Gillard has called a ballot on the leadership of the ruling Labor party

Gillard said a vote would be held on Monday when parliament resumes, after Rudd dramatically quit as foreign minister while in Washington on Wednesday amid reports she was planning to sack him for undermining the party.

“Australians are rightly sick of this and they want it brought to an end,” Gillard told reporters of a battle for power that has been variously described by ministers as a “farce”, “soap opera” and a “comedy”.

Gillard said she would again stand, and were she to lose would retire to the backbench and renounce future claims to the leadership, calling on Rudd to do the same.

“For far too long we have seen squabbling within the Labor party which has obscured the government’s achievements and what we are doing to build a stronger and fairer Australia for the future,” she said.

Australia’s government has been torn by speculation about whether Rudd, whom Gillard brutally ousted as prime minister in mid-2010 but who remains popular with voters, would mount a bid to return to the top job.

He is yet to formalise his plans but in a clear pitch to caucus members, Rudd cited his record as prime minister, declaring the achievements of his government were formidable before boarding a plane back to Australia.

He laid out four key priorities under a government he would lead, including restoring business confidence, maintaining a strong manufacturing industry and continuing health and education reform.

In a broad hint that he wants his old job back, the 54-year-old said Gillard could not win the next elections due in 2013.

“I do not believe that Prime Minister Gillard can lead the Australian Labor Party to success in the next election,” he said, adding that he was encouraged by the support he had received for a return to top office.

“I have many more calls to make but their overall argument to me is that they regard me as the best prospect to lead the Australian Labor Party successfully at the next federal elections.”

On current numbers, Rudd, regarded by some in the party as high-handed and egotistical, is likely to lose the ballot and be banished to the backbench.

His other option is to vacate his seat, which would bring fragile Labor an unwelcome by-election in his Queensland precinct of Griffith.

Local newspapers say around 49 MPs in the 103-member labor caucus are backing Gillard with 37 for Rudd and 17 undecided. A majority is required to win, although these numbers are shifting daily.

Gillard said her message to colleagues was that the party needed to unite after the vote “and get on with the job that Australians expect us to do”.

“I expect to win,” she said.

Since Rudd’s resignation, senior ministers have been lining up to savage him in what has become a vitriolic and divisive showdown.

Richard Stanton, a political analyst at the University of Sydney, said a battle of egos was playing out.

“The real game is about power,” he said.

“Not the distribution of power, but the raw, naked power that comes directly from holding the highest political office.

“It is so all-consuming that Rudd wants it back. Gillard will not let it go.”

The person most likely to benefit from the government’s implosion is opposition leader Tony Abbott, who called the leadership battle “an embarrassment”.

“It looks more and more obvious at the moment that this is a great country that is being damaged by a seriously bad government,” he said.

At least 49 were killed in an Argentina train crash © AFP Juan Mabromata

“The train was full and the impact was tremendous,” a passenger identified only as Ezequiel told local television, adding that medics at the scene appeared overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

Witnesses said the train’s brakes failed as it was arriving at the Once station on the western outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Passengers were hurled on top of each other and knocked to the floor of the train “in the blink of an eye,” some losing consciousness and others seriously injured, they said.

“Unfortunately, we must report that there are 49 dead in the accident,” including a child, police spokesman Nestor Rodriguez told a news conference.

Civil defense officials said at least 600 people were hurt in the crash, including 200 seriously, making it among the deadliest rail accidents worldwide.

Medevac helicopters landed in the street outside the station to ferry the most seriously wounded to hospitals, as ambulances raced in and out of the area with the injured.

“There were people who were crushed and shouting desperately. I saw bodies and blood all over the place,” said Alejandro Velazquez.

Argentine President Cristina Kirchner suspended a news conference on the dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands following news of the crash.

Transportation Secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi said the train entered the station at a speed of 20 kilometers (12 miles) an hour, and failed to stop, crashing into a retaining wall at the end of the track.

“It was a very serious accident,” he said at a news conference. “Cars piled up on top of each other and one them went six meters (yards) inside another car.”

At least 30 people were trapped in the twisted wreckage of the first and second carriages, said Alberto Crescenti, the head of the city’s emergency services office.

