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Taxpayers fly governor's family to, from Nairobi

Chopper firm linked to governor's brother, politicians threaten to expose them.

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by POLITICAL DESK

Coast20 July 2021 - 13:06
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In Summary


  • A Kieleweke MP from Central Kenya who recently declared interest in a governor's seat has sparked political tension.
  • A far-flung county, where a governor runs his government from the diaspora in Nairobi, could be rocked by a earthshaking graft scandal.
It all started with the county boss insisting on having his family flown to Nairobi and back, courtesy of taxpayers', whenever they please.

A remote county, where a governor runs his administration from the 'diaspora' in Nairobi could be rocked by earthshaking graft scandal. It all started with the county boss insisting on having his family flown to Nairobi and back, courtesy of taxpayers', whenever they please. It dawned on the county officials the governor had specified the type of aircraft to fly his family back and fro. Later, it has emerged that the firm that runs the helicopter service is linked to one of his brothers. The brother is a majority shareholder in the company that won the tender for chopper services. Some county politicians are threatening to expose the scam that cost taxpayers millions of shillings.

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A Kieleweke MP from Central Kenya who recently declared interest in a governor's seat has sparked political tension. The politician's entry into the race has complicated the matrix of a Tangatanga rival who has been seen as the front-runner. Initially, two Deputy President William Ruto's allies had agreed on a power-sharing formula in which one would run for governor, the other would be deputy. In fact, the victory was considered sealed until the Kieleweke diehard swung into action, destabilising the power balance. A battle looms large in one of the most populous counties in President Uhuru Kenyatta's (pictured) backyard.

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A new building where a group of staff in a ministry has been moved has set tongues wagging. Sources whisper to Corridors the building in upmarket Nairobi is co-owned by a veteran lawyer and a principal secretary in that same ministry. The renowned lawyer has handled many high-profile cases for the government. It is not clear why the staff were moved to the new office. However, sources say the PS could have engaged in a direct conflict of interest by hiring his own facility. Questions are being asked if there was any tendering process before the lease was signed.

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A political storm is simmering in a party after a group of officials claimed the outfit will not be fielding a presidential candidate in 2022. A faction allied to a former leader has claimed the decision was reached without any deliberation by the party organs. The ex-leader who was unceremoniously kicked out of the outfit has now vowed to challenge the pronouncement at the Political Parties Tribunal in the next few days. One of the former officials allied to the ex-party boss has confided to Corridors of Power that a gruelling legal battle is afoot to reverse the move. Who is to benefit by the party pulling out of the 2022 presidential race is the biggest riddle.

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