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The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Sunday, May 14, released the new fuel prices for the next 30 days announcing the increase in fuel prices.

In its monthly review of the fuel prices, the authority noted that petroleum pump prices in Nairobi increased as follows: Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene by Kshs3.40 per litre, Kshs6.40 per litre and Kshs15.19 per litre respectively. 

EPRA also announced that the subsidy on Diesel and Kerosene was removed.

Thus Nairobi, petrol prices rose to Ksh182.70, Diesel increased to Ksh168.40 and Kerosene rose to Ksh161.13. 

A photo collage of President William Ruto speaking during the launch of a project in Nyandarua County on April 6. 2023 (left) and a petrol attendant about to refill a car at a petrol station on March 24, 2022 (right).

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PCS / ma3Route

In Mombasa, Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene rose to Ksh179.86, Ksh165.57 and Ksh158.30 respectively. 

Motorists in Nakuru will buy Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene at Ksh181.83, Ksh167.91 and Ksh160.65 respectively. 

In Eldoret, Petrol will sell at Ksh182.54, Diesel Ksh168.61and Kerosene at Ksh161.35. 

As per the EPRA release, some areas will buy petrol between Ksh184 to Ksh191. These areas include Meru, Chuka, Nanyuki, Mtito Andei, Kitui, Marsabit, Laisamis, Sololo, Dadaab, Elwak, Wajir, and Isiolo.

The new fuel prices released were for May 14, to June 14. 

In the last EPRA review between April 14 and May 14, the price of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene remained unchanged.

EPRA noted that the move was because the petroleum products had been subsidised to cushion Kenyans from high prices.

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price of Super Petrol, diesel, and kerosene remain unchanged," EPRA announced in the statement.

As a result, Nairobi motorists paid Ksh179.30 for super petrol, Ksh162.00 for diesel, and ksh145.94 for kerosene per litre.

A petrol station attendant fueling a vehicle in April 2020.

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EPRA

The announcement came in the backdrop of Kenya receiving petroleum products in a new deal with a Saudi Arabian company and a Dubai-based company to supply oil to the country for a period of six months.

Government purchased oil at the same price on credit and remit in Kenyan shillings as a way of reducing the strain on the supply of the dollar.

The first fuel consignment under the new deal worth Ksh20 billion landed in the country in April 2023, with the latest consignment received on May 11, 2023.

“Two tanker vessels  Nan Lin Wan and Proteus Jessica docked at the New  Kipevu Oil Terminal with 100,000 metric tons of diesel and 85,979 metric tons of petrol respectively,” Kenya Ports Authority noted.

Jubilee Party, on Friday, May 5, applied to deregister the East African Legislative Assembly (MP) Kanini Kega and Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege from the political outfit. 

In a four-page letter, the Jubilee Party requested Registrar Of Political Parties Ann Nderitu to consider striking out the names of Kega and Sabina since they were in violation of the Constitution. 

The Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's led party decided to terminate the membership of the two after they attempted to oust the Party Leader. 

Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni copied Kega and Sabina in the letter, informing them that their conducts were unattainable within the Jubilee Party. 

A photo collage of Jubilee Party SG Jeremiah Kioni speaking at an event on January 3, 2023 (left) and Kanini Kega speaking to the media on March 16, 2023(right).

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Jubilee Party / Kanini Kega

"This is to notify you that Honourable Kanini Kega has pursuant to Section 14 of the political parties Act No. 1 of 2011 as read together with Article 6 of the Jubilee Party Constitution ceased from being a member of the Jubilee party," Kioni stated. 

Kioni informed Kega that he was sent away for perpetual promoting of the ideologies, interests and policies of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its affiliates. 

Jubilee Party noted that Kega's actions amounted to a violation of the law since their party did not have any coalition agreement with the UDA Party. 

"Honourable Kanini Kega has contravened the party's constitution and code of conduct by purporting to dislodge and/or overthrow the Jubilee Party leader herein being His Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta without following the due process as established under the Jubilee Constitution. 

The outfit also claimed that Kanini Kega had contravened the Jubilee Party Constitution by usurping the powers of the National Delegate Conference by conferring the Honourable Sabina Wanjiru Chege the position of Acting Party Leader.

"Kanini Kega has contravened the Jubilee's Party Constitution by conferring unto himself the position of the Secretary-General without following the due process as laid down under the Jubilee Party Constitution," read part of the statement. 