“Inside the first car there was a human wall,” said a firefighter who asked not to be identified, likening the scene to that at a 1994 disco fire in which 194 people died heaped inside.

Firefighters and rescue workers had to break through skylights in the train’s roofs and cut a path through the wreckage to those trapped inside.

Bodies were hauled out of the wreckage of the first car using a system pulleys, winches and belts, a police spokesman said.

The train’s driver was injured but rescue workers pried him loose from the wreckage of his cabin. Local television showed images of him and several people being carried away on stretchers.

“I felt the explosion of the crash. It was very loud,” said passenger Pedro Fuentes.

Another passenger, who identified herself as Myriam, said she was with her two children, aged six and four.

“In a blink of an eye we were on the floor. I don’t know how we got out. The door crashed in one me, and I covered the girl.”

The Sarmiento rail line, owned by private company TBA, links the center of Buenos Aires to a densely populated suburb 70 kilometers (44 miles) to the west of the city and uses rolling stock made in Japan and acquired in the 1960s.

As an investigation opened into the crash, rail workers complained about a lack of investment following the privatization of the rail network in the 1990s.

An employee with the rail line’s maintenance department, Monica Slotauer, said “the brakes failed and this is the result of a lack of investment.”

Rail unionist Roberto Nunez also complained of “irregularities, deficiencies and a situation limited to the provision of services,” speaking on Radio del Plata.

The toll from Wednesday’s crash surpassed the city’s last major rail disaster just five months ago when two trains and a bus collided during rush hour, killing 11 people and injuring more than 200.

The region’s transit system has been plagued with serious accidents in recent years.

In March 2008, 18 people were killed and 47 injured when a bus was hit by a train in Dolores, 212 kilometers (132 miles) south of Buenos Aires.

Argentina’s deadliest train tragedy was in 1970, an accident that killed 236 people in northern Buenos Aires.

Kenyan flags fly at half mast in honour of John Michuki/ Capital News

President Kibaki issued the order for the flags to fly at half mast as the family announced the burial ceremony would be preceded by a funeral service at the Kangema stadium.

A requiem mass will also be held for the late minister on Monday at the Consolata Shrine in Nairobi’s Westlands suburb.

Former Information Minister Mutahi Kagwe, who is Michuki’s son- in-law made the announcement after the family received a delegation of MPs and ministers led by House Speaker Kenneth Marende, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Among the preliminary arrangements that the family has agreed upon is the burial date which is Tuesday next week. We will also have a mass starting 2pm on Monday,” said Kagwe.

A Cabinet committee arranging the burial will meet on Thursday morning at the Vice President’s office to plan for the interment, whose costs will be borne by the government.

Marende presented a message of condolence from Parliament describing the late minister as public servant who had left a legacy of hard work and firmness in his discharge of duty.

Marende said that Michuki will be remembered in the House as a stickler to parliamentary rules and procedures who would always rise on a Point of Order to seek the intervention of the Speaker whenever he believed that the provisions of the Standing Orders were being breached.

Among the ministers present at the brief visit were Noah Wekesa (Forestry), Esther Murugi (Special Programmes), Sam Ongeri (Education), Najib Balala (Tourism), Naomi Shaban (Gender), Franklin Bett (Roads), Kiraitu Murungi (Energy) and Njeru Githae (Finance).
Marende also announced that the medical bills for Michuki had already been settled by Parliament.

The VP on his part said the late minister would be remembered as a champion of the rule of law and order in the society.

He particularly cited his role in restoring sanity in the transport sector, particularly in the operation of the matatu industry.

Musyoka described him as an astute, honest, and a straight forward leader worth being emulated by all.

The VP said Michuki’s demise was not only a great loss to his family but a devastating blow to the entire nation.

Elsewhere, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has also mourned the death of the Environment Minister terming him a great supporter of the UN agency.

UNEP Spokesman Nick Nuttall said on Wednesday that Michuki will be remembered for championing the course of Africa at the International level in terms of climate change than any other environment minister in the continent.

During the 2009 Copenhagen Climate change talks, Michuki led the African delegation in stating Africa’s position on the emotive issue.

“We mourn John Michuki’s passing but we also celebrate a life very well lived. And he was a heck of a character; he had an extraordinary sense of humour. I met him on many occasions and he also had a fantastic memory and we are sad that he is gone but we know that he lived a life very worth living,” Nuttall said.

