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Reports have emerged from Uganda that a journalist has been detained by security agencies in Kampala after publishing a story about Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, a story that had already circulated across multiple East African blogs long before he posted it on his own platform.

The journalist in question is Remmy Asiteza, the owner of dailyexpress.co.ug, who was picked up by Ugandan police and is currently being held in detention without being taken to court, a violation of basic due process that has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates and journalists across the region.

His arrest came after he published a story on his blog concerning the A-RDC recruitment scandal, a matter that has already been widely reported by other outlets and has prompted President Yoweri Museveni to order a formal investigation.

Asiteza is reportedly languishing in deplorable conditions and is facing intense pressure to reveal his sources, a tactic that Uganda's security apparatus has perfected over decades of suppressing dissent.

His continued detention without charge is a flagrant violation of any semblance of constitutional protection, though such violations have long been the norm in a country where the courts are subservient to the executive and the security forces operate with impunity.

The A-RDC Recruitment Scandal: The Story That Led to Asiteza's Arrest ¶

The A-RDC scandal, which lies at the heart of Asiteza's arrest and detention, involves the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners (A-RDCs) and Assistant Resident City Commissioners (A-RCCs), a process that has been marred by allegations of financial irregularities and the possible embezzlement of public funds.

According to officials familiar with the matter, a whistle-blower submitted a detailed dossier to President Museveni, contending that approximately UGX 15 billion was lost during the recruitment process, while further questions have been directed toward remuneration funds that went unexplained over a two-year period.

President Museveni has, in a move that signals the seriousness with which he regards the matter, directed the Director-General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to carry out a thorough and comprehensive investigation, with a report expected to be submitted within two weeks.

The inquiry is anticipated to examine the timeline surrounding the recruitment process, the manner in which appropriated funds were utilised, the authenticity of the procurement claims advanced by the internal audit, and the possibility that ghost officers may have been added to the payroll, a recurring difficulty that has long troubled Uganda's public service.

The recruitment of A-RDCs was first approved during the 2022/2023 financial year, at which point funds were appropriated for salaries and operational support, yet the officers in question were not deployed until April 2024, a delay of almost two years beyond the initial clearance of the positions.

Throughout this extended interval, the money that had been set aside was neither returned to the Consolidated Fund nor disbursed to the recruits who would eventually take up their posts, and even once the new officers assumed office in April 2024, they reportedly did not begin receiving their salaries until July 2024, coinciding with the start of the 2024/2025 financial year.

Each Assistant RDC earns a monthly salary of UGX 817,217, which amounts to UGX 9.8 million on an annual basis, together with a monthly allowance of UGX 1.5 million that totals UGX 18 million per year.

Given that 432 officers have been deployed across the country, insiders now estimate that more than UGX 24 billion intended for salaries and allowances over the two-year period remains unexplained and unresolved.

An internal audit report produced by the Office of the President contends that the funds in question were used to procure office equipment for the newly appointed officers, though multiple sources dispute this claim outright, pointing out that a considerable number of RDC offices remain poorly furnished to this day.

Several Assistant RDCs reportedly find themselves sharing office space with secretaries and other support staff, whereas others operate entirely without designated workstations of their own.

The whistle-blower's dossier contends that the procurement narrative put forward by the audit is fundamentally inconsistent with the conditions actually observed in the field, a discrepancy that has fueled suspicions of mismanagement and possible embezzlement.

The recruitment of A-RDCs had, well before these latest revelations surfaced, already encountered resistance from Parliament, whose legislators argued that expanding the RDC structure would impose an unnecessary financial burden upon taxpayers, particularly at a moment when the government was already contending with rising public expenditure across the board.

The Parliamentary Budget Committee had warned, in no uncertain terms, that the addition of these officers would increase the wage bill by more than UGX 10 billion annually, and it urged the Executive to reconsider the move before proceeding further, though the deployment ultimately went ahead once the President defended the decision as a necessary step toward strengthening supervision of government programmes nationwide.

Minister Milly Babalanda's Pattern of Scandals ¶

Minister Babalanda, who is the first minister in Uganda's history to serve more than one term in charge of the presidency, has been at the centre of multiple scandals during her tenure.

She has also been linked to a separate UGX 7 billion scandal at the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC), which has drawn the attention of Parliament's Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).

The dossier submitted to the President reportedly extends well beyond the A-RDC matter alone, drawing attention to alleged mismanagement within several agencies operating under the Office of the President, such as the Uganda AIDS Commission, the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC), and the National Leadership Institute (NALI), all of which have, on previous occasions, been cited in Auditor General reports for procurement inconsistencies and gaps in answerability.

The UGX 7 Billion UPPC Scandal ¶

According to reports that first appeared on NilePost and were subsequently published by Daily Express, Minister Babalanda is accused of siphoning UGX 7 billion from a Kenya Commercial Bank account that had been set aside to purchase printing machines for the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC).

An internal source told the publication that UPPC had been saving the money to purchase the said machines, however, the Minister expelled the Board in 2021 and took over management and procurement roles.

While performing these two roles illegally, the source maintains that the Minister depleted the UPPC coffers, with one source claiming that she personally signed out the money and that the account is now empty.

Documents further revealed that UPPC had banked substantial sums in the months leading up to the scandal, including UGX 529 million on 2nd July 2021, UGX 600 million and UGX 521 million in March of that year, UGX 3 billion in May, and UGX 4.5 billion the month before.

In August 2021, Minister Babalanda abruptly issued a directive temporarily suspending the activities of the board of governors at the government printers, a move that came just as CID operatives had swung into action and arrested Prof David Wasswa on allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement.

The Board members accused the Minister of sinister plans, claiming that sacking them without any right to hear is not only fishy but selfish, and they alleged that the minister was already biased.

The Attorney General advised the Minister that she should not violate the rules of Natural Justice that dictate that affected members of the board be granted a right to a fair hearing, however, Minister Babalanda did not heed the advice, insisting on firing the board members and replacing them with James Tweheyo just six days later.

A report from the Auditor General found the Minister culpable for usurping the roles of the board, adding that in the period the board was absent, there was no one to check the actions of management.

The Auditor General also notes that the Minister acted in an oversight role during the period the Board was absent, and sources confirm that during this period, the Minister made massive recruitment into UPPC, hence swelling the salary burdens on the payroll, which in turn cost UPPC financial loss.

As a result of these actions, Babalanda was summoned by Parliament's COSASE committee to explain the circumstances under which she signed finance documents as well as the appointment letter of the acting managing director of UPPC.

A Pattern of Impunity and Intimidation ¶

Despite the gravity of these allegations, the minister has not denied the reports that have been circulating across multiple platforms, but has instead chosen to target a journalist who republished a story that was already in the public domain.

Asiteza's continued detention without charge is a flagrant violation of Uganda's constitutional protections and international standards on press freedom, and his case has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates, journalists, and civil society organisations across the region.

The targeting of Asiteza, who simply republished a story that was already widely available, has raised serious questions about the government's commitment to transparency and its willingness to use state power to intimidate journalists who report on corruption involving high-ranking officials.

Minister Babalanda, who has previously advocated for anti-corruption campaigns and clean governance, now finds herself at the centre of multiple scandals and accused of using her position to silence journalists who report on her alleged misconduct.

Corruption in Uganda ¶

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has, on previous occasions, estimated that the country loses somewhere between UGX 9 trillion and UGX 20 trillion annually to corruption, procurement fraud, and financial mismanagement, a figure that, remarkably, represents nearly 40% of the national budget in certain sectors.

The revelations that have now come to light appear to lend considerable weight to the concerns that Parliament had voiced at an earlier stage regarding the financial implications tied to expanding the RDC structure, given that legislators had, at the time, warned that the recruitment process could create openings for the misuse of public funds and place additional strain upon the national budget.

Further disclosures are widely anticipated as investigators proceed to review payroll records together with deployment lists, and early indications suggest that the total number of Assistant RDCs may, in fact, have been inflated beyond what official figures currently reflect, a possibility that opens up additional questions regarding answerability within the Office of the President.

President Museveni has, on numerous occasions, reiterated his commitment to combating corruption, describing it as one of the principal obstacles standing in the way of national development, and in a number of public addresses he has vowed to take firm action against any official found to be implicated in financial misconduct.

"Corruption is an enemy of progress, and those who engage in it will face consequences," he has said in past statements, and his government has, over the years, sanctioned or prosecuted officials across a range of ministries and agencies, even as watchdog groups continue to call, with growing insistence, for stronger enforcement mechanisms.

The irony of a minister who champions anti-corruption being implicated in corruption scandals and targeting journalists is not lost on observers, who see it as a stark illustration of the gap between rhetoric and reality in Uganda's fight against corruption.

The international community is watching closely, and there is growing concern that Asiteza's case could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of journalists who report on corruption in Uganda.

Calls for Justice and Press Freedom ¶

Asiteza's family, colleagues, and supporters are demanding his immediate release and are calling on the Ugandan government to respect the rule of law and allow journalists to do their work without fear of intimidation or arbitrary detention.

Press freedom organisations and the international community are watching closely as Asiteza's detention continues without charge, with growing concern that his case could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of journalists who report on corruption in Uganda.

The case of Remmy Asiteza is a stark reminder of the challenges facing journalists in East Africa, where reporting on corruption and abuse of power often comes with grave personal risk, and it shows the urgent need for stronger protections for press freedom across the region.

As the investigation into the A-RDC scandal continues and Parliament's COSASE committee pursues its inquiry into the UPPC matter, the detention of Asiteza stands as a troubling example of how those in power seek to silence those who report on their misconduct.

A growing number of disgruntled gamblers are sounding the alarm over Mozzart Bet’s virtual games, with players accusing the betting company of manipulating outcomes in a scheme that they say is designed to ensure customers lose their money regardless of the result they select.

Multiple punters have come forward with similar complaints about the company’s virtual football offerings, claiming that the results appear predetermined and that the odds are structured in a manner that consistently works against players, leaving them questioning the integrity of the platform and calling for greater scrutiny of its operations.

Oe game that has attracted particular attention is the “Instant Virtual Football Golden Race,” where players say they have observed a recurring pattern in the outcomes, claiming that whenever they place a bet on either team to win, the match frequently ends in a draw, while selecting a draw is followed by either a win or a loss for one of the teams.

One punter who regularly places single bets said he noticed the pattern after repeatedly losing on the game, explaining that his selections were repeatedly contradicted by the eventual results, with bets on either team to win ending in draws and bets on draws producing different outcomes.

The player has described the experience as unfair and is calling for the betting company to explain how the virtual games generate their results and whether the systems used to determine the outcomes are independently verified.

The complaints have raised broader questions among players over the transparency of virtual betting games, particularly where customers believe recurring outcome patterns are making it difficult to determine whether the games are operating fairly. "Hello Nyakundi. I want to share how gambling company Mozzart Bet is a scam. I played a game called Instant Virtual Football Golden Race. I normally bet single bets, but whenever I go for either team to win, the game ends in a draw. And if I go for the draw, it either wins or loses. This is a scam. I want you to share this story so that people are saved. Please find photos for evidence."

This complaint is far from an isolated incident, as hundreds of Kenyan punters have flooded consumer forums, social media platforms, and parliamentary petitions with identical stories of winning bets on Mozzart only to have their withdrawals blocked, delayed, or permanently frozen.

The company has been accused of inventing technical glitches, processing errors, or vague "bonus abuse" accusations until the victim finally gives up in exhaustion, leaving them frustrated and out of pocket.

A Pattern of Predatory Practices

The pattern of manipulation at Mozzart Bet extends far beyond virtual football games, as the company has been caught staging fake jackpot winners using actors and misleading the public with flashy advertisements and staged millionaire ceremonies that portray paid performers as genuine winners.

Investigators and media reports have revealed that they hire actors to pose as jackpot victors, with the same faces appearing in multiple campaigns over different years, proving they are not customers but professional performers.

These staged ceremonies serve one purpose: they convince vulnerable young Kenyans that betting offers a way out of poverty, so when a young person sees a fake winner celebrate millions of shillings, they empty their wages into the platform hoping to replicate that fantasy, but the house always wins and the young person loses everything.

The company's predatory marketing strategy targets Kenya's most vulnerable populations, with agents deployed to low-income areas where betting propensity is highest, while "free bets" and "bonus credits" trap newcomers into endless cycles of deposits and losses.

Money Laundering Machine

The rot at Mozzart Bet runs far deeper than manipulated games and deceptive advertising, as court rulings have exposed the company as a money‑laundering machine that has been operating with impunity for years.

In a landmark judgment delivered in May 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled that Ksh 256 million seized from the firm were proceeds of crime, ending the betting company’s fight to reclaim the funds.

The appellate bench, composed of Justices Francis Toiyott, Fred Ochieng, and Aggrey Muchelule, upheld findings by the Asset Recovery Agency that the money was laundered through sham contracts and shell companies.

