They all come from the same constituency and have in a few short months managed to make their mark on the national stage. First it was Billow Kerrow, who made a name for himself by questioning issues on the budget. His successor in Mandera Central, Hussein Abdikadir, has become an effective chair of the powerful Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution. Coincidentally, Issack Hassan, the chairman of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission is also from the same constituency. Deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi is now planning an extensive tour to Mandera Central constituency to thank the people for producing "nationalists".
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With the success of the referendum, some MPs have proposed that the entire IIEC team be retained for another five years. They say replacing them when their term expires in December will be a big mistake as they have already earned the respect and trust of the people.
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A politician interested in the Juja parliamentary seat has reportedly amassed a huge war chest in readiness for the race, which is expected to be hotly contested. The by-elections are scheduled for September 20 and his strategy is to unleash the money two weeks before the poll date to 'persuade' the electorate to vote for him.
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There are reports of an extortionist ring involving some policemen from Parklands that is targeting the business community. The latest victim of the gang is Adopt-A-Light founder Esther Passaris, who was allegedly forced to part with some money to stop the extortionists from taking some of her property.
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We are informed the Kamukunji Constituency Development Fund is in turmoil. Our mole tells us that Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission officers intercepted Sh29 million that had been channeled to an individual's account from the kitty. Now the account of the fund has been frozen. Managers of the account switched off their cellphone lines when they were informed of the development. Now KACC is seeking out prominent officials of the kitty for interrogation.
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Corridors is wondering what a leading member of the No campaign team in the just-concluded referendum was doing at the Yes victory party at Kenyatta International Conference Centre. Those present told Corridors that they were puzzled by the presence of the member, who joined them at the steps of the conference centre. We are told the stunt of loyalty was aimed at President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure that ministers who opposed the proposed constitution are not sacked.
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The sinking fortunes of the family of the late Kamba leader Mulu Mutisya recently touched former President Moi so much that he understandably admonished a senior politician in the Ukambani region who owes his political fortunes to the fallen leader. Moi who was on the campaign trail in the area was so shocked to hear of the neglect of the family of his trusted pointman in the area that he bitterly but quietly lashed at the sitting politician asking what kind of man he has become.
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An MP from North Eastern Province who has married an 18-year-old girl as a second wife is applying cost-cutting measures, perhaps to be able to support his two families financially. We are told the Member sacked his driver and cut off handouts he used to give elders in his constituency. The issue so incensed his constituents that they pelted him with stones while he was campaigning for the new constitution.
The Star Corridors of Power Political Gossip
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