THE STANDARD By
Patrick Beja |
January 17th 2021 at 00:00:00 GMT +0300
Last Tuesday, Deputy President William Ruto exuded confidence in his strategy to eclipse governor Hassan Ali Joho
(pictured) and ODM dominance in Mombasa.
In a meeting with Nyali MP Mohamed Ali and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar in Karen, Nairobi, Dr Ruto said his team was focused on transforming Mombasa . Impressed by the insightful brief on behalf of our Mombasa Team on the progress and prospects of the county strategy and advancement planning for various engagement, said Ruto.
Since 2017, Ruto has made several forays to the Coast. The visits appear to have gained traction with several ODM MPs now supporting his presidential ambitions.
THE STANDARD By
Patrick Beja |
January 3rd 2021 at 00:00:00 GMT +0300
The Likoni floating bridge, which connects Liwatoni in Mombasa island to Ras Bofu in Likoni South Coast mainland. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]
Likoni ferry transport has witnessed heated politics for over two decades. However, this could finally ebb following the opening of the Likoni floating footbridge for public use on Friday.
Although considered a stop-gap measure to reduce congestion at the Likoni channel crossing, the Sh1.9 billion pedestrian bridge is seen as the first step after years of seeking an alternative mode of transport between Mombasa Island and the South Coast.
The new bridge, which is expected to operate for five years, was a result of intense consultation between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mombasa County leadership, led by Governor Hassan Joho, as they sought a solution to the congested Likoni ferry channel amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
THE STANDARD By
Treeza Muhando |
December 19th 2020 at 00:00:00 GMT +0300
There is a video clip circulating on social media of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa
(pictured) daring her male counterparts who, allegedly, threatened to cause her harm. She, potentially in a failed attempt to claim power over her body, now turned into the battle field, taunts the male politicians to make good on their threats.
It gets worse. She adds that should they decide to do harm her, they should come ready and empowered because she is not a virgin, after all.
As a general rule of thumb, I am slow to throw stones at women. This is not to say I refuse to hold them accountable for their actions, especially when they have influence or visible platforms. It means I extend insurmountable grace to them, particularly, those in power.
Msambweni by-election to test the weight of BBI, Raila-Ruto war
Today’s by-election in Msambweni, Kwale County, will likely put to test the political might of President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga on one side against that of Deputy President William Ruto on the other.
Raila has held the constituency in his grip since 2007, and is backing Omar Boga of ODM. The constituency of more than 69,000 voters is set to elect an MP following the death of Suleiman Dori eight months ago.
Uhuru’s Jubilee party did not field a candidate in respect to the spirit of the Handshake, which has been perceived as a silent backing of the ODM candidate.
THE STANDARD By
Standard Team |
December 16th 2020 at 00:00:00 GMT +0300
ODM candidate Omar Boga (in white face mask) is escorted by his supporters after voting at Jogoo polling centre in Msambweni, Kwale County, on December 15, 2020. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]
Drama, violence, arrests, bribery claims and low turn-out rocked the Msambweni by-election.
In the melee that ensued, former Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama, Belgut MP Nelson Koech and a man identified as John Kiarie (not the MP) were arrested over alleged election malpractices.
Police said Nyali MP Mohamed Ali and Lunga Lunga’s Khatib Mwashetani were also being sought over chaos at Jomo Kenyatta Primary School polling centre.