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President William Ruto on Thursday, April 18, confirmed the death of Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla who died in a grisly military helicopter accident in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The Head of State while issuing a State of the Nation address at State House in Nairobi, noted that the chopper crashed with 11 passengers on board 9 of whom died alongside CDF Ogolla.

“Today at 2.20 pm our nation suffered a tragic air accident Sindar area, Keben location in Elgeyo Marakwet county. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” Ruto announced.

Ruto mourned the deceased and termed him a distinguished four-star general who was committed to his work.

Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla (left) alongside President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi on April 28, 2023

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According to Ruto, Ogolla onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi on Thursday morning, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to inspect renovation works on five schools.

Ogolla then proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational successes. 

He later departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off.

"This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation at large," Ruto stated.

"The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity," he added.

According to Ruto, a team had already been established to investigate the root cause of the accident. 

The head of state further directed a three-day mourning where the flags including the Kenyan flag, the East African flag and that of the military would flow at half-mast beginning Friday, April 19. 

Military officials who died alongside General Ogolla include Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu and Captain Sora Mohamed.

Others were Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

The announcement came moments after President Ruto convened a National Security Council meeting at State House in Nairobi.

Among the high-ranking govt delegates who attended the security meeting alongside Ruto included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.

Others who attended the closed-door meeting included Attorney General Justin Muturi, Defence CS Aden Dwale, the head of National Intelligence Service Noordin Haji, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and National Security Advisor Monica Juma.

President William Ruto greets CDF Francis Ogolla at State House.

PCS

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Sunday, April 14 released the fuel prices for April to May 14.

In a statement, EPRA announced that the pump prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene had been reduced by Ksh5.31 per litre, Ksh10.00 per litre and Ksh18.68 per litre respectively.

"The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020," read part of the statement.

With the new prices, Nairobi motorists will pay Ksh193.84 for a litre of petrol, Ksh180.38 for a litre of diesel and Ksh170.06 for a litre of kerosene.

Fueling at a petrol station in Kenya.

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Kenyans.co.ke

Motorists in Mombasa will part with Ksh190.66, Ksh177.21 and Ksh166.99 for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene respectively.

Meanwhile, in Nakuru, drivers will pay Ksh192.90 for petrol, Ksh179.82 for diesel and Ksh169.56 for Kerosene. Those in Eldoret will pay Ksh193.67, Ksh180.59 and Ksh170.32 for petrol, diesel and kerosene respectively.

On the other hand, motorists in cities such as Kisumu will now be charged Ksh193.66 for petrol, Ksh180.59 for diesel and Ksh170.31 for kerosene.

After this review, a few areas will be charged over Ksh200 for a litre of petrol. These are Nakalale (Ksh201.06), Lokichogio (Ksh201.14), Lokitaung (Ksh202.07), Korr (Ksh200.27), Turbi (Ksh202.26), Loyangalani (Ksh202.46), Kalacha (Ksh202.40), Maikona (Ksh201.81) and North Horr (Ksh203.30).

Others are; Hadado (Ksh201), Bute (Ksh202.51), Eldas (Ksh205,69), Mandera (Ksh207.84), Modogashe (Ksh201.84), Wajir (Ksh203.78), Elwak (Ksh205.34), Tarbaj (Ksh203.62), Habaswein (Ksh201.21), Sololo (Ksh202.95), Moyale (Ksh203.97), Liboi (Ksh201.29) and Marsabit (Ksh202.27).

"The average landed cost for imported Super Petrol increased by 4.86% from USD703.49 per cubic metre in February 2024 USD737.69 per cubic metre in March 2024, Diesel increased by 0.003% from USD722.49 per cubic metre to USD722.51 per cubic metre while Kerosene decreased by 0.69% from USD730.35 per cubic metre to USD725.31 per cubic metre," read the statement from EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo.

Kiptoo assured Kenyans that EPRA was committed to observing fair competition and protection of their interests alongside those of investors in the energy and petroleum sectors.

The announcement came hours after President William Ruto announced that fuel prices would decrease by Ksh10 in this review. 

Earlier, the Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that the fuel prices would be reduced from the previous Ksh199.15, Ksh190.38 and Ksh188.74 for petrol, diesel and kerosene respectively.

President William Ruto at a meeting with Italian government officials at State House Nairobi on March 19, 2024.

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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared Wednesday, April 10 as a national holiday.

In a special Gazette Notice dated Tuesday, April 9, the CS noted that the nation will take the time to mark the Idd-ul-Fitr.

Muslims across the country are set to mark the Idd celebration to mark the end of Ramadhan.

"It is notified for the general information of the public that, in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Wednesday, the 10th April 2024 shall be a Public Holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr," read the notice in part.

President William Ruto addressing Muslim leaders during an Iftar Dinner at State House on April 9, 2024.

