Tony Mukere

388 people have tested positive of Coronavirus in the country over the last 24 hours, bringing the national tally of positive cases to 41,546.

The positive cases came from a sample size of 4,287 tested over a similar period (24 hours) with the cumulative tests are so far done standing at 591,198.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From the cases, 383 are Kenyans &amp; 5 are foreigners.

284 are males while 104 are females.

In terms of distribution of the cases by Counties Nakuru led with 86 cases followed by Nairobi (84), Mombasa (51), Trans Nzoia (49), Kiambu (29), Kisumu (17), Kericho (11), Meru (10), Busia (10), Bungoma (8), Machakos (7), and Garissa (5).

Kajiado, Tharaka Nithi and Nyamira had 3 cases each while Nyeri, Siaya, Makueni, Nandi, Kwale and Nyandarua had 2 cases each.

63 were discharged from various health facilities and home-based care over the last 24 hours, raising the total recoveries to 31000.

A statement from the Ministry of health indicates that 40 were discharged from various hospitals while 23 from the Home-Based Care Program.

6 patients succumbed to the disease bringing the fatality to 766.&nbsp;

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe at a recent press conference

388 new cases reported

Kenya celebrates 31,000 Covid-19 recoveries as total cases rise to 41,546

Hours after police canceled two fundraising events that were to be presided over by Deputy President William Ruto despite being informed of the functions three days prior as required by the security guidelines released earlier in the week, <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/politics/dp-ruto-convenes-urgent-meetings-to-explore-strategies-of-beating-order-against/r6c578b">Raila Odinga is currently hosting businessman Jimmy Wanjigi</a> and a host of other politicians at a fundraiser in Bondo.

Among those attending the fundraiser at St Michaels ACK church are Siaya Senator James Orengo, MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugenya), Former Nairobi County Deputy governor Polycarp Igathe among others.

A section of DP Ruto’s allies have protested the guidelines, noting that they are targeting the DP Ruto bandwagon and are being applied selectively to disadvantage and ground the DP.

Ruto was to camp in Mumias today, presiding over a fundraiser at St Leo Catholic Church Shianda in Mumias East and attending a church service at Our Lady of Assumption Indangalasia Catholic parish in Matungu.

Raila Odinga (facing away) and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi

Police however directed that no church services will be held in the two churches and canceled the events, citing multiple security and health concerns.&nbsp;

Addressing the press on Sunday, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa divulged that the Tanga Tanga brigade has instructed its lawyers to move to court to challenge the move by the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) to lower the political temperatures in the country by invoking the Public Order Act.

“We have already given instructions to our lawyers to go to court and seek the court’s intervention in quashing these punitive guidelines that are issued, not for all Kenyans but for the DP of Kenya and the Tanga Tanga movement” Barasa said.

Law Society of Kenya has also revealed that it would move to court to challenge the move that has seen DP Ruto’s allies cry foul.

Police yesterday clashed with a section of Tanga Tanga politician led by Bonny Khalwale and Ben Washiali when they convened a press conference after their events were cancelled.

Their press briefing was cut short when police lobbed teargas cannisters into the air, sending them scampering for safety.Below is the video of the fundraiser in Bondo.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ODM leader Raila Odinga hosts businessman Wanjigi for a fundraiser in Bondo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenWeekend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenWeekend</a> <a href="https://t.co/oApdNXOogv">pic.twitter.com/oApdNXOogv</a>&mdash; Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) <a href="https://twitter.com/citizentvkenya/status/1315234844394377219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and Businessman Jimmy Wanjigi

DP Ruto's Tanga Tanga brigade have disclosed that they will move to court to challenge orders on political events

Raila hosts Jimmy Wanjigi and Polycarp Igathe at a fundraiser hours after police canceled DP Ruto’s harambee [Video]

In the wake of a crackdown on political activities that has seen three of his events cancelled, Deputy President William Ruto convened an urgent meeting with his allies to explore the way forward and come up with ways to beat the system and advance his 2022 agenda.

Reports indicate that <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/politics/police-storm-tanga-tanga-meeting-teargas-kakamega-senator-boni-khalwale-mps-benjamin/ljmcknh">Ruto summoned his most trusted allies to his Karen residence</a> on Thursday, hours after his events in Nyamira were cancelled.

