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The Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday evening ordered former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal to pay Ksh84.5 million after he was found guilty of engaging in a Ksh83 million corruption scandal.

In his ruling, Justice Thomas Nzioki further banned the former county boss from applying for any public office for ten years.

According to Nzioki, Lenolkulal will also be required to pay Ksh2 million for engaging in a conflict of interest and unlawfully acquiring property with millions.

Failure by the former county governor to pay the Ksh2 million he would be forced to spend eight years in prison.

The Milimani Law Courts building which hosts the High Court

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Office of the Registrar High Court

Lenolkulal's accomplice, who was accused of aiding the former governor in stealing the county funds, was ordered to pay Ksh83 million.

According to the judge, Lenolkulal's actions contravened the tenets of the constitution under leadership and integrity and by engaging in corruption, he broke the public's trust.

“There was no excuse for him to rade with the county. The acquisition of the Ksh83 million was a benefit that went to his pocket and that of his accomplice,” Judge Nzioki ruled.

“This being a corruption matter, I have considered various objectives being deterrence, retribution, denunciation and community protection.”

Lenolkulal's lawyer, while addressing the former governor's sentencing, noted his team will appeal the judge's ruling decision at the Supreme Court.

According to the ex-governor's lawyer, Lenolkulal was innocent since the county government received the services it paid to the company.

The sentencing comes a day after Moses Lenolkulal was found guilty of engaging in corruption through conflict of interest and unwarrantedly acquiring property.

Lenolkulal was found guilty of receiving Ksh83 million for the supply of petroleum products to Samburu County during his tenure.

President William Ruto with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula while receiving former Samburu Gover Moses Lenolkulal to UDA, 2022.

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DPSC

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu on Sunday announced that the union had called off the teachers' strike which was set to begin on Monday.

The Secretary General in a press conference therefore directed teachers affiliated with KNUT to report to schools for the third term following the withdrawal of the strike notice.

Oyuu, in the presser, communicated that the decision had been reached after extensive deliberations by the union's National Executive Council (NEC). However, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET's) NEC at the same time insisted that the strike was still on.

"The NEC has, therefore, today August 25, 2024, agreed to withdraw the strike action notice which was elapsing midnight August 25, 2024, since we have commenced addressing the remaining matters administratively," Secretary-General Collins Oyuu announced.

KUPPET members during a press conference on August 25, 2024.

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KUPPET

"In light of the latest developments, we direct our teachers to resume duty effective Monday, August 26, 2024," he added.

While giving their justification for calling off the planned strike, KNUT stated that although the union had not deviated from the position that the government was addressing the grievances slowly, enough goodwill had been demonstrated to warrant the decision.

Among other pressing issues, KNUT demands included the permanent employment of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and promotion of 130,000 teachers.

While announcing the strike, KNUT had demanded the government address various issues including the immediate implementation of the second phase of the 2021/2025 amended Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed between the Teachers' Service Commission and the union.

KNUT also demanded the immediate remittance of the third-party deductions accrued to their respective organizations.

In the build-up to the decision to call off the strike, TSC agreed to cave into some of the demands presented by KNUT including agreeing to promote some 51,232 teachers. The process of implementing the amended CBA, however, is still in the works.

"We assure our members that the union is committed to resolve the matters herewith, failure to which we shall revert to the initial position since the strike notice has only been withdrawn," KNUT stated.

Meanwhile, KUPPET's NEC had earlier on Sunday given the green light for the strike to proceed as planned after 68 members unanimously voted in favour of proceeding while 2 dissented.

On August 13, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua met with KNUT officials in a bid to avert the strike where he asked the teachers' representatives to shelve the strike.

Labour CS Alfred Mutua (second left) meets KNUT leaders on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

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Alfred Mutua

The Supreme Court has intervened to halt the Court of Appeal's ruling that declared the Finance Act 2023 unconstitutional. 

