The Star 04/24/2017

It’s do or die today for all four Luo Nyanza governors and key allies of opposition chief Raila Odinga, as the region holds eagerly awaited primaries. There are fears of violence in the fierce contests described by some ODM observers as “the mother of all primaries”. ODM says violence will be punished. Voting will be held in Migori, Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay counties — the former Prime Minister’s political bedrock. However, ODM will also have nominations in Nakuru Town West constituency and at St Monica polling station, Kitengela ward, Kajiado East. In Siaya, nominated MP Oburu Oginga, Governor Cornel Rasanga, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo are in a close fight. Oburu, Raila’s elder brother, will face Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda. Rasanga faces Rarieda MP Nicholas…

SH1.2 BILLION DEAL Fighting gender-based violence Gender ministry has signed a Sh1.2 billion pact with the UN to fight gender-based violence. The four-year contract will accelerate efforts to eliminate GBV. CS Sicily Kariuki said the project will focus on prevention, protection, prosecution, programming and partnerships. GBV remains one of the most pervasive human rights violation in Kenya. See page 10 KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN Denies tampering with polls Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims he bungled the county JP primaries. Murkomen, who is seeking to retain his seat, accused Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi of peddling the lies. Speaking in Iten on Saturday evening, the senator said he is a victim of the shambolic nominations, See page 30. RARE CANCER Girl with mouth tumour dies…

It’s D-Day for Deputy President William Ruto’s top allies in Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties where they face off in Jubilee primaries today. All JP primaries , including those in the DP’s backyard, in an unprecedent and humiliating primaries debacle. Yesterday, JP headquarters yesterday dispatched high-powered teams to the two regions to oversee the nominations and prevent disasters like the one that caused cancellation of all primaries on Friday last week. Joseph Mathai, the region’s party’s coordinator, said they would put in measures to ensure credible polls. “This time it will be all systems go and we hope to do the best nominations,” he said. Ruto’s allies have spent heavily to win nominations for the August 8 polls. The DP has kept off the campaigns, but sources say he is…

POLITICAL GOSSIP Who is doing what and where in the world of politics THE number of plainclothes police officers based at the Jubilee Party headquarters (pictured) in Pangani seems to be growing daily. The mean-looking officers walk around the place all day and night, despite the presence of G4S officers. This has raised questions whether there is very sensitive data or equipment inside the building. Jubilee has criticised NASA on its plans to carry out parallel tallying on August 8. Does the ruling coalition have a similar game plan? Well, the party had revealed that it has hired more than 300 staff. On Sunday, the IEBC said they have not given their register to any political party. There were rumours that the register, which is still being cleaned, has been…

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka is pushing hard to be the NASA presidential candidate or at least, Musalia Mudavadi’s running mate. Last Thursday, the National Super Alliance announced it would reveal its ticket this Thursday at a huge rally at Uhuru Park. This led to speculation a decision finally had been reached, the infighting was over and opposition unity was intact. However, the issue remains contentious. NASA has yet to agree on who will face President Uhuru Kenyatta in the General Election on August 8, and the line-up of officials in the presumptive new government. Kalonzo told his colleagues yesterday he has the best chance of defeating Jubilee, with ANC’s Mudavadi as his running mate. “The Wiper leader has made it clear it is important NASA wins with a big margin…

There is no doubt NASA’s efforts to pick their flagbearer are in the homestretch. What remains in doubt, however, is their ability and foresight to pick the right candidate. This decision will make the difference between staying in the opposition on the sidelines or crossing to over to government on August 8. NASA’s self-imposed deadline of Thursday this week to announce their flagbearer comes hot on the heels of bungled primaries across all parties. This includes Jubilee’s hyped digitised members’ list-driven election — a fiasco never before seen in Kenyan party primaries. This is the right time to name the perfect candidate to take on Jubilee on at their weakest moment. When opposition parties were literally on fire during so-called nominations, Jubilee gloated at what seemed their lowest ebb. Jungle…