Hello and welcome to the Friday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where Ruto has made a commitment to the US over the police.
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Ruto’s Phone Call With BlinkenÂ
The United States government has expressed concern over the rising cases of police brutality during protests.
As revealed by the Office of the Secretary of State, the US expressed its dissent over the actions of the police during a phone call between President William Ruto and Antony Blinken on Thursday.
Blinken is reported to have called on the Head of State to ensure that officers operating outside the law are held to account.
In particular, the mistreatment of protesters and abductions were highlighted as points of concern for the US.
In return, Ruto pledged to direct the police to stop using excessive force during the protests.
“The Secretary commended President Ruto for his pledge of accountability for security forces allegedly involved in protest violence or responsible for disappearances and his commitment to direct police to refrain from using violence of any kind against protesters,” Blinken’s office reported.
On the other hand, the Head of State and his government were advised to acknowledge and respect the space of the civil society and the youth in an active democracy.
“The Secretary underscored the importance of freedoms of assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenyan’s constitution, emphasised the vital role played by youth and civil society organisations in healthy democracies, and urged respect for their contributions to Kenya’s development,” read the statement in part.
The remarks by the US came days after Ruto accused civil societies in Kenya including the Ford Foundation of funding the Gen Z protests.
According to the government, the activities were aimed at toppling the Kenya Kwanza regime. Ford Foundation has since denied the allegations fronted by the government.
“As a charitable foundation with a global presence, our grantmaking is transparent and readily available on our website. This includes a database showing where our funds go, as well as highlights from our rich history in East Africa and around the world.Â
“While we continue to acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, we repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community,” read the statement in part.
Guess Who?
Can you guess who said these words?
“If I find myself next to Kindiki in the cabinet, what are we going to discuss? What needed to be done was for both UDA and ODM to drop their manifestos and come up with a new manifesto.”
To find the correct answer, simply scroll down as you read this newsletter.
I’m Content – Gachagua Speak on Cabinet
On Friday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua responded to political analysts who described him as the biggest loser in recent Cabinet nominations.
Speaking in Laikipia County, the DP acknowledged that some analysts had stated that he was the biggest loser owing to the nomination of four ODM members to the Cabinet.
Gachagua, who has been against the entry of the opposition into government, maintained that he was content with the nominations done by the President.
He added that it was not the time for the country to determine the biggest winner or loser adding that the nominations were representative of the face of Kenya.
“I have seen many people, all sorts of analysts, newspaper writers and commentators commenting about the gains and losses, which regions benefitted and which did not, who is strong and who is not,” Gachagua commented.
“I think the whole thing is a win for the people of Kenya and for us in the region are very happy about Mercy Wanjau’s appointment (Secretary to the Cabinet),” he added.
Reprive for AishaÂ
Days after sending former Gender CS Aisha Jumwa packing, President William Ruto has expressed his intention to have her return to government.
Speaking during a tour of Kilifi County, the Head of State described Jumwa as a sister.
According to the President, the former Kilifi Woman Representative was among the politicians who stood with him in his time of need hence he could not leave her in the cold.
While he did not reveal the exact position Jumwa would be appointed to, he reiterated that the former CS would be part of the government.
“I will not leave Aisha Jumwa behind, she is my sister and we will walk together, I will not leave her behind. Isn’t she capable?” Ruto asked.
“I have decided to nominate Hassan Ali Joho to my government, let him come together with Aisha Jumwa and work together.”
On her part, the former CS promised to continue supporting the government and help the President achieve his agenda.
“He allowed me to serve the people of Kenya and I am grateful for that and I will continue to be thankful. I believe in Ruto because what he sees while sitting I can’t figure while standing,” she stated.
The Head of State has yet to nominate a CS in charge of the East African Community (EAC) docket.
Weekly Kenyans.co.ke Quiz
Do you think you are a news guru? Every week, the newsletter team brings you a 10-question quiz testing your knowledge of the top news topics for the week.
Take our quiz and test how well you understood the week’s most important stories.
Here are the top five stories for the day:
- Chief Justice Martha Koome issues advisory on police arrests after uproar on abductions.
- Former MP arrested, found with fake dollars amounting to millions.
- Scramble and partition in ODM as MPs lobby for positions after Cabinet appointments.
- Deep dive:Â Will it be easier for Kenyans to recall MPs?
- Why CSs will find it difficult to raise fees and charges for government services
Guess Who Answer
The answer is Edwin Sifuna. The ODM Secretary General made the remarks in reference to the appointment of ODM leaders to the Cabinet.
This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.
Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE