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Residents of Likoni were thrown into panic after a passenger bus plunged into the Indian Ocean with passengers onboard in a harrowing Sunday morning incident.

The bus, which was travelling to Nairobi from Ukunda, slipped into the ocean with as it was making its way into the ferry.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, A Kenya Red Cross officer confirmed nine passengers sustained injuries in the incident. Luckily, rescuers attached to the Kenya Red Cross were at the scene.

"We have people on site but the bus has been retrieved from the water. We have received reports that there were approximately nine people injured. They were inside the bus," the officer stated.

An image of the bus in Likoni. PHOTO/Maseke Peter.

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"No deaths have been reported but we are still monitoring the situation for more updates," the officer added.

Photos and videos of the incident showed the orange bus overturned and half immersed in the ocean while on its side as rescue operations from divers and samaritans were ongoing.

It is still unclear how many people were inside the bus when it plunged into the ocean, although nine people were rescued.

Less than 24 hours earlier, there was a similar incident involving a truck which narrowly avoided hitting passengers at the Likoni Ferry crossing channel, plunging into the ocean in the process.

No one was injured from the incident, although there was a major traffic snarl up since the lorry blocked a key area at the channel.

The bus incident was almost similar to one that occurred three years ago where a bus transporting tourists slipped into the ocean after its brakes failed. Luckily, passengers had alighted from the bus to allow it to access the ferry at the Likoni Crossing channel, but the driver and his assistant needed rescuing from the sinking bus.

Notably, the risks commuters endure at the Likoni crossing channel were further highlighted in August 2024 when four people were injured after a night stampede at the crossing channel.

Passengers were reported to have gotten impatient after an MV Jambo, a large ferry, left passengers stranded after stalling for hours.

The Likoni Ferry channel is one of the busiest in East Africa, with an estimated 300,000 people and 6,000 vehicles crossing it daily. The Likoni Ferry, which kicked off operations in 1937, serves Mombasa from the Island to the mainland side of Likoni on the Kilindini Harbour.

A photo of passengers offboarding the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa

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KPA

In yet another move to stop his impeachment, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday filed a petition at the High Court seeking the suspension of the impeachment motion lodged against him at the National Assembly.

The Deputy President, through his lawyers, argued that the motion to impeach him was founded on deceit and misrepresentation of material facts.

Gachagua in his petition also accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Deputy, Gladys Shollei of bias for publicly declaring their stand on how they would prefer Gachagua's impeachment to go.

According to the deputy president, the motion to impeach him was politically orchestrated and designed to defeat the sovereign will of the Kenyan people.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing a rally in Nyeri

DPPS

Gachagua further claimed the move to dismiss him was unconstitutional and peddled to the public in a bid to achieve unjustified purposes. 

The second in command also accused the National Assembly of allocating minimal time for public participation which he termed as grossly insufficient to facilitate any meaningful and reasonable public engagement.

In his plea to the court, the deputy president sought an order prohibiting the National Assembly from processing, passing, and transmitting to the Senate any resolution made from the motion filed on September 26.

Gachagua's latest petition follows three other petitions initially filed at the High Court that challenged his looming ouster. However, all of them were dismissed paving the way for the tabling of an impeachment motion.

On September 30, a petition to stop Gachagua's impeachment failed after a 3-judge bench of the Constitutional Division of the High Court declined to issue interim orders.

The petition was filed by a Kenyan against the Senate and National Assembly and sought to stop the impeachment process. However, the court declined to issue conservatory orders and directed the parties involved to appear before it for mention on October 10.

The dismissal of the third petition followed days after the first and second attempts by former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malalah and civil society group Sheria Mtaani hit the wall.

Meanwhile, the fourth petition comes ahead of the commencement of public participation in the motion against the deputy president, the public hearing is set to officially begin on October 4.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during Parliamentary proceedings

The High Court on Thursday stopped implementation of President William Ruto's new higher education funding model until the case filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and 3 other petitioners is heard and determined.

Justice Chacha Mwita in his ruling observed that the case took longer because the government led by Attorney General, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Kenya Universities and College Placement Service (KUCPS) delayed in filing its submissions.

The petitioners led by the Elimu Bora Working Group, Boaz Waruku, and the Students Caucus, argued that the funding model is discriminatory and locks thousands of students out of higher education.

The petitioners had moved to court on October 13, 2023, seeking orders to halt the implementation of the new university funding model.

Kenyatta University School of Public Health Students in Class.

