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Eight people said to have attended First Lady Rachel Ruto's 14th Anniversary of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani Stadium on Thursday in Nairobi have passed away after drowning in a flooded river on their way home. 

Red Cross officials in Makueni County confirmed the death of the eight, who were swept away while attempting to cross a swollen River Muooni on their way from Kavuthu to Mutyambua.

The incident occurred at 11.00 pm last night, according to an area correspondent who spoke with Kenyans.co.ke. 

"Yes, the guests were from the event organised by the First Lady. It is so sad to report that some of the deceased were relatives," the correspondent stated. 

A flooded River Muooni in Makueni County, said to be one of the dangerous water bodies during the El Nino season

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Eyewitnesses stated that the eight were not on the bus at the time of the accident as the driver had refused to ferry them across the swelling river. Despite continuous warnings that their lives were at risk, the eight allegedly held hands and crossed the river together. 

Area chief Norman Musyoki also confirmed that the incident occurred along Kavuthu-Mutyambua Road and warned that the death toll may rise. 

"Witnesses say seven people died. We are trying to ascertain the exact number. They were sitting on a log floating in the middle of the river after being overwhelmed by the raging waters as they tried to cross. 

"A sudden swelling of the river swept them away as a crowd of witnesses looked on helplessly," Musyoki told local media stations, adding that they had warned residents against crossing the river, one of the most dangerous, during the El Nino season. 

Emergency services providers were immediately deployed to the accident scene to kickstart the process of retrieving the bodies. So far, only two bodies have been retrieved from the flooded river.

The total number of passengers on board the vehicle, that of dead bodies and survivors, is yet to be confirmed. 

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr eulogised the victims and also lamented that the deaths occurred nearly a fortnight after three people drowned in the river. 

"Yesterday in the evening, we received reports that eight people tried crossing the Muooni River. At midriver, water swelled, and currents swept them. From the reports I have received this morning, five people have already been identified. My condolences to the families who have lost the 8," Mutula mourned.

Meanwhile, JOYWO, an initiative First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto founded in 2009, aims to empower women economically through financial inclusion and skills development to meet their basic needs.

President William Ruto and Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi were among the notable guests at the Thursday event, which was attended by thousands of the organisation's members. 

President William Ruto speaks at the 14 anniversary of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

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Michael Warutere from Riara Springs Academy, which is part of Riara Group of Schools, was the top candidate for the KCPE 2023 exams. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Warutere revealed that he would love to become a Software Engineer after completing high school so that he could help the country in solving some of its pressing challenges. 

In particular, he explained that his passion for being a software engineer was to help Kenyan farmers use technology to improve their agricultural productivity. 

"I really thank God for the marks that he has granted me. I want to thank our parents and teachers for holding our hands and helping us succeed," he stated. 

"I would love to attend Mang'u High School. Hopefully, with these marks, I will get a seat in that school," he added. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, John Muriithi, Riara Springs Primary School Head, remarked that he was ecstatic about the performance the institution had posted in the 2023 KCPE exams. 

"This boy (Warutere) has been our child from baby class. He is a very balanced boy who is not only involved in academics but very active in football and drama activities," Muriithi heaped praises on Warutere. 

Describing the mood at the school as carnival following the announcement of KCPE results, Muriithi remarked that all stakeholders had worked hard for exemplary results not only for Warutere but the entire class. 

Encouraging students from across the country who had sat for their exams, Muriithi remarked, "Everybody in the education sector is a success. Everybody achieved full potential regardless of what they got."

Muriithi further indicated that over and over again, Riara Group of Schools had pronounced itself as one of the best academic institutions in the country.

"The Riara management is top-notch. We have been in this industry for the last 50 years. The school has a history of success and we provide world-class education in all our institutions."

"We serve right from kindergarten, primary, and junior secondary school, we have a girl's high school, an international school and a university." 

Riara Group of Schools Director Juju Gachukia stated that the exam results were a testament to the passion and perseverance of teachers and the team that worked with the students. 

"Michael Warutere is a child who started with us at age three in Rainbow, which is the youngest class in kindergarten so he has spent 11 years with us."

