Wetangula: A man without a home

Moses Wetangula, the tenure of Party Leader in the Forum for Restoration of Democracy – Kenya (FORD-Kenya) is now over. After ten years in-charge, the gazette today is now making it official. Even after the outcry and battle cry for his restoration of the role in the end of May 2020. It has been to no avail and its now official.

Wetangula, the former NASA Co-Principal and the former Minority Leader in the Senate is a man without a home. His a backbencher in some ways. A lost soul trying to find his way. Moses got support of Musalia Mudavadi, but that doesn’t help him. It seems that he got no helping hands or general control to assess the situation itself.

His fall started on the dethroning in October 2018, as his lost the title and leader role in the Senate. That was the first proof that he wasn’t untouchable and had enough friends. This was given to James Orengo, as he represented the biggest opposition party.

Since, then its been the gold scandal and shown that Wetangula haven’t had friends as he couldn’t find a way or relevance. As he wasn’t loyal to the National Super Alliance, neither to the Presidential Handshake. Therefore, neither Jubilee nor ODM needed him.

Wetangula can try to join Amani National Congress. That might boost the ANC a little bit, but not by much. Not like Moses will lead them across to Canaan. He could never do that alone before and that will not change now. Mudavadi needs friends too. That’s why this will be his new home. Unless, Ruto finds some shelter for him.

Moses made this road himself. He went out with full bravado and showed that he had no support. Neither in his own camp or on the outside. He has Mudavadi, but he could only come with with a hardcore statement. Musalia couldn’t change the results nor the outcome. That was sealed. It just took a few days and now its done.

Wetangula is homeless in a way. He is a senator, but not a big-man. It seems like he doesn’t have the needed connections nor political savvy to figure things out. That’s why this fall so brutal. He talked of foot-soldiers, but they didn’t show up for either. That why this so hopeless.

If we can learn anything from this. Never ever take things for granted, your position, your titles and your comrades. Always work and find your ways. Since, if you don’t, you can end up like Wetangula and be without a home.

I wonder, who will let him in and give him space.

Wetangula needs it …

We just have to wonder what’s next up for him. Clearly he needs a message, a vision and a long-con. Because, all his short-cons since the 2017 elections has failed him. Peace.

Opinion: Mudavadi and Wetangula better find some shade

Today, there are reports of ouster of Moses Wetangula as the leader of Forum for Restoration of Democracy – Kenya (FORD-Kenya). There even talks of splits of various factions within the party. That its going into pieces. This after a press conference, where Wafula Wamunyinyi MP took over command after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party. That was happening with involvement of COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

However, today the leader of Amani National Congress Musalia Mudavadi has backed the man under fire. The man whose having internal conflict within his ranks and his party. ANC is backing Wetangula and FORD-K. In a manner no one expected too. Just like people are pinning Atwoli’s involvement, it is peculiar that Mudavadi adds pressure within the FORD-K.

Mudavadi and Wetangula is known partners, while both has been in the shadow realm after the Presidential Handshake. These two has been clipped off their wings, Senator Wetangula has lost his high ranking office of Senate Minority Leader to James Orengo. Therefore, his platitude and relevance has already been significantly dropped.

Today, was yet another shot, as Wamunyinyi practically kicked Wetangula out. Mudavadi wrote this about the matter:

“In this, they are aided by the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU). This ugly ploy reminds us of the WATERGATE SCANDAL of JUNE 1972, when the leader of a political party in the United States invaded another party in the manner that we are now witnessing in Kenya” (…) “On my own behalf and on behalf of the entire fraternity of AMANI NATIONAL CONGRESS, I wish to assure Senator Wetang’ula that we solidly stand with him. We note with satisfaction that the LEGITIMATE ORGANS OF FORD KENYA have moved swiftly to diffuse the confusion generated by the EXTERNALLY SPONSORED MISCHIEF and to restore ORDER in the party. We urge Ford Kenya to BE FIRM AGAINST QUISLINGS and in its resolve to STAND WITH THE PEOPLE of Kenya” (ANC, 31.05.2020).

