Controversial Kenyan Senator Johnson Sakaja has faced criticism for his Eid Mubarak message after recently skipping a Senate session to respond to audit queries. Sakaja wished all Kenyans a life filled with peace, joy, and blessings. However, netizens questioned why he avoided attending the Senate sitting and criticized him for his absence. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed frustration over Sakaja's failure to attend a summon by the senators in response to corruption allegations against him. The summon was related to concerns outlined in the Auditor General's Reports for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 financial years [19ae6c85].
In another development, former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko is at risk of losing two million followers on Instagram. Sonko's account was suspended after he shared an explicit video and offensive message. The video showed young men sexually assaulting a woman, and Sonko promised a cash reward for members of the public to lynch the suspects. Sonko has appealed the suspension and does not regret his remarks. He believes Instagram should analyze and reconsider their action of pulling down posts that promote safe and equal treatment of citizens [b2d75c02].
Meanwhile, a group of Meru MCAs allied to Governor Kawira Mwangaza have written a letter to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, seeking his intervention to be reinstated in Public Accounts, Budget and Appropriation, and Implementation committees. They claim to have been unfairly treated by the county assembly leadership and are losing thousands of shillings in allowances. The MCAs argue that their expulsion from the committees for supporting Mwangaza is an infringement on their freedom of expression, association, and political rights. They have appealed for the Senate's intervention to have them reinstated [ea8ce0f4].
In South Africa, Mthandeni Manqele, also known as 'Igcokama Elisha', has decided to halt partaking in Durban performances. The popular Maskandi star claims he often gets attacked when he performs at Maskandi events. Mthandeni currently faces a lawsuit from Zimdollar following the drama which ensued at the Mother of All Maskandi Music Festival. Mthandeni Manqele wants to ensure that the safety of his fans and family is guaranteed when he takes up gigs. However, he noted that he is often attacked in Durban Maskandi events. Because of this, he has decided to stop attending them until further notice. Mthandeni Manqele, nicknamed 'Igcokama Elisha', has decided to no longer participate in Durban Maskandi events due to safety concerns. The popular Maskandi star, known for the hit song, claims he often gets threats when performing at said events. Therefore, he will refrain from accepting any bookings. Mthandeni mentioned that he often gets bookings outside KwaZulu-Natal and internationally, but they have never complained about his attitude. He reckons that a group of people are after him as they have joined forces in tarnishing his name. Ukhozi FM presenter Zimiphi Biyela, AKA Zimdollar, told Mthandeni where to get off at the Mother of All Maskandi Music Festival. Biyela claimed that Mthandeni arrived late for his performance and disregarded other artists. When he addressed this, Mthandeni claimed that he and Biyela have a history, but she denied it. She also slapped Mthandeni with a lawsuit. Mthandeni further said, 'I think it is time to make the decision that ensures the safety of my fans. I will no longer take gigs in Durban until you guys respect me. I say this with the utmost respect.' [41743150].
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has given his endorsement to activist Boniface Mwangi's proposal to organize a peace concert at Uhuru Park to commemorate Kenyans who tragically lost their lives during the recent wave of anti-government demonstrations. Sakaja welcomed the initiative and stated that he sees no problem with it. He mentioned that Uhuru Park belongs to Kenyans and Nairobians and that he himself would attend the concert. Mwangi had tried to reach Sakaja and Shaffie Weru, who runs the events docket in Nairobi County, regarding the peace concert but was unsuccessful. Weru later reached out to Mwangi and asked him to make his request in writing. Sakaja also mentioned the damages incurred by Nairobi County following the razing of City Hall by goons and stated that the insurance provider is assessing the damage. He issued a stern warning to the hired goons and their supposed financiers, stating that those caught on CCTV footage will have to answer for the damage to public property [af936f3c].
Edwin Sifuna, a Kenyan Senator, has responded to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's (EACC) recent claims that Senate amendments to the Conflict of Interest Bill 2023 will cripple the fight against corruption. Sifuna dismissed the EACC's assertions as overblown and accused the commission of attempting to deflect attention from its own failures in dealing with corruption. Senator Ledama Olekina, who sponsored the amendments, also criticized the EACC. Sifuna emphasized that conflict of interest and abuse of office remain crimes under the existing Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. Sifuna was responding to Kenyans on social media who accused him and other senators who voted for the amendments of hypocrisy. Sifuna and other senators have recently criticized the EACC for failing in the war on corruption [2aa20a22].