Kenya: County Government of Mombasa – Statement by H.E. Hassan Ali Joho on the Rising Cases of Positive Corona Virus Tests in Mombasa and Ohter Emergening Issues (04.05.2020)

Nairobi City County: Update on Suspected Cholera Outbreak in the Nairobi Hospital (16.04.2019)

Questions remain over the final hours of CS Nkaissery life

The strangeness of the final hours of General and Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Nkaissery can be stopped, as the revelation that he was apparently eating at Bomas until late that evening. A restaurant and a place closed of from the public by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as the National Talley Centre (NTC) was set-up there.

So the CS Nkaissery went in there passed the gates, ate and had a marvelous time in a closed off space. While leaving later close to 21.00, because he had to reach 21:00 news at home. While the President in his announcement of the death, that they took him from his home about 21:30. Because he was feeling unwell. Some say dizzy, some say high blood-pressure. Sylvia Chebets story of the final hours to Kenya Citizens TV on ‘Retracing Nkaissery last moments’ was not similar to the stories told by others. Some has reported that the CID had evidence of the CS being at Bomas until 03:00 drinking beer. Clearly, the stories doesn’t add up.

Uhuru Kenyatta Speech Transcript:

“Today is a sad day for Kenya and all our people. We lost a gallant officer, an officer who has for the most part of his life served with total dedication and love for his country. Maj General Joseph Nkaissery was a man who believed in this country, believed in the principles and foundation on which this country was built. A man who dedicated most of his life to serving this great nation. I personally have lost a friend, a colleague, whom as late as yesterday we spent part of the day praying together for peace for this country, whom as late as 9.30 last night we were discussing issues pertaining and relating to peace, to unity in this country. Indeed on one of his last notes he spent discussing his great passion, which was Kenya’s preparedness for the Junior Athletics (IAAF U18 Championships) that is supposed to commence in the next few days.” (Uhuru Kenyatta, 08.07.2017).

Some even says he was dead on arrival to Karen Hospital in Nairobi. As the Post-mortem has not been released, the speculations keeps rising. As the flaws in the stated timelines between friends of the deceased and the public statement on the President. Precisely shows to the world, that the government have stated different than what Chebets did. Therefore, the is a lie somewhere and what is hidden in Bomas, Karen Hospital or even in the car of Nkaissery is hard to imagine. Even if there is a cover-up going on. Since, none of the vital information has been released.

The Hospital has later revealed that the CS didn’t die of a heart-attack or had high blood-pressure. Combined with the different stories in what he was up to and whereabouts. The probable causes turns more sinister and strike of ill-intent by another party towards the CS. As his dead on arrival, seem more likely. Since the wife Hellen Nkaissery, says her man was healthy and in good shape.

Because if you look a bit deep into the day:

First at Uhuru Park for prayers with the President. Travel from there to the State House for lunch. Then held a crisis security meeting with Julius Karangi, who has no constitutional mandate for taking part of such an exercise. Than leaves the State House for the closed off to the public Bomas, where he drinks beer with friends and family. Before either leaving for 21:00 news or stays until 03:00.

Here comes the tricky part:

Some has stated he came into a routine check-up at night at Karen Hospital, which is rare and unique for any character. Later a Senior Presidential Press Spokesperson said he was dead on arrival. While a Senior Jubilee Digital Team that he was drinking up late. So that counter these issues. Again, senior doctor, Dr James Mageri, who attended to him again releases a presser saying that Nkaissery was dead by the time he was being brought to the hospital. Within, few hours of his death the Interim CS Fred Matiang’i is announced and not long after issues curfew in parts of Kenya. This has all been done without the President visiting the Lee funeral home to confirm his death. So there are enough acts and enough questions about timeline of the final hours. As much as the involved and knowledge at state capacity. Since the State could act so swift and get appointed a new CS, while the detectives just started to probe the case both at his home and at Bomas.

The are lots of questions remaining, the official report are scheduled for Monday from the hospital, still the lateness shows the factors in play. That the final hit to the CS Nkaissery was severe and his demise was sealed. So what is the truth and what took his life? Since he was healthy man who suddenly and shockingly just passed away. Peace.

