Author: Lorren Aliwa
President William Ruto has officially signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s electoral reforms. The signing ceremony took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a notable departure from previous ceremonies held at State House. The IEBC Bill is the first to be approved by Parliament based on the National Dialogue Committee’s (NADCO) recommendations. It sets the stage for appointing a new IEBC chairperson and commissioners to fill the vacant positions. In a show of political unity, the event was attended by leaders across the political spectrum.…
Justina Wamae, the 2022 presidential running mate for the Roots Party, has declined an appointment to a newly formed health taskforce by President William Ruto, citing her current maternity leave as the reason. In a statement posted on X on Monday, July 8, 2024, Wamae expressed her gratitude for the recognition but emphasized her inability to commit to the role at this time. “After careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I’m currently on maternity leave, and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time,” Wamae was among the notable figures appointed…
Kenyan comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi has thrown down the gauntlet to President William Ruto, demanding the dismissal of all Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and heads of parastatals by Thursday, July 11, 2024. Omondi issued the ultimatum in a passionate video message shared on his social media accounts on Monday, July 8, 2024, urging the President to take immediate action to restore the faith of Kenyans in their government. “Mr. President, I have been told that you are a very prayerful man, this is the word of the Lord for you. Please fire all Cabinet Secretaries before Thursday. Please fire all Principal…
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has confirmed a significant fallout with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking a stark departure from their previously close political relationship. Wamumbi, who was elected in 2022 with Gachagua’s backing, stated on Sunday that the rift between them is not related to the recent closure of bars in Nyeri County, but something far more substantial. “There is indeed a rift between the Deputy President and me. However, it is not about the closed bars in Karatina town, which have rendered the town lifeless for four months,” Wamumbi clarified. The MP emphasized that the fallout is rooted in…
The High Court in Kajiado has awarded Sh10 million in compensation to the family of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, who was mistakenly shot dead by Kenyan police officers in October 2022. The ruling, delivered by Justice Stella Mutuku, condemned the use of lethal force and criticized state agencies for their slow and inadequate handling of the investigation. Justice Mutuku declared that the shooting, which involved Sharif being fatally shot in the head, was both unlawful and unconstitutional. “The respondents violated the rights of the deceased by shooting him under the circumstances described in this case, which has been admitted save…
Faith Kipyegon, the world-renowned 1,500m and mile record holder, has once again astounded the athletics world by breaking her own 1,500m world record at the Paris Diamond League. Competing at the iconic Stade Charlety, Kipyegon clocked an astonishing time of 3:49.04, shaving off 0.07 seconds from her previous record set in Florence in June 2023. The 30-year-old Kenyan star was led out by two pacemakers who set a blistering pace from the start. Kipyegon’s exceptional endurance and speed saw her leave the competition behind, with Australian runner Jessica Hull finishing a distant second with a time of 3:50.83, the fifth…
Police are on the lookout for a man who left a pistol at a church’s pulpit during a service at the Instant Miracle Centre in Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums on Sunday afternoon, July 7. The man, described as middle-aged, approached the pulpit during a call for repentance. As other worshipers stood to confess their sins, he drew a Colt Double Action 45 pistol from his groin area and placed it on the table before fleeing the scene on foot. The congregation, stunned by the unfolding drama, scrambled for safety, unsure of what was happening. According to three church leaders who…
A 14-year-old boy from Nakuru’s Bondeni Estate has returned home after surviving a harrowing ordeal during the recent Finance Bill protests. The young student, who went to town to buy an inhaler for his asthmatic mother, found himself caught in a crossfire, resulting in him being shot 11 times by police attempting to disperse protesters. The boy’s account of the incident is equally heart-rending. “Niliamka kwenda tao kutafutia mama dawa, kutafuta dawa nikaona gari imekuja wakatutupia teargas nikalala chini wakapata njia ya kunipiga risasi… waliponishoot aliniambia niamke niende nyumbani,” he recounted. Speaking during a TV interview, his mother, Caroline Chepkoech,…
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the spouse of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the boychild in Kenya, despite the government’s recent decision to scrap budget allocations for her office. Speaking during a church service in Nyeri on Sunday, Pastor Dorcas emphasized that her passion for supporting boys and young men will not be deterred by the lack of official funding. “The nation has said that they do not want the Second Lady to have any budget, and it is okay. But I will not stop working with the boychild. That is a passion and a vision…
The burial of 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango, who was tragically shot dead during last week’s protests in Ongata Rongai, was marred by controversy and conflicting accounts. Kennedy’s grieving mother, Josinter Anyango Ochieng, accused police of halting the burial and seizing her son’s body moments before the ceremony in Homa Bay. In a heartfelt plea to President William Ruto, Ochieng said, “You have all the powers. After God, you are the second most powerful person in Kenya. Those who have taken my baby are under your authority. Ruto, return my baby.” Comedian Eric Omondi, who has been actively involved in assisting the…