Kenya: Mudavadi defends Gates Foundation privileges after public uproar

By Joseph Muia

 Published on: November 16, 2024 11:39 (EAT) 

Photo: Mudavadi at the Launch of Gate Foundation Regional Office

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has come out to defend the government's move to grant Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation immunity in the country.

Addressing the press on Friday, Mudavadi clarified that the said privileges given to the non-humanitarian organisation which has since caused uproar among Kenyans was a standard diplomatic gesture.

The Foreign CS cited the foundation’s increased presence in the country over the years culminating in the opening of a Nairobi Sub-Regional office saying that the Gates Foundation programs had proved impactful in the country.

“We take the concerns of our citizens seriously I wish to clarify the rationale behind our decisions; Diplomatic privileges and immunities are tools, not trophies. They are meant to facilitate the seamless operation of organizations that advance public good, much like the foundational principles of the Vienna Convention,” he said.

The CS went on to argue that the foundation in question had met all the necessary legal requirements and adhered to the host country agreement.

He went on to note that the government had put in place mechanisms to ensure such privileges and immunities were not abused.

“These privileges are not a blank cheque but a carefully calibrated mechanism to enable organizations like the Gates Foundation to deliver impactful programs without bureaucratic hindrance," Mudavadi stated.

The remarks followed reactions by Kenyans after the government through a Gazette Notice dated October 4, 2024, announced that the foundation would enjoy certain privileges and immunities in the country.

"The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in this Order referred to as "the Foundation", being a charitable trust established to fight poverty, disease and inequality in over one hundred and forty countries globally, and with which the Government of Kenya has entered into an agreement for cooperation, is hereby declared to be an organisation to which section 11 of the Act shall apply," read the notice.

The government gave the Foundation the legal capacity to, "enter into contracts, institute and defend legal proceedings; and acquire, hold or dispose of movable and immovable property in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya."

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'Respect citizens and they will reciprocate,' Former President Uhuru Kenyatta tells leaders

 By Joseph Muia

 Published on: November 16, 2024 04:49 (EAT)

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on leaders and Kenyans to respect one another to maintain peace and unity in the country.

Photo: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta

Speaking on Saturday during the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani in the Embu Diocese, Uhuru seemingly avoided direct political discussions, instead urging leaders to accord respect to citizens so that the latter can reciprocate.

In a thinly-veiled criticism of the current political atmosphere, Uhuru highlighted issues with the current regime, particularly the lack of respect among leaders.

He criticized leaders for hurling insults at one another and further urged them to shun tribal politics to foster peace in the country.

“Sina story mingi sikuizi, huwa naangalia tu TV...Let’s pray for peace, tuombee uiano kati ya viongozi na wananchi, tuwache mambo ya ukabila na tupendane. We cannot succeed in division watu wakitupiana maneno ikiwa watu hawaheshimiani. To our leaders, respect citizens and they will return the same,” said Kenyatta.

The former president concluded his brief speech by stating that he preferred not to engage in political exchanges, especially given the presence of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his predecessor, Prof. Kithure Kindiki.

He mentioned that he would leave immediately after President William Ruto’s speech, as the “political noise” does not sit well with him.

“Naweza taka kupeana zawadi yangu saa hii sababu rais akimaliza kuongea tu hivi nitatoroka. Mimi hii speed na makelele siku hizi sipendi inanipatia headache,” said Kenyatta.

“Naweza taka tumalizane mapema niondoke polepole…na bahasha yangu ni ya white, si ya brown vile ulikua unasema.”

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Kenya: Kalonzo sounds alarm on gov't cattle vaccination plan, warns of DNA alteration and risks to human lives

 

By Joseph Muia Published on: November 15, 2024 05:11 (EAT)

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has vehemently opposed the government’s plan to vaccinate over 22 million livestock across the country.

Photo/Courtesy: Kalonzo Musyoka Press Briefing

Addressing the press on Friday, Kalonzo, in a strongly worded statement, accused President William Ruto’s administration of advancing a “sinister foreign agenda” aimed at harming Kenyan citizens through the vaccination program.

He urged Kenyans to reject the proposal, claiming the vaccines would alter the genetic structure of livestock, ultimately causing animals to "cease emitting methane gas into the atmosphere." According to Kalonzo, this could lead to severe health and environmental consequences.

“The program, slated to roll out nationwide in the coming months, is being marketed as part of the government’s environmental protection efforts. However, this proposal reeks of a sinister foreign agenda and is deeply concerning to pastoralist communities and the nation at large,” he said.

Kalonzo warned that if implemented, the vaccinations could result in genetic manipulation of animals, potentially affecting human health due to reliance on livestock as a primary food source.

“Scientific authorities have informed us that these vaccines will alter the genetic structure of our animals. Within one or two generations, or roughly 36 months of reproduction, we could see severe biological malformations in livestock due to this genetic manipulation,” he claimed.

The Wiper leader criticized the argument that methane emissions from livestock digestion are harmful to the environment, dismissing it as unfounded. He highlighted that animal waste has been safely used in biogas production for years without significant environmental harm.

“The plan, backed by international researchers, proposes to inject gene-modifying drugs into Kenyan bovine livestock to stop them from emitting methane gas,” Kalonzo said. “These emissions are a natural biological result of digestion. Suggesting they are hazardous to the environment is both misleading and unnecessary.”

He questioned why the proponents of the program had not implemented similar measures in their own countries, which have larger livestock populations contributing to global methane emissions.

“Why is this program being pushed on Kenya, when these researchers have not implemented it in their own countries, where livestock numbers are significantly higher?” he asked. “These vaccines, developed overseas, have been widely rejected elsewhere, including in their countries of origin, like the United States.”

Kalonzo also questioned President Ruto’s intentions in endorsing the program, accusing his administration of prioritizing foreign interests over the well-being of Kenyans.

“It is unfathomable that the Kenya Kwanza government would subject its citizens to such risky experiments. A responsible government prioritizes the health and welfare of its people. This plan is reckless and must be stopped,” he said.

The Wiper leader further warned that if the vaccination program is allowed to proceed, it could pave the way for the introduction of genetically modified foods and synthetic meat into Kenya.

“This vaccination is just the beginning of a larger scheme to eliminate traditional livestock farming. The ultimate goal is to replace natural meat production with industrially generated synthetic alternatives,” he said.

Kalonzo urged pastoralists and other livestock owners to resist the vaccination program and preserve their livelihoods.

“Do not allow anyone near your animals under the pretence of vaccination. There will be no forced vaccinations in Kenya,” he declared.

The opposition leader called on all Kenyans to unite in rejecting what he termed as a dangerous and unpopular government policy.

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