The shock of the sudden death of CS Nkaissery!

“Interior Cabinet secretary Major Gen. (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery has died. Nkaissery died a few hours after being admitted at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi for a check-up according to State House. According to a statement by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua, Nkaissery fell unwell and was rushed to the city hospital for check up only to pass on a few hours later. Kinyua in a statement said it is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce the sudden passing on of Interior CS General (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery. The Government has promised to give updates as more information becomes available. Nkaissery who also served as MP for Kajiado Central in the ten Parliament was aged 67 at the time of his death” (Nosim 90.5 FM Kenya, 08.07.2017).

I wish he was still alive, the powerful Cabinet Minister Joseph Ole Nkaissery, who was the third in-line after Deputy President William Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta. Who has been the CS of the Interior and Coordination of National Government in the first term of the Jubilee Alliance and Jubilee Party. What is more worrying is that the President didn’t wait a minute to appoint his successor, CS Fred Matiang’i. Therefore, the death of Nkaissery hadn’t even been spread to all corners of Kenya, before the President had appointed the one to take over the Ministry.

What is strange is that yesterday he was at the Prayers at the Uhuru Park. The next day dying at Karen Hospital in Nairobi over high blood-pressure. This happening just days before the 8^th August 2017 polls. A strong man and viable man like Nkaissery, seems like a fighter and a determined man. Not like the one who gives in easy and let it go. Not that I respected his will to stop demonstrations, use police brutality and use force against innocent. I didn’t and I don’t. Still, I don’t wont the adversary to fall over ill-attempt or unjust acts as well. If you want justice for all, than you want that for your political adversary as well.

Nkaissery, had not trouble using the Police Service to stop his opposition and explain why he could use it to silence them. He had no trouble using the police to make life hard for the opposition, surely Governor Hassan Ali Joho knows how the Police was used to stop his work. So now if the Police are serious, they will probe this death correctly and find the reason behind his death. Since it happens so convenient before the polls.

Therefore, this is report on the sudden death as well: “Detective have launched investigations into the sudden death of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery. Scene of crime detectives on Saturday pitched tent at Nkaissery’s home in Karen Hardy, Nairobi. The investigators were piecing together the CS’s last moments. The first team arrived at the minister’s home in the morning and was joined by a different team at around 3pm” (Kimanthi, 2017). So the Police that he served and run, the one he controlled until his death is now investigating his death. To make sure their wasn’t any criminal intent behind it. But you can wonder with the timing and the power of the CS. It was not like CS Nkaissery didn’t have massive amounts of power and his place in society.

Clearly, this was known and the question now is why he suddenly died. What was the cause, was it high blood-pressure or was it some ill-intent involved. Since that wouldn’t be unlikely considering the timing of it all. Political assassinations isn’t new and extra-judicial killings has happen in the recent time in Kenya. You wouldn’t wish that on anyone, not on a CS Nkaissery or anyone else. Therefore, if this is possible, it surely could happen to him. Since he had power and because of use of state machinery and police, would give someone motivation to stop him.

That is all just mere speculation at this point, but not so far fetched, since he was reckless and using all sort tactics to stop his adversaries. There we’re no quarrel from him when it come to use police and extended force to silence them. So he surely made enough enemies within his days of power. If there was anyone would wish him ill. The ones that used aggression towards could have acted towards him.

The Statement on his passing from the State House: “It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce the sudden passing on of Interior CS Retired General Joseph Nkaissery. Gen. Nkaissery passed on at Karen Hospital in Nairobi a few hours after being admitted for a check-up. The country to be updated as more information becomes available. Joseph Kinyua – Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service – STATE HOUSE” (Kinyua, 08.07.2017).

