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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Monday, March 31, 2025, a national holiday to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.

In a special Gazette Notice dated Friday, March 28, the CS noted that the nation would take the time to join Muslims in marking the end of Ramadan.

"It is notified for the general information of the public that, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Monday, March 31, shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr," read part of the notice.

Following the declaration by Murkomen, all government offices, schools, and other institutions such as banks are expected to be closed to mark the religious festivity.

President William Ruto (In front) with (from left) Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Health CS Aden Duale and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during special Iftar Dinner at State House, March 25, 2025.

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CS Aden Duale

This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Friday, February 28, and continued until the evening of Saturday, March 29.

During this period, Muslims around the world fasted, prayed, and reflected on their religious obligations to themselves and their communities.

In his Ramadan message to Muslims as they began fasting on February 28, President William Ruto highlighted the spiritual significance of the holy month, calling on Muslims to use the period for personal reflection and devotion.

"This is an opportunity for you to commit yourselves to strengthening your faith and dedicating yourselves to doing what is right," he said.

He also praised the Muslim community for their contributions to the country and encouraged them to continue supporting the less fortunate.

In support of the Muslim community, President Ruto recently approved the duty-free importation of dates for use during Ramadan.

The announcement comes days after President Ruto hosted Muslim leaders for an Iftar dinner at the state house.

During the dinner, the president urged the religious leaders to champion peace in the country and called on Kenyans to foster national unity to ensure meaningful development in the country.

Leaders and Muslim clerics during the special Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto, State House, Nairobi, March 25, 2025.

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CS Aden Duale

President William Ruto, on Wednesday, March 26, announced a new round of changes within his administration, nominating various leaders to new Cabinet positions.

In the latest changes, the Head of State replaced Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi with Geoffrey Ruku, while Hanna Wendot was nominated to the Ministry of Gender and Culture.

Meanwhile, former Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was transferred to the Health Ministry, while Deborah Barasa, who previously headed the health docket, was transferred to the Ministry of Environment.

"His Excellency the president has today instituted further changes to the senior ranks of the executives within Cabinet. By the Presidential action, the Cabinet is set to achieve its constitutional full strength," read part of a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the opening session of the Sub-regional capacity-building workshop in Nairobi on February 17, 2025.

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Ministry of Environment

According to Hussein Mohamed, the changes are aimed at bolstering the Cabinet's capacity to continue to steer Kenya's socioeconomic transformation. 

Following the announcement, Hanna Webot and Geoffrey Ruku will undergo parliamentary scrutiny. If approved, their names will be forwarded to the Head of State for appointment.

"The nominees are expected to bring to Cabinet not only the knowledge and experience acquired throughout their illustrious careers but, above all, their wisdom accumulated from their inspiring and diverse life journeys," read part of Ruto's statement.

Before he was nominated to the CS slot, Ruku was a member of Parliament representing Mbeere North. He replaces Muturi, who, before his dismissal, held the position for eight months since August last year.

Muturi, who previously served in different capacities within President William Ruto's administration, has been a great critic of the government, accusing it of allegedly orchestrating the forced disappearances of youthful Kenyans.

While addressing the press recently, the immediate former CS dismissed speculations of resigning from his position, adding that he was focused on ensuring accountability within the government.

Meanwhile, his dismissal comes just a day after President Ruto criticised him over what the Head of State termed as incompetence by the former Attorney General.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 25, during an Iftar session with the Muslim community at State House in Nairobi, Ruto said Muturi was unqualified in handling legal matters.

Ruto accused Muturi of allegedly delaying the establishment of Waqf, a charitable endowment where Muslims dedicate properties for religious and public benefit.

“As we move forward, we will continue to look at the issues that have been raised here, issues of education, and find a nexus between religious and formal education to determine what needs to be done,” Ruto said.

“On Waqf, I agree with you; it has taken too long. There is no reason for the delay, and I had a problem with the AG who was there. He was fairly incompetent, but now I have a very competent lady, and I can assure you the issues of Waqf will be sorted out,” he added

Former CS Justin Muturi appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour, March 5, 2024.

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National Assembly Committee's

President William Ruto has finally reshuffled principal secretaries reassigning six roles and nominating 14 new ones to include those allied to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on Thursday, the president promoted Amos Gathecha from the public service docket to serve as Deputy Head of Public Services.

In other changes, Prof Edwin Kisiang'ani, who serves in the ICT Ministry, has been appointed to serve as the senior advisor and member of the president's council of economic advisors.

The president nominated 14 candidates for the principal Secretaries positions including Jane Kare Imbunya (State Department for Public services and Human Capital Development), Regina Akoth Ombam (State Department for  Trade), Cyrell Wagunda Odede Public Investment and Asset Management), Caroline Wanjiru Karugu (allied to Raila, East African Community Affairs), Oluga Fredrick Ouma (Medical Service), and Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim(National Government Co-ordination).

A section of the Cabinet during a meeting at State House Nairobi on March 11, 2025.

