IS CECILY MBARIRE aka CESS APAA A CORRUPTION ADDICT?

Cecily Mbarire addresses a public gathering during happier times, on her campaign trail

Drug addiction is said to be the worst form of addiction, but after witnessing in different Media how corruption mulled the botched Jubilee Party primaries on 21st April 2017, in Embu County especially, I have a different view. Corruption addiction is real.

During campaigns, she was treated like a queen and made to believe that she was the people's favorite

I guess Cess Apaa, would get a seizure, flu or something if she takes a break from engaging in corrupt activities. She may even feel itchy and start scratching herself in public. You might think I have something personal against this daughter of Ndega but no, in the contrary, I love her - as a woman, not as a leader - its only that I respect her marital status else I would not mind; after taking her to a ‘corruption rehab center’ on behalf of EACC, of course.

She is beautiful alright, but behind that beauty is a political alligator; a cold, calculating, ruthless political vampire who can suck the blood of her opponents like a cold glass of milk on a hot day. Damn! She is a thirsty political vampire.

Moment of shame; Cess is alleged to have been caught with her thongs down, messing with votes

For starters, she is a scion of KANU – political machinery - we know what that means. She has been the Member of Parliament for Runyenjes Constituency since 2007. In those ten years, plus five as a nominated MP, give me A LIST OF ONE THING she has done to improve the lives of her constituents. There is a way MPs lobby government and government agencies to get jobs done in their constituencies, but in Runyenjes, women still fetch water from rivers, or from neighbors whose taps still run. Kamwithi’s taps. (Those born in 70s and early 80s know what I’m talking about)

Five of those years, she was Assistant Minister for Tourism, and with all the tourist attractions in Embu, she didn’t do anything relevant to promotion of domestic tourism. At least not in Embu. 

Again, even with the aggressive rural electrification program, there are villages with no power; apparently, they are too far from transformers, but in real sense, it is because some villagers in such areas had dared pinpoint her weaknesses. That is not funny.  Now she wants to become Embu governor. Now that’s funny.

Dispensaries she has built using CDF, at inflated costs, are yet to smell drugs and staff. Her operations are very predictable: Appear during campaigns, work with a few people, pour money, bribe voters, and then disappear to her Teso home and make profit from the huge campaign investment, it’s very painful.

As if that is not enough, she is a known national looter, every now and then caught up in a web of graft allegations. Every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that. She is the ax that felled the celebrated anti graft Tsar, PLO Lumumba, when he targeted her for investigation on graft allegations. Companies associated with her close family members are adversely mentioned in multi million government tenders malpractices.

She is very cunning though. Every times she’s caught with her thongs down, she calls the press and wearing that innocent baby face, pleads innocence until babies believe she is innocent! That’s exactly what she did in the cancelled party primaries, and after the exercise was rescheduled, whereby she lost to the incumbent governor, Martin Wambora, she’s gone ahead to petition.

The thunder that will strike her is still doing press ups up in the skies - a political thunder that will shake the entire Embu politics.

                           The author is a professional Political Analyst, and a resident of Embu County

BLESSING IN DISGUISE; Miscommunication Within Jubilee Party Brings Embu Leaders Together.

From left, seated; Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, former minister Njeru Ndwiga and incumbent Governor Martin Wambora, among other leaders in a press conference at Izaak Walton hotel in Embu. 

In what may be referred to as a twist in the tale of Embu politics (Siasa za Embu), miscommunication within Jubilee Party is evidently working for the good of the County, as it seems to bring leaders together. According to the Nation, the incumbent Governor of Embu County, Martin Wambora joined hands with Senator Lenny Kivuti who is eyeing the Governor's seat and former minister for co-operative development Njeru Ndwiga, who is in turn targeting the Senatorial position, to condemn the County Assembly Speaker Kariuki Mate, whose theatrics threaten to jeopardize the ruling Party's popularity in the County. Mr. Mate is a self proclaimed supporter of Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire for the gubernatorial seat.

