Talk of town: Kenyan politicians fear loss of Dubai property as Iran strikes hit UAE

Anxiety over Dubai property

While most Kenyans worry about the economic effects of the war in the Middle East, especially on fuel pump prices, a group of politicians and wheeler-dealers has different concerns. After splurging millions of mostly stolen cash on luxury property and businesses, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, they are now following the news closely as Iran retaliates against American and Israeli attacks by targeting neighbouring countries, including hotels and apartments. Two politicians at a restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani were recently heard discussing in low tones how they hoped their property in Dubai would not be targeted by drones and rockets. 

State House aspirant moves family abroad 

A presidential hopeful has left his supporters uneasy after quietly relocating his family abroad, even as he campaigns to lead the country. The move has triggered murmurs within his political camp, with some allies questioning his commitment and suitability for the top seat. Critics within the party have now labelled him as a ‘perpetual frequent flier’, warning that voters could interpret the pattern as a sign of having one foot firmly planted at home and the other already outside the country. Among supporters, a lingering fear persists: that a man with his family settled abroad could easily become a “flight risk” who would leave them stranded.

Cornered governor retreats to grassroots 

A county chief has secretly taken a step back from national politics to consolidate a support base in villages of the vast county ahead of the 2027 elections. The cornered governor is facing an uphill task to retain the seat in the absence of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and nothing is being to chance. Handlers of the Governor have also been unleashed to various corners of the county to showcase projects and counter attacks that their boss had done “nothing” since his election. Whether or not the strategy will work remains the big question as some say the ground was poisoned a long time ago and cannot be salvaged.

Why PS could be in trouble

A Principal Secretary in one of the key ministries could be in trouble with a parliamentary committee investigating how critical official documents important for an investigation vanished. A top official, appearing before the committee this week, made some revelations that risk fixing the PS when he appears before MPs next week. The PS has been dodging the committee, but the chairman on Thursday said ‘this committee knows more about this matter’ after revelations on the whereabouts of the documents. The PS who has missed two invitations from the committee has another date with MPs, and failure to appear could land him in uncharted waters.

MP’s bodyguard with‘uninvited guest’ 

A bodyguard of a first-term MP could lose his job after his boss found him with an unknown woman in the car, relaxing at the parking lot. Though the two were just talking, the lawmaker did not like the idea that his car had been turned into a meeting place. In the wake of a recent story tracing the killing of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, where an unidentified woman was among those captured on CCTV, the MP ordered the man to leave and wait for further instructions. The legislator was taking a walk around Bunge Square when he decided to pass by his car, catching unawares the bodyguard who thought his boss was inside the chambers.

CS protests being axed from coalition

A Cabinet Secretary serving in the broad-based government reportedly protested his removal from a coalition position. After the changes were made, the minister called one of the officials and registered his displeasure about why he had been relieved of his duties in the political outfit. According to our little bird in the coalition, the CS is a disgruntled man in the Executive and was planning to use his position in the coalition to kickstart his political comeback ahead of the 2027 polls. The coalition honchos, however, told the man in no uncertain terms that the ‘sacking’ was for his own good as he cannot serve two masters and there is a need to revitalise the coalition to reflect the current political realignment.

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