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President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Additionally, the President has nominated six other individuals to serve as members of the commission and submitted their names to Parliament for vetting.

"In accordance with our supreme law, the nominations have been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament, in accordance with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act as well as the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Chapter 7F, Laws of Kenya),'' the statement from the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei read in part.

The six members are: Ann Njeri Nderitu (Registrar of Political Parties), Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon during a past event.

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Judiciary

The nominations followed the recommendations of the Selection Panel on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of chairperson and members of the IEBC, as transmitted on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The Selection Panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, had recommended two candidates for the position of chairperson and nine others for consideration to fill six commissioner slots, before President Ruto settled on seven nominees.

Ruto has urged the National Assembly to prioritise the consideration of the nominees, even as stakeholders had expressed concerns over the delay in constituting the commission.

“In recognition of the indispensable role of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as one of the cornerstone institutions of our democracy and a custodian of electoral management, His Excellency the President has urged the National Assembly to prioritize the consideration of these nominations.”

Erastus Edung Ethekon, the chairperson nominee, holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Oil, Gas & Energy Law from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom, obtained in 2016. He also earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Project Management from the University of Liverpool in 2013.

In 2012, he completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Peace, Conflict & Development Studies at Universidad Jaume I in Valencia, Spain. He is a recipient of the British Foreign & Commonwealth Chevening Fellowship and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in the Implementation of International Human Rights Treaties from the University of Nottingham, awarded in 2007.

His legal foundation includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law in 2003 and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi, which he obtained in 2001.

Until his nomination, Edung served as County Attorney in the Office of the County Attorney in the County Government of Turkana from 2018 to 2024. He also worked as a Consultant Partner at Northern Consulting Solution and E. Ethekon & Co. Advocates, a position he held from 2004 to the time of his nomination.

A total of 11 candidates were interviewed for the position of chairperson, among them former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi and ex-Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Chairperson Charles Nyachae.

Other contenders included legal and governance experts such as Joy Mdivo, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Erastus Edung Ethekon (the nominee), Francis Kakai Kissinger, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, and Saul Simiyu Wasilwa.

Parliament now has 21 days to vet the nominees after receiving their names from the President, in accordance with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, 2011. 

President William Ruto(right)receives the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from the IEBC Selection Panel Chairperson Nelson Makanda (left) at State House, Nairobi, May 6, 2025.

PCS

Several residents living in Nairobi on Wednesday morning expressed concerns following a presumed earth tremor.

Describing their experience, the residents revealed that the tremors occurred in most parts of the city between 10:30am and 10:40am, sparking fears among many people.

Some of the areas affected by the tremors included Westlands, Parklands, Kangemi, and most parts of the city’s suburbs and satellite towns, including Mlolongo.

Earthquake Monitor, a website known for lithosphere information, revealed that initial earth movements were reported in Mlolongo town before it spread to other parts.

Nonetheless, details of the tremor, including the magnitude and the effect, were yet to be confirmed at the time of publishing this article.

"We are receiving unverified early reports of ground shaking possibly caused by seismic activity in or near Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya, on May 7, 2025 (GMT) at approximately 07:36 GMT," the Earthquake Monitor revealed in a statement.

"There are no details yet on the magnitude or depth of this possible quake. If confirmed, we can expect more accurate data to emerge in the next few minutes."

A detailed experience by some of the residents claimed the tremor was characterised by weak shaking of the earth, which caused shaking of buildings and other structures.

The latest incident comes hardly a week after a similar experience was felt in the coastal counties of Mombasa and Kilifi, with residents reporting abnormal ocean movements.

According to reports, the intense tremor hit the two counties on Sunday, April 28, at around 4.17pm, prompting fear among residents, particularly those residing near the Indian Ocean.

Data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) disclosed that the depth of the quake extended to 10km from the epicentre and was felt across 13 seismic stations.

Notably, the tremor was felt by people living in the Coastal villages of Vipingo, Watamu, Malindi, Takaungu and Voi. The earthquake was reported as the strongest ever experienced on the Kenyan Coast.

Aerial view of Mombasa, Kenya.

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Kenya Traffic

Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were has passed away after suspected criminals within Nairobi city gunned him down.

According to witnesses, the lawmaker was shot dead on Wednesday evening near the City Mortuary roundabout by suspected gunmen who were trailing him.

Reports further indicated that the two gunmen were on a motorbike when they shot Were, before fleeing from the scene.

During the incident, which took place around 7 pm, one of the gunmen alighted from the motorbike and shot the legislator at close range.

Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were.

Aden Duale

Efforts to rush him to the Nairobi Hospital proved futile as Were was pronounced dead on arrival at the facility.

While the intention behind the killing is yet to be established, reports suggest that Were could have been the key target as his driver escaped unharmed.

