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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

Azimio La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza's bipartisan team, on Tuesday, April 25, suspended their dialogue over a stalemate.

In a statement issued by Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo, Azimio indicated that it had failed to reach a consensus with Kenya Kwanza on removing MPs Adan Keynan (Eldas) and David Pkosing (Pokot South).

According to Amollo, who spoke at a hotel in Nairobi, the two teams had three options only, either or both Keynan (Kenya Kwanza) and Pkosing (Azimio) can choose to withdraw from the team.

The second option was for each party to withdraw their objection to Keynan and Pkosing and allow the two to continue being members of the bipartisan team.

Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo during a committee meeting on April 14, 2023.

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Otiende Amollo

The last option was Azimio party leader, Raila Odinga, and President William Ruto, choosing to withdraw any of the two MPs on their own accord. 

"Until then, we have hit a stalemate and chose to suspend these talks until such time as there may be consensus or position changes," Amollo stated. 

"Adan Keynan, who defected to Kenya Kwanza, is not a Jubilee member. He is in Azimio Coalition - as a vice chair deputising Wycliffe Oparanya (former Kakamega governor). We have not had an issue of principle on Pkosing. He is a member of the Kenya Union Party (KUP), which signed a preelection agreement with Azimio," the MP added. 

He further argued that KUP, led by former West Pokot governor, John Krop Lanyangapuo, in April 2023, stated that it was about to make a move towards withdrawal.

"To date, no agreement to withdraw from Azimio. Pkosing is the deputy leader and has not made any indication to move. He is also the deputy treasurer in Azimio.

"This shows that the Pkosing issue was made as an afterthought to appear as if we are on the same pedestal with the grievance we raised on Keynan's issue. It's a basis of intention, not reality," he added. 

Kenya Kwanza responding to Azimio, noted that they had agreed to accommodate demands made by the side, including the listing of a secretariat led by lawyer Paul Mwangi.

Further, the Kenya Kwanza side noted that they had agreed to engage their principals regarding the inclusion of Adan Keynan.

To address the standoff, Kenya Kwanza proposed a separate meeting between former President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, together with the bipartisan chairs, to iron out some of the issues raised. 

"On the part of Kenya Kwanza, we have agreed that we require further consultations with the principles of the coalitions so that we are able to move forward," Tharaka Member of Parliament George Gitonga stated.

"Therefore, as we adjourn today, it is open for Otiende Amollo and myselt (Gitonga) to meet President Ruto and also meet the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a co-principal so that we can give them a report," he added.

He added that for the talks to continue, both principles (Raila and Ruto) could decide to withdraw their objections on Keynan and Pkosing, allowing them to participate in the bipartisan talks.

According to Tharaka MP, that would be a win-win situation for both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza. 

Another option presented by Kenya Kwanza was to allow Raila and Ruto to withdraw Keynan and Pkosing, allowing the talks to proceed without them.

"The third option we have is that both members sit down and evaluate themselves and make voluntary resignations," Gitonga insisted.

"The coalition principles can either decide to nominate another person or leave the numbers as they are," he added.

Gitonga, however, vowed to give a progress report on Friday, April 28, after meeting Ruto and Raila.

President William Ruto presiding over the pass-out parade of Kenya Prisons Cadets at Prison Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu on Monday, April 24, 2023.

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PCS

The High Court, on Tuesday, April 25, directed the former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to file an agreement for the withdrawal of the charges over an alleged raid at his Karen home. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Matiang'i's lawyer Danstan Omari confirmed that the former CS would immediately adhere to the court directive. 

"We will sign an adoption of the directives," Omari stated. 

DPP Noordin Haji had, on Wednesday, March 13, applied to withdraw the case citing insufficient evidence. 

Ex-Interior CS, Fred Matiang'i waves to the crowd after being released on Tuesday, March 7, after being grilled at DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road

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Danstan Omari

He further tasked the DCI to provide tangible evidence against Matiang'i and his lawyer Omari. 

“Upon independent and thorough analysis of the evidence availed and a review of the statements of the witnesses, the DPP found that the evidence provided was insufficient to sustain the above charges against Matiang'i and Omari.

"The evidence provided did not meet the ingredients needed to prove each of the afore-mentioned offences as required by law,” Haji stated back then. 

DCI had sought to prosecute Matiang'i and Omari over conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 393 of the Penal Code and Publication of false information contrary to section 23 of the Computer and Misuse and Cybercrime Act No. 5 of 2018. 

