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Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 41-year-old suspected Al-Shabaab militia who had previously eluded police dragnet for several months.

In coordination with other intelligence agencies, the undercover sleuths apprehended the suspect near a supermarket in the Riruta area of Dagorreti, Nairobi, on Friday, August 18.  

An immediate search of his pockets and bag led to the recovery of five sachets of a white narcotic substance believed to be cocaine prompting the sleuths to interrogate him further. 

The suspect was compelled to lead the detectives to his house located behind the supermarket, where they recovered a Glock pistol loaded with six rounds of 9mm calibre, Ksh31,000 in cash and 25Kgs of 4-inch nails suspected to be used in the assembly of improvised explosives devices. 

DCI detectives on bikes during a training session on Friday, April 21, 2023

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DCI

Detectives forced their way into the house after the suspect declined to open it, conscious of the alleged incriminating evidence. 

"Upon further scrutiny of the suspect’s mobile phone, the officers discovered radicalization literature with extremist teachings, linked to the Al-Shabaab terror network," the statement read in parts.

DCI added that a preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was a hardcore convict who had served a 15-year jail sentence at Shimo La Tewa Prison in Mombasa. 

"The suspect is detained at the DCI-Anti Terror Police Unit headquarters, currently being grilled by anti-terror detectives before being arraigned in court on Monday," DCI stated. 

In recent months, there has been a resurgence in Al-Shabaab attacks in the country, prompting security officers to heighten surveillance. 

In July 2023, the group claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in the northeastern counties of Garissa and Lamu, which killed over 10 security officers.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki expressed concern over the latest operations of Al-Shabaab in the country and promised to deal firmly with the insurgents. 

Kindiki urged Kenyans of goodwill to help security personnel in availing crucial information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. 

KDF soldiers during a patrol in Kotile town on the Garissa-Lamu-Somalia border, as part of the Linda Boni operation aimed at flushing out Al-Shabaab terrorists on August 20, 2020.

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KDF Kenya

Registrar of Societies has canceled the registration of Newlife Prayer Centre and Church linked to Pastor Ezekiel Odero who was recently at the center of a money laundering and cult investigation.

Pastor Ezekiel's Kilifi-based centre is among five other churches whose registrations have been revoked, in a move to crackdown on religious institutions. 

Other churches deregistered include Helicopter of Christ Church, Theophilus Church, Kings Outreach Church and Goodnews International Ministries. 

Helicopter of Christ Church is run by Thomas Wahome. He was recently accused of grabbing Nairobi Dam land. Kings Outreach Church broke away from the umbrella churches associated with Prophet David Owuor. 

Pastor Ezekiel Odero's (insert) Mavueni Complex which was on Saturday, April 28, 2023 searched by investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

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New Life International

Goodnews International Ministries is owned by controversial Shakahola cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie, in whose church premises over 450 bodies have been exhumed. 

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 12 (1) of the Societies Act, the Registrar of Societies cancels the registration of the societies specified in the first column of the Schedule, with effect from the respective dates specified in the third column of the Schedule," Registrar of Societies Maria Nyariki.

Kenyans have complained over the proliferation of rogue churches that ride on the separation of the poor to mint billions. 

Theophilus Church has facilities in Githurai and Njatha-Ini run by Bishop John Githiri and Rev Rachael wa Kuria.

Pastor Ezekiel was arrested on April 27, and arraigned in court on accounts of conspiracy to commit crime and money laundering but he was not formally charged. 

He was released on bail on May 12. Pastor Ezekiel denied all the charges against him and has maintained that he is innocent.  

Ezekiel sued the government in July to seek compensation for the bodily, financial, reputational and emotional investigation.

In the petition filed before Justice Olga Sewe on Thursday, July 20, Pastor Ezekiel listed the Attorney General, Inspector General of Police, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Communications Authority of Kenya CEO Ezra Chiloba, Ministry of Interior and Directorate of Criminal Investigations as respondents. 

Pastor Ezekiel Odero preaching at the Kasarani stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2022.

