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The Legacy of Fear: How the Shadow of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Shaped Kenya's Political Landscape In the annals of Kenya's political history, the events of 1969 stand out as a defining moment marked by fear, coercion, and manipulation. The political tension surrounding Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's candidature led to a series of oath-taking ceremonies in Gatundu that forever altered the fabric of Kenyan society. Understanding this historical context is crucial, especially when contemporary politicians attempt to invoke these dark chapters for political gain. The Fear of Jaramogi and the Birth of the Gatundu Oath The roots of the infamous Gatundu oath can be traced back to the fear and propaganda surrounding Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the former vice-president and then-leader of the opposition. By 1969, the political landscape in Kenya was charged with tension. The assassination of Cabinet Minister Tom Mboya on 5th July 1969 had already set a volatile backdrop. Within this context, Pr...

WHY THE CLAMOUR TO RAISE NSSF CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD WORRY YOU

The new agitation by the Kenya Kwanza government to raise NSSF contributions is very suspicious and calls for deep scrutiny. It is impossible to think of an organisation that is run in a worse way than NSSF. Over the years, the institution has become a veritable looting machine. The corporate governance in this organisation is worse than that of a roadside kiosk. Its CEO position has been an ever-turning revolving door. Board wrangles have been going on for years.

Being one of the most liquid organisations in the country, it has always been a darling for looters. It has forever been in the eye of the corruption storm.

The audited accounts for the year ended 30th June 2022 received a qualified opinion. The audited accounts make for depressing reading. The firm had KShs 223 million deposited in Chase and Imperial banks which have since gone under, and only KShs 103 million has been recovered so far. NSSF had also invested KShs 667 million in Chase Bank and Imperial Bank bond, an amount which cannot now be recovered.

The company let out Hazina Towers in 2010 for ten years. The tenant defaulted and was evicted in 2019. The subtenants removed furniture and fittings leaving the building in a rundown condition. With respect to Hazina Trade Centre (where Nakumatt Lifestyle once stood), it was found out that NSSF did not receive value for money for KShs 654 million paid to the contractor as idling fees when construction stalled. The firm had operating costs of KShs 5.4 Billion with staff costs at KShs 3.8 Billion as at 30th June 2020. Why such high staff costs? It spent KShs 140 million on security services tenders. In the 2018/19 financial year, NSSF paid its members an interest of 3% down from 12.5% in the 2013/14 financial year. This is a joke. You are better off eating your money than investing it with NSSF at 3% interest. With inflation at over 8%, you are getting a negative return.

Why is Ruto starting a campaign to deduct more money from workers as NSSF contributions before all these issues are addressed?

What does this clamour have to do with the ongoing economic crisis facing the country? Is this even an urgent issue? You don't need to be a genius to tell what is cooking. The lamb is being fattened for slaughter.

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