This stemmed from an incident on Wednesday, February 8, where Omari accused security officers of raiding his client's home in a witchhunt.

The police vehemently denied the accusations, and on Tuesday, March 7, Matiang'i was grilled for hours by DCI to ascertain the truth behind the alleged raid. 

At the time, Omari revealed that the DCI officers refused to prepare a charge sheet but attempted to take a mug shot of the former Interior CS.

Although Matiang'i has been conspicuously missing in opposition rallies, Azimio Leader Raila Odinga led a protest at DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road, demanding his release.

With the new court ruling and Omari agreeing to the High Court's request, the case will be officially closed without Matiang'i being arraigned.

A photo of city lawyer Danstan Omari during a press conference outside Milimani Law Courts on February 23, 2023.

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Danstan Omari

A Truce With Ruto?

Prior to the DPP applying to withdraw the case, Matiangi met Education CS, Ezekiel Machogu, at a hotel in Nairobi, with analysts speculating a truce between the former Interior CS and President William Ruto. 

Other Gusii leaders and Ruto's allies attended the meeting in a bid to unite the Gusii nation.

The meeting between Matiang'i and the Education CS also coincided with President William Ruto's visit to Kisii and Nyamira counties on Thursday, March 23.

Azimio la Umoja Coalition on Friday, April 14, wrote to the International Criminal Court (ICC) based at the Hague, Netherlands, demanding an inquiry into the political situation in Kenya.

In a letter penned by lawyer Paul Mwangi, who is former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's lawyer, Azimio accused President William Ruto of disdain for the Constitution and Laws of Kenya as well as contempt for democracy and its institutions.

Mwangi listed nine issues for which he sought ICC's intervention to restore order in the country.

In the letter, Azimio accused Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome of forming a rogue police unit to target its supporters during demonstrations.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his lawyer Paul Mwangi heading to a meeting on April 7, 2022.

Photo/Paul Mwangi

"The squads are reported to be dressed in plain clothes to operate outside the normal command structure and to take direction directly from select commanders appointed for that purpose by Japheth Koome," the letter read in part.

Azimio also informed the international court that IG Koome abrogated the Constitution by banning public demonstrations. They further accused the police boss of usurping the Judiciary's powers.

Moreover, Mwangi accused IG Koome of threatening to inflict physical injuries on Azimio supporters during anti-government protests.

According to the letter, nine people died following the demonstrations and over 10 others were injured.

The issue of the attempted assassination of Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga was also featured in the letter. Mwangi noted that law enforcement officers fired 10 rounds of ammunition at his car around the Pipeline area of Embakasi South Constituency on Monday, April 3.

"A report of the attack was made the next day and a complaint lodged the same day but no action was taken," the letter stated.

Raid on Northlands Farm in Ruiru, Kiambu County, associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and destruction of property at East Africa Spectre Limited, belonging to the family of Raila, was also included in the letter.

Raila's lawyer also mentioned eight journalists who were allegedly attacked during the anti-government protests.

Azimio further dragged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua into the suit, arguing that he had delegitimised Azimio members.

"This communication states that there exists a deliberate policy by the Kenya Kwanza coalition leadership both within and outside government to alienate members of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition party from Kenya’s economic and political life and to execute physical attacks on any members of the Azimio coalition who expresses any dissent there to which are intended to or in any case prevent the said members from enjoying human rights and fundamental freedoms recognised under International Law," the letter further read.

They asked the international court to intervene over the listed issues.

Azimio la Umoja leadership, led by Raila Odinga (Centre) during a meeting at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Kenyans.co.ke

President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza parliamentary group on Tuesday, April 11, nominated Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale to lead the faction in the bipartisan talks. 

Other members included in the list of seven were Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan, Tharaka MP George Murugara, nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri and Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

The other two were Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika and Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei.

Ruto's faction maintained its commitment to ensuring that the issues raised by the faction were adequately addressed by the committee.

Kenya Kwanza MPs holding a Parliamentary Group meeting at State House Nairobi on April 11, 2023.

PCS

"The Parliamentary Group agreed with the President on a Parliamentary bipartisan approach in resolving such matters.

"We agreed with the President on the need to govern the country with the constitution and the rule of law," read the statement in part.

The seven Kenya Kwanza lawmakers are set to engage with their Azimio colleagues on the issues raised by both factions including the recruitment of commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

Azimio had already appointed a team of seven to represent them in the 14-member committee.

