, had no idea what was under way, according to four sources familiar with their conversations.

Information Minister Simon Khaya Moyo called Defense Minister Sydney Sekeramayi to ask if he had any information about a possible coup. Sekeramayi said no, but tried to check with military chief Chiwenga.

Chiwenga told Sekeramayi he would get back to him. According to the sources, Chiwenga never did.

Moyo remains in hiding and was unavailable for comment. Sekeramayi declined to comment.

SECURITY DETAIL

As ministers in the G40 faction tried frantically to work out what was going on, Chiwenga’s men closed in on Mugabe’s compound.

According to a source briefed on the situation, Albert Ngulube, a CIO director and head of Mugabe’s security detail, was driving home around 9.30 p.m. after visiting Mugabe. He met an armored car on Borrowdale Brooke, a side road leading to Mugabe’s house.

When Ngulube confronted the soldiers and threatened to shoot them, they beat him up and detained him, the source said. Ngulube was later released, but had suffered head and facial injuries, the source added.

Spokesmen for Chiwenga and Mnangagwa declined to comment. Reuters was unable to contact Ngulube.

Other G40 ministers were also picked up by soldiers. Finance minister Ignatius Chombo was found hiding in a toilet at his house and beaten before being detained at an undisclosed location for more than a week.

On his release on Nov. 24, he was hospitalized with injuries to his hands, legs and back, his lawyer told Reuters, describing the army’s behavior as “brutal and draconian.”

Soldiers used explosives to blow the front door off the house of Jonathan Moyo, the main brains behind G40, according to video footage of the house seen by Reuters. Others burst through the front gates of the residence of local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, another key Grace supporter.

Both men managed to escape to Mugabe’s residence. Contacted by Reuters shortly after midnight in the early hours of Nov. 15, Kasukuwere was audibly stressed. “I can’t talk. I‘m in a meeting,” he said, before hanging up.

For another week, Mugabe clung on to the presidency as Chiwenga and his forces tried to engineer a peaceful, and quasi-legal, exit for the long-serving leader.

But as parliament began impeachment proceedings on Nov. 21, Mugabe finally gave up. After 37 years in control, during which much of his country fell into poverty, his letter of resignation said he was stepping down out of “concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe.”


Police recover Sh17m of cash stolen from KCB Thika, suspects to appear in court

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Police have recovered Sh17 million of the Sh50 million which was stolen at KCB Thika through an underground tunnel on November 20.

In a heist reminiscent of a Hollywood movie, the robbers spent months tunnelling into the bowels of the bank and stole the cash.

Police said three people arrested over the robbery will be taken to court on Monday as investigations over the theft continues.

They are Charles Mwangi Murakaru, 30, Halford Munene Murakaru, 32, and Julius Wainaina, 32.

More on this: Three arrested over Sh50 million Thika KCB tunnel heist

Detectives from Thika police station recovered Sh17,135,000 which was in various denominations including US dollars, pounds, Canadian and Australian dollars.

The amount included 1,311 US dollars, 340 Great Britain Pounds, five Canadian Dollars, 85 Australian dollars, 46,000 Tanzania shillings, 40 South Africa Rand and 20,000 Ugandan shillings.

"All cash has been transferred to KCB headquarters Nairobi for safe custody,"police said.

According to the report, instruments the thieves used to break into the vault were also recovered alongside various Identity Cards.

Also read: Bank robbers nice, quiet ‘booksellers’ ferrying soil

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Uhuru becomes grandpa as Jomo and Fiona welcome baby girl

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President Uhuru Kenyatta’s first son Jomo and his wife Fiona Achola have welcomed a baby girl.

Achola, who wedded Jomo in 2016, gave birth to Baby Wanjiru at Aga Khan Hospital on Sunday.

This is an early present for Uhuru who is set to be inaugurated on Tuesday for his second term in office.

Jomo's wife is the granddaughter of the late William Omamo and niece to Defense Cabient Secretary Raychelle Omamo.