The betting operator argued that the funds were for a legitimate software contract with Kimaco Connection Ltd, but investigators found Kimaco was a ghost company with no employees, no income, nil tax returns filed with KRA, and no capacity to develop betting software.

The judges likened Kimaco to a duck, noting that if it looks, swims, and quacks like one, it probably is a duck.

Investigators traced nearly Ksh 640 million moving through the network, with the cash flowing from the betting firm to shell companies such as Kimaco Connections Limited, which on paper existed to supply software but in reality had no office, employees, computers or capacity to produce any software product.

The court traced those payments directly, showing that from Mozzart Bet the cash moved to Kimaco, then jumped to Pescom Kenya as another intermediary, and finally landed in the personal current accounts of its own directors.

The directors named in the judgment include Musa Cherutich Sirma, a Kenyan and former Member of Parliament; Emmanuel Charumbira, from Zimbabwe; and Branimir Melentijevic, a Serbian national, all of whom signed off on the fake software deals and watched their personal balances swell while Kenyan gamblers lost their wages on the very platform these men controlled. Melentijevic, a shareholder of Mozzartbet Africa, which is the majority shareholder of the Kenyan-registered betting firm, was found to have directly received laundered proceeds through the complex corporate structures.

Captured Regulator

The Gambling Regulatory Authority, which holds the legal mandate to revoke licences, fine operators, and block advertising, has done nothing to stop Mozzart despite having more than enough legal grounds to shut it down following the money-laundering conviction.

Explosive reports emerged in early 2026 that the company had earmarked close to Ksh 100 million to influence the newly formed GRA board ahead of the June 30 licence renewal deadline.

Sources close to the regulator told journalists that the company's director, Musa Cherutich Sirma, has reportedly been telling associates in private that the GRA is under control and that the company's operating licence will be renewed regardless of what the courts have found.

The GRA board has not publicly denied these reports nor instituted any disciplinary action against Mozzart Bet, and the regulator's conspicuous silence speaks louder than any confession, confirming what many already suspected.

Kenya's gambling watchdog does not watch but collects, negotiates, and sells favours to the highest bidder. The company's licence was previously suspended in 2019 alongside 26 other betting firms, yet it continues to operate as if nothing happened.

Human Toll

The human toll of Mozzart's operations is devastating and cannot be quantified in shillings, as Kenyan youth now lead Africa in problem gambling rates, with suicides linked to betting debts rising every year since it expanded aggressively.

Young men and women sell their phones, their motorbikes, and even their land titles chasing losses on mobile betting apps that never pay back what they take.

The company's platform makes this destruction dangerously easy through one-click deposits from M-Pesa, instant betting on live matches, and push notifications that urge "re-bet" after every loss, with no cooling-off period, no mandatory loss limits, and no meaningful self-exclusion tool.

Safaricom's AI had flagged dozens of high-traffic betting APIs, including Mozzart Bet, for suspicious activity, and offshore cash-outs linked to unverified wallet owners triggered intervention by the Financial Reporting Centre and Central Bank's AML unit.

Gambling-related depression rates are triple the national average, suicidal ideation increases with every losing streak, family violence spikes after major football tournaments, and schools report falling attendance on days when high-stakes matches occur, so the cost to Kenya's future is incalculable because a generation raised on betting apps will not build businesses, will not innovate, and will not save, but will gamble instead.

A Licence to Steal

Courts have done their job, the Asset Recovery Agency has done its job, and the journalists have done their job, yet the only institution that refuses to act is the Gambling Regulatory Authority, and that refusal stems from greed because the regulator has sold its integrity for a few million shillings and traded the welfare of Kenyan youth for personal enrichment.

The law is clear and the evidence is overwhelming, so Mozzart Bet should have lost its licence the day the High Court delivered its money laundering verdict, it should have been barred from advertising, and its directors should have faced criminal prosecution, but none of that happened because the people paid to enforce the law are the same people paid to break it.

Immediate action is now required from the Gambling Regulatory Authority to revoke Mozzart Bet's licence without further delay, while the Director of Public Prosecutions must charge the named directors with money laundering offences and Parliament must ban all betting advertisements on public media so that no more actors pretend to be winners and no more false hope broadcasts into every living room.

Kenyan citizens deserve far better than what they have received, and the youth who lose their wages and the families torn apart by gambling addiction deserve justice, for Mozzart Bet is a predator that thrives only because the fence protecting the public has been brought down by a regulator that has sold its integrity for bribes.

A country where a convicted money launderer continues to harvest billions from its most vulnerable population while bribing regulators, staging fake jackpots, refusing to pay genuine winners, targeting children with addictive advertising, evading taxes, and exporting profits overseas is a country that has accepted an unacceptable alternative, and that alternative must be rejected.

A group of former employees of Nairobi-based retail company Forever Trendy have come forward with a troubling account of mistreatment, revealing that after dedicating years of their lives to the company, they were abruptly terminated in July 2024 on the grounds of financial difficulties, only to be left without their terminal benefits and subjected to a series of broken promises by management.

The affected workers, who had been with the company for varying periods, received termination letters dated July 31, 2024, signed by Director Wilfred Gathu, which stated that the company was downsizing due to "current economic conditions" and offered an extra month's salary as compensation.

More than a year later, that compensation, along with other dues, has yet to be paid, and the company is also accused of failing to remit statutory deductions such as NHIF and SHA that were routinely deducted from employees' salaries during their employment.

Their attempts to follow up on the unpaid dues have reportedly been met with empty promises and dismissive responses from management, leaving dozens of workers feeling frustrated and helpless.

The termination letter itself offers a glimpse into the company's approach, framing the dismissal as a necessary response to financial challenges while assuring the employees that the decision was not a reflection of their work performance.

The unpaid terminal benefits and the failure to remit statutory deductions are serious violations of Kenya's employment laws, which require employers to pay all dues owed to employees upon termination and to ensure that all statutory contributions are made on time.

This exposes a troubling pattern where employers use financial difficulties as a convenient excuse to avoid paying what they owe, leaving workers without recourse and forcing them to navigate a complex and often inaccessible legal system.

Companies that operate in this manner not only violate the law but also undermine the trust and goodwill of their workers, many of whom have dedicated years of their lives to building the business.

The failure to pay terminal benefits is a form of wage theft that has devastating consequences for workers and their families, who are often left without income and forced to rely on meagre savings or support from relatives.

Affected victims are now calling on the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the National Employment Authority, and the relevant parliamentary committees to intervene and compel Forever Trendy to settle all outstanding dues, warning that if the company continues to evade its obligations, they will have no choice but to escalate the matter to the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

"Hi Nyakundi. Hide my ID. I am a former Forever Trendy employee, and I am reaching out over unpaid terminal dues and statutory deductions following our termination in July 2024, when the company cited financial difficulties and promised us an extra month salary as compensation. More than a year later, we have not received the promised compensation or other outstanding dues, while deductions made from our salaries, including NHIF and SHA contributions, were not remitted. Whenever we reach out to management to ask about our money, we are taken in circles and given promises that are never fulfilled, leaving us with no clear answer on when we will finally be paid."

Frustrated students at Kisii University are up in arms over the institution's handling of special and supplementary examinations, with over 600 students facing the prospect of being locked out of graduation due to missing marks and a chaotic results release process that has dragged on since June.

The university senate only approved the results last week and released a supplementary list that inexplicably excluded students who were affected in the previous academic year, contrary to expectations and leaving many students stranded without clarity on their academic standing.

Students have accused some lecturers of using agents to solicit bribes for the resurfacing of "misplaced" marks, a practice that has been reported repeatedly without any meaningful action from the administration, and which has contributed to the growing backlog of unresolved academic cases.

The current crisis comes just months after over 3,000 students were locked out of the December 2025 graduation, forcing the university to organise a mini graduation in February, and students are now demanding that the administration take prompt action to prevent a repeat of the chaos that has left hundreds of students in limbo.

"Hello Cyprian. I am writing to express my frustrations over how Kisii University is handling special and supplementary examinations. Since June, students have continuously been following up on the release of results for last semester examinations, as well as confirmed dates for special examinations. Despite numerous efforts, the Senate only approved the results last week and released the supplementary list only for students who sat for examinations in the 2025/2026 academic year, contrary to the expectation that it would include students who were affected last year. This has really frustrated more than 600 students who are set to be locked out of graduation due to missing marks, which are reportedly a result of negligence by lecturers across all faculties. Some staff members are also said to use agents to solicit bribes for “misplaced” marks to resurface. The issue has been raised severally, even after more than 3,000 students were locked out of the December 2025 graduation, forcing the university to organise a mini graduation in February. The administration seriously needs to take prompt action to avoid inconveniencing many students."

Workers at Naitiri Sugar Company, a subsidiary of billionaire Jaswant Singh Rai's expansive business empire, have raised a fresh storm over the selective application of the government's 12% salary increment, accusing management of using a litany of excuses to deny them the wage increase that was gazetted in June 2026 as a legal requirement for all workers.

The employees, who have been agitating for the implementation of the increment announced by President William Ruto on Labour Day, say they have been met with a series of contradictory explanations from the company, including claims that some workers are "overpaid," others are "above the general wage order," and that certain employees failed to submit verified certificates on time, leaving many of them frustrated and feeling cheated by a company that is part of one of Kenya's most powerful corporate conglomerates.

The complaints come against a backdrop of national confusion over the implementation of the 12% salary increment, which the government gazetted in June 2026 after President Ruto announced it as a universal adjustment for all workers during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens.

While the government and the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) insisted that the increment applied to all employees across the board, employers, led by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), pushed back and argued that the government only has the legal authority to set the minimum wage, and that any increase beyond the statutory minimum should be negotiated between employers and employees through Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

This legal ambiguity has created a window for employers to selectively apply the wage increase, and workers at Naitiri Sugar say they are paying the price for this confusion.

The workers have outlined four main reasons that the company has given for denying them the 12% increment, and each one has left them questioning the fairness and transparency of the company's human resource policies.

The first reason given by the company is that employees who are considered overpaid in their current roles are not eligible for the increment, a justification that has angered workers who see it as a punishment for their hard work and career progression, and they argue that this rationale is being used to deny them a benefit that the government intended for all workers without exception.

The second reason offered by the company is that employees earning above the general wage order are excluded from the increment, a position that effectively interprets the general wage order as the statutory minimum wage and denies the increment to anyone earning above that threshold, a stance that directly contradicts the government's stated intention of a universal increase for all workers.

The third reason provided to workers is that those who failed to submit verified certificates within the company's deadline are not entitled to the increment, a requirement that employees say is arbitrary and has been used to exclude a significant number of workers who may have had genuine difficulties in obtaining and submitting their documents on time.

The fourth reason given is that contract or agency workers, who are not directly employed by Naitiri Sugar but are hired through third-party agencies, are outside the general wage order because their dues are set by the client, a justification that effectively absolves the company of any responsibility for their wages and leaves these workers at the mercy of their employers.

Workers have rejected the four explanations given by the company, describing them as excuses for withholding the 12% salary increment, and are demanding that Naitiri Sugar implement the wage increase across its workforce without discrimination.

They argue that the criteria being used to determine eligibility have created unequal treatment among employees and are calling on the government to intervene to ensure that the company complies with the applicable wage requirements.

The dispute at Naitiri Sugar comes against a backdrop of longstanding labour challenges in Kenya's sugar industry, which has faced recurring complaints over wage arrears, casualisation, employment conditions and limited union representation.

In 2026, workers at several sugar mills, including Nzoia Sugar, threatened a nationwide strike over years of unpaid salaries and benefits, while former workers of Pan Paper Mills, now operated by the Rai Group as Rai Paper, protested over unpaid dues and redundancies.

The latest complaints from Naitiri Sugar workers therefore add to a wider series of labour disputes that have continued to affect employees across the sector.

Naitiri Sugar is part of the Rai Group, whose sugar interests include West Kenya Sugar, Sukari Industries, Olepito Sugar and Naitiri Sugar, while the wider business empire founded by billionaire Jaswant Singh Rai extends into edible oils, cement, paper, real estate and timber processing.

The group has also faced various controversies and allegations relating to labour practices, environmental matters and community disputes across some of its operations, although the specific circumstances differ from one company or project to another.

The Naitiri Sugar workers say they feel disadvantaged by the company's position on the salary increment and are seeking government intervention to have the dispute addressed.

They maintain that if the matter is not resolved internally, they are prepared to pursue the issue before the Employment and Labour Relations Court and seek a determination on whether the company's interpretation of the wage increase and the criteria it has applied to its employees are lawful.

"Good morning Nyakundi. So many complaints have been raised from the recent payroll. Those employees who didn't get 12%, the below reasons were given; 1) If in your current role you're overpaid 2) You're above the general wage order 3) You failed to provide a verified certificate on time 4) You're outside the general wage order, meaning the client sets your dues. This is what we go through Rai group under contractor this Naitiri sugar even 12% increment is given selectively?"

