Eastern Talanta Awards Management Responds after Section of artists Withdrew from the Awards

Musyoki Emmanuel
-
0
Eastern Talanta Awards Management Responds after Section of artists Withdrew from the Awards

The management of Eastern Talanta Awards has responded after a section of Kamba artists announced that they won’t be participating in the awards.

In a response to a Facebook post by Kamba benga artist Alex Kasau Katombi, the management said that they have never forced anyone to participate in the awards since artists are nominated by their fans.

“Eastern Talanta Awards management has never forced anyone to participate. Your fans nominate you and that’s why you find yourself on the nomination. Ever wondered why people pay for flights and pay for their accommodation in foreign countries just to get Awards? We need to look beyond just performing in local clubs in Mlolongo and Ukambani and think of how we will be able to export our content out there,” the management said.

The management noted that they have incurred a lot of costs to plan for the event and the 10 bob people are being charged to vote isn’t enough to organize such an event. 

“We respect your views and opinions though. Your name has been submitted for removal. We honestly apologize for we never meant harm. Our focus is to empower and celebrate artists like you who are celebrated in the region. Thank you,” the management told Benga artist Katombi.

In a statement, ETA said that they will remain a legitimate brand after they successfully executed the first edition and during the nomination process and unveiling of the nominees all artists were invited on 9th October at the Gelian hotel for them to ask questions. 

They confirmed that they do not consult with artists on participation because their fans nominate them and the voting process remains the same as in other awards.

 “We wish to communicate all existing awards in Kenya and some outside Kenya vote using either airtime or Mpesa deduction and the amount being used is the standard rate for all,” a statement from ETA read.

They also confirmed that they will be removing the names of the artists who have said they won’t be participating in the awards and will render their codes inactive and promised to remain focused on their agenda which is aimed at recognizing, appreciating, and awarding creatives that are making effort towards self and national development.

The second edition of the awards will be held on 5th November 2022 at Semara Hotel in Machakos town.

Missed our earlier story on the artists who withdrew from the awards? Check it out below;

Bisengo, Katombi, and Kativui Withdraw from Eastern Talanta Awards

Kitui leaders tell off DP Rigathi for disrespecting Kalonzo

Musyoki Emmanuel
-
0
Kitui leaders tell off DP Rigathi for disrespecting Kalonzo

A section of leaders from Kitui county have called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to respect Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Kitui Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya Speaking during an interview at a popular vernacular TV said that the Deputy President should not belittle Kamba leaders for being in the opposition. Kinengo said that opposition plays a big role in keeping the government in check and thus Kalonzo should not be pushed to support the Kenya Kwanza government.

“We respect the Deputy President of Kenya but let him stop being driven by pride because pride comes before a fall. He should stop despising Kamba leaders as we witnessed on Sunday when he (Rigathi) accompanied President Ruto to Kitui. We can’t accept our leader Kalonzo Musyoka to be openly despised by Deputy President because the President respects our kingpin and so the Deputy President should respect Kalonzo,” Speaker Kinengo said.

The youngest speaker in Kenya lauded Kalonzo as a selfless leader who puts the interests of the Kamba community first. 

“As the Kamba saying goes ‘a old man sees where a young man can’t see even when standing on top of a mountain’ Kalonzo is an experienced politician who knows a lot of things and when you see him doing some things he doesn’t do for his benefit but rather for the benefit of the community. If the Kamba community had supported Kenya Kwanza before the elections as a block we won’t be able to get all the seats we have been given because right now the President is luring the Kamba community,” he added.

Kinengo also called for mature politics at the national level and urged all the leaders to work for the benefit of all Kenyans.

 “When you become a leader, you become a leader to serve the people, there is time for politics and time for serving the people. I will make sure that as the Speaker of the Kitui County Assembly we serve the people because they expect more from us. Let’s do mature politics at the national level and our able MCAs let’s always thank our people and put God first,” he went on.

His words were echoed by Mutonguni ward MCA Benjamin Mulandi who said that it is wise for Kalonzo to stay in the opposition and leave other leaders like Muthama to stay in the government. MCA Mulandi added that it is not a must for Kalonzo to join forces with President Ruto for the Kamba community to benefit because the government belongs to all the people despite their political stand.

While speaking at a thanksgiving service in Kitui Sunday, Rigathi said he doesn’t understand Kalonzo and other leaders should take over the mantle of the leadership of the region. Missed the story? Check it out below;

 Rigathi takes on Kalonzo, asks other leaders to take over the Region’s leadership

Bisengo, Katombi, and Kativui Withdraw from Eastern Talanta Awards

Musyoki Emmanuel
-
0
Bisengo, Katombi, and Kativui Withdraw from Eastern Talanta Awards

Kamba artists Tobby Bisengo, Ben Mbatha popularly known as Kativui,  Kenny Bizzoh and Alex Kasau Kisinga (Katombi) have withdrawn from Eastern Talanta awards.

The artists asked their fans not to participate in the awards by voting for them. Taking to their social media, they opened up that they won’t be participating in the awards. 

“Just to confirm am not part of Eastern Talanta.. don’t waste your money voting..one text 10 bob, for what? Toeni jina langu kwa hizo upuzi. Who are they? Where does that money go after voting? How do artists benefit from it?” Alex Kasau Katombi said.

“Am not participating in ETA awards this is not to say it is bad to participate, I just feel I’m not in a position to participate this time, I wish the best to all who are participating I wish good luck to all of you. shalom,” Tobby Bisengo taking to Facebook said.

Singer Kenny Bizoh also said that he will also not participate in the awards.  Below are some reactions from netizens on the move by the 4 artists.

Sankara Johnson said,” I support you bro Alex Kasau Kulukulu. Someone is trying to enrich himself am telling you.”

MCA Tricky said, “Any form of VOTING  should be FREE OF CHARGE !!”

Muthama KE said,” Eastern Talanta Awards you guys are doing a good job, some of these Ukambani artists cannot be assisted. Just ignore them.”

Joseph Kivuva said,” Eastern Talanta Awards I don’t support his opinion but I also have a question, where does the money go? how do the winners benefit from the money? 

This is not the first. Which artist have you taken outside Kenya to perform?”

MC Toto added,” Kwa nguniei nye kumantha isyitwa kwi vinya muno – Vote for me because building a brand is not easy.”

Christine Musau added,” In agreement….but no one has forced anyone kuingia nomination…it’s just like betting. Everyone is looking forward to having something on the table..is also a way of socializing and bringing people together…Kila mtu na vision yake..let the upcoming generation enjoy the season….it’s a platform of growth, creation, industrialization, and diversified portfolio of building talent.”

Hours after the three artists declared that they won’t be participating in the awards, popular benga artist Ben Mbatha Kativui also told his fans not to be deceived and should not waste their money. Kativui added that he is not aware of the said awards despite performing in 2021

Katombi was nominated in the male artist of the year category, Bisengo had been nominated in the male artist of the year category, and producer of the year, Kenny Bizzoh was nominated in the MC of the year category while Kativui was nominated in the Kikwetu artist of the year and male artist of the year. 

Missed out on the list of those nominated for different categories? Check it out below;

List of Eastern Talanta Awards Nominees 2022

 Kitui leaders’ requests to President Ruto During his visit to Kitui

Musyoki Emmanuel
-
0
 Kitui leaders’ requests to President Ruto During his visit to Kitui

President William Ruto on Sunday (October, 23) visited Kitui County for a thanksgiving service hosted by AIC Kitui Township in Kitui town. Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, and the host Makali Mulu of Kitui Central made special requests to President Ruto during the service.

Governor Malombe asked for the insecurity issue to be addressed suggesting that it can be solved when a cutline is built on the Kitui-Tana River border because it has been a getaway for intruders from neighboring counties.

“The conflicts along our borders affect around six wards and sometimes it becomes worse because the camel herders invade our lands and in turn, our people resist that. One possible solution is that we have a cutline from the lowest ward up to where we border with Meru. We want to request to have police stations in each of the wards that border Tana River county after the cutline is done,” Governor Malombe added.

Governor Malombe also requested President Ruto to help him in developing sand dams in 40 wards in Kitui where the County Government of Kitui is planning to do 60 earth dams in each ward to ensure integrated agriculture to boost food production. Malombe said he will work together with the government to ensure that there is service delivery to the people of Kitui.

Kitui Central MP Makali requested the President to make sure that those who were affected during the construction of the Kibwezi-Kitui-Mbondoni road are compensated because most of them are yet to be compensated five years down the line.