The same allegations were also levelled against Sabina Chege, who on Thursday, May 4, claimed to be the substantive Leader of the Jubilee Party in an acting capacity.

"Honourable Sabina Wanjiru Chege has violated the Jubilee Party Constitution by usurping the powers of the National Delegates Conference by creating a non-existing position of the 'Acting Party Leader' a preserve of the National Delegates Conference," read part of the letter. 

Kioni further accused Sabina of misleading the public and the Kenya National Assembly that she was the Acting Party Leader. 

Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege speaking during a workshop on Tuesday April 25, 2023.

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Sabina Chege

Jubilee Fails to Dewhip Sabina Chege 

On Thursday, May 4, National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, announced that Azimio La Umoja was justified in dewhipping Sabina Chege as deputy minority whip, but erred while tabling her ouster motion.

Wetangula stated that Jubilee and Azimio failed to list Sabina Chege's immediate replacement. He thus offered the minority side 30 days to rectify their blunder. 

On the ouster of Uhuru as Jubilee party and subsequent replacement with Sabina Chege, Wetangula argued that he could not rule on the matter as it was outside his jurisdiction.

Kega, he stated, wrote a letter to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties seeking clarification on the changes. The ORPP, he added, was constitutionally mandated to address the matter. 

UPDATE: President William Ruto eulogised Mukami as a steadfast patriot and well-known champion for national unity who inspired many Kenyans.

Ruto stated that Mukami bore the scars of war along with other Mau Mau freedom fighters to reclaim Kenya's independence.

"After winning the war for independence, Mama Mukami was left behind to fend and win the struggle to provide for her children in the absence of Field Marshall Kimathi. In her characteristic way, she also won this war," Ruto stated.

Mukami Kimathi, the widow of freedom fighter, Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, is dead.

DP Rigathi Gachagua interacts with Mukami Kimathi (far right) at a hospital in Nairobi on January 15, 2023.

DPPS

Her daughter, Evelyn Kimathi Wangui, on Friday, May 5, confirmed her demise while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke. Wangui stated that her mother passed away on Thursday night, May 4. 

The 101-year-old widow was declared dead while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi after developing breathing difficulties.

"Yes, she is dead, and Kenyans are impatient. They have been calling all night to confirm the news. We are awaiting the president to announce since yesterday night.

"We were promised that he would announce. Kindly let him do so to calm the anxiety," an overwhelmed Wangui told Kenyans.co.ke. 

Mukami was among the Mau Mau freedom fighters detained at the  Kamiti Maximum Prison during the struggle for independence.

She was instrumental in the push that helped Kenya regain its independence from the colonialists. 

Mukami was key in successfully planning tribal dances, targeting young men and women. At this time, most men had taken refuge in the forest, or detention camps. 

Before her demise, Mukami had received financial aid from President William Ruto's administration, which helped her clear a Ksh1.3 million hospital bill.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua revealed the financial aid after visiting her at a hospital in Nairobi.

"Thank you, President William Ruto, for coming through for Mukami Kimathi and her family. You are a true and genuine friend of our people," the DP wrote.

In her past media interview, she pleaded with the government to help her retrace Dedan Kimathi and give him a befitting sendoff.

A collage of President William Ruto (left) and Dedan Kimathi's widow Mukami Kimathi (right).

PCS

Controversial pastor Ezekiel Odero was released on Ksh 1.5 million bail.

On Thursday, May 4, the court ruled that he could also pay an alternative Ksh 3 million bond.

Pastor Ezekiel was also barred from making comments in public about the Shakahola massacre while investigations are ongoing. The court further ordered him to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) once a week. 

"Parties will be at liberty to apply for the closure of this file once the investigations are complete," the judge at Shanzu Law Courts ruled. 

Criminal lawyers, Danstan Omari (left) and Cliff Ombeta address the media, on Saturday, April 29, after they were hired to represent Pastor Ezekiel Odera in court

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Cliff Ombeta

His lawyers, Cliff Ombeta and Danstan Omari had pleaded with the court to reject the application by the police seeking to detain him for 30 more days. 

Police, on May 2, were directed to hold him for two days, pending a hearing on May 4. 

On Wednesday, May 3, the Court ordered the Inspector General of Police, IG Koome, to reopen Pastor Ezekiel's New Life Prayer Centre church. 

