A government official from one of the counties in Western Kenya is being accused of using his position to harass and profile voters from his constituency. The man is harassing the constituents for rejecting his candidature in the August 9, 2022 General Elections. Residents of the constituency are said to be lamenting, cursing and wondering why the current administration opted to appoint last year’s election loser and a reject. The official has been using public forums to boast about how better off he is than the man who trounced him in the last polls.
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Just why has the chairman of a parliamentary committee thwarted an attempt by his members to summon the CEO of an agency accused of exploiting Kenyans? Well, some members of the panel were heard bitterly complaining how the chairman rejected their pleas. The committee is investigating the firm over alleged claims of unethical practices following a petition by a senator. The firm has been in a spot following complaints by Kenyans that it’s engaged in massive exploitation. While it was not immediately clear why the chairman rejected the members' call, some allege the boss could be a partner in the company.
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Days after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja ordered hawkers off the streets, the vendors' numbers have almost doubled in the City Centre. Streets, backstreets and pavements have been invaded by the traders who do their business in full view of the county askaris who were directed to enforce the order. In fact, the traders start streaming to the streets as early as 6am, begging the tough questions: Was the governor’s order ignored? Did he succumb to pressure from the hawkers and political leaders who had criticised his order? Maybe the county could devise a new way of restoring order in the Central Business District.
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Still in the CBD, is the management of a security organ in Nairobi aware of its officers extorting money from liquor shops operating in the backstreets and estates? Corridors have established that the officers have become daring that they publicly demand for cash from the operators. Those who refuse to give the bribes are allegedly harassed, handcuffed and sometimes detained. This after their merchandise are destroyed by the heartless officers who mostly wear civilian attire.