PCS

Following the gazettement, all govt offices, schools and other institutions such as banks are expected to be closed to mark the religious festivities.

Muslims have been observing the holy month of Ramadhan since March 11, 2024.

During this period, Muslims used the time to pray, fast and offer service to their communities.

The announcement comes a day after President William Ruto hosted Muslim leaders across the country for an Iftar Dinner at State House on April 9.

During the event, the religious leaders raised various concerns that were affecting a section of Kenyans in the country including challenges in the acquisition of National Identity cards (IDs).

Consequently, the Head of State announced that there will no longer be vetting of any Kenyan during the application of an ID.

"We have now completed the policy document and from the beginning of May this year, there will no longer be vetting for people who want to get IDs," Ruto stated.

The President also noted that the government would consider repackaging the Hustler Fund to be Shariah-compliant.

Currently, Muslims opt out of the financial inclusion programme owing to the interests charged.

President William Ruto during a meeting with Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation in Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 19, 2024.

PCS

Kisii County Deputy Governor Robert Monda has been impeached by the Senate.

The DG was impeached following a vote taken by Senators at 12 am on Friday, March 15. The majority of the senators, in their vote, upheld the decision by the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Kisii County to have him removed from office.

The Deputy Governor was accused of abuse of office, gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct and crime under national law. 

Witness breaks down in Senate at impeachment hearing on Wednesday March 13

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Senate of Kenya

Here is how 43 Senators voted on the 4 charges;

1.Gross Violation of the Constitution: Ayes - 39, Nays - 3, Abstentions - 1.  

2. Abuse of Office: Ayes - 39, Nays - 3, Abstentions - 1.

3. Gross Misconduct:  Ayes - 35, Nays - 7, Abstentions -1.

4. Crimes Under National Law: Ayes -32, Nays - 10, Abstentions - 1. 

Main Accusation

At the centre of the impeachment was the accusation that the DG received a Ksh800,000 bribe to secure a job for Dennis Mokaya.

During the hearings, Mokaya revealed to the senators that the bribe was meant to facilitate the securing of a job at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company Limited (GWASCO).

The middle-aged man added that the DG failed to secure the job for him, a move that affected his family.

“My wife did not take it easy. At that time, she was expectant after twelve years of trying and she ended up suffering a miscarriage,” he stated.

The DG was also accused of using his office to intimidate his brother.

What Next

Following the impeachment of Monda, Kisii Governor Simba Arati will be required to nominate a new deputy within the next 14 days.

The nominee will then be considered by the County Assembly within 60 days.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati speaking during a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Kisii County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP), at Tongeri in Bomachoge Borabu constituency on September 20, 2023

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Simba Arati

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced fuel prices that will take effect for the next one month.

In the latest review announced on Thursday, March 14, EPRA reduced Super Petrol prices by Ksh7.21. Diesel was reduced by Ksh5.09 and Kerosene by Ksh4.49.

In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will now retail at Ksh199.15, Ksh190.38 and Ksh188.74 effective midnight.

Motorists at a petrol station in Kinoo along Waiyaki Way on January 7, 2023.

Kenyans.co.ke

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene decreases by Ksh7.21 per litre, Ksh5.09 per litre and Ksh4.49 per litre respectively.

"The prices are inclusive of the 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020," read the statement in part.

EPRA credited the recent drop to several factors including the drop in the value of the dollar. The applied exchange rate used in the latest review was Ksh148, in comparison with Ksh164.42 which was used last month.

"The trade of petroleum products in the international markets is denominated in United States Dollars (USD), and an exchange rate is applied to convert the USD to Ksh during the computation of local pump prices," EPRA noted.

In Mombasa, a litre of Petrol will retail at Ksh195.97 while Kerosene will retail at Ksh187.21. Mombasa residents will purchase a litre of Kerosene for the next one month at Ksh185.58.

On the other hand, in Kisumu, motorists will purchase Super Petrol at Ksh198.97 and Diesel at Ksh190.59. EPRA capped the price of Kerosene at Ksh188.96.

Meanwhile, in Nakuru and Eldoret, motorists will purchase a litre of Super Petrol at Ksh198.21 and Ksh198.98 respectively. Diesel in the two urban centres will be purchased at Ksh189.82 (Nakuru) and Ksh190.59 (Eldoret).

Notably, the price drop was announced hours after President William Ruto hinted at the lowering of pump prices this month.

While addressing residents of Kericho during a development tour, Ruto credited the drop to strategies that had been applied by his administration.

President William Ruto celebrates the International Women's Day at Moi Stadium in Embu.

PCS

Joseph Irungu alias Jowie has been sentenced to death for the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani.

While delivering her judgment on Wednesday, March 13, Lady Justice Grace Nzioka revealed that she considered three factors in making her determination namely; the manner in which the offence was committed, the consequence of the offence and the personality of the accused (Jowie).