In 2016, Achola got a warm reception at Uhuru’s rural home in Ichaweri, Gatundu, during the traditional ceremony known as the Itara.

She was received by hundreds of people including the President’s family members, friends and neighbours.

The ceremony is one in which the bride’s family visits the groom's home to see where their daughter will settle.

More on this: Jomo and Achola’s ‘Itara’ ceremony

Tourism sector grows by 10.4% in nine months

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The Kenya tourism sector recorded a 10.4 per cent growth in the first nine months of 2017, the government announced over the weekend.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said international arrivals have been witnessed more at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi as compared to Mombasa’s Moi International Airport.

JKIA recorded a 11.1 per cent growth receiving 655,569 guests compared to 589,958 in 2016, whereas Moi Airport got 66,699 visitors compared to 65,600 in 2016.

“Mombasa grew by only 2 per cent,” said Balala.

Balala said the government will work on introducing incentives on investments to encourage new hotel investments across the region.

He said an investor who wants to put up a hotel facility will be given a five-year tax free break to help them recoup their capital.

“Nairobi has over 6,000 new beds. Mombasa has not seen new modern hotels coming up, therefore we will come with incentives to encourage investors,” he said.

On Saturday, Mombasa received on board MS Nautica cruise ship Marshall Islands in North Pacific Ocean.

Balala said they have a clear strategy on developing cruise ship tourism along the Indian Ocean circuit, which will benefit Kenya and the East African region most.

However, he blamed the contractor building the new cruise ship terminal at the port of Mombasa, saying they are taking too long to complete the works.

“Initially, we had agreed on August as the deadline. It was pushed to November. Now we are being told we will have to wait until August next year,” said Balala.

“This is unfortunate and disappointing issue. If we do not commit and have tangible programme, we will not be included in the cruise tourism circuit.”

This comes at the time when the Coast region has regained its confidence as a safe tourists’ destination, according to stakeholders.

Despite the pro-longed political season, international and local tourists are flocking down to the Kenyan coast this December holiday season.

Mohammed Hersi, the chairperson of the Kenya Coast Tourists Association and the Chief Executive of Sun Africa Beach Hotel said they expect a 100 per cent hotel booking.

He said international guests have confidence in the region, given the fact that two Neos charter planes from Italy, the Turkish Airline, Condor Air from Germany and and Tui Travels charter plane from United Kingdom are now doing trips to Mombasa.

Neos, Condor Air, Turkish Airline and the Tui Travels charter do at least two trips to Mombasa every week, which is a good sign of the improving sector that was once on its knees.

“Despite all the political challenges we have had, international visitors still have great faith in Kenya. Mombasa and Kenya Coast is bouncing back,” said Hersi.

Hersi said tourism has serious multiplier effect on the country’s economy.

“We should be grateful to tourism and diaspora remittance that helped our shilling in August, September and even October,” he said.

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A great day for our republic

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One fine day, it occurred to the members of the Body that they were doing all the work and the Belly was having all the food. So, they held a meeting and after a long discussion, they decided to go on strike till the Belly consented to take its proper share of the work.

For a day or two, the Hands refused to take the food, the Mouth refused to receive it, and the Teeth had no work to do. After this period, the members began to find out they were not in a very active condition: The Hands could hardly move, and the Mouth was all parched and dry, while the Legs were unable to support the rest.

They thus found out that even the Belly, in its dull quiet way, was doing necessary work, and that all must work together or the Body will go to pieces.

This Aesop’s fable has a good lesson for all of us and one that we must take to heart on this great day in our Republic. We must all must work together for the prosperity of this country, especially after the lengthy election period we have had. Today, President Uhuru Kenyatta will be sworn in for his second and final term amidst the unending political noise from the opposition. In his inauguration speech, we expect the President to outline his plan to continue with the transformation agenda.

We expect him to tell us how his government will push through to uniting a very divided nation and building the sense of nationhood. This is a great day for this country as democracy has prevailed — we are stronger as a country because of the very long electioneering period.

