Talk of Town: Reckless MP frozen out by party boss, apple-munching official stirs curiosity
Parliament Buildings in Nairobi County on August 8, 2024.
Governor, rival rush to please kingpin
A governor pulled a fast one on a rival eyeing his seat in 2027 by bribing a self-styled regional kingpin with more than what his soon-to-be challenger had offered. The governor had learnt that the rival, a former senior official, had recently visited the influential figure and “shook hands” with some money. In response, the county boss quickly dispatched emissaries with double the amount to stay in the party leader’s good books. He now plans to defect to the kingpin’s political outfit next year, a move he believes will secure his re-election.
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Complaints over stingy big man
A senior politician in government is the talk of town among MPs from his backyard over his failure to assist “our people”. The lawmakers are complaining that the man, despite occupying a prime position in government, does not offer even low cadre jobs such to people from his region. So irked were the MPs that they registered their disappointment with an influential individual, who told them the region should sort out its affair ahead of 2027 and that their man had been given all the powers needed to handle small matters such as employment and seeking funds for development.
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Scandal of leaked interview answers
A research organisation that recently conducted interviews for a top position is now under fire . Allegations have emerged that some board members leaked interview questions and answers to one candidate, who had been bragging openly that the job was his - even before the interviews were held. Sources say the candidate claimed an influential ministry official had already secured the position for him. It has also emerged that several qualified applicants were deliberately scored poorly to favour the preferred candidate. Disgruntled voices are now calling on the Cabinet Secretary to intervene.
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Reckless MP frozen out by party boss
A flamboyant lawmaker is said to have taken a suspected hard substance in a coastal city and nearly caused a fatal accident. The MP, a close ally of a powerful political kingpin, has now been sidelined over his reckless behaviour whenever under the influence. A little bird tells us the kingpin no longer wants him anywhere near. The legislator, who is eyeing a gubernatorial seat in the 2027 polls, is now in panic mode - fearing he may not secure the party ticket from his preferred outfit.
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Apple-munching official stirs curiosity
Was a senior official in one of the critical dockets running low on sugar during the just-concluded Cabinet retreat - or was there more to her eating habits? Well, our mole at the retreat, like many others, watched in quiet amazement as the official repeatedly reached for fruit at an unusually high speed during every break. The official, who holds one of the most sensitive positions in the Kenya Kwanza administration, seemed unable to hide her urge for apples - grabbing them during the 10am tea break, lunchtime, and even in the evening.
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Radio host shames MP over Sh2,ooo token
A female presenter from one of the country’s top radio stations recently embarrassed an arrogant MP, who also chairs a powerful parliamentary committee, after rejecting a Sh2,000 “token” he had offered her. The two met at an upmarket city entertainment joint, where the lawmaker, seated in a VIP corner with friends, sent a waiter to deliver the cash along with an offer to buy her and her friends drinks. But to his shock, the presenter returned the money and cheekily offered to buy Mheshimiwa a drink instead, drawing laughter from those seated with the MP.