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New Life Church

President William Ruto on Thursday August 17, nominated Renson Mulele Ingonga as next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In a memo forwarded to the National Assembly on Thursday, August 17, the Head of State noted that Ingonga is a qualified legal practitioner who will serve with honour.

Ruto, therefore, asked Members of the National Assembly to vet the nominee according to the provisions of the law. 

Ingonga was among other 30 candidates who were shortlisted for interviews which took place in Nairobi for more than one week.

Renson Mulele Ingonga, the nominee for the position of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Kenyans.co.ke

In the end, the selection panel submitted to President Ruto a list of three qualified candidates, from whom he picked Ingonga. 

Ingonga is an Assistant Director at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). He is currently the Head of North Eastern Area and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Unit at the ODPP.

He is a career prosecutor who has been serving at the prosecutions office for nearly a decade. 

He holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws degree in International Criminal Law from the University of Cape Town. He is also a certified mediator and arbitrator.

Ingonga has extensive experience in criminal law, with a particular focus on corruption and economic crimes. 

He is a passionate advocate for justice and human rights. He is committed to ensuring that the law is applied fairly and impartially, regardless of the circumstances. 

The panel underscored qualifications and experience required for the position of DPP, which include a law degree from a recognised university.

Ingonga also met the requirement of being admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and having served for at least 10 years as a professionally qualified magistrate.

As DPP, Ingonga will be the head of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which is the national prosecuting authority in Kenya. 

He will responsible for the prosecution of all criminal cases in the country, except for military cases, which are handled by the Director of Military Prosecutions.

Renson Mulele Ingonga was on Thursday August 17, nominated by President William Ruto as next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Kenyans.co.ke

Even though he will be appointed by the President upon approval by the National Assembly, Ingonga will make prosecutorial decisions independently, free from political influence or interference.

In his functions, Ingonga will take over and continue any criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by another person or authority. 

He will also discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any criminal proceedings and direct investigation and guide the conduct of criminal investigations. 

At the same time, Ingonga will handle matters relating to international relations including extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance(MLA). 

The Director of Public Prosecutions will equally advise government Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and county governments on matters pertaining to the development and application of criminal law. 

Ingonga replaces Noordin Haji wo was on June 14, appointed as the Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). 

Former DPP Noordin Haji Speaks to editors during a conference at Serena Hotel in Mombasa.

ODPP

Uasin Gishu Senator and former Governor Jackson Mandago has been arrested in Eldoret over links to the mismanagement of the Ksh1 billion Finland and Canada scholarship scandal

The former governor was picked from his Eldoret home following claims that he conspired to defraud parents in the programme that ended in tears for many parents and students.

According to reports, the Senator was quickly whisked to the Nakuru Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) office to record a statement.

This is the second time the parliamentarian is recording a statement with DCI after his grilling at the Directorate Kiambu headquarters on Thursday, August 10.

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago at EACC Integrity Centre on August 1, 2023.

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EACC

The arrest came moments after President William Ruto stated that he would not defend anyone concerned with the scholarship scam.

Police officers in a statement had announced that they had been trying to arrest the Senator since yesterday.

This was despite the lawmaker making a public statement that he had not gone into hiding and was ready to aid police officers in any investigations.

While Mandago continues to maintain his innocence in the saga, Ruto assured residents of Uasin Gishu that they would be returned the money they lost to the last coin.

"It's embarrassing for anyone to steal money meant for the education of young people in Uasin Gishu," the President stated while promising not to interfere with police investigations.

Hours before his arrest, Mandago stated that he had met with the leadership of parents demanding refunds and agreed on the way forward.

Mercy Tarus, one of the students who lost millions in the scholarship saga on Wednesday, August 16, announced that no one had been compensated yet despite Mandago's declaration.

During a live interaction with Kenyans, she exuded optimism that those who fleeced vulnerable students and their parents would be brought to book.

Mandago is being accused alongside Joseph Kipkemoi Maritim, Meshak Rono and Joshua Kipkemoi Lelei for conspiring to steal Ksh1 billion from Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund that was supposed to be used to airlift students to study oversees.

DP Ruto with Governor Mandago during the service on February 19, 2018.