 On matters of security, MP Mulu said that the national government should intervene because there have been cases of conflicts between the camel herders and the residents of Kitui which has led to the killing of some people in Kitui South and in turn some residents killing camels belonging to Somali people.

Makali also requested President Ruto to aid in the construction of the stalled Umaa Dam which was started over ten years ago and will help the people of Kitui Central in getting enough water for domestic use and irrigation. Makali reiterated that he is ready to stay at the opposition just like his Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to provide oversight and correction to the government. 

His counterpart from Kitui East pointed out that the Kamba community is in the government and is proud of President Ruto for appointing former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Penina Malonza, and Monica Juma to top government positions.

“We are grateful for your visit to Kitui, we have problem of water in our county and other problems, and we request that you invite us together with the governor and other leaders from Kitui to come and address our issues to you and our plan on how Kitui can get water. Our Governor has mapped out a good plan on how to get enough water in our county and he will address the issue. Our people are hungry, we request that we get the share of relief food meant for famine-stricken counties so that our people can survive the three months before they harvest in February next year after rains come,” Nimrod said.

Mbai requested President Ruto to fulfill his promise when he was campaigning in Kitui to finance the construction of Nzamba Kitonga Memorial hospital and KMTC campus in Mutitu, Kitui East which will be of great help to the people of Kitui East and parts of Kitui South and Mwingi Central.

On matters of border conflicts witnessed in Kitui South, Kitui East, and Mwingi North, Mbai said that he appreciates that the security team in Kitui and Eastern Region have taken the matter seriously and they have promised that a permanent solution will be found. Mbai urged the national government to bring more vehicles for the security officers which will help them navigate in the areas experiencing insecurity since logistics has been their main challenge.

 Rigathi takes on Kalonzo, asks other leaders to take over the Region’s leadership

News Desk
-
0
 Rigathi takes on Kalonzo, asks other leaders to take over the Region’s leadership

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka saying he doesn’t understand what type of a person he is.

Speaking during a thanksgiving prayer meeting at Kitui central Primary which was also attended by President Ruto, Rigathi challenged other leaders from the region to get together and bring the region to the government.

“Hatuna shida na mheshimiwa Kalonzo, tunamngoja. It is you that will decide what you want with him because we don’t understand him. We reached out to him but when we did he returned to the Mzee of kuzimia (Raila). When they frustrated him, it is we who defended him. They called him for an interview to ask what is his name, what is his wife’s name. They frustrated him but he still remained there.” Rigathi said.

“The president is now William Ruto, it is up to you Wavinya. We have no problem but We don’t understand him at all. He was frustrated but still remained there, he was told it is the other lady who will bring votes but she failed, Kalonzo brought the votes.” The Deputy President added.

Rigathi claimed that he nearly fell out with Ruto after he gave the Ukambani region 3 ministries despite them failing to bring a lot of votes to Kenya Kwanza.

“We respect him and love him, it is up to you Ukambani leaders to guide him. It is not right for the region and its good people to remain in opposition forever. I asked him(Ruto) why he gave the 3 ministries and told me ‘Kambas love me, it is their leaders who mislead them but I will stay with them until they love me. Even me I now like you people.” He went on.

“Ukambani leaders, this region has serious problems and can’t afford to stay out of government. These are not people who can be in opposition. These people must be in Government. Wavinya, Malombe, and the rest, if Stephen remains with ‘mzee ya kuzimia‘ you can bring Kambas to government. You can do it. Juzi amekuja Mashujaa Day tukafikiri amerudi, jana tulimuona Homabay.. we don’t understand your leader anymore..” He concluded.

President William Ruto also said he tried to convince Kalonzo after August but Kalonzo declined. Missed the story? Check it out below;

 I reached out to Kalonzo after elections but he declined – Ruto

 I reached out to Kalonzo after elections but he declined – Ruto

News Desk
-
0
 I reached out to Kalonzo after elections but he declined – Ruto

President William Ruto has revealed that he reached out to Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka after he won the August elections.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service at Kitui Central Primary, Ruto claimed after reaching out, Kalonzo declined and said he wants to be in the opposition. He however said if Kalonzo changes his mind, then he will be ready to work with him.

“You have told me about my brother Stephen, he is my elder brother. When is ready to work with me, I will be willing to work with him. When I was here I told you that once I form Government, I will include Kalonzo in the government.” President Ruto said.