Photo Kenyatta University

They argued that the new funding model will lock out many students from less privileged backgrounds from accessing university funds.

KHRC cited the implementation of the new funding model is a breach of Kenyan learners' rights 

The petitioners further pointed out that while the president had a mandate to discharge, President Ruto did not follow the due process when he launched the model.

According to the model segmented into 5 bands, students from vulnerable and extremely needy households would receive full funding while the less needy will get up to 90 per cent funding.

This comes even as university students across the country continue holding protests calling for the new funding model to be scrapped.

The case will be mentioned on December 16, 2024, to highlight submissions.

Over 14,000 students who were placed in universities in 2024 have not yet reported to their respective schools raising questions on the viability of the new funding model.

Despite the Ministry of Education's projection of 138,538 students joining institutions of higher learning, only 124,364 students have so far reported.

There has been public dissatisfaction with the new funding model from all quotas. To many, the key issue is the parameters used to assign students their bands depending on an array of factors like household income level.

University students standing in line during graduation

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NIE Technical College

Lawyer turned activist Morara Kebaso was on Monday arrested by police officers after a raid at his main office in Kahawa Sukari, Nairobi.

His lawyer, who followed a police car to Nairobi Regional Headquarters in Nairobi, revealed that the team was blocked from accessing the facility.

"They have restricted access and have strict instruction from the top not to allow any person to access Morara including lawyers, media personnel, and any other persons," the lawyer told the press.

‘’The question is what type of police do we have here? They have no respect for the constitution, they have no respect for the ruler of the law. The head is rotten all the way from the Minister of Interior including all the officers that we have here holding Morara and we should condemn it in the strongest way possible."

Morara Gifted Luxurious Mansion

The cause of his arrest is still a mystery.

In response to his arrest, several Kenyans took to social media to lament terming it as an abduction. A witness alleged that a Subaru Forester was used in the abduction incident.

In one of the videos posted online after the arrest, the Subaru can be seen making its way along Thika Superhighway.

Kebaso had spent the better part of the weekend in Bomet and Kericho counties carrying out his usual civic education rallies and exposing stalled government projects in the President’s tuff.

Barely an hour before he was arrested, Kebaso took to his X account to denounce the brutal abduction and torture of Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John.

In the audacious video, Kebaso recounted Bruce's abduction ordeal which was carried out by 20 individuals in the county under the guise of taking him to apologise to the Mombasa Governor. He was then tortured and sodomised.

He never made it to the governor's presence as was planned.

Kebaso then gave the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja an ultimatum to arrest the Governor to answer to charges of being an accessory and conspirator to the crime.

"The governor should be investigated and arrested. If it is not done, then I am ready to suspend all activities for nationwide demonstration," Kebaso's last post on X before arrest read.

Activist Morara Kebaso during an interview with Citizen TV, 28 August 2024

Citizen Digital

The High Court on Friday declared the National Government, Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) unconstitutional.

The three-judge bench comprising Justices Kanyi Kimondo, Justice Mugure Thande and Lady Justice Roselyne Aburili observed that NG-CDF undermined the spirit of devolution and faulted the extra layer created which leads to wastage of public resources.

“For all the above reasons and conclusions, we now make the following declarations, that the National Government Constituency Development Fund Act of 2015 as amended in 2022, and 2023 is hereby declared unconstitutional,” stated the court. 

In their ruling, the three judges directed that pending government projects funded under the NG-CDF be completed by June 2026, when the fund will cease being operational.

"That NG-CDF and all its projects, programs and activities shall cease to operate at the stroke of midnight on 30th June 2026," the court declared.

President William Ruto assents to the NG-CDF Bill as other leaders look on at State House on Monday, December 11, 2023.

PCS

The court further observed that NG-CDF has also created overlaps in government activities.

While issuing the judgement, the judges further noted that the lack of the Senate's input is direct contravention of the 2010 Constitution.

The court concluded that the Act violated the Doctrine of Separation of Powers since MPs who are custodians of the fund were involved in its establishment.

The court also noted that the NG-CDF creates a parallel unit of development separate from the counties.

Parties in the case were directed to bear their own costs.

In 2016, Katiba Institute challenged the constitutionality of the Act which argued that the Act violated the Separation of Powers Doctrine.

Attention now turns to MPs who are likely to direct their wrath at the courts especially since they rely on the fund to initiate projects they use to advance their political careers. Lawmakers have in the past threatened to shoot down budgets over the NG-CDF tussle.