In a rare show of unity, nevertheless, the politicians addressed a joint press briefing at Izaak Walton Inn on Wednesday, 1st February 2017, where they tore into Speaker Kariuki Mate after reports emerged that he had been appointed to a top party position. Mr Kivuti claimed that a meeting held on January 14, and attended by Mr Mate had agreed on how Jubilee tickets would be shared. However, the information has been found out to be mere propaganda aimed at destabilizing Jubilee members ahead of the forthcoming Party nominations in April. The misinformation, alleged to have originated from Mr Kivuti was meant to cause a split in Embu Jubilee Party leadership. The three senior politicians ganged against the County Assembly Speaker, poking holes into his integrity to lead the party’s activities.

The Speaker, however, has denied being appointed as the Director of Operations explaining that he had only volunteered to mobilize residents to register as voters in the ongoing mass listing exercise.

They said there is a likelihood of favoritism since Mr Mate had publicly announced his support for Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire who is seeking to unseat Mr Wambora.

Political analysts have it that the whole saga was instigated by Mr. Kivuti, who having realized that he has been marked as the common enemy, wished to turn tables and portray Ms. Cecily Mbarire as the antagonist, a move that has instead brought the leaders together for the betterment of Embu County politics. 

MASTER OF SIGNATURES, IS SENATOR LENNY KIVUTI

Even before the dust from the still fresh allegations about the fake list of Jubilee Party interim officials for Embu County settles, the man who has now come to be referred to as 'Mr. Riceman' or LK, is already doing more signatures.

Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti makes a signature, as his proposed running mate Emilio Kathuri, among others look on

But before anyone jumps to judge him, may it be noted that he already has recruits, who include his proposed running mate Mr. Kathuri, aspiring MP for Runyenjes Eric Muchangi - popularly known as Karemba and the incumbent Governor Martin Wambora's deputy, Ms Dorothy Nditi. All of them seem to have learnt the art of doing signatures as seen in the photo below:

RUNYENJES CONSTITUENCY MNA ASPIRANTS' (MAGGIE AND KAREMBA) SHOWDOWN (Video)

Embu county politics seem to be getting heated as aspirants out do each other in public, to the amusement of voters.

RUNYENJES CONSTITUENCY MNA ASPIRANTS' (MAGGIE AND KAREMBA) SHOWDOWN (Video)

Embu county politics seem to be getting heated as aspirants out do each other in public, to the amusement of voters.

ASPIRING MP FOR RUNYENJES, RAYMOND KINYUA (Rayie) SHARES PART OF HIS MANIFESTO ON A PUBLIC SOCIAL FORUM.

Embu County Secretary, Raymond Kinyua and wife Jane Roddy Raymond

This session took place between 6.00pm and 8.00 pm, on Monday, 1/11/16, with Ambrose Njeru and Njoka acting as moderators. For the sake of objectivity, we have published only what the aspirant, who is also the current County Secretary, said without including who asked which question:

Education:
A background check shows that most of our students are currently in Day Schools albeit not by choice but because of the high fees charged in boarding schools. Day schools is also where we have 100% of local student enrollment thus better performance in these schools will ensure a high transition rate of our children to tertiary institutions.

If elected as MNA, I will revolutionize the Education support system to ensure that all needy students remain in school and have an equal opportunity to education.

In this, I will come up with RUNYENJES SOCIAL BURSARY SCHEME  where all contractors doing business with the CDF will be required to contribute a certain %age of the tender value to the scheme as CSR towards Education. A representative of the business community will be included in the constituency bursary committee to oversight such funds.In addition, there will be an ANNUAL  Education support Harambee led by MNA which will raise more funds towards the scheme. This will be added to the CDF bursary kitty and used to award reasonable bursaries to the needy students both secondary and  tertiary levels of education.
There will be an annual award ceremony for best performing students and teachers for all our education institutions. This will boost the morale of our students and  staff to perform optimally to give best results.

Roads:

Much has been said about the poor state of roads in the constituency. If my bid is successful, I will introduce a department of Community Road rehabilitation and maintenance program, this does not substitute contractual works but sets aside funds for road maintenance through labour based contracts. Largely our youths will be engaged in the maintenance .The constituency leadership will work closely with the county Govt and make use of the graders in place and land bought to excavate Murram since we are serving the same people .CDF Will also set aside money where culverts will be moulded and used in the Rural Roads maintenance program.