“We lost Wangari (Maathai) as well so we are losing too many great Kenyans but I am sure there are a lot of young Kenyans coming up as well,” he added.

UNEP Major Groups representative in Africa Augustine Njamnishi who was attending the UNEP governing council meeting in Nairobi termed Michuki as focused.

“I have known the Minister as a person who has been very focused, I remember in the run up to these negotiations, we had to interact with him and the Kenyan delegation in general because there were some hot issues that we needed to get them passed across and even though he would defend the interests of his country Kenya, he had this Pan- African view of issues,” he said.

Michuki was supposed to attend the governing council meeting, which is a summit for environment Ministers and a run- up to the Rio+20 conference but could not.

Former President Daniel arap Moi also send his condolences saying that he had received with shock the news of the death of a man he had known from pre-independence days as a courageous man. Moi in a statement said that Michuki performed his public service assignments with “zeal and perfectionism.”

The former president said that he had prayed to God to give the bereaved family, relatives, friends and constituents the necessary fortitude during this time of grief.

The committee gave Nakuru County the highest number of new wards/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22 – Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee has made significant changes to the boundaries report that was prepared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), with a proposal for the creation of 60 extra wards to be distributed among 28 Counties.

The committee gave Nakuru County the highest number of new wards, standing at six, to be located in Njoro, Gilgil, Molo, Kuresoi South and North and Nakuru Town West constituencies.

Garissa, Turkana, Kericho and Kisii have also been listed as those to get the new wards with the Legal Affairs committee proposing four units for each.

The report, which was tabled by Legal Affairs Committee vice chairman Njoroge Baiya on Wednesday afternoon, explained that the committee had received 500 written submissions from members of the public on the emotive topic.

ACCESS the full report here.

“The committee analysed and deliberated on the report together with the written submissions from members of the public and noted that the legal framework for elections requires objective drawing of electoral unit boundaries to achieve the principles of the Constitution,” it read in part.

The report also proposes that Nairobi gets two extra wards in Kamukunji and Kibra constituencies. Kibra is a new electoral unit which was created by the now defunct Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission and retained by the IEBC.

“The committee also noted that a majority of the submissions received were requesting for realignment of wards and ward boundaries within constituencies,” said the report.

Although the IEBC has maintained that the proposed electoral units would not affect any administrative aspects, the Legal Affairs committee stressed the need for the electoral body to respect administrative boundaries.

“The committee noted that administrative boundaries exist and are a reality in the lives of Kenyans. The IEBC should respect the administrative borders in creating new units,” observed the report.

The committee also urged the IEBC to consider geographical features and community interests while distributing the electoral units.

The constitution however states that the electoral team uses population quotas to determine the new boundaries.

“It is imperative that other criteria be weighed such as historical, economic and cultural ties, and means of communication and in the circumstances, extra wards be created and distributed to the deserving areas,” proposed the report.

House Speaker Kenneth Marende also announced that he would give direction on how far the committee could go with respect to amending the IEBC report on Thursday morning.

The MPs had earlier engaged in a heated debate over the matter with Gwassi MP John Mbadi accusing the committee of overstepping its mandate.

Members of Parliament have seven days within which to debate the report alongside the report of the parliamentary committee before it is taken back to the IEBC for consideration.

The IEBC will take a maximum of 14 days to submit and publish its final report giving Kenyans 30 days to interrogate it and raise any concerns they might have at the High Court.

The IEBC Act gives the Court one month to resolve any outstanding issues arising from the first review.

KNEC says all preparations have been finalised in time for the results/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 22 – Results of last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations will be released on Wednesday next week.

Kenya National Examinations Council Chief Executive Officer Paul Wasanga told Capital News that all preparations have been finalised in time for the results to be made public on February 29.

In results released last year for 2010 examinations, Alliance High School emerged top in the country.

Precious Blood Secondary School in Riruta was ranked second countrywide, with a mean score of 11.0, a performance index of A-.

Albert Kamau of Moi High School Kabarak was 2010′s top candidate in the KCSE examinations.

Allan Marube from Alliance High came in second followed by Joshua Obinchu of Maranda High School.

