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Detectives drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday arrested four men suspected of carrying out the Ksh94 million heist in Nairobi CBD.

The money was from the weekend sales of a supermarket and was meant to be taken to a local bank in the Nairobi CBD.  

A suspect, identified as the owner of the vehicle used in the heist, was arrested in Rongai, while the vehicle itself was traced to Njiru in Kayole. 

In Njiru, two additional suspects were taken into custody as they attempted to modify the vehicle to conceal its identity, according to a police report.

A picture of a Kenyan counting money

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AJ Kenyan Safaris

The investigative efforts were expanded to the vicinity of Thika Road Mall (TRM) in Kasarani, leading to the apprehension of a fourth suspect at his rented residence. 

During this operation, the police successfully recovered Ksh9.1 million from the total amount of Ksh94 million that had been stolen.

Moreover, a significant development in the case occurred when an empty cash box was discovered in the forest adjacent to Gataka market in Karen. This location is believed to be where the stolen cash was shared among the suspects.

"All the scenes have been processed by the Crime Scene and Investigation (CSI) Nairobi Region," read part of the police report. 

According to detectives from Capitol Hill Police Station, efforts are underway to recover the remaining stolen cash.  

The arrests come after 2 security firm employees hit national headlines after they stole the Ksh94 million and disappeared before the truck was recovered at Dafarm in South C, where they had abandoned their vehicle.

According to police reports, the two fled with the cash after they were tasked by the company to transport the money. Administration Police (AP) who were supposed to escort them raised the alarm after they failed to show up. 

In Kenya, security firms provide cash transit services to banks and businesses engaged in substantial financial transactions. 

As part of these services, a security escort is typically provided to ensure the safe transport and protection of the cash in transit.

Police officer disembarking from a vehicle.

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NPS

President William Ruto on Tuesday, convened the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi to discuss key development agenda. 

During the meeting, Ruto appreciated Kenya Kwanza legislators for passing the Finance Act which is helping the government raise revenue to finance its budget. 

The parliamentarians were also commended for passing four laws to anchor the Universal Health Care Programme as well as making key amendments to the Privatisation Act. 

During the meeting, Ruto further explored upcoming Bills with the elected leaders in the ruling coalition.

Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group during a crisis meeting at State House, Nairobi on November 7, 2023.

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Oliver Mathenge

These include among others; bills on conflict of interest, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism financing, new regulations on public debt management, and the petition on sending Kenyan mission to Haiti.

National Assembly budget committee chair Ndindi Nyoro speaking during an interview with Ghetto Radio added that the President also discussed the rising cost of fuel.

"The economy is heading in the right direction and we are doing our best. Fuel prices will not rise to the predicted levels," Nyoro revealed.

On Monday, Chirchir told the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) that fuel prices could escalate if the current Israel war in Gaza persists, which prompted loud outcries.

"I read an article in the Financial Times the other day that because of the Hamas and Israeli War, the international prices could go up to USD150 (per barrel) and that would literally mean our products going to a high of Ksh300 at the pump," CS Chirchir told National Dialogue Committee.

The comments came out even as the Central Bank of Kenyan (CBK) noted that global crude prices have dropped, with neighbouring Tanzania reducing their pump prices.

Nyoro defended Chirchir stating that the Energy CS was misquoted by the media. 

The Kiharu MP stated that Chirchir had meant that fuel prices would rise only if the current international climate remained constant. 

Nyoro also claimed that Kenya Kwanza inherited a crumbling economy and it would be impossible to reduce prices of all commodities at once. 

The legislator noted that Ruto's administration in the short term will seek to reduce prices of basic commodities and products like Unga and fuel.

Ruto and his allies have been blaming Uhuru for failing to turn around the economy, one year into office. 

The crisis meeting comes ahead of a review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) of fuel prices on November 14. 

Currently, fuel prices are retailing at a historic high of Ksh217.36 and Ksh205.47 for super petrol and diesel respectively. 

A person fueling a vehicle.

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Kenyan wallstreet

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared Monday, November 13, a public holiday.

In a special gazette notice, the CS announced that the day will be set aside as the national tree growing day for the ongoing short rains season, during which the Ministry of Environment has set a target of nurturing 500 million seedlings.

"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Monday, 13th November, 2023, a public holiday in which the public shall be engaged in tree growing countrywide," read part of the notice.

According to the CS, the exercise will be part of the of the Kenya's Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration-Towards the Growing of 15 billion trees.

