Author: Lorren Aliwa
In a significant ruling on August 14, 2024, High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye has directed the Inspector General (IG) of the National Police Service to ensure that plain-clothed officers do not mask their faces or obscure vehicle identification during demonstrations. This order comes in response to an application filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which raised concerns about the lack of accountability associated with unidentifiable officers. LSK advocate Dudley Ochiel argued that the deployment of plain-clothed officers creates a chilling effect that impedes citizens’ constitutional right to protest. “These unidentified officers cannot be held accountable for their actions,…
Everine Karekia, a 31-year-old mother of four from Mugamba-ciura village, is in a dire situation after accidentally swallowing a needle four weeks ago. Despite seeking help from Embu Level 5 Hospital and Kerugoya Level 4 Hospital, the needle remains lodged in her throat, causing her significant distress and prompting a desperate search for financial assistance. Karekia, who has been breastfeeding her eight-month-old baby during this ordeal, recounted the incident that led to her predicament. “While I was sewing my baby’s clothing, I placed the needle in my mouth for a moment, and it accidentally slipped down my throat. Her husband,…
In a bold move highlighting local governance shortcomings, businessman and philanthropist Kenjava Wakogoto Mwaniki has undertaken the repair of the poorly maintained St. Annes Kiriari-Kithunguriri Road. This intervention follows a dramatic incident on Tuesday where milk vendor John Kinyua, known locally as Gatia, lost 182 litres of milk after his motorbike slipped on the dilapidated road, resulting in a significant financial loss. According to a certain media, Wakogoto, the CEO of Eagle 1 Concrete and Machineries Ltd, was moved by Kinyua’s plight and immediately pledged to address the road’s hazardous condition. “Upon learning about the accident and the damages caused,…
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has voiced strong objections to the Kenya National Highways Authority’s (KeNHA) recent proposal to toll major public roads. Sifuna criticized the plan, arguing that it is unjustifiable to impose tolls on roads that were funded by taxpayer money. In a statement on social media platform X, Sifuna expressed his concerns: “I don’t know how KeNHA justifies the proposal to start tolling roads built by taxpayer money years ago. Build new toll roads and start getting money from those but you can’t start charging us for using Thika road bwana!” Sifuna’s remarks come in response to KeNHA’s…
Kenyan drivers may soon face new toll fees on several major roads if a proposed policy by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is approved. The Road Tolling Policy, currently under discussion, aims to guide the implementation of tolls on key roadways, including; Thika Superhighway, Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and the newly opened Dongo Kundu Bypass. In a statement released on Tuesday, KeNHA assured the public that the development of the policy would involve extensive public participation to ensure broad inclusivity. “The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around the development…
Mary Charo Mbita, one of the 94 suspects detained in connection with the Shakahola massacre, has died while in custody at Shimo La Tewa Women’s Prison. This marks the second death among the suspects held alongside cult leader Paul Mackenzie. Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Jami Yamina, informed Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku of Charo’s death. Charo, who was among the 40 women and 55 men accused in the case, was facing 238 counts of manslaughter related to the tragedy, which claimed over 429 lives. “The accused, Mary Charo, is deceased. The court is requested to mark her case as…
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has opened up about the harsh online reactions he has faced since his dismissal from the Cabinet. In an interview on Citizen TV, Kuria revealed that he has been the target of vitriolic messages, including an unexpected and demeaning job offer from an online troll. Kuria shared that, amidst the backlash, he received a message offering him a mortuary attendant position, an offer he described as “harsh” and “terrible.” The former CS expressed that while he acknowledges the need for change and respects public opinion, such personal attacks are difficult to endure. “There’s…
In a heart-wrenching accident on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, five family members, including a mother and her four sons, have tragically lost their lives. The collision occurred in the Mbaruk area and involved a Mercedes car and a lorry. Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Jamleck Ngaruiya reported that the accident happened when the Mercedes, traveling towards Nakuru, collided head-on with a lorry coming from the opposite direction. The crash occurred as the driver of the Mercedes attempted to overtake another vehicle, veering into the path of the lorry. The Mercedes was carrying six occupants: the driver, a woman, and four children. Tragically,…
Nancy Kigunzu, commonly known as Mathee wa Ngara, along with her co-accused, David Ochieng and Christopher Odipo, will find out next Monday whether they will be granted bond or remain in custody. The trio faces charges of trafficking and conspiracy to traffic narcotics at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) courts. The prosecution alleges that Kigunzu, Ochieng, and Odipo were apprehended on August 9, 2024, at Georgina Apartments in Juja, Kiambu County. They were found in possession of 18.3 kilograms of cannabis, estimated to be worth Sh6 million. Following their arrest, Kigunzu was remanded at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, while Ochieng…
A househelp has been convicted for the theft of a gold ring valued at $5,300 (Sh683,000) from an Australian nurse visiting Nairobi. Violet Ndukwe Lijoodi, 28, pleaded guilty in a Milimani court on Monday to stealing the precious item from Norah Mitchell Were, who was on holiday at Runda Estate between August 3 and 8, 2024. Lijoodi, visibly distressed, asked for leniency from Magistrate Rose Ndobi, explaining that she had sold the ring for a mere Sh4,000 at Kawangware market. “Your Honour, I beg for forgiveness from this court and Mama Norah, from whom I stole the ring. I did…