The High Court in Nairobi has awarded lawyer Donald Kipkorir Sh1 million as compensation for being denied entry to the exclusive Muthaiga Country Club, marking the end of a long-running dispute that drew attention to the club’s admission practices. In a judgment delivered by Justice Chacha Mwita, the court ruled that the club’s decision to bar Kipkorir from entering its premises, despite being invited by a member, violated his constitutional rights. The judge found the actions of the century-old institution unlawful and reaffirmed that invited guests are entitled to access private clubs without discrimination. “Today, Justice Chacha Mwita delivered judgement…
Author: Samuel Njihia
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has taken legal action against Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and 13 others, seeking to recover more than Sh813 million allegedly obtained through irregular road construction tenders. The suit, filed at the High Court in Nairobi, accuses Wamatangi of abusing his former position as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing to influence the award of lucrative tenders to companies linked to him. According to court documents seen by Citizen Digital, the alleged offences occurred between the 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 financial years, involving contracts awarded by the Kenya National Highways Authority…
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker from Queens, was elected on Tuesday as the 111th mayor of New York City, marking a historic victory for the city’s progressive movement, according to The Associated Press. The Democratic socialist’s triumph capped a meteoric rise from relative obscurity to the city’s highest office, defeating better-known rivals including former Governor Andrew M Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mr Mamdani will take office on 1 January, becoming the youngest mayor in more than a century, the first Muslim and South Asian mayor, and only the city’s second democratic socialist mayor. Born in Uganda to parents…
For the third day in a row, massive protests have erupted across Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, in response to a contested national election. Protesters are calling on the electoral commission to suspend the release of results, alleging that the government manipulated the vote. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling CCM party is expected to win. Hassan, who became president in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, has been criticised by rights groups and the United Nations for “escalating attacks, disappearances and torture of critics.” In June, UN experts described the situation as “unacceptable,” saying more than…
Eleven people lost their lives when a small aircraft crashed in the Tsimba Golini area of Kwale County on Tuesday morning. Police said the victims are believed to be tourists. The plane, a caravan aircraft, had departed from Diani Airport and was heading to Kichwa Tembo when it went down early in the day. The reason for the crash is still unknown. Local residents said police and emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the accident. The airline involved operates flights between Mombasa and other popular tourist spots in Kenya. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that the…
US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Kenya next month after attending a summit in South Africa, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Monday. There were no immediate details on what Vance might discuss in Kenya, which is one of Washington’s closest allies in Africa and has said it hopes to reach a trade deal with the United States by the end of this year. “The visit to Kenya will run from November 24 to November 27,” the source said, without providing further details. The relationship between the two countries has not been without…
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has come under fire after a video surfaced online showing him making remarks interpreted by some as celebratory of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death. The comments, made during a funeral in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, have drawn sharp criticism from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party and the Council of Governors, both condemning the tone and timing of the statements. In the video, reportedly recorded by a mourner, Governor Kahiga speaks in Kikuyu, expressing dissatisfaction with what he claims was the government’s skewed prioritisation of development projects in the Nyanza region. He suggests that Raila’s…
Ida Odinga has finally dismissed allegations surrounding her husband Raila Odinga’s health, putting to rest the widespread rumours that had sparked concern across the country. Speaking in Migori on Tuesday, she dismissed the widespread speculation that the veteran politician was seriously ill. Instead, she explained that Raila had travelled abroad simply to rest. “If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment,” Ida said firmly, expressing surprise at how people outside the family seem to know more about his health than those closest to him. “How…
The Nairobi County Assembly is pushing to rename a prominent city road in honour of the late Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, a towering figure in Kenya’s legal and human rights circles. Mr. Nowrojee, who died in April at the age of 84, is remembered for his strong commitment to justice and the Constitution. The idea to honour him was brought forward by Nairobi South MCA Waithera Chege, who asked the Assembly on Tuesday to help keep his memory alive. “He often offered his services pro bono whenever the occasions so required. He believed in the sanctity of the Constitution, even…
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has resigned as vice chair of the government-appointed Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, amid growing public and institutional pressure. In a statement released Monday, Odhiambo confirmed she had submitted her “formal and immediate resignation” to the Head of Public Service, citing the need to uphold the independence and unity of the LSK at a time of “ongoing legal and constitutional challenges.” The panel, formed via a Kenya Gazette notice dated 25 August, was tasked with recommending reparations for victims of police violence during recent youth-led…