On Tuesday, August 20, the apex court issued a stay order, temporarily overturning the lower court's decision that had nullified the Finance Act in its entirety.

This decisive move by the Supreme Court grants the government a crucial reprieve, allowing it to continue enforcing the Finance Act 2023 while the legal battle progresses. 

The Court of Appeal's previous judgment, handed down in July, had deemed the Finance Act 2023 “fundamentally flawed and therefore void ab initio and consequently unconstitutional.” 

This ruling sparked widespread uncertainty among employers and taxpayers, who have been grappling with confusion over applicable tax bands and financial regulations.

The Supreme Court's stay order specifically targets Order No.6 from the Court of Appeal, which had provided Kenyans a temporary relief from the contentious Finance Act 2023. This Order effectively halted the implementation of the Act, leaving a void in the tax landscape as the Finance Bill 2024 was withdrawn and the previous legislation was invalidated.

Chief Justice Martha Koome reading her ruling on the BBI Appeal at the Supreme Court on March 31, 2022.

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Judiciary

In its latest ruling, the Supreme Court highlighted that public interest heavily favoured the preservation of the status quo pending a final determination. The court pointed to the importance of maintaining legal clarity and stability for both employers and taxpayers amid ongoing judicial reviews.

The Supreme Court has also mandated that the consolidated appeal be scheduled for mention before the Deputy Registrar. 

The court has set a timeline for further proceedings, with virtual hearings scheduled for 10th and 11th September, 2024, starting at 9 am on each day.

Finance bills, presented to Parliament at the start of each financial year, are crucial tools for the government to outline its revenue-raising strategies, including tax increases and new levies.

The 2023 Finance Act faced intense scrutiny and legal battles, primarily due to contentious measures such as a significant increase in the value-added tax on fuel, the introduction of a housing tax, and a hike in the top personal income tax rate.

These changes sparked a wave of political opposition and violent street protests. In response, a three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal declared that the Finance Act 2023 was unconstitutional due to the government's failure to comply with constitutional requirements.

The aftermath of the court’s ruling has been marked by widespread confusion. Banks, employers, and other sectors are grappling with uncertainty over which tax regimes to apply.

On August 20, it was reported that banks have increased the excise duty on money transfer charges to 20 per cent, up from 15 per cent. This adjustment, intended to comply with the ongoing legal and regulatory turmoil, will be retroactively applied from August 1. Customers will see a backdated five per cent increase on transactions charged at the old rate.

The banks have issued notifications to customers about these changes, reflecting the chaotic response to the evolving tax landscape.

Questions have arisen regarding the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)'s decision not to lower fuel prices following the court ruling, which had anticipated a reduction in fuel costs due to the nullification.

Critics have sharply criticised the government for allegedly disregarding the court's directives. The court had mandated a reduction in the value-added tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent, and the removal of new pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax bands—32.5 per cent for incomes between Ksh500,000 and Ksh800,000, and 35 per cent for earnings above Ksh800,000. 

Despite these orders, the anticipated changes have not yet been reflected in the tax and fuel pricing adjustments. However, now the government has legal standing to continue using the Finance Act 2023, until the appeal at the apex court is heard and determined.
 

Supreme Court judges, from left: Justices Isaac Lenaola, Smokin Wanjala, Philomena Mwilu (DCJ), Martha Koome (CJ), Ibrahim Mohammed, Njoki Ndungu and William Ouko outside the apex court premises.

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Judiciary

Update, Tuesday, August 20: The death toll in the early morning accident that occurred around 4 am at the Migaa area near Salgaa along the Nakuru- Nairobi highway has risen to 13.

This is after seven more bodies were retrieved from the wreckage of the bus that lost control and rammed into a salon car before rolling along the highway.

According to Jasper Ombati, the Regional Police Commander in Rift Valley, 55 people have so far been confirmed to have sustained critical injuries from the accident.

Six people died on Tuesday morning after several vehicles including a 60-passenger bus got involved in an accident along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.

