Author: Judith Mwaura

Kenyan consumers are set to face higher sugar prices next month as the government introduces a new tax on the sweetener. Starting February 1, 2025, a 4 per cent Sugar Development Levy (SDL) will be imposed on both locally produced and imported sugar. This tax is part of the government’s broader sugar sector reforms introduced under a new law passed late last year. Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently announced the Sugar Development Levy Order 2025, officially implementing the new charge. As a result, sugar prices are expected to rise by at least 4 per cent once the…

President William Ruto has recently addressed the issue of individuals posting manipulated images online that depict him and other political leaders in coffins. He expressed deep concern over this trend, warning that such actions could lead to a dangerous erosion of societal morals and potentially incite real-world violence. Ruto emphasized that engaging in these activities not only disrespects leaders but also sets a harmful precedent that could extend to targeting family members and friends. In his statements, President Ruto urged the youth to refrain from participating in these online misrepresentations. He highlighted that some politicians might be exploiting young people…

A recent video has surfaced showing two street children stealing road metals in Ngara along the Thika Road Highway. This incident highlights a growing issue in Kenya, where children are increasingly involved in the scrap metal trade. In Migori County, for example, children as young as seven have been collecting scrap metals to support their families, often resorting to theft and vandalism of public structures. Local leaders have expressed concern over this trend, emphasizing the need for government intervention to ensure these children return to school and are protected from exploitation. The involvement of children in the scrap metal business…

Jackson Kuria Kihara, popularly known as Cop Shakur, a prison officer who was suspended for participating in anti-Finance Bill protests alongside Kenyan citizens, has been arrested. On Wednesday, January 15, renowned activist Boniface Mwangi shared the news of his arrest on his official X account. Mwangi disclosed that Cop Shakur was taken into custody and transported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters. The activist further revealed that police officers had raided Shakur’s residence a day earlier, on Tuesday, but did not find him. Shakur had reportedly left his phone at home, making it difficult for authorities to track…

Youth Leaders Demand Police Action After Nairobi MCA Attacked The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth Leadership from Westlands strongly condemned the recent attack on Kitusuru Member of County Assembly (MCA) Alvin Olando, calling for justice and accountability. During a press briefing on Wednesday, the youth leaders linked the assault to Olando’s bold stance against corruption in Nairobi City County. Olando claimed he was targeted after refusing to engage in corrupt practices involving bribery for building approvals. He stated that some developers were being pressured to pay bribes for their construction projects to be approved, and his resistance to this led…

Thousands of students in public schools across Kenya face an uncertain future due to the government’s delay in disbursing over Ksh48.3 billion in capitation funds meant for schools. This funding delay has forced some headteachers to send learners home, claiming they lack the necessary resources to sustain school operations without the funds. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman, Willy Kuria, has urged the government to release the overdue capitation funds. He explained that the situation has become so severe that some school heads have no choice but to send students home over unpaid school fees. Kuria further emphasized that…

Tension has risen after former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi filed a petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome and all seven judges of the Supreme Court of Kenya. On Monday, January 13, Havi formally submitted the petition and urged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to direct President William Ruto to establish a tribunal to begin the process of their dismissal. In his sworn affidavit, Havi listed the seven judges: Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu, Mohammed Khadar Ibrahim, Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndungu, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko.…

On Tuesday, January 14, Brigadier (Rtd) Joseph Muracia, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, was dismissed from his role following a critical board meeting. The meeting, led by former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru, resulted in a unanimous decision to terminate his contract after serious misconduct allegations were brought against him. Muracia had been appointed CEO by President William Ruto, who created the Commission in 2022 to oversee the restoration of the Nairobi River. His primary duty was to ensure the river’s cleanup and rehabilitation. However, the board accused him of exploiting loopholes in the organization for personal…

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has officially expelled Deputy Party Leader Farah Maalim following controversial statements linked to the ongoing abductions in Kenya. Kalonzo made the announcement on Wednesday, January 15, during a press conference where he condemned the Kenya Kwanza government for its handling of the issue. Kalonzo accused Maalim of violating the Constitution, disrespecting Kenyans, and making offensive remarks against Kenyan mothers. He emphasized that the decision was necessary due to Maalim’s repeated inflammatory statements. “For clarity, Farah Maalim, who has been serving as the Deputy Party Leader of the Wiper Democratic Party, is hereby expelled from the…

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi is facing impeachment threats following his outspoken criticism of the government’s handling of recent abductions in Kenya. Muturi, who previously served as Attorney General and Speaker of the National Assembly, has been vocal about the increasing cases of enforced disappearances, including the alleged abduction of his own son, Leslie Muturi, in June 2024. He has urged the government to protect citizens’ rights and provide transparency regarding these incidents. In response to Muturi’s statements, Kenya Kwanza Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro and Aldai MP Marianne Kitany have called for his resignation or impeachment. They argue that…