We see the language and everything. It is really sparking flames in the eyes of Mudavadi, like it his mind and his soul. It was daggers towards his back and his chest. He was seeing Brutus appearing from behind like he was the Luhya Caesar. Well, that is maybe for another day.

However, while writing, the ODM Secretary Edwin Sifuna wrote this about it:

“We therefore wish to remind him that among the people he has derisively referred to as “quislings” include political achievers of the mould of Governor Wangamati, Hon Wamunyinyi and Hon Simiyu Eseli, who, having been Ford Kenya Secretary General for such a long time, must have had a prime ring-side seat to watch the failure and utter ineptitude he has accused his former Party Leader, Senator Moses Wetangula of” (…) “Mudavadi in 2002 chose Kanu over NARC and UDF over ODM in 2013, with disastrous results, but still within his rights. He has no right to lecture anyone on political choices, given the catalogue of failures from his own choices since 2002, and from which he has been politically saved countless times by the “leader of a NASA party”” (…) “In conclusion, Mr Mudavadi should desist from seeing the ghost of ODM everywhere. It is ODMs stated policy not to interfere in the internal workings of other political parties. We do not pretend to know the issues within Ford Kenya that have occasioned the changes, but unlike Mudavadi, we will let Ford Kenya members exercise their right to choose their leadership, without us pretending to know why they did it and what informed these specific changes. This is the basis of democracy, which may be alien in ANC” (ODM, 31.05.2020).

And with that shot from the ODM. You can see that Mudavadi and Wetangula needs to find some shade from the sun. Even more powerful than Rihanna’s umbrella. Since, this is going to get harder. It going to be more friction and turmoil before this is over. They have both been looking like two outcast political relics with no permanent home. Even if they are leading two briefcase parties in a sense.

That Atwoli are interfering isn’t new. COTU and other agents has always pushed their agenda and for their loyal men to the forefront. That isn’t new either, that is the job of the Union to get positive leadership and leaders who wants to serve the interests of the Union. Therefore, the attacks of Mudavadi is foolish at best. Also very reckless and the tone is coming as an outcry. Like the final battle-cry, as he fears his next-up.

Mudavadi and Wetangula needs help. They both do. Since, the handshake, the BBI and the whole dismantling of both CORD and NASA. These two has struggled for relevance. Their powers and seats has been limited. Not, like they have pushed for any policy or any sense of position papers in the National Assembly either. They could have tried, but they are in it too eat. These two are the ones who bask in glory, but doesn’t put the work in. Peace.

The simple reason for the rising prices of UNGA!

If you wonder why suddenly the prices are running high for the UNGA again in Kenya. That is because the state has added taxes, they are trying to collect more money again. This is happening because its months since the elections and the subsidized UNGA is history. Therefore, expect rising prices, the maize and milk cartels want their profits. If they happen to in the pocket of the government at the same time. Is just convenient, even some of the companies earning on the sky-rocketing prices is the President himself and his own companies. I am sure the DP also owns connected businesses that could eat of the this plate too. While the ordinary and poor population will struggle to have ends meet as the government are taxing them even more.

Added Taxes:

“Poor households would be more exposed in the amendments with sweeping implications on many sectors, as the State seeks to raise Sh1.75 trillion in the next financial year. Most basic commodities are not taxed to cushion the poor, but the changes that will be proposed in the national budget will end that. “We are looking at exemptions on several products that are widely consumed, but not on VAT such as milk, sugar, maize flour, wheat flour…,” said Benson Korongo, a commissioner of Kenya Revenue Authority” (Michira, 2018).

Prediction of the reaction to the taxes:

“Milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter” (…) “Suppliers of the affected supplies will not be able to claim any input tax incurred in making of such supplies. This cost will be borne by the final consumers. Reverting to exemption of these basic commodities a year later after they had been zero-rated will lead to an increase in their prices rendering them less affordable to the ordinary Citizens” (…) “The supply of maize (corn) flour, ordinary bread and cassava flour, wheat or meslin flour and maize flour containing cassava flour by more than 10% in weight” (…) “Reverting to exemption of these basic commodities a year later after they had been zero-rated will lead to an increase in their prices rendering them less affordable to ordinary Citizens” (Ey Global Tax Alert Library, 2018)

It is special when Ernest & Young (EY) whose is known for their advice for potential investors and people who plans for invest in a republic. They have usual advice, which shows the potential and the grips of reality. Their analysis from April are now coming in effect in the end of May, as the local papers like Standard write about it now. But they say it might happen in July.

