On Thursday, December 19, newspapers reported extensively on the chaos in the country caused by the President William Ruto insisting on the national livestock vaccination program.
1. The Standard
The newspaper reported on a possible Cabinet reshuffle, which will see at least two Ministers replaced.
According to The Standard, the changes may be in line with President William Ruto's strategies for re-election in 2027.
Sources told the newspaper that Ruto is not satisfied with some of his Ministers, whom he blames for failing to carry out their duties and communicate effectively about the government's policies, agenda, and achievements.
However, the emphasis is on his determination to create a team that will help him effectively in the next election.
People close to The Standard told The Standard that the change could happen anytime from now or early next year.
Ruto chaired the last Cabinet meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 17.
An official group photo was taken after the meeting, with sources noting that it may be a memorial if the changes are made.
“The president is interested in making sure he controls irresponsibility in the government, and that change should happen soon. He can start in 2025 with a new council,” the source said, as reported by The Standard.
Last month, the president made his Ministers sign performance contracts, warning those who will fail to fulfill their responsibilities.
If the changes take place, the National Assembly will have to adjourn to scrutinize and approve the nominees.
The change will take place just four months after the president reshuffled his cabinet.
In July, Ruto sacked his entire council following youth pressure, and appointed a new team comprising senior officials from the ODM party led by Raila Odinga.
2. Daily Nation
This newspaper reported on the relief received by the troubled governor of Meru, Kawira Mwangaza, who was once again rescued by the High Court in Nairobi several months after he was ousted from power.
On Wednesday, December 18, Judge Luck Mwamuye dismissed the Senate's request to remove the temporary orders and remove the governor.
In his decision, the judge extended the period of the orders to stop the removal of Mwangaza for 120 days.
The judge said Mwangaza will continue to perform his duties until his petition against his dismissal is heard and decided.
“After analyzing the issues to be decided, it is my general opinion that the applicant has met the legal criteria for the granting of temporary orders and that the orders should continue until this case is heard and decided. In this decision, I will approve and extend the duration of the temporary orders for a period of 120 days from today. During that time, the applicant will continue to serve as the governor of Meru county while we wait for the judgment of this case to be issued before the end of that time.” said the judge.
In his decision, the judge considered the public interest, noting that canceling the orders would lead to a change of leadership in Meru county before the end of the removal process and raised issues about how the change would happen if Kawira won the case.
Judge Mwamuye explained that the leadership gap in the county would cause the activities of the county to stop.
The governor was ousted in August when 49 out of 69 MCAs voted to remove him.
He faced allegations of abuse of power, misconduct, and violation of the Constitution.
The Senate later approved the County Assembly's decision after questioning him in public hearings.
3. Nation Today
This newspaper highlighted the alleged control of the Parliament and the Central Government.
The easy passage of the 2023 and 2024 finance bills, which created controversy, is evidence of how the parliament has turned into a voting machine, despite the anger of the voters.
Other controversial and unconstitutional bills were quickly passed in the Senate and National Assembly despite complaints from Kenyans.
The indifference of parliamentarians to the interests of Kenyans led to the invasion of parliament in June this year.
Other complex bills passed include the Water Law Amendment Bill, the Affordable Housing Bill, the Social Health Insurance Bill, and the Health Workers Bill.
The Africog report blamed parliament for relying on the Central Government and failing to be accountable to the people.
The report noted that Ruto has succeeded in “buying” a large number of opposition MPs and thus gaining a majority in both houses of parliament.
Cabinet ministers have been accused of incompetence and corruption, but parliament has yet to exercise its constitutional powers to hold them accountable.
Another evidence is how the National Assembly approved all of Ruto's Cabinet nominees in August, despite 10 out of 23 being cited as having strong objections in comments submitted to the selection committee headed by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.
4. People Daily
This newspaper took the time to highlight the controversy surrounding the livestock vaccination program run by the central government.
A section of citizens opposes the plan, citing bad intentions and secrecy surrounding the plan.
The Kenya Veterinary Association also expressed concern about the government's emphasis on the scheme.
The doctors noted that since the government came into power Kenya Firsthis actions have left the citizens dissatisfied, and thus the vaccination campaign looks like another upcoming scandal, similar to the fake fertilizer scandal a few months ago.
They expressed doubt about the intention of the campaign given that farmers, veterinary experts, and community leaders were not sufficiently involved, as claimed.
Despite the skepticism, the president announced that the vaccine would go ahead as planned, saying the complaints against him were “propaganda and fake news.”
Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development Andrew Karanja said the vaccine is aimed at international demand for animal products, and thus there is an urgent need to improve the health and quality of livestock in the country.
To remove the fear of farmers and stakeholders, the minister assured that the vaccines are safe and will be provided by the Kenya Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), which is certified by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
The vaccination is scheduled for January 2025, and the government aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle against foot and mouth disease (FMD) and 50 million sheep and goats against PPR.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
