August 16, 2024: Top news events to look out for today

By , August 16, 2024

Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

UDA party wrangles continue

The in-fighting at the ruling party UDA continues to draw reactions after ousted Secretary General Cleophas Malalah alleged that two Mt Kenya leaders were previously behind an impeachment plot against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a press briefing on Thursday, August 15, 2024, Malalah stated that his removal was linked to his knowledge of the impeachment plot, claiming he has 18 evidence-backed accusations against Embu governor Cecily Mbarire and the leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung’wah.

“The impeachment was instigated and propelled by Mrs Cecily Mbarire and Mr Kimani Ichung’wah. These two want our Deputy President out so they can strategically position themselves within the merging political realignment,” he said.

Mung beans bill draws mixed reactions

A controversial bill sponsored by Kitui senator Enoch Wambua, which seeks to register all ndengu farmers, record the location, size, and variety of mung beans grown; and assess the potential crop capacity within counties and the country, is expected to be a subject of discussion.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua. PHOTO/@kiiowambua/X

The Mung Beans Bill, 2022, was officially published on December 30, 2022, and was read for the first time in the Senate on February 15, 2023.

According to Wambua, licensing is specifically required only for persons or entities that intend to market, process, or engage in large-scale trading of mung beans and related products.

“It has come to my attention that misleading information is being circulated in the press and social media regarding the Mung Beans Bill, 2022, sponsored by Sen. Enoch Kiio Wambua. Specifically, some reports incorrectly claim that Kenyans in general will need to obtain a license to grow mung beans if the Bill is passed. This is a misrepresentation of the Bill’s intentions and provisions,” Wambua stated on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Friday electricity blackout: Affected areas

Kenya Power has announced a temporary blackout that will affect various areas within Homa Bay and Nyeri counties on Friday, August 16, 2024.

In Homa Bay County, the blackout is set to impact several locations from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The areas affected include Angiro, Rachar, Kager Hills, and Majiwa.

Specific locations expected to experience the power outage are Majiwa, Masakla, Kager, Otaro, Ohero, God Kado, Kager Hills, Oneno, Ngulu, Lwanda Kodote, Ligisa, Angiro, Akado, Ndiru, Ayuyu, Otolo, Rachar, Maugo, Chiepe, and the adjacent customers.

Nyeri County will also be affected, with the power outage scheduled from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The areas that will be affected include Kiamabara Market and Karogoto Market.

Additional locations facing the interruption include Kirigu Coffee Factory, Gatina Market, Gakuyu Secondary School, Gatina Village, Mukangu Dispensary, Mukangu Market, Mukangu Coffee Factory, Karembu Village, Matira-Ini Village, Mungetho Market, Ihiga Village, Kieni Coffee Factory, Kagumolni Coffee Factory, Gathugu Coffee Factory, Gathugu Market, Mt Carmel Secondary School, Munengere Village, Gaturiri Coffee Factory, Kahara Village, Ngunguru Secondary School, Kahiga Village, Kiambachi Village, Ngunguru Coffee Factory, Ngurumo Dispensary, Maingirano Village, Thamaru Village, and Safaricom and Airtel Boosters, along with adjacent customers.

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