He is the President of Kenya and not only of the eight million voters who voted for him but for all of us since we have a stake in the betterment of this country. The President is the single most uniting factor, and his plans should be supported by all who believe this country should move forward.

But it is also a day on which we have to remind ourselves of the tasks that lie ahead without being distracted by the politics of 2022. It is time for all of us to declare allegiance to this nation and decide that we have to work together for the benefit of all Kenyans, individually and collectively.

It is the time to celebrate as a country, to unite all the 44 tribes and the 47 counties, to move on as one, to heal the existing sharp divisions and to focus on the next five years of building our country.

Today, the President is likely to remind us of the journey we have taken as a country since he first took oath of office in April 2013. He will definitely take stock and tell us where he believes our country should head in the coming years.

In all competitions, no one likes to lose but we must appreciate that losing is part of the process of engaging in contests. Winners must take their victory in their humble stride, while the losers must dust themselves off and wait for the next contest.

The next focus must be on putting the country back to economic growth by focussing on production, and making the best use of our resources.

We lost billions economically due to the long electoral period and it is time we focus on recovery. We must not forget that we will only win if we work together towards having better roads, improved healthcare, access to water and energy, and quality education.

It is time to get back to work, and individually and collectively work towards the transformation that President Uhuru started in 2013. This is because an improved economic environment benefits all of us.

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Mt Kenya leaders form caucus to push projects in 12 counties

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Mt Kenya leaders have formed a caucus to push development and cooperation between MPs and 12 county governments.

The matter of wrangles was termed key as Kenya shifts focus to President Uhuru Kenyatta's succession. The leaders discussed how to support governors with ideas and avoid leadership wrangles.

Related: Mt Kenya planning to pick Ruto’s 2022 running mate

Also read: Mt Kenya supports NASA, Raila says after receiving Koigi Wamwere, Kirugi M’Mukindia

These and other decisions were made at a weekend golf and dinner meeting organised by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria at Thika Greens Golf Resort.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and 38 Members of Parliament from the 12 counties attended.

Kuria said the elected leaders resolved to work together for the counties' economic development through steps such as improving infrastructure and education.

The leaders also talked about forming a regional economic block and the joint management of tea and coffee. The caucus will also collectively lobby the national government for more mega projects in water and irrigation within the Mt Kenya counties

Creation of jobs for the youth, improving access to electricity and street lighting also featured.

The lawmakers further resolved to work on ways of developing low-cost housing and golf resorts in each of the counties.

Rotational meetings

The leaders further agreed to hold the monthly meetings in rotation - the next one was set for Kiraitu Murungi's Meru county in December.

Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Joseph Nduati (Gatanga), Alice Wahome (Kandara) and Kimari Kihara (Mathioya) represented Meru.

Nyandarua had Faith Wairimu Gitau (woman representative) while Laikipia county was represented by Patrick Mariru (Laikipia West).

John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Mercy Gakuya (Kasarani) and Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central) represented Mike Sonko's Nairobi county.

Nakuru had Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Kinuthia Gachobe (Subukia) and Kimani Kuria (Molo) while Waiguru attended alongside Senator Charles Kibiru, Ndia MP George Kariuki and Kirinyaga Central's Munene Wambugu.

Kiambu also had Gathoni Wamuchomba (woman representative), Githua Wamachukuru (Kabete), Jonah Mburu (Lari), Wanjiku Kibe (Gatundu North) and Patrick Wainaina (Thika Town).

Nyeri was represented by Rahab Mukami (woman representative)), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town), Gathiaka Kiai (Mukurweini), Gichuhi Mwangi (Tetu), and Gichuki Mugambi (Othaya).

Tharaka Nithi had Beatrice Nkatha (woman representative) and Gitonga Murugara (Tharaka) while Embu had Njeru Ndwiga (Senator), Jane Njiru (woman representative) and Muriuki Njagagua (Mbeere North).

Meru was represented by Kathuri Murungi (Imenti South), Moses Kirima (Imenti Central) and Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri).