PCS

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Wednesday ordered the arrest of former Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Manadgo and three other former officials linked to the Finland and Canada scholarship scandal.

Sources confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that a Nakuru court has issued an arrest warrant after the scandal that saw parents lose millions in savings in a scholarship scheme caused a public uproar, with Kenyans calling for action against former county officials. 

The officials have been in the spotlight after parents of students who were sent to foreign countries accused county officials of embezzling millions of money they fundraised for the programme.

Other top officials accused of swindling parents include Joseph Kipkemoi Maritim, Meshak Rono and Joshua Kipkemoi Lelei who served in the county unit.

Uasin Gishu parents protest embezzlement of scholarship funds on August 15, 2023.

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Eldoret News

"There is a warrant of arrest in court. Either he presents himself at the DCI or we arrest him. There is nothing else we can say on the matter," DCI boss Amin Mohamed told Kenyans.co.ke.

It is, however, not clear if the former Governor and the current sitting Senator of Uasin Gishu will honour the order for him to surrender to the police. 

Mandago's phone went off minutes after the news broke, and DCI confirmed that they were looking for him. Efforts to reach him for comment bore no fruit.  

The scholarship scandal came to light in September 2021, when parents of students who had been selected began to complain that they had not received any information while some students got stuck in Finland after failing to pay fees and accommodation. 

When they contacted the county government, the students and their parents were told that the scholarship fund had run out and that there was no money to further support the project. 

An investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) found that a total of Ksh957 million had been collected from parents for the scholarship programme. 

It was also established that only Ksh257 million had been used to pay for the student's tuition and other expenses. The remaining Ksh700 million was allegedly embezzled by county officials. 

The EACC and DCI have since recorded reports from several individuals in connection with the scandal, including Mandago, his deputy Daniel Chemno, and several county officials. 

The suspects have denied the charges.  

Many parents have narrated that they lost their life savings, and their children have been left stranded in Finland and Canada. 

A collage of Mercy Tarus during a meeting on Monday, August 7 (left) and Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago (right)

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James Gitaka/ Uasin Gishu County Government

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) released the fuel prices for the period starting Tuesday, August 15 to September 14.

In a press release dated Monday, August 14, the authority announced that the prices of Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will remain unchanged.

"Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will retail at Ksh194.68, Ksh179.67, and Ksh169.48 effective midnight in Nairobi," read part of the release.

EPRA explained that 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.

A petrol station attendant fueling a vehicle in April 2020.

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EPRA

Further, the authority revealed that to cushion Kenyans from the high fuel prices, the government opted to stabilise pump prices for the said period.

The price for Super Petrol was calculated at Ksh202.01, Diesel at Ksh183.26, and Kerosene at Ksh175.22, there the oil marketers shall be compensated Ksh7.33, Ksh3.59, and Ksh5.74 per litre respectively.

Consequently, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCS) will be compensated for the difference through the Petroleum Development Fund (PDF).

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo assured Kenyans of the continued commitment to ensuring both consumers and investors are protected from high fuel prices.

In Mombasa, motorists will part with Ksh191.62 for Super Petrol, Ksh176.63 for Diesel, and Ksh166.43 for a litre of Kerosene. Their counterparts in Nakuru will pay Ksh193.77 for Super Petrol, ksh179.14 for Diesel, and Ksh168.99.

Pump prices in Eldoret, motorists were capped at Ksh194.53, Ksh179.89, and Ksh169.75 for Petrol, diesel and Kerosene respectively.

However, in Nothern Kenya, motorists will be forced to dig deeper for fuel with prices crossing the Ksh200 mark. In Mandera, motorists will part with Ksh208.68 for Super Petrol, Ksh193.67 for Diesel, and Ksh183.49 for Kerosene.

Residents in Moyale will pay Ksh204.81, Ksh189.80, and Ksh179.60 for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene respectively. Those in Eldas will be charged Ksh206.54, Ksh191.52, and Ksh181.33 for  Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene respectively.