While confirming the accident, the Kenya Red Cross Society revealed that about 36 people were injured in the early morning accident that occurred near the Salgaa area.

Following the accident, a multiagency team comprising police officers was dispatched to the scene to help rescue those trapped in the wreckage.

“Thirty-six injured individuals have been taken to Molo and Coptic Hospitals following a road traffic incident involving a PSV bus and multiple vehicles at Migaa in Molo, Nakuru County,” Kenya Red Cross disclosed.

A wreckage of salon car involved in a road accident near Salgaa area along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway on August 20, 2024

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Lincon Njogu

The bus was en route to Mombasa from Kakamega when it lost control and rammed into a salon car before it rolled over the highway.

In the footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the wreckage of the bus was captured in an upside-down position with glass scattered along the highway. 

Those injured were rushed to the Coptic and Molo hospitals for treatment with the deceased taken to the same hospitals. Meanwhile, the police have since launched investigations into the root cause of the accident.

Despite intense rescue efforts, there were fears that more people could still be trapped inside the bus wreckage.

According to one of the witnesses, the bus initially developed a mechanical hitch which was reported at the bus company's office in Kericho, however, the problem was not dealt with.

In an analogous situation in December last year, several people lost their lives on the same spot after a 14-seater matatu hit an oncoming lorry.

An emergency team comprising officers from the Kenya Red Cross were dispatched to the scene. “Kenya Police are currently clearing the scene and the Kenya Red Cross will provide psychological support to those affected,’ a statement from Kenya Red Cross read in part.

The accident that occurred around 10 am resulted in a huge traffic snarl-up along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.

A scene of accident that occurred at Salgaa along Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

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Ma3Route

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor, Engineer John Kibet Barorot, has officially tendered his resignation, marking the end of his tenure in the county government. 

Philip Kipng'etich Muigei, the Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker, confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that the DG called it quits after he received a job offer with an international company to serve as its CEO. The identity of the company, however, remains a mystery.

"It is true he has resigned. We are going to press in the next few minutes. He has resigned because he has gotten an opportunity as a CEO of a multinational company," the speaker stated.

Barorot first made his resignation announcement during a meeting at a top hotel in Eldoret.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim (centre) and his Deputy John Kibet Cherorot (right) when they hosted avocado farmers at the County headquarters.

Jonathan Bii Chelilim

The meeting, which took place in the presence of Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, was a moment of transition as Barorot prepared to step down from his role.

While confirming the resignation of his deputy, Governor Bii disclosed that Barorot was moving away from politics to the cooperate world and more specifically the ICT sector.

"Today we announce the exit of our deputy governor Engineer John Barorot who has secured a position as a Chief Executive Officer of an international organization in the ICT sector. His last day of work will be August 31, 2024," Governor Bii stated.

Engineer Barorot's resignation is expected to be formally announced at the Uasin Gishu County headquarters later. 

His departure comes after a period of service that has seen him contribute to various development projects and initiatives within the county earning it a City status that was lately conferred by the President.

Speaking passionately, Barorot maintained that he had a cordial relationship with his boss and the move was informed by his zeal for technological developments.

"Being a player or a catalyst in the space of technology is the reason why I have decided to take that role. Though in the private sector but it will be a very catalytic role to integrate modern technology," the deputy governor explained.

Barorot, a distinguished professional with a background in engineering and strategic management, holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from Moi University. 

He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology from the same institution.

As the county prepares for this significant leadership change, the focus will likely shift to the process of appointing a successor to ensure continuity in governance and the implementation of ongoing projects. 

His resignation comes weeks after Kisii Governor Simba Arati welcomed a new candidate to deputise him after the unceremonious impeachment of his former principal assistant.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim driving a tractor.

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Jonathan Bii

Kenyans are set to continue paying the same fuel prices as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announces it has retained the same rates.