The state has favorably subsidized it and also imported on its own, that might happen again. But the added tax will hit the public. Make the staple food more expensive, because of added taxes. The shops, the importers, the distribution companies will not take the hit. The hit is always ending up at the consumer, the buyer and not the ones who produce, distribute and sells. That is known and the way we play. Seriously, when the state plans with these taxes to earn over a trillion shillings, nearly two, means they are anticipating selling enough of the needed goods and services connected with the new taxes to actually be sold.

So the prices on the staple is rising, because the Jubilee Government, the President and his party is doing it. This is their orders and their will, it is not the international market or a drought, it is initial planning and what the state does to get more revenue.

Jubilee whose are eating all of the state, needs more revenue to make another NYS Scandal, take more funds from the likes of NHIF and inappropriately use unaccounted funds in the various government bodies. Peace.

Reference:

EY Global Tax Alert Library – ‘Kenya issues Tax Amendment Bill, 2018’ (April 2018)

Michira, Moses – ‘Red alert: Why the cost of food will go up in july’ (16.05.2018)

Link: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001280557/why-unga-prices-are-about-to-go-up

CS Bett blames consumption of UNGA for the UNGA Crisis!

Certainly, one of these days the Jubilee government Cabinet Secretaries going to wake-up from their sleep and start to act with common sense. Since the release of subsidized maize and opening imports, the markets has not overflowed with Unga. Neither, the reality that some of the millers kept stockpiles of it, as they knew they would be subsidized from the state. So why sell it months ahead, when you can keep it steady and unleash when you get double bonus. The Jubilee government knows this and therefore right on the day of the subsidized maize and the possible export provisions came into effects. Boats with foreign maize came pouring in through the ports of Mombasa.

“He witnessed the arrival of 12,000 bags through the Rift Valley Railways yesterday. “To ensure every Kenyan enjoys the Sh90 subsidised maize flour, all maize from Mombasa will be removed using SGR, RVR and trucks,” Bett said. In two weeks, the market has been experiencing a shortage of unga. “Since we started the subsidised programme, we have witnessed more Kenyans preferring unga, thus the high demand for maize flour,” he said” (Ngotho, 2017).

CS Willy Bett, need some guidance, needs some reassurance and some sort of stiff upper-lips for insulting fellow citizens. It isn’t the sudden love for UNGA. This the staple food. This is what Kenyans are known to eat. UNGA, Ugali or Posho (Ugandan I know). Still, the maize flour meals is not a well-kept hidden secret. It would be like taking potatoes as out of the equation when feeding massive parts of Northern Europe. That is just the staple food. Period.

The CS clearly, has some internal issues and need to stop thinking he can deceive fellow citizens. As the indicated exports combined with the stockpiling was very evident. That people are buying lots of it now, is because they might even fear for more scarcity. Since it isn’t only drought, but man-made problems that has given way to shortage of UNGA.

It is time to wake-up for Mr. Bett and smell the UNGA. Time to see and relieve his fellow brothers and sisters. Not just find excuses upon excuses and think it can save his grace. You do not take away some-ones staple and think you can get away with it. Seriously, that is insulting. The insinuation and undermining of the needs and the will of Kenyans. Are evident in his approach to the UNGA crisis. This should not be forgotten, because his grace has clearly not done his job and then blames the citizens for either their staple food! Peace.

Reference:

Ngotho, Agatha – ‘Kenyans eating more ugali to blame for unga shortage – CS’ (20.06.2017) link: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2017/06/20/kenyans-eating-more-ugali-to-blame-for-unga-shortage-cs_c1582605?platform=hootsuite

Kenya: KMPDU – Press Statement “Health Sector Crisis Industrial Unrests” (16.06.2017)

Kenya: Seem like a public deception with artificial prices on Maize as the “GoK stamped” Maize arrives in stores!

