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Veteran sports commentator Sean Cardovillis has passed away at his house along Rhapta Road in Westlands, Nairobi.

Close friends privy to the matter who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on condition of anonymity confirmed that a relative found him dead at his house. 

Police, who spoke to the media, said that he was found outside his house. The sports journalist has been battling a protracted illness. 

In 2022, he was admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at a city hospital, with doctors monitoring his progress. Cardovillis was later diagnosed with pneumonia, prompting his family to appeal for help to clear medical bills. 

Capital FM sports commentator Sean Cardovillis poses for a photo at the station's studios.

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Sean Cardovillis

"Sean has been hospitalized for a while now.  He is receiving professional treatment and is improving, but needs monitoring and further care," read the poster circulated by his family.

Cardovillis is among the most renowned sports presenters and personalities, with more than 20 years of experience in radio and TV.

He has previously worked for Capital FM, Standard Group PLC and Nation Media Group in the Sports category. Between 2006 and 2012, he worked for Paradise FM in the Tal FM in the Seychelles.

Throughout his career, he won accolades, including the 2007 BBC Africa Radio Award for sports and the Sport Award at the 2007 CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Awards.

The journalist has also covered international sporting events, including the London and Rio Olympics, the Cricket World Cup, the Commonwealth Games and the Africa Cup of Nations. He has also interviewed golf legend Tiger Woods twice in Dubai at the Dubai Desert Classic.

His career began in 1997 at Capital FM as a presenter and rose through the ranks to become the sports editor. After 17 years, he joined Nation as a radio sports commentator before transitioning to TV as a sports journalist.

In 2020, he confirmed leaving NTV and sought to take a break from active journalism. 

A year later, he announced a comeback to Capital FM after 18 years, presenting sports updates from Mondays to Saturdays. 

Capital FM's Sean Cardovillis poses for a photo at the station on September 2, 2023.

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Sean Cardovillis

Supreme Court has dismissed Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah's petition challenging the Court of Appeal’s ruling that lifted orders barring the implementation of the Finance Act 2023.

The Court of Appeal last month lifted a High Court order barring the implementation of the Finance Act after the Treasury argued that the country stands to lose more than half a billion in revenues daily.  

The Court's decision now means that the Treasury will continue collecting the new taxes including adjusted Valle Added Taxes and Housing Levy as contained in the Finance Act 2023 pending a determination of a separate case pending at the High Court. 

"The four sets of written submissions filed out of time by the applicants on 15th August 2023 on the Court’s online platform be and are hereby struck out," the judgment read in part. 

Lawyer and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on June 18, 2023.

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Okiya Omtatah

President William Ruto's administration plans to raise an additional Ksh211 billion from new taxes introduced in the Act and has been arguing that the suspension of the implementation of the new taxes will bring government operations to a halt.  

"The responses and/or submissions filed out of time by the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th respondents be and are hereby struck out. The applicants’ Notice of Motion dated 5th August, 2023 be and is hereby dismissed. There shall be no orders as to costs," the Supreme Court ruled. 

In their ruling, the Judges argued that suspension of the Act, just as it was observed by the Court of Appeal would have affected government operations.

Supreme Court also noted that Omtatah misapprehended an earlier ruling on a separate case that their case was based on. 

"It is important to clarify that this Court in the said decision did not pronounce itself on any exceptional or unique circumstances that would warrant it to entertain an appeal emanating from Rule 5(2)(b) as alluded by the applicants," the Judges ruled. 

"The appeal also did not arise from an order made under Rule 5(2)(b) and we reiterated the settled position that this Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain an appeal arising from the exercise of the Court of Appeal’s discretion under the said Rule."

The Judges also noted that they were guided by the principle of public interest, especially due to the fact that the matter at hand involves many people, most of whom are not parties to the case. 

"The appeal also did not arise from an order made under Rule 5(2)(b) and we reiterated the settled position that this Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain an appeal arising from exercise of the Court of Appeal’s discretion under the said Rule," the court ruled. 

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu (left) and Chief Justice Martha Koome (right) during a petition hearing at the Supreme Court on August 31, 2022

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Judiciary

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee (NEC) has kicked out its Members of Parliament who have been associating with President William Ruto. 

The opposition party has expelled MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o (Langata) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.

Speaking during expulsion, ODM Chairman John Mbadi revealed that the MPs had openly associated with and supported the activities of a rival party.

He added that the expelled MPs had also opposed lawful decisions and resolutions made by the party contrary to Article 11 of the ODM constitution.

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, and Rongo MP Paul Abuor in a press conference denouncing the planned March 20 protests on March 17, 2023.

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"The members be deemed to have resigned from the ODM and the party is hereby directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of ODM," Mbadi stated. 

During the briefing, Mbadi further announced that MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri) and Paul Abuor (Rongo) should tender an apology to the party and pay a Ksh1 million fine. 

According to Mbadi, Nyamita and Abuor appeared before the Disciplinary Committee in person and offered explanations which were considered by the committee hence the spare from expulsion.

Besides tendering a written apology to the party within 7 days, the rebel MPs will also be required to pay a Ksh1 million fine within 60 days.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was reprimanded for her outright defiance of the party position on the Finance Bill 2023.

"She should issue a written apology to the party within seven days and be fined a sum of Ksh250,000 which should be paid within 60 days," the NEC resolved. 

Four nominated Members of the County Assembly were also kicked out over gross misconduct. They include; Carolyne Opar, Kennedy Ojwang, Peter Obaso and Regina Kizito.

Despite reprimanding its members for openly associating with Kenya Kwanza, ODM noted that it supported the ongoing bipartisan talks and urged its members to send a memorandum on the issues outlined by the dialogue team before the Friday, September 8, deadline. 

President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua meet nine ODM MPs at State House on February 7, 2023.

Photo: PCS

An anti-corruption court in Nairobi has ordered the arrest of former Meru Governor Peter Munya after he failed to appear in court to testify in the Arror and Kimwarer corruption scandal.

Magistrate Eunice Nyutu ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest and present the former Agriculture Minister in court.

Initially, the court had given Munya 90 minutes to appear in court to testify, but he did not present himself.

Police officers attached to the Nairobi Area have launched a manhunt for Munya after he failed to turn up for the court hearing.

Former Agriculture CS Peter Munya speaking during Azimio presser alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua on July 30, 2022.

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ODM

Munya who is under investigation had been ordered to appear in court at 11:15 a.m. to testify in the Ksh63 billion Arror and Kimwaer dam corruption case against former Treasury CS Henry Rotich.

"I order Munya to present himself in court by 11:15 a.m. His warrant of arrest still stands," Magistrate Nyutu ordered.

While appearing before the anti-corruption court, the investigation officer Douglas Chege disclosed that DCI bosses were unable to effect the previous warrant of arrest since Munya was no where to be found. 

However, Munya's Lawyer defended the former Cabinet Secretary, noting that he was not in hiding as had been portrayed by the State. 

In response, Magistrate Nyutu declined to entertain Munya's application, and ordered the police to execute the warrant of arrest as required. 

Arror and Kimwarer dams were supposed to be completed in 2017, but their construction is yet to kick off after the tendering process was mered by alleged corrupt activities.  

Former Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) claimed that the Kenyan government had not followed proper procurement procedures when awarding the contracts, hence creating avenues for corruption. 

In 2020, the High Court ordered the prosecution of top government officials, including former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, over the scandal. 

Milimani Law Courts that hosts a number of courts within the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

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Judiciary

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has been acquitted in the Felix Orinda popularly known as DJ Evolve shooting case. 

Ruling on the matter, Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi stated that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations.

He had been charged with misuse of a firearm and conducting himself in a disorderly manner.

"Yes, it is true. He has been acquitted of charges laid against him," his lawyer Duncan Okatch told Kenyans.co.ke.

A photo collage of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (Left) and DJ Evolve (Right).

Photo/Babu Owino

The development marks a huge reprieve for the firebrand politician. The case has been a blot in his political career that has continued to go from strength to strength.

Signs that he would eventually win the case, emerged in 2020 after the victim, DJ Evolve, testified under oath that he did not see the parliamentarian at the time he was shot. 

DJ Evolve also told the court that he did not see the firearm that was used to shoot him. He also maintained that he did not see anything wrong with Babu Owino taking care of his bills since they were friends.

The DJ further told the court that he was having a conversation with Babu at a popular club in Kilimani, Nairobi, where he worked as a disc jockey moments before he was shot.

“I was injured by a bullet but I don't know from which gun. I just found myself in a vehicle to hospital," he said while insisting that he made the testimony voluntarily.

"I came to find out that Babu Owino was supporting me and as a friend I expected my friends to look after me.”

Even as DJ Evolve claimed that he did not know who shot him, Babu Owino in June 2023, revealed that he had spent Ksh53 million to offset the entertainer's medical bills since the shooting.

The Embakasi East MP claimed that he was spending an average of  Ksh70,000 per month to cater to the DJ's bills and food expenses.

Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve during a past event in Nairobi.

Photo/Lit Kenya

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from the banking fraud unit have arrested Yogesh Pattni.

The arrest of Pattni comes just a day after Jaswant Rai was abducted by unknown men in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, raising concerns over State-sponsored gangland-style kidnappings.

Sources at the DCI did not immediately provide reasons for the arrest but confirmed that the tycoon who owns a private bank was picked for questioning.

The Harvard-trained executive heads one of the largest private banks in Kenya, which serves mostly private companies and wealthy individuals. 

An image of a man in handcuffs while holding a phone.

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According to a source aware of the arrest, the CEO was taken to DCI Headquarters on Kiambu Road at about 6:00 a.m.

It was not immediately clear whether Pattni was picked up from his home or heading to work.

At the time of publication, the DCI and the National Police Service (NPS) were yet to release a public statement addressing the arrest.

The arrest is likely to cause jitters among President-Uhuru-era billionaires after the Saturday ordeal that raised more questions than answers.  

On Saturday, billionaire industrialist Rai was picked on Wood Avenue and whisked away. He was released on Sunday evening, hours after President William Ruto blamed him for the woes facing sugarcane farmers. 

Ruto's remarks at a church service in Bungoma came even as the police denied reports that they had taken Rai in for questioning. 

Rai, one of the largest sugar producers in the country, has investments in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. 

His lawyers led by Kioko Kilukumi said on Sunday that he had been blocked from sharing the details of their discussion, even as police continued to deny arresting him. 

Officers outside the Directorate of Criminal Investigation headquarters along Kiambu Road on June 13, 2022.

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DCI

Transport Cabinet Secretary has terminated the contract of Alex Gitari, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director, after inspecting the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which suffered a power outage on Friday night. 

Addressing the media after the visit, Murkomen announced that the contract of the MD was terminated by mutual consent. The decision was also reached after the CS held consultations with the KAA board.

Henry Ogoye will immediately replace Gitari but in an acting capacity.  

"By mutual consent, the contract of Mr Alex Gitari, who has been the managing director of Kenya Airports Authority, has been terminated. In his place, Henry Ogoye, who has been Head of Corporate Affairs, has been appointed as the Acting MD," he stated.

Former KAA MD Alex Gitari whose contract was terminated by Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen on August 26, 2023.

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KAA

The CS also fired  Fred Odawo, General Manager Project and Engineering Services and appointed Samwel Mwochache in his place.

In other changes,  Abel Gogo, who served as the airport manager of JKIA, was transferred to Mombasa Airport.

Selina Gor, Kisumu Airport manager, was transferred to JKIA to succeed Gogo with immediate effect.  Peter Wafula, who held the portfolio of airport manager at Mombasa, was also transferred to Kisumu.

"Further; in order to ensure that a similar incident is not replicated, it has been decided that the two generators that were procured more than two years ago be immediately commissioned."

"I have further directed the Board to work on the staff attitude, mentorship and motivation to improve productivity," Murkomen announced.

Additionally, the CS indicated that the board would effect more changes in the coming days as they move to prevent similar challenges of power blackouts from recurring.

The changes come after the international airport experienced a two-hour power outage. While there was a nationwide blackout, the generators of the airport failed to come in handy, stalling the operations of the airport.

Other than the changes effected at KAA, Parliament also summoned Davis Chirchir, Energy Cabinet Secretary and Joseph Siror, Kenya Power Chief Executive Officer over the nationwide power outage.

The duo will appear National Assembly Committee on Energy with a detailed explanation of the causes of the outage. 

A photo of a departure terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) taken on May 16, 2020.

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KAA

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered police officers to remove all roadblocks, latest by November 1.

Kindiki on Thursday, August 24, observed that the order is in line with an earlier directive issued by President William Ruto who observed that the the barricades had become conduits of corruption.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the President had expressed concerns that many motorists were losing millions as a result of the bribes they are forced to pay at roadblocks.

"The static roadblocks are less effective because people have found ways of circumventing them and evading police officers," Kindiki stated. 

A Traffic police officer attached to Kisumu Central Police Station stops an oncoming vehicle during a crackdown along Nairobi Road on January 28, 2020.

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According to the Cabinet Secretary, his ministry was moving to mobile patrols and deployment of surveillance technologies in order to deal with security challenges in the country. 

However, the roadblocks which are vital in the fight against terrorism will remain in place for the foreseable future. 

He also ordered the officers who are operating on the major highways to remain strict but to be very courteous to motorists. 

Kindiki acknowledged concerns which had been raised by motorists; including consistent harassment by police officers and exploitation of roadblocks by law enforcement officers for personal gain. 

"There specific roadblocks where we have been told that police officers are treating motorists with a lot of respect. This is a report that we have received from elected leaders," Kindiki stated. 

The Cabinet Secretary noted that there are a number of reasons why police officers might demand bribes at roadblocks. Some officers may do it simply because they are corrupt. 

Others may do it because they need the extra money. Still others may do it because they feel that they are entitled to a bribe as a way of compensating them for the risks they take in their work.

Kindiki, however, warned that whatever the reason, the practice of police officers demanding bribes is illegal and harmful. 

It undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the police and also contributes to corruption and impunity.

"We have strengthened the oversight of the police, so that there are more checks and balances in place to prevent corruption," Kindiki assured. 

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki meeting security officers at Wajir County on Wednesday, July 4, 2023.

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Ministry of Interior & National Administration

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and his wife Priscillah Oparanya have been arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DIC) following raids of their Nairobi and Kakamega homes, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) said in a statement on Wednesday. 

The former governor was then grilled by officers form the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) at the Integrity Centre in Nairobi. 

ODM, however, did not divulge further details about the case, including the reason for the arrest and whether his lawyers were already en route to seek his release. 

"Our DPL Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been arrested by officers from the DCI. Oparanya together with his wife Madam Priscillah are currently at the EACC offices at Integrity Centre," ODM said in a statement.

Left, Priscillah Oparanya, right, former Kakamega governor, Wycliffe Oparanya

Kenyans.co.ke

"No information has been given as to why they have been arrested & why they are being questioned," ODM, a party under the Azimio coalition, added. 

However, reports allege that Oparanya's second wife was also arrested and that the trio are being instigated for corruption and economic crimes committed during Oparanya's tenure as Kakamega governor.

Oparanya, who is also ODM's deputy party leader, served as Kakamega governor for two terms from 2013-2022. 

He has supported opposition chief Raila Odinga consistently, backing him even after the August 2022 election loss, which saw some leaders shift allegiance. 

This is the second time the former governor has been arrested this year. Oparanya, in July, was arrested after being accused of organising anti-government protests in Western Kenya.

On Wednesday, he was among the leaders missing as opposition politicians commemorated the 20th anniversary of the death of former Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. 

The area governor, George Natembeya, alongside Eugene Wamalwa, Kijana Wamalwa's brother and DAP-K party leader, renamed the Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Referral Hospital to the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in honour of the deceased. 

"At the late Vice President Michael Wamalwa's residence in Milimani Kitale, paying our respects before the Holy Mass. Joining the family in celebrating the life of this great leader, who steadfastly championed democracy, ensuring a level playing field in politics," Natembeya stated. 

George Wajackoyah, Roots Party leader and 2022 Presidential candidate and his Usawa kwa Wote Party counterpart Mwangi wa Iria were also present at the event. 

The timing of Oparanya's recent arrest also comes ahead of President William Ruto's Western Kenya tour from August 27-30.

Western Kenya leaders met Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, August 19, where they discussed various issues touching on development projects, reviving collapsed industries and strengthening the UDA party in the region.

The leaders from Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Busia counties were led by Cleophas Malala, UDA secretary general and former Kakamega Senator. 

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa (left) and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya (right) unveil the plaque at the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, renamed from the Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Referral Hospital on Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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George Natembeya

At least six people have died after a domestic well within a family compound caved in Kihunguro area, Kiambu County. 

The six were among seventeen people who fell into the well, prompting the wedding ceremony to be halted temporarily. 

The 17 who were heading for wedding ceremony within Kihunguro area made a stop over at a friend's residential plot, about 50 metres west of  Kihunguro police post. According to police account, the 17 started singing and dancing  before the structure collapsed.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Police Spokesperson Dr. Resila Atieno on August 19, confirmed that a few children were among those impacted by the unfortunate incident.

In a swift and coordinated effort, first responders from Kiambu County, in collaboration with the local police, successfully delivered essential emergency services and rescued some family members.

Rescuers retrieving bodies of people who died in a Kiambu well on Saturday, August 19, 2023.

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National Police Service

"Concrete that covered the water well later collapsed due to the weight of the said persons, and as a result, over 17 persons drowned," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The police stated that among those who died in the accident included two children who were going to take part in officiating the wedding.

"Responders were mobilised and 17 retrieved including 2 children who were taken to a hospital in Ruiru for medical attention. 

"Fire brigade from Ruiru and police at the site rescue in progress," a statement by the National Police Service read in parts.

At the location, police officers and health officers from Kiambu County administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to rescue those who were still alive. 

Dr Resila revealed that police officers assisted the injured and transported them to a hospital in Kiambu where they were admitted for urgent medical attention. 

The police also warned members of the public against placing too much weight on concrete wells in the future as that may cause the structures to collapse.

A collage photo of the National Police Service Spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango on her first day in office on November 7, 2022.

NPS