However, the small decrease by Ksh1 announced last month was overshadowed by the lingering impact of recent tax hikes, leaving consumers questioning whether the changes will bring any real relief.

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene remain unchanged," stated EPRA Director General David Kiptoo. 

The latest review by EPRA retains the prices of  Super Petrol at Ksh188.84 per litre in Nairobi, which was a decrease of Ksh1. Diesel has seen a reduction of Ksh171.60 bringing the price down to Ksh1.50 per litre, while Kerosene will now cost Ksh161.75 per litre, after a Ksh1.30 cut.

These reductions come on the heels of a previous review that also slashed fuel prices by similar margins.

A petrol station attendant fueling a car in Nairobi.

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Motorist Association of Kenya

Despite these reductions, the impact of the controversial road maintenance levy (RML) continues to loom large.

Just last month, the government increased the RML from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per litre for both petrol and diesel, a move that added Ksh7 per litre to fuel costs.

This hike, combined with the lingering effects of the now-nullified Finance Act 2023, which had doubled the VAT on fuel from 8 per to 16 per cent, has kept fuel prices high.

Last week, Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban acknowledged the limited impact of the latest price cuts. He noted that before the upward revision of the RML, the projected prices of Super Petrol and Diesel were set to decrease by Ksh5.27 and Ksh6.74 per litre, respectively.

However, the actual reductions announced by EPRA last month were far less, with Super Petrol dropping by only Ksh1 and Diesel by Ksh1.50 per litre.

Liban explained that the government had initially aimed to provide more significant relief at the pump, but the increase in the road maintenance levy effectively negated the benefits of the price cuts.

"Prior to the revision of the RML, the projected price of Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene were to reduce substantially. However, the imposition of the higher levy significantly reduced the extent of these cuts," he stated in a document submitted to the Senate Energy Committee.

The High Court's recent nullification of the Finance Act 2023, which had introduced the doubled VAT, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

The reversal of the VAT increase is expected to have a notable impact on fuel prices in the upcoming pricing cycles, potentially reducing costs by more than Ksh10 per litre.

However, the benefits of this VAT cut are likely to be tempered by the persistent effects of the raised RML.

Kenyans, who have been grappling with high living costs, are expressing mixed reactions to the latest price adjustments.

While any reduction in fuel prices is welcome, many feel that the relief is minimal, especially in light of the increased taxes that have continued to drive up the cost of essential goods and services.

The reduction in fuel prices may provide some temporary respite, but the underlying issues of taxation and levy hikes remain unresolved. As the new prices take effect, consumers are left wondering whether the government's efforts to alleviate their burden are sufficient, or if more substantial measures are needed to address the rising cost of living.

With the new pricing cycle set to run until September 14, all eyes will be on the government's next moves.

The anticipated reduction in VAT on fuel could bring more meaningful relief, but for now, Kenyans are left navigating the complexities of a market where small cuts in prices are overshadowed by larger fiscal challenges.

EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo speaking during a stakeholders forum on February 5, 2024.

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EPRA

After failing to clinch the highly anticipated third gold, Kenya's marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has announced he will not compete in any other Olympic Games after a surprising and disappointing performance at Paris 2024.

For the first time in his illustrious career, Kipchoge failed to finish a marathon race, a moment that has left fans and sports enthusiasts around the world in shock.

The 39-year-old, known for his incredible achievements in marathon running, experienced a setback during the race when he was forced to drop out just after the 31-kilometre mark due to a waist discomfort.

Kipchoge, who was chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold medal, had been seen as a formidable contender. However, his bid was thwarted as he fell out of contention in the late stages of the marathon.

Kipchoge's exit from the race was marked by a poignant reflection on his career. He expressed his disappointment but remained composed, acknowledging the end of a significant chapter in his life. 

“It is a difficult time for me,” Kipchoge said, visibly emotional. “This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life. Like a boxer, I have been knocked down, I have won, I have come second, eighth, 10th, fifth – now I did not finish. That’s life.”

