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Top State official in trouble as probe zeroes in on recruitment agencies linked to Russia-Ukraine war

Ukraine war

Ukrainian serviceman from mobile air defence unit fires a machine gun towards a Russian drone in Kharkiv region.

Photo credit: Sofiia Gatilova | Reuters

Trembling over Russia war probe

Revelations by a CS that security teams are closing in on recruitment agencies that lure Kenyans to fight in Ukraine have made a top State official tremble, fearing his activities might be exposed. There are rumours that the big man has several agencies that connect Kenyans seeking jobs abroad and some people may be using them to transport youths to Russia and other “unfriendly” destinations. The official is worried that if investigators confirm that some of his firms are implicated, he is likely to be kicked out of his lofty job if the administration gets a second term in 2027.

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New luxury car lands CS in trouble

The photo of a Cabinet Secretary driving an eye-wateringly expensive luxury vehicle has landed him in trouble with one of his seniors. The boss gave the minister a tongue lashing, accusing him of displaying opulence when the majority of Kenyans can barely afford a meal a day. He was also reminded that such conspicuous consumption was among the grievances that triggered the deadly Gen Z demonstrations in 2024 and last year. The Cabinet Secretary was spotted driving his new machine in Nairobi and the image of the vehicle was promptly shared.

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Officials on campaign trail

Stakeholders have raised concerns over a Cabinet Secretary and his Principal Secretary in a key ministry, accusing them of neglecting official duties in pursuit of political ambitions. The two officials are reportedly eyeing gubernatorial seats and are said to have shifted their focus to early campaigns, a decision critics argue has slowed decision-making and public services in a ministry that millions of Kenyans rely on. Employees and other stakeholders believe it is better to free the CS and PS to allow them campaign for the next one and a half years instead of stalling work.

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Hotel meetings expose politician

Allies of a senior politician are embarrassed by their boss whom they accuse of hosting important visitors in hotels instead of having an office. The allies were heard whispering how the elbows of their boss get greased in parking lots in major hotels in Nairobi in the company of relatives, a practice they term embarrassing. They want their leader to at least have a private office where he can host high-end visitors and discuss strategies of strengthening the party. More worrying to the allies of the leader is that he is a lone-ranger as he never wants others near him when called for a deal.

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MP on protection mission told off

 An attempt by a lawmaker to defend a state agency that appeared before a parliamentary committee failed when a colleagues told him off. The MP walked late to the meeting and when he was given an opportunity to talk, started to defend the corporation. His colleagues, who had been in the meeting from the onset criticised him, saying he was not aware of how the deliberations had advanced. They called him a Johnny come lately. Feeling embarrassed, the lawmaker did not take time in the meeting. He rushed out minutes later, never to be seen again.

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Looming crisis over payment system

Officers working for a security agency have protested against a senior finance bureaucrat based at their headquarters in Nairobi over what they describe as an abrupt change in the payment policy for local service providers. The employees argue that the new model – which is centralised in Nairobi – if implemented, will disrupt existing contracts, disadvantage local suppliers and strain operations in terms of stationery products – including buying food. They hope the Ministry of Interior and other senior officials will intervene to avoid the impending chaos.

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