President William Ruto participates in tree-planting exercise at Ngong’ Hills Forest, Kajiado County, in December 2022.

PCS

Kindiki revealed that there will be a designated national venue for the planting exercise.

President William Ruto is expected to preside over the special event.

Additionally, other venues shall be announced in the 47 counties to be presided over by Cabinet Secretaries and Governors.

The government is banking on the general public to participate to make the event a success.

President Ruto has been at the forefront of calling for an increase in the country's forest cover, encouraging more Kenyans to plant trees.

The exercise is also meant to mitigate against the effects of climate change.

Ruto had earlier urged those who were part of the Kazi Mtaani to take up roles in the initiative to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.

"For the first time, I found out that we had to pray before we plant trees. We have always tried to plant trees in Kenya and our success has been mixed because we did not have the element of prayer. Now that we do, I am very confident that we will succeed in our plan to plant 15 billion trees in the next 10 years," he stated in May.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto planting a tree at the Groove of Nations at Jerusalem Forest on May 9, 2023.

PCS

A driver on Monday disappeared with Ksh94 million which he had been tasked to move to a local bank in the Central Business District (CBD).

The driver was with the firm's crew commander and the money was meant to be dispatched to a supermarket outlet in Nairobi.

According to reports, the incident happened at 6.00 a.m. 

The duo dumped the vehicle that they had used to collect money from the security firm's vault before disappearing. 

A picture of a Kenyan counting money

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AJ Kenyan Safaris

Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle was dumped in Nairobi's South C estate before the suspects vanished.

Detectives who rushed to the scene found the abandoned vehicle with no trace of the cash.

According to the police, the heist was pre-planned since the suspects sneaked out of the firm's headquarters without a police escort as per the norm. 

The Administration Police (AP) officers who were meant to escort them were the first to raise the alarm. 

After the AP officers raised the alarm, the investigation manager for the firm reported the matter to Akila Police Station in Lang'ata. 

The case has since been taken up by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

At the time of reporting, the security firm had not issued a statement following the heist. 

Security firms offer cash-in-transit services to banks and businesses that handle outsized transactions. APs offer escort services to secure the money.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters located along Kiambu Road, Kiambu County

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DCI

Members of the Meru County Assembly have voted to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

59 members present in the house voted in favour of the impeachment. No MCA opposed or abstained.

''It is now my pleasure to announce at this juncture, the ayes have it and the motion is passed and the Governor stands impeached by the County Assembly of Meru,'' the Assembly Speaker pronounced.

The embattled Meru Governor faced seven serious charges, including gross misconduct, misappropriation of County funds, usurping the law and the Constitution, nepotism, bullying, contempt of court, and naming a public road after her husband without following the stipulated process.

Meru County Assembly Majority Leader Evans Mawira addresses the media at the local police station after appearing before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Friday, October 21, 2022

Daily Nation

A motion of impeachment was tabled by the Majority Leader Evans Mawira of Mitunguu Ward which up to the day of the vote had the support of 57 MCAs who had appended their signatures.

The MCAs backing the motion retreated on Monday, October 23 to write a report after conducting a public participation exercise as required by the law.

Kawira had the backing of the Council of Governors (CoG) but faced opposition from various politicians and interested parties.

These include; Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Lenturi, and members of the Njuri Ncheke 

The Governor had earlier on made an attempt to stop her impeachment through the Court of Appeal in Nyeri which however declined to issue orders to stop the proceedings.

Mwangaza who was not present in the house was represented by a battalion of seven lawyers led by Danstan Omari.

She had earlier in a statement asked Kenyans to pray for her ahead of the proceedings.

"Please pray for our County of Meru. Please pray for me, pray for justice," she said.

This is the second time the embattled Meru Governor has been ousted after surviving a similar impeachment in December last year which however was quashed by the Senate.

An overwhelming 67 MCAs voted in support of the motion on grounds of abuse of office barely three months after being elected into office.

A special committee consisting of 11 senators chaired by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale when reading a report said that the 62 allegations leveled against her were unsubstantiated.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza takes the stand to respond to questions during the hearing of her impeachment motion at the Senate on December 28, 2022.

Kanini Joan

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has upheld a decision by Azimio Members of Parliament to strip off Nominated MP Sabina Chege her role as Deputy Minority Whip.

In a ruling made on October 25, Speaker Wetangula confirmed her dismissal from the parliamentary role.