Lamu West MP Robert Muthama also attended the meeting.

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Oburu meets Uhuru team for unity deal with Raila

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President Uhuru Kenyatta is reaching out to opposition chief Raila Odinga for a political deal to save the country from deepening division.

Details emerged the day before Uhuru and DP William Ruto are to be inaugurated for their final five-year terms and Raila plans what could be a hugely overshadowing, distracting and embarrassing parallel event at the same time.

Related: Security tight hours to Uhuru's swearing-in, 60,000 expected

As Raila's event has been banned, confrontation with police is likely.

The olive branch actually several branches were extended in two meetings over the weekend by National Assembly Majority Leader Adan Duale to Raila's elder brother Oburu Odinga, sources close to the discussions have told the Star. There were a flurry of emissaries.

Oburu confirmed the two meetings to the Star and said Duale had sent a personal message to Raila. He declined to discuss it.

The peace offerings also come with conditions publicly recognise Uhuru as the legitimately elected President, tone down NASA's anti-government activities and call off the rally today.

NASA's prayer event is supposed to memorialise victims of police violence during opposition marches and protests.

“If Raila accepts the proposal, the President himself will get involved in the negotiations,” a source familiar with the intrigues told the Star.

There was no word on Raila's response but the rally was said to be on, though the proposals were said to be under consideration by the former Prime Minister and his lieutenants.

The Jubilee proposals:

1) Raila's lieutenants would receive at least two Cabinet posts and four slot for Principal Secretaries for the NASA leader;

2) NASA would be given influential parastatal jobs and diplomatic appointments;

3) Jubilee would use its majority in Parliament to unconditionally approve Oburu and Kalonzo Muyoka's son Kennedy as members of the East African Legislative Assembly;

4) Jubilee would donate one of its own six EALA slots to Musalia Mudavadi's ANC. The ANC and Ford Kenya are not entitled to any EALA seats because of their small representation in Parliament;

5) Uhuru himself will personally be involved in negotiations if Raila accepts.

By yesterday, there were signals the icy Jubilee-NASA relationship had begun to thaw.

Raila's full security detail of 12 officers were to be reinstated by close of business yesterday. Security for co-principals Kalonzo and Moses Wetang'ula was also to be restored.

The security details were withdrawn on September 27 as NASA began demonstrations to push out IEBC officials they blamed for bungling the August 8 polls.

In an interview with the Star yesterday, Oburu, the former Bondo lawmaker also said Duale had sent a message to Raila.

“And he [Duale] was also trying to see if there is anything that I can talk to my brother [Raila] about. But I told him, that it's better President Uhuru reaches out directly to Raila. Not through me,” Oburu said.

“You know political temperatures are high, so naturally, as a stalwart of Jubilee, from all angles, he would want the temperatures to cool," Oburu said.

The inauguration will be attended by 100,000 people, including heads of state and government or their representatives. It will start at 9am and Kenyatta will deliver a speech outlining his vision and how he plans to unite a divided country.

Over the weekend, there was a flurry of events by various emissaries, racing against time to get NASA and Jubilee to initiate some form of dialogue.

Sources close to the discussions tell the Star the first meeting was on Friday at Duale's office and the second was at the private Parklands Sports club.

Yesterday, Oburu, a prominent and respected member of the Jaramogi Oginga family, said in an interview,

“Duale is my friend. Even on Friday, I went to his office. I was campaigning for an EALA seat. You have to reach out to everybody, so I was looking for his support.

During the discussions, it's said Duale demanded NASA calls off today's rally and prayer gathering.

The NASA event has been banned by police, however, it is expected to take place somewhere, probably just a few kilometres from Uhuru's swearing in ceremony at Kasarani.

NASA has pledged to push anti-government activities, including civil disobedience, boycotts and People's Assemblies in the counties.

The opposition initially insisted it would swear in Raila as the People's President today. However, Raila rejected the idea on Saturday at Maanzoni, disappointing many hardliners and other supporters.

