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A three-judge bench on Thursday, July 11, declined to suspend the Housing Levy pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by Magare Gikenyi. 

The petitioner had filed the case in March 2024, challenging the Affordable Housing Act, 2024, terming it as discriminatory towards corporates. 

Justices John Chigiti, Olga Sewe, and Josephine Mong'are, while disagreeing with the petitioner's prayers directed the case be heard and determined on a priority basis.

Gikenyi had argued before the court that the Act in section 48(2) outlawed corporations from owning a house despite the entities paying tax and contributing to the Kenyan economy. 

President William Ruto assents the Affordable Housing Bill into law at State House on March 19, 2024.

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The petitioner termed the move as discriminatory and against the spirit of the Constitution and other laws.

"We are convinced that the public interest sits in the favour of not granting the orders but prioritise this petition and hearing," the 3-judge bench ruled.

"The final orders are that we issue are that the application dated April 2 and April 8, be and hereby dismissed for lack of merit."

With the prayers to suspend the housing levy pending the determination of the case thrown out, Kenyans will continue being subjected to a mandatory 1.5 per cent salary deduction.

Apart from citing corporate discrimination, Gikenyi had argued that not all Kenyans should be subjected to the mandatory salary deduction to go towards the Housing Fund kitty as not everyone wanted a house.

The petitioner who is a doctor by profession further argued Kenyans did not have a say on the location of the building, its style and architectural design as well as mode of mortgage payment.

Gikenyi had listed Cabinet Secretaries for Lands and National Treasury as well as the Attorney General as respondents in the petition.

Since the Act emanated from Parliament, the National Assembly and the Senate were also listed as respondents.

President William Ruto laying a stone at an affordable housing project in Laikipia, April 13.

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Head of Public Service Felix Koskei penned a letter to all Cabinet Secretaries directing them to select one advisor to retain, effectively paving the way for the firing for the firing of the rest.

In a letter dated July 8, Koskei explained that the Presidency had revised the number of advisors assigned to each CS, trimming them from two to just 1.

He noted that the reduction of the workforce was in line with President William Ruto's directive that the number of advisors in government be reduced by 50% with immediate effect.

"By dint of that Presidential Action, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one," Koskei directed.

President William Ruto chairing a cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

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William Ruto

"Additionally, the number of personal staff attached to you will remain as set out in the Public Service Commission guidelines being two (2) staffers,"

The Chief of Staff, as a result, directed the CSs to assess their staffers and hand in the name of the advisor they wish to retain.

He further asked them to submit the names to the Public Service Commission by Thursday, July 11, 2024.

"You are requested to assess the requirements of your office and indicate the advisor you would wish to retain to support you in the discharge of your portfolio mandate," he added.

"Any advisors beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out from the Public Service."

Last week, President William Ruto revealed that there would be a probability of trimming the advisory board during an interview with journalists at State House.

At the time, the Head of State explained that his administration would ponder on who to let go in an effort to restore the public's trust in his government.

"It is something to think about. It is something that will exercise my mind. I have heard you and it is something I will think about going into the future. That's a possibility," he explained.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei speaking during a meeting with Principal Secretaries and Accounting Officers on January 10, 2024.

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Felix Koskei

Kenyan Athlete Faith Kipyegon on Sunday broke another world record during a 1,500-meter race in Paris.

The athlete, who held a world record for the same race, achieved the fete after clocking 3:49.04.

According to World Athletics, however, the victory is subject to the usual ratification procedures.

"Faith Kipyegon breaks her own 1500m world record to finish off the Paris Diamond League in historic style," World Athletics announced.

A picture of Kenya's sensational runner, Faith Kipyegon at a past event.

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A year ago, the athlete broke the same race record after finishing at a time of 3:49.11 in Monaco

At the Paris Diamond League, Kipyegon defeated competitors with Jessica Hull from Australia coming in second with a time of 3:50.83.

In an earlier interview with World Athletics, the athlete revealed that she was returning to the race with an injury but was determined to defend her title, which she did.

"I am really excited to be in Paris this year. You know, coming back with an injury and then running trials and being here in Paris, it is just really amazing," she stated.

"At first, when I got injured I was a little bit scared and you know when it comes to the Olympics and you have a little bit of irritation there and you are like 'yeah, it is the Olympic year and I want to go and defend my title, and now I have a little bit of problem but I really take it easy."

In 2023, Kipyegon etched her name in history books by shattering records in both the 1,500m and 5,000m.

During the Florence Diamond League in June, she clocked a time of 3.49.11, setting a new record in the 1,500m race, which she has superseded.

Continuing her dominance, Kipyegon achieved yet another milestone at the Paris Diamond League on June 9, triumphing in the 5,000 metres race with a record-breaking time of 14.05.20, earning her a noteworthy cash prize of Ksh1.5 million. 

President William Ruto holding hands with athlete Faith Kipyegon at State House Nairobi on Tuesday June 13, 2023.

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Former Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter was reportedly abducted on Sunday, June 30, by unknown people. 

The abduction done in broad daylight happened when the former legislator was leaving a church service in Nairobi.

Clips seen by Kenyans.co.ke showed the former MP being taken out of his SUV and whisked away by unknown people in a white pickup truck.

"Abducted, headed to an unknown destination," an account associated with Keter posted moments after the incident.

Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter addressing residents of Bondo County in the company of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on June 29, 2024.

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Alfred Keter

Keter has been a sharp critic of Kenya Kwanza's administration especially on the now-withdrawn Finance Bill.

Several leaders including Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino pointed fingers at the Kenya police alleging that they were behind the abduction.

"Alfred Keter arrested in Church. Intimidation tactics will not work," the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) elected MP stated.

Notably, Keter was arrested a day after he toured Bondo in Siaya County in the company of Babu Owino where he remarked that the Kenya Kwanza administration would be a one-term government. 

"I will say as it is without any fear, the people of Kenya lost hope in this government. You can lie to them once but not always.," Keter had spoken of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He further stated he, that in the coming days would embark on a countrywide tour to discredit President William Ruto's government over failed promises.

Keter had a falling out with the President after he was denied a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket heading to the 2022 general elections.

The former MP maintained that he won the party primaries but was denied the ticket. In February 2024, he clarified that he was not bitter about the  developments

President William Ruto (center) and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua (left) at UDA offices in Nyeri.

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The High Court in Nairobi on Thursday, June 27, upheld the government’s decision to deploy the military to different parts of the country.

While issuing the ruling, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi ordered the government to regazette the deployment within two days.

“The intervention of the military in supporting National Police is necessary in view of the need to preserve order, peace, public safety and critical infrastructure,” the judge stated.

“It is hereby directed that the terms of military engagement, duration of engagement be clearly defined and gazetted within the next two days to alleviate public fear.”

KDF soldiers protect convoy as an APC truck is being repaired in Nairobi on June 27, 2024.

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The ruling comes a day after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a petition in court seeking to block the deployment.

LSK thought its president Faith Odhiambo argued that the deployment was unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

On Tuesday, June 25, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the deployment of KDF to assist the police.

In a gazette notice, the CS stated that the move was reached after a section of demonstrators resorted to interfering with critical infrastructure.

“Under Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service,” read part of the gazette notice.

“This is in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.”

The announcement was followed by a special meeting by the National Assembly to ratify the deployment of the officers to different parts of the country.

KDF's deployment was approved after Speaker Moses Wetangula convened an urgent meeting where National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah fronted the motion.

Kenya Defence Forces Soldiers.

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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday unleashed a bombshell calling for the resignation of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji over what he described as dissemination of disjointed intelligence to President William Ruto.

Speaking during a live press conference, Gachagua claimed that the country has a dysfunctional intelligence system, insisting that NIS had failed in intelligence gathering, which could have been used to avert the fatal demonstrations on Tuesday.

During the same address, Gachagua also claimed that 13 NIS assistant directors had been removed from the intelligence service after Haji rose to the powerful position.

Gachagua did not mince his words insisting that Haji, the former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) holds the largest blame for Tuesday's protest by failing to gather accurate intelligence leading to Ruto receiving inactionable information.

Former DPP Noordin Haji Speaks to editors during a conference at Serena Hotel in Mombasa.

ODPP

"We have a dysfunctional NIS that has exposed the government and the people of Kenya. Had the NIS briefed the president two months ago about how the people of Kenya feel about the Finance Bill 2024, so many Kenyans would not have died. There would have been no mayhem, but they slept on the job."

"Noordin Haji must take responsibility for the deaths, mayhem, failing President Ruto and Kenya for not doing his job. He must do the honourable thing, not just taking responsibility but resign," Gachagua stated.

According to Gachagua, the brewing rage that led to Kenyans storming Parliament was the clearest indication of failure since such actions were unprecedented in Kenya's history.

Gachagua further claimed that a day before his press conference, Noordin Haji was trying to put up a team together to drive a propaganda campaign and attribute the chaos to a section of targeted leaders including him and the former President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

He added that the President fairly cleared the air by admitting that the protests were caused by the anger of Kenyans on the Finance Bill. 

The Deputy President also proceeded to laud the Generation Z for making their voices heard. 

"I want to call upon Gen Z to tell us whom to engage because they are tribeless, leaderless and have no organizational structure but we would like to engage with the right people."

He cautioned young leaders against scrambling together their allies purporting to represent Gen Z in the touted talks between young Kenyans and the Executive over the fallout from the failed attempt to push through the Finance Bill, 2024.

He urged the younger generation to come up with a structure on how they can engage the government on key issues affecting them.

President William Ruto speaking at State House, Nairobi on January 8, 2023.

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The High Court will on Thursday pronounce itself and issue a ruling on a petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) seeking to stop the government's plan to deploy the military across the country.

Parties in the case on Wednesday attended a virtual session as the advocates body seeks to establish whether it is legal for the Executive to deploy KDF soldiers to quell protests.

LSK led by President Faith Odhiambo in its petition urged the court to suspend the decision to deploy the military until the case brought before the court is heard and determined.

The Society had filed a petition against Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale accusing the government of contravening the law by deploying the military.

“No emergency, disaster, insecurity, unrest or instability has been officially declared to exist in Kenya, and to be outside the mandate, scope or capacity of the National Police or any other authority to warrant the deployment of the KDF to provide support to the National Police in the manner envisaged in the Impugned Gazette Notice," LSK argued in its petition.

Kenya Defence Forces Soldiers.

Photo Nairobi News

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had on Tuesday authorised the deployment of the Kenyan military to quell protests hours after demonstrations stemming from objection to the Finance Bill, 2024 broke out in various parts of the country, including in Nairobi where Kenyans stormed Parliament.

In the gazette notice dated June 25, the CS announced the deployment of the military to help police stop demonstrators from invading critical infrastructure.

According to CS Duale, the Tuesday protests resulted in a security emergency that needed the intervention of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

“Under Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service,” read part of the gazette notice.

“This is in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the Republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.”

In the petition filed in court, the National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula was accused of ratifying the deployment. Wetangula reportedly convened a special meeting with a section of legislators to approve the deployment. 

Following CS Duale's announcement, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah on Wednesday filed a motion in Parliament to ratify the decision to deploy the KDF.

Commenting on the matter shortly after, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo revealed that the ratification was concluded in a record 30 minutes.

"Without media, without most members, without proper debate, in a record 30mins, the National Assembly has just made Kenya a military state; authorizing the deployment of KDF," Otiende Amollo disclosed.

A collage of Parliament building on fire and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

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Kenyans.co.ke

President William Ruto on Wednesday, June 26, announced the complete withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill, 2024.

The President while speaking to the press at State House, announced the change of heart and gave options on how Kenya could raise funds in the coming financial years.

Ruto added that his administration had heard the cry of the citizens who were urging him to drop the bill and reduce the cost of living.

"Having reflected keenly on the conversation surrounding the bill and listening to the people of Kenya who have said they want nothing to do with the bill. I concede and therefore I will not sign the bill. It will be subsequently withdrawn and that becomes our position," he stated.

He proposed that since Kenya has gotten rid of the bill, the country should have a conversation going forward on how to manage the affairs of the country together.

President William Ruto chairs a Cabinet Meeting at State House on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

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The Head of State explained that the bill was aimed at increasing the country's revenue adding that Kenya was burdened by debt.

He added that the revenue raised through the bill would be used to subsidize fertiliser, pay Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) teachers, finance the last mile connectivity project, operationalise the Universal Health Coverage plan, and pay coffee and sugar cane farmers among other government projects.

Ruto added that going forward, his administration would incorporate young Kenyans to draft ways to raise revenue.

This move comes amid ongoing protests against the finance bill, with Kenyans calling for its complete withdrawal by the government. The protests staged by young Kenyans garnered international attention with some international leaders calling upon the government to listen.

