Laikipia councillor murdered
Story by JAMES KARIUKI and MWANGI NDIRANGU
Publication Date: 4/14/2008
Robbers Sunday shot dead Laikipia county council vice-chairman Jonah Mwaniki in full view of his wife and 13-year-old daughter.
The 38-year-old civic leader was shot three times in the chest at Mirigwit village moments after he and his family arrived home after attending a wedding.
The deputy divisional police commander, Mr Nicholas Musilu, said the robbers accosted the councillor as he drove into his compound.
“They shot at him three times before robbing the other occupants of mobile phones and money. We have launched a search for the killers,” he said.
Mr Mwaniki, who was serving his second term as councillor, was elected on a Narc Kenya ticket and had been in the forefront in the fight against the proliferation of illegal firearms in the area.
Ransacking
The raiders later stormed another home in the area where they shot dead a villager, Mr Jackson Kinyua, before ransacking the house for valuables.
The wife, Mrs Irene Wangui, watched in shock as they set the house on fire before driving away three head of cattle.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers area executive secretary, Mr Kamanja Muriithi, condemned the incident, saying the Government must urgently take decisive action against the proliferation of illegal firearms in the district.
The area has witnessed ugly scenes in the recent past with armed security personnel killing seven robbers early this year.
They also recovered over 500 head of cattle.
Internal Security minister George Saitoti early this year pledged to implement a disarmament exercise in the Laikipia West, Laikipia East, Baringo East and Samburu districts to rid those areas of illegal firearms.
The move followed the killing of 14 people and displacement of 500 others during a flare-up at Rumuruti Division.
Residents have mandated their MP to seek enactment of harsher laws to deter people from illegally dealing in and handling firearms.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Lets pray for our country at this time.God is able to restore peace.
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SOME OF THE ELECTED LAIKIPIA WEST WARD COUNCILLORS
Ol Moran – Mwaniki - 0725628814
Ndunyu – Patrick Maina Mbuthi - 0727173070
Sipili – Benard Ndungu - 0721604857
Merwa – Simon Kanyutu - 0724200197
Kinamba - Wilson Kinyanjui ‘Sirare’ - 0721410127
Igwamiti - Michael Ndungu - 0727050538
Gituamba - Kamakir Kamangu - 0720490517
Sosian - Titus Nandite – 0725210967
Maina - Joseph Kiguru – 0722637852
Mutara - John Kinyua – 0722783014
Salama – Magdalene Kariuki - 0723837815
Marmanet - Daniel Kinyua - 0729472650
Muhotetu - Johnson Gichohi - 0726844789
Ol Moran – Mwaniki - 0725628814
Ndunyu – Patrick Maina Mbuthi - 0727173070
Sipili – Benard Ndungu - 0721604857
Merwa – Simon Kanyutu - 0724200197
Kinamba - Wilson Kinyanjui ‘Sirare’ - 0721410127
Igwamiti - Michael Ndungu - 0727050538
Gituamba - Kamakir Kamangu - 0720490517
Sosian - Titus Nandite – 0725210967
Maina - Joseph Kiguru – 0722637852
Mutara - John Kinyua – 0722783014
Salama – Magdalene Kariuki - 0723837815
Marmanet - Daniel Kinyua - 0729472650
Muhotetu - Johnson Gichohi - 0726844789
Ndunyu – Patrick Maina Mbuthi - 0727173070
Sipili – Benard Ndungu - 0721604857
Merwa – Simon Kanyutu - 0724200197
Kinamba - Wilson Kinyanjui ‘Sirare’ - 0721410127
Igwamiti - Michael Ndungu - 0727050538
Gituamba - Kamakir Kamangu - 0720490517
Sosian - Titus Nandite – 0725210967
Maina - Joseph Kiguru – 0722637852
Mutara - John Kinyua – 0722783014
Salama – Magdalene Kariuki - 0723837815
Marmanet - Daniel Kinyua - 0729472650
Muhotetu - Johnson Gichohi - 0726844789
Ol Moran – Mwaniki - 0725628814
Ndunyu – Patrick Maina Mbuthi - 0727173070
Sipili – Benard Ndungu - 0721604857
Merwa – Simon Kanyutu - 0724200197
Kinamba - Wilson Kinyanjui ‘Sirare’ - 0721410127
Igwamiti - Michael Ndungu - 0727050538
Gituamba - Kamakir Kamangu - 0720490517
Sosian - Titus Nandite – 0725210967
Maina - Joseph Kiguru – 0722637852
Mutara - John Kinyua – 0722783014
Salama – Magdalene Kariuki - 0723837815
Marmanet - Daniel Kinyua - 0729472650
Muhotetu - Johnson Gichohi - 0726844789
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
It was Three-piece voting in Laikipia West
Laikipia West Constituency saw the three-piece voting style pass in favor of PNU, as residents voted for the new youthfull aspirant, Nderitu Muriithi, allegedly a Nephew to H.E. President Kibaki and virtually all PNU councilors in the constituency. One Ward to note is Sipili, where Youthfull Benard Ndungu was elected in a very closely contested Civic election, beating his closest competitor Mr Kimani, popularly known to residents as mukurinu, by just less than 200 votes. In fact, out of the 9 polling stations, the winner won in only two, i.e. Sipili, which had the highest number of registered voters, and Naiborom. Mr. Kimani won in all the remaining stations.
