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The impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been upheld.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye, while delivering his judgment on Friday, March 14, upheld the Senate’s decision, which affirmed her impeachment by the Meru County Assembly over gross misconduct, abuse of office, and gross violation of the Constitution.

While delivering his ruling, Mwamuye noted that the Senate had acted in accordance with the Constitution during Mwangaza's impeachment process.

While agreeing with the Senate, he dismissed Mwangaza's petition that claimed that the process was marred by chaos, ruling that she had failed to substantiate those allegations.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the High Court during a court session on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Kalonzo Musyoka

"The petitioner has not shown that the Senate’s analysis of the applicable law and evidence was so profoundly incorrect that no reasonable quasi-judicial body properly applying its mind to the law and the facts would have arrived at that conclusion, thus warranting interference by this court,” Mwamuye ruled.

With this judgment, the judge effectively sealed the fate of Mwangaza, who has been in and out of court since her impeachment, battling to hold on to her seat.

Even so, Mwangaza could still appeal the decision at the higher courts in an effort to salvage her political career.

Before judgment day, Mwangaza had exuded confidence that the courts would rule in her favour as she fired a warning shot at her critics. The first-time governor attributed her current woes to leaders in the Meru County government who, she claimed, were afraid of facing her in the political arena.

Furthermore, she stated that she would put her hat in the ring for the upcoming 2027 General Election, but this now appears to be in jeopardy.

In the wake of her impeachment, Meru Deputy Governor Rev. Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia is expected to take over as Meru Governor for the remainder of Mwangaza's term.

As per the Constitution of Kenya 2010, this provision is critical in ensuring there is no vacuum in such an important position as governor, thereby maintaining stability in county leadership.

The judgement came after Mwamuye had issued conservatory orders in December 2024, extending Mwangaza’s stay in office for 120 days.

A photo collage of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and the Senate building in Nairobi.

Kawira Mwangaza, Senate

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) work together.

The agreement was announced on Friday afternoon at an event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi and attended by several high-profile leaders, including politicians from Kenya Kwanza-affiliated parties and the ODM party.

Among the key agreements reached between the two leaders are the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing youth unemployment, and the implementation of the two-third gender rule.

Secondly, Ruto and Raila also agreed to enhance inclusivity among Kenyans regardless of their religion and political affiliations. According to the leaders, enhancing inclusivity would improve opportunities for all Kenyans, especially public appointments.

President William Ruto (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signing a Memorandum of Understanding at KICC in Nairobi on Friday, March 7, 2025.

PCS

In the MoU read by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, jointly with his UDA counterpart Hassan Omar, Raila and Ruto also committed to promote leadership and integrity by curbing the opulence of leaders and providing a legal framework to address conflicts of interest within government institutions.

The two leaders also signed an agreement to protect and promote the rule of law and uphold constitutionalism.

Further, in the deal, the government also committed to exercising the right to peaceful assembly, and compensation of all pending claims of rights victims.

The Head of State and the former Prime Minister also signed an agreement for the immediate audit of the country's national debt, detailing how each debt taken by Kenya was used.

Additionally, Raila and Ruto agreed to end corruption in the country and stop wastage of public resources, particularly by leaders within the government.

Under the broad-based government, the duo also heeded to protect devolution as provided by the 2010 Constitution, which allowed the establishment of the 47 Counties.

To ensure seamless collaboration, the two leaders agreed to hold frequent consultations on pressing issues of interest to Kenyans and engage necessary expertise to address critical matters of national interest.

The latest development comes a day after the former prime minister concluded his two-week consultative tour across the country as he sought Kenyans' input on his next political move.

President William Ruto (centre) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the KICC during the signing of the Memorandum of Undertsnading on Friday, March 7, 2025.

PCS

Pope Francis is dead. The Vatican News has confirmed.

The head of the Catholic Church died on Easter Monday, April 21, after battling double pneumonia for over one month. 

"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta," Vatican News said in a tweet.

According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, the Pope passed away at 7:35am on Monday, April 21.