Chege has been replaced with Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje.

“Currently there is no bar against the decision made by the minority party to replace its whip. In this regard, Mark Mwenje replaces Sabina Chege as the Deputy Whip of the Minority party,” Wetang'ula ruled.

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Parliament of Kenya

Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi had written to Speaker Moses Wetangula communicating the decision by Azimio to remove Chege as Deputy Minority Whip, a decision that was vehemently opposed by Jubilee MPs.

Sabina Chege got the backing of Kenya Kwanza and Jubilee MPs while ODM and Wiper lawmakers affiliated to Azimio insisted on her ejection following communication from Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi.

Wetangula had clarified that the request seeking the removal of the Nominated MP as the Deputy Minority Whip would be fair and based on the rule of law.

Azimio Coalition accused the Nominated MP of defying official party position on numerous occasions and unapologetically associating with Kenya Kwanza.

The ruling also follows complaints by Opiyo Wandayi questioning the delays in replacing Chege with the opposition coalition alleging foul play.

“We are giving a notice that if the court orders issued on 9th October are not affected by the Speaker for Hon Mark Mwenje to be the Deputy Minority Whip then it will not be business as usual. This joke has dragged on for too long and it must come to an end,” Wandayi said at the time.

Sabina Chege had moved to court to stop her removal from the Deputy Minority Whip role.

The resolution to replace Chege had been backed by 130 Azimio members, including party leaders.

Azimio MPs walking out of the chambers on June 15 2023.

Kenyans.co.ke

Ezra Chiloba has resigned as the director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) over allegations of graft and abuse of office.

CA, on Thursday, stated that the board of directors accepted his resignation letter, even as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission launched investigations following the allegations. 

"On behalf of the Authority, I wish the outgoing Director General success in his future endeavours and appreciate his invaluable contribution to the organization and the wider ICT sector,' said the CA Board Chairperson Mary Wambui.

Entrance to Communications Authority of Kenya.

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CA

Chiloba served as the CA Director General for two years, having been appointed in October 2021. However, the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO was recently suspended over graft allegations. 

The suspension was ratified by the board in mid-September this year. 

Chiloba was replaced by Christopher Wambua in an acting capacity, cutting short his term just two years into the job.

Other officials who were sent home alongside Chiloba included the Human Resources, Legal Services, Internal Auditor, and Finance directors. 

The employees were accused of misappropriating approximately Ksh662 million in the staff mortgage, causing the communications regulator to incur losses worth millions.

An investigation conducted by the Special Board Audit and Risk Committee further uncovered glaring gaps in the authority's funds. 

The committee alleged that Chiloba bought a house and seven acres of land, more than the required one-acre limit set by the Civil Servants Housing Scheme. 

"Management should hold those responsible to account and recover the liabilities within the next 30 days,” the committee recommended.

Former Communications Authority of Keya (CA) Director General Ezra Chiloba,.jpg

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Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has released fuel prices that will take effect from October 15 to November 14.

In the latest review, Super Petrol was increased by Ksh5.72, from Ksh211.64 to Ksh217.36. 

Diesel, on the other hand, was increased to Ksh205.47 from Ksh200.99, while Kerosene was increased to Ksh203.06 from the current Ksh202.61 per litre.

"Taking into account the weighted average cost of imported refined petroleum products, the changes in the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol, Diesel & Kerosene increases by Ksh5.72, Ksh4.48 & Ksh2.45 per litre respectively.

A photo of a petrol attendant fueling a car on February 2020.

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Ma3Route

"In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will now retail at Ksh217.36, Ksh205.47 & Ksh205.06 effective midnight for the next 30 days," read the statement in part.

In Mombasa, a litre of Super Petrol will retail at Ksh214.3, Diesel will go for Ksh202.41 while Kerosene will be sold at Ksh201.99. 

On the other hand, Super Petrol prices in Kisumu were set at Ksh217.12, Diesel at Ksh205.64 and Kerosene at Ksh205.22. 

Nakuru residents will purchase Super Petrol at Ksh216.35. Diesel and Kerosene prices were set at Ksh204.88 and Ksh204.56 respectively. In Eldoret, the prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene were set at Ksh217.12, Ksh205.65 and Ksh202.22 respectively. 

Notably, Mandera motorists were the most affected in the latest review with a litre of Super Petrol hitting Ksh231.36. A litre of Diesel in the northern Kenya county will be sold at Ksh219.47 while the price of Kerosene was put at Ksh219.06.  

The authority explained that the increase was occasioned by the increase in landed costs.

The Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) has also been factored into October price calculations. According to EPRA, Super Petrol was to increase Ksh8 should have the prices not be subsidised.

"From the calculations, Super Petrol had been projected to increase by Ksh8.79/litre, Diesel by Ksh16.12/litre and Kerosene by Ksh12.05/litre," EPRA added.

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo during a meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 26, 2023

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EPRA

President William Ruto has ordered the Ministry of Land to revoke titles of land that have not been developed in Athi River for over 10 years. 

Speaking at the launch of Square Pharmaceuticals Kenya at the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Athi River, Ruto stated that speculators who have been holding land without developing should be kicked out and the parcels transferred to EPZ. 

Ruto also ordered that part of the land that was grabbed from the East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) and which the court directed be returned to the company should also be transferred to the EPZ.

He noted that about 1,000 acres should be transferred from EAPCC to EPZ to enable the government's efforts to expand the facility. 

President William Ruto speaking at the launch of the Amazon Web Services Development Centre in Nairobi on October 4, 2023.

PCS

The directive will likely face opposition from squatters who have engaged the cement factory for years in a protracted legal battle. 

"I have given clear instructions to the management here that all speculators, people who have held titles to pieces of land for 10, 15, 20, 30 years without developing them, should be revoked so that we can give it to people who want to use this facility," he ordered.  

"I am informed that we now have an extra 250 acres of land that were originally occupied by speculators and we can bring additional pieces of land, additional space into the manufacturing space here in EPZ, Athi River."

"We have now been cleared by the courts on the land that is adjacent to EPZ that belong to Portland Cement. My instructions are we will take either 1,000 or 1,500 of that land and make it part of EPZ so that we can create more space for more companies to set camp in Kenya."

He added that the government is working round the clock to establish Special Economic Zones Thika, Eldoret, Busia, and Nakuru in the first phase. Through this, investors can capitalise by setting up companies in the areas, thus benefitting from the project. 

"I implore companies setting up camp in Kenya to look at the opportunities that exist in the East African community where we have close to 400 million people and to look at the opportunities in COMESA and look at combined opportunities in the Continent."

The President also assured investors that the water shortage experienced in Athi River would be solved by completing the construction of the Northern Collector Tunnel. 

"It was brought to my attention that the residents are facing challenges in accessing water so I have given orders to the Ministry of Water to ensure the Northern Collector Tunnel engaged in its construction is completed. We are at the tail end and working on a dedicated pipeline to Athi River so that residents and companies have access to support manufacturing in this space," he noted. 

Workers at the EPZ factory in Athi River on December 6, 2017.

Courtesy

A UK military jet has intercepted Kenya Airways KQ100 plane in London after detecting a potential threat. 

Reports indicate the plane which departed the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning was to land at London Heathrow and diverted to London Stansted Airport.

In response to the interception, KQ stated that it received an alert of a potential security threat on board KQ100 operating from Nairobi to London Heathrow.

"KQ management, in conjunction with the security authorities of the Government of Kenya and the United Kingdom, carried out a thorough risk assessment of the threat. 

Emergency vehicles at the London Stansted Airport where a Kenyan Plane was intercepted on October 12, 2023.

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Plane Audits

"The crew onboard were briefed, and all safety and security precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our crew and passengers on board. The aircraft landed safely at Stansted airport, London, for security clearance by UK government security personnel," KQ stated in a press release shared on its social media pages. 

KQ maintained that it prioritises the safety of its crew and customers. 

UK's Daily Mail was the first to report the incident, with reports indicating heavy police presence at the Stansted Airport. 

Section of the UK media also reported that a bomb squad were also at the scene.

"Queues are beginning to form at Stansted as flights are being held due to this developing incident. No official confirmation yet, but nothing is going in or out of Stansted at this time," read the aviation news site Aviation Source report.

According to Essex Police, they also confirmed the incident, maintaining that they were attending to the security concern.

"We are currently attending an incident at Stansted Airport. A flight travelling from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to Stansted this afternoon. The airport remains open." the police stated.

Authorities are yet to give details of their investigations into the security threat.

KQ plane intercepted by UK military parked at the Stansted Airport in London on October 12, 2023.

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Plane Audit

Emergency vehicles at the London Stansted Airport on October 12, 2023.

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Plane Audits