Boys edged girls in the results scooping eight of the top 10 positions.

Alliance High School and Moi High School Kabarak each got three positions in the top 10, followed by Kenya High which had two girls in the top 10 slots.

In 2009, boys dominated the top 10 positions in the KCSE results with the first girl coming in the 11th position nationally.

David Ndung’u of Mang’u High School emerged the best candidate in the 2009 results with 87.26 points.

Education Minister Prof Sam Ongeri noted that there was general improvement in the 2010 examinations.

Examination irregularities dropped to 534 (0.14 percent) down from 1,171 in 2009 representing the lowest number for cheating in the last 10 years.

Education Permanent Secretary James Ole Kiyiapi who has expressed interest in vying for the Presidency in elections due later this year has previously stated that he would quit office once he oversees the release of the examination results.

VP Kalonzo Musyoka signs condolence book at Michuki residence/VPPS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22 – When the name of the late Cabinet Minister John Michuki comes to mind, some people fondly remember him with a nostalgic sense of awe for the herculean force of will he often displayed when undertaking his duties, while others cringe with trepidation.

There were times when the political enigma would step on the toes of those who disagreed with him but both friend and foe alike agree that he has left a vacuum which will be difficult to fill.

The chairman of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Simon Kimutai recalled the conflicts he had with the former Transport Minister when he introduced strict rules in the sector but concedes he meant well for Kenyans.

“Human beings always resist change. Initially when the famous Michuki rules were introduced, we fought so hard not because we did not like the rules…, just the way they were presented to us. My fight with Michuki was ‘involve us so that we can own the process’,” he recalled. “Somehow, we were able to mend fences when we realised that he meant good for the industry so it was not anything personal.”

He urged Public Service Vehicle operators to observe the rules in memory of Michuki who passed away on Tuesday night at the Aga Khan University Hospital after a long illness.

He described Michuki’s death both as a shock and surprise saying it was a great blow to all Kenyans.

“At any moment I would like the matatu fraternity to take just one moment and remember him. We could have hated to love him but somehow, we saw what he meant and we will consult to see whether we can come up with something that will keep us remembering him,” he said. “The matatu fraternity should give Michuki respect by being compliant with the Michuki rules.”

He gave his condolences to Michuki’s family and encouraged them to forge ahead with the dynasty of the fallen leader.

“We want to tell the family members that we stand together during this time of grief and if there is anything we can do, we would like to be definitely involved.”

The chairman of the rival Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) Dickson Mbugua said Michuki’s death was unexpected and that he would be remembered for the transformative role he played in moulding the transport sector for the better.

He further described the late Cabinet Minister as a determined person who always completed the work he set himself to do despite the obstacles before him.

“A time will come for every person. Death is something we are assured of in life. We cannot be sure to get rich, we might not be able to do anything the next day but death is something which is sure to affect all of us at one time or the other,” he said.

He cited the Michuki rules as an example where the late minister stamped his authority to improve the transport sector.

“We were really impressed by honourable Michuki in the implementation of the ‘Michuki Rules’ where drivers were required to wear uniform and even display their badges and make sure that their vehicles were safety compliant,” he stated.

He pointed out that he succeeded in actualising what came to be known as the Integrated National Transport Policy during his stint in the transport docket.

“He came to actualise what we call the integrated national transport policy which had been elusive over years to the previous ministers. After the NARC government came into power and after he was appointed, that issue was the first that he dealt with,” he said.

The public also continued to pay tribute to the late Cabinet Minister.

“I would like to say sorry to the family and to tell them that they should take it easy. We love Michuki especially for what he did for the transport sector, he was a great man and if he had any wealth, his family should ensure that they take care of it,” one city resident said.

“We enjoy sitting in a matatu and not being squeezed like sacks. We have to remember his legacy especially his role in transforming the transport sector.”

Below is a sample of some of the condolences posted on our website at www.capitalfm.co.ke

“I found myself ideologically living in a different world to that of the late minister. But admittedly, had some admiration for his hands-on approach to stuff, his solid belief in what he stood for regardless of what others thought of it and his forthrightness. Definitely a public figure that should have stayed around for a while. Condolences to family and friends”

“We are mourning with the family of the late honourable Minister. May God give his family the strength to bear the loss.”