A photo of Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Photo

Vatican Pool

The  Camerlengo, who is tasked with communicating the death of the Pope, said, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Adding, “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The 88-year-old was hospitalised at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 and remained bedridden for over a month. He was initially admitted for bronchitis, which subsequently developed into bilateral pneumonia.

His condition became critical, with episodes of acute respiratory failure requiring interventions such as bronchoscopies to clear mucus buildup and the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

He was released from the hospital on March 23rd, 2025, after a five-week stay. He made his first public appearance from the hospital window, offering a blessing before being discharged. 

On Sunday, he met with US Vice President JD Vance in what was his first high-profile meeting since his hospitalisation.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, has been the head of the Catholic Church since 2013.

The Pope has long struggled with respiratory issues due to a lung infection he suffered as a teenager, which led to part of one lung being removed. In recent years, he has experienced recurring respiratory infections, including bronchitis, which required hospitalisation in 2023.

The Pope also has chronic knee problems, particularly in his right knee, which have affected his mobility. He often uses a wheelchair or cane due to knee pain, reportedly caused by osteoarthritis. He declined surgery, opting instead for physiotherapy and pain management.

In 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery to remove part of his colon due to diverticulitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the colon. He was hospitalised again in 2023 for abdominal surgery to treat a hernia.

As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, he has focused on social justice, environmental issues, and church reform.

Known for his humility and progressive views, he has advocated for migrants, criticised economic inequality, and pushed for greater inclusion within the Church.

His papacy has also faced challenges, including internal resistance to reforms and ongoing debates over Church doctrine on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and celibacy.

Sections of the Nairobi National Park are on fire. 

The blaze comes barely a week after an inferno broke out at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) last Friday night. 

According to various videos and images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the inferno can be spotted near the Mlolongo area. The pictures show a huge blaze of red and yellow flames, with black smoke. 

At the moment, it is unclear how much of the park is burning and how far the fire has spread. Unverified reports indicate the blaze began as a small bushfire but has quickly spread. 

A wide angle of the fire at the Nairobi National Park, February 28, 2025.

Photo

Franklin Saint, X

In the video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the fire starts near the Standard Gauge Railway line and is spreading quickly. 

Authorities have yet to issue any statements about the fire. However, a group calling itself 'Friends of the Nairobi National Park' says firefighters from the Kenya Wildlife Service are on the scene. 

The cause of the fire is unknown.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) warned that the dry nature of most forests and grasslands makes them vulnerable to bushfires. 

In its statement on Thursday, KFS suspended all burning of vegetation adjacent to or within forest reserves due to the increasing rate of forest fires in the country.

KFS stated that individuals intending to burn vegetation near forests must provide a written notice to KFS or the police at least two days in advance for approval.

"Since January 2025, significant fires have been reported in Isiolo, Garissa, and coastal ecosystems. Notably, there has been an exponential increase in forest fire incidents over the past week," KFS said.

"KFS is actively collaborating with the Community Forest Association, the public, the Kenya Wildlife Service, national and county government agencies, other government agencies, and conservation partners in the ongoing fire suppression efforts," it added.

A screengrab of a fire engine fighting the fire, Friday, February 21, 2025.

Photo

Okumu Modachi

The High Court in Nairobi has barred the Judicial Service Commission from considering petitions to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome and her colleagues at the Supreme Court, offering temporary relief for the besieged head of the Judiciary. 

Justice Lawrence Mugambi made the ruling on Friday, February 21, just two days after a Narok court issued similar orders. 

The orders stem from a petition filed by Justice Njoki Ndung’u asking the court to stop the petition seeking the removal of the seven Supreme Court judges.

"That a conservatory order is hereby issued staying and/or suspending JSC Petition No. 35 of 2024—Dari Limited & 5 others vs Hon. Chief Justice Karambu Koome & 6 Others and JSC Petition No. 3 of 2025 Nelson Havi vs Hon. Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome & 6 Others pending the hearing and determination of this Application inter partes,” Justice Mugambi ruled.

Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu at the Supreme Court on September 1, 2022.

