Author: Lorren Aliwa

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has publicly endorsed the efforts of Kenyan youth amidst the ongoing protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Through a heartfelt message on her Instagram page, Nyong’o expressed admiration for the youth’s resilience and commitment to defending their democratic rights. The Kenyan-born actress, known for her roles in critically acclaimed films such as “12 Years a Slave” and “Black Panther,” used her platform to highlight the significance of the youth’s actions and the broader implications for democracy and governance in Kenya. “I salute the Kenyan youth and I am grateful to them for coming together in…

The Azimio la Umoja Coalition issued a stern call yesterday for the cessation of police violence against protestors and the immediate release of all individuals detained following the widespread anti-Finance Bill protests that rocked the country on Tuesday. The coalition claims that over 200 Kenyans have been killed by police using excessive force to suppress the demonstrations. In a press briefing at the SKM Command Centre in Karen, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the police actions and questioned the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights. Musyoka cited reports indicating a high death toll among protestors, alleging that in Githurai…

The National Assembly was thrown into turmoil yesterday as MPs exchanged blows during a heated debate on a motion to approve the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to quell the increasingly violent protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The motion’s passage, conducted behind closed doors, has sparked significant political and legal controversy. According to sources present, opposition MPs vehemently protested Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s decision to expedite the motion without adequate debate. The uproar reached a boiling point when Seme MP James Nyikal attempted to seize the mace in a bid to halt proceedings. House orderlies intervened, forcing…

Kieni Member of Parliament (MP) Wanaina Njoroge has reported a loss of over Sh550 million after his supermarket in Nyeri was vandalized and looted during a protest on Tuesday. The protest, driven by public anger over the recently debated Finance Bill 2024, led to significant destruction of property, including setting part of the supermarket on fire. The UDA MP, who supported the controversial Finance Bill, became a target for protestors who stormed his supermarket, making away with stock and equipment. “I lost movable stock worth Sh450 million and equipment such as bakery shelves, among others, valued at Sh100 million,” The…

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has sounded the alarm over yet another abduction case in the wake of increased police kidnappings linked to protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Odhiambo revealed that Peter Nyamweya Oginga was forcibly taken on Wednesday evening at around 9:30 p.m. in Juja. “We are demanding his immediate release! No more abductions!!!” Odhiambo declared on her X account shortly after the incident. Drawing comparisons to the authoritarian regime of former President Daniel Moi, Odhiambo expressed deep concern over the resurgence of such practices. “This is shocking! I feel like we are…

Activist Gabriel Oguda has been located at Kajiado police station following his alleged abduction over his involvement in anti-Finance Bill protests. Oguda went missing on Tuesday, June 25, was reportedly among at least ten individuals detained amidst a crackdown on demonstrators. Through a video seen on social media shows Oguda at the Kajiado police station, accompanied by friends and his brother, Zachary Oguda, who had been actively searching for him. Speaking to the camera, Oguda reassured his supporters, saying, “Ambia wasee niko sawa” (Tell guys that I am okay). The hashtag #FreeOguda has been trending on social media, echoing similar…

Salim Swaleh, the Director of Press at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, along with five others, has been released on cash bail of Ksh.400,000 each in connection with a case of suspected fraud and abuse of office. The decision was made on Wednesday by Magistrate BenMark Ekumbi at the Milimani Law Courts, who directed that the accused report to the Investigating Officer weekly and surrender their travel documents. They have also been warned against interfering with witnesses. The court found no compelling reasons to deny bail, noting that investigations could proceed while the accused are out. The prosecution’s…

Amidst escalating protests against the Finance Bill 2024 across Kenya, Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has publicly defended her father while urging the youth to participate in the country’s discourse in a respectful manner. Charlene took to social media platform X to express her perspective on the controversial bill and the ongoing demonstrations. “I stand in a very unique position regarding the issues facing my country Kenya as we speak,” Charlene said, emphasizing her dual identity as both the president’s daughter and a youth champion. She conveyed her unwavering belief in her father’s dedication to the nation, saying,…

In a decisive parliamentary session, members of the National Assembly voted to approve the contentious Finance Bill 2024, moving it one step closer to becoming law. The bill, which has sparked widespread protests and debate across the country, now awaits presidential assent to be enacted. During the morning session chaired by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, a total of 195 MPs voted in favor of the bill, while 106 opposed it, and three votes were recorded as spoiled. The voting was conducted through a roll-call system, where each member’s name was called by the clerk, and they responded with a vocal…

Chief of Staff to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Ernest Nyerere has been released following his arrest under unclear circumstances earlier today. Nyerere’s release comes amidst increasing concern over the alleged abductions of numerous anti-Finance Bill protesters across the country. LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that Nyerere, who was taken from his home at 5 a.m. by individuals suspected to be police officers, was safely returned to his family. “We are relieved to confirm that Ernest Nyerere has been released and is now with his loved ones,” Odhiambo stated. “However, his ordeal highlights a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances…