Kenya: Nairobi City County – Office of the Governor – Press Statement (22.11.2023)

Opinion: A Professor was outsmarted by a “drop-out”

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o had a bad day yesterday, as he early on the 29^th March 2023 proclaimed in a press release that demos could be held in Nairobi and it was suspended in Kisumu.

The words he used was: “1. THAT all public demonstrations within Kisumu County have from today been suspended indefinitely so that we can join demonstrations in Nairobi” (Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, 29.03.2023).

That was the words of the professor earlier in the day. Which stipulated all demonstrations and protests was banned in Kisumu County. Certainly, done to block and silence demonstrations in his County. However, the professor didn’t think it would back-fire to takeaway the constitutional rights to protest.

So, the Governor of Nairobi retorted to him in a message called “return to sender” where he said: “The Governor of Kisumu’s idea that he can export his demonstrations to Nairobi and make our County the capital of demonstrations and associated mayhem is preposterous and totally unacceptable” (…) “In the spirit of devolution, I would advice the Governor of Kisumu, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o’, to keep his demonstrations to his County. It has been decided that further protests and demonstrations shall similarly no longer take place in any part of the city” (Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, 29.09.2023).

After a few hours and possible talks behind scenes in Kisumu. The Governor Nyong’o made a u-turn and changed his mind. This time opening again for protests and demonstrations in Kisumu.

As his second press release for the day stated this: “We are encouraged by the resolve of our people to continue the demonstrations tomorrow, we have therefore been urged to continue with peaceful demonstrations tomorrow and we shall do so. We know goons have been hired by our opponents to cause chaos and loot property. Our people must not provide the goons and criminals the opportunity to do so. We therefore urge you to turn out in large numbers and join other Kenyans in the liberation struggle” (Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, 29.03.2023).

It is just funny how someone who never finished at the University of Nairobi and who took online courses (allegedly) at a educational facility in Kampala is able to outwit a professor. Professor Nyong’o should feel ashamed by yesterday. He should feel humiliated and played out.

The Professor should know that it’s within the peoples right to peaceful demonstrate. That’s bound by law and the constitutional right. It isn’t just for Nairobi, but every single county of the Republic. The idea of suspending the demonstrations from a county government standpoint is mute. Since, it has no rights to do so, unless it is violent or breaching the “peace”. Until that happens and its endangering society. The County and the Authorities shouldn’t suspend or block it.

It is just funny that a guy like Sakaja played Nyong’o like a sting. He just had fun retorting and no putting much thought into. This should be a lesson for the governor of Kisumu. Next time he has to come correct, because this is just dumb. Peace.

A look into the leaked SGR Agreement

“Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen releases SGR agreement for public scrutiny. Some key loan terms:

~ Loan amount not exceeding $1.6Bn

~ 2.0% per annum interest

~ 0.25% management fee

~ 20-year tenure with a 7yr grace period

~ preference for the purchase of goods from China” (Kenyan Wallstreet, 06.11.2022).

The SGR Agreement decides that the Kenyan Government has 13 years to repay the loans for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This is happening after the 7 year grace period. The agreement was signed off on the 14^th May 2014 and 7 years after that is last year May 2021.

There been speculations about this agreement ever since the Jubilee government signed it and accepted it’s terms. It was even at one point, rumours that the Kenyan government had signed off the Mombasa Port operations to the China EXIM Bank.

What it instead says in addition to the terms of the direct financial manner. It says something very interesting…

A key parts of the SGR Agreement is this, as well as the other mentioned terms: “The Borrower undertakes to procure that the Government of Kenya or the relevant authorities of Kenya shall stipulate and issue preferential policies, regulations or approvals in relation to RDF which could be applied in priority to make the repayment of loans in relation to the Project as owning to the Lender, the Long Term Service Agreement and its due performance, the revenues generated from the Project which will be applied in priority to make the repayment of loans in relation to the Project as owing to the Lender (except for the expenditures of operation and management of the Project), the Inlander Container Depot (inland port) established in Nairobi and its mandatory customs clearance, and all other necessary policies or approvals, with an aim to ensuring the due operation of the Project and the repayment of such loans in relation to the Project as owing to the Leader” (SGR Agreement, 2014).