The Judiciary of Kenya

This is the first of several rulings expected soon following a petition by the former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi and others seeking the ouster of the seven judges in the highest court on the land.

Havi on January 13 filed a petition seeking the removal of CJ Koome and the entire seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court. That is Koome, her deputy Philomena Mwilu, and justices Mohamed Ibrahim, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko.

The petition, submitted to the JSC, alleged gross misconduct and misbehaviour by the judges. Havi's grievances include the Supreme Court's decision to bar lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi and his law firm from appearing before the court, a ban issued in January last year.

In response, the JSC requested that the implicated judges provide their responses to the allegations. This started a legal fight between judges and their employer, JSC.

On Friday, Koome, Mwilu, and Ndung’u sued the JSC, arguing that the Commission had no authority to review the decisions and/or judges of the Apex Court.

In her petition seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Koome argued that the Supreme Court has the ultimate authority over JSC and not the other way round. The head of the judiciary added that JSC entertaining the petition seeking the removal of Supreme Court judges is a 'mockery of the justice system.'

“Indeed, it is the Supreme Court that has the ultimate authority over the 1st Respondent (JSC) on matters of removal of Judges of Superior Courts,” she said.

The legal battle took shape on Wednesday when the High Court in Narok issued orders quashing a petition demanding the Supreme Court judges submit responses to remove them from office.

JSC had asked the seven Supreme Court judges to file their responses to the petition seeking their ouster.

Justice Charles Kariuki directed the commission to withdraw its directive asking CJ Koome and the other judges to respond to three petitions or any others.

However, the case seems to be set to continue on various fronts. The petition before Justice Mugambi will be mentioned again on Wednesday, March 5.

Magistrates pose in front of the Supreme court Judges on December 7, 2022.

Photo

Judicial Service Commission

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has died while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi Hospital.

His demise comes hardly a week after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital after undergoing treatment for several days at his home. 

The reports of his death were confirmed by Chebukati's family member who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on Friday morning. 

While reports of his illness went viral on social media platforms, the cause of his death is yet to be established with sources privy to the information remaining private on the matter.

Former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati on January 2023

Photo

IEBC

Before his demise, Chebukati served as the IEBC chairperson for six years until 2023, when he retired. During his tenure, he presided over the 2017 and 2022 elections.

Born on December 22, 1961, Chebukati attended Lenana High School in Nairobi County before joining the University of Nairobi (UoN) to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Law.

In addition to his Bachelor's degree in Law, Chebukati also obtained a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

As a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Chebukati came into the limelight in 2007 when he vied for the Saboti Member of Parliament seat.

However, despite contesting on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, the former IEBC chairperson lost the election to Eugene Wamalwa, who ran on a Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket.

Following his loss, Chebukati resigned from ODM and later applied for the position of IEBC chairperson, to which he was nominated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In 1990, Chebukati married his wife, Mary Chebukati, and they were blessed with three children: two sons, Jonathan and Emmanuel, and a daughter, Rachael.

As of 2022, Chebukati's net worth was estimated at Ksh120 million, while his gross salary as IEBC chairperson was approximately Ksh900,000.

Former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati delivers a keynote presentation in Lisbon Portugal on November 15, 2023.

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Wafula Chebukati

All hospitals under the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) announced on Thursday, February 20, that they will withhold treatment for patients under the Social Health Authority (SHA) starting Monday, February 24.

While making the announcement, the heads of RUPHA also announced that their hospitals will stop treatment for select civil servants using insurance backed by government institutions starting Monday.

“We will stop providing medical services (to some civil servants) using the government insurance from Monday,” announced Rev Joseph Kariuki, Deputy Chairperson, RUPHA.

According to RUPHA, the move was necessitated by the state's failure to pay for services done in the last year. In their statement, the body said the govt which covers the civil servants has forced them to take unexplained discounts, failed to pay hospitals for over 11 months, and favoured its own clinics in an uncompetitive and unethical manner.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki inspecting a half guard of honour by the police during the takeover of Kenya Prisons Service Wanini Kireri Magereza Level 4 Hospital, Ruiru in May 2024.