Cllr. Benard enjoyed the support of the local elite class including teachers and other working class, the educated youth, students, and the local business men, while Mr. Kimani’s support came mainly from the conductors around the shopping centre and most of the residents in his home area.
So, its now time to bring the leaders to task on their development promises. Watch this blog for information on the development in Laikipia, so that next time, you will be able to make an informed choice. Post your comment here and lets here what you think.
Cllr. Benard enjoyed the support of the local elite class including teachers and other working class, the educated youth, students, and the local business men, while Mr. Kimani’s support came mainly from the conductors around the shopping centre and most of the residents in his home area.
So, its now time to bring the leaders to task on their development promises. Watch this blog for information on the development in Laikipia, so that next time, you will be able to make an informed choice. Post your comment here and lets here what you think.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Youthful civic aspirant taking Sipili ward by storm
Civic politics in Sipili and Laikipia West in general, seem to be taking new face after the entry of a youthful and learned aspirant.
The Sipili voters were caught by surprise with the shift in campaign strategies from the common voter bribery and euphoric voting, to the more advanced and issue based vote hunting.
Bernard Ndungu, the 29 year old Insurance agent has been moving from house to house and targeting strategic groups in the area to garner as many votes to his side, as is required to win the civic seat.
And his efforts have not gone unrewarded, after he clinched the coveted PNU nomination, with a lead of over 150 votes over the incumbent, Mr Gitahi.
Residents view the young aspirant as vibrant and development conscious, and one ready to guide them in solving the issues troubling them.
Three-piece voting is also a likely plus for him, with the leading parliamentary aspirant, Nderitu Muriithi - PNU, who is being touted as a relative to president Kibaki, being his campaign mate.
Other aspirants include Charles Kimani - Safina, Wa-Ruth - Kenda and Mairanga - Sisi kwa sisi.
Kim
The Sipili voters were caught by surprise with the shift in campaign strategies from the common voter bribery and euphoric voting, to the more advanced and issue based vote hunting.
Bernard Ndungu, the 29 year old Insurance agent has been moving from house to house and targeting strategic groups in the area to garner as many votes to his side, as is required to win the civic seat.
And his efforts have not gone unrewarded, after he clinched the coveted PNU nomination, with a lead of over 150 votes over the incumbent, Mr Gitahi.
Residents view the young aspirant as vibrant and development conscious, and one ready to guide them in solving the issues troubling them.
Three-piece voting is also a likely plus for him, with the leading parliamentary aspirant, Nderitu Muriithi - PNU, who is being touted as a relative to president Kibaki, being his campaign mate.
Other aspirants include Charles Kimani - Safina, Wa-Ruth - Kenda and Mairanga - Sisi kwa sisi.
Kim
Monday, December 3, 2007
Laikipia politics - and the Shift in Political thinking
Laikipia politics - and the Shift in Political thinking
Laikipia politics seem to be taking a new turn.
Just a few weeks ago, the constituency which has been a DP stronghold since the advent of multiparty democracy, was seen to favour a candidate running on this particular party.
This area has been an opposition stronghold, and always voted overwhelmingly for the current president, Mwai Kibaki.