Here the borrower is setting the terms of usage and how the transport policies are set. This is now in print and in public. It now makes perfect sense why the authorities and the government ordered all goods or movement of cargo is directed to the SGR. That is done in accordance with the agreement actually. Because the stipulation is actually there…

Certainly, you can wonder if Beijing or the China Exim Bank is happy with the leakage of the agreement between them and the Kenyan Government. They would most likely be happy to have it under seal and hidden from the public space. Because, now the realities of this agreement is in the public domain.

The SGR is already a sort of failure and lack of creating revenue. That’s why the SGR haven’t been profitable or had the ability be viable. That’s why the Kenyan Government had to direct all cargo to go through the SGR and to the Navisha or Inland Port in Nairobi. Therefore, this agreement is just showing how bad this deal was.

The one winning here is China and they are getting lots of interests out of it. They are able to get the Kenyan government on their side. The Kenyan Government accepted a huge loan for an expensive railway. A railway that will take forever to be a feasible enterprise. That’s why these terms will be a liability and an expensive expense for the taxpayers in the years to come. While the SGR will not deliver or be able to re-coup the debt. That’s what is tragic here… Peace.

Kenya: The National Treasury & Planning – The Port of Mombasa is Safe – Clarification on SGR Loan story carried by The Star (15.03.2021)

Hennessey Tales Part V: Sonko is bitter and ready for vengeance

Impeached Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko retaliated today on Facebook. Wrote a scathing piece about President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, at the grand scheme of things. The former Governor might be right, but is late to the party.

For a man drinking, partying and enjoying the perks of office. Sonko the socialite and high ranking official is maybe the last brother you expect writing a deep piece or even have valid points. Yes, the man could campaign and get himself elected. However, as long as you have the right allies and speaks well enough. The dynasties can take you a long. Especially, if you toy around and wants to be friendly with the cartels. The likes of Sonko would play with anyone, as long as he got some of the action.

That is why it’s inspiring that the dwell on the misgivings of Kenyatta. Not like Sonko is the Governator or the straight-forward good governance in the flesh. No, nobody would think that Mikey Mike Sonko would offer brilliance and government services in a revolutionary way. Unless, some fun stunts, flashing gold and expensive clothes. The man was more Ali G, than being an actual governor.

This is why today is epic. That his rant was a exceptional. Sonko acted holier than thou. A man who everyone has seen dance, toy around with people and play politics. Therefore, his downfall was his arrogance and lack of action in office. He could have played loyal and sucked it up. Then the Kenyatta’s and such would have most likely left him of the hook. However, he aimed at the kings and missed.

He might have some suction and some popularity. Nevertheless, the gig is up. Yes, the so called impeachment of Kenyatta would be damning and be a valid verdict of his Presidency. As there is enough scandals and misgivings. That there should be something the National Assembly could charge him and find him guilty of. However, most of them are loyal to Kenyatta and they want his blessings. So, not like they will risk losing the good while they are ahead.

This is why the idea of impeachment of Kenyatta will not happened. The ones who is supposed to do it. Will never challenge and the ones writing up on it. Is already retired or irrelevant at best. That is why the loss of the title is the reason for today’s stunt.

Sonko wish he was in good graces. He would trade this failure and loss with anyone. The utter embarrassment and brutal end will haunt Sonko. That is why he wants this pain on Kenyatta. Not that it will happen at this point. Nobody want to do that and loose all of their political capital on a fool errand. There is nothing to gain, except brownie-points and participating trophies.

Sonko better continue to drink his Hennessey and enjoy the nightlife. Later in life he can tell war-stories and political anecdotes at Universities. Right now, the bitter blow is hurting his pride. That is why his seeking vengeance. A call that nobody will answer and the ones that does. Will not have the manpower or ability to pull it off. Peace.

Hennessey Tales Part IV: Sonko’s Last Call

Today, the impeachment was finalized in the Senate. On the 17^th December 2020, the Nairobi Governor who served Nairobi County since 2017 is finally history. The man of the whiskey, flex and dancing like a dapper rapper is history.

However, that is only for now. This man has been able to get away from prison and revive his outcome to become a governor. It is early to say its final destination. Nevertheless, for now his “lonely” like fellow Konvict Akon. His out and about… and got little to show for it.