She described the gruesome ordeal the businesswoman underwent, stating that Kimani's killer did not intend to even give her one minute to live.

"It was a gruesome murder, horrific and threatening," she stated.

Joseph Irungu alias Jowie (right) follows proceedings at Milimani Law Courts on March 13, 2024.

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Jowie's sentencing comes after he was found guilty of the murder on February 9, 2024. The businesswoman was murdered on September 19, 2018, and her body was discovered the following day in her bathtub by her friends and relatives.

Submission by the Prosecution

During their presentencing report,  the prosecution urged the court to impose the death penalty on Jowie.

The prosecution submitted that evidence showed that Jowie planned to commit the offence and used a weapon, which they described as deadly.

Submissions of the Victim's Family

The family submitted to the court that the death of their kin was a huge blow. The family noted that Kimani was the breadwinner of the family and that her death affected them.

"No amount of compensation can bring the deceased back," the judge stated.

Submissions by Jowie

He agreed with the deceased family that no amount of money can be able to bring the deceased back to life. Jowie also contended that the Kimani died a cruel death.

"The accused person invited the court to consider that he is a first offender, that he was purely convicted based on the circumstantial evidence and the time he has spent in custody," she stated.

Report by Probation Officer on Kimani's Family & Jowie's Personality

It was reported to the court that Kimani's mother cried severally during the writing of the report, forcing the probation officer to stop the interview several times.

Monica's brother was reported to have stopped watching news and trusting people. He also limited his movements.

The probation officer on the other hand reported to the court that Jowie has a double personality.

"The probation officer reports that the accused person lacks stable partner relationships. He has anti-social personality patterns manifested by living on the edge. He is impulsive and a thrill seeker. He used anger or aggression to control others," the judge read the report by the probation officer.

An image of the late businesswoman Monica Kimani who died on September 19, 2018 at her Kilimani apartment.

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DCI

Lady Justice Grace Nzioka has postponed the sentencing of Joseph Irungu alias Jowie who was found guilty for the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani.

The judge made the decision owing to the late filing of submissions by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the victim's family and Jowie's lawyer.

According to Justice Nzioka, the ODPP filed its submissions (pre-sentencing report) last evening while the victim's family filed its submissions on Friday morning.

Therefore, owing to the delays, Jowie's legal team did not have time to respond to the submissions by the prosecution and Kimani's family.

Lady Justice Grace Nzioka reads a judgment at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on February 9, 2024.

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In light of the new developments, Jowie's legal team requested more time to go through the two submissions and file their response.  

Justice Nzioka heeded to their request and directed that they file all the submissions by the end of Monday, March 11.

Jowies sentencing will be done on Wednesday, March 13.

"As much as I started with a disclaimer on how I am not the one accused of adjourning this matter, I think at the end of the day I am the driver of this matter and the most decent thing to do is to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"I hope we will not adjourn it again and that we will deal with this matter to its finality on the day that I have fixed for this judgement," she stated.

The Case

Jowie was found guilty for the murder of Monica Kimani which occurred on September 19, 2018.

In a ruling delivered on February 9, 2024, Justice Grace Nzioka ruled that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the security personnel committed the murder.

The judge highlighted several aspects of the case that made her determine that Jowie was guilty.

Key among them was the actions of Jowie before and after the murder. It was revealed that Jowie used another person's identity card to access the apartments of Kimani on the fateful day. The judge noted that this action suggested that Jowie planned to commit the offence

The security personnel was also the last person to be seen with the deceased in her house.

"When the Doctrine of Last Seen is applied, the law presumes that the person last seen with the deceased was responsible for their death, and the accused is supposed to present an explanation of what happened," Justice Nzioka stated.

Further, forensic analysis of blood stains found in Jowie's shorts confirmed that the blood belonged to the deceased.

Jowie had been charged alongside his ex-fiance, Former Citizen TV anchor Jacque Maribe. Maribe was found not guilty.

An image of the late businesswoman Monica Kimani who died on September 19, 2018 at her Kilimani apartment.

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DCI

The High Court sitting in Kisumu on Monday, March 4, threw out a petition challenging the procession of the Affordable Housing Bill. 

As such, the National Assembly and Senate were allowed to continue debating the Bill as Kenya Kwanza lawmakers seek to pass the piece of legislation into law.

Lawrence Omule Apiyo acting as the petitioner had listed; the Attorney General, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands and the National Assembly as respondents arguing that the Housing Bill had not been subjected to satisfactory public participation.

"The third respondent (National Assembly) cannot be faulted for the manner in which it has conducted public participation in respect of the Affordable Housing Bill No 75 of 2023," the judgement read in part.

Kenya Kwanza vs Azimio's side during the voting for the Affordable Housing Bill on February 20, 2024.