According to ODM, Were was in parliament the better part of the day and left at 6:15 pm after participating in the business of the day.

The ODM party leadership, while mourning him, called for swift investigations and the arrest of the perpetrators.

"While we join his constituents, the people of the great county of Homabay, his family, colleagues and friends in mourning, we call on the police to investigate the shooting incident and bring the culprits to book," read part of the statement by the ODM party.

Were was serving his second term in office since his first election as a legislator in 2017. In 2022 polls, he was reelected to office on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

Meanwhile, his tragic demise comes barely three months after he decried his security.

Following his death, police officers promptly arrived at the scene and have since commenced investigations into the matter.

Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were

KNA

Just hours after detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided the home and office of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, the county chief has been arrested and taken to the commission's offices in Nairobi.  

During the morning raid, nine other senior county officials also had their premises searched over suspected embezzlement of public funds and conflict of interest.

Pressure has been mounting on the EACC to rein in the leadership over the alleged mismanagement of funds in the county.

During the arrest, Wamatangi was seen waving to the locals from the back seat of an SUV as the detectives escorted him to their offices for interrogation. 

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi during a past event.

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Kimani Wamatangi

Some of the residents staged protests outside his home after the apprehension, demanding his unconditional release. 

The residents, while chanting anti-President William Ruto songs, alleged that the president was aware of the scheme behind the county boss's frustrations. 

However, the presence of heavily armed police officers deterred their attempts to block the convoy transporting Wamatangi and the other county officials. 

This is the second time that the county is hitting headlines over the conduct of its leadership, with the former Governor Ferdinand Waititu currently locked behind bars over a multimillion graft case.

Waititu was sentenced to 12 years in prison by Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki on February 13 after being convicted in a Ksh588 million graft case.

The arrest comes two months after Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa, in February, called on the EACC to investigate the county's payment system, alleging that the governor had switched from an automated one to a manual one.

The Senator alleged that this change had created a perfect cover for ghost workers, noting that Ksh390 million had been moved under this guise.

The commission is expected to address the press and issue a formal statement on the circumstances surrounding the apprehension of the county chief. 

A photo of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu after he was sentenced to a jail term by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

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EACC

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Monday announced that the prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will decrease in the April fuel review.

In its latest fuel review, the prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will now retail at Ksh174.63, Ksh164.86, and Ksh148.99, respectively, reflecting a decrease of Ksh1.95, Ksh2.20, and Ksh2.40 per litre, respectively.

EPRA noted that the new prices will be in force from Tuesday, April 15, to May 14.

In Nairobi, super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will now retail at Ksh174.63, Ksh164.86, and Ksh148.99, effective midnight for the next 30 days.

A man fueling a car at a petrol station

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New Vision

In Mombasa, super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will retail at Ksh171.39, Ksh161.62, and Ksh145.75. 

In Kisumu, super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will now retail at Ksh174.67, Ksh165.24, and Ksh149.42. 

According to EPRA, the prices are inclusive of the 16 per cent value-added tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023 and the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation. 

The average landed cost of imported super petrol decreased by 4.89 per cent from Ksh82,396.79 (US$637.22) per cubic metre in February 2025 to Ksh78,388.61 (US$606.06) per cubic metre in March 2025.

Diesel decreased by 6.45 per cent from Ksh87,974.91 (US$680.63) per cubic metre to Ksh82,388.87 (US$636.75) per cubic metre, while kerosene decreased by 6.53 per cent from Ksh86,876.15 (US$672.14) per cubic metre to Ksh81,228.97 (US$628.22) per cubic metre over the same period.

The latest announcement comes as good news for many Kenyans, particularly motorists who anticipated a hike; however, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has allayed their fears.

On Friday, CBK announced that international oil prices declined, with Murban oil trading at Ksh8,390 (USD64.77) per barrel on April 10 from Ksh9,300 (USD71.86) per barrel on April 3, reflecting concerns over the impact of US tariffs on global demand and increased production of oil in major oil-exporting countries.

In April, the prices of the products remained unchanged despite the drop in international oil prices during the week leading to the announcement. 

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo speaking in February 2024

EPRA

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Monday, March 31, 2025, a national holiday to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.

In a special Gazette Notice dated Friday, March 28, the CS noted that the nation would take the time to join Muslims in marking the end of Ramadan.

"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 Monday, March 31, shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr," read part of the notice.

Following the declaration by Murkomen, all government offices, schools, and other institutions such as banks are expected to be closed to mark the religious festivity.

President William Ruto (In front) with (from left) Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Health CS Aden Duale and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during special Iftar Dinner at State House, March 25, 2025.

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CS Aden Duale

This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Friday, February 28, and continued until the evening of Saturday, March 29.