The Church was closed, on Thursday, April 27, after police arrested the deacon, charging him with terrorism, and indoctrination of the faithful and was also linked to the Shakahola massacre.  

Prior to the court ruling, police conducted a seven-hour search at the controversial pastor's home and church in Mavueni, Kilifi County, with his lawyer, Omari, claiming that they couldn't find any evidence. 

"They spent more than seven hours looking for graves that might have been dug within the compound, but there was none," Omari stated. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations did not release a statement to corroborate Omari's claims, raising questions on contempt of court.

Earlier on, Omari had admitted to Ezekiel's church recording 15 deaths, which he argued were reported at police stations, with occurrence books (OB) numbers available as evidence. 

Deacons and Ezekiel's followers, led by Maximum Miracle Centre's Bishop Pius Muiru, camped outside Shanzu Court, demanding his release. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, also spoke on the Shakahola massacre, urging the police to crack down on controversial pastor, Paul Mackenzie, alone than other deacons. 

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki (centre) addresses the media with government pathologist Johansen Oduor (right) looking on in Malindi District Hospital in Kilifi County on May 1, 2023.

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Ministry of Interior and National Administration

Pastor Ezekiel was accused of being an accomplice of Mackenzie, alleged to be the mastermind behind the Sahakhola massacre.

Police also unveiled a Ksh3 million financial transaction between the two, with Ezekiel stated to have purchased a television station from Mackenzie. The TV was sold at Ksh500,000.

“If Paul Mackenzie is a criminal, he should be treated as an individual. Even his family should not be part of his crime. Paul Mackenzie is not the church. He has said he is not a pastor, but he is Mr Paul," Pastor Dorcas stated on Thursday, April 27, at an event celebrating widows in Kibra, Nairobi. 

"The case in Kilifi showed that, like any other segment of society, even the church has some wrong people. But we cannot condemn the entire church because of the activities of two or three pastors," his husband, DP Gachagua, added at a meeting with multi-sectoral leaders. 

Crackdown on Churches 

On Sunday, April 30, President William Ruto announced that measures were being implemented to crack the whip on rogue pastors in conjunction with spiritual leaders. 

"I will consult all religious leaders in the country to have a task force to weed out the characters who want to abuse religion or run businesses and do anti-religion things in Kenya," he warned during a church service at Makutano Stadium in Kapenguria, West Pokot County. 

Pastor Ezekiel of New Life Prayer Centre and Second Lady, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, at a crusade at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, in November 2022.

DPPS

Azimio la Umoja Coalition, headed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on Wednesday, May 3, suspended its countrywide protests scheduled for Thursday, May 4.

In a statement, the coalition noted that the decision was arrived at after a meeting encompassing its leadership following an earlier decision by Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan Committee to drop Eldas MP Adan Keynan from its line-up.

"This evening, the leadership of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party met and agreed to once more suspend the mass protests that we had earlier scheduled to continue tomorrow.

"The coalition took this step following the decision by Kenya Kwanza to accede to one of our demands that informed the resumption of mass action," read the statement in part.

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga addressing supporters in Murang'a County on April 20, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

Instead, the coalition invited its Bipartisan team for a meeting to strategise its approach before the next round of negotiations kick off.

"Instead of holding the protests, we have summoned our seven-member delegation to the bipartisan committee for fresh instructions to inform further engagement with the Kenya Kwanza side," added the Committee.

The coalition, however, reiterated that t might be compelled to return to the streets should its counterparts show the 'slightest indication of lack of goodwill and honesty.'

Earlier, the coalition, which held a series of protests across major towns of Nairobi and Kisumu on Monday, had expressed its willingness to return to the table if Keynan recused himself from the opponent's team.

The opposition faulted the ruling coalition for selecting the Eldas MP claiming that he was legally associated with the opposition due to his ties with Jubilee Party whose ticket he used to run for election.

Heeding to Azimio's demands, Kenya Kwanza, which had earlier defended its choice for Keynan, announced in a Wednesday evening press statement that it had engaged the lawmaker who agreed to take a step back from the negotiations.

Saku MP Diddo Raso was appointed to take his place.

"We have consulted with Hon Keynan and the Coalition's top leadership and the Hon Adan Wehliye Keynan has graciously agreed, in the country's greater interest, to recuse himself from the bi-partisan committee.