Impromptu meetings and radical approach

One of the options presented to circumvent the system is holding impromptu rallies that will catch authorities off-guard and present the self-declared hustler an opportunity to connect with Kenyans.

A well-placed source privy to the details revealed that “This would mean DP appearing without warning to peoples’ farms, places of work like car wash premises or carpenter shops or even markets. He can also be in weddings or funerals”.

A section of Ruto’s allies also backed a radical approach, insisting that the DP Ruto bandwagon should face the police head-on and arguing out that any form of confrontation is good for their course.

In an interview with Sunday Nation, an MP allied to the DP confirmed that “He (the DP) ignored the advice from some of us who were of the view that we take on the police head on. Those of us who support this particular route argue that any form of aggression by the police against ‘the hustler nation’ only helps our course. We should not shy away from it”.

Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Joseph Kinyua addresses a media briefing at Harambee House on the status of security

Bolting out of Jubilee

Another option discussed during the meetings that have been running every evening since Thursday was bolting out of Jubilee party and charting a new political path.

Those in favour of this option hold that the relationship between Ruto and his boss is irredeemable with senior government officials leaving no doubt that they are out to ground DP Ruto.

While announcing a raft of measures to lower political temperature in the country, the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) invoked the Public Order Act that permits the local station commanders to use their discretion to decline or allow such political meetings.

Reports indicate that the Tanga Tanga bandwagon are considering challenging the act in court and secure an injunction that would see them resume hustler campaigns.

In the mean-time, the Tanga Tanga brigade will be using Ruto’s Karen home for its political activities in the belief that the police would be reluctant to take the battle there or storm any meeting taking place in Ruto’s residence.

Another meeting that will determine the fate of Jubilee as a party and the path taken by Ruto’s allies is planned for Wednesday at his Karen home.

"After this meeting, we will have a common ground on whether to nurture the Jubilee party or we leave but we still believe that we can revive the aspirations of this party," a member of his think-tank said.

Agenda includes whether to nurture Jubilee party or bolt out and 4 strategies to beat order against political meetings

Details of DP Ruto's tense meeting after the latest order against political meetings and cancellation of his events

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga hosted 700 people, including members&nbsp;of the Kikuyu Council of Elders and other notable figures from the Mt&nbsp;Kenya region in a politically-charged event that sent ripples across the political scene.

The event saw the delegation publicly declared its intention to work with the ODM party leader and his community in an alliance that will ultimately influence the 2022 presidential elections.

Although the elders insisted that the meeting was for peace building, speeches made at the event left no doubt that 2022 succession politics could not be ignored in the new partnership.

2022 presidential elections and assurance of community's support

Nominated MP Maina Kamanda urged Odinga to run for the presidency in 2022, assuring him of the community’s support and admitting that he (Kamanda) would be disappointed if his name will not be on the ballot.

"We are here because we want to ensure this collaboration between the two communities works. We fought alongside you to get rid of Kanu. We will be with you," Said Kamanda.

The highlight of the event was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which shall see the two communities join hands with elected leaders keen on ending political divisions in the country.

"We are not merely writing our MoU on a piece of paper. We have performed a cultural ceremony that's binding to illustrate how serious it is to us.

"We are inviting Raila to Central and will introduce him officially to our people to cement this unity." Said Kikuyu Council of Elders chair Wachira Kiago.

Facing Mount Kenya

Reports indicate that Odinga will soon embark on a tour of the expansive Mount Kenya region to cement his place and be unveiled as a reliable partner.

Divine intervention was sought with the elders standing facing Mt Kenya and raising their hands in a prayer for unity between President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga as well as the two communities.

In his address, Odinga took issues with DP Ruto who he accused of “only being keen on derailing the government's agenda”.

"Take a walk if you feel dissatisfied with your boss. Do not derail the government from within,"&nbsp;Odinga said.

On his part, former Gatanga Lawmaker Peter Kenneth hailed the meeting as the first step in re-living what Jaramogi Oginga Odinga had in mind when he teamed up with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in the fight for independence.