Youth and Women:
CDF will set out a Kitty for women and youth economic support program. This will be a replica of the current Youth Fund which was my brain child as the CO for Ministry of youth and Sports. The kitty will finance business initiatives by the youth an women and repaid at low or no interest rates.
We will also use Talent development and promotion as a means of youth economic empowerment. We will initiate rigorous marketing of our talents and this will see our talented youth in different fields join initiatives, clubs and programs where they can get financial gains from their talents.

Water and Electricity:
To curb the constant water shortage issues especially in the lower parts of Runyenje’s, there will be introduction of local sources of water ran by the area residents. This initiative will sink boreholes and distribute water within a certain radius for both domestic and irrigation use. This will enhance food production and increase productivity. We will also maintain the existing water distribution framework.
In collaboration with the national government, we will ensure that power transformers are installed in appropriate areas where there is no connection. This will ensure that residents of Runyenje’s will be able to get nearby connection to the power grid thus enjoy the low rates of Rural electrification program.

Agriculture and Trade:

To promote agriculture in the area, we will introduce value addition to our agricultural products. We will also source for competitive markets to our products thus ensuring that our farmers are not exploited by middle men.
CDF will also seek to setup cottage industries based on the main economic practice in each region.

Benevolent scheme:
CDF will set aside some funds for purchase of a hearse and burial equipment for the constituency. This will be used to help the needy bereaved families who are not able to cater for a decent send off for their loved ones.

CDF Management:
I will ensure restructuring of the CDF management committee to strike regional balance and ensure equity. The committees will be devolved to the ward level to ensure that each ward has its development plan prioritized as per their needs.

I will conclude my presentation based on what I had said earlier that am ready to engage on any topic as long as am approached on the same. I don't want to digress further on this. I thank all of you who participated and gave their views. Let us make informed decisions devoid of sectarian and parochial politics. This country belongs to all of us. For those who want me to answer questions on my performance and my current position then I guess the administrators can set another day. God bless and goodnight.

LOVE FOR THE ELDERLY SELLS GOVERNOR MARTIN WAMBORA AS A NOBLE AND CHARISMATIC LEADER

The elderly were given special space. Top: Governor Wambora chats with one of the eldest women in Embu County.

Embu Governor H.E Martin Wambora, on Mashujaa Day, 20th October, 2016 showed traits of nobility when he took his time to chat with 'akina Cucu', a deed that has brought him out as caring and compassionate. This was in complete contrast to his co-aspirants, who have exhibited themselves as hatemongers and inciters to violence.


At the event, the incumbent also gave a moving speech on the achievements of Embu County Government, under his watch.

Here is the full speech, for the benefit of them that did not have the opportunity to hear him out:

SPEECH BY H.E. MARTIN N. WAMBORA, THE GOVERNOR OF EMBU COUNTY DURING THE EIGHTH MASHUJAA DAY, 20TH OCTOBER, 2016, KAIRURI GROUNDS.

>Honourable Members of The National Assembly,
>Honourable Members of the County Assembly,
>Members of the County Executive,
>The Deputy County Commissioner,
>Members of the Judiciary,
>Members of the Security Personnel,
>Religious Leaders,
>Invited Guests,
>Members of the Press, ladies and gentlemen – I greet you all. Bwana Asifiwe.

I am indeed honoured to preside over this auspicious occasion to remember and celebrate our national and local heroes who fought hard against the injustice and oppressive rules of the colonial masters. I want to thank you all for turning up to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who fought for our country’s independence.

This is one of the most important days in our Kenyan calendar. Therefore, as we celebrate, let us reflect on the sacrifice and acts of heroism of many Kenyans whose vision and conviction won us freedom and sovereignty. As we all may know, colonialism had stripped our forefathers and mothers of their fundamental rights.

Today, we honor our forefathers who waged a struggle of conviction and principle. Their gallant struggle gave us independence and dignity.

Embu County played a key role in liberating Kenya from the yoke of colonialism. Our freedom fighters sacrificed their lives and were ready to die for Kenya. General Kubu Kubu was the Mau Mau leader in Embu alongside General Kavote, Musa Mwariama, Bepeta and Sukuma. They were brave and noble.