"We have nominated the Saku MP Dido Rasso to replace the Hon. Adan Keynan in the Bipartisan Committee," a statement signed by the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah read in part.

Part of Azimio's demands in the bipartisan talk is for the ruling party to lower the cost of living and provide access to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers for the verification of the August 2022 Presidential Election.

Tharaka MP George Murugara (left), Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale (centre) and Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri (right) during a meeting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

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Esther Okenyuri

Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege on Tuesday, May 2, was appointed Jubilee Party's acting leader to replace former President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

Speaking outside Jubilee party offices, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega, allied to President William Ruto, affirmed the appointment in his capacity as Secretary-General. 

However, his position as secretary general is in a contest, as he has been fighting for the role with Jeremiah Kioni, allied to Uhuru. Both Kioni and Kega refer to themselves as Jubilee secretary generals. 

The appointment was part of the resolutions made during a meeting with the party officials. He added that a National Delegates Conference (NDC) convened by Uhuru was unconstitutional.

Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege speaking during a workshop on Tuesday April 25, 2023.

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Sabina Chege

"We have 28 members, and today we held a meeting comprising 22 members with 3 apologies; hence our side is the majority. Hence, we resolved that the upcoming meeting constituted by Uhuru goes against our party's Constitution. 

"According to the Constitution, a retired president should not be involved in politics six months after leaving office. From the time he left office, his time lapsed in March 2023.

Kega confirmed that he still served as the Secretary-General, according to the resolutions made in the meeting. 

"Uhuru ceased from being the Jubilee party leader; hence he cannot run any party affairs. The statement he delegated concerning the meeting convention is null and void based on the Constitution. According to the party constitution, as the Secretary-General, I ought to be the one convening such a meeting.

"The NEC Committee resolved that Sabina will serve as the acting party leader until the time we convene a National Delegates Convention (NDC) where we will select the leader who will run the party moving forward," he pointed out. 

Kega questioned why Uhuru would invite Jubilee party officials, whom he claimed were suspended pending internal dispute resolutions. 

"The purported NEC meeting was not issued by the Secretary-General as required by the party constitution. It did not have a quorum as it had seven members as provided under Article 23 of the party constitution, three of whom are suspended pending the internal dispute resolution process. The three are Kioni, Murathe (party vice-chair) and Kagwe Gichohi (National Treasurer)," he stated. 

The legislator also dispelled reports of resignations from party officials presented to the Registrar of Political Parties - arguing that they were fake. 

Part of the resolutions involved suspending the notice Uhuru issued about an upcoming NDC meeting on May 22, 2023. 

Kega accused Uhuru of misconduct and referred his case to the national disciplinary committee for further action. 

He added that the party would issue a notice convening an NDC pursuant to resolutions of NEC dated February 10, 2023. 

The former president had convened a meeting to review, formulate and approve Jubilee party policies and also receive a status report from the National Executive Committee. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) and Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni (left) at the Jubilee Party Headquarters on April 26, 2023.

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Jubilee Party

President William Ruto on Sunday, April 30, read the riot act on religious leaders who propagated false teachings following the Shakahola massacre which saw over 100 bodies exhumed. 

Speaking during a church service at Makutano Stadium in Kapenguria, West Pokot County, Ruto affirmed that a framework was being developed in conjunction with spiritual leaders to tame unscrupulous pastors.

"I will consult all religious leaders in the country to have a task force to weed out the characters who want to abuse religion or to run businesses anddo things that are anti-religion in Kenya.

"We want to provide a framework agreed upon with our religious leaders. A framework that will provide for self-regulation so that churches and spiritual leaders can have a mechanism where they can point to government those who want to abuse religion for other purposes," the Head of State announced.

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

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Paul Mackenzie Nthenge

In addition, he pointed out that he will form a Judicial Commission of Inquiry in a week's time to investigate the Shakahola massacre.

"We are Christians who believe in God. There are those who use religion to destroy other people and also other destructive means. 

"To ensure that what happened in Shakahola will never happen again, we are forming a Judicial Commission of Inquiry so that we can get to the bottom of what really happened in Shakahola with (pastor Paul) Mackenzie and all his collaborators," he stated. 

The president also affirmed that the new move would coincide with the transfer of all commissioners based in Kilifi County. 

"Recently, we transferred all commissioners who slacked on their jobs including the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID). 