Additionally, these protests which began last week have resulted in the loss of several Kenyans, destruction of property and multiple injuries.

Kenyans had opposed the controversial bill adding that it would result in an increase in the cost of basic commodities and asked the government to seek alternative channels to collect taxes.

Furthermore, Kenyans complained that the government was poorly managing the billions of taxes collected and it was therefore unreasonable to overtax the majority of Kenyans who are struggling to make ends meet. 

On the deaths and injuries, the President sent condolence messages to all those who lost their lives.

"I send my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate manner. Six people to be exact lost their lives yesterday, that should not have happened, There will be a framework to ensure those six are accounted for," he stated.

Kenyans during anti-finance bill protests in Nairobi CBD on June 2024

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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the government to listen to Kenyans following the anti-Finance Bill protests that turned chaotic on Tuesday, June 25.

In a statement, Uhuru advised elected leaders to embrace dialogue and find solutions to the issues facing Kenyans.

According to Uhuru, listening was not a choice for elected leaders but a mandate.

The former President also expressed his sympathies over the loss of lives that were witnessed in the Tuesday protests.

President William Ruto speaking at the 9th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day Celebrations in Meru County on June 13, 2023.

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"At this trying time for our Country, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people.

"Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy," he stated.

Uhuru made the remarks shortly after President William Ruto addressed the nation. In his address, Ruto expressed the Tuesday events as treasonous.

Ruto alleged that the peaceful protests had been hijacked by criminal elements adding that the government would counter their actions.

"I have directed all organs of our national security to deploy measures to thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country," Ruto stated. 

"As the people of Kenya go to bed tonight, I give you my assurance that the safety of your families and properties remains my utmost priority."

Here is the Statement by Uhuru;

My fellow Kenyans,

I come to you with a heavy heart. Saddened by the loss of lives occasioned by the current situation prevailing in our country. it is the right of every Kenyan to protest as determined as determined by the constitution we all promulgated in 2010. It is also the duty of leaders to listen to those they lead.

At this trying time for our country, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people. Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy.

Leaders must know that the power and authority they have is donated to them by the people.

I, therefore, call for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not be antagonistic to them. Violence on either side is not the answer.

As your former president, I have felt the weight and the difficulty of leading Kenya. I, therefore, pray for wisdom and civility to be established and for peace and progress to belong to all of us as children of Kenya.

Dear Kenyans, I stand with you and I ask our leadership to embrace dialogue and speak to the people and not at the people. I pray for peace and understanding on the part of each and every Kenyan and for all of us to remember that Kenya is bigger than one of us; there is nothing cast in stone that cannot be changed.

Human Rights Activists leading anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests outside Parliament on June 18, 2024.

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Boniface Mwangi

 

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Tuesday, June 25, announced the deployment of the military to help police officers manage the ongoing demonstrations.

In a gazette notice, the CS stated that the move was reached after a section of demonstrators resorted to interfering with critical infrastructure.

According to Duale, the Tuesday protests resulted in a security emergency that needed the intervention of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

“Under Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service,” read part of the gazette notice.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale speaking during an event

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Aden Duale

“This is in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.”

On Tuesday Kenyans across the country took to the streets to demonstrate after Members of Parliament passed the contentious Finance Bill 2024.

However, the mostly peaceful protests quickly culminated into a violent one after the government decided to deploy its police officers to manage the demonstrators.

The demonstrators while expressing their fury turned to the police officers and began pelting objects at them.

In response to the provocation, the officers began dispersing tear gas canisters even as demonstrators in Nairobi threatened to access the parliament buildings.

As chaos intensified, the rowdy demonstrators overwhelmed police officers and gained access to the Bunge Tower, where parliamentarians officiate their meetings.

The move prompted a swift and decisive response from the officers who allegedly fired live bullets at a section of protestors, killing and maiming some.

While confirming reports on police shootings, the Kenya Human Rights Commission disclosed that about five anti-Finance Bill protestors had been shot.

According to the KHRC, police officers manning the parliament buildings reportedly shot five protestors, killing one.

The commission condemned the killing terming it as unacceptable and a grave violation of human rights.

"Police have shot four protesters, as witnessed by KHRC, killing one. We strongly condemn the police killing. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights," the Kenya Human Rights Commission noted in a statement.

Protesters teargassed in Nairobi.

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