“I want to inform you that I reached out to Stephen and offered him an opportunity to be in Government but he told me he wants to try opposition. Wacha ajaribu kidogo tuone mahali itafika, hata hiyo ya upinzani ni kazi pia. There is no problem. Tulisema kazi ni kazi, tung’ang’ane namna hio.”He added.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he doesn’t understand Kalonzo and other leaders from the region should take them to Government.

“These people must be in Government. Wavinya, Malombe, and the rest, if Stephen has remained with that Mzee of kuzimia (Raila), you can get the Kamba community and bring them to Government. Juzi amekuja mashujaa day tukafikiri amerudi, jana nilimuona Homabay, we dont understand him (Kalonzo) anymore.” Rigathi said.

During the Thanksgiving, several leaders from Kalonzo’s wiper party including MCAs, Speaker Kinengo, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, and Governors Wavinya and Malombe were in attendance.

Machakos Deputy Governor Defends Wavinya’s CEC Nominees

Juline Mwikali
-
0
Machakos Deputy Governor Defends Wavinya’s CEC Nominees

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has defended Wavinya’s County Executive Committee (CEC) nominees.

The Deputy governor speaking during the launch of the Mbegu Mashinani initiative in Tala Ward said that the positions were distributed fairly. Mwangangi noted that it is not possible to share the positions equitably among all 8 constituencies.

Mwangangi said that the county leadership did its best to pick people to ensure that the different departments in the county government are run well.

“There is no way we could have managed to get an equal number of CECs from every region. It is not possible even in the national government, what should be your concern is if the people will be able to execute their work,” Mwangangi said.

“These people do not care who is in the office and what they are doing. All they want is people who can deliver for them, there are roads and other issues that are affecting the people of Machakos,” he added.

On 17th October 2022,  Wavinya Ndeti named 10 cabinet nominees and they are waiting to be vetted by the County Assembly of Machakos Appointments committee.

List of Machakos county CECs

There has been outcry after Mwala and Kangundo failed to get  CEC positions while other constituencies like Kathiani got several.

Mwangangi also revealed that the county government was going to distribute relief food in schools and to needy families. The Mbegu Mashinani project will benefit 1,500 farmers from each ward of Machakos County ahead of the short rains.

Man Reportedly shot by Camel Herders in Mutha, Kitui South

Musyoki Emmanuel
-
0
Man Reportedly shot by Camel Herders in Mutha, Kitui South

A man was reportedly shot by camel herders in Tulima, Mutha ward along Inyali road in Kitui South. The man who was identified as Munyoki was shot in his right hand and the lower abdomen, according to Mutha ward MCA Dominic Mwamisi. 

Confirming the incident, MCA Mwamisi said that the young man who is a charcoal dealer was heard screaming in the forest by some residents who were traveling along Inyali road and their car got punctured. 

“When I talked to the gentleman he told me that he was shot on Thursday at around 1 pm, he tried running but he couldn’t walk and was forced to lie down due to excessive bleeding. According to the man, he had no access to water and food which forced him to sleep hungry at the forest grilling in pain,” MCA Dominic Mwamisi revealed.

 “The people went where the man was lying as he complained that he will die of thirst, and they found that he was shot in his right hand with a bullet lodged into his ribs. I called the police and we rushed to the scene and took him to Mutha dispensary for first aid,” MCA Mwamisi added.

He was later transferred to Kitui County referral hospital to get more medical attention. The Mutha MCA called upon the residents to be careful since the camel herders have been ordered to get out of the area since the man also revealed that he heard numerous gunshots overnight.

Mwamisi requested all elected leaders and other administration leaders to quickly intervene to save the situation because the residents are living in fear of being attacked anytime. 

“I call other leaders to come we stay here in Mutha until all the camels are driven out of our county to leave the people of Mutha at peace. I also urge my people to be on the lookout because the herders seem to have deadly hearts and don’t want to see our people living in peace,” he pointed out.

According to the man, he was shot when he was going to get water from the neighboring village where he was burning charcoal after encountering seven camel herders armed with guns and one of the herders shot him before he started running for his safety. The MCA asked the security agencies also to find a way of confiscating guns used by the camel herders.

1...163164165...271Page 164 of 271