The High Court has dismissed a bid by retired governors and their deputies for substantial post-office payments, in a landmark ruling that will save taxpayers millions. The governors had moved to court seeking a lifetime monthly pension of Sh739,200 and Sh700,000 for governors and deputy governors, respectively. In addition to the pension, the officials were seeking a lump sum payment equivalent to one year’s salary, a 3000cc four-wheel-drive vehicle, a fuel allowance, and medical cover for local and overseas treatment. This pension scheme would be similar to what is offered to retired Presidents, Deputy Presidents, Chief Justices, and Speakers of…
Author: Samuel Njihia
Paul Famba has been sworn in as the new Secretary/Chief Executive of the Public Service Commission (PSC), replacing Simon Rotich, whose tenure ended last month. The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Supreme Court of Kenya, followed Mr Famba’s appointment on June 5, 2024, for a five-year term beginning August 1, 2024. Chief Justice Koome, who presided over Mr Famba’s swearing-in, highlighted the crucial role of the PSC in embedding constitutional values and principles throughout the public service. She emphasized that the PSC is vital for ensuring an efficient and effective public service, promoting accountability and integrity as core values.…
The High Court sitting in Meru has asked the Njuri Ncheke Supreme Council of Ameru elders to use their traditional methods and wisdom to mediate in the long-standing dispute between Governor Kawira Mwangaza and the Meru County Assembly. This follows the court’s decision to temporarily halt the impeachment proceedings against the governor on Wednesday. Governor Mwangaza and the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are scheduled to appear before the Njuri Ncheke on Thursday, July 31, 2024, according to court documents. “Parties herein are directed to appear before Njuri Ncheke with their advocates before Wednesday, July 31, 2024,” wrote the…
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who was recently relieved of his duties by President William Ruto, has thrown his weight behind Raila Odinga’s call to review the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. On Sunday, Kuria pointed at the rejection of the Bomas Draft Constitution and argued how it led the country to try various government systems including coalitions, Handshake, and now broad-based government, to avoid tackling the real issues. “I fully support Raila Odinga’s call for a return to the Bomas Draft. Over the last 19 years since the rejection of Bomas, we have gone in circles with artificial…
President William Ruto has made key changes in the Kenya Defence Forces by promoting at least 23 senior military officers. The changes were announced following a meeting of the Defence Council chaired by Musalia Mudavadi, Acting Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Prime Cabinet Secretary on Wednesday. Notable among the appointments is that of Major General Stephen James Mutuku to the position of Deputy Commandant, at the National Defence College. President Ruto briefed on the recommendations from the Defence Council meeting and upheld several promotions, postings, and appointments across different branches of the military. In the Kenya Army,…
The Environment and Land Court has cleared the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) to auction the Nairobi Upper Hill Hotel, rejecting a plea to halt the sale. The hotel owner, Geoffrey Wahome Muotia, sought to stop the auction until his application’s resolution, following the NBK’s notice of intent to auction the property due to a Sh447 million debt. Justice Jacqueline Mogeni, however, dismissed Mr Wahome’s plea saying that the court does not have powers to determine the case that should have been filed before the High Court. “I find that this Court, based on the reliefs sought and a red…
US President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek re-election in the November 2024 election, stating it’s “in the best interest of my party and the country.” In a letter posted to his social media account, on July 21, President Biden said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as the American president. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder…
The US Embassy in Kenya has expressed deep concern over reports of police shootings and abductions of protesters and journalists during the ongoing anti-government protests, which have entered their fifth week. In a statement on Thursday, July 18, the embassy expressed regret over the loss of life and destruction of livelihoods, calling on all parties to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law. “We are deeply concerned by reports of violence, including shootings and abductions of protestors, journalists, and others. Constructive engagement of citizens and civil society… is a pillar of democracy,” the statement said. The embassy further urged…
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has frozen salary reviews for all public officers for the current fiscal year due to financial constraints caused by President William Ruto’s decision not to sign the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, into law. The SRC announced on Thursday, July 18, that the salary review for the fiscal year 2024/2025 had been deferred until further notice, stating that there was no budget allocated for implementing the recommended remuneration and benefits scheduled to take effect this month. Court rejects ex-governors’ Sh739,200 lifetime pension bid In response to the economic challenges facing the country, the SRC stated…
President William Ruto has fired his entire cabinet, including the Attorney General, days after protests by Gen Z against his government. In a televised address from State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, Dr. Ruto said he made the decision after “listening to Kenyans, and a holistic appraisal of cabinet.” However, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will remain in office. “I have decided to dismiss with immediate effect all cabinet secretaries and the Attorney General of the Cabinet of Kenya, except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs,” Dr. Ruto said. Gen Z revolution: Redefining patriotism in Kenya’s…