Through Kubu Kubu’s wise leadership, the caves perched on top of Kirimiri Hill and the slopes of Mt. Kenya became the fighters’ hideout, planning and strategy centers.

These freedom fighters and others are a source of inspiration to all of us. They bring to our minds the virtues of patriotism and self-sacrifice, which are important pillars of the stability and unity of our Great County and Nation.

This day also reminds us of our duty to serve this County and the Country with total dedication and to put the interests of Wananchi above all other considerations.

THE KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF EMBU COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Embu County has a lot to celebrate. Not just our heroes but our achievements as a County Government which came into existence after the March 4 General Election in 2013. My Government has since made strides in all sectors of the economy while winning the following recognitions:-

1. Governor’s Awards of Excellence for Support of Innovation in Energy (2015),

2. Second Prize Achievement of Best Practice in Heath Sector (2015/2016) by Ministry of Health and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA),

3. First Prize for Best Practice in Health Information (2015/2016) also by Ministry of Health and JICA.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I now briefly turn to sectoral achievements:-

HEALTH
In this sector, my Government has prioritized health care provision to ensure our people can easily and quickly access the much needed medical attention. Embu County has remained to be one of the best healthcare providers in the country as evidenced by the cited Health Award.

My Government has also initiated major projects at Embu Level Five Hospital to position it as a modern medical facility with state-of-the-art equipment to make it a teaching and referral Centre.

The following are the key steps we have undertaken to hasten this upgrade:-

The Complex: A three-storied super structured hospital complex is now complete. The building will have 6 bed capacity intensive care unit section, 6 bed high dependency unit, four ultra-modern theatres, and several classrooms.

Other medical facilities now available in Embu Level Five hospital are the following:-

1. Renal dialysis: Our renal dialysis unit is fully installed and functional with ten dialysis machines

2. X-ray unit, CT-Scan and MRI machines: Our X-ray unit is now fitted with a top-of-the-range CT-Scan machine. MRI machines have also been fully fitted and are functional.

3. Laboratories: The County has further completed two state-of-the-art laboratories including Histopathology and Biochemistry laboratories and completed renovation of labour ward, female surgical ward, male surgical ward and two amenities wards

Other Health Facilities
By the end of this year, all our Level Four Hospitals will be having minor theatres.

Also by the end of this financial year, over Forty Health Centers and Dispensaries will be fully operational.

EDUCATION
My government understands that Education is critical for promoting sustainable development. On Early Childhood Development Education, my administration has so far operationalized five new ECDE Centres and is still constructing more. To show our special emphasis on education at this level, Embu was the first County to Employ 483 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. This has seen enrolment in the ECDE increase by 20%.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s true that no meaningful development can be achieved without education. My government has transformed our polytechnics to Youth Vocational Training Centres. These centers are now training our young people in technical skills so they can fully participate in productive activities.

We have improved learning standards in our vocational centers by equipping them with modern learning equipment worth Ksh. 8.6 million. We have further employed managers and skilled instructors on permanent and pensionable terms. This has increased Enrolment by 29%.

WATER
This is a sector which forms one of the strongest foundations for our economic growth. My Government is keenly aware of our strength in this sector. We were the first county to undertake water for children program which has supplied water to virtually all our public ECDE Centres (nursery schools), Primary and Secondary Schools. These educational institutions have water tanks whose capacity is 12,000 litres each.

Embu was also the first County to commercialize provision of clean and treated water through EWASCO as a strategy to access commercial and affordable funds to help distribute water to our people. My Government is scheduled to construct water networks in Kithimu, Evurori, Mbeti South, Kagaari South, Kyeni South, Mbeti South, Mwea, Mavuria, Nthawa, Muminji and Kiambere Wards.

AGRICULTURE, IRRIGATION, LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES AND COOPERATIVES
The Agricultural Sector continues to play a very important role in the Embu economy. The sector contributes over 70 percent of Embu economic base and generation of 26 percent foreign exchange earnings. The sector also employs over 85percent of Embu rural population.

While in a bid to mechanize agriculture especially in the areas of Mbeere North and South, my Government procured four tractors to promote agriculture mechanization in order to increase tillage and produce. We have also put deliberate efforts through extension services to improve agricultural production.