PCS

Others are Judith Naiyai Pareno (Justice Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs), Bonface Makokha (Economic Planning), Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat (Science, Research and Innovation), Stephen Isaboke (Broadcast and Telecommunication), Micheal Lenasalon (Devolution), Fikirini Katoi Kajindi (Youth Affairs), Carren Ageng'o Achieng (Children Welfare Services) and Aden Abdi Millah (Shipping and Maritime Affairs).

In a shift of governance, President Ruto made changes in the organisation of government in a bid to harness the opportunities in emerging sectors of the economy.

The president reassigned Professor Julius Bitok from the State Department for Immigration to the State Department for Basic Education.

"In accordance with Article 155(4) of the Constitution,  the following principal Secretaries have been re-assigned as stated," the president stated in the official statement.

Teresia Mbaika was also reassigned to the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development. Mbaika previously served as the PS State Department for Devolution.

Other beneficiaries in the reshuffle are Ishmael Madey who was reassigned to the State Department for Special Programmes and Harry Kimtai who was reassigned from the State Department for Medical Services to the State Department for Mining.

The president also reassigned Elijah Mwangi to the state department for sports previously held by Peter Tum.

The former Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang has been reassigned to the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.

President William Ruto during a Cabinet meeting at State House Nairobi on March 11, 2025.

PCS

Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has landed a new role in President William Ruto's broad-based government, nine months after she lost her Cabinet position.

In a notice shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Thursday afternoon, Ruto nominated Nakhumicha to serve as Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations Habitat in Nairobi.

Nakhumicha was nominated alongside James Buyekane Muhati and Abdi Dubat Fidhow who were selected as Consul-Generals in Guangzhou, China, and Arusha in Tanzania respectively.

Similarly, Ruto nominated Peter Tum as Kenyan Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while Alfred K'Ombundo was nominated as Deputy Head of Mission in Belgium. 

Former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha during a meeting with striking doctors.

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MOH

"Per Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President has nominated the following persons to serve as Ambassadors, Consuls-General, and Deputy Heads of Mission in Kenya's foreign missions abroad," read part of the notice.

According to Hussein Mohamed, the nominations have since been submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval in fulfilment of the legal requirements set out under the nation's apex law. 

Nakhumicha's nomination comes barely months after she called on the Head of State to consider appointing her to a government position, claiming she was experiencing financial struggles.

Speaking in October last year, the former CS revealed she was struggling to cope with the reality of losing her job, adding that due to the uniqueness of her name, most people still referred to her as a cabinet secretary.

“Bishop pray for me, you know it is not easy to have been a minister then all of a sudden you are just Nakumicha, and you know my name is unique,” Nakhumicha lamented.

“When you say Nakhumicha, that name is distinct, and associate it with the Health CS position. Please continue praying for me, God has blessed me and I still expect more blessings,” she added.

Nakhumicha was dismissed from the cabinet in July last year in the aftermath of heated anti-government protests that rocked the whole country. She was ousted alongside other cabinet secretaries except Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi.

The Head of State while addressing the press on July 1, 2024, attributed his decision to the need to restart his administration but maintained the dismissals were made after a thorough scrutiny. 

President William Ruto during a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi on March 7, 2025.

PCS

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions.

In an official notice dated Thursday, March 20, NTSA further cautioned members of the public against boarding vehicles belonging to the SACCO.

"This is to notify the public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions," the notice read in part.

Traffic police were also instructed to impound vehicles belonging to the company that are operating contrary to the suspension.

Photo collage between a Super Metro bus and a BasiGO electric bus picking up passengers in Nairobi CBD in November 2022.

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Super Metro

According to NTSA, it conducted a comprehensive analysis of Super Metro and found that out of its 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, and eight had expired Road Service Licences (RSL).

NTSA also found that several drivers from the SACCO do not meet the required qualifications which presents a major safety risk.

Before the operation licence is reinstated, Super Metro has been asked to present 294 vehicles with violations for compliance inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre and obtain compliance reports for all vehicles.

It must also present 42 drivers out of 109 with speed violations for a retest at the Likoni Driver Test Centre. This follows the failure of 64 Super Metro drivers in a retest on March 10, leading to the suspension of their respective driving licences.

Furthermore, the company has been directed to present signed contracts for its drivers and other staff, including proof of compliance, a six-month record of staff payroll, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), NSSF, and NHIF remittances.

The management has also been mandated to conduct road safety sensitisation for all its drivers and submit to the authority the sensitisation report, photos, minutes of the session, and the attendance register. The exercise shall be facilitated by NTSA officers.

The suspension follows a series of road carnages that have been caused by Super Metro leading to several demises. A most recent incident happened on March 12, where a tout allegedly threw a man out of a moving bus over an unpaid fare.

Although the management took action against the driver and suspended him, major complaints were received about other drivers overspeeding and exhibiting reckless behaviour.

A photo of the Super Metro bus allegedly involved in an incident that saw a Super Metro tout throw out a passenger from the moving bus resulting in his immediate demise, March 12, 2025.

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Bonface Ambani

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Judicial Service Commission