The Milimani Law Courts building which hosts the High Court

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Office of the Registrar High Court

The High Court in Nairobi on Friday set aside its initial decision to sentence Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison.

While delivering the ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi acknowledged Masengeli's apology tendered before the court during the hearing.

The judge stated he was convinced by Masengeli's apology and the turn of events after the top cop was cross-examined by advocates.

"The intention of the court was not to punish Masengeli for the sake of it but to ensure that the sentence restores the dignity and the authority of this court," stated Justice Mugambi.

High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.

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File

"It is not the work of the court to punish a genuinely remorseful man," the judge added.

Following the ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi announced the decision to recuse himself from the case citing personal reasons. 

The court's decision comes barely an hour after the police boss expressed remorse over contempt of court after which he pleaded for forgiveness.

"I apologise to the court for the events that have transpired leading to the orders of this court. My lord, I respect you for the good work that you do to uphold the rule of law. I pray that this court accepts my apology," pleaded the police DIG.

While tendering his apology, the Deputy Inspector General distanced himself from links to the abduction of three activists kidnapped in Kitengela back in August.

Masengeli claimed he only learned about the release of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam Longton during the court proceedings.

"I don't know them (Kitengela three), I knew them when it was recorded at Kitengela Police Station and circulated by the OCS," Masengeli told the court.

"What I know is that investigations are still ongoing and up to the time I was coming to the court, they had not been found," he added. 

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli in a meeting with Dr Chandaria at his office on August 9, 2024

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NPS

The High Court in Nairobi on Friday granted Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli a chance to redeem himself after he was sentenced to six months in prison.

In his directive, Justice Lawrence Mugambi announced the suspension of Masengeli's sentence, which was to commence today, for seven days.

The judge went ahead to grant Masengeli the opportunity to apologise and explain why he ignored the summons a record seven times.

"Mr Gilbert Masengeli can avoid the sentence if he complies with the direction to obey the court summons," Justice Mugambi stated.

Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli during a past event.

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National Police Service

"I therefore suspend the sentence for 7 days only. He can redeem himself by availing himself before the court in person," the judge added.

Following the decision, Justice Mugambi adjourned the court proceedings for 30 minutes after which Masengeli would be allowed to comment on the case.

Before the adjournment, Masengeli had began by explaining he was unavailable because he was attending to crucial matters of national security, particularly protecting the country's borders. 

Masengeli was represented by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and lawyer Steve Ogolla.

The case which has since attracted public attention was lodged by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) which sought the court to compel Masengeli to release Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam Longton who had been kidnapped in Kitengela.

In the petition, LSK obtained a court order directing Masengeli to appear before the court to explain the disappearance of the three individuals.

However, Masengeli failed to comply with the directive despite the court directing him to appear in court in person on several occasions.

After weeks of defying the court, Justice Mugambi found Masengeli guilty of contempt and sentenced him to six months in prison.

Even while Mugambi was sentencing Masengeli, the Deputy IG failed to show up in court.

The Milimani Law Courts building which hosts the High Court

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Office of the Registrar High Court

Collins Toroitich Kibet, the grandson of the late President Daniel Moi, has been arrested after being a fugitive for several months .

Kibet was nabbed in Ongata Rongai on Wednesday, September 17, bringing an end to authorities'  gruelling seven-month search for his whereabouts.

Authorities have been pursuing the former President's grandson after he defied several court orders to support his two children. 

After a warrant of his arrest was issued earlier this year, Kibet went into hiding, leaving authorities struggling to locate him.

An image of Moi's grandson Collins Kibet in 2022.

DPPS

Kibet's woes date back to 2021, when he was dragged to court by his ex-wife Gladys Jeruto Tagi, who claimed he had neglected his financial obligations towards their two children.

At the time, Kibet claimed to be broke, saying he could only afford to cover his children's medical expenses through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) medical cover. He further claimed to be living off well-wishers' contributions.

An affidavit from 2021 tabled before a Nakuru court suggested Kibet's children had to be moved to a public school due to financial constraints.

Since a court ruling in 2022, Kibet owed at least Ksh 2.2 million in expenses for his children.

Meanwhile, Jeruto, who vied for a seat in the Koibatek Ward during the 2017 General Election, has claimed through her lawyer Steve Biko that she is incapable of financially supporting the two children on her own.

In March 2024, it was reported that the children, both in their early teens, were forced to stay at home due to non-payment of school fees.

The arrest warrant for Kibet was issued in March 2024 after he failed to honour court summons for two months.