In Livestock

We have procured four milk coolers and distributed them. We are also set to benefit with 22 milk coolers from the National Government.

My Government in talks with KCC to enter into a partnership that will set pace for upgrading of the Runyenjes KCC Milk Plant in to a fully fledge milk factory that will process, package and market dairy products from our great county. This will boost milk production in Embu County thus enabling our farmers gain better profit margins.

In Veterinary

1. We are now rehabilitating the Embu municipality slaughter house to category 'B' status and the Ishiara slaughter house to category 'C' status.

2. We have started subsidizing the A.I services in order to improve our animal breeds. Currently the program has been rolled out in Manyatta and Mbeere North Sub-Counties.

3. We are now improving our pest control facilities by rehabilitating our cattle dips. Already work has started in Wango in Mbeere South and Ngunyumu in Mbeere North.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND SPORTS
Young people are often considered to represent the future as they bring new ideas and energy to add to the pool of knowledge that currently exists. With this in mind, my government has fully supported our youth with programmes that have led to empowerment.

Through Embu Youth Trust Fund my government has already given a total of Ksh. 19 million. This amount has benefited our young entrepreneurs.

The talent academy is complete and will be operationalized soon. The academy will nurture and mentor talents including athletics, music, theatre and sports.

To indicate that we’re on the right track, several County Governments have been sending their Officials and Youths to benchmark with our successful Youth Empowerment Program.

TRADE, TOURISM, INVESTMENT AND INDUSTRIALIZATION
Whereas we have had legal challenges in trade licensing, my government has so far been able to collect Ksh. 30Million from liquor licensing which we are using to provide services to our people. We have also completed and operationalized a state-of-the-art open air market in Kiritiri in addition to roofing several markets in all the four Sub-Counties.

In the sub-sector of Tourism we are currently improving facilities in Mwea Game Reserve.

INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, PUBLIC WORKS AND ENERGY
My government has embarked on an ambitious plan to transform our infrastructure. We have Completed Tarmacking of Dallas Ring Road, Runyenjes Town Roads and Embu-Nairobi Bus Terminus. The Tarmacking of Embu - Kibugu Road is currently on-going while tarmacking of Kiritiri and Ishiara Town Roads will be done during this Financial Year.

My government has been able to purchase six graders. This major milestone has seen the opening up 105 kilometers of access roads, grading of 590 Kilometers of roads, gravelling 359 Kilometers of roads, and the department has also been able to place 1170 meters of Culverts.

LIGHTING
My Government’s plan to transform Embu into a 24 hour economy is now being realized. In 2015, Embu County was honoured with Governor’s Awards of Excellence for support of innovation in energy. We have installed floodlights in 66 Townships spread in the Sub-Counties. That is not all, Embu County Government has also gone green by installing Solar Lighting in Embu Town. This Lighting System has CCTV cameras Installed to monitor and enhance security along our Highways.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The developments that I have outlined clearly indicate that my Government is Keeping the Promise-Kutimiza Ahadi. A promise to transform our County and make it globally competitive with equal opportunities for all.

My Philosophy, Oh Yes, the Ciiko Philosophy is centered on accelerated development for Mwananchi. This is what I cherish most – Kupeleka Maendeleo Mashinani. I encourage you to embrace the Ciiko Ideology which is all about Good Governance, Good Leadership, Civic Engagement, Transparency and Accountability and above all, ensuring Implementation of policies, strategies, and development projects that fulfill our County Vision, that is A Prosperous County with Equal Opportunities for All.

I now urge you to unite and remain calm. This is because I love order. The Ciiko Philosophy believes in order and respect for all.

Watu wa Embu Hawataki Mdomo, Hawataki Makelele na Porojo, Wanataka kuona wakifanyiwa Kazi njema kwa utaratibu,
Watu Wa Embu Hawataki VITA, Wanataka kuona Utenda Kazi Mwema kwa AMANI,
Watu wa Embu hawataki CHUKI na FITINA, wanataka Uhiano na Umoja.

Embu Ni Yetu, Tuipende na Tuijenge pamoja ndio Tusonge Mbele Pamoja.
Nataka kuwahakikishia yakwamba Kazi Inaendelea na Itazidi Kuendelea.
Tujuvinie Embu County na Maendeleo Yetu.

