The Star 04/21/2017

Suspected armed Pokot bandits attacked Kagir, Baringo North, on Wednesday and injured a Tugen herder before driving away 30 cattle towards Tiaty subcounty. Kosol Kiburet, 22, lost his right ear. He was rushed for first aid at Yatya Dispensary and transferred to Marigat Subcounty Hospital, where he was admitted. The bandits overpowered the Kenya Police Reservists in a fierce exchange of fire at around 5.30pm. Resident Richard Chepchomei said the police officers in Kagir did not respond to the gunshots. The attackers drove the animals towards Seretion village in the neighbouring East Pokot, he said. Chepchomei said the attack happened barely five days after other bandits raided the area and stole more than 300 goats belonging to three families. Nothing has been done to restrain the bandits, despite the ongoing…

COLLAPSED BUILDING Ban on low-quality building bars The Kenya Bureau Standards will in six months ban the use of twisted metal bars in construction as they are substandard. It is advocating the use of ribbed bars, which are stronger and have a longer lifespan, although they are expensive. The use of twisted bars has led to some buildings collapsing. See page 14 BALLOT No party hopping after primaries The IEBC has dashed the hopes of disgruntled aspirants hoping to defect to friendly political parties after losing in primaries. Aspirants, however, have 19 days from today to decide whether to contest as independent candidates. The IEBC said the law allows parties to clear only aspirants who have been members for at least 120 days before the general election. See page 10…

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he was misquoted in reports that he had endorsed Nairobi governor aspirant Peter Kenneth. It was reported that the President appeared to endorse the former Gatanga MP as Jubilee flagbearer for the seat held by ODM’s Evans Kidero. Senator Mike Sonko and former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru are also eyeing the seat and want to run on the JP ticket. In an address to the media at State House yesterday, Uhuru said in Kiswahili, “Sikuwaambia wamchague. Nilisema wamuombee. Hiyo si kupigia mtu debe. (I did not tell them to vote for him. I asked them to pray for him. That does not amount to an endorsement).” “Muombeeni ... ubaya uko wapi? Hata naombea aspirants wote (Pray for him ... Where is the problem? I am…

THE opinion polls released regularly on the leaders likely to retain their seats in August have left many with more questions than answers. Most people, including the lawmakers themselves, are questioning the credibility of the pollsters. They have accused them of being compromised by politicians, especially governors. Many are wondering why no poll has singled out one governor at risk of losing his seat. The ongoing party nominations where some governors, including Taita Taveta’s John Mruttu (pictured), have lost have proven their suspicion and mistrust. Perhaps Kenyans will learn to question the polls in the remaining three months. An ODM governor was disgraced at Orange House on Wednesday. The county chief beat his opponent through uncouth means and intimidation of his rivals’ supporters. He stormed the ODM headquarters and demanded…

NASA has recreated the famous opposition Pentagon to spearhead their onslaught on President Uhuru Kenyatta. The announcement yesterday by opposition leader Raila Odinga evokes memories of his formidable 2007 political machine, the Pentagon, which nearly vanquished President Mwai Kibaki. The NASA Pentagon consists of the five Super Alliance principals — Raila (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya) and the newest member, Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto (CCM). The opposition game plan emerged as the National Super Alliance finally said it would announce its presidential flag bearer on Thursday. This appears to end months of speculation and fears of an acrimonious split that could unravel the opposition and hand victory to Jubilee. At a Bomas of Kenya rally, Wetang’ula revealed the five NASA principals had finalised their…

Since 2013, we have consistently expressed our commitment to building a nation that carries all communities and all shades of opinions on board. We have consistently said we are committed to building a nation that stands in sync with the dreams of our founders, a nation that thrives on unity, peace and liberty. That journey saw CORD metamorphose into NASA and the coming on board Musalia Mudavadi as a co-principal in the Opposition coalition. With Isaac Rutto on board, we have a new general particularly for our battle to protect and preserve devolution. Kenyans will see NASA in its true and grand colours as the face of the Kenyan nation. A rainbow leadership for a rainbow nation is emerging in the horizon. We begin a new journey characterised by bold,…