By late last evening, NASA insisted its planned and banned rally at Jacaranda grounds was still on.

It was not clear whether Raila had rejected the overtures or talks were still at an early stage.

The Jubilee government fears the NASA rally could overshadow the swearing-in ceremony.

At least 11 heads of state are expected to attend Uhuru's coronation as the state is determined to demonstrate global acceptance despite controversy that marred the August 8 General Election and the October 26 rerun.

On Sunday, the President publicly reached out to the opposition in an apparent call for dialogue.

Speaking at Redeemed Gospel Church in Huruma, Uhuru asked the opposition to save Kenyans from political confrontation, adding the country should now come together.

“Na hata naomba wale tulishindana na wao. Hakuna haja sasa ya kusumbua mwananchi. Mwananchi ametimiza yake. Sisi tuje sasa tukae na tupange yale ambayo twataka kutendea Kenya. (And I ask my competitors that there is no need to disturb citizens. The citizens did their part. We should now come together, sit and plan what we want to do for Kenya,” Uhuru said..

On August 11, in his acceptance speech after the botched August 8 poll, Uhuru appealed directly to Raila.

"To my brother Mr Odinga, I reach out to you. I reach out to all your supporters and all those who were elected on opposition benches, and say that we shall work together, partner and grow this country together," Uhuru said

"I extend a hand of friendship, cooperation, and a promise to partner to work together to succeed. And Kenyans want us to succeed."

More on this: 'Outrageous rumour': Oburu denies negotiating NASA-Jubilee deal

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30 suspected drug peddlers in universities deported – CS

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Kenya has deported 30 people involved in drug trafficking within universities, acting Interior CS Fred Matiang'i said yesterday.

In April, the government launched investigations in public universities, following reports that drug cartels were operating openly.

Matiang'i, who is also the Education CS, said some drug lords are using students to sell hard drugs in universities, leading to an increase in cases of unrest.

The CS said, "We have recently deported more than 30 drug peddlers posing as students in various universities in the country."

Matiang'i said the government asked the institutions to ensure the drugs are done away with.

"We have been fairly ruthless in deporting international students who have either been caught selling drugs or are part of cartels," he said.

"We have imposed serious responsibilities on our universities to ensure they are used for learning, not peddling drugs."

The CS said the war on drugs has been successful, but is not yet over.

"Let me not pretend...we have not been 100 per cent successful in control. The traffickers think ahead of us in terms of how they move the drugs," he said.

"We are facing a crisis ... we have tried our best as a country."

Early in the year, President Uhuru Kenyatta talked tough against drug dealing during a visit to the Coast.

He said his administration would eliminate barons.

But he has been criticised for reiterating his remarks over the years, while the illegal business thrives.

Deputy President William Ruto said money from drug dealing is used to fund terrorists.

Al Shabaab militants have continued to carry out attacks in several parts of Kenya in response to the KDF's presence in Somalia, as part of the Amisom peacekeeping force.

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KCB Thika Sh50 million heist thieves to remain in custody

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Three suspects have been arraigned in a Thika court in connection with the Sh50 million theft at KCB’s Thika branch.

Helford Munene Murakaru, 32, Charles Mwangi Murakaru, 30, and Julius Ndung’u, 32, appeared before Thika chief magistrate Theresa Murigi yesterday and pleaded not guilty to three charges.

The prosecution told the court between November 18 and 20, the suspects, jointly with others who were not in the court, entered KCB through an underground tunnel and stole Sh52,650,000, AUD95, €185, £1,630, TSh271,000, USh947,000, $5,781, ZAR40 and CAD5.

The suspects were also charged with handling stolen property contrary to section 322 ( 1 ) ( 2 ) of the Penal Code. They denied the charge.

They were also charged with a third count that on November 25 at Joy Land Estate in Juja, dishonestly handled Sh17,135,000, $1,311, £340, €3,660, CAD5, AUD85, Tsh26,000, ZAR40 and Ush20,000.