The Siaya County Government has rejected an advisory opinion issued by the Commission on Administrative Justice concerning appointments and administrative decisions within the county.

In a letter to CAJ Chairperson Charles Dulo, Governor James Orengo accused the commission, commonly known as the Office of the Ombudsman, of publishing findings against the county without giving it a fair chance to respond.

Orengo said the county was never formally given the advisory opinion before it was released and circulated publicly. He said the county was equally not shown the complaints, evidence or statements used by the commission to reach its findings.

The governor said it was troubling for an institution created to protect administrative justice to make adverse findings against a public body before hearing its side.

According to the county, the manner in which the opinion was prepared and released may have breached Article 47 of the Constitution, which protects the right to lawful and fair administrative action.

The county cited Article 50(1), which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

Orengo said those protections apply to every institution, including constitutional commissions.

“The Commission must uphold the very principles of administrative justice that it exists to protect,” the county said in the letter.

The county has questioned whether CAJ carried out an independent investigation after noting similarities between parts of the original complaint and the wording used in the commission’s findings.

The complaint is said to have come from the Siaya County Assembly, which has had several disputes with the county executive.

Siaya wants CAJ to explain what evidence it obtained directly from the county executive before reaching its decision.

“An independent constitutional commission must independently establish facts, hear all sides and apply the law impartially,” the letter states.

The county warned that CAJ should not become a channel through which accusations made by one political side are turned into findings against another without proper checks.

It rejected claims that appointments and administrative decisions made by the county executive were unlawful, saying political disagreement alone does not make an official decision illegal.

Siaya has accused CAJ of going beyond its mandate if the advisory opinion was meant to carry the force of a binding decision.

The county is now demanding a complete copy of the opinion, the original complaint, supporting documents and all evidence used by the commission.

It wants records showing when it was contacted, what questions it was asked and what chance it was given to respond before the findings were released.

The county has asked CAJ to state the legal basis it used to make findings that Siaya says went beyond an advisory role.

Orengo has warned that the county may move to court over the investigation, publication of the opinion and any action taken from its findings.

The county maintains that it will not accept findings reached through a process in which it was not heard.

CAJ is yet to publicly answer the issues raised in Orengo’s letter.

For five years, workers at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nairobi have endured inconsistent and often delayed salary payments, with the diplomatic mission's leadership failing to address the accumulating arrears even after a public outcry in 2025 exposed the dire situation at the Senteu Plaza offices on Galana Road.

Both South Sudanese and Kenyan nationals employed at the mission have not received consistent pay for over half a decade, a situation that has pushed many of them to the brink of destitution while their families struggle to survive, yet no meaningful action has been taken to resolve the crisis despite repeated pleas and legal action.

The workers first brought their plight to public attention in 2025, when a group of nine Kenyan employees filed a lawsuit against the South Sudanese government over $320,195 (approximately Ksh 41.9 million) in wage arrears at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, arguing that they had never been issued written contracts despite being hired by the embassy 13 years ago.

Serving in the foreign affairs, immigration, and security departments of the embassy, the nine employees claimed that consistent pay only came between 2013 and 2015, with the irregularity starting in earnest in February 2016 when they received only half their salary, followed by total non-payment in October to December 2016, August to December 2017, and most recently between April and June 2025.

They provided evidence of their employer-employee relationship, including salary payment records and several letters they wrote to the embassy seeking payment of their dues, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Respected regional publication, The East African, amplified the case in a detailed piece on the arrears in July 2025, but the coverage did little to spur action from the embassy or the South Sudanese government, with the only visible response being the shuffling of new ambassadors and a continued indifference to the suffering of the staff.

The embassy's leadership at the time, led by Ambassador Chol M. U. Ajongo, acknowledged the payment backlog but attributed the delays to broader economic struggles in Juba, a claim that offered little comfort to workers who had not seen a regular salary for years and whose lives had been turned upside down by financial uncertainty.

A change in leadership occurred in mid-2025, when Ambassador Anthony Louis Kon officially took over as Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Republic of South Sudan to the Republic of Kenya, with Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Barnaba Bol Nyuol serving as Chargé d'Affaires a.i. to assist in overseeing day-to-day coordination and managing embassy relations with the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite the change at the top, the workers say the new leadership has done little to resolve the salary crisis, and the embassy continues to operate without addressing the longstanding arrears that have left employees destitute.

The workers have noted that the embassy has been aware of the situation for years, yet no concrete steps have been taken to address the arrears.

Now, more than a year after the lawsuit was filed and the East African published its piece, the workers remain unpaid, with the situation growing increasingly desperate as their families continue to suffer.

The workers have expressed frustration that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which they describe as a toothless dog, has done little to intervene on their behalf, preferring instead to issue declarations about protecting citizens abroad while ignoring the exploitation of Kenyans working for diplomatic missions within the country's borders.

Through their lawyer, Nicodemus Ouma, the workers wrote to the State Department on April 14, 2025, seeking intervention in the pay dispute and informing the government that they wished to avoid litigation, but that they would sue South Sudan's embassy if no resolution was reached within 30 days.

That deadline passed over a year ago, and still nothing has been done.

Questions about Kenya's sovereignty have been raised by the government's inaction, with the workers noting that Nairobi has granted South Sudan the use of the dry port in Naivasha while turning a blind eye to the exploitation of Kenyan workers by the very diplomatic mission that benefits from Kenya's hospitality and infrastructure.

The workers have argued that the continued exploitation of Kenyan workers by a diplomatic mission is an affront to Kenya's sovereignty and dignity, and they have warned that if the situation is left unchecked, it will set a dangerous precedent for other foreign missions operating in Kenya.

No one should be forced to work for years without pay while their families suffer, they have urged, calling on the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that they receive their hard-earned money.

The situation at the South Sudan Embassy is a stain on Kenya's reputation as a host country for diplomatic missions and a reminder of the vulnerability of workers who are often exploited by foreign employers who take advantage of lax enforcement of labour laws.

The workers have been left with no choice but to continue their struggle for justice, hoping that their voices will finally be heard and that the government will act to protect their rights and ensure that they receive the money they have earned through years of hard work and dedication.

"Good evening, Cyprian. Hide ID. Just a concern about how workers in the embassy of South Sudan are not yet paid their outstanding salaries arrears of 5 years. Even after being called out a year ago for not doing so. Nothing has ever been done and foreign affairs the toothless dog is busy making declarations of protecting its citizens yet the situation is becoming worse. If our own sovereignty is being played upon this way you can imagine what is behind closed agreements. They have been granted the dry port in Naivasha. If it wasn't the rent arrears last year, no one would know how bad the situation is. If you leave all your hard earned money is gone. The East African highlighted their piece on the arrears and nothing just shuffling of new ambassadors."

The latest application by Jane Wangechi Kabiu, a Company Secretary who is facing charges alongside two sons of former Attorney-General James Boro Karugu, raises a serious professional credibility question and advances a striking argument for a review of her bail terms.

Kabiu, a rogue proprietor of Optimum Registrars, is charged with conspiracy to defraud, forgery and giving false information over an alleged scheme to unlawfully transfer company shares.

Kabiu, of Optimum Registrars, company secretary is expected to verify authority, safeguard supporting documentation and ensure that filings presented to the Registrar reflect genuine corporate transactions.

Yet in seeking a review of her bail terms, Kabiu argues that the criminal proceedings essentially "rotate around" a single company share valued at just Ksh 100.

The Ksh 100 argument, however, risks becoming a convenient diversion from the substance of the allegations before the court, an alleged fraudulent transfer, forgery of corporate documents and the use of false information to effect the disputed transactions.

The concerns surrounding Jane Kabiu do not, however, end with the disputed share transfer. Kabiu has also been implicated in separate allegations concerning the purported Will and Trust of the late James Karugu, alongside Kaplan and Stratton lawyer Peter Gachuhi, Eric Mwaura Karugu, lawyer Kimani Richu, Eliud Gatambia and Joshua Kimani of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Kinangop.

Those allegations concern the authenticity and handling of documents said to govern a substantial estate and should be distinguished from the share-transfer charges now before the criminal court.

They nevertheless place the allegations against Kabiu and her professional conduct within a much broader controversy over the authenticity of important legal and corporate instruments.

The application repeatedly relies on the Ksh100 nominal value of the share to argue that cash bail of Ksh 700,000 is excessive.

But the charge sheet annexed to the same application presents a very different picture.

The State alleges that Jane Kabiu, Eric Mwaura Karugu and Benjamin Githara Karugu conspired to defraud Victoria Nyambura Karugu by transferring her ordinary share to Centurion Holdings Limited.

The Ksh100 figure is therefore hardly the central issue in the prosecution's case. Nominal share value is not necessarily the economic value of the ownership interest represented by that share.

Nothing in the bond-review application demonstrates that Victoria Nyambura Karugu's actual interest in the company was worth only Ksh 100.

More importantly, the seriousness of an alleged forgery cannot reasonably be measured by the nominal amount appearing on the instrument allegedly forged.

That distinction is particularly significant for Kabiu, as proprietor of Optimum Registrars.

She occupied a professional position entrusted with maintaining the integrity of corporate records.

Share registers, transfer instruments and statutory filings exist precisely so that corporate ownership can be reliably established.

Kabiu was therefore not merely a distant observer of the disputed transaction. Her professional role placed her at the centre of the corporate secretarial process.

The allegation against her goes directly to the heart of that responsibility.

The prosecution alleges that Kabiu knowingly and fraudulently uttered a false Share Transfer Form purporting to be the genuine Share Transfer Form of Victoria Nyambura Karugu and presented it to the Director General of Business Registration Services.

The applicants' own bond-review papers reproduce that charge.

The disputed transfer instrument is itself annexed to the application.

It purports to have been executed in Victoria Nyambura Karugu's name and identifies Centurion Holdings Limited as the recipient of the disputed interest.

That document, not the Ksh100 nominal figure, is at the centre of the criminal controversy.

The State alleges the opposite of the narrative suggested by the Ksh 100 argument: participation in a conspiracy surrounding the transfer and the knowing presentation of a false ownership instrument as genuine.

The Ksh 100 argument answers none of those allegations.

It does not establish the true economic value of the shareholding, prove that Victoria Nyambura authorized the transfer, authenticate her signature or explain how the disputed instrument came into existence.

Nor does it answer the prosecution allegation concerning Kabiu's presentation of the instrument to the Business Registration Service.

Kabiu, proprietor of Optimum Registrars, cannot make the underlying documentary questions disappear simply by concentrating attention on a nominal share value of Ksh 100.

At its core, the prosecution concerns the integrity of corporate ownership records and the alleged use of a false instrument to interfere with them.

That is precisely where the credibility and professional responsibility of a company secretary matter most.

Reducing an alleged forgery to the nominal value of a share does not diminish the allegation. It risks diverting attention from its substance.

The concerns surrounding Kabiu do not, however, end with the disputed share transfer.

She has also been implicated in separate allegations concerning the purported Will and Trust of the late James Karugu, alongside Kaplan and Stratton lawyer Peter Gachuhi, Eric Mwaura Karugu, lawyer Kimani Richu, Eliud Gatambia and Joshua Kimani of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Kinangop.

Those allegations concern the authenticity and handling of documents said to govern a substantial estate and should be distinguished from the share-transfer charges now before the criminal court.

They nevertheless place the allegations against Kabiu and questions surrounding her professional conduct within a much broader controversy over the authenticity of important legal and corporate instruments.

Reports of systematic bribery and abuse of police authority have emerged from Lolgorian Police Station in Narok County, where officers are accused of collecting money from every business in the area, including shops, wines and spirits outlets, bars, clubs, and betting shops, on a regular basis every Wednesday and Saturday.

The officer identified as the primary collector of these illegal levies is Kipsang, a police vehicle driver, who allegedly goes door to door demanding payments from business owners under the protection and facilitation of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Mr. Chirchir, and his seniors.

Business owners in Lolgorian, who have been subjected to this routine extortion for a prolonged period, say the illegal collections have become so entrenched that they now operate like a scheduled tax, with the money being collected on the same days each week without fail, and those who refuse or fail to pay are reportedly subjected to intimidation and harassment.

The affected traders are now appealing for urgent intervention from the relevant authorities, including the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as they fear speaking out publicly but hope that exposure will prompt a thorough investigation and put an end to the illegal collections that have turned their businesses into targets for exploitation.

"Hello Nyakundi. Please expose what is happening at Lolgorian Police Station. Officers collect Ksh 200 from every business in the area, including shops, wines and spirits outlets, bars, clubs, and betting shops, every Wednesday and Saturday. The officer who normally goes around collecting the money is Kipsang, a police vehicle driver. This operation is being protected and facilitated by Mr. Chirchir, the OCS of Lolgorian Police Station, together with his seniors. This is a systematic collection of bribes from businesses and a serious abuse of police authority. It needs urgent investigation and exposure. Please look into this matter and give the affected business owners a platform to speak out."