Other areas paying above Ksh200 for Super Petrol were Wajir (Ksh204.64), Turbi (Ksh203.10), Loyangalani (Ksh203.31), Kalacha (Ksh203.24), Maikona (Ksh202.66), North Horr (Ksh204.15), Hadado (ksh201.84), Bute (Ksh203.36), Merti (Ksh200.42), Modogashe (Ksh202.20), Elwak (Ksh206.19), Tarbaj (Ksh204.46), and Dadaab (Ksh200.65).

Others were Habaswein (Ksh202.05), Sololo (Ksh203.80), Liboi (ksh202.13), Laisamis (Ksh200.10), Kakuma (Ksh200.73), Lokitaung (Ksh202.93), Lokichogio (Ksh202.00), Kibish (Ksh203.19), Nakalale (Ksh201.92) and Marsabit (Ksh203.12).

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

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EPRA

The Court of Appeal has lifted the orders barring implementation of Finance Act 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the matter. 

In a ruling delivered on Friday, July 28, Justice Mohammed Warsame said the appeal filed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u has merit. 

"The upshot of our decision is that the application has merit and the same is allowed as prayed with the effect that the order made on July 10, 2023 suspending the Finance Act 2023, and the order prohibiting the implementation of the Finance Act 2023, be and is hereby lifted pending the hearing and determination of the appeal. Costs shall abide the outcome of the appeal," read part of the ruling. 

The State applied to have the High Court decision, which suspended the Finance Act, thrown out noting that it was unclear what would happen to operations in the three arms of government during the period when the Act remained suspended. 

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

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Okiya Omtatah

The respondents including Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u and the Attorney General's office argued that the orders would precipitate a crisis in the government in relation to revenue mobilisation and expenditure approval.

While filing its appeal, the state argued that the country would incur irreversible damage if the conservatory orders were not suspended.

In exercising his discretion, the judge observed that the court could consider suspending specific provisions whose implementation were likely to have an irreversible effect but not the entire Act. 

"Lastly, had the trial Judge considered the substantial and irreversible public interest in this matter, the court would have been hesitant to suspend the whole Act," the judge ruled. 

"In conclusion, we are persuaded that the applicants have satisfied the twin principles for the grant of the orders sought, and that, public interest tilts in favour of setting aside the conservatory orders by the trial Judge."

Justice Warsame nullified the ruling delivered by High Court Judge Mugure Thande which extended the Finance Act's suspension. While making the ruling, Justice Thande argued that Kenyans would be unfairly subjected to taxes. 

The case will now be determined by a three-judge bench consisting of David Majanja, Lawrence Mogambi and Christine Meoli.

Chief Justice Martha Koome speaking on Wednesday May 10, 2023.

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Judiciary of Kenya

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday, July 26, rejected the olive branch extended to him by President William Ruto warning that the Head of State was not sincere and could not be trusted. 

Speaking during an interview with Al Jazeera at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, Raila wondered why the Head of State opted to reach out to him via social media instead of formal channels.

"The President is not being serious. If he wanted to meet with me he would not have sent an invite through social media. 

"He knows my address and telephone number and everything. He is basically just playing games. That is like his public relations exercise," the former Prime Minister remarked.

President William Ruto (left) and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) at separate events.

PCS

ODM

The Azimio leader firmly asserted that President William Ruto had frustrated Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu's efforts to mediate between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza, despite being in the country on the government's invitation.

"I mentioned yesterday that two weeks ago, the President of Tanzania Suluhu Hassan, came here to Kenya at his invitation and she spent two days here wishing to bring us together," he reiterated.

Raila revealed that after Suluhu arrived in Kenya, she was kept waiting by the Kenya Kwanza side, which subsequently led to her returning to Tanzania. Raila indicated Azimio was willing to engage in the talks.

"If he was serious in terms of negotiations, that was the time that we would have met and started this conversation," he added. 

Raila has intensified his criticism of Ruto's purported willingness to engage in sincere discussions. He dismissed the president's move to appoint representatives for bipartisan parliamentary talks as merely cosmetic, raising doubts about Ruto's commitment to the process. 

Raila questioned why Ruto failed to pursue the bipartisan talks after Azimio withdrew from the discussions.

