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,On Wednesday, February 4, newspapers examined the internal reasons for Hussein Marjan’s exit from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), while also monitoring evolving partnerships and developments within the Azimio La Umoja coalition.

1. Daily Nation

As per the report, Nairobi’s flower sellers are preparing for a challenging Valentine’s Day following the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) significantly curbing the previously thriving cash flower trade, issuing a warning that twisting and pinning banknotes into decorative petals is no longer allowed.amounts to harming official currency.

For many months, florists transformed simple notes into intricate arrangements, combining creativity with emotion and profit.

However, CBK’s notice made it evident that the practice undermines the authenticity of banknotes and causes issues with ATMs and cash-counting machines.

The authority referred to the Penal Code, which makes it illegal to damage or alter money, with those found guilty facing a maximum of three months in prison or a fine of KSh2,000.

The timing was extremely poor since Valentine’s Day is only a few days away, and numerous florists report that cash bouquets have now become their most popular offering.

Joan Momanyi, a florist from Nairobi who played a key role in bringing the trend to the local scene, mentioned that interest increased in 2024 following her learning the technique through online tutorials from Asia.

At her highest point, she managed as many as five requests each day, obtaining fresh information straight from banks to fulfill client requirements.

Cash arrangements, widely favored in certain areas of Asia where money represents prosperity, gained popularity in Kenya via social media.

Notable deliveries, such as a KSh150,000 flower arrangement given to a regional content creator on Valentine’s Day, further intensified the trend.

Now, fog of doubt surrounds the commerce, with florists cautioning that the regulation endangers jobs and suppliers who had prepared materials in expectation of February sales.

2. The Standard

As reported by the daily, the passing of General Kiambati, the final remaining Mau Mau general, marks the end of a significant era in Kenya’s fight for independence, bringing back difficult discussions about justice, acknowledgment, and unfulfilled pledges to those who fought for freedom.

Kiambati passed away at his residence in Ngorika, Nyandarua County, 106 years old, with his family stating he died peacefully due to natural causes.

He was one of 12 Mau Mau warriors promoted to the rank of general throughout the independence movement, alongside renowned individuals like Dedan Kimathi, General China, Musa Mwariama, Mukami Kimathi, and Agnes Muthoni.

His death signifies the conclusion of a prolonged and largely unsettled struggle by Mau Mau veterans for reparations, respect, and recognition of their history.

For many years, Kiambati openly urged the government to provide compensation to veterans and their families, grant them land in Nyandarua where numerous fought and concealed themselves, and recover the remains of Kimathi, thought to be buried at Kamiti Maximum Prison.

In previous interviews, Kiambati stated that giving proper burial and compensation to deceased warriors would bring back respect to those who gave their lives for Kenya’s independence.

Although he made every effort, numerous of those requests were still not fulfilled at the moment of his passing.

His son, Maina Kiambati, has pledged to uphold his father’s heritage, stating that the family will keep urging the government to honor commitments made to Mau Mau veterans.

He requested government assistance in ensuring Kiambati a respectful burial, highlighting that numerous freedom fighters passed away in poverty despite their contribution to achieving independence.

3. Taifa Leo

As reported by the Swahili daily, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is set to announce the principals and ministry staff implicated in a large-scale fraud related to fake schools and non-existent students, a scheme thought to havesiphoned billions of shillings from the education sector.

Ogamba mentioned that a detailed audit report, prepared following a countrywide verification process carried out last year, is finalized and will be presented to parliament.

“I’ll verify the date tomorrow,” he mentioned.

The findings, he noted, paint a troubling pictureregarding the extensive manipulation of educational data, with sources characterizing the magnitude of the fraud as “astonishing.”

After the report is released, it is anticipated that police inquiries will commence, leading to arrests and legal actions.

“The Ministry of Education has finalized the nationwide review. Following the publication of the report, strict measures will be implemented against those responsible. Those in charge will face consequences. The report will be provided to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission,” the CS stated.

The Head of the Cabinet stated that the audit revealed extensive registration of fake students in primary, middle, and high schools, including non-existent pupils with special educational requirements, which lead to much greater government financial support.

By the end of November last year, the initiative had already uncovered at least 87,000 fictitious students.

In certain instances, authorities found schools recorded in official documents that had no students present, with approximately 10 such schools located in 10 different counties.

4. The Star

The report states that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has secretly begun to restructure its senior leadership, causing concern within the party about the process.Legal status and group solidarity before important political choices.

The party has officially sent a letter to the Political Parties Registrar, aiming for significant leadership reforms, including appointing Siaya senator Oburu Oginga as the main party leader, taking over from Raila Odinga.

The action was taken prior to the gathering of the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC), the highest body responsible for approving such decisions.

A public announcement released by Registrar John Lorionokou on January 19 established a seven-day period for submitting complaints,effectively bringing the changes into the public domain.

The reorganization impacts almost the whole party leadership. Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya and Mining CS Ali Hassan Joho have been removed from their positions as deputy party leaders, with Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii governor Simba Arati, and Senator Godfrey Osotsi taking on new roles.

The governor of Homa Bay, Gladys Wanga, assumes the role of national chairperson, with Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Turkana Central MP Ariko Namoit appointed as deputy chairpersons.

Additional modifications involve fresh selections for positions in organizational and political matters throughout various regions.

Nevertheless, the restructuring has intensified splits within ODM, with a group including secretary general Edwin Sifuna, EALA representative Winnie Odinga, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino asserting that only the NDC has the authority to legally endorse major leadership adjustments. They allege that party bodies are bypassing the constitution.