Plea for bail

The suspects were represented by Counsel Opiyo Zacky Odegi, who pleaded with the court to grant the suspects lenient bail and bond terms.

“Bail and bonds are constitutional rights and my clients are not exceptional.

They were arrested in their house in Thika on Saturday and have been in police custody for the whole weekend,” he said.

The lawyer argued that his clients are not flight risks and that they are ready to face justice.

However, his application was objected by state counsel Stella Oyagi, who said the prosecution had compelling reasons to deny the suspects bond or bail.

Referring to a sworn affidavit by the investigations officer in the case, Oyagi said that the accused were planning to leave the country.

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What next for Kenya? Uhuru to be sworn-in as Raila prepares rival rally

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Kenya's political divisions looked set to deepen on Tuesday as security forces patrolled the capital in preparation for President Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration and police sealed off an area where the opposition planned to hold a rally.

Read: Security tight hours to Uhuru's swearing-in, 60,000 expected

Uhuru won a second five-year term on October 26 in a repeat presidential election boycotted by NASA leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair.

The Supreme Court nullified the first presidential election, in August, over irregularities.

The extended election season has divided Kenya, a Western ally in a volatile region, and blunted growth in East Africa's richest economy.

Supporters of Uhuru - who won with 98 per cent of the vote after Raila's boycott - are urging the opposition to engage in talks and move on.

"Our responsibility after the political competition is to come together and work to build the nation," Uhuru told a church service on Sunday.

More on this: UhuRuto preach unity, say swearing-in a celebration of diversity

Tens of thousands of the Jubilee Party leader's supporters, clad in the red and yellow Jubilee party colours and carrying Kenyan flags, arrived at Kasarani stadium where the inauguration will take place.

“I’m sure Uhuru will be able to bring people together and unite them so we can all work for the country,” said Eunice Jerobon, a trader who travelled overnight from the Rift Valley town of Kapsabet.

Shortly after she spoke, a large crowd gathering outside the stadium overwhelmed police and streamed inside.

Raila's supporters say such talk of unity is tantamount to surrender. They accuse the ruling party of stealing the election, rampant corruption, directing abuse by the security forces and neglecting vast swathes of the country, including Raila's heartland in the west.

"A return to the political backwardness of our past is more than unacceptable. It is intolerable ... This divide cannot be bridged by dialogue and compromise," the National Super Alliance opposition alliance said in a statement.

Read: Uhuru still illegitimate president, resistance on, Raila tells BBC

The Opposition planned to hold a prayer meeting at Jacaranda grounds on Tuesday, saying it wants to commemorate the lives of supporters killed during confrontations with the security forces over the election period.

More than 70 people have been killed in political violence this election season, mostly by the police.

But a Reuters team at the scene of the planned rally said it had been sealed off by dozens of police.

Two water cannons were standing by, setting the stage for a confrontation if opposition supporters tried to gather. 

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Uhuru swearing in: Police fire tear gas to control Kasarani crowds

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Police fired tear gas to control people who tried to force themselves into Kasarani stadium for Uhuru Kenyatta's coronation on Tuesday.

"Haki yetu, Haki Yetu (Our right)," the supporters mostly dressed in Jubilee Party colours shouted as they pushed past police. 

Officers blocked them and beat some, leaving several injured. Some received first aid while others were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.

The officers were seen chasing after some while others made it past the gates.

Policemen carry an injured man after police fired tear gas to try to control a crowd at Kasarani stadium ahead of President Uhuru Kenyatta's swearing-in, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

People barge into the stadium grounds ahead of the inauguration of Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

Police on horseback and ambulances were seen at the venue. Security is tight and all attendees must be checked as they will witness the ceremony alongside more than 20 heads of state or senior ministers.

Read: Security tight hours to Uhuru's swearing-in, 60,000 expected

Also read: Koome names red zones, talks tough on security for Uhuru swearing-in

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who boycotted the October 26 re-run of the presidential poll, has called a protest rally, despite a police ban.