Raila posed that the anti-government protests were geared at waking Ruto up from his political slumber. Ruto has in the past indicated that the Kenya Kwanza government has fixed the country's economy, claims which economic experts and the opposition have dismissed.

Raila's comments came one day after Ruto, in a tweet, said he was willing to meet Raila to end the current political impasse that has caused tension in the country.

During the interview, Raila maintained he was not interested in getting a share of the government. The opposition leader though indicated he was willing to partake in serious talks for betterment of the country. 

A photo collage of President William Ruto (Left), Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu (Centre) and Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga (Right).

PCS

Azimio la Umoja Coalition has postponed its upcoming countrywide protests slated for Wednesday, July 26.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga-led coalition instead directed its supporters to light candles in honour of colleagues who lost their lives during past protests.

Azimio estimates that at least 50 deaths were recorded during the protests while hundreds of other people are still admitted to hospitals after sustaining injuries.

"Azimio has made the decision that on Wednesday, rather than go to the streets for a peaceful demonstration as earlier announced, we will hold solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country.

A photo collage of Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga (Left) and a protest in Kisumu (Right).

Kenyans.co.ke

"We are calling Kenyans to come out and light candles and lay flowers in remembrance of and respect for the victims," read the statement in part.

The opposition directed its supporters to light candles, lay flowers, say prayers, and read out the names of the individuals it claims were victims of police brutality.

"We have visited hospitals and morgues and we have established that police and hired gangs have shot and killed or wounded scores of people at close range," added the statement

The postponement came a few hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki promised to deploy police officers as early as 1:00 am to apprehend protesters caught stealing or destroying infrastructure.

The CS emphasised that the police deployment done in the previous week was a warm-up to the plans laid out for the coming protests.

"Two Wednesdays ago, we wanted to see if Kenyans can conduct peaceful protests. But three hours later, a lot of damage was done in various parts of the country and by the time we deployed police, it was too late.

"That is last week. We decided we are not going to the same criminals to do the same. We will remain firm," he told the press on Monday.

In an earlier statement read by former Murang'a County Governor Mwangi wa Iria, Azimio noted that it was ready to hold protests again but reduced the number of days from three to one.

That was after Amnesty International confirmed that over 30 people had lost their lives in the hands of the police since the protests began in March 2023.

Anti-riot Police officers clear a road that had been blocked by protesters in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

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Ma3Route

The office of Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah was raided by unknown people on the night of Friday, July 21, the veteran activist has confirmed.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone, the senator revealed that the unknown individuals ransacked the office and made away with computers and other electronics. 

He stated that despite reporting the matter to the police, no action has been taken and law enforcement is yet to find any leads. 

"I reported the incident on Saturday, July 22, but yet nothing has been done," a distraught Omtatah remarked noting it was his Busia office at Korinda that was targetted. 

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

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Okiya Omtatah

The Senator has in recent days criticised the government over some policy positions including filing a petition challenging the legality of the Finance Act.

The Act has since been suspended by the courts, saving Kenyans from tax hikes that would have seen employees' payslips shrink and buyers spend more on some commodities. 

Omtatah remarked that it was not immediately clear whether the raid was linked to his stand on Finance Act or recent policy positions on government actions. 

The first-term senator did not reveal the contents of computers and other electronics that were picked from the office, but it is likely that they contain files and communications on his work as a legislator and human rights activist.  

The break-in comes at a time when the Kenyan government has been put on the spot for a perceived clampdown on key position opposition figures and people seen as going against State's will. 

Omtatah recently told the public that he was offered up to Ksh200 million as a bribe to withdraw the petition against the Finance Act. 

"I have told them, my price is one, if you cannot govern vacate the office for those who can govern," the Senator was quoted. 

Omatatah has not publicly stated whether he has been threatened over his stand and case on the Finance Act, but on Sunday he posted on his social media pages alluding to possible threats from the government side. 

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. 1 Peter 3:14," the activist posted. 

On Thursday, July 18, Chief Justice Martha Koome appointed a three-judge bench to hear and determine the petition on the Finance Act.

A photo of the Court Bench

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The Judiciary of Kenya