Is a governor from one of the counties in Western Kenya demanding too much a share of kickbacks from contractors? Well, a small bird has whispered to Corridors that the county boss is now demanding up to 15 per cent of the contract sum in bribes. The "hike" in kickbacks has triggered a stand-off between the executive and contractors, with the latter up in arms saying they are being exploited. There was a commotion at the governor's office when representatives of the contractors who sought official audience with the county chief were denied access. There are reports that the deadlock could spill over to the assembly where the speaker is also said to be on the rampage with his demands for more kickbacks. It is only a matter of time before the matter gets the attention of the EACC.
The head of a top government institution could soon been in trouble over his appetite for foreign travel. In the last two months, the man has travelled to at least five countries, pocketing millions of shillings in per diem and other benefits. The agenda of the trips is not clear to even his own handlers. However, some insiders say the man, who is eyeing a political seat in one of the populous counties in the country, is engaging in private business and meeting potential campaign financiers in the trips disguised as official. His juniors are threatening to expose his habit, with some said to be planning to petition Parliament to investigate his conduct.
A governor serving his second and last term is not in talking terms with his deputy over the 2022 presidential race. The governor is supporting one of the political bigwigs for the top seat next year but his deputy recently pledged allegiance to another State House hopeful. For a long time, the governor had been hinting at supporting his deputy to succeed him but he has now changed tune following the new development. A little bird told Corridors that the governor has now come up with all manner of explanations as to why his deputy may not be the best person to succeed him.
Two police officers based in Nairobi’s Central Business District are on the radar of detectives after a group of touts complained to authorities about their conduct. The touts said the two had become a nuisance to them as they keep demanding bribes to allow them operate at a bus terminus. The officers have evaded a dragnet twice but our bird tells us those monitoring them were just sympathizing with them because if they are caught, they risk losing their jobs. The touts are now wondering where their help will come from.
