Corridors of Power: Governors 'trick' EACC

A county chief from the Rift Valley who had bought three luxurious hotels has vanished off the trail of EACC sleuths. The governor's massive wealth had attracted the attention of the Eliud Wabukala-led Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, which has been keenly scurrying through the evidence to nail the governor. Knowing the consequences of the state's ruthless asset recovery policy, the governor has allegedly put the three hotels on sale. It is said he has connived with an auctioneer to put in a debt claim amounting to Sh500 million against him. Corridors of Power is aware the auctioneer will soon call for the hammer against the investments, a smart new way of money laundering. 

A smart governor knows better how to beat those he represents when it comes to investing without raising eyebrows. Knowing very well that putting up a five-star hotel in his county would raise eyebrows from the residents who might question his source of wealth, the county chief has shifted his massive investments to the 'diaspora'. Delegates at the Senate Mashinani forum, which concluded its sittings in Kitui last week, were surprised that a luxurious hotel within the county is owned by the governor from a county way far. The posh hotel costing hundreds of millions is no mean investment but lifts the lid on how governors are smartly investing outside their native counties.

 Should Kenyans pray in their houses and stop seeking divine intervention in church? Some civil society actors think so. They based their arguments on two separate church incidents yesterday. One in which a prominent cleric from Mount Kenya openly endorsed some political grouping while castigating others. But even more comical was a viral video of some religious leaders from the Rift Valley. The leaders wondered why church donations are only being given in Central Kenya. In fact, they suggested they should benefit from the donations before the October 1 deadline for the old Sh1,000 notes. Are the religious leaders openly soliciting for proceeds of graft? Some activists say the church has completely lost its moral fabric.

What is happening at a university located in Homa Bay county? Corridors of Power is informed that up to 100 students developed weird symptoms of an unknown disease and were left on their own to seek medication. The majority of the students presented visible swellings on their bodies, including ears and eyes, as the strange ailment swept through the institution. Unfortunately, the institution, which has been accused of lacking functional administrative structures, has yet to try to allay any fears. Most of the affected students are first years who reported a month ago and have no clue about who they need to turn to. The situation is dire, with up to 20 students hospitalised with similar symptoms as the management sits pretty.