He had the office and the title. Governor of the capital and signed that off too. The man gave away his prominence and wasted a grand opportunity. Instead of making more friends. This man was able to make enemies. In a den full of thieves and filled with people who pockets on their time in office. He wasn’t capable of making deals, which was beneficial for them all. That is why he had to fall.

Not like this man was saint. Neither was the previous governors of Nairobi. Evans Kidero wasn’t anything better. Therefore, Sonko was just a rip-off and the new-money personalized. His the WaBenzi and wealth in the flesh. This is why “everything gold” like Trinidad James. Smirking in picturesque places and with fresh clothes. Just as he runs from a fashion show. That is the sort of fella Sonko looks like to me.

This is why his demeanour and acts have put people off. Since he has shown and flexed his wealth. Acted ignorant and foolish. Taken lightly to the office and not even knowing what he has signed off. Which he stated himself when he signed of things to the NMS. Sonko claimed he was drunk when parts of Nairobi government got signed off to another entity. That is the sort of neglect he has done in office.

That is why its easy to target the man. Not only is he doing publicity stunts and showing off.

If Sonko wants to be a celebrity he can join other professions than politics. Though the big game and gravy-train is there. Businesses are run to the ground and politicized. That is why Mumias, Uchumi and Nakumatt is failing or even bankrupt at some points. This is all because of how the government behaves and how they are able to operate as companies. Only the ones with enough political muscles can survive. That is how it seems.

Now Sonko is off the hook and impeached. His saga is done for now. This chapter is closed. Unless, he suddenly is able to get his alcoholic mind and spirit into a more poignant drive. Show some finesse and find a smart way out of this.

Yes there will be a new election or by-election for a new governor. The Jubilee have to find another candidate in his place within 60 days and that election will happen quickly. The government and allies have to work quickly to find a solution and someone deemed fit for them. They clearly dispatched this man away. We can wonder if there will be piled cases in the court system too. As there was misconduct and graft allegations against the man. However, will he try to pin this on others than himself and also retaliate against his former allies? That is always an option, but will he dare?

Sonko better stop the Hennessey tales and get a grip. He lost this one. The big-man is just a commoner now. His friends and allies all dropped him.

This was the last call. Peace.

Hennessey Tales Part III: Sonko’s Final Episode

Governor Mbuvi Gideon Kioko Wam aka Mike Sonko has now been impeached and is awaiting the senate for a further verdict and a final vote. The Nairobi governor is no in real trouble. Not that its new. He has even signed off parts of the local government to Nairobi Metropolitan Services, which the governor did while he was drunk (allegedly).

So, now the man who gave away Hennessey to the citizens in the care-package from the County Government during the lockdown. This man is now in trouble and could be out of office. That vote is scheduled to happen in early 2021. So, he will have Christmas to redeem himself. However, don’t expect that after the Nairobi City County Assembly voted him out.

Not like Governor Sonko haven’t made his own bed. The man who is known for fleeing from prison and having a shady history. Still, he was able to flex and capable to run for office. Surely, the wealth and the suction has given him an edge. However, he played on the edge of a cliff and now his free falling. Not a good look…

Sonko is already questioned for corruption scandals and misuse of office. The man has already acted without good judgement with signing of parts of his local government to the NMS. This was giving way to the State House and making Sonko less relevant in his own county.

The governor of Nairobi could have acted with finesse and better. Nevertheless, his usually showing arrogance and grandeur. Showing of his chains, clothes and bling, but not doing anything useful in office.

Sonko is the wannabe rapper turned governor. The Governor wants so badly to be the centre of the attention. However, that isn’t what his elected to be. His supposed to serve the county and make it better for its citizens. Ensure the government and state organizations are working smoothly and delivering government services. Nevertheless, that has never been important for Sonko.

He rather act like a big-man, talk like a big-man and dance around like a big-man. The Governor will go down in history as a incompetent and corrupt individual. Not that it’s new or shocking. Previous Nairobi governors been that too and they have been charged after their term in office.

Sonko aimed at the sky and aimed at the thone. He went after the ones who is ruling supreme. That wasn’t acceptable and therefore, he had to fall.

It was Sonko’s turn… Governor Sonko better plead to the State House and the inner-circle in the Jubilee Party. However, I doubt that will happen. Sonko better get his load of Hennessey and drink out his sorrow. Peace.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) letter to Principal Secretary Onyango of Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) – Re: Nairobi Metropolitan Services Physical and Land Use Planning Liasion Committee (15.05.2020)

Hennessey Tales Part II: Sonko Strikes Back!