"We want to walk together. That's the reason for this delegation. We have started retracing the steps of the late&nbsp;Mzee&nbsp;Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi. This meeting of over 700 elders from Central is historic.” Kenneth said.

ODM leader Raila Odinga with a section of Gikuyu elders

We are inviting Raila to Central and will introduce him officially to our people-Kikuyu Council of Elders chair Wachira Kiago.

Details emerge on 4 resolutions made during Raila's meeting with Kikuyu elders ahead of 2022 elections

Several Tanga Tanga MPs and politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto were forced to flee after armed police officers stormed their meeting, forcing them to flee.

The leaders who included former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, MPs Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Justus Murunga (Matungu) were addressing the press, lamenting that police officers are being used to settle political scores.

During the Sturday press conference, Washiali complained that double standards are being applied, noting that while DP Ruto’s events had been canceled, ODM party leader Raila Odinga was having a field day, hosting hundreds of Kikuyu elders at his Opoda home.

"The fundraiser was supposed to take place in March, but we had to postpone it following the Covid-19 outbreak, and so we applied for a permit on Wednesday. However, it was cancelled,"

"I can assure you that rather than breaking the DP, they are making him," Washiali stated before inviting Khalwale.

DP Ruto bandwagon on the receiving end

Police moved in, lobbing tear gas cannisters into the air as soon as the former Kakamega Senator began giving his speech as captured in the video below.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mumias this afternoon. Tear gas, tear gas. Tumechoka! <a href="https://t.co/vBbmh1KCxO">pic.twitter.com/vBbmh1KCxO</a>&mdash; Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@DrBKhalwale) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrBKhalwale/status/1314982968625111041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ruto and his Tanga Tanga brigade has been on the receiving end with authorities keen on cooling down the rising political temperatures fuled by DP Ruto’s hustlers’ campaigns across the country.

Several of his events have been cancelled in recent days following the chaos that were witnessed during his Murang’a visit last weekend that left two people dead.

Boony Khalwale with Ben Washiali at a recent event

Tear gas, tear gas. Tumechoka!-Khalwale laments after police stormed meeting by DP Ruto allies

Police descend on DP Ruto’s allies with teargas during press conference, forcing them to flee [Video]

Siaya Senator and Senate Minority Leader James Orengo on Friday warned Deputy President William Ruto against publicly attacking his Cabinet colleagues.

Orengo said he had information that during Thursday's Cabinet meeting held at State House, all attendants were given an opportunity to raise their grievances in front of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Senator added that while CSs confronted Ruto over his public attacks on the government, the DP was unable to raise the same issues he has recently been making in public and on social media.

"I want to tell Ruto that if he has any issues with Matiangi, he should table it in the Cabinet. I have information during the cabinet meeting, people were asked to raise questions. The CSs asked the DP hard questions but Ruto could not speak. Then when he left State House he started attacking Matiang'i. Let him keep quiet or face me," Orengo said.

The Senator spoke in Kisii where he accompanied ODM Leader Raila Odinga to the funeral of Mzee David Ong'esa Onsarigo, the father of journalist Dennis Onsarigo.

DP William Ruto was unable to confront CS Fred Matiang'i at State House, he should keep quiet - Siaya Senator James Orengo

Let him keep quiet or face me

Ruto was unable to confront Matiang'i at State House, he should keep quiet - Orengo

Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli on Friday asked Tanzanians to assist Kenyans with prayers in the war against the covid19 global pandemic.

Magufuli claimed his country, Tanzania, had managed to defeat the coronavirus through prayers which he led in early May.

He further claimed that the success of the prayers was the defeat of the coronavirus from Tanzania - a statement that has disputed by civil society and medical experts in Tanzania.

Magufuli added that he had talked to President Uhuru Kenyatta who requested assistance as Kenya begins three days of prayers from today Friday till Sunday.

"A few months ago, we were among countries that were suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. However, we called religious leaders and prayer relentless and now we have defeated coronavirus here, it does not exist in Tanzania."

