NTV-NEWS-UPDATE-GIF-HD

Ruto vs Raila: Of smoke screens and PR stunts – “watu si wajinga bwana!”

The more things change, the more they stay the same, Alphonse Karr wrote.

It has been about six months since Kenyans queued to vote. However, rallies and political re-alignments could make a guest to the state, think elections are due in a few months. 

Tuesday, 7 February 2023, saw petty politics take centre stage with subliminal gestures being thrown online, in form of photo ops, from Kenya Kwanza and Azimio sides. President Ruto rolled up the curtains as the play began. He made an irresistible call to opposition MPs for a sit down at State House and made sure the camera person understood the assignment. Details of what was discussed are scanty but what is absolutely clear is that this was a flex of power by Ruto, showing opposition the beauty of being in government. 

The ODM legislators were immediately called out by their party for disrespecting Raila Odinga. Meanwhile, the Azimio leader showed Kenyans that he is unshaken by the act and the betrayal as he posed for a photo, reunited with former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed – two individuals heavily blamed for his election loss.

In the Jacaranda rally, Raila called on Common Wealth and the United Nations to deploy teams to Kenya to look into the 2022 elections within two weeks, failure to which Kenyans will take matters into their own hands. The ODM leader also said he possessed evidence of former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati visiting his home and asking for a bribe before the August 9 election. Chebukati dared him to release the footage and Raila conveniently avoided the topic in the Kibra rally, where he made another sensitive pronouncement – IEBC to be scrapped and Kenya to adopt US-style devolved electoral system. 

A pattern is revealing. Mr Odinga is set to host another rally in Mavoko and Busia, should we expect another controversial pronouncement? It seems he understands Kenyans are quick to forget and his job is to provide political pundits with something new, propaganda or not, to talk about every week on morning television and divert Kenyans’ attention. 

“In six months.” This should ring a bell, the most popular broken promise by President Ruto. It was partially excused after his bromance with ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta ended. But Kenyans never forgot, and are now smart enough to only believe what they can see. And currently, something that Wanjiku wants to see is the promise of a drop in unga prices being fulfilled. The broken promise of a gender-balanced cabinet has also not been forgotten.

Ruto the taxman. The president has embarked on a hunt for billions from the richest in the country. A hunt that awoke the country’s ‘granny’ from decades of silence. Even if he gets that money, will it be enough to cover up for the inadequacies in the Kenya Kwanza strategy to turn around the economy?  

Shouting matches. No one is enjoying power more than Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the honest and truthful men*. He asked Ruto to allow him to ‘deal’ with Raila and aside from his official duties, that’s what he has been doing. No matter the platform, Riggy G will throw a jibe at the leader of the opposition and expect him to respond before he launches another missile. Riggy G has also been making roadside declarations, usurping powers that belong to governors, all in an effort to protect ‘his people’. 

How much time does the new administration need, for Kenyans to start feeling like they made the right choice on the ballot? Are all these sideshows meant to distract Wanjiku from the facts that; the shilling has fallen deeper than it ever has? That the North Rift has become almost ungovernable under this administration and residents are being killed daily? And, that the tax burden is hard to bear?

Wednesday, 8 February 2023. Elite Police officers raid the house of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i. It’s too soon to call it a revenge mission or a wolf cry, but as we, Kenyans, grapple with hunger and the high cost of living let’s sit back and enjoy season two of ‘Hustler vs Dynasties’ with a little adjustment on the script to switch roles of those who play opposition and government. 

Raila and Ruto know the political playbook by heart. They know what they need to do for the country to move forward, why not save our time by sitting down, not for a handshake or nusu-mkate, but to agree on so that the country can have a clear direction? 

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.