Kithure Kindiki

"It follows months of failed engagements, unfulfilled promises, and growing financial distress among hospitals, which now threatens the very survival of healthcare institutions across Kenya," RUPHA said in a statement.

According to RUPHA, this is the last result to force the government to improve the services being offered under SHA. Their demands include a settlement of Ksh30 billion owed to the hospitals accumulated under the old National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) since 2017.

RUPHA says that despite the government's promise to clear the debt, it will not continue services unless there is a clear plan for making the payments. 

The body says its members have had their hospitals auctioned, lost employees, and, as a result, some specialists have refused to offer services. Doctors are now saying they will not treat patients without paying cash.

The hospitals are also demanding that the government review the Global Budget Capitation being used for outpatients. Global budget capitation is a healthcare payment model where providers receive a fixed, predetermined amount to cover all necessary services for a specific population over a set period. 

This approach aims to control costs, promote efficient resource use, and enhance care quality by incentivising providers to focus on preventive measures and effective management of chronic conditions. According to the medics, the government has placed a capitation of Ksh900 which translates to about Ksh75 per person, per month.

"This model is a direct threat to patient safety, forcing hospitals into cost-cutting measures that will compromise the quality of healthcare. We refuse to put Kenyan lives at risk," RUPHA noted.

RUPHA wants the capitation reviewed and changed, ensuring fair and timely payments under the MAKL scheme, preventing further exploitation of hospitals, and settling the NHIF pending bills.

"We urge Parliament, civil society, and professional bodies to support urgent reforms that will protect the healthcare system from complete collapse," the body said.

From Left: Teachers Service Commission (TSC) boss Nancy Macharia, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu and KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori.

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TSC Kenya

Baringo Senator William Cheptumo has passed away. He was aged 57 years old.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed the senator's demise to the media on Sunday, February 16. Reports indicated that the senator had been hospitalised in Nairobi prior to his passing.

Kenyans.co.ke has since learnt that the senator passed away on the on Sunday morning while receiving treatment. 

In one of Cheptumo's last social media posts, the Senator wished Raila the best in the African Union Chairperson elections.

The late William Cheptumo during a past function.

Daily Nation

The cause of his death is yet to be made public. 

Shortly after the news broke, President William Ruto mourned him as a progressive leader who was dedicated to public service.

"Senator William Cheptumo was a progressive leader who was dedicated to public service. He was vocal, hardworking, and a tireless champion for the transformation of Baringo," the Head of State eulogised.

"The Cheptumo family, friends, and the people of Baringo County are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, Mheshimiwa."

Before securing his maiden Senate seat in the 2022 General elections, Cheptumo served as  Baringo North Member of Parliament for 14 years.

To sections in the greater Rift Valley, the 57-year-old was famously known as the person who ended the Moi regime in Baringo, after flooring Gideon Moi in the 2022 polls, garnering 141,777 votes, to Moi's  71,408. 

In terms of his credentials, Cheptumo had an impressive CV, with extensive experience in law and governance. Between 1988 and 1991, he studied at the University of Nairobi where he attained a degree in Law.

His first venture into politics saw him take the legal route, working as the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (1993–1995) before proceeding to work at the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (1993–1995).

The 57-year-old also founded his own law firm - Cheptumo and Company Advocates -  which was active from 1998 to 2007.

His stint in government also saw him work as an executive in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs between 2008 and 2013.

The late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo

Photo

William K Cheptumo

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been eliminated in his bid to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). This ends his quest to become Africa's top boss.

In the vote conducted on Saturday, February 15, Raila was narrowly eliminated from his bid to replace Moussa Faki in the sixth round. This is the second loss for Kenya at the regional body.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti has been voted the seventh African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson since its establishment in 2002. The other candidate, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, finished last.

He won the elections in the seventh round after Raila was eliminated. Youssouf garnered 33 votes to clinch the seat for the next four years.

An aerial shot of delegates during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State & Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

PCS

Youssouf sought to replace Moussa Faki, who served for two terms. Youssouf will serve for a term of four years, with the possibility of re-election for one additional term for a maximum of two terms or eight years in total.

