Author: NLM Correspondent

Paul Kagame has been sworn in for a fourth term as Rwanda’s president after winning 99% of the vote in last month’s election. While some hail Mr Kagame for bringing peace and stability to his country after the 1994 genocide, others accuse him of running a repressive regime in a country where ordinary people are afraid to openly criticise him. Rights groups say the margin of his electoral victory is proof of the lack of democracy in Rwanda. Only two candidates were allowed to stand against Mr Kagame in the 15 July election. In his four presidential elections, he has…

Olympic 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet face an acid test in her quest for a second gold medal in Friday’s 10,000m women’s final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Chebet made a surprise victory in the 5,000m final on Monday night at the Stade de France when she floored double Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kiyegon, Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan and Ethiopia’s Tsegay Gudaf. The world record holder over the longer race will once again clash with reigning champion Sifan, Tsegay and her Ethiopian compatriots Fotyen Tesfay and Tsigie Gebreselama (29:48.34). Also in the mix are the Kenyan duo of Lilian Kasait and…

The first batch of Kenya’s Paralympics team arrived in Paris on Thursday oozing in high spirits ahead of the Games set to start on August 28. The team of 13 athletes and officials arrived aboard a Kenya Airways flight and travelled straight to Compiegne, which is about an hour’s drive from Paris. This is where they will camp as they do their final preparations for the Games. “I thank God for giving us journey mercies and enabling us to reach Paris safely. I also thank the Kenyan government for taking care of our needs as well and I can say…

Abraham Kibiwott is aware of the task lying ahead of his 3000m steeplechase team as they seek to reclaim the Olympic title in Paris, France on Wednesday. The World Championships bronze medallist will collaborate with Amos Serem and Simon Kiprop to recapture the gold that was last won by Conseslus Kipruto at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. But with the 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali and Ethiopia’s world record holder Lamecha Girma in the line up, Kibiwott knows they have their work cut out. Kibiwott finished a distant 10th at the Tokyo Games. “The pressure from Kenyans…

Discover the latest insights and analyses in the August 2024 edition of Nairobi Law Monthly! For only Ksh. 150 (down from the original Ksh. 200), this issue offers a comprehensive look into the month’s most pressing problems. Download it now Highlights Include: EDITORIAL: A critical look at the new electoral commission’s selection panel and the urgency of its completion. BRIEFING: An in-depth examination of the state’s limitations on the rights of protesters. OPENING STATEMENT: Explore how CS Ndung’u pushed President Ruto to the brink. REVIEW: The deepening diplomatic ties between South Africa and China and their impact on global cooperation.…

Prior to the enactment of Section 1A and 1B of the Civil Procedure Act, Section 3A and 3B of the Appellate Jurisdiction Act and later Article 159 (2) (d) of the constitution of Kenya 2010, courts were sticklers of procedure, and it was common for pleadings to be struck out for reasons that were purely technical. This often resulted in injustice. The above-mentioned provisions of the law sought to remedy that problem. Article 159(2) (d) of the Constitution provides that “justice shall be administered without undue regard to procedural technicalities.” This principle is known as the oxygen principle, and it…

Poor performance stands out as the most common reason for employment termination. While it might seem straightforward, the authority employers wield over performance is not absolute when it comes to dismissal. Let’s delve deeper into this aspect of employment rights. ‘The subject of poor performance of an employee is a serious matter. Such requires thorough investigations before an employer can use such a reason as the basis for termination. The rationale is that an employee is hired for being competent for the job and upon confirmation, such an employee has been put to the test and passed’ – Justice Monica Mbaru…

Protests: Will Gen Z Transform Kenya?  For the first time in history, young people have forced the Government to concede and drop the controversial Finance Bill, and now they have trained their eyes on the Church and State, calling for far-reaching governance reforms. In an unprecedented turn of events, the youth of Kenya have proven their might by compelling the government to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill. This monumental victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape, showcasing the power and influence of Gen Z in shaping the nation’s future. As the dust settles, the youth have set their…

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the youth in the country to keep peace and shun violence recently witnessed in the countrywide protests. The DP speaking during the burial of his elder sister Leah Wangari Muriuki at Mirera village in Laikipia East constituency, observed that the protests had been infiltrated and allegedly hijacked by criminals who were engaged in looting. “I want to, as a father to appeal to my children my sons and daughters listen to us as your parents, we wish to plead with you to call off the protests so that criminals do not hijack them…

Top comedian-turned-politician Michael Usi has been sworn in as Malawi’s vice-president at a ceremony held in parliament in the capital, Lilongwe. The 55-year-old replaces Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash earlier this month, along with eight other people. Dr Usi received a standing ovation when he spoke after his inauguration on Friday, saying he accepted the role with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. He promised to honour his predecessor’s memory and thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for believing in him as he takes up his position as vice-president in the power-sharing government. His appointment has certainly left Malawians…