Eliud Kipchoge among other athletes at the Paris Olympics, August 10.

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Team Kenya

With his withdrawal, the marathon saw Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola seize the gold medal in a record time of 2:06:26, setting a new Olympic benchmark. 

Belgium’s Bashit Abdi claimed the silver, while Kenya's Benson Kipruto, making his Olympic debut, secured the bronze with a time of 2:07:00.

Kipchoge, who had set a personal best of 2:01:09, had been part of a strong field of 14 athletes. His performance, however, fell short of the high expectations that surrounded him. 

Despite his impressive track record, including two previous Olympic golds, his attempt to cement his legacy with a third gold fell short as he struggled to keep pace and eventually dropped to 63rd place before withdrawing.

In a poignant statement, Kipchoge revealed his future plans. “You will see me in a different way, maybe giving people motivation, but I will not run,” he stated. 

“I don't know what to do next. I need to go back [home], sit down, and try to figure out my 21 years of running at a high level. I need to evolve and feature in other things.”

Kipchoge, who dominated the marathon scene between 2014 and 2023 with 11 major wins, excelled in Berlin (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023) and London (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019). He also boasts two World Championships’ 5,000m medals—gold in 2003 and silver in 2007—and was a finalist three other times.

Paris marked his first major global title when he won the 5,000m gold at the Stade de France in 2003. The most decorated marathoner, Kipchoge's accolades include the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports (2023), ANOC Best Male Athlete of Tokyo 2020 (2021), and BBC World Sport Star of the Year (2019). He also received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (2019) and Laureus Academy's Exceptional Achievement Award (2019).

Additional honours include IAAF Male Athlete of the Year (2018, 2019), Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), and AIMS Best Male Marathon Runner (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018).

The announcement marks the end of an era for Kipchoge, whose remarkable career has inspired countless athletes and running enthusiasts. His retirement from the Olympic competition marks the end of an extraordinary journey, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of marathon running.

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men's marathon.

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Olympics

Kenya’s marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, saw his historic bid for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal evaporate at the Paris 2024 Games, leaving fans and athletes alike stunned. He did not finish the race.

Kipchoge, who has dazzled the world with his prowess over the years, fell out of contention during the race’s early stages, missing out on a chance to cement his name in the annals of Olympic history.

Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola crossed the line in an Olympic record time of 2:06.26 to secure the country's first gold of these Games. Belgium's Bashit Abdi finished second to take the silver, with Kenya's Benson Kipruto winning bronze with a time of 2:07:00 on his Olympic debut. 

The marathon, a gruelling test of endurance, began with Kipchoge as part of a formidable group of 14 athletes. However, the 39-year-old’s quest for immortality was dashed as he fell off the pace just at the halfway mark of the race. With 25 kilometers to go, the double Olympic marathon champion sat in 63rd place. 

Kipchoge, after struggling for a while, bowed out of the race, leaving the dream to make history behind as he ran what many viewed as his last dance. The man whom many consider the 'Greatest of All Time' dropped off after 31 kilometers.

Despite bringing an impressive 2:01:09 minutes personal best, Kipchoge’s performance was not enough to secure him a third consecutive gold, a feat no athlete has achieved at the Olympics.

In spite of the struggle at the Paris Olympics, Kipchoge’s career remains marked by a series of stunning victories, including 12 major marathons from 2014 to 2023 and a slew of prestigious awards.

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men's marathon.

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Olympics

His triumphs in Berlin, London, and at the World Championships had earned him a reputation as one of the greatest marathoners of all time. Yet, the sweltering Paris heat and the relentless competition proved too formidable.

As Kipchoge grappled with the unexpected turn of events, the spotlight shifted to Kenya’s other athletes, particularly Beatrice Chebet. The 24-year-old athlete delivered a stellar performance in the women’s 10,000m, clinching gold in a time of 30 minutes and 43.25 seconds.