The National Super Alliance is planning a memorial service at Jacaranda grounds for supporters killed during demonstrations.

Policemen walk ahead of the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

People barge into the stadium grounds ahead of the inauguration of Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

August's presidential election was annulled by the Supreme Court over what it called "irregularities".

The re-run saw Uhuru win 98 per cent of the vote with a turnout of just under 39 per cent.

Raila reiterated on Tuesday, during an interview on BBC, that Uhuru is an illegitimate leader..

More on this: Uhuru still illegitimate president, resistance on, Raila tells BBC

 Read: We will not cancel memorial service for anyone, says NASA

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[VIDEO] Cops fire tear gas, seal off Jacaranda grounds ahead of NASA rally

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Police have sealed off Jacaranda grounds where the Opposition is planning to hold a memorial service parallel to Uhuru Kenyatta's coronation.

NASA, led by veteran Opposition chief Raila Odinga, wants to honour supporters killed during confrontations with police since the August 8 national election.

A spot check by The Star found police in strategic places and two water cannon trucks at the grounds.

Some residents said police were not allowing people to leave their houses. They said tear gas was fired and gunshots heard. 

"There is tear gas all over my house. My kids are crying and my neighbours are facing the same," one told The Star.

Faeces and garbage were also found at the location, apparently dumped by people who do not want the rally to take place.

"Even if they pour human poop or garbage, Kenyans will be at Jacaranda today. They will smell human waste but the memorial will go on," ODM director of communications Philip Etale said via Twitter.

NASA lawyer Nelson Havi said: "Mike Sonko dumping foul-smelling waste at Jacaranda, for the stench to scare away mourners attending #NASAMemorial."

Sonko is the Governor of Nairobi who has said his city is not for demonstrations.

On Friday, the coalition notified police of the memorial in a letter copied to Nairobi police commander Japheth Koome.

At least 25 people died on November 17, after supporters who had gone to welcome Raila at the JKIA clashed with police. An autopsy report by government pathologist Johansen Oduor said 10 had bullet wounds.

Read: NASA has right to swear-in Raila, Muthama says at Machakos strategy meeting

Also read: Shoot me if I'm the problem, not my supporters, Raila tells Jubilee

But Koome told journalists that NASA wrote to the wrong OCS. He said priority would be given to securing the city for Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto's inauguration for another five years at State House.

More on this: NASA says notice for Tuesday memorial given, Koome 'unaware'

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Netanyahu to meet African leaders, strengthen ties with Israel

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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's trip to the country entails more than possibly attending President Uhuru Kenyatta's second swearing-in.

The Times of Israel reported that he said: "The purpose of the trip to Kenya is to deepen ties with Africa, including by establishing connections with nations with which we do not have diplomatic relations."

The Prime Minister is expected to attend a luncheon alongside leaders including Presidents John Magufuli (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Edgar Lungu (Zambia), Paul Kagame (Rwanda).

Others are leaders from parts including Togo, Botswana, Namibia and Ethiopia.

He is also expected to meet several leaders before leaving Kenya later on Tuesday.

Despite allegations of rigging in the Kenyan election Netanyahu congratulated Uhuru in a November 2 letter on his “landslide victory.”

He said the visit, along with planned trips to Belgium, France and India, was proof of an unprecedented diplomatic boom for Israel.

“There has never before been anything like this, in political, security, economic or social terms. Israel is now in the best situation it has been in since its founding,” he said on Monday.

In July 2016, Netanyahu became the first sitting Prime Minister to visit Kenya. 

Read: Deal ruthlessly with terrorists, Netanyahu advises, assures Kenya of support

Also read:  Reasons behind 1st Visit From Israel PM

Uhuru won a second five-year term on October 26 in a repeat presidential election boycotted by NASA leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair.

He is facing the daunting task of uniting a divided nation so he can push his development agenda in what he said would he his last term as President.

Read: What next for Kenya? Uhuru to be sworn-in as Raila prepares rival rally

Click here for the latest political news

 

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