"This is a testimony of a journey that started with the founders Mr Daniel and Dr Eddah Gachukia. Dr Eddah Gachukia is well-renowned for her passion for quality education and creating wonderful spaces for children where they can learn to be the best they can."  

KCPE 2023 top student Michael Warutere (left) and Riara Springs Academy Head John Muriithi.

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Riara Group of Schools

On what makes Riara Group of Schools stand out, Director Juju Gachukia explained it was a holistic approach to every child that enrols at the institution. 

She explained that every child is different with their own learning pace, which should be considered. 

"What makes us unique is that every teacher understands and knows they are professionals. They have a child-centred approach and they are facilitators of a fantastic educational experience. This is what makes us so unique," the Director added. 

She further emphasised that the school was keeping up with the founding principles of providing quality education at an affordable fee. 

The best candidate in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams scored 428 marks out of a possible 500. 

Announcing the results on Thursday, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu revealed that candidates can check their marks online by sending their Index Number followed by the initials 'KCPE' to SMS Code 40054.

This was the last KCPE exam as the Ministry of Education phases out the 8-4-4 curriculum as the country fully transitions to the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC). 

CS Machogu revealed that over 1.4 million candidates sat for the exam who will be proceeding to secondary school in 2024 under the 100 per cent transition program. 

President William Ruto issuing the KCPE and KPSEA National Examinations at the Kikuyu Township Primary School, Kiambu County on October 30, 2023.

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Only 8,525 candidates were able to score 400 marks and above with 352,782 students scoring between 300 and 399 marks. 

The majority of pupils scored between 200 to 299 with 658,278 candidates falling into that category. 

Some 383,025 candidates scored between 100 to 199 marks with the rest of the candidates scoring below 100 marks. 

According to the CS, minimal cases of malpractice were reported with only 2 pupils out of 1.4 million candidates engaging in exam irregularities. 

One of the candidates was found in possession of a mobile phone inside an exam centre while another student was caught with unauthorised notes. 

Considering this is the last KCPE exam in Kenya's history, Machogu revealed that those who missed to sit for the examination would be given a second chance. 

Through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the candidates will sit for a special examination in January 2024. 

In this year's results, English and Kenya Sign Language were the listed as the subjects where candidates recorded the most improvement.

The CS noted that there was concern as all other subjects recorded a drop in terms of performance. 

President William Ruto issuing the KCPE and KPSEA National Examinations at the Kikuyu Township Primary School, Kiambu County on October 30, 2023.

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President William Ruto's Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has approved the suspension of six Chief Executive Officers accused of corruption.

In a statement released by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Koskei accused the six of procurement irregularities.

He also suspended an accountant at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) and directed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to take similar action against 67 police officers implicated in corruption-related malpractices. 

"The directives follow recommendations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for the suspension of the officers, who are currently under investigation," the statement read. 

President William Ruto's Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

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PCS

"The Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service emphasises that the government remains firm in its commitment to eradicating corruption which, he maintains, undermines its development agenda," State House added. 

The EACC wrote to several Cabinet Secretaries on alleged corruption in different government institutions.

Here is a summary of the suspensions as per Koskei's letter. 

According to Koseki, EACC asked Water CS Zachariah Njeru to suspend Tanathi Water Works Development Agency CEO Frederick Mwamati accused of illegally awarding a tender for the construction of a Leather Industrial Park Water Supply Project.

Labour CS Florence Bore was directed to suspend Stephen Ogenga, the Director-General of the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), for alleged procurement irregularities in the award of a tender for supplies at the authority. 

The Board of the National Museums of Kenya was asked to suspend Stanvas Ong'alo, the Acting Director-General, for alleged embezzlement of Ksh490 million through irregular payments.

Public Service CS, Moses Kuria, was directed to suspend Benjamin Kai Chilumo, the CEO of Huduma Centre Secretariat. 

"Chilumo is under investigation for corruption allegations when he served in the County Government of Kilifi as the Chief Finance Officer," Koskei alleged. 

In the Ministry of Gender under CS Aisha Jumwa, EACC recommended the suspension of Peter Gitaa Koria, Bomas of Kenya CEO, accused of illegally procuring supplies for the institution. 

Other CEOs who were suspended pending investigations were Eng. Anthony Wamukota, the General Manager of Design & Construction at Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), and Esther Wanjiru Chege, an accountant at KeRRA.