"This morning, I talked to my friend and neighbor President Uhuru Kenyatta and he told me he was also following the route of prayers. I urge you to pray for Kenyans as they go into three days of national prayers so that they can also eradicate coronavirus in their country," Magufuli stated.

John Pombe Magufuli tells Tanzanians to pray for Kenya to overcome coronavirus

Magufuli reveals his conversation with Uhuru this morning

Magufuli tells Tanzanians to pray for Kenya to overcome coronavirus

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i on Friday announced that tomorrow, Saturday October 10th will be a public holiday named Huduma Day.

"In line with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act, it is hereby confirmed that October 10th October 2020 will be a public holiday named Huduma Day," the CS said.

October 10th has traditionally been observed as a holiday named Moi Day especially during the era of Kenya's Second President Daniel arap Moi.

However, the Constitution of 2010 removed Moi Day from the list of national holidays, leaving it as a public holiday that was not designated for any specified activities.

The Building Bridges Initiative taskforce last year proposed October 10th to be renamed Huduma Day to be observed through community service.

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i announces Huduma public holiday tomorrow October 10th

Matiang'i also gave guidelines on how the holiday will be observed

Matiang'i announces public holiday tomorrow

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday morning made a rare tweet reacting to a story by the Nation which reported on the explosive details of the Cabinet meeting held yesterday at State House.

Ruto appeared displeased with the story to the extent of making a tweet on the issue, just minutes after midnight.

"Cabinet Secretaries challenging who?? To do what??? Hii itumiwe kufunga matumbo na mara!!!!" the DP said.

The story reported that the DP was placed on the spot over his aggressive political campaign with some Cabinet Secretaries challenging him to resign.

The early campaign was castigated by his colleagues in the Cabinet as a threat to national peace and security before the Cabinet endorsed a number of regulations on public meetings and rallies.

Ruto was the first casualty of the proposals adopted by the Cabinet after the government cancelled his meetings in Nyamira County.

The proposals were adapted on the recommendation of the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC).

DP William Ruto makes rare midnight tweet after reports that some CSs challenged him to resign at a heated Cabinet meeting

DP angered by story saying he was asked to resign at a State House meeting

DP Ruto makes rare midnight tweet after details of explosive Cabinet meeting were leaked

Police in Nyamira have cancelled a fundraiser that was set to be presided over by Deputy President William Ruto.

Authorities said the meeting cancelled as its conveners failed to observe the strict security arrangement introduced by the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) in an address made my Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.

A video clip seen by Pulselive.co.ke showed a senior police officer dispersing residents who had flocked to Kebirigo Primary School - the venue of the fundraiser.

Despite the presence of tens of anti-riot police, the police boss peacefully dispersed those who had attended the fundraiser telling them to go back home peacefully as the harambee had aborted.

Ruto had not yet arrived at the revenue and it remains to be seen if he will proceed with his trip to Nyamira.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nyamira meeting canceled, people leave venue peacefully. <a href="https://t.co/nmzEth7lLM">pic.twitter.com/nmzEth7lLM</a>&mdash; Polycarp Hinga 🇰🇪 (@PolycarpHinga) <a href="https://twitter.com/PolycarpHinga/status/1314118868143570944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Police cancel DP William Ruto's harambee in Kebirigo, Nyamira County

Those who were at the fundraiser were asked to leave the venue as tens of anti-riot police officers watched

Police cancel DP Ruto's harambee in Nyamira

Detectives working for the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) are unravelling a puzzle into how Sh5 billion that appeared to have vanished into thin shortly after entering an account owned by Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.

Initial investigations showed that a about Sh12.5 billion was paid into three of Gachagua's bank accounts at Rafiki Micro Finance Bank.

The ARA team did a forensic audit of the bank accounts but were only able to trace Sh7.5 billion.

Sh7.3 billion had been moved through withdrawals while another Sh200 million was sitting in the bank following a court order allowing the ARA to freeze the bank account.

Despite the records showing entry of the money into the accounts, there was no record of the exit of Sh5 billion.

The ARA had initially sought a successful order to access former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri's bank accounts where they hoped to trace the lost money.

The government agency was unsuccessful in its investigations and now wants Rafiki Micro Finance Bank to shed light on the disappearance.

The ARA also wants to collect the Sh200 million already in the account arguing that the money was stolen from state agencies.

“Preliminary investigations established that the respondents were involved in suspected complex scheme of money laundering involving several companies, which initially received funds from government ministries and State agencies and later transferred the funds to companies/business entities associated with Gachagua and ultimately transferred the funds to Gachagua’s personal accounts,” the ARA says in court documents.

Puzzle of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua's Sh5billion that vanished into thin air

Rigathi Gachagua is a close ally of DP William Ruto

Puzzle of Rigathi Gachagua's Sh5billion that vanished into thin air

Sports CS Amina Mohamed has suffered an early defeat in her bid to head the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Amina did not make it to the final list of candidates who will battle to become the next Director General of the powerful trade organization.

The Cabinet Secretary was among three candidates who were dropped after&nbsp;intense consultations between representatives of the 164-member WTO.

The race has now boiled down to two female candidates - Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria and Ms Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea.

Apart from Amina, Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri of Saudi Arabia and Dr Liam Fox also failed to make it to the final race.

President Uhuru Kenyatta <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/kenya-in-new-campaign-to-have-sports-cabinet-minister-amina-mohamed-elected-as-wto/74tnee3">had embarked on an aggressive campaign</a> to campaign for CS Mohamed.

The Sports CS would have had to quit her Cabinet position as the WTO Director General's job is permanent with an office in Geneva, Switzerland.

In 2017, Kenya spent Sh347 million in Ms Mohamed's unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson's seat which was won by Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad.

Okonjo-Iweala now stands a chance to become the first African to head the WTO which has been criticized for favoring developed western countries at the expense of developing countries.

Sports CS Amina Mohamed suffers early defeat in race for WTO Director General

Uhuru had led an aggressive campaign to support her candidature

Amina suffers early defeat in race for WTO top job

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has withdrawn the license allowing the sale of popular nicotine drug - lyft.

Kagwe, in a letter directed to Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Fred Siyoi, said the registration of the license allowing the drugs to be sold in Kenya was illegal and ordered its immediate revocation.

The CS also asked Siyoi to explain the procedure that was followed in allowing Lyft to be registered as a pharmaceutical.

"The nicotine pouches neither meet the descriptions of 'Part I Poison' nor "Part II poison' as prescribed in the Act. Further, the manner in which the product is sold to the public does not meet the provisions of Section 23 of CAP 244 as required."

"In view of the above, therefore, you are required to furnish the ministry with a comprehensive report on the criteria used and circumstances leading to the registration and licencing of the product under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act," Kagwe said.

Lyft has gained popularity as a recreational drug among the youth although its manufacturer, British American Tobacco (BAT) marketed it as a drug assisting people battling cigarettes' addiction.

The drug is mixed with sweet flavors and packed in a thin membrane pouch. The user then inserts it between the teeth and the lower lip for the drug to be absorbed into the body.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe bans popular nicotine drug lyft

Lyft becomes the second nicotine based drug to be banned after a similar ban on shisha

Mutahi Kagwe bans popular nicotine drug lyft

The High Court in Nairobi has nullified tyhe election of Gatundu North MP Wanjiku Kibe.

Justice Weldon Korir said Wanjiku's election as MP was illegal as she was at the time also a serving nominated MCA at the Kiambu County Assembly.

"I declare that the seat of the MP Hon Anne Wanjiku has become vacant," Justice Kori's judgement read in part.

The judge directed the ruling to be served on the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi and the Registrar of Political Parties.

Muturi will have fourteen days to inform the IEBC of the vacancy unless the ruling is stayed by a higher court.

High Court nullifies election of Gatundu North MP Anne Wanjiku

By election looming in Gatundu

Court nullifies election of Gatundu North MP

The highly awaited judgement in a case where three people are accused of aiding the deadly terror attack at the Westgate was on Tuesday postponed at the last minute.

Chief magistrate Francis Andayi on Tuesday said that the judgment was not ready for delivery as he needed to make last minute changes, promising it would be ready tomorrow (Wednesday).

It was the third time that the ruling was being postponed, much to the disappointment of the local and international interests who are looking forward to the verdict.

