Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared himself the official opposition leader, stating that he will now assume leadership of the Azimio Coalition following Raila Odinga’s departure. Odinga, the de facto opposition leader, was officially unveiled as Kenya’s candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday. The high-profile event was attended by President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, and Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca of Burundi. Former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria were also present, while Rwanda’s President…
Author: Samuel Njihia
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has defied a summons from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), saying he will not appear at the commission’s offices on Tuesday. Instead, Barasa plans to delegate the matter to his legal team. The EACC had initially asked Barasa to appear at the Integrity Centre in Nairobi to address the bribery allegations. A reminder was issued on August 21 after he ignored the earlier request. “The Commission accords you a second opportunity to come and respond to the allegations of bribery made against you. To this end, you are required to appear at the Ethics and…
Salim Swaleh, the former Director of Press Services for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, released a heart-wrenching video message on Monday, pleading for forgiveness. In the video, Swaleh spoke about his many struggles and regrets amid the upheaval caused by a scandal and legal troubles that have significantly disrupted his life. “Your Excellency, you have been my father figure for the longest time,” Swaleh said, addressing Dr Mudavadi. “We have built an unmatched trust between us, and for the last one and a half years, I have served you… with zeal. I broke the trust, and I’m so sorry about…
Billionaire businessman Joel Kibe has initiated legal action against Old Mutual Holdings, demanding a buyout that could exceed Sh1 billion. Kibe accuses Old Mutual of neglecting the rights of minority shareholders in favour of its majority stakeholder, Old Mutual East Africa Holdings. In his petition to the High Court in Nairobi, Kibe alleges that Old Mutual has breached its promise to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and has secured large loans from its parent company under unclear terms. He argues that converting some of these loans into shares will further dilute the investments of smaller shareholders, who have already…
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has withdrawn the strike notice, set to expire at midnight today, and now instructs teachers to resume work tomorrow. This follows a day-long National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the union headquarters in Nairobi. According to Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, the strike was called off so as to offer the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government a chance to address their demands. “The NEC has, therefore, today August 25, 2024, agreed to withdraw the strike action notice which was elapsing midnight August 25, 2024 since we have commenced addressing the remaining matters…
The University of Nairobi students exploded in uproar on Saturday, staging a fierce protest after the sudden disappearance of their Student Association (UNSA) President, Rocha Madzao. Outraged students blocked Uhuru Highway, leading to the deployment of anti-riot police, who clashed with the protesters as they attempted to clear the road, causing major traffic disruptions. The disappearance of Madzao is closely linked to his vocal opposition to a controversial new funding model for universities introduced by the government. Hours before his disappearance, Madzao had addressed a rally at the university and condemned the model, giving the government an ultimatum of one…
Safaricom is lobbying the Communications Authority (CA) to block foreign satellite internet providers (ISPs), including Elon Musk’s Starlink. The telco has written to the CA that it should compel satellite providers to operate in Kenya solely under an arrangement with a local licensee. “We would propose that the CA consider, instead, mandating that such satellite service providers only carry out their operations in Kenya subject to such providers entering into an agreement with an existing local licensee,” Safaricom said in a July 15 memo seen by Nairobi Law Monthly. The company is concerned that satellite ISPs operating without a physical…
The Ministry of Health on Friday confirmed a second case of Mpox in Kenya, raising fresh concerns about the disease’s spread within the country. The latest patient, a male truck driver, was identified at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County. The man, currently in isolation and receiving care at a Busia health facility, had travelled to the DRC, a hotspot for a severe Mpox outbreak. This confirmation follows the initial case reported on July 31. “Since the declaration of the first case of Mpox, 28 contacts of the said case have completed a 21-day follow-up period without…
President William Ruto has made significant new appointments, placing former Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria and Eliud Owalo, and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi in senior government roles. According to Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, President Ruto has appointed Kuria, the former CS for Public Service, as Senior Advisor in the Council of Economic Advisors. This move aims to enhance the implementation of the BETA Plan under the Broad-Based Government. “To bolster the implementation of the BETA Plan by the Broad-Based Government, the Head of State and Government has caused the appointment of Hon. Moses Kiarie…
The Ministry of Education has directed parents to register all school-going children in the new medical cover under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) before schools open next week. In a circular dated 16th August, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education Bellio Kipsang tasked regional and county education directors to ensure all students are registered in SHIF before the new term begins. “All school-going children are therefore required to register as dependants of their parents before the school opening dates for the third term of 2024,” Dr Kipsang said. The compulsory registration follows the discontinuation of the EduAfya health cover,…