You know something is fishy when the markets suddenly has maize flour in the stores as the 2 kg packaged that is produced in Kenya and milled in Kenya. This comes as the fixed subsidized prices comes into effect. Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, who has been in Port of Mombasa in the recent days. Being proud of the delivery of imported maize flour.

That their been shortage and that the markets has had less in storage is the evidence of the escalating prices. Therefore when COSMO millers comes with milled in March 2017 and is expiring in August 2017. Also, that the shortfall in between the fixed price and the balance has to be covered by the state. As the prices has clearly gone to high and than the government stepped in. But the ones coming of the boat during this week. Couldn’t suddenly appear in the shop. It had to be taken care of and repackaged, even milled if it was pure corn.

That the package of the milled maize flour now has the label of GoK, as the Jubilee fronting their good work. As they trying to look like they stopped a scandal and shortage. The Government clearly has either ordered the millers, agreed with the millers or tried to put a shortage to suddenly see the likes of COSMO filling the market with stock. The 30,000 tons of IVS Pinehurst couldn’t jump into the market this quickly and change into subsidy “GoK 90/-”, which is today’s new feature in Kenya. They want to look like a saviors, instead of the ones who created this. But it is suspect that milled in March dropped on the marked instant after the subsidized maize we’re released. It seems like clockwork.

So the questions doesn’t stop with the sudden drop and the evident approach. As Port of Mombasa and Millers clearly has worked in accordance with the government. As they had the papers for the package of flour and could quickly deliver it to the shops. Therefore, this seem like a planned enterprise as the delivered flour, which should gone from port to millers. Really hit the stores in amp-speed. Little two quick for that amount.

It makes it seem like it all was a short-con by the Jubilee, to gain popularity on the staple-food. As their stories of origin of the vessel and the maize, that even been countered by the Mexican Authorities, as well as the vessel came from Mauritius and not South Africa. There are certain aspect of this story, that seem like a ploy. To get the prices down, but at the same time make sure the millers are getting more for the maize, than they did before. Also, make sure the profits are steady on the grounds of drought and yields. As the subsidized maize flour will surely benefit the private producers, who already earn on the higher prices.

There are questions that will not be answered, the reality is that there are certain signs that Kenyans shouldn’t be duped. Surely, the price is better now after the subsidize from Jubilee. Still, the look of artificial prices and sudden drop that the government can do. Also, that the millers could label GoK so quickly. Shows there certain aspects that the Jubilee and the Millers didn’t consider. The suspicious intent is because the Jubilee has always been more promotion and PR than actually considering their policies. That is the legacy they will leave behind. Peace.

Kenya: Drought Alleviation (Government Food Subsidy) Programme (15.05.2017)

Port of Trouble: IVS Pinehurst arrival story and origin from the Jubilee doesn’t make sense!

The ship coming to the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, the IVS Pinehurst, which is owned by the Nisshin Shipping Co. Ltd, which is part of the Pool Operation at the Hansa Tankers. That is based in Bergen, Noway, so the Pinehurst is a bulk carrier. It is flagged through the Philippines. It’s call sign is DUHUB and it was built by Tsuneishi Cebu in 2015.

On Vessel Finder, the 13^th January 2017the Pinehust was in Mumbai (ex. Bombay), India at 13:04 UTC. The next port it was in was Toamasina, Madagascar, which was on the 19^th February 2017 at 11:04 UTC. The last port before Mombasa was at Port Louis, Mauritius on the 22^nd April 2017 at 12:03 UTC. As the Port of Mauritius reveals, is that the vessels discharging coal. Therefore, the vessel had to be filled with maize before leaving for Mombasa. Carriers from Port Louis to Mombasa on route alternatives takes about 19 to 22 days. Therefore, the vessel couldn’t really have been so many days in between the tracking on Vessel Finder and suddenly in Mombasa. Especially, since it delivered coal to Mauritius.