Senators Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Ledama Ole Kina (Narok) and Enock Wambua (Kitui) were included in the Azimio list.

The other Azimio representatives were from the National Assembly and included Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David Pkosing (Pokot South) and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).

"The joint committee should recommend measures to lower the cost of unga, fuel, electricity and school fees and conduct a review and forensic audit of the servers used by the IEBC before, during, and after the 2022 presidential election," Azimio's statement read in part.

Dates for the engagements between the two sides are yet to be made public even as reports indicated that the team would begin their mandate immediately.

Former Prime Minister speaking during Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting in Athi River, Machakos County on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

UPDATE Saturday, April 8: Azimio party leader Raila Odinga sent his condolence message to the victims' families.

"I offer my deepest sympathies to all those who have lost their loved ones, friends, and colleagues in the tragic accident that occurred this morning at the boda boda stage in Migori town,"  Raila stated.

"May God grant you all fortitude to get through this difficult moment," he added.

At least 9 people were killed and others injured in a grisly accident after a lorry lost control and rammed into a boda boda parking spot in Migori County on the Migori-Isibiania road on Saturday morning, April 8.

Residents gathered near the grisly incident in Migori County on Saturday morning April 8, 2023

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Collins Mwanga

Eyewitnesses who spoke with Kenyans.co.ke confirmed that the driver was among the victims who suffered critical injuries. 

The lorry was said to have crashed near Migori Primary School after the driver failed to control its speed outside the CBD. 

"We saw the lorry speeding into town, and it crashed passers-by, motorists, and boda boda riders as it went down the hill. 

"It then rammed into a lorry with sand, forcing it to stop. If the lorry without sand weren't in that spot, then the lorry with rice (which lost control) would have killed more," the eyewitness who works near Easy Coach booking station in Migori stated. 

He added that some residents resorted to stealing the rice while others rescued the victims. Police also rushed to the scene to man the crowd and traffic. 

Alongside the police were other rescue personnel rushed to the area to rescue the victims and transfer them to the nearby hospitals. Dead bodies were also ferried to a nearby morgue. 

It was reported that the accident occurred after the lorry's brakes failed to cause it to lose control on the steep terrain.

According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 1,072 lives were lost in road accidents between January and March 2023, with the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway being the most dangerous road in the country.

Following rampant accidents, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a crackdown on all unroadworthy vehicles to reduce the fatalities.

The aftermath of an accident involving a lorry in Migori town on Saturday, April 8, 2023

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Migori News

"I directed NTSA to heighten surveillance to ensure unroadworthy vehicles are not allowed on our roads," the CS declared.

Murkomen also announced measures to reduce the casualties, including, cameras on highways, improved car inspection and civic education to Kenyans on road safety. 

Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina and his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna are among a team of seven legislators who were picked by Azimio la Umoja on Thursday, April 6,  to represent the faction in the scheduled bi-partisan parliamentary engagements.

In the list sent to Kenyans.co.ke by Kanu party secretary of political affairs, Fredrick Okango, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua was also among Raila's chosen confidants. 

The other four were from the National Assembly, including Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David Pkosing (Pokot South) and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joins Azimio mass action protests in Nairobi on Monday, March 20, 2023.

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Edwin Sifuna

Raila's team of seven was picked during the Azimio la Umoja parliamentary group meeting in Machakos County.

The ODM boss chaired the meeting which was also attended by the coalition's top leadership including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.

Azimio picked the team of seven following the faction's agreement to call off demonstrations and engage with the government side on four issues they had raised.

President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza is yet to release its list of parliamentarians to engage with Azimio.

In the meeting, the Raila-led faction reiterated the need to have the team expanded outside parliament as they maintained that they were not interested in sharing the government.

"The joint committee should recommend measures to lower the cost of unga, fuel, electricity and school fees and conduct a review and forensic audit of the servers used by the IEBC before, during, and after the 2022 presidential election,

"Review the appointment and dismissal of IEBC Commissioners, including their tenure of office, and recommend institutional, policy, legal, and constitutional mechanisms, restructuring and reforms of the IEBC," read the statement in part.

Ruto on the other hand insisted that the issues would only be addressed in parliament as they had the mandate to amend laws.

The President made the remarks while touring Nyandarua County.

President William Ruto speaking at an event in Kwale County on April 6, 2023.

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William Ruto