Chebet’s victory marked a significant achievement for Kenya, adding another gold to the nation’s tally. At the moment Kenya has seven medals, two gold, one silver, and four bronze.

Chebet’s success in Paris follows her earlier triumph in the 5,000m, where she had already secured gold. “This 10,000m gold medal is the most important medal in my life,” Chebet declared. “I came here targeting the 10,000m gold medal, not a gold in 5,000m.” Her words reflected the dedication and focus that had driven her throughout the Games.

While Chebet’s victory provided a glimmer of hope for Kenya, Kipchoge’s performance left many questioning whether the time has come for him to retire from competitive marathon running.

His illustrious career, marked by numerous accolades including the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports and the BBC World Sport Star of the Year, has inspired countless runners and elevated the sport’s profile globally.

There is still hope for more medals at the Olympics later on Saturday, as Faith Kipyegon, another Kenyan could become the first athlete to win gold in the same discipline thrice in a row as she defends her 1,500-meter win. 

Beatrice Chebet celebrating after clinching gold at the women's 10,000 meters race in Paris Olympics, August 9.

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Team Kenya

kenGovernor Kawira Mwangaza’s tenure in Meru County has taken another tumultuous turn as the County Assembly voted to impeach her for a record third time.

The vote, held on Thursday, August 8, saw 49 out of 69 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) support the motion, which accused the governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of the Constitution.

Deputy Majority Leader Zipporah Kinya, who tabled the impeachment motion, pointed to a series of alleged legal violations by Mwangaza. "The governor has blatantly disregarded the law, revoking appointments, and failing to act on crucial assembly resolutions," Kinya stated, underscoring the gravity of the charges against Mwangaza.

Among the accusations, Kinya highlighted the illegal revocation of Virginia Kawira's appointment as the secretary of the county public service board. "It is only the county assembly that has the mandate to revoke such an appointment," she asserted, further criticising the governor for failing to appoint key officials to vital county boards, thereby stalling essential services.

In a scathing indictment of Mwangaza’s conduct, Kinya accused the governor of misleading the public during a fundraiser for the family of Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as Sniper. Mwangaza had claimed that the event raised Ksh86 million, while records show that only Ksh286,000 was collected. “This gross exaggeration not only violates public trust but also placed the deceased’s family in potential danger,” Kinya added.

Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza.

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KNA

The motion also accused the governor of employing 111 workers, including 79 cleaners whose presence in the office is questionable. According to Kinya, these workers are paid through a manual payroll system, raising concerns about the transparency of the county’s employment practices.

Evans Mawira Kaaria, a vocal critic of the governor, defended Mwangaza, arguing that the grounds laid in the house do not meet the impeachment threshold. Mawira, who was a mover of a past motion, expressed to Kenyans.co.ke, frustration with his counterparts of the assembly.

“In fact, the weakest of all the motions that we have, of all the times that you have taken out to send it, there's the weakest motion of all. Because those grounds are unfounded, they don't meet the threshold. There's no way such reasons can take our governor home,” asserted Mawira.

The fallout from the vote is expected to be significant, as Mwangaza now faces a review by the Senate. The upper house will decide whether to uphold the assembly's decision or allow Mwangaza to remain in office. Some senators, however, have already voiced their displeasure with the ongoing conflict in Meru, with Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua suggesting that the county’s critical functions be transferred to the national government under Article 187 of the Constitution.

"If this circus continues, we may have to consider suspending the entire county government," Wambua remarked, emphasising the need for stable governance in Meru.

As the county braces for the Senate’s verdict, the political drama in Meru continues to cast a shadow over the delivery of essential services.

Mwangaza’s latest impeachment marks an unprecedented chapter in Kenya’s devolution history, with Meru now at the centre of a nationwide debate on the efficacy of county governance.

"The people of Meru deserve better than this," Kinya concluded, reflecting the sentiment of many who are eager to see an end to the county’s political infighting.

The Senate’s decision will not only determine Mwangaza’s fate but also set a precedent for handling similar cases in other counties.
 

Meru County-based blogger Daniel Muthiani alias 'Sniper'.

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Courtesy

27 days after President William Ruto fired all but one Cabinet Secretary, the political landscape has been dramatically reshaped with the National Assembly's approval of 19 out of 20 Cabinet nominees on Wednesday, August 7.

This move now signals a fresh start for the nation, which has been facing protests and unrest for slightly over a month. With a diverse Cabinet, President Ruto is aiming to foster inclusivity and unity.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah announced the committee’s decision, endorsing 19 of President Ruto’s 20 nominees. This significant development came as President Ruto pushed through his commitment to form a broad-based government, incorporating five members from Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to bridge political divides.

Stella Lang’at, nominated for the Gender docket, was the only nominee to face rejection. “Out of all the 21 nominees that were vetted, the committee considered for approval 20 and rejected only 1 nominee, Ms Stella Soi Lang’at, who had been nominated for the Ministry of Gender,” stated Ichung’wah.

The National Assembly voted in the majority in favour of the report, recommending the approval of 19 Cabinet Secretaries and rejecting one,  paving the way for the reconstitution of the Cabinet. The House voted to reject the nomination of Stella Soi Lang'at.

The vetting process showcased active civic engagement, with the committee receiving 837 memoranda from the public. Out of these, 23 were hand-delivered, and 714 were submitted via email. Despite the large volume, only 181 met the legal requirements, while 656 submissions were non-compliant with affidavit standards.

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and some former CSs after a Cabinet meeting in April 2024.

PCS

Ichung’wah expressed gratitude for the public’s participation, highlighting its importance. “I must thank the many Kenyans who submitted this huge number of memoranda. It tells you that indeed public participation was not superfluous, was not for the sake of it. That Kenyans in their numbers did submit memoranda,” he remarked.

Several nominees faced scrutiny over their past records, with 163 affidavits contesting the appointment of 10 individuals previously dismissed from office.

Among the notable appointments is Professor Kindiki Kithure as Cabinet Secretary for Interior, a role pivotal to national security. Dr Deborah Barasa will lead the Health Ministry, tasked with navigating the nation through ongoing health challenges. Alice Wahome’s appointment to the Lands Ministry and Julius Migos Ogamba’s to the Education docket highlight the administration’s focus on critical sectors.

Soipan Tuya’s role as Defence CS and Andrew Karanja’s as Agriculture CS reflect strategic placements in sectors vital for national stability and food security. Aden Duale’s appointment as Environment CS and Eric Mureithi Mugaa’s as Water CS align with the administration’s environmental sustainability goals.

Infrastructure and digital transformation are in focus with Davis Chirchir’s role as Roads CS, Margaret Nyambura’s as ICT CS, and John Mbadi’s as Treasury CS. Salim Mvurya, Rebecca Miano, and Opiyo Wandayi will head Trade, Tourism, and Energy respectively, crucial for economic growth.

Youth affairs are entrusted to Kipchumba Murkomen, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to the younger generation. Hassan Joho’s Mining portfolio and Alfred Mutua’s Labour and Social Protection roles are vital in harnessing natural resources and protecting workers' rights. Wycliffe Oparanya’s position in Cooperatives and Justin Muturi’s in Public Service round out a team tasked with enhancing public sector efficiency and economic cooperation.

This new Cabinet, a strategic blend of seasoned politicians and new faces, is poised to drive Kenya towards greater economic growth and social equity. As the appointees prepare to assume their roles, the nation anticipates an administration that listens and responds to their needs.

Kenyans are hopeful that this newly formed Cabinet, with its diverse and dynamic members, will steer the country towards a more prosperous and united future. The transformation marks a significant step in President Ruto’s vision for a progressive and inclusive Kenya.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi (sitted) and the former Cabinet Secretaries pictured standing.

PCS