Even his adversary who has been battling with the Police and the Courts under CS Nkaissery, Gov. Hassan Ali Joho wrote this: “I am in deep shock to learn that (Rtd) General Joseph Ole Nkaissery is no more. I have fond memories of the late CS when we served together as ODM members of parliament. General Nkaissery was a hard working and dedicated servant of the people. On my behalf and that of the people of Mombasa together with the ODM family I assure his family and friends of our support at this critical moment. May the almighty give them strength to overcome the tragedy. Rest In Peace General Nkaissery” (Hassan Ali Joho, 08.07.2017).

That his death was shock, it is true, that the CS Nkaissery has a long political history and used his power in office. That him as a Jubilee Cabinet Minister seriously has used his office to extend and stop the opposition. This is well known, but that doesn’t mean that he would deserve to die for his hard work. Even if his police killed demonstrators and put people in hospital for the police brutality. He would have deserved justice for his acts, not death, but a fair trial for his attempts of justice.

But what bugs me, is how quick CS Matiang’i got appointed, even before the detectives started detecting, before the news we’re broken and before any indication of reason behind his death. That the Jubilee Administration, that the President and Deputy President could get a new man in his place. Proves the little care for the death of their own loyal CS, who defended and stood on the barricades, using his ministry and his understanding of the law, to gain more strength for the Jubilee. Therefore, you should not only be shocked by the sudden death of Nkaissery, but of the quickly appointed in his government post.

No mourning, no justice, just continue like normal when the most powerful after Kenyatta and Ruto died. Just an appointment, brief stopping campaigns and having a minute of silence. But the State House shouldn’t have appointed Matiang’i today. Nkaissery, even if he was ruthless and using his powers with fierce force, still deserved better treatment by his allies. The Jubilee should have known better and thought more true it all. So the people could seek solace and also find relief in the investigation into the death. Instead, the questions becomes even more evident. Since they could find someone within hours of his death.

There are only unanswered questions, only stones to turn to find the reason behind it. If it really was high blood-pressure or if there was some other reason. We cannot know at this point, but the mere fact remain, that the shock will be revealed and the reality of the matter will come to the courts and in the public eye. These questions need to be answered and then we can live at ease, that the CS wasn’t terminated at ill-will, but of age and high blood-pressure. Peace.

Reference:

Kimanthi, Kennedy – ‘Detectives probe CS Joseph Nkaissery death’ (08.07.2017) link: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Detectives-probe-CS-Joseph-Nkaissery-death/1056-4006364-gdkfs5/index.html

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

Two Problems with SGR: First the Cost of Phase 1 and President Kenyatta cowardly blocking of Gov. Joho!

President Uhuru Kenyatta is a coward for not letting the Governor of Mombasa County, the Orange Democratic Movement leader Hassan Ali Joho attend the launch today of the Freight Train at the Port Reitz Station in Mombasa. It seems the Jubilee Party cannot handle opposition and has to freeze them out. Even as the launch of the SGR was happening, the Police escorted him away.

Maybe because the Chinese wrote this about the Kenyan Railway:

“Kiraithe added that the government, through the ministries of finance, transport and environment, hasbeen heavily involved in accelerating the completion of the SGR built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation.“But the infrastructure is for Kenyans and has been achieved to improve our living standards,” Kiraithe said. In 2013, President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart, Kenyatta, witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding on financing the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR. The Export Import Bank of China financed 80 percent of the project” (Morangi, 2017).

“I was among a group of people who wrote a letter to the president [Uhuru Kenyatta], specifically with regards to the value for money proposition,” political analyst Tom Mboya told RFI on Tuesday. At a staggering cost of nearly four billion euros–almost entirely funded by China’s Export Import bank– just for the first phase linking the capital Nairobi to the port city Mombasa, there is reason to be concerned, reckons economist Aly-Khan Satchu” (Okello, 2017).

The Presidency statement on it:

“President Kenyatta, who was flanked by Deputy President William Ruto and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, said every Kenyan should be proud of the Standard Gauge Railway. “I call upon all Kenyans whatever their political beliefs to celebrate, today we should be together holding hands in celebrations,” said the President moments after the cargo train pulled alongside the Presidential Dias waiting for the flag off. It was song and dance as choirs played patriotic songs apt for the moment. “This is the Kenya we seek and this is the Kenya we want our children to inherit from us and their children to inherit from them,” said President Kenyatta amid applause, cheers and ululation. President Kenyatta said the SGR will make the port of Mombasa more efficient and will enhance the performance of the facility where the Jubilee Government has invested more than Sh60 billion in the last four years” (Presidency, 2017).