Residents of Mwatate in Taita Taveta County are facing a severe water crisis that has left them without consistent access to the essential commodity for months, with locals accusing the TAVEVO Water and Sewerage Company Limited of negligence, complicity in vandalism, and a complete disregard for the plight of the community they are mandated to serve.

The crisis, which has been ongoing since 2023, has seen residents go for months without water being pumped despite paying for the service, with the field technician using rationing as a cover to deny residents water while the head office provides no assistance when contacted.

The situation has been compounded by the company's failure to address the rampant vandalism and destruction of water pipes in the area, with residents strongly suspecting that TAVEVO is complicit in the destruction given their repeated refusal to take meaningful action to protect the infrastructure.

The desperation of the residents reached a boiling point on Monday when they took to the streets of Mwatate to demonstrate against the ongoing negligence, a clear sign of the frustration and hopelessness that has gripped the community as they are left to beg for basic services from a company that continues to collect payment without delivering.

Despite the severity of the crisis, residents say their pleas for help have fallen on deaf ears, with neither the company's management nor the relevant government authorities stepping in to address the situation.

One resident, who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, recounted a humiliating encounter with a TAVEVO manager who dismissed their concerns with arrogance, telling them that they could not threaten the company.

The manager reportedly repeated the phrase "huwezi tushtua" with an air of defiance, a response that left the residents feeling powerless and further convinced that the company has no intention of addressing the crisis.

The water crisis has also exposed a deeper problem of governance and accountability, as residents say they have reached out to the relevant ministers and authorities but have received no help on the issue.

The failure of the county government and the national government to intervene has only added to the frustration of the residents, who feel abandoned by the very institutions that are supposed to protect their rights and ensure their access to clean water.

The situation has now escalated into a public health crisis, as the lack of clean water poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of the community.

Residents are now calling on the national government, the Taita Taveta County Government, and the Water Services Regulatory Board to intervene and address the crisis immediately.

"Hey Cyprian. I'm reaching out about a serious water crisis affecting residents in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County that deserves public attention. Since 2023, residents have been denied consistent access to water by the local water company. We go months without water being pumped despite paying for the service. The field technician uses rationing as a cover to deny residents water while the head office provides no assistance when contacted. What makes this worse is the company's complete failure to address vandalism and destruction of water pipes. Residents strongly suspect the company is complicit in this destruction given their repeated refusal to take meaningful action. Yesterday, residents demonstrated in town over this ongoing negligence, a sign of how desperate the situation has become. People are being left to beg for basic services from a company that collects payment without delivering. This is a public health issue affecting an entire community and it deserves to be told. I am happy to provide more details if you are interested in covering this story. Not forgetting other people have reached out to the minister but still no help on the issue. I mentioned to one of the managers at Tavevo that I will make this information public and he repeatedly told me "huwezi tushtua and you can't threaten anyone." It's become an incredibly humiliating experience dealing with these criminals."

A frustrated land buyer has come forward with a troubling complaint against Ruai-based Banita Real Estate Limited, alleging that the company's director, Mr. Mwangi Kago, sold his plot without prior notice and has since refused to refund his Ksh 300,000 downpayment despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter amicably.

The complainant, who entered into a land sale agreement with Banita Real Estate in June 2022, paid Ksh 300,000 as a deposit for a 50 by 100 piece of land, Title Mavoko 12/216/Plot 26, located in the Tamu Court estate in Ruai.

The agreement, which was countersigned by both parties, stipulated that the balance of the purchase price, which stood at Ksh 1.4 million, was to be paid in instalments over a period of 180 days, with the vendor undertaking to deliver the title deed in the purchaser's name upon completion of the sale.

The buyer made the payment via RTGS and shared the payment advice with the director, countersigning a copy of the agreement that had been shared on email, confident that all would proceed as agreed.

According to the complainant, he faced financial difficulties from 2023 onward, which made it impossible for him to honour the payment agreement fully.

He kept in touch with the director via calls and texts, communicating his plight, and the director was reportedly positive, indicating that he should resume payments whenever he bounced back.

However, when they met in 2024 to discuss a new payment plan, the director informed him that the plot had already been sold long ago, a revelation that came as a complete shock to the buyer, who had been operating under the assumption that the land was still available.

The complainant says the land was sold without any prior written notice, as required under clause 7.2 of the agreement, nor did the director extend the courtesy of a phone call to inform him of the sale.

The director offered him an alternative parcel, but the buyer declined and demanded a refund of his downpayment, a request that has now gone unanswered for over a year and a half.

The refusal to refund the money has left the complainant deeply frustrated, as he had invested his hard-earned money in what he believed was a legitimate land purchase.

The buyer has since made numerous attempts to reach the director, but the individual no longer picks up his calls, does not respond to texts, and remains unavailable at his office.

The complainant says he has visited the office three times, only to be told by employees that the director never comes there, a pattern of avoidance that has only added to his frustration.

"It's quite frustrating to be treated this way by a company purporting to be selling land to would-be home owners," he said, expressing his disappointment at the lack of professionalism and accountability.

The complainant is now appealing to the public to exercise caution when dealing with Banita Real Estate and other land selling firms, and is calling on the relevant authorities to intervene and help him recover his money.

He has also shared copies of the land sale agreement and RTGS payment advice as evidence of the transaction, and he is hopeful that by bringing this matter to light, the company will be compelled to do the right thing and refund his money.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in land transactions and the importance of dealing with reputable firms that honour their contractual obligations.

"Good Evening Cyprian. I wish to share with you my predicament with the director of a real estate company based in Ruai, Banita Real Estate. In June 2022, through a real estate company, Banita Real Estate based in Ruai, I made a downpayment for a 50 by 100 piece of land, (Title: Mavoko 12/216/Plot 26) at the Tamu Court, that's situated in Ruai. Through the director, Mr. Mwangi Kago whom I engaged directly, I was able to make payment to the tune of KES 300,000, and the balance was to be paid in instalments (please see the attached agreement. Bio data has been elided). After I made the payment via RTGS, I shared the RTGS payment advice with him, and countersigned a copy of the agreement which he had shared on email, and knew that all would be well. From 2023, I faced financial headwinds thereafter, which made it impossible for me to honor the payment agreement fully. I kept in touch with Mr. Kago via calls and texts to communicate my plight at the time. He was positive, and indicated that whenever I bounced back, I should resume payments. One time in 2024 we met at my office to indicate to him what my payment plan was, and it was in that meeting that he indicated to me that he had sold my land long ago, according to his own admission. Mind you, this was done without any prior written notice to me as in clause 7.2 in the attached agreement, neither did he even extend me the courtesy of a call to indicate the same. He however indicated that I should choose another parcel at the time and resume payments, since they had sold all the ones in that particular community. I later declined this offer and demanded that he refunds my downpayment, and to this day, it's been a year and a half of cat-and-mouse games. He no longer picks my calls, no longer responds to my texts and he remains unavailable in his office. I've visited his office thrice, and the employees have indicated to me that he never comes there. It's quite frustrating to be treated this way by a company purporting to be selling land to would-be home owners. Kindly warn your community of followers not to engage with such unscrupulous firms when it comes to dealings involving land. Please find the accompanying land sale agreement and RTGS payment transfer advice."

A massive gas explosion rocked the Coral Bells residential apartments along Kiambu Road on the afternoon of Sunday, August 9, 2026, sending shockwaves through the building and leaving residents fearing the structure was about to collapse, with the blast occurring on the second floor of the TSAVO-developed complex in Thindigua around 4pm and shattering window glasses of at least four apartments while also damaging a car in the parking lot.

The explosion, which appears to have been triggered by a gas leak that a repairman working inside one of the units was reportedly unaware of, has left the technician unaccounted for, with residents and management still uncertain about his whereabouts and whether he survived the blast.

Residents have expressed growing frustration with the building's management, questioning why such a catastrophic incident could happen in a modern complex that boasts biometric access control, CCTV surveillance, and regular maintenance protocols, with many demanding answers about the safety checks that should have prevented the leak or alerted the technician to the danger before he began his work.

The management of Coral Bells has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, leaving tenants and the wider public in the dark about the fate of the missing technician, the extent of the structural damage, and the steps being taken to prevent a recurrence of what residents describe as a preventable disaster.

The explosion has also reignited concerns about the safety of gas cylinders in residential apartments, with the source of the leak and the condition of the cylinder involved now under scrutiny, as the incident serves as a stark warning to Kenyans about the dangers of refilling cylinders from unverified sources and the importance of regular inspections.

Below is the full narration from a resident who witnessed the explosion, describing the terrifying moments when the building shook, the confusion that followed, and the growing anger over the management's refusal to speak.

"Hello Nyakundi. There was a massive gas explosion on 9th Aug 2026, inside one of Tsavo Coral Bells Kiambu Road apartments on the 2nd floor around 4pm. The impact made residents think the building was coming down. Apparently, a fundi doing repairs inside the apartment had no idea there was a gas leak, hence going on with his work. Up to now, we have no idea about his whereabouts. The explosion shattered window glasses of 4 apartments and a car window at the parking lot. I would like to urge Kenyans to be careful where they refill their cylinders."

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In a classic tale of David versus Goliath, the Kirimancuma Primary and Junior School in Meru County is fighting not just for its survival but for the sanctity of the rule of law.

Despite a landmark court victory in April 2025, the institution is once again under siege from powerful state actors, private entities, and a local administration intent on carving up its ancestral land.

On April 23rd, 2025, Justice Oguttu Mboya of the Environment and Land Court in Meru delivered a damning verdict.

In a judgment that would resonate across the entire region, the Judge declared that the subdivision, transfer, and dealing with land parcel LR. NO TIGANIA/KIRIMANCHUMA/6, measuring 10.374 acres, was not just illegal but a constitutional violation.

The court ruled that the land, registered in the name of the Meru County Council but specifically reserved for Kirimancuma Primary School, had been subjected to an illegal and unconstitutional subdivision resulting in the creation of titles 235, 236, 237, and 238.

“An illegality is an illegality. A nullity is a nullity,” Justice Mboya ruled, ordering the immediate cancellation of the resultant illegal title deeds and imposing a permanent injunction against any further dealing with the land.

Yet, despite this unequivocal legal directive, the shadows of the land grab have returned in 2026, executed not by bandits, but by government officials acting under the false guise of “court direction.”

Immediate Violation

The judgment in Petition No. E010 of 2024 was meticulously detailed.

Justice Mboya found that the suit property was alienated public land reserved solely for educational purposes.

The judge pointedly noted that the National Land Commission (NLC), which is constitutionally mandated to manage public land, had been completely bypassed in the subdivision process.

Even more scathing was his rebuke of the Attorney General’s office, which had joined the respondents in “vindicating a flawed process” instead of protecting the Constitution as mandated by Article 156.

In his final orders, the judge declared that the subdivision, transfer, and dealing with the land violated the petitioners' constitutional rights to equality and fair administrative action.

He not only canceled the illegal titles for the subdivisions but also issued a conservation order and a permanent injunction, restraining the respondents, including the Administration Police College Meru (the 4th Respondent) from trespassing, evicting the school, or interfering with its quiet possession and enjoyment.

However, a community member closely following the case told this publication on condition of anonymity for fear of intimidation from local administrators, that, despite the court ruling, the dispute appears to have resurfaced.

“The court gave us hope. We thought the fighting was over. But if you look at what is happening on the ground today, it is as if that judgment was never written. They are back, and this time they are using our own government offices to do it,” the community member said.

The New Assault: Letters, Surveyors, and Police Officers

The most recent attack on the school’s land began on July 27th, 2026.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, Hon. John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, Mr. Fred M. Mwei (signing on behalf of the PS) issued a directive to the County Director of Education in Meru.

The letter ordered the surrender of four acres of the school’s land to the police camp, despite the court’s clear order that such land could not be alienated.

To make matters worse, a subsequent letter from the County Director of Education to the school’s Head Teacher, dated 23rd July 2026, contained the devastating news.

Administrative agents purporting to be surveyors had already appeared on the school grounds, accompanied by six heavily armed police officers, to begin the demarcation of the land for surrender.

They claimed they were acting on “court direction.”

“They are trying to arm-twist the truth,” one of the affected residents told this publication.

“There is no court order allowing them to take four acres. The judgment is clear. They are using the state machinery to force through an illegality.”

The Sham Public Participation: A Ksh 500 Bribe and 2kg of Maize Flour

Perhaps the most heartbreaking and cynical twist in this saga involves the deliberate manipulation of the very community the school is meant to serve.

To circumvent the court order, local sub-county administrators held a "discriminative" Board of Management (BOM) meeting on the 3rd and 4th of August 2026.

The sole objective of this meeting was to pass a resolution to excise the school land.

Following this, a massive operation was mounted on August 6th, 2026. Under the guise of "public participation," a group of individuals, handpicked and ferried into a meeting by the local administration, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), and the Sub-County Director of Education, was summoned.

Sources close to the school disclosed that each attendee was handed a token amounting to Ksh. 500 and a 2-kilogram packet of maize flour.

The objective was clear: buy their allegiance with food and cash, secure a unanimous "yes sir" from a manufactured crowd, and claim the community had voluntarily ceded the school's land to the police.

Furthermore, a public notice dated 7th August 2026 (signed by Meru County Commissioner George O. Omolo), calls for a "Public Participation Forum" regarding the implementation of Order No. 7 of the Court Judgment, scheduled for Monday, 17th August 2026.

This event is being held at a meeting venue in Kirimancuma Sub-Location, weeks after the resolutions to give away the land have already been secretly passed.

“Sanitizing an event that has already been recorded as being done,” said a prominent teacher from the region, speaking on anonymity.

“They have already taken the land. The meeting on Monday is just a photo-op to make it look lawful on paper. They have already bribed some parents to say 'yes'. They are putting on a play, but the real tragedy is our children.”

The Real Culprit: A Local Police Officer with Immense Interests

The community alleges that the strong-arm tactics are being spearheaded by a senior police officer currently stationed at the Administration Police College Meru.

The source describes this individual as a highly connected local who has immense vested interests in the land and property portfolio within the region.

“The police camp is not a stranger to this situation. They know the court ruling. They know they are in contempt. But they have a specific officer, someone who knows this terrain intimately and has entrenched interests here, driving this entire process forward. They are using the sub-county and county offices as puppets to circumvent the law,” a notable resident said.

A Cry from the Learners

While the local administration focuses on land grabbing, the state of the school itself is lamentable.

The current terrain of Kirimancuma Primary School leaves almost no room for the expansion required for the new Junior Secondary School (JSS) status.

“We don’t have enough land for expansion because of the terrain,” a parent told this publication.

“The school needs that remaining land to build classrooms, laboratories, and teachers' facilities for the junior secondary school students. Yet, the police camp is literally a neighbor. Their training activities, the drills, the noise, it interrupts our children's lessons every single day.”

The source added that the police camp performing paramilitary drills on the school grounds creates an extreme interruption, affecting the concentration and academic progress of learners who are already navigating an overcrowded facility.

The community is not asking for the police to leave the area entirely; they are asking for the police to relocate to a region where their services are genuinely needed, rather than occupying prime educational land right on the school's doorstep.

The Final Tragedy: The First Subdivision

The situation exposes a horrifying reality of land grabbing in Kenya, where public land is rarely stolen wholesale but instead taken piecemeal through a subtle and ruthless game of attrition.

“Stealing of such public land begins with the first subdivision. That is exactly what happened to us. They took the first slice, got away with it, and now they are coming for the rest. If they succeed, the school will not have a future,” a local resident said.

As the Public Participation Forum scheduled for Monday, August 17th, 2026, looms, the community of Kirimancuma is calling upon investigative agencies, honest leaders, and the office of the Attorney General to fulfill their constitutional duty.

The matter remains live in court, with the respondents required to comply with the existing court orders within the six months previously sought and surrender the land to the institution as directed.

Any further subdivision or alienation of the land would therefore amount to contempt of court and constitute a direct challenge to the rule of law.

The community has also formally opposed any further subdivision of the school land in correspondence to the Ministry of Education, urging the police camp to relocate to another area to allow for better learning conditions and future expansion of the institution.

Whether the court orders will ultimately be enforced or the community will face further attempts to alter the status of the land remains to be seen, but parents, teachers and students maintain that they will continue defending the school and its land.

The unfolding dispute over Kirimancuma Primary School land has also recently featured on vernacular television station Weru TV, with a feature capturing the raw emotions of the community as residents continue to fight for the preservation of the school land.

A storm is brewing behind the polished storefronts of Lorenzo Group Kenya, one of Nairobi's most visible premium garment care networks, where employees are now speaking out against what they describe as a deeply oppressive and dehumanising work environment at its Kamiti Two facility.

The company, which operates under the umbrella of Lorenzo Group and runs a chain of high-end dry cleaning outlets including Lorenzo Drycleaners, Vogue Drycleaners, Mamafua Laundry, and Dr Sportless, has built a reputation for luxury fabric care and convenience, but workers say the glittering brand image masks a culture of exploitation, intimidation, and systematic denial of basic employment rights.

The grievances centre on a workplace where employees are subjected to daily public scrutiny, arbitrary punishments, delayed salaries, and a management structure that workers say is defined by arrogance and a complete disregard for labour laws.

According to employees who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, the situation has become untenable, with many living in constant fear of being moved to distant locations without warning, denied their rightful pay, or dismissed without receiving their dues.

The complaints have been building for years, but employees say they have now reached a breaking point, prompting this exposé.

Salaries Delayed and Paid in Portions ¶

One of the most persistent grievances raised by workers at Lorenzo Group concerns the irregular and untimely disbursement of salaries.

Employees report that wages are consistently paid late and in portions, creating financial instability for workers who depend on timely payments to meet their daily obligations.

The situation is made worse by the fact that all employees are under the same bank account, meaning delays affect the entire workforce uniformly, yet no one from the relevant departments appears to take responsibility or address the root cause of the problem.

The accounts department, led by Jacklin Rotich, has been singled out by workers for failing to ensure timely salary processing, while the General Manager, Grace Mwambeo, has been accused of showing little concern for the welfare of employees and becoming increasingly irresponsible in the discharge of her duties.

The Human Resources department, headed by Faith Mbai, has also come under fire, with workers describing her as tribalistic and dismissive of employee concerns.

When workers attempt to raise complaints about salary delays or other issues, they are often met with hostility or told that the company has no shortage of qualified candidates, including people with master's degrees, who are willing to do their jobs for half the salary.

Public Humiliation and Disciplinary Measures ¶

Each morning, employees are required to attend a meeting where their performance from the previous day is publicly reviewed.

Workers say these sessions are not constructive but are instead used as a tool for intimidation and humiliation, with each member forced to explain what they did or failed to do the previous day.

Those who fall short of the daily targets, which workers say are often increased arbitrarily, are subjected to disciplinary measures that include being reshuffled to distant locations, a punishment that employees describe as one of the most devastating tools the company uses to assert control.

One employee recalled a scenario where a worker residing in Kawangware was suddenly posted to Kitengela or Greenpark, a move that would add hours to their daily commute and upend their family life.

Faith Mbai, the HR manager, is said to have told employees that she would keep rotating them until they could no longer bear it, a statement that workers say reflects the company's complete disregard for employee welfare.

The constant threat of being transferred to a far-flung location without any input or consideration is one of the most feared consequences of failing to meet the ever-increasing targets.

Employment Contracts, Salary Advances, and Dismissals ¶

Workers have also raised concerns about the company's employment practices, noting that before being enrolled, employees are required to open an account with a specific banking institution, a move they say is designed to benefit the company through interest gained on salary advances.

Employees say the company pushes workers to take salary advances, which they argue is a scheme that enriches the company at the expense of employees who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The arrangement has left many workers feeling trapped, with the company seemingly profiting from their financial struggles.

When an employee's contract ends or they are dismissed, workers say the real suffering begins, with many describing the process as a merry-go-round that leaves former employees waiting indefinitely for their dues.

According to workers, there are former employees who left over a year ago and have yet to receive their final payments, a situation that employees say is emblematic of the company's callous disregard for the wellbeing of its workforce.

Holidays, Leaves, and Working Conditions ¶

Workers also report that the company does not respect public holidays or employee leave entitlements, with staff required to work even during national strikes and demonstrations.

Those who fail to report for duty are issued warning letters that could lead to dismissal, leaving employees with no choice but to comply.

Employees are not provided with breakfast or lunch, and workers say they are also not allowed to bring their own meals, with management claiming they have too much work to do.

The company operates with a replacement mentality, workers say, where employees are told they are replaceable regardless of their performance, a statement that creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the staff.

The constant pressure to perform, coupled with the threat of being replaced at any moment, has created a workplace where employees feel disposable and undervalued.

Workers say the arrogance displayed by management is unmatched, and the culture of fear and intimidation has made it impossible for anyone to speak up without fearing for their job.

The Structure Behind the Brand ¶

Lorenzo Group Kenya is a prominent private investment company headquartered at the Lorenzo Group Centre on Tigoni Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, having been founded in 2013 as a private investment vehicle that allocates capital toward highly sustainable and tech-forward industries.

The group splits its long-term investment capital across three key divisions, with retail and consumer services serving as its flagship division, operating Kenya's largest premium garment care network, alongside commercial real estate development and digital technology investments.

The retail arm, operating under the legal name Lorenzo Drycleaners Ltd, serves as the core consumer engine of the group, with a network that has grown from 17 branches to more than 30 strategic locations and pick-up hubs across Nairobi's elite shopping centers.

The company's branches include flagship locations at Adlife Plaza in Kilimani, Village Market in Gigiri, The Waterfront in Karen, and Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands, with extended operating hours that cater to Nairobi's high-end clientele.

However, for the employees working at the Kamiti Two facility and other locations, the glamour of the brand and the comfort of its elite customers stand in stark contrast to the daily reality they face.

Workers Call for Government Intervention ¶

Workers say the company that presents itself as a leader in premium fabric care has failed to extend the same level of care and professionalism to its own workforce, and they are now calling on the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the National Employment Authority, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and the parliamentary committees responsible for labour oversight, to step in and investigate the exploitation that has become deeply entrenched in the company's operations.

The employees are demanding accountability, fair treatment, and respect for their rights, and they hope that by bringing these issues to the public's attention, the company will finally be compelled to change its ways.

The workers are urging the Ministry of Labour to conduct an independent audit of the company's employment practices, including salary disbursement, contract management, and compliance with labour laws.

They are also calling on the National Employment Authority to examine the recruitment processes and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and without discrimination.

The employees further appeal to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to review the wage structures at Lorenzo Group and determine whether the pay and benefits meet the standards set for similar roles in the industry.

The workers have also expressed hope that the parliamentary committees on labour and social welfare will take up the matter and compel the company's management to appear before them to answer for the grievances raised.

They believe that parliamentary oversight would bring much-needed transparency to the company's operations and pressure management to address the systemic issues that have plagued the workforce for years.

The employees remain hopeful that the relevant authorities will act swiftly and decisively, as the situation has become untenable and many workers are on the brink of giving up.

They say they have been silenced for too long, and they are now counting on the government and the public to stand with them in their fight for justice.

Below is the full testimony from a source with direct knowledge of the working conditions at Lorenzo Group's Kamiti Two facility, detailing the systematic denial of employment rights.

"Good afternoon Nyakundi. Hide my identity. Help me expose this group of companies under Lorenzo Group with the following subsidiaries: Lorenzo Drycleaners, Vogue Drycleaners, Mamafua Laundry, and lastly Dr Sportless. My sister works here, and the working environment is messy and not friendly at all, such that I would not refer or recommend anyone to go look for work there. It is located in Kamiti Two. Employees are denied their employment rights and freedom, whereby when you try to complain, the General Manager, Grace Mwambeo, will confidently tell you that they have people with master's degrees who are looking for the work you do and would be paid half the salary they pay current employees. All departments, including Logistics, Customer Service, and the Home Cleaning team, are under pressure.

(1) SALARY DISBURSEMENT

Salaries are paid late and in portions, considering all employees are under the same bank account. When it reaches the 5th of every month, no one from the relevant departments—Accounts, led by Jacklin Rotich, the General Manager who is becoming increasingly irresponsible in her duties, and lastly HR, who is none other than a tribalistic person, Faith Mbai—takes responsibility.

Each and every morning, they conduct meetings where each member is publicly required to disclose what they did or failed to do the previous day. Failure to hit the daily increased targets results in disciplinary measures, including reshuffling, which is the most severe punishment the company can impose on an employee. For example, if you reside in Kawangware, you may be posted to Kitengela or Greenpark, and Faith Mbai will confidently tell you, "Nitakuzungusha hadi hutaamini."

(2) EMPLOYMENT

Before you are enrolled in the company, you are required to open an account with a specific banking firm, through which one can apply for a salary advance. This arrangement benefits the company more, as it gains interest from employees.

(3) END OF CONTRACT OR DISMISSAL

When your contract ends or you are dismissed, that is where the suffering begins. It is a merry-go-round here; you may die without receiving your dues. It is evident that some former employees who left a year ago have still not been paid to date. The arrogance in this company is unmatched.

(4) HOLIDAYS, OFF DAYS, AND LEAVES

Even when the country is under massive strikes and demonstrations, you are required to work at Lorenzo whether you like it or not. Failure to report for duty results in a warning letter that could lead to dismissal. Employees work on public holidays, and when they ask for compensation, the response is that the company has fewer workers, yet they employ people daily from Monday to Friday. No breakfast or lunch is provided, and employees are also not allowed to bring their own meals, with management claiming they have too much work to do. Employees are told that they are replaceable regardless of their performance."

A former Deputy Director of Audit at the Office of the Auditor General has been charged with allegedly using a forged university degree to secure employment and rise through the ranks of one of Kenya’s key public oversight institutions.

Hannah Wambui Mwaura, also known as Anna Wambui Mwaura, is accused of presenting a Bachelor of Commerce degree purportedly issued by Mount Kenya University to qualify for an audit management position, despite investigations indicating that she had not graduated from the institution when she submitted the certificate.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Mwaura on August 4, 2026, as investigators closed in on allegations that a questionable academic qualification helped open the door to a public-sector career that eventually saw her appointed to the senior position of Deputy Director-Audit.

The case has now placed renewed scrutiny on how government agencies verify academic credentials before hiring and promoting officials.

Degree Certificate at Centre of Investigation ¶

According to the EACC investigation, the controversy dates back to recruitment conducted by the Office of the Auditor General in 2013.

In July that year, the office advertised the position of Assistant Manager–Audit, setting out a range of academic and professional requirements for prospective applicants.

Among the requirements was a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, a Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field, at least eight years' experience in auditing and relevant professional accounting qualifications.

Investigators allege that Mwaura submitted a Bachelor of Commerce degree certificate in Accounting, bearing a Second Class Honours (Upper Division), which purportedly showed that she had graduated from Mount Kenya University on August 20, 2010.

The certificate allegedly became a key document supporting her application. However, the EACC says subsequent investigations established a major discrepancy in the timeline.

Investigators found that Mwaura was still a student at Mount Kenya University pursuing the same Bachelor of Commerce programme at the time she allegedly presented the certificate during the recruitment process.

In other words, the commission's case is that the qualification presented as proof of a completed university degree was allegedly obtained before she had actually graduated.

That finding forms the centrepiece of the prosecution's case.

From Recruitment to Deputy Director ¶

The alleged academic irregularity did not end with employment. According to the EACC, Mwaura's qualification subsequently contributed to her career progression within the Office of the Auditor General, eventually leading to her promotion to Deputy Director-Audit.

The commission estimates that she received KSh28,468,754.14 in salaries between February 3, 2013, and May 23, 2024.

The figure represents more than a decade of public-sector remuneration that investigators now allege was obtained through fraudulent academic credentials.

The EACC is seeking to recover the money and associated benefits through civil proceedings. The case therefore goes beyond the question of whether an academic certificate was forged.

It raises a broader issue about the financial consequences of allegedly securing public employment or promotion through qualifications that did not meet the stated recruitment requirements.

If the allegations are ultimately proved in court, the case could expose weaknesses in the verification systems used by public institutions when recruiting senior officials.

EACC Investigation Uncovers Alleged Discrepancy ¶

The EACC began investigating the matter after concerns emerged over the authenticity of the academic qualification.

Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding Mwaura's recruitment and the academic documents allegedly used to support her application.

The commission subsequently concluded that there was sufficient evidence to forward the investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The DPP approved four charges against Mwaura: forgery, uttering a false document, deceiving a principal and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

The charges reflect different aspects of the alleged scheme, including the production and use of the disputed document and the alleged financial benefit derived from it.

Mwaura was initially booked at the Integrity Centre Police Station after her arrest and released on KSh100,000 police cash bail pending her court appearance. She was later arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, where she denied all the charges.

The court released her on KSh450,000 cash bail or a KSh1 million bond accompanied by a surety of a similar amount.

The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system, where prosecutors will be required to prove the allegations against her.

Public Funds at the Heart of Case ¶

At the centre of the prosecution is the alleged loss to the public purse. The EACC maintains that Mwaura unlawfully earned KSh28.47 million in salaries over a period stretching from 2013 to 2024.

That period covers approximately 11 years of employment and progression within the public sector.

The commission has announced plans to institute separate civil proceedings seeking recovery of the salaries and benefits it considers to have been obtained through the alleged fraudulent academic qualification.

Such recovery proceedings could become a significant component of the case because they seek to determine whether public funds paid during the period can be reclaimed.

The allegations also raise questions about whether other officials were involved in approving, verifying or relying on the disputed qualification during recruitment and subsequent promotions.

The EACC's investigation, however, has so far focused on the former Deputy Director-Audit.

EACC Issues Warning to Government Agencies ¶

The commission has used the case to issue a wider warning to government institutions over the verification of academic and professional credentials.

EACC is urging Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as county governments, to strengthen checks on certificates presented by applicants and serving officials.

The warning is particularly significant in recruitment and promotion processes involving positions funded by taxpayers.

A failure to verify qualifications, investigators warn, can create a chain of consequences: an unqualified person may secure employment, rise through an institution and receive substantial public remuneration before questions over their credentials are finally raised.

The case also places pressure on public institutions to demonstrate that credential verification is not merely a procedural requirement but a substantive safeguard against fraud.

For an institution tasked with auditing government expenditure, the allegations involving a former senior audit official carry an added institutional significance.

The Office of the Auditor General plays a central role in scrutinising the use of public resources. The prosecution therefore places the spotlight not only on the accused but also on the systems that allowed the alleged qualification to pass through recruitment and promotion processes.

As Mwaura faces the four corruption-related charges, the criminal case will determine whether the allegations are proven beyond the required legal threshold.

For now, she remains presumed innocent unless and until a court determines otherwise.

But the KSh28.47 million salary claim has already transformed what might otherwise have been an academic credential dispute into a major public accountability case—one that could expose serious gaps in how Kenya verifies the qualifications of people entrusted with public office.

Former Chesikaki Councillor and Mt Elgon parliamentary aspirant Nathan Wasama Masai has reportedly been shot dead by unknown assailants at his home in Tuikut, Cheptais, Bungoma County.

Wasama was allegedly attacked at his residence on Thursday night, with the assailants reportedly shooting him before fleeing the scene. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was later reported dead.

The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, with police yet to officially confirm details of the attack or disclose whether any suspects have been arrested.

The incident comes only weeks after Wasama publicly declared his intention to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, raising questions over whether his political ambitions could have been linked to the attack.

Wasama Had Survived Earlier Shooting ¶

The latest incident was reportedly the second attempt on Wasama's life in two years.

In 2024, gunmen attacked him in the Kapcheshari area, with several bullets striking the rear section of his vehicle.

The attack occurred at around 7pm, but Wasama escaped without sustaining injuries. His latest killing has therefore heightened concerns over the safety of political aspirants and public figures in the region as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.

Leaders Mourn Mt Elgon Aspirant ¶

Wasama was also known beyond politics as a businessman, philanthropist and active member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.

His death has triggered shock among leaders and residents in Mt Elgon, with calls growing for authorities to establish the circumstances behind the shooting and bring those responsible to justice.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa was among the first leaders to mourn Wasama, condemning the killing as a senseless act of violence.

Barasa urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a swift and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

He also sent condolences to Wasama's family, friends, the people of Mt Elgon and members of the SDA Church.

DCI Faces Pressure to Unravel Killing ¶

The killing now places pressure on security agencies to determine who carried out the attack, how the assailants accessed Wasama's residence and whether the incident was linked to his political activities, business interests or other personal disputes.

Investigators will also face questions over the earlier 2024 shooting, particularly whether the two incidents could be connected.

The absence of an official police account has left several details surrounding the latest attack unconfirmed.

At the time of publication, the National Police Service (NPS) and DCI had not issued an official statement confirming the fatal shooting or announced arrests.

Wasama's death comes at a time when political activity is gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 polls, with aspiring candidates increasingly positioning themselves for elective seats across the country.

The investigation will now be closely watched by residents of Mt Elgon as authorities come under pressure to establish the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible.

The Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO) has suffered another major setback after the Co-operative Tribunal ordered it to refund nearly Ksh489 million to Mhasibu DT Sacco.

The decision comes as the troubled cooperative umbrella body battles mounting lawsuits, criminal investigations and sweeping reforms following the exposure of one of Kenya's biggest financial scandals.

The ruling not only strengthens Mhasibu Sacco's quest to recover members' savings but also opens the door for dozens of other affected Saccos seeking billions of shillings tied up at KUSCCO.

Tribunal Orders KUSCCO to Refund Mhasibu Sacco Nearly Ksh489 Million ¶

The Co-operative Tribunal has directed KUSCCO to refund approximately Ksh489 million to Mhasibu DT Sacco after finding that the organisation remained legally bound to honour a matured fixed deposit despite its ongoing financial crisis.

The ruling marks another significant legal defeat for KUSCCO, which has been at the centre of investigations into alleged fraud, governance failures and financial mismanagement that exposed billions of shillings belonging to member Saccos.

According to tribunal proceedings, the dispute arose after Mhasibu DT Sacco invested hundreds of millions of shillings with KUSCCO under a fixed deposit arrangement that matured without repayment.

The tribunal ruled that contractual obligations cannot simply be suspended because an institution is experiencing liquidity challenges or undergoing restructuring. Instead, it held that depositors retain the legal right to recover their investments once contractual terms have been fulfilled.

The decision is expected to influence other pending recovery claims involving cooperative societies whose funds remain trapped at KUSCCO.

Investment Matured More Than Two Years Ago ¶

Tribunal records show that Mhasibu DT Sacco invested about Ksh450.1 million with KUSCCO in July 2023 under a fixed deposit earning an annual interest rate of 13.5 percent.

The investment matured in January 2024.

By the time the matter reached the tribunal, the total amount due, including accrued interest, had exceeded Ksh480 million.

Mhasibu Sacco also sought the release of more than Ksh11 million held in its Jungu Kuu savings account, pushing the total award to approximately Ksh489 million.

Court documents indicate that the Sacco repeatedly requested payment after the investment matured, but KUSCCO failed to release the funds.

During the proceedings, KUSCCO acknowledged the debt but argued that the delay resulted from the financial difficulties that have affected its operations over the past two years.

The tribunal rejected that argument, finding that financial distress alone could not extinguish contractual obligations owed to depositors.

Ruling Raises Stakes for KUSCCO and Cooperative Sector ¶

The judgment could have far-reaching implications for Kenya's cooperative movement. Several Saccos have already disclosed significant financial exposure to KUSCCO following the forensic audit that uncovered widespread financial irregularities within the institution.

Legal experts believe the ruling may encourage more cooperative societies to pursue tribunal proceedings to recover members' funds.

The cooperative sector remains one of Kenya's most important financial pillars, mobilising savings from millions of members while providing affordable credit to households, professionals, farmers and small businesses.

According to the State Department for Cooperatives, the Sacco movement continues to play a central role in expanding financial inclusion and supporting economic growth.

The KUSCCO crisis has therefore attracted close attention from regulators and policymakers seeking to restore public confidence in the sector.

The Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development previously appointed an interim board to steer reforms after forensic investigations exposed extensive governance failures and suspected financial misconduct.

At the same time, the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) has urged deposit-taking Saccos to strengthen risk management, diversify investments and enhance governance standards to protect members' savings against concentration risks.

The regulator has also advised Saccos to maintain prudent financial reporting and make adequate provisions where investments face elevated credit risk.

Meanwhile, criminal investigations into the KUSCCO scandal continue, with former officials facing court proceedings over alleged financial misconduct linked to billions of shillings in losses.

For Mhasibu DT Sacco, the tribunal decision represents a major legal victory after a lengthy effort to recover members' money.

For KUSCCO, however, the ruling adds another significant financial obligation at a time when the organisation is already struggling to rebuild its credibility, restore liquidity and reassure member institutions that their investments remain protected.

The case also reinforces an important legal principle within Kenya's cooperative sector: institutions entrusted with members' savings remain accountable for their contractual obligations, regardless of the financial challenges they face.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the death of 19-year-old Erick Otieno, who died shortly after being released from detention at Muthaiga Police Station.

The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the development after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) initiated preliminary inquiries into the incident, which has sparked fresh scrutiny over the treatment of suspects in police custody.

IPOA assumes probe as questions mount

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that detectives had begun investigating the circumstances surrounding Otieno's death before the matter was formally handed over to IPOA.

"Upon receiving the report of his passing, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations promptly initiated inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The investigations have now been taken over by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority," Muchiri said.

The 19-year-old boda boda rider from Mathare was arrested on Sunday, August 2, and later taken to Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital after being released from police custody, where he was pronounced dead, according to his family.

Family alleges assault as post-mortem reveals cause of death

Otieno's family has accused police officers of assaulting him while he was in custody, further alleging that officers ignored his complaints of injuries and declined to release him promptly to seek medical treatment.

The National Police Service has not publicly responded to the family's allegations.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday, August 4, established that the teenager died from internal bleeding.

The findings are expected to form a key part of IPOA's investigation as the independent oversight body seeks to establish the events leading to Erick Otieno's death and determine whether any criminal or disciplinary action is warranted.

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What makes Kwetu particularly appealing for Kenyans is the ability to pay using M-Pesa through a simple STK Push.

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Two Somali nationals have been arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to export a massive consignment of gold to Dubai without paying the mandatory 4% royalty fees, in a sophisticated scheme that has been running under the cover of government officials for years.

The suspects, identified as Abderrehman Gabo Dekow, holder of Kenyan passport number BK 381783, and Ahmed Ali Sheikh, holder of Kenyan identity card number 37803856, were intercepted on July 23, 2026, at 8:32 PM at the main entrance of Terminal 1B while queuing to enter the primary screening area.

The two were found in possession of two travelling bags.

A light grey suitcase with four stud feet labelled 'Track' belonging to Dekow, and a black backpack with a handle on top labelled 'Zunu' with the words 'sport style' written in white colour with seven compartments belonging to Sheikh.

Officers from the DCI's Anti-Illegal Mining and Smuggling Investigations unit conducted the operation, which uncovered a staggering 54,805 kilograms of assorted gold bars valued at approximately KSh 17,000 per gram, translating to nearly a billion Kenyan shillings.

After being escorted to DCI offices at JKIA and later to Madini House, the suspects had their bags searched in their presence, leading to the recovery of a treasure trove of items that exposed the elaborate smuggling network.

Among the items recovered was a precious metal analyzer machine, a Thermo Scientific make Niton DXL model DXL 800 S/NO. C60682, in black, silver, and grey, which would have been used to verify the purity of the gold before export.

A vivid picture of the scale of the smuggling operation emerges from the inventory of items recovered during the operation.

Kenyan passport number 37803856 bearing Dekow's name was found, alongside a United Arab Emirates Resident Identity Card number 784-1996-2401513-0 in the same name.

Assorted documents bearing the names of NASRACEN Trading Company and Jowhar Jewelry were also recovered, all attached to the passport biodata page of Dekow, suggesting a well-organized commercial operation.

Substantial amounts of cash in multiple currencies were also found, including US dollars, UAE dirhams, Pakistani rupees, British pounds, and Qatari and Saudi riyals.

Particularly significant is the recovery of the precious metal analyzer machine, which indicates that the suspects were not mere couriers but were actively engaged in the gold trade, with the capability to test and verify the quality of the gold they were exporting.

The machine, a Niton DXL 800, is a sophisticated device used for rapid analysis of precious metals, further confirming the professional nature of the operation.

The quantity of gold (54,805 kilograms) is one of the largest seizures of its kind in recent years, and the value of the consignment runs into nearly a billion shillings, a staggering amount that has sent shockwaves through the gold trading sector.

For an extended period, the suspects have been operating under the cover of government officials, exporting gold to Dubai without paying the mandatory 4% royalty fees, costing the Kenyan government billions of shillings in lost revenue.

This time, however, their luck ran out.

Sources familiar with the investigation have confirmed that the arrests were made following a lengthy probe into the activities of the gold smuggling syndicate.

Kenya's gold export regulations have been exposed as having a major loophole, with authorities now under pressure to investigate how such a large quantity of gold could be exported under the watch of government officials without being detected.

Questions are now being raised about whether the owners of the gold will ever get their gold back and whether it is safe, as they face an uncertain future.

Currently in DCI custody, the gold is expected to be the subject of legal action against the suspects in the coming days.

Serious questions have also been raised about the role of government officials in the smuggling operation, with investigators now turning their attention to the individuals who facilitated the illegal exports.

Substantial amounts of cash in various currencies, including US dollars, UAE dirhams, Pakistani rupees, British pounds, and Qatari and Saudi riyals, were also revealed in the inventory.

Such large sums of cash, combined with the gold and the precious metal analyzer, suggest that the suspects were running a well-established smuggling operation that had been ongoing for some time.

Details of the individuals involved in the scheme are contained in documents recovered during the operation, and investigators are now working to unravel the full extent of the network.

Kenya's gold export regulations have been exposed as having a major gap, with the government now under pressure to tighten controls and ensure that all gold exports are properly documented and that the appropriate taxes and royalties are paid.

Further updates on the case have been promised by the DCI as the investigation continues. Smuggling, tax evasion, and conspiracy to defraud the government are among the offences the suspects are expected to be charged with.

As the investigation deepens, all eyes are on the DCI to see whether the full network behind this elaborate scheme will be brought to justice.

The liquidation process of United Insurance Company Limited, which has over the years stalled due to protracted court battles and fierce opposition from lawyers representing shareholders and creditors, may finally be on the horizon after the High Court provided clear direction on the matter, ordering the liquidator to convene a creditors' meeting within two weeks.

The court directed that the meeting be held physically on September 11, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, with creditors also allowed to participate virtually, while further directing the liquidator to file an index of all reports within 14 days.

The ruling by Justice Gikonyo has effectively broken the stalemate that has seen the liquidation of the collapsed insurer drag on for years, with the court affirming the liquidator's authority to continue drawing his fees and proceed with the winding-up process despite persistent attempts by certain lawyers to have him removed.

The liquidator, Kamal Anantroy Bhatt, appeared before the court following applications by shareholders and creditors seeking his removal and the appointment of the official receiver to take over the liquidation, with lawyers Wanjiku Ithondeka, representing shareholders, and Charles Kihara, acting for some creditors, leading the charge against him.

The lawyers accused Bhatt of spending at least Ksh 151 million without adequate consultation and questioned his monthly remuneration of Ksh 5 million, with Kihara demanding to know whether the liquidator had the authority to draw such an amount.

Bhatt, however, defended his fees, stating that they were reasonable and below what he was entitled to charge under applicable rules, explaining that a liquidator in a voluntary winding-up is entitled to Ksh 100,000 for the first Sh1 million and 10% of the total value of assets, while for contentious winding-up proceedings such as United Insurance's case, the applicable fee is Ksh 150,000 for the first Sh1 million and 10 per cent of the remainder.

"My fees are Ksh 5 million exclusive of VAT per month. I consider them reasonable and in some cases below industry average. In exercising discretion on my remuneration, I considered the amount of work to be done in this liquidation," Bhatt told the court.

The court, however, appeared unpersuaded by the arguments against Bhatt, with Justice Gikonyo stating that the liquidator should continue drawing his fees and proceed with the liquidation process.

The judge also agreed with Bhatt's definition of a creditor in liquidation, affirming that a creditor is one who has filed a proof of debt form with the liquidator or his team, a determination that dealt a significant blow to Kihara and his colleague H. Kinyanjui, who have to date not filed a single proof of debt form with the liquidator.

This revelation exposed the true nature of the opposition against Bhatt, suggesting that the lawyers challenging his authority are not even recognized as creditors under the law, raising serious questions about their standing to demand his removal.

Bhatt told the court that he had convened a creditors' meeting on October 2, 2025, begun verification of claims, and started processing payments before the process was stopped by court orders, with creditors at that meeting having authorised the sale of the insurer's properties to settle all verified claims.

The liquidator explained that the valuation of the company's properties had taken considerable time because more than 350 title deeds had to be assessed before a comprehensive report could be prepared, with the last valuation conducted on the insurer's properties being a desktop valuation carried out in 2014, whose reports were submitted in a flash disk to the High Court through lawyers representing the creditors and shareholders.

"I have done my best to update the creditors and process payments. I had started processing payments but was stopped by the court," Bhatt told the court.

One of the most significant revelations to emerge from the proceedings was the existence of a Sh141 million recovery claim filed by the liquidator against George Kariuki over compensation funds from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) belonging to Fidei Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of United Insurance.

The liquidator disclosed that he does not have control of Fidei Holdings despite it being a 99.8% subsidiary of United Insurance, with BRS reportedly stalling the removal of directors and secretary.

Justice Gikonyo directed the liquidator to make an application for an order against BRS to gain control of Fidei Holdings, with the liquidator's lawyers instructed to fast-track the process.

The creditors and shareholders have claimed that the Policyholders Compensation Fund provided Bhatt with about Ksh 340 million and properties valued at approximately Ksh 5 billion to facilitate the liquidation, but they have accused him of spending millions without adequate consultation.

These allegations have been met with strong rebuttals from Bhatt, who has maintained that all invoices and payments are properly recorded in the files filed in the High Court and has adduced the requisite invoices to support his claims.

The liquidator also told the court that he would require two weeks to convene another creditors' meeting but needed funds to place advertisements in two newspapers and secure a venue, with the case set to be heard on September 28, 2026.

The notice of the creditors' meeting, which was published on August 3, 2026, has invited all creditors of United Insurance to attend the meeting at KICC on September 11, 2026, starting from 10:00 a.m., for the purpose of electing seven creditors to constitute the creditors' committee.

Creditors eligible to vote at that meeting are those who have completed and returned their proof of debt forms to the liquidator in the prescribed form on or before August 21, 2026, with proof of debt forms available for collection at the liquidator's office or via email upon written request.

The liquidator has warned all creditors who have not completed and returned their proof of debt forms to do so without further delay, as the High Court has the power and jurisdiction to bar all claims not received by the liquidator for verification after a specified date.

The court has made it clear that the liquidation process must proceed, and that the opposition from certain lawyers, who have not even filed proof of debt forms, will not be allowed to derail the process any further.

Justice Gikonyo has affirmed the liquidator's authority and directed him to move forward with the meeting, sending a clear message that the prolonged legal battles must come to an end.

The case will be heard on September 28, 2026, and all eyes will be on the court as it determines the next steps in the long-awaited liquidation of United Insurance Company Limited.

Somalia's Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji has surrendered his Kenyan passport, national identity card and birth certificate following a directive issued by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud targeting senior officials holding foreign identification documents.

Haji formally handed over the documents during a ceremony in Mogadishu, becoming the first member of Somalia's federal Cabinet to comply with the order.

The move comes amid growing immigration tensions between Kenya and Somalia, following reports of increased scrutiny over Kenyan identification documents allegedly held by some Somali government officials.

Deputy PM complies with presidential directive

Haji presented the Kenyan passport, national identity card and birth certificate to Kenya's Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Elias Bare Shill, during a ceremony held in Mogadishu on Monday.

The handover followed a directive issued by President Mohamud requiring ministers and senior government officials possessing Kenyan identification documents to surrender them or leave office.

The order was announced on July 30 after reports emerged that some senior Somali officials were travelling using Kenyan passports and national identity cards.

Haji's compliance makes him the first member of Somalia's Cabinet to publicly relinquish the documents under the presidential directive.

The development comes weeks after Haji was reportedly denied entry into Kenya through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) over claims surrounding the legitimacy of his Kenyan passport.

Immigration concerns strain Kenya-Somalia relations

The directive has renewed attention on longstanding allegations that some foreign nationals may have irregularly acquired Kenyan identification documents.

Kenyan immigration authorities have recently increased scrutiny of travel documents, with reports indicating that several Somali officials have either been denied entry or deported over documentation concerns.

However, Immigration and Citizens Services Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has maintained that Kenyan passports and national identity cards are issued only to citizens, while eligible non-citizens receive alien identification documents.

The issue also featured in recent diplomatic discussions between Kenya and Somalia, with both governments agreeing to strengthen cooperation on immigration, consular affairs and cross-border movement.

Haji's decision to surrender the documents marks the first visible implementation of Somalia's directive as both countries work to address growing immigration concerns.

Telecom Networks Under Relentless Cyber Assault

Kenya's rapid digital transformation has opened a dangerous new front in the fight against cybercrime, with a new Interpol report revealing the country has become one of East Africa's most heavily targeted nations for online attacks, mobile money fraud and ransomware operations.

The Interpol African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 paints a troubling picture of a country whose expanding digital economy is increasingly being exploited by sophisticated criminal networks targeting telecommunications infrastructure, government systems and millions of mobile money users.

According to the report, Kenya recorded more than 46,786 Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks during the first half of 2025 alone, with telecom operators bearing the brunt of the assaults.

The attacks, which overwhelm networks with massive volumes of internet traffic, are designed to cripple essential digital services relied upon daily by businesses, government agencies and ordinary Kenyans.

Interpol also identified Kenya among Africa's leading phishing hotspots, signalling a growing shift by cybercriminals towards large-scale attacks aimed at stealing personal and financial information.

The findings suggest Kenya's booming digital connectivity has made it an increasingly attractive target for organised cybercrime syndicates operating across borders.

Government Systems Also Came Under Attack

The report reveals that Kenya's vulnerability extends well beyond private companies.

The Communications Authority recorded hundreds of millions of attempted intrusions targeting government systems and critical ICT infrastructure within just a three-month period.

Many of the attacks involved brute-force techniques and attempts to exploit software vulnerabilities before security teams could respond.

One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in July when hackers compromised the official website of the President, replacing its homepage with a ransom demand seeking payment in Bitcoin.