But with the joint PNU nominations, which saw many parties support president Kibaki's re-election, partisanism is no longer in the constituent's candidates’ checklist. Attention is now shifting from partisan selection, to individual qualities, thanks to coalition politics that have seen many parties support Mwai Kibaki, the constituent’s most favorable presidential candidate. This, unfortunately, has dealt a blow to many who were hoping to earn political mileage from the parties they vie on.
The incumbent MP’s popularity has dwindled by the years, owing largely to his arrogance and dismissal of development needs of the constituents, coupled with CDF mismanagement and Nepotism in CDF committee appointments.
The 2007 parliamentary race has as a result, seen many new contestants enter the race; these include Martin Kiruthu, Pharis Mukuria, Dr Wachira, Muriithi Nderitu, Mrs Maina Njenga and Wanjohi Kangára.
Muriithi Nderitu took the constituency by storm when he opened a major slaughterhouse at Rumuruti town which serves as a delivery point for beef destined for Kenya Meat commision. He is also hailed for supplying schools in the area with Mock and continuous assesment exam papers for a whole year. Among his promises once elected is to see the establishment of a Pineapple processing and packaging centre in the area that boasts of a favorable climate for pineapple farming.
Residents are also hoping that he will look into reopening the National Cereal Boards stores, which will go along way in curbing the exploitation farmers suffer from middle men. Maize is a major cash crop in the area.
Constituents, especially those from the Ngarua area will be watching what the candidates have to offer as a solution to the Elephant invasion problem, which has been a setback to Maize farming.
Civic elections are also taking a shift, with a number of young and educated contestants expressing their wish to capture the various seats. Among them are Benard Ndungú running for the Sipili ward seat and Wilkister Wanjiru Muiruri running for Maili saba ward seat. The civic team elected will to a large extent determine the MP's effectiveness in delivering on some of the needs of the constituents, especially those that are specific to various locations.
This is one contest to watch, and the outcome may mean a total change in the development pace.
Laikipia politics seem to be taking a new turn.
Just a few weeks ago, the constituency which has been a DP stronghold since the advent of multiparty democracy, was seen to favour a candidate running on this particular party.
This area has been an opposition stronghold, and always voted overwhelmingly for the current president, Mwai Kibaki.
But with the joint PNU nominations, which saw many parties support president Kibaki's re-election, partisanism is no longer in the constituent's candidates’ checklist. Attention is now shifting from partisan selection, to individual qualities, thanks to coalition politics that have seen many parties support Mwai Kibaki, the constituent’s most favorable presidential candidate. This, unfortunately, has dealt a blow to many who were hoping to earn political mileage from the parties they vie on.
The incumbent MP’s popularity has dwindled by the years, owing largely to his arrogance and dismissal of development needs of the constituents, coupled with CDF mismanagement and Nepotism in CDF committee appointments.
The 2007 parliamentary race has as a result, seen many new contestants enter the race; these include Martin Kiruthu, Pharis Mukuria, Dr Wachira, Muriithi Nderitu, Mrs Maina Njenga and Wanjohi Kangára.
Muriithi Nderitu took the constituency by storm when he opened a major slaughterhouse at Rumuruti town which serves as a delivery point for beef destined for Kenya Meat commision. He is also hailed for supplying schools in the area with Mock and continuous assesment exam papers for a whole year. Among his promises once elected is to see the establishment of a Pineapple processing and packaging centre in the area that boasts of a favorable climate for pineapple farming.
Residents are also hoping that he will look into reopening the National Cereal Boards stores, which will go along way in curbing the exploitation farmers suffer from middle men. Maize is a major cash crop in the area.
Constituents, especially those from the Ngarua area will be watching what the candidates have to offer as a solution to the Elephant invasion problem, which has been a setback to Maize farming.
Civic elections are also taking a shift, with a number of young and educated contestants expressing their wish to capture the various seats. Among them are Benard Ndungú running for the Sipili ward seat and Wilkister Wanjiru Muiruri running for Maili saba ward seat. The civic team elected will to a large extent determine the MP's effectiveness in delivering on some of the needs of the constituents, especially those that are specific to various locations.
This is one contest to watch, and the outcome may mean a total change in the development pace.
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