Above all, we have Kept the Promise and Embu is Shining.
Thank You and God Bless You.
Truly #EmbuShines

THE BRA CONTROVERSY, BY RUNYENJES CENTRAL MCA STEVE SIMBA.

For the benefit of those that didn't get Runyenjes Central MCA Hon. Steve Simba's argument right, here is the story as reported by Nation:

There was a stir at the Embu County Assembly when a ward representative interrupted the house proceedings over his colleagues' dressing.
Runyenjes Central MCA Steve Simba, Thursday, October 13, sought to have his female counterparts remove their braziers to mark the ‘No Bra Day’

"Today is an international breast cancer awareness day. It is a day that we are told for us to show that we celebrate, ladies all over the world should not be in bras..." he said.
The MCA who rose to seek the indulgence of temporary speaker, Ngari Makenge, said the day required all women in the world not to wear bras to reinforce the on-going sensitisation on breast cancer.
Simba urged female Ward Reps to join the world in observing the call to ‘set their breasts free’ because men were incapable of honouring the appeal since they did not wear bras. He added that the Serjeant-at-Arms ought to have checked if the female MCAs had complied with the directive before setting foot into the County Assembly's Chambers.

SIASA ZA EMBU: Wambora's Tight-fistedness Starts To Cost Him His Prize Team.

Part of CIIKO's Media team

Majority of voters in Embu County agree that Governor Wambora is best among the four gubernatorial aspirants, but a large number of his most ardent supporters among them his online media team are disgruntled by the incumbent's tightfistedness.


Owing to the esteemed leader's failure to reward or motivate his people, some who never sleep working to increase his presence on various social media platforms, both KK's and Lenny's camps are slowly encroaching on Ciiko's teams with offers of handsome rewards to withdraw their support.

This is a clear indication that if Governor Wambora continues starving his prime people, soon they'll better working for his opponents, and that's how the cookie crumbled.

Team Wambora-Ciiko Online

'IT'S HARD TO FIGHT THE GOVERNMENT IN POWER', DECLARES EMBU COUNTY ASSEMBLY.

In the aftermath of the satirical political misadventure involving Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti and Runyenjes legislator Cecily Mbarire in the weekend, a good number of MCAs led by Majority Leader Hon. Andrew Musakwa, pledged to support the incumbent, Governor Martin Wambora in his bid to defend his seat come 2017.

The fateful political incident in Karurumo, Embu County on Sunday 18th September 2016, brought out the true characters of some Embu leaders, terming it as political intolerance and has been published for all to see.
Here:

ASTOUNDING CONTRAST! CECILY SEEKS NYERI COUNTY TOO, WHILE WAMBORA HELPS THE NEEDY.

News reaching is that Embu County Governor, Martin Wambora on Saturday, 17th September, 2016 spent the better part of the day visiting Kimbu village in Runyenjes. Here, H.E donated several bags of cement and wooden doors to two families whose houses had accidentally been burnt down. Governor Wambora, accompanied by First Lady Theressia and hundreds of supporters, also gave the victims; Mzee Aaron and his neighbor cash money to facilitate rebuilding of their houses. This wonderful deed has greatly increased the incumbent's popularity in the area.

Meanwhile, Runyenjes MP Hon. Cecily Mbarire has been reported to not only be after Governor Wambora's job, but to be interested in Nyeri County as well. How true these allegations are will be known with time.

RUNYENJES MP HON. CECILY MBARIRE RUMOURED TO BE INDIRECTLY AIDING 'ALI SABAB'!

Runyenjes Constituency's Member of Parliament, Hon. Cecily Mbarire, who has expressed an interest in the Gubernatorial race for Embu County come 2017, earlier in the week graced a fundraiser at Dallas Mosque, where she donated 'big money'. The legislator, who is said to be challenging the incumbent, His Excellency Governor Martin Wambora, was hosted at the Mosque by Kirimari MCA, Hon. Ibrahim Swaleh.

While almost all agree that giving large donations is not wrong, some people are said to be spreading the rumour that such monies normally find a way to get to some outlawed organizations, and so allege that the Honourable Member could be involved in funding such. Too bad for Cess.