“RIP Hon Michuki…. you did your part …”

“RIP John Michuki. You were a hard working man and we appreciate your efforts in bringing sanity in the transport industry which disappeared after you left the ministry.”

"There's a huge improvement in the area of security," Ali told BBC radio/AFP-File

Speaking in London where world powers meet on Thursday to seek a solution to the Horn of Africa nation’s problems, Ali said the weak western-backed government was pushing back the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab rebel movement.

“There’s a huge improvement in the area of security,” Ali told BBC radio.

“We are moving from an era of warlordism, terrorism, extremism and piracy, and we are moving into an era of peace, stability and normalcy.

“Twenty years of lawlessness, violence and chaos is enough. Somalis are ready to move on. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

He added: “We are getting rid of the Shabaab in the southern part of the country,” he said of the Islamist rebels, who were driven out of the Somali capital Mogadishu six months ago but who still control large parts of the south.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UN chief Ban Ki-moon are among those attending Thursday’s conference, which aims to agree international action to end the unrest in Somalia.

The war-torn nation has been without an effective government for 21 years, is blighted by famine and has become a global piracy hub.
“It’s going to take a while for life to get to what it was back before the collapse of the state,” Ali said. “But, surely but slowly, we are improving.”

“Somalis are entrepreneurial people. They are very creative, and as soon as they get a little bit of normalcy and peace again, they are back to business.”

Ali repeated his request for a “Marshall Plan” for Somalia, similar to the huge aid programme provided by the US to Europe after World War II.

“For us, it’s unusual for the UK prime minister – a very good guy from a good country, and a good friend of Somalia – to call a conference on Somalia without that conference becoming a gamechanger,” he said. “We expect a lot.”

MPs may be forced to hold session Saturday/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22 – Members of Parliament may be compelled to hold a sitting on Saturday if a Motion seeking to extend the deadlines of crucial land Bills, by 60 days, fails.

The Motion, which was filed by the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) on Wednesday, has to get the support of at least 148 MPs to succeed.

CIOC chairman Abdikadir Mohammed argued that the Bills raised critical concerns among various land stakeholders and should not be rushed to Parliament.

“We require 148 members to support that motion otherwise it will be defeated. And if we don’t get that number then we will have the Saturday deadline. So we might have to sit up to Saturday to push for that,” he said.

Mohammed, who addressed a press conference accompanied by Legal Affairs committee vice chairman Njoroge Baiya and member Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West), noted that land was an emotive topic for Kenyans and there was need to set up effective laws to correct any historic injustices that were outstanding.

“We have held discussions as the CIOC, the Legal Affairs Committee, the Lands Committee together with the Chief Whips and we are all in agreement that there is need for more time,” he said.

Baiya also pleaded with the Executive to support the Motion to avoid jeopardising the quality of the Bills.

He said it would be crucial for the Executive to mobilise its members and ensure that the minimum requirement was met further blaming it for delaying the Bills.

“These are not matters to be lightly taken and we require time so it will not be possible to pass good quality Bills by Saturday. We will only be doing so for technical compliance and we will give Kenyans half baked legislations,” he argued.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo has already registered disapproval for the extension saying there is still time to pass the Bills.

Speaking during the second reading of the National Land Commission Bill, Kilonzo argued that there was a risk of overshadowing the Bills with the country’s focus shifting to the forthcoming polls.

“We should not extend the time; we have sufficient time to pass these Bills by Sunday. In fact, we should even sit on Sunday to pass the Bills,” he asserted.

Gichugu MP Martha Karua also said that there was no need to extend the deadlines.

Mohammed however expressed confidence that the Motion, which is expected to be debated on Thursday, would meet the requisite support.

The CIOC had earlier called for a three-month extension of the Bills but Mohammed told journalists on Wednesday that after further consultations, line committees had resolved to seek a two months extension.

He also accused the Executive of using Parliament as a rubber stamp for the passage of Bills.

“The Executive has been putting Parliament in a corner to pass the Bills but we need more time,” he said.

Karua, in the meantime noted, the importance of the National Commission Bill saying it would help stem corruption in the sector.

“Corruption has not been battled in the ministry of lands and we need to unravel the corruption that goes on at the ministry,” she said.