"So this week, I will appoint the commission so that what happened at Shakahola doesn't happen again," he assured.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Friday, April 28, reshuffled police bosses in Kilifi County to pave the way for investigations into the deadly cult.

"We will replace them with their colleagues from elsewhere so that we can show the public that what we are doing is for the good of the country and for the good of justice," Kindiki announced.

The death toll from the massacre stands at 110 as of Sunday, April 30, while 32 people were rescued from the forest. 

Pastor Paul Mackenzie at his church in Kilifi County.

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Paul Mackenzie

President William Ruto on Friday, April 28, promoted Lieutenant General Francis Omondi Ogolla to General and serve as the Chief of the Defence Forces.

Ogolla takes over the position from Robert Kibochi who retires after 44 years.

"His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, pursuant to Section 9 (2). (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today promoted Lieutenant General Francis Omondi Ogolla to the rank of General and appointed him Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF).

"General Francis Omondi Ogolla replaces General Robert Kariuki Kibochi whose term of service has honorably come to an end after 44 years of an illustrious military career," read the statement in part.

General Francis Omondi Ogolla and the Chief of the Defence Forces

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KDF

Ogolla will be deputised by Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi who assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) previously held by Ogolla.

Ruto also promoted Major General Said Farah to take over Mwangi's job as the Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University, Kenya.

The changes were made by the President on the advice of the Defence Council chaired by Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence.

Other Promotions & Appointments

Major General David Kimaiyo Tarus was named the deputy Commander Kenya Army while Major General William Karisa Shume will serve as the General Officer of Border Security Command (GOC BSC).

Brigadier David Kipkemboi Keter was promoted to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L) while Brigadier Stephen James Mutuku was promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff (Army) National Defence College.

Brigadier John Maison Nkoimo, on the other hand, rose to the position of Major General and was appointed Commandant of the Joint Command Staff College (JCSC) while Brigadier Abdulkadier Mohammed Buhe was promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Military Intelligence (DMI).

Ruto promoted Brigadier Paul Owour Otieno to Major General and appointed him Managing Director Kenya Shipyards Limited and Colonel Anthony Rotich was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of the Military Intelligence Corps.

Finally, Colonel Alfred Mwihuri Gitonga was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Director National Military Coordination Center.

Ogolla is a trained fighter pilot and an instructor pilot with the United States Airforce (USAF).

He holds a diploma in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict and Peace Studies (First Class Honors), and a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

President William Ruto and KDF bosses at State House Nairobi in February 2023.

PCS

Chief Justice Martha Koome, on Thursday, April 27, launched investigations on all Judiciary staff who handled controversial pastor, Paul Mackenzie's court cases. 

Koome, as the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), stated that the commission was examining the records to establish whether there was any misconduct on the part of Judicial Officers and staff who handled the matter.

"The Judicial Service Commission is charged with handling disciplinary issues and the leadership of the Judiciary. The Judiciary reaffirms its commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law in the administration of justice," she stated. 

"The judiciary offers deep sympathy to the families, relatives, and friends of victims affected by the unraveling mass deaths, sufferings, and injuries at the Shakahola village in Kilifi County," read part of the statement.

Pastor Paul Mackenzie at his church in Kilifi County.

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Paul Mackenzie

Judiciary listed the several cases involving the controversial pastor, detailing his release.

In one of the cases reported in 2017, Mackenzie was charged with offering basic education in an unregistered institution contrary to Section 76(1)(2) and Section 92(a) of the Basic Education Act. 

He was released after a plea bargain with the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). 

Mackenzie was subsequently charged with radicalisation, failing to take his kids to compulsory primary and secondary education.

Notably, most often, the pastor was released on a cash bail of up to Ksh1 million.

In 2019, Mackenzie was flagged by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for airing unauthorised content on his TV station.

His recent arrest unearthed at least 103 bodies buried on his vast 800 acres of land in Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.

He was accused of encouraging his followers to fast to meet 'Jesus'. He allegedly told the believers that their time on earth had ended and they should surrender their possessions to meet the Messiah. 

His case attracted global attention, with President William Ruto comparing his acts to a terrorist hiding behind religion.

The DPP, Noordin Haji, and Interior CS, Kithure Kindiki, preferred the following charges against Mackenzie; terrorism, radicalisation and aiding individuals to kill themselves. 

A photo collage of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki (left) and controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie (Right).

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Ministry of Interior and National Administration