Wamukota was accused of procurement irregularities related to the construction contract of the 400KV Loiyangalani Power Project, while Chege was alleged to have failed to explain the source of her wealth. 

 "In these letters, the EACC states that the continued stay in office of the mentioned officers during the investigation will interfere with and undermine its work. 

A photo of Kenya Police Officers.

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KPS

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has released new charges for government services including the replacement of IDs after an uproar from Kenyans.

According to a Gazette notice issued on Tuesday, the replacement of IDs will cost Ksh1,000 from the previous Ksh2,000 that was gazetted two weeks ago.

In the new charges, needy Kenyans will also get a waiver during the application of IDs. However, the exact charge for the service was not indicated.

Previously, it had been proposed that Kenyans part way with Ksh1,000 during application for IDs.

A file photo of uncollected National Identity Cards (IDs) on a desk at the Kisumu Huduma Center.

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Huduma Center

Regarding the charges for passports, the prices were maintained from those gazetted weeks ago. Kenyans will pay Ksh7,500 for an ordinary 34-page passport, while the ordinary 50-page document will go for Ksh9,500. 

The ordinary 66-page travel document will be acquired at Ksh12,500. 

On the other hand, the replacement of lost passports will be done at Ksh20,000 an increase from the current Ksh12,000.

Getting an express passport will cost Ksh30,000.

"The intended revised charges, fees and levies are informed by the need for Kenya’s self-reliance in financing the National Budget, to wean the Country from unsustainable debt that poses grave threats to our sovereignty and the dignity of future generations.

"The new intended charges, fees and levies have been adjusted to accommodate views of the public already received following the publication of the revoked Gazette Notices," read the notice in part.

Further, the CS directed the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services to conduct and complete public participation for the new prices by December 10, 2023.

The new prices are set to take effect from January 1, 2024.

Kenyans queuing at the immigration offices in Nairobi (Left) and a photo of the Kenyan passport (Right).

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DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION

The Energy and Petroleum Authority (EPRA) has reduced diesel and kerosene prices while maintaining petrol prices in the latest review.

In a statement on Tuesday, the energy regulator revealed that the prices of petrol will remain unchanged for the month of November.  

Diesel, which is used mostly by manufacturers and heavy commercial vehicles, will retail at Ksh203.47, while kerosene will cost Ksh203.06 at the pump. 

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol remains unchanged while that of Diesel and Kerosene decreased by Ksh2.00 per litre," EPRA announced. 

"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."

EPRA Director-General Daniel Kiptoo (right) addresses the Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy on April 12, 2023.

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National Assembly

Motorists in Nairobi will purchase Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene at Ksh217.36, Ksh203.47 and Ksh203.06 respectively.

In Mombasa, Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will trade at Ksh214.30, Ksh200.41 and Ksh199.99 respectively.

EPRA announced that Petrol prices in Nakuru will trade at Ksh216.35, Diesel at Ksh202.88 and Kerosene at Ksh202.46.

Eldoret motorists will purchase the three commodities at Ksh217.12, Ksh203.65 and Ksh203.22 respectively.

The following areas will buy fuel as high as between Ksh220 and Ksh227 including Lokitaung, Lomut, Lodwar, Kakuma, Lokichar, Kalokol, Lokori, Lokichogio, Kibish, Nakale, Korr, Marsabit, Garissa, Isiolo, Moyale, Wajir, and Kolacha. 

The latest review comes even as Kenyans push Ruto's administration to lower the cost of living amid job cuts and freeze, which has further pushed millions into economic despair. 

Critics have called out the government for increasing the cost of fuel in the country, even as global crude prices drop to the lowest rate in months. 

A recent review by Tanzania saw the prices of petroleum products in the country drop, with local authorities attributing the decrease to lower global crude prices. 

The announcement in Tanzania came just days after Cabinet Secretary of Energy Davis Chirchir claimed that petrol could soon hit Ksh300 per litre if the Israeli war in Gaza escalates. 

The government has since backtracked, though Ruto told Kenya Kwanza leaders at a meeting in State House that his hands are tied on the issue. 