Before the elections, Raila’s campaign team had indicated he had support from at least 21 countries. However, he took an early lead, garnering 20 votes in the hotly contested election, before making it through to the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds.

Backed by President William Ruto, Raila campaigned through the continent and accompanied the head of state on various foreign trips where other African leaders were invited to drum up support. Before the elections, Raila’s campaign team had indicated he had support from at least 21 countries.

How the election was done

In round three, Raila dropped to second with 20 votes, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf won the round with 23 votes, and Richard Randriamandrato dropped out of the race with 5 votes.

Round four was no different, with Youssouf winning with 25 votes, Raila had 21 votes, one spoilt vote reported, and two abstentions.

The fifth round offered hope for Raila, and he earned 21 votes, with Youssouf gaining one more to 26 votes. No spoilt votes were reported, but there were two abstentions.

In what became the last blow for Raila, the sixth round, Youssouf once again took the lead with 26 votes, with Raila jumping to 22. This was not enough to keep Raila in the race. 

Under the African Union Commission election rules, a candidate is withdrawn from the race if neither candidate obtains the majority required. The candidate with fewer votes is withdrawn, and the remaining candidate proceeds to the next round. 

This is the second time Kenya has lost its bid to lead the continent. In 2017, Kenya’s Amina Mohamed garnered 16 votes in the first round against Moussa Faki’s 14. The remaining votes were split among the other candidates.

Faki was elected in the seventh round with 38 votes, surpassing the required threshold. Kenya struggled to secure support from its EAC neighbours, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi.

President William Ruto shares a light moment with fellow dignitaries ahead of the African Union Chairperson election in the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

PCS

The Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Friday, February 14, announced the prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene remained unchanged for the next month.

“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum prices for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene remain unchanged,” EPRA noted.

As a result, prices of Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will continue to retail at Ksh176.58, Ksh167.06, and Ksh151.39 respectively. This is constant with the fuel prices since the previous fuel review by the regulatory body.

"The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020," EPRA stated.

A photo of a petrol station attendant pumping fuel into a car in Nairobi County in February 2020.

Photo

Ma3Route

 EPRA noted that the calculated maximum retail prices for petroleum products would be in force for the next 30 days from Saturday, February 15 to March 14.

Despite the fuel prices remaining stable, the regulatory body informed that the average landing cost of imported of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene all increased. 

"The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 2.80% from $611.69 per cubic metre in December 2024 to $628.80 per cubic metre in January 2025; Diesel increased by 4.20% from $644.10 per cubic metre to $671.14 per cubic metre while Kerosene increased by 4.89% from $649.64 per cubic metre to $681.44 per cubic metre over the same period," EPRA noted.

The fuel prices around several major cities and towns across are set to vary with Nairobi retaining the standard retail fuel price.

In Mombasa, prices of Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will retail at Ksh173.34, Ksh163.82, and Ksh148.15 respectively. 

Fuel prices of Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene in Kisumu will retail at Ksh176.62, Ksh167.44 and Ksh158.82 respectively. 

Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene in Eldoret will retail at Ksh176.62, Ksh167.45, and Ksh151.82 respectively. In Nakuru, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene are priced at Ksh175.80, Ksh166.63 and Ksh151.01 respectively.

The latest fuel prices come as a bit of a surprise after EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo warned of an increase in fuel prices in the upcoming review.

Kiptoo, while speaking to Citizen TV on Wednesday, February 12, revealed that the price increase would have been due to a surge in global crude oil prices in January.

“We did have a bit of a spike in international prices sometime in early January, and it's because of certain geopolitical factors. Some sanctions were put on Russian products by the outgoing US administration, but those sanctions have not been lifted,” stated Kiptoo.

In January, global oil prices experienced a notable surge. Brent crude futures climbed to a four-month high of $81 per barrel (about Ksh10,465 in the current exchange rates) by mid-month, marking an increase of approximately $8 (about Ksh1,033 in the current exchange rates) from the previous month.

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo speaking in February 2024

EPRA