Amid multiple attempts to serve Kibet with court orders, the former President's grandson successfully evaded authorities, and contempt proceedings against him were inevitably initiated in January 2024.

In the past, Kibet attempted to deny ever being in a marriage with Jeruto and has claimed to have two other children with a different partner who is based abroad.
 

Former President Daniel Moi at presiding a national event in event in 1998.

Photo

Presidential Library, Museum and Exhibitions

The National Assembly on Wednesday approved the appointment of Douglas Kanja as the next Inspector General of Police.

The Assembly upheld his appointment on Wednesday afternoon after Gabriel Tongoyo, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security, submitted to the house that his committee had approved the appointment.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced the approval following a report of two joint committees from both the National Assembly and the Senate, which are the Departmental Committees on Administration and Internal Affairs and the Senate Standing Committee on Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, that recommended his appointment following his exemplary discharge of duties as Deputy Inspector General.

''Taking into consideration the findings of the joint committees of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs and the Senate standing committee on Defence and Foreign Relations in its report on the vetting of Douglas Kanja Kirocho for approval as the Inspector General of the National Police Service. This house approves the appointment of Douglas Kanja Kirocho as the Inspector General of the National Police Service,’’ Wetangula stated.

Kanja's nomination came at the height of the anti-government protests when the then IG Japeth Koome tendered his resignation to the house on July 12.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

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NPS

As Kanja waited for his appointment to be confirmed, Gilbert Masengeli served as the Inspector General of Police in an acting capacity.

All eyes will be on Kanja, especially on how he plans to address the issues of police reforms, and brutality as well as those relating to the strained relationship between the National Police Service (NPS) and the Judiciary.

During the hearings, the lawmakers while expressing their satisfaction with the appointment, called on him to address the issues plaguing the Service.

‘’Kanja has been a very good officer in the service and his commitment cannot be questionable, when he was the DIG, he could attend to your issues as soon as you called him and I hope and know that that is what he will also do to the citizens,’’ Owen Baya, the Deputy Majority Leader reiterated.

''It is coming at a time when the Acting Inspector General is demonstrating impunity against a judge and unexplained forced disappearances,'' noted Otiende Amolo, Rarieda MP.

‘’This is one of the appointments that in this house we say give it chance, because since the new constitution was enacted this is the only time that we seem to be getting it,’’ Junet Mohammed, the minority leader echoed.

Masengeli has been on the public watch following his decision to snub court summons, a move that made High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi sentence him to 6 months in prison for each contempt count.

Kanja is also expected to address security concerns in the country surrounding threats posed by extremist groups like Al Shabaab and the banditry issues facing areas within the Rift Valley.

Before his appointment, Kanja served as the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), National Police Service, a role he excelled in after being instrumental in overseeing police operations and ensuring the effective management of the service.

Kanja also served as the Commandant of the General Service Unit(GSU) before rising to the rank of DIG.

A picture of Vigilance House

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X

The security assigned to High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

This comes barely three days after the judge sentenced Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to 6 months in prison for contempt of court.

Mugambi had been assigned security after he raised concerns about being surveilled by police officers concerning multiple summonses of the acting IG.

According to the judge, senior police officers had made several inquiries of Mugambi's whereabouts, reaching out to his driver and bodyguard.

Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli during a past event.

Photo

National Police Service

The commandant of Security of Government Buildings Lazarus Opicho was at the centre of the controversy, having been the one calling the driver and the bodyguard.

However, appearing before the court on Friday under the summon of Judge Mugambi, Opicho said that the calls were made out of genuine concerns for the judge's security, especially after the shooting of a magistrate at Makadara Law Courts.

He then apologised to the judge saying, “After the Makadara Law Court shooting incident, I found it prudent to personally call the police assigned to the judge for a briefing,” Opicho said.

Asked why he had chosen to contact his aides instead of him directly, Opicho apologised for that as well and promised to be more direct the next time.

“I endeavour to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again," Opicho stated.

Noting that the Acting IG was holding the judge at ransom, Judge Mugambi consequently sentenced him to 6 months in prison after missing court summons 7 times.

Despite his conviction, Masengeli is yet to start serving his sentence although he has been given a period of seven days to present himself.

Masengeli had been summoned in court to answer for the abductions and disappearances of activist Bob Njagi and siblings Jamil and Aslam Longton who were arrested by suspected police officers and never seen again about a month ago.

A photo of the Milimani Law Courts, Nairobi

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The Judiciary Kenya