Taxes account for nearly half of the cost of petrol, and some experts have urged Parliament to cut or remove some taxes to ease the pain for millions of Kenyans. 

The opposition has also urged the Ruto administration to bring back subsidies, including on fuel, to ease the cost of living, which has been high since the new government came to power. 

President William Ruto during the official opening of the Third Session of the Inter-Governmental Negotiating Committee on Ending Plastic Pollution, United Nations Office, Nairobi on November 13, 2023.

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Several parts of the country, including Nairobi and Mombasa, are currently experiencing blackouts, Kenya Power has confirmed. 

Kenya Power told Kenyans.co.ke that it was waiting for data on the affected areas before releasing a comprehensive statement.

"We'll share an update with you as soon as the data is available," Immaculate Kubai, Corporate Communications Officer at Kenya Power, stated. 

Kenya Power technicians fixing a problem on a pole after customers' complaints in September 2022.

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KPLC

Following the uproar, the utility firm released a statement at 8:30 pm, stating that their technical team was working round the clock to restore power. 

"We have lost power supply to parts of the country. Our engineers are working to restore supply to the affected areas. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused," KPLC stated.

"An update on the restoration progress and the cause of the power outage will be issued later."

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, several residents of different areas across the country, including Nairobi, Athi River, South B, and South C, complained of experiencing blackouts.

Kenyans online also voiced their frustrations about the blackout, questioning whether the government has placed necessary interventions to address nationwide power outages.

On August 25, 2023, the country also experienced a power outage for the entire night.

Following the outage, Kenya Power board chairperson Joy Mdivo attributed the incident to power loss at Turkana power station, affecting the supply across the country.

She added that the grid is designed in a way that when a maximum of four per cent of the power is lost, other grids kick in. However, the outage exceeded the four per cent loss, causing the grid to lose power, with some substations powering back up.

Kenya Power technicians installing a transformer in Kisumu County on April 5, 2022.

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Kenya Power

The High Court has found controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie guilty of being in possession of and distributing films without a licence.

In a statement released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) on Friday, the court ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to convict Mackenzie. 

His sentencing will be scheduled after a pre-sentence report is tabled in Court.

"One Paul Mackenzie has today been found guilty of being in possession and distributing films which have not been classified and operating a filming studio without a valid filming licence. Prosecution's Joseph Mwangi proved the case," read the statement in part.

Paul Mackenzie Nthenge appears at the Malindi chief magistrates court on Monday 6, May 2019.

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Paul Mackenzie Nthenge

"The court also ordered that a pre-sentence report be filed by the Probation and Aftercare Services to capture the sentiments of the complainant, which is the Prosecution," ODPP's statement added. 

The case will be mentioned on December 1, 2023.

Mackenzie was presented before the Malindi Law Courts and charged over the matter on June 30. It was alleged that the films were used to incite students to leave school in 2019.

The controversial pastor is still being held by the police as investigations into the Shakahola Massacre continue. The prosecution applied to have Mackenzie detained for 180 more days before being charged for the deaths that occurred in Kilifi County.

High Court is yet to give a directive on the state's application after the pastor applied for an adjournment.

"The prosecution, through Assistant DPP Jami Yamina had opposed the application and asked the court not to allow any more delay in the hearing of the application by the suspects," the ODPP stated.

"He claimed that this is the third time the suspects in the Shakahola massacre case, which resulted in over 400 deaths, sought to adjourn proceeding in respect to the state's application seeking their detention pending charges."

Rescue personnel at the vast Shakahola Forest where the search of survivors and excavation of bodies linked to Paul Mackenzie's cult was carried out on April 27, 2023

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MCK

Embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has for the second time survived an impeachment motion lodged against her at the Senate.

Majority of the legislators voted against all 7 allegations leveled against her meaning that the Governor will retain her position.

"The result of the division indicate that the Senate has not upheld any of the impeachment charges. The Senate has failed to remove from office by impeachment Governor Kawira Mwangaza and the Governor accordingly continues to hold office," Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared after the Senators completed casting their votes.

The Governor who had been impeached by 59 MCAs of the Meru County Assembly was facing 7 accusations including; misappropriation and misuse of county resources, nepotism, bullying and vilification of other leaders, illegal appointments and usurpation of statuory powers, contempt of court, illegally naming a public road after her husband and contempt of the Assembly.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza follows the proceedings of her impeachment case on December 29, 2022.

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In the first charge, 19 senators supported the allegation of misappropriation and misuse of county funds, while 28 lawmakers disagreed with the substantiation of the claim.

Regarding the second charge of nepotism, 5 Senators voted in favor, whereas 45 voted against.

In the third charge of bullying and demeaning other leaders, 3 senators favored her impeachment, and 44 dissented.

Concerning the fourth charge of illegal appointments and usurpation of statutory powers, 20 Senators sided with the MCAs, while 27 disagreed.

For the fifth charge of contempt of court, 3 Senators found sufficient evidence, while 44 voted that the charge had not been substantiated.

In the charge of illegally naming a road after her husband, 4 Senators agreed that the evidence met the required threshold, while 43 disagreed.

On the final charge of Contempt of County Assembly, 10 Senators agreed that the Governor had shown contempt, whereas 37 disagreed.

The two-day-long hearing witnessed different sides table their submissions as Senators posed questions to the Governor and lawyers representing the MCAs.

Meru County MCAs through their lawyer Muthonu Thiankolu leveled the accusations against the Governor arguing that the county chief had demonstrated inability to work with other leaders leading to irreconcilable differences.

The MCAs lawyer pleaded with the Senators not to spare the Governor as she had already faced three motions calling for her impeachment.

One of the witnesses took to the stand alleging that Governor Kawira Mwangaza's husband had threatened him and ordered him not to step back into his office despite a court order allowing him to do so.

"We made several efforts to be reinstated back to our office because we were sent home unprocedurally," Paul Mwaki Arimi, the CEO of Alcoholic Drinks Control Board-Meru said.

Governor Kawira however pleaded not guilty to all the seven charges and dismissed the evidence tabled by the MCAs.

Her lawyers put up a spirited fight by tabling their evidence and lined up various witnesses to defend her.

"The issue of misappropriation of funds. We do not have any report from the Auditor General, what we have is a complaint presented to the EACC," one of her lawyers stated.

The Meru Governor accused the MCAs of being misled citing that they had already buried the hatchet in the past.

''Pressure has been mounted on Members of the County Assembly of Meru by the same leaders and they had no option apart from adopting an impeachment motion where they were forced to sign and impeach,'' Governor Kawira stated.

This was the second time the Meru Governor appeared in the Senate for an impeachment hearing after surviving a similar attempt in December 2022.

A special 11-member committee led by Kakamega Senator Bony Khalwale which was formed to investigate allegations leveled against her concluded that all the 62 accusations were unsubstantiated.

Photo of Kenya Senate

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Parliament of Kenya

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Tuesday reportedly suspended Nyambaria High School Principal Charles Onyari as centre manager for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

Nyambaria Boys High School from Nyamira County came into the limelight after topping the 2022 KCSE examination with a 10.89 mean score.

According to reports, the high school principal was suspended pending investigations on exam irregularity.

A teacher based at the school confirmed the incident while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke. The teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, declined to divulge more information on the incident. 

Photo collage of Nyambaria High School in Nyamira County.

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WILLY ABUGA

"The situation did not affect the exams. We are yet to get complete information on why the Principal was suspended. 

Earlier reports had indicated that the Principal had been taken to Nyamira Police Station to record a statement over exam materials found in the area.

Another source privy to the developments, based in Nyamira, told Kenyans.co.ke that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had declined to confirm the allegations. 

"We have been following the DCI since morning but they have refused to release a statement on the charges levelled against the Principal," he remarked.

It was also alleged that two other principals from Nyamira County had also been suspended over exam irregularities.  

On Tuesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu affirmed to the Republic that the KCSE exam would be held under the highest integrity levels.

In the 2022 KCSE exams, all the candidates scored B and above, with 383 of the candidates scoring an A-. 

At the time, the now-suspended Onyaru remarked that the positive performance was attributed to coordination between all stakeholders and local community support.

TSC and the DCI are yet to release a comprehensive statement on the suspension of the principal. 

Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu appearing before parliamentary committee on November 6, 2023

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Parliament of Kenya