President William Ruto on Tuesday received the report detailing nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), marking a crucial step in the reconstitution of the electoral body. The report, handed to the President at State House in Nairobi, follows a thorough vetting process conducted by the IEBC Selection Panel, led by Dr Nelson Makanda. In a statement after receiving the report, President Ruto commended the panel for its diligent work throughout the recruitment process, acknowledging their commitment. “Today morning, I received the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions…
Author: Samuel Njihia
Former ICT Permanent Secretary, Prof Bitange Ndemo, is on course to become the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, after emerging as the top candidate in a selection process. According to The Standard, Prof Ndemo scored 84 per cent in interviews conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), ahead of Prof Duke Orata, who scored 73 per cent, and Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa with 66.7 per cent. In a letter dated 2 May 2025, University Council Chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe formally recommended Prof Ndemo’s appointment to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, urging him to conclude the process promptly.…
Two schools have come under fire for violating children’s data protection rights, in what the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) calls a serious breach of trust and legal obligation. Nova Pioneer, a private international school, was fined Sh500,000 for unlawfully sharing a student’s personal data without the parent’s consent. The child’s information — including name, gender, passport number, date of birth and nationality — was allegedly disclosed to a travel agency, other parents, and the US Embassy. “The respondent failed to provide proof of having obtained parental consent to process the minor’s personal data,” said Data Commissioner Immaculate…
A Tunisian court has sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Larayedh to 34 years in prison over charges he facilitated the departure of fighters to Syria, which he strongly denies. Larayedh, a senior member of the opposition Ennahdha party, rejected the accusations, stating in court, “I was neither sympathetic, nor complicit, nor neutral, nor lenient towards violence, terrorism.” He also added, “This is not about justice, it’s about political retribution.” According to state news agency TAP, Larayedh’s conviction is part of a wider set of sentences handed down to eight individuals, with prison terms ranging from 18 to 36 years. The…
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential race, marking a dramatic return to Kenya’s political arena after a stint abroad. Speaking at a packed Gusii Stadium on Friday, Matiang’i received a thunderous welcome from thousands of supporters and a coalition of leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties. The event, styled as a homecoming, also served as the launchpad for his presidential ambitions. “For ten years, I worked tirelessly for this country. I am known to be a good worker, and if given the chance, I am ready to work…
A wave of tributes has continued to pour in after the shocking murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead on Wednesday night near City Mortuary along Ngong Road in Nairobi. The 51-year-old lawmaker had just left Parliament and was en route to Mbagathi when two assailants on a motorcycle approached his vehicle, shattered the driver’s window, and fired multiple shots at close range. He was rushed to Nairobi Hospital by bystanders but was pronounced dead on arrival. Leaders from across the political spectrum have paid glowing tribute to the fallen MP, describing him as…
Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead on Wednesday night in a chilling ambush near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road in Nairobi. The incident occurred around 7.30pm as Were was reportedly caught in a traffic jam while heading towards Mbagathi Road after leaving Parliament. According to eyewitnesses, two men on a motorbike had been trailing the legislator’s vehicle before launching their attack. One of the assailants dismounted and approached Were’s car, smashing a window before shooting him at close range. The MP’s driver escaped the harrowing ordeal unharmed. Tributes pour in for slain Kasipul MP…
In a dramatic move set to shake up Kenya’s political scene, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has confirmed that his new political party will be unveiled on May 15, with a full-scale launch scheduled days later. The party, already registered, aims to challenge President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the upcoming by-elections. The move marks Gachagua’s most overt political manoeuvre since falling out with President Ruto, with insiders suggesting the former DP is positioning himself as a counterforce ahead of the 2027 general election. According to his close allies, the new party will reveal its name, slogan, and…
Renowned Kenyan radio personality and popular host of Spice Drive on Standard Group’s Spice FM, Edward Kwach, has passed away after a battle with meningitis. He was 52. His family confirmed the news on Tuesday morning in a statement issued through their spokesperson, Michael Okwiri. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Carey,” the statement read. “He touched the lives of many through his voice and presence on the airwaves.” Kwach’s death, which came after weeks of medical care at a hospital in Nairobi, marks a painful moment for Kenya’s…
The Kenyan government has suspended all gambling advertisements across media platforms for 30 days, in response to growing concerns over the increasing spread of gambling in the country. In a statement issued on Monday, Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), explained that the decision was made after rising fears about the social and economic impact of gambling. “Some promoters are falsely marketing gambling as a shortcut to wealth, which has devastating effects on individuals, families, and society at large,” Makau said. The ban covers a wide range of gambling-related advertisements, including those promoting betting,…