By the Statement made by the Presidency yesterday means that the Government spent: 60bn times 4 Shs. 240bn on the Standard Gauge Railway. Still, the East African reported differently earlier in the month: “So far, Sh327 billion has been spent on the first phase of the railway between Mombasa and Nairobi and Sh150 billion on the Nairobi-Naivasha section. With a national population of about 46 million, every Kenyan is set to owe China Sh18,413 in SGR debt once the deal is sealed” (…) “The SGR has been President Kenyatta’s pet project since he came to power” (Mutambo & Omondi, 2017). So if this is true, than the Presidency are dropping different numbers than the papers. Clearly the government trying to look more efficient, than what they are in reality. This should worry since most of the building of the SGR are based on development loans from the Exim Bank.

Is this why the words of and address to this from Joho is so striking:

“In the light of this, we hereby demand that

1. That the government release the terms of the contract with the Chinese Exim Bank, the details of disbursement and attendant relavant information

2. The Government of Kenya release all details of the Take or Pay contract between KPA and the financiers? What is the goods threshold and the responsibility of collection of the these fees.

3. Due to conflicting reports, the government clarify in details all charges related to goods and their destinations.

4. The government clarify the method of nomination of goods for rail and the point and implementation of charges.

5. The government clarify the extinction date of the Railway Development Levy on goods and come clean on the amounts collected since.

6. The government release the terms of the port concession, all monies paid and the details of the contract

7. The the Government clarify the details of site selection of Naivasha as a dry port. The feasibility study and the project appraisal report.

8. That the government release the “Willingness to Pay” survey of the goods for meant for railway and the feasibility report of the proposed Naivasha Special Economic Zone.

9. And that the Jubilee government show us their plan for Mombasa” (Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, 31.05.2017).

By all means the Governor of Mombasa wants to know the realities of the SGR, but that is something every single Kenyan deserves as this is the pet-project of Kenyatta. Kenyatta might be proud of Phase 1, but can the government carry the price of the trains and lines. Or is this is a stunt for development?

That the Governor was blocked from the Train Station that is opened in his county, as he was blocked from the relaunch of the ferries in March 2017. Shows that the Jubilee cannot handle opposition or their eyes on their projects. They are so initiated to represent the whole community, that if the community and citizens elects opposition. Than they are not allowed to enter public displays and their launching of projects. This has now been proven twice. That the Jubilee cannot handle NASA leadership or ODM party leaders. If they could than they would have entertained and made it possible for Governor Joho to be at the state functions as he is the local elected leadership of Mombasa county. Is that hard for the President and his deputy?

But the President and his Team is cowards who cannot even have the local government leadership at the launch of SGR at the Port Reitz Station. Peace.

Reference:

Morangi, Lucie – ‘ Chinese-built SGR to improve Kenya’s global standing’ (30.05.2017) link:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2017-05/30/content_29548836.htm

Mutambo, Aggrey & Omondi, George – ‘Uhuru seeks Sh370bn more to extend railway to Kisumu’ (16.05.2017) link: http://mobile.nation.co.ke/news/Kenya-requests-for-Sh370bn-for-SGR-third-phase/1950946-3928546-15jp48i/index.html

Okello, Christina – ‘Kenya’s ambitious new railway raises cost concerns’ (31.05.2017) link: http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20170530-kenya-4bn-railway-opens-amid-controversy-kenyatta-china

Presidency – ‘New dawn for Kenya as Standard Gauge Railway rolls out services’ (30.05.2017) link: http://www.president.go.ke/2017/05/30/new-dawn-for-kenya-as-standard-gauge-railway-rolls-out-services/

Kenya: Press Release on the Cholera Outbreak in the Country (24.05.2017)

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/