On Monday, journalists and parties in the matter waited all day for the judgement only for Andayi to postpone the ruling to today morning.

There was heavy police presence who were beefed up by the Anti Terror Unit of the DCI in keeping watch at the Milimani Courts where the accused were to know their fate.

The accused - Mohammed Ahmed Abdi, Adan Hussein Hassan Mustafah and Liban Abdullah Omar - were arrested and charged in 2013 and have been awaiting the verdict for seven years.

"This matter started in 2013. I acknowledge that it has taken long but I need time to write the judgment. I am tying up on some sections," Andayi said on Monday.

Highly awaited ruling on Westgate terror suspects postponed at the last minute

Anti terror police unit had surrounded the court ahead of the ruling

Highly awaited ruling on Westgate suspects postponed at the last minute

Education CS George Magoha on Tuesday directed the resumption of the school calendar for the pupils in Grade 4, Grade 8, and in Form 4 - effective Monday 12th October 2020.

Magoha further announced that the national KCPE and KCSE exams will start on March 22 and March 25 2021 respectively.

KCPE exams will run for three days until March 24, 2021 while KCSE exams will start on March 25, 2021 and end on April 16, 2021.

The students will be on a marathon to recover the time lost in 2020 after schools were closed in March following the breakout of Covid19 in the country.

Under the new education curriculum, grade 4 pupils will be undertaking exams to graduate to upper primary while the Grade 8 will be seeking entry to lower secondary.

Education CS George Magoha directs class 8 & form 4 candidates to resume school next week in marathon for KCSE/KCPE

Magoha set new dates for national exams which will take place in early 2021

Class 8 & form 4 candidates to resume school next week in marathon for KCSE/KCPE

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Tuesday condemned the spate of violence that has been witnessed in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2022 presidential campaign.

Mutua said the growing incidents are a sign of the decline of the Mt Kenya region which he said has historically played a role in leading the country.

He accused the local voters and the area leadership of following certain political leaders blindly to the extent of willing to kill their own people for political gain.

"The people of Mt Kenya were persecuted by the colonialists and they shed blood to liberate this country. They offered 15 years of leadership under Jomo Kenyatta, ten years under Mwai Kibaki, and now seven years under Uhuru Kenyatta. It is like they have taken leadership for granted."

"I want to tell them as their in-law, what is happening is a shame. Mt Kenya people are bringing shame to Kenya. The local leadership should have a moment to consider whether what is happening to Gema is the behavior of a region looked up for leadership. The region is no longer thinking of building itself, they are just following people and being used to fight amongst themselves," Mutua said.

The Machakos Governor spoke a few days after two people were killed after violent political confrontation of youth in Kenol town where Deputy President William Ruto was attending a church service.

The people of Mt Kenya are bringing shame to Kenya - Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua's tough message to Gema

Mutua spoke a few days violent clash in Kenol, Murang'a County

The people of Mt Kenya are bringing shame to Kenya - Alfred Mutua's tough message to Gema

Renowned economist and political strategist David Ndii has defended his newfound found praise for Deputy President William Ruto despite his past harsh remarks on the DP.

Ndii has come under sharp scrutiny from a section of netizens who raised issue with his recent declaration that he was willing to work with Ruto to defeat the so called "dynasties".

The economist, while working as a NASA strategist has in 2018 swore that he would leave Kenya if Ruto was elected President in 2022.

"I am making plans just in case. I have no intention of living in a country governed by a neurotic megalomaniac," he said at the time.

Questioned on the about turn, Ndii said politics does not work as a romantic relationship adding that there are no permanent friends or enemies.

"Memo to Raila groupies, politics is not romance. Going into politics expecting fidelity is like going to a brothel to look for love," the economist stated.

On the concern of the graft accusations leveled against the DP, Ndii said he had equally worked with people who were accused of corruption during his reign in NASA.

"I was associating with equally corrupt people in NASA. What is different?" he posed.

The former NASA strategist has praised Ruto's hustler movement saying it was long overdue as it will create class-based politics as opposed to the tribe-driven divisions.

Politics is not like romance - David Ndii defends his newfound praise for DP William Ruto