So when the Government of Kenya says this about the vessel, you start to wonder if they even know how to google or even if other people knows how to search for maritime vessels. I don’t really do that, but found quickly out this information from sites that verifies this.

Therefore, the verified news from from Business Daily Africa:

“However, Transport Principal Secretary Dr Paul Mwangi said the maize was stored in South Africa and the vessel took only five days after importers were given the nod to ship it into the country.“The white maize was imported from South Africa from Mexico last year when there was a shortage in that country. The excess amount was stored in Durban and sold to Kenya by Inter Africa Gains PTY of Johannesburg,” Dr Mwangi said at the Mombasa port. “The maize is therefore Mexican White maize which was transhipped into Kenya from South Africa. The ship takes only five days to sail from South Africa to Mombasa and that is why the maize arrived quickly,” he added” (Marete, 2017).

So I wonder if Dr. Mwangi knows the internet and the inner-works of this. As it doesn’t take much searching for me find all these information, if the PS Mwangi, think that wasn’t enough. The Mexican Embassy in Nairobi has today officially said: “MEXICO DENIES direct deal on maize with Kenya and has no declarations on any commercial transactions, embassy in Kenya says” (NationBreakingNews, 15.05.2017). So that the PS Mwangi are saying this seems to be a lie. There are certainly something the Jubilee isn’t telling, as the Duty Free was decided and quickly as the duty free maize and sugar. Came into effect just days ahead of the shipments coming to ports. Peace.

Reference:

Marete, Gitonga – ‘ Maize was shipped through South Africa, State now says’ (15.05.2017) link: http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Maize-was-shipped-through-South-Africa-govt-says/539546-3927934-p0wqcl/

Communique of the Embassy of Mexico on the Sale of Non GMO White Maize to Kenya (15.05.2017)

President Kenyatta orders that imports of Sugar and Milk Powder to be tariff free until August 2017, who in the Jubilee will eat the spoils?

President Uhuru Kenyatta finally found a solution to the rising the prices and inflation on basic foods. Therefore on the day there is 30,000 tons Sugar coming in at Mombasa this morning.

This after the first Executive Order of Kenyatta this year said: “That the drought and the famine in parts of Kenya is a national disaster, duty shall not be payable for the following items- 

(a) Sugar imported by any person, with effect from the date of Notice to the 31^st August, 2017; and

(b) nine thousand tonnes of milk powder imported by milk processors, with the authority of the Kenya Dairy Board, with effect from the date of this Notice to the 31^st August, 2017 Dated the 11^th May 2017” (The Kenya Gazette, Vol. CXIX – No. 62, Nairobi, 12^th May 2017).

So as this happens, you can wonder if the Sugar millers and Sugar exporters are connected with the government. Since the 30,000 tons just appear on the day after the gazette. That means, someone knew about the plans of the government and let it happen. It isn’t just appearing from the sky, that a holy angel sends 30,000 tons of sugar to Kenya and the Port of Mombasa on the day after the Executive Order was signed and than relieved to the public by Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury Henry Rotich. He is just a useful CS, who certainly will have his pieces of deliverance of all the duty free goods.

That the government, close connections with the Jubilee government and the Sugar cartels will surely gain profits on these exported foods. This been in a country where the tariffs has been a 100% on Sugar and added VAT 16 %. Therefore, this reactions seem to be a ploy to earn monies on gullible people and think that the people will take it as goodwill. This is happening at the same time, as the prices on sugar is still on a two year low worldwide. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto, might think the Kenyans doesn’t see through this. But they should question the companies, the boats and who orders the duty free goods to Kenya from today and until 31^st August.

Like who earns the profits on the sugar and the milk powder in these months. They are clearly planning it and not only for the famine and drought. But for sole purpose of gaining massive amount of funds in the period of campaigning. This just appearing and ordered in the critical time. The Jubilee government doesn’t know how to be subtle. Can wonder if any of the corporations and importing businesses owned by the Kenyatta’s or Ruto’s would benefit from this. I wouldn’t be shocked, neither if anyone else of the Jubilee government got a payday and huge amount of Bob’s in their accounts. Peace.

The law: