Uganda: Salary Enhancement for Public Servants (01.08.2019)

The crazy and mandatory exercise called the Huduma Bill of 2019!

Here we are, at this moment and time, where the Jubilee government, where the Kenyatta administration has no issues to launch a bill so draconian. That the state are forgetting their role for the citizens in their drive to pursuit the registration of all with Huduma Numba.

As the bill states: “AN ACT of Parliament to establish the National Integrated Identity Management System; to promote efficient delivery of public services; to consolidate and harmonise the law on registration of persons;to facilitate assigning of Huduma Namba and issuance of identity documents;to facilitate registration of births and deaths;and for connected purposes” (The Huduma Bill, 2019).

This sounds legit, but at the same time, the registration for these reasons should already be in other parts of the legislation. Not for a NIMS or Huduma Namba but for a commercial ideal, which is an agreement between Mastercard and the Government of Kenya.

As explained here: “Nairobi, Kenya – February 7, 2017 – Mastercard commits to supporting the roll-out of the Huduma Card in Kenya as the technology partner of choice for the local government organisation. The secure payment solution supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 that calls for reforms in public services to enhance accountability, transparency and efficient service delivery, with focus on developing a cashless economy. The Huduma Card is a prepaid card with chip and PIN technology that will connect all Kenyans to the formal financial sector by providing a secure, reliable and flexible payment option. The Huduma Card, powered by Mastercard, is currently being issued by Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), with no bank charges being allocated to citizens when registering for the smart card” (Mastercard, 2017).

Clearly, this should be a voluntary exercise, as the commercial aspect of this shouldn’t make this mandatory. However, with this law, they are really showing no regard for the public. As they are not asking people to accept a commercial agreement with Mastercard, but doing it mandatory.

As stated in the law here:

8.(1) Every resident individual shall have a mandatory obligation to present theHudumaNambain order to—

(a)be issued with a passport;

(b)apply for a driving licence;

(c)register a mobile phone number;

(d)register as a voter;

(e)pay taxes;

(f)transaction the financial markets;

(g)open a bank account;

(h)register a company or a public benefit organisation;

(i)transfer or make any dealings in land;

(j)register for electricity connection;

(k)access universal health care services;

(l)benefit from the government housing scheme;

(m)register a marriage;

(n)enrol into a public educational facility;

(o)access social protection services;

(p)register or transfer a motor vehicle; or

(q)any other specified public service” (The Huduma Bill, 2019).

As you see from this, most of the state services are bound by having the Huduma Numba and the Mastercard connected to it. If you don’t have it, you are not getting access to government services. They have even more of them too, even passports:

(2)The requirements for applying or replacing a Passport are—

(a) Huduma Namba;and

(b)prescribed fee” (The Huduma Bill, 2019)

So, by this state, even passing by a road-block, the Police Officers needs to see your Huduma Numba to let you pass by. To prove that your not a felon, but an innocent citizen.

To top this off, the legislators plans to sanctions the ones who doesn’t want to comply to this: “48.A person who carries out or permits the carrying out of any transaction specified in section 8 without a Huduma Namba commits an offence” (The Huduma Bill, 2019).

It is actually an felony to not comply with previous part of law. They are not only stopping people from getting government services if they don’t have the Huduma Numba and Card made by the Mastercard, but also making it a felony not to register it properly.

The giant lie of this bill, is this sentence in the ending of it:

The Bill does not limit any fundamental right or freedoms” (The Huduma Bill, 2019).

Well, if you cannot access any of the government functions or get the needed services because of not having the Huduma Namba and Huduma Card, than your kind of limiting the fundamental rights or freedoms. The liberty of the person is taken away, as they got to do this. This is taking away people’s freedom, to put them into a government scheme, as they have signed off together with Mastercard. They could have done this with VISA and it would have been the same issue, even for Gods sake, American Express.

So, when CS Fred Matiang’i wrote that this bill doesn’t limit any fundamental righ or freedoms of its citizens. I believe he was high or drunk, because he couldn’t write that with a clear mind. Unless, his heartless and doesn’t understand the basic components of the bill. You don’t need to be a legal scholar to get the gist here. Peace.

EACC: Press Statement on Investigations regarding Alleged Irregular Award of Tender for Upgrading of Roads and Embezzlement of Funds by Officials of County Government of Kiambu (27.07.2019)

ODPP: Press Statement – Inquiry into Allegations of Irregular Awarding of Tender for Upgrading of Roads and Embezzlement of Public Funds of Officials of the County Government of Kiambu (26.07.2019)

Kenya: Executive Office of the President – Head of Public Service – OP/CAB/18/19/10A – Re: Budget Alignment Process for Financial Year FY 19/20 (23.07.2019)

RDC: Note du BCNUDH sur les principales tendances des violations des droits de l’homme entre janvier et juin 2019 (25.07.2019)

Second batch of appointments: Boris certainly knows how to pick them…

Well, I had a post on the first ten appointments to the Cabinet of Boris Johnson. I just have to continue and the grim looks are there. Some are re-appointed, but not many. The ones that are appointed and fresh is more interesting, as the Cabinet has really changed and the characters are most Pro-Brexiteers and Borisites or loyalist of Johnson. Therefore, the Tories are now going more far-right and far away from centrist MPs, which means that the end game of Brexit will really be a dark stage of the negotiations and discussions with Brussels.

There will be no glory, will be no fanfare and be no greatness. As the inept and insincere are the ones appointed by Johnson. This administration has already given way to people who has leaked security secrets to Huawei and solo-missions as foreign policy with Israel. Therefore, don’t expect a steady ship, but a rocky road to the 31st October 2019. Nothing else, would be a lie.

Just to top it off. He appointed his brother Jo Johnson MP, whose previously been the Transport Minister in the May government, but resigned over the failed negotiations with Brussels in November 2018. Are now back with his new role as the Minister at State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Department for Education. He will also attend at the Cabinet meetings. Clearly, giving the brother a sweet portfolio.

Another one is Geoffrey Cox MP, who’s re-appointed as the Attorney General. A position he has kept since July 2018.  He is a guy with possible tax-evasion and is the highest earning MP of the UK. Surely, his elitist’s views will be fitting well with Boris.

“The Thief”, Julian Smith MP appointed the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. His known for having a menacing side and swearing. In addition, that he was tired of stories of the Northern Ireland backstop concerning the “no-deal” Brexit. Surely, as the appointed, a man for NI he should take care of that and secure the borders there.

Than, you have Andrea Leadsom MP, whose one out of 40 Brexit troublemakers. Whose been a high ranking official in the Vote Leave Campaign before the Brexit. Therefore, we know why she’s here. She is now appointed as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Before this she has had several roles in the Cabinet until she resigned in May 2019. Therefore, it wasn’t long between her resignation and her new role. As a Pro-Brexiteer she is fitting like a glove.

You have also, Allister Jack MP, who gotten appointed to be Secretary of State for Scotland. The MP who owns shares in the supposed “world worst firm” Jardine Matheson Holdings (JMH). He comes from an remain area of Scotland, but has deliberately voted for Pro-Brexit amendments. Surely, this is a reason for why he was elevate to this job.

The biggest Brexiteer and the hardliner out there, except for Farage, is Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, who gotten appointed Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons. A honourable position for a man like this, whose wealth, ownership in investment firms and even one that has already flagged out to Ireland. Surely, this man is desperate to deliver Brexit, even as his businesses are moving because it off it too. His the ERG hardliner, who will do everything to get a no-deal Brexit and leave the Union at any cost. Surely, he fits well with Johnson.

Last MP I will include in this piece of appointments, is the pro-Boris backer, Jack Berry MP. Who got appointed to be the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. His such a man, whose stated that the Northern British is more brave, than the Representatives at Whitehall. Surely, his a Pro-Brexiteer as it comes.

These fellow appointments combined with the ten I discussed yesterday. Proves where Boris is standing and what sort of people he want around him. These negotiations and the talks with Brussels will resemble the people involved and the arrogance of Boris. We cannot expect anything else. This is just what it is. Peace.

The Ten First Appointments of Boris: Is a disaster and an inept government in the waiting!

Surely at this very moment the fresh Prime Minister Boris Johnson is enjoying the power, as he has cleared the shop. Sorry, his cleared his cabinet and starting to appoint it. As well, as there are also several of ministers whose resigned. Therefore, Johnson really has to get new people in. Even if the first few mentions and appointed individuals, seems to be the latest misfits and previously tried cabinet secretaries, that either failed or wasn’t up for it. They are the ones his picking.

First pick was Sajid Javid as the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the HM Treasury. Whose had some posts, but not shown flair. Maybe, Johnson see something we others don’t?

Second pick was Priti Patal, whose had scandals and had to resign from her previous post. Where she was held a secret meeting with Israeli counterparts without telling the HM government. Now, she is back in the fold and gotten the trust of Johnson, she is becoming the Secretary of State at the Home Department.

Third pick was Dominic Raab as the Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The man who don’t understand the value of Calais and other vital information for someone whose involved directly with trade with foreign nations as Foreign Secretary. This can only get more interesting and worrying, as his just a loyal head and not a big brain into the cabinet. Him as a Foreign Secretary will even make Johnson himself look brilliant in this post and that says something!

Fourth pick is the not noteworthy Stephen Barclay, the Secretary of State for the Department of Existing the European Union (DEXEU). He continues in this role, a role he has had since November 2018 after he took over for Raab who resigned, but now is in good graces again. Look over. Not like Barclay have done anything noteworthy or exceptional as the secretary, neither of the ones before him did anything either. So, he keeps his desk-job and with Johnson at the helm, surely don’t expect much flair from Barclay.

Fifth pick as the Chancellor of the Duchy at Lancaster is the friend and loyal mate Michael Gove, who has previously had a fallout with Johnson. He is re-appointed to this role, which is practically an estate manager and ensuring the administration it. This is really a safe role for Gove, as his appointed to a Duchy, but not in the vital portfolios of the state.

Sixth pick as the Secretary of State of Defence is Ben Wallace, who is moved from the State for Security and Economic Crime, which he has held since 2016. His a close ally of Johnson and therefore, been given a big role now. His place has been upgraded overnight since May resigned.

Seventh pick as the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trust is Elizabeth Truss. Who was until this the Chief Secretary at the Treasury. She is a backer of Brexit and would vote for it again if a Referendum would pass. Surely, that shows her allegiance with Johnson, just right there. Also during 2018, she could not reach questioning time by the parliament as she was stuck in a train for 4 hours. Wonder if that is a sign of what to come from her?

Eighy Pick is Matt Hancock who has become the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. He is reappointed, as he got this position first in 2018. Therefore, Johnson kept him in the same position.

Ninth pick is Theresa Villiers, whose appointed as the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She was the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland between 2012 to 2016. She’s a Brexiteer and a controversial figure. Surely fitting well with several other comrades in this cabinet.

Tenth pick is Gavin Williamson as the Secretary of State for Education. He was the Secretary of State for Defence between November 2017 to 1st May 2019, as he was sacked from the job for a national security leak over Huawei. Also, he questioned PM May’s fitness for the role in government. So, surely, this appointment is a shocker, but in line Patel and others, who has broken the code, but allowed to get back now.

Enough for now. This is not getting better. Just getting worse. Feel bad for the British. This is the people whose trusted and to lead. This is the ones that is supposed to finalize the Brexit for HM Government and Westminster, this will end up in chaos and utter disgraceful activity. Not a good look, if it was wobbly under May, Johnson will be even incredible levels of incompetence and lack of due diligence. Peace.

Brexit: David Gauke MP resignation letter to PM Boris Johnson (24.07.2019)

Opinion: CS Rotrich is the fall-guy for the Jubilee right now!

If your believing that Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji and the Director of Criminal Investigation George Kinoti is going to finish the investigation in the Arror and Kimwarer dam scandal. As of today, the DPP launched arrests of several of high ranking officials including the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Henry Rotrich. However, I am not convinced they will see this through, because if they do. They will go to the heart of the government and these fellas don’t want to do that!

The Jubilee Government is one of the most corrupt governments in living memory, they have been feeding all sorts of cartels and rigged themselves into power. That is why the whole Press Conference now, seems like a play for the facade and not for the results. Not, that I don’t want the men and woman who are corrupt behind bars. I do, they still the public’s money and eat of the plate of all the citizens without any consequences. In this case, it seems more like all the smoke and no fire.

There is a fire initially, as there are two ghost dams and the state paid for them through a illegal tender process and payouts, which the state cannot establish where it went. Even if there is guesses of the final destination. That is still not touched and won’t be unless there is a miracle. Not like the Finance Minister and all the other parties involved worked on this silence without getting clear guidance and telling the high above about it. That would be foolish to think otherwise, that the Deputy President and President didn’t know. This was well established projects with beneficiaries and had directed overpriced structure to benefit the masterminds on the top.

Therefore, that Haji and other busy bodies, that usually tend to make a stand. Does it again, is to show some flair and tenacity in the spectrum of the world. That the War on Corruption is real and that they will not stop. However, they will stop and suddenly, evidence will vanish, affidavits will be dismissed and the Courts will not have enough to build a case or even prosecute anyone. If we have seen that before? Yes! Will it happen in this case? Most likely. Why? Because, these men is part of elite, the tribe that always win, even when they loose their able to strike a win. That is just what they do.

We can act like it isn’t like this. We can act like this is a victory against corruption. When it really isn’t, yes it has created headlines and even will make a cabinet reshuffle to take the seat of Rotrich. His just the current figure to jump on the sword for the high and mighty excellencies whose not touched or even cared for. Even if there is a big chunk of funds that has vanished from planet earth, taken out from a mysterious account and no-one can trace it. Know, that this fella will not be caught, because his untouchable. Kinoti and Haji wouldn’t face that, because then they will sacked and only get a minor commission job after a year of grace.

So, I am cynical, I don’t expect a blast. I don’t expect all this big-men to eat the charges and get into long legal trouble. Even if the DPP dropped several of counts of crimes and broken statutes, the DPP and the DCI needs to have their bases clear and also the thumbs up from the high above. Because, you cannot bring down men-of-honour without the blessing from the top. No, it has to be coordinated and the ones who is in trouble. Will maybe pay a little, but don’t expect it to scratch the surface. As they don’t want to implicate or deliver any information covering the people in the shadow or even the ones who cannot be touched. No, they will not do that, then they would be afraid of their last breath. That is just the way things are. Not beautiful, but greedy suits going into a dangerous path. Unless, the state screws it all up and looses the connecting dots. Which wouldn’t surprise anyone.

Well, so how about that UNGA then, will that CS answer for his misdeeds too or is Rotrich the only fall guy this week? Peace.