Well, the man of Hennessey and Chaos. The man of dodgy history, electoral blunders and possible graft. The man of weird public addresses and also even more flamboyant outfits. The one and only Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is back-at-it.

The man who signed of several of functions to the state on the 25^th of February and gave it away at the State House on the 18^th of March. Instead of getting impeached or even continued trial on the charges put on him at the end of last year. Just like that it went away, as the President didn’t need to have votes against in the county or get him impeached. Therefore, instead the President ushered in a trusted Major General Mohammed Abdallah Badi. Who would carry the tasks that wasn’t for Sonko anymore.

Now today on the 29^th of April. Suddenly, the administration of Sonko is back-peddling the affairs. They are initiated that the functioned for the appointed Major General are turned back to Sonko. A Sonko whose still not allowed by the Courts to appoint a Deputy. The same man who is on public display behind the President and if not his doing something ridiculous.

I’m just awaiting him striking back with a stingy dance, filled with all his bling-bling and sell his bling-bang. He will go full circle, show all his true colours and schemes. Ensure that he gets his power back. While certainly the State House will not accept that. As they did a merciful thing earlier in the year. As he have not continued the cases against him and not caused more trouble.

Instead Sonko is a free-man, enjoying the perks of the office and being in the public eye. Even as the grand corruption is hanging over him. Not that it has bothered him much. He can still buy Hennessey and tell some good stories on the radios.

So for now, Mike Sonko is not giving way. He is shooting back and wanting the whole throne. While that might even end up Dethroning him. As the State House and allies either will impeach him and have a unwanted by-election. If not, they will force him to loose the strings and back-off, with the fear of possible retaliation. Which the Governor don’t want to see.

The governor better drink his whiskey and back-off. This is not his game, he gambles and he forgets that the [State] House always wins. Peace.

Hennessey tales: Sonko wants to become a living legend

“I always keep some whiskey handy in case I see a snake…which I also keep handy.” – W. C. Fields

Governor Mbuvi Gideon Kioko Wam aka Mike Sonko wants to make history. The Nairobi Governor who has signed of most of his office. The man whose still under investigation of alleged corruption. The man who signed off and supports Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Now, with the COVID-19 or Coronavirus crisis running rampant in Kenya. The Governor has his solutions to the matters.

Governor Sonko will deliver Hennessey together in the government supported packages to the ones whose in need during the lockdown and the curfews in Nairobi. This is meant as a supportive measures, but only shows the Governors own priorities. Instead of fixing PPEs, Masks, Sanitizers and whatnot for the Hospitals of Nairobi. He got funds to pay alcohol for the citizens.

Surely, plenty of the citizens will be grateful for the French Whiskey. Maybe, that is why he signed off the Supplementary Budget to cover the costs of this and other measures. The parcels from the Governor is filled with UNGA, Sugar and rice too. So, its not like it doesn’t matter and is a joke.

I doubt Sonko even thought of these words: “One serving of whiskey contains as many antioxidants as a glass of wine. Try taking a shot of whiskey as your next “fighting off/preventing a cold” excuse. Whiskey also contains ellagic acid, which known for fighting off cancer by absorbing rogue cells” (Julia Gellis – ‘The 6 healthiest alcohols you should be drinking’ 20.09.2017, BusinessInsider.com).

He might have heard about that and that’s why he does it. During the Spanish Flu, even in Norway, the state gave away a one Cognac bottle to its citizens. Therefore, Sonko isn’t doing something new. However, its the method and the lack of sanctions doing so. Secondly, just the free-way spreading the news on the Radio recently. Not like it was given by the Health Care Professionals or said by Health Experts. Instead a rogue governor. Who has gotten away with a lot and still runs around.

Sonko clearly believes in the words of W.C. Fields. He thinks its handy to have a whiskey, because you can never when the snakes are around. Right now the snake is COVID-19 and that’s why he makes it handy. Though, there is no scientifically proved that Whiskey helps towards this sickness. However, this might help the ones fatigued at home and who needs liquid courage to push through the troubling times of lockdown. That is however, another ball-game than actually helping the citizens with their nutritious needs or a steady diet. Peace.