Lari MP David Njuguna added that the Bill would help control land problems in the country while singling out the land at Mbo-i-Kamiti.

The Bill also drew the support of Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

On the other hand, the Land Registration Bill is still undergoing the second reading while the Land Bill has undergone the first reading.

Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim set the mood when he asked the lawmakers to pay homage to Michuki/CFM

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22 – Parliament observed a minute of silence on Wednesday morning as a mark of honour for Kangema Member of Parliament John Michuki, who passed away on Tuesday night.

Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim set the mood when he asked the lawmakers to pay homage to Michuki who served as the Minister for Environment.

“In our usual tradition I request all members to rise up and observe a minute of silence in honour of our departed colleague. In Parliament, he will be remembered as a stickler of parliamentary rules and procedures,” said Maalim.

Michuki died shortly after 9pm on Tuesday night at the Aga Khan University Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after a long illness.

Gichugu MP Martha Karua described him as “a great leader who not only achieved what seemed impossible, but got others to partner with him in those achievements.”

“One of my greatest memories of him is how he got Kenyans to get involved in bringing sanity back into our transportation industry,” Karua said.

Karua expressed hope that his life will continue to inspire Kenyans to partner in tackling issues that may seem impossible.

“I admit that although we started as allies, towards the end we were not political friends. But nevertheless, I want to recognise him as one of the great Kenyans who made his contribution to this county. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. Michuki, you have a left a gap that will be noticeable,” Karua said.

Deputy Leader of Government Business and Transport Minister Amos Kimunya narrated how Michuki was instrumental in getting him to join politics and also explained his pivotal role in courting ODM-K to join the Party of National Unity in forming a government after the disputed 2007 general election.

“The honourable Michuki has always told us it does not matter whether you are taking a right decision or a wrong decision but make sure you make a decision and don’t leave until tomorrow what you should do today.”

He added; “I do believe that most of us will be inspired in the remaining time that we have in this Parliament to do what we must do for the benefit of this country.”

Nominated MP Amina Abdallah fondly remembered how the younger Members of Parliament always referred to the departed minister as ‘Uncle Mich’.

MPs and Cabinet colleagues alike described him as a fearless social activist and environmental crusader.

Cabinet Ministers James Orengo, Chris Obure, Margaret Kamar, Esther Murugi and Sally Kosgei pointed out that Michuki’s experienced and principled insight will be missed in the Cabinet.

Orengo said Michuki was a gallant soldier in the struggle for the second liberation saying that ‘he always came to Kamukunji grounds with his bokora (walking stick) ready for battle.’

“It is rare that you find someone who speaks his mind. It is better to do business with someone who you can know what he stands for at anytime. You may not agree, but at least with Michuki at all times, whether in Cabinet, in this House and in any other fora you cannot second guess him,” Orengo said of his late colleague’s performance.

Obure said since the 1970s when he served as an under secretary in the Ministry of Finance; “he was a no-nonsense man and did not mince his words. “He was very focused… he believed in personal discipline and in order when it came to the delivery of public service.”

Ndhiwa MP Orwa Ojode urged the MPs to emulate Michuki’s style of bold and principled politics.

“We have lost an honest person; we have lost a courageous and respected person. A man who says no for a no; not a sycophant. We will never see Honourable Michuki again, Mr Speaker. He tells the truth and nothing but the truth,” said the Internal Security Assistant Minister.

Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo poured praise on Michuki saying he was one of the best performing ministers: “A few people are praised when they are alive, this House in many debates did recognise the role that Michuki played. I do remember most us in the backbench have always said that if this government had 10 Michuki’s this government would go far.”

Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo said: “When there was a reform wave in the country and the civil society and the opposition met together in Ufungamano and the youth at that time decided that they wanted a violent revolution, he didn’t know who I was but he held my hand and told me young lady go and talk to your colleagues and tell them if that is the way you are going, then parliamentarians will leave this process.”

Manyatta MP Emilio Kathuri and Lari’s David Njuguna described him as a bold man who always spoke his mind.

“If we even remember how he handled the Mungiki issue which again was in his backyard it shows that we had a determined Kenyan. It was immaterial what people thought of it, but he was focused to ensure that he got rid of the problems that the Kenyan communities were facing,” Kathuri said.