During this period, Muslims around the world fasted, prayed, and reflected on their religious obligations to themselves and their communities.

In his Ramadan message to Muslims as they began fasting on February 28, President William Ruto highlighted the spiritual significance of the holy month, calling on Muslims to use the period for personal reflection and devotion.

"This is an opportunity for you to commit yourselves to strengthening your faith and dedicating yourselves to doing what is right," he said.

He also praised the Muslim community for their contributions to the country and encouraged them to continue supporting the less fortunate.

In support of the Muslim community, President Ruto recently approved the duty-free importation of dates for use during Ramadan.

The announcement comes days after President Ruto hosted Muslim leaders for an Iftar dinner at the state house.

During the dinner, the president urged the religious leaders to champion peace in the country and called on Kenyans to foster national unity to ensure meaningful development in the country.

Leaders and Muslim clerics during the special Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto, State House, Nairobi, March 25, 2025.

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CS Aden Duale

President William Ruto, on Wednesday, March 26, announced a new round of changes within his administration, nominating various leaders to new Cabinet positions.

In the latest changes, the Head of State replaced Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi with Geoffrey Ruku, while Hanna Wendot was nominated to the Ministry of Gender and Culture.

Meanwhile, former Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was transferred to the Health Ministry, while Deborah Barasa, who previously headed the health docket, was transferred to the Ministry of Environment.

"His Excellency the president has today instituted further changes to the senior ranks of the executives within Cabinet. By the Presidential action, the Cabinet is set to achieve its constitutional full strength," read part of a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the opening session of the Sub-regional capacity-building workshop in Nairobi on February 17, 2025.

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Ministry of Environment

According to Hussein Mohamed, the changes are aimed at bolstering the Cabinet's capacity to continue to steer Kenya's socioeconomic transformation. 

Following the announcement, Hanna Webot and Geoffrey Ruku will undergo parliamentary scrutiny. If approved, their names will be forwarded to the Head of State for appointment.

"The nominees are expected to bring to Cabinet not only the knowledge and experience acquired throughout their illustrious careers but, above all, their wisdom accumulated from their inspiring and diverse life journeys," read part of Ruto's statement.

Before he was nominated to the CS slot, Ruku was a member of Parliament representing Mbeere North. He replaces Muturi, who, before his dismissal, held the position for eight months since August last year.

Muturi, who previously served in different capacities within President William Ruto's administration, has been a great critic of the government, accusing it of allegedly orchestrating the forced disappearances of youthful Kenyans.

While addressing the press recently, the immediate former CS dismissed speculations of resigning from his position, adding that he was focused on ensuring accountability within the government.

Meanwhile, his dismissal comes just a day after President Ruto criticised him over what the Head of State termed as incompetence by the former Attorney General.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 25, during an Iftar session with the Muslim community at State House in Nairobi, Ruto said Muturi was unqualified in handling legal matters.

Ruto accused Muturi of allegedly delaying the establishment of Waqf, a charitable endowment where Muslims dedicate properties for religious and public benefit.

“As we move forward, we will continue to look at the issues that have been raised here, issues of education, and find a nexus between religious and formal education to determine what needs to be done,” Ruto said.

“On Waqf, I agree with you; it has taken too long. There is no reason for the delay, and I had a problem with the AG who was there. He was fairly incompetent, but now I have a very competent lady, and I can assure you the issues of Waqf will be sorted out,” he added

Former CS Justin Muturi appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour, March 5, 2024.

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National Assembly Committee's

President William Ruto has finally reshuffled principal secretaries reassigning six roles and nominating 14 new ones to include those allied to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on Thursday, the president promoted Amos Gathecha from the public service docket to serve as Deputy Head of Public Services.

In other changes, Prof Edwin Kisiang'ani, who serves in the ICT Ministry, has been appointed to serve as the senior advisor and member of the president's council of economic advisors.

The president nominated 14 candidates for the principal Secretaries positions including Jane Kare Imbunya (State Department for Public services and Human Capital Development), Regina Akoth Ombam (State Department for  Trade), Cyrell Wagunda Odede Public Investment and Asset Management), Caroline Wanjiru Karugu (allied to Raila, East African Community Affairs), Oluga Fredrick Ouma (Medical Service), and Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim(National Government Co-ordination).

A section of the Cabinet during a meeting at State House Nairobi on March 11, 2025.

PCS

Others are Judith Naiyai Pareno (Justice Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs), Bonface Makokha (Economic Planning), Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat (Science, Research and Innovation), Stephen Isaboke (Broadcast and Telecommunication), Micheal Lenasalon (Devolution), Fikirini Katoi Kajindi (Youth Affairs), Carren Ageng'o Achieng (Children Welfare Services) and Aden Abdi Millah (Shipping and Maritime Affairs).

In a shift of governance, President Ruto made changes in the organisation of government in a bid to harness the opportunities in emerging sectors of the economy.

The president reassigned Professor Julius Bitok from the State Department for Immigration to the State Department for Basic Education.

"In accordance with Article 155(4) of the Constitution,  the following principal Secretaries have been re-assigned as stated," the president stated in the official statement.

Teresia Mbaika was also reassigned to the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development. Mbaika previously served as the PS State Department for Devolution.

Other beneficiaries in the reshuffle are Ishmael Madey who was reassigned to the State Department for Special Programmes and Harry Kimtai who was reassigned from the State Department for Medical Services to the State Department for Mining.

The president also reassigned Elijah Mwangi to the state department for sports previously held by Peter Tum.

The former Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang has been reassigned to the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.

President William Ruto during a Cabinet meeting at State House Nairobi on March 11, 2025.

PCS

Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has landed a new role in President William Ruto's broad-based government, nine months after she lost her Cabinet position.

In a notice shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Thursday afternoon, Ruto nominated Nakhumicha to serve as Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations Habitat in Nairobi.

Nakhumicha was nominated alongside James Buyekane Muhati and Abdi Dubat Fidhow who were selected as Consul-Generals in Guangzhou, China, and Arusha in Tanzania respectively.

Similarly, Ruto nominated Peter Tum as Kenyan Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while Alfred K'Ombundo was nominated as Deputy Head of Mission in Belgium. 

Former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha during a meeting with striking doctors.

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MOH

"Per Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President has nominated the following persons to serve as Ambassadors, Consuls-General, and Deputy Heads of Mission in Kenya's foreign missions abroad," read part of the notice.

According to Hussein Mohamed, the nominations have since been submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval in fulfilment of the legal requirements set out under the nation's apex law. 

Nakhumicha's nomination comes barely months after she called on the Head of State to consider appointing her to a government position, claiming she was experiencing financial struggles.

Speaking in October last year, the former CS revealed she was struggling to cope with the reality of losing her job, adding that due to the uniqueness of her name, most people still referred to her as a cabinet secretary.

“Bishop pray for me, you know it is not easy to have been a minister then all of a sudden you are just Nakumicha, and you know my name is unique,” Nakhumicha lamented.

“When you say Nakhumicha, that name is distinct, and associate it with the Health CS position. Please continue praying for me, God has blessed me and I still expect more blessings,” she added.

Nakhumicha was dismissed from the cabinet in July last year in the aftermath of heated anti-government protests that rocked the whole country. She was ousted alongside other cabinet secretaries except Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi.

The Head of State while addressing the press on July 1, 2024, attributed his decision to the need to restart his administration but maintained the dismissals were made after a thorough scrutiny. 

President William Ruto during a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi on March 7, 2025.

PCS

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions.

In an official notice dated Thursday, March 20, NTSA further cautioned members of the public against boarding vehicles belonging to the SACCO.

"This is to notify the public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions," the notice read in part.

Traffic police were also instructed to impound vehicles belonging to the company that are operating contrary to the suspension.

Photo collage between a Super Metro bus and a BasiGO electric bus picking up passengers in Nairobi CBD in November 2022.

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Super Metro

According to NTSA, it conducted a comprehensive analysis of Super Metro and found that out of its 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, and eight had expired Road Service Licences (RSL).

NTSA also found that several drivers from the SACCO do not meet the required qualifications which presents a major safety risk.

Before the operation licence is reinstated, Super Metro has been asked to present 294 vehicles with violations for compliance inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre and obtain compliance reports for all vehicles.

It must also present 42 drivers out of 109 with speed violations for a retest at the Likoni Driver Test Centre. This follows the failure of 64 Super Metro drivers in a retest on March 10, leading to the suspension of their respective driving licences.

Furthermore, the company has been directed to present signed contracts for its drivers and other staff, including proof of compliance, a six-month record of staff payroll, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), NSSF, and NHIF remittances.

The management has also been mandated to conduct road safety sensitisation for all its drivers and submit to the authority the sensitisation report, photos, minutes of the session, and the attendance register. The exercise shall be facilitated by NTSA officers.

The suspension follows a series of road carnages that have been caused by Super Metro leading to several demises. A most recent incident happened on March 12, where a tout allegedly threw a man out of a moving bus over an unpaid fare.

Although the management took action against the driver and suspended him, major complaints were received about other drivers overspeeding and exhibiting reckless behaviour.

A photo of the Super Metro bus allegedly involved in an incident that saw a Super Metro tout throw out a passenger from the moving bus resulting in his immediate demise, March 12, 2025.

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Bonface Ambani