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Kenyans.co.ke

"This court finds that public participation conducted by the third respondent was effective and constitutionally compliant."

The Court was told that National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah tabled the Bill in Parliament on December 4, 2023, before it underwent its first reading on December 7, 2023. 

Subsequently, on December 9, 2023, members of the public were invited to physically present their comments about the Bill to Parliament Buildings, Nairobi or send them through a provided email address with a deadline set for December 28, 2023.

"The petitioner was aggrieved by the mode of submission of the memorandum and the timelines as provided," Court documents indicated why the petition was filed.

In defence, the National Assembly argued that after issuing the aforementioned invite for public comments, it went ahead and conducted public participation by creating public awareness and contacting the public through meetings and feedback mechanisms. 

The petitioner relying on earlier notice stated that the timeline provided for public participation was too short and went ahead and filed his case. 

It was noted that the petitioner was arguing his case at the same time that the National Assembly was conducting public hearings in Narok County at the Town Social Hall.

"This court concurs with the respondents on their position that the petition breached the principle of ripeness as the petitioner presumed that the third respondent intended to conduct public participation through one mode, that is through submission of memoranda when he filed this petition," the High Court ruled. 

The National Assembly passed the Affordable Housing Bill on February 2 and subsequently forwarded it to the Senate. 

Parliament Majority leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa with President William Ruto.

Kimani Ichungwa

Kenya and Haiti have formalised the deployment of 1,000 police officers to the Carribean country. 

The agreement was signed on Friday, March 1, by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki and the Haiti Security Minister at State House.

Also present were President William Ruto and Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry. 

The deal comes despite a court order that barred the deployment plan, terming it as unconstitutional. 

President William Ruto and former Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry, at State House, Nairobi on February 29, 2024.

PCS

The Haiti Prime Minister arrived in the country on Thursday, after an invitation from President William Ruto, which he stated was to finalise the agreement between the two states to send Kenyan troops to the troubled country. 

In the meeting held at the state house, Ruto promised to help Haiti solve the gang problem in the Caribbean nation, as the two countries share the same origin. 

"We are offering the experience and expertise of our police officers in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti as mandated by the United Nations Security Council and as guided by our courts," Ruto stated.

This comes after a gang staged an attack, sieging Haiti's main airport, government agencies, and police stations, which paralysed operations in the country on Thursday, February 29. 

In a video circulating on social media, Jimmy Cherizier, leader of the gang federation G9 Family and Allies, revealed that a plan was underway to seize control of the government operations. 

Warning Prime Minister Henry not to return from Kenya, the gang leader further directed his crew to reign on police posts, leading to the death of four people. 

On January 26, the High Court in Nairobi through a ruling delivered by Judge Chacha Mwita declared police deployment to Haiti unconstitutional, adding that the National Security Police could not deploy police officers outside the country.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-greenfield speaking at a conference on Monday revealed that Benin has also offered 2,000 troops to support the planned Kenyan-led international force to Haiti.

A photo collage of Haiti Gang patrolling Port-au-Prince and President William Ruto greeting Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry at State House, Nairobi on February 29, 2024.

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PBS, PCS

Former State House Comptroller and Kenya's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Netherlands, Lawrence Lenayapa, passed away on Thursday, February 28.

Born in 1964 and hailing from Kargi in Laisamis, Lenayapa was 59 years old at the time of his passing.

Ambassador Ukur Yatani conveyed his condolences to the family, stating, "My condolences to the family of Amb Lawrence Lenayapa following his passing this morning. May Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace and give solace to the family."

However, the details of the cause of death are yet to be made public.

A collage photo of the former Ambassador Lawrence Lenyapa and the former President Uhuru Kenyatta

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The Ambassador commenced his service in Kenya’s mission to the Kingdom of Netherlands in 2018, followed by his tenure as the State House Comptroller for the Kenyan Presidency.

During his tenure in the Netherlands, Lenayapa held the role of Permanent Representative of Kenya to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and led Kenya's delegation to various other international organizations in the country.

Previously, Lenayapa served as the State House Comptroller from 2013 to 2018. He was appointed to this position by former President Uhuru Kenyatta shortly after Kenyatta assumed office as President.

As the comptroller, his role included managing the finances and the operations within the State House including managing the financial resources of the house.

In addition to his responsibilities as State House Comptroller, Lenayapa oversaw the proper execution of various functions within the House, including transportation, security, communication, catering, and general administration.

The career civil servant has worked as a District Commissioner in Baringo and Kiambu and he also previously held the position of Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.

Lenayapa made headlines in 2020 when he wrote a letter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejecting the candidates list proposed by the court for the prosecutor position.

Despite being a powerful and public figure, Lenayapa led a largely quiet life preferring to keep his private life out of the public eye, with little being known about it.

An image of State House in Nairobi.

File