The attack exposed growing concerns over the resilience of government digital infrastructure as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated.

Mobile Money Fraud Surges

Beyond attacks on networks, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Kenya's mobile money ecosystem.

Interpol notes that SIM swap fraud surged by 327 per cent during 2025, resulting in the fraudulent issuance of more than 123,000 SIM cards and losses estimated at USD 3.8 million from mobile wallets.

The report warns that criminals continue exploiting weaknesses in identity verification systems, enabling them to hijack phone numbers before draining victims' accounts.

Given Kenya's heavy reliance on mobile money for everyday transactions, the trend represents one of the country's most significant cybersecurity threats.

Regional Gaps Fuel Cross-Border Crime

Interpol's assessment shows Kenya is not facing the crisis alone, but its exposure is among the highest in East Africa.

Uganda recently suffered a suspected ransomware attack targeting its national electricity transmission company, while Tanzania and Rwanda continue battling similar SIM swap schemes.

However, Interpol argues that fragmented cybersecurity responses across the region have allowed criminal groups to exploit national borders and enforcement gaps.

The report warns that without stronger regional cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement operations, cybercriminal networks will continue taking advantage of East Africa's expanding digital economy.

As Kenya accelerates digital payments, online government services and internet connectivity, the findings raise fresh questions over whether investments in cybersecurity are keeping pace with the country's technological ambitions.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya is facing a Sh4.5 billion constitutional petition over the marketing of its VELO nicotine pouches, with petitioners accusing the tobacco company of breaching Kenya's tobacco control laws through a campaign they claim targeted young consumers.

The case, filed before the Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court, seeks Sh1.5 billion to establish a public health fund for nicotine addiction treatment, tobacco cessation programmes and public awareness campaigns. The petitioners are also seeking Sh3 billion in punitive damages against BAT Kenya. The claims remain allegations that are yet to be determined by the court.

The petition further asks the court to compel BAT Kenya to immediately recall VELO nicotine pouches from the market and stop the ongoing marketing campaign pending the hearing and determination of the case.

According to the court filings, BAT Kenya allegedly promoted VELO through entertainment venues, peer promoters and the sale of individual nicotine pouches in a manner the petitioners argue violated Kenya's tobacco control framework and exposed young people to nicotine products.

The suit does not only target BAT Kenya.

It also names the Tobacco Control Board, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Attorney General, accusing them of failing to enforce existing tobacco control laws and regulations.

The petition raises broader questions about regulatory oversight and whether public agencies have done enough to monitor the marketing of newer nicotine products entering the Kenyan market.

The High Court has not made any findings on the merits of the case.

Justice Gregory Mutai has directed all respondents to file their responses before the matter returns to court on October 8 for further directions.

The outcome of the petition could have significant implications for the marketing and sale of nicotine pouches and other alternative nicotine products in Kenya, particularly if the court finds that existing laws were breached.

BAT Kenya and the other respondents will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the court makes its determination.

Police have reopened one of Kenya's most controversial human rights files after a fresh Inspector General's report recommended legal review of 58 alleged sexual abuse cases linked to members of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).

The report, now before Parliament, urges closer cooperation with the United Kingdom, fresh DNA testing, and renewed investigations into allegations spanning several years.

It also exposes the scale of claims recorded in Laikipia, where survivors, witnesses and families have long demanded justice despite years of stalled investigations and legal setbacks.

Fresh Police Probe Reignites BATUK Sexual Abuse Investigation ¶

The Inspector General's report marks a major development in the long-running controversy surrounding alleged sexual abuse involving British soldiers stationed in Kenya.

Police have recommended that 58 alleged rape and gang rape cases be subjected to fresh legal review to determine whether they meet the threshold for prosecution.

Investigators are also seeking enhanced cooperation with authorities in the United Kingdom to facilitate investigations and any criminal proceedings that may arise from the findings.

The report further recommends DNA testing where necessary to establish paternity in cases involving children allegedly born following the reported assaults.

According to investigators, the renewed inquiry involved interviews with 95 people drawn from Nanyuki, Doldol, Lekiji Village and other parts of Laikipia County.

The investigation documented testimonies from 58 alleged survivors of rape and gang rape, seven children reportedly born from the alleged assaults and relatives of 17 deceased victims.

Police believe the findings provide sufficient grounds for further legal examination despite the challenges posed by the age of several cases.

Investigators Document Survivor Testimonies Across Laikipia ¶

The report identifies Lekiji Village as the area with the highest number of interviewees because of its proximity to the Impala BATUK training area.

Investigators documented 23 alleged gang rape cases, 11 alleged rape cases, two reports of injuries sustained while victims fled alleged attacks and testimony from three witnesses.

Several interviewees told investigators they were allegedly attacked while carrying out routine activities such as collecting firewood, fetching water and fishing.

Witnesses also claimed that some children were allegedly lured with sweets and food before being sexually assaulted.

The accounts collected during the inquiry now form part of evidence that police want reviewed by prosecutors as investigations continue.

Evidence Challenges Could Complicate Future Prosecutions ¶

Despite recommending fresh legal action, investigators acknowledged that many of the allegations face significant evidentiary hurdles.

The report notes that several incidents were reported years after they allegedly occurred, limiting the availability of forensic evidence needed to support prosecutions.

Police also cited earlier investigations conducted by the British Royal Military Police as another factor affecting the collection of evidence.

A parallel review conducted with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) found that some allegations lacked sufficient evidence, while the deaths of several alleged victims further complicated efforts to pursue justice.

The report comes as Parliament continues scrutinising allegations involving BATUK alongside Kenya's defence cooperation arrangements with the United Kingdom.

Its release also coincides with confirmation that a previously cancelled British military training exercise in Laikipia will proceed between September and November following consultations between the Kenyan and UK governments.

The renewed investigations are expected to intensify pressure for accountability while testing whether fresh evidence and cross-border cooperation can finally resolve allegations that have remained unanswered for years.

The United States is preparing to tighten its immigration rules by increasing the maximum visa bond for business and tourist travellers to $20,000 (about Ksh2.56 million) while making the controversial programme permanent.

The proposal targets visitors from more than 30 African countries as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to reduce visa overstays and illegal immigration. Although Kenya has been left out of the latest list, U.S. authorities say additional countries could be added once the programme becomes a permanent feature of America's immigration system.

US visa bond programme expands as security deposit rises to $20,000 ¶

A draft Federal Register notice published on Friday, July 31, proposes raising the maximum visa bond from the current $15,000 to $20,000 for selected applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas.

The visas cover business and tourism travel to the United States.

Unlike standard visa application fees, the bond acts as a refundable financial guarantee designed to ensure visitors comply with immigration laws.

Under the proposal, U.S. consular officers will retain discretion to determine whether an applicant should pay the bond before a visa is issued.

The money will be refunded if the visa application is denied or, where approved, after the traveller leaves the United States within the permitted period.

The proposal also removes the existing $5,000 bond option, leaving higher financial thresholds for affected applicants.

Officials say the revised framework is intended to discourage visa overstays while strengthening compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

More than 30 African countries targeted under permanent programme ¶

The proposed permanent programme applies to visitors from over 30 African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Tunisia, Botswana, Namibia and Mauritius.

Kenya is not included in the current proposal. However, U.S. authorities have indicated that additional countries could be incorporated into the programme once it becomes permanent.

Travellers required to post the bond will also have to use designated U.S. ports of entry and departure, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Boston Logan International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Reports from the United States indicate the Federal Register notice is expected to be formally published on Monday, when the visa bond programme is also expected to transition from a pilot project into a permanent immigration policy.

Trump administration cites visa overstays and deportation costs ¶

The visa bond programme was first introduced by the Trump administration in August 2025 as part of broader measures aimed at reducing illegal immigration and visa overstays.

According to U.S. officials, the government spends approximately $18,000 to arrest and deport every visitor who overstays a visa.

Authorities believe requiring high-risk travellers to post refundable financial guarantees will improve compliance while reducing enforcement costs.

The draft notice also states that the permanent programme is expected to reduce demand for B1 and B2 visa applications from countries covered under the policy.

While Kenyan travellers remain unaffected for now, the government's indication that additional countries may be added means future policy changes could eventually affect Kenyan applicants.

The proposal marks another significant shift in U.S. immigration policy as Washington continues tightening border controls and introducing stricter measures for temporary visitors.

On the early morning of 1st January 2020, Edward Gichigo, fondly known as Eddie by his friends and family, is said to have been killed in a hit and run accident in Kitengela.

Early reports indicate that the vehicle that hit him did not stop.

He was pronounced dead almost immediately after.

To any casual observer, this may look like any other accident until one interrogates the before and after happenings that raised quite a few eyebrows.

According to a legal document in this investigator's possession, which was shared by a DCI informant, there are many loose ends in the story of his death that make some family members and close friends say there was more to his death than a simple hit-and-run accident.

The document, which is currently with DCI and ODPP, is a legal request by his immediate family members for relevant investigative bodies to re-open the investigation in order to ascertain how the deceased died.

Attempts to obtain action and the truth from Kitengela Police Station over the years have been largely unproductive with the added frustration of the Occurrence Book (OB) record said to be missing.

This investigator has looked into this case for several months and the official communication to authorities to initiate investigations has prompted us to bring to light the details of Edward's demise for the public and investigative bodies to act in order for the truth to come out.

According to the letter sent to ODPP, DCI and copied to IPOA, Edward was leaving a party where he had been with his then-wife, Jacinta Wanjiku Gachunga.

At the party, there was a heated argument where Eddie had insisted that the couple should go home while his wife wanted to continue drinking.

Though this was the first explanation given for the fight, it has since been said that the deceased may have confronted his wife over an affair she was having with one of her 'girlfriends' who had been introduced to him as a casual female acquaintance.

Following the fight, Eddie is said to have driven off from the party, which enraged Jacinta.

She then hopped on a motorcycle and followed him.

According to first witness accounts at the time, Jacinta caught up with her husband and started kicking the vehicle while still on the bodaboda which forced Eddie to stop and get out of the car.

The argument is said to have continued with a physical altercation being observed by the said witnesses.

It is at this point that reports arise that Jacinta pushed Eddie onto oncoming traffic.

Eddie was then hit and flung into the air, landing in a ditch.

Instead of Jacinta rushing to his side to offer help, she quickly got back onto the motorbike, fled the scene and switched off her phone.

She also did not inform his family members of the accident.

She re-appeared later at Shalom Hospital, where her husband had been taken and pronounced dead on arrival.

Through the shock of losing Eddie, and with family members attempting to get to the bottom of what happened to their kin, Jacinta remained non-committal and was also hardly involved in the funeral arrangements to bury her husband.

It has been six years of grief and unanswered questions, including an inquest, which is required by law, not being done to show how he died.

At the point of publishing this article, Jacinta has never been properly interrogated or investigated.

A casual glance of her socials shows she deleted all traces of her late husband, including their wedding photos.

The OB recorded when the details were fresh at the time of Eddie's death going missing from Kitengela police station records also points to mischief.

She is currently living with her said lover, Stella Nelima, who is a proud member of the LGBTQ community, going by her photos online.

Stella is believed to be the reason the altercation took place.

This writer will continue following this case for Eddie's sake because we all know how Kenyan men undergoing domestic violence or death at the hands of women are ridiculed, not taken seriously and also treated as a statistic not worth pursuing unless they are high-profile victims like the Cohen murder.

More focus is put on females dying at the hands of men, even when a casual glance of our court system proves women are also perpetrators.

It will also be interesting to see what steps DCI, ODPP and IPOA will take with the information availed to them thus far.

Recently, Kenya was shocked when a known senior police officer (OCS) pushed her female lover from their 4th-floor apartment in a rage.

Is Eddie's death another case of an enraged lover?

We urge followers of our content to demand that no stone be left unturned until Kenyans know how Eddie died.

Inspector-General Douglas Kanja has secured sweeping new powers to reorganise Kenya's police service after gazetting far-reaching amendments to the National Police Service Standing Orders.

The reforms fundamentally reshape the command structure of the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), giving the Inspector-General greater authority over how police formations are created, merged, and managed.

The changes also strengthen central control over police operations, investigative commands, and specialised units as the government pushes to improve coordination, accountability and operational efficiency within the National Police Service.

Police restructuring gives IG greater control over DCI and specialised units ¶

The changes, published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette on July 30, repeal Chapter Seven of the existing National Police Service Standing Orders and replace it with a comprehensive framework governing the organisation and management of police formations.

Under the revised rules, the Inspector-General can establish, merge, reorganise or abolish police formations, units, and specialised components through written approval.

The amendments also require the Inspector-General to issue binding written directions whenever disputes arise over the roles or jurisdiction of different police formations, investigative commands or specialised units.

The reforms significantly centralise operational decision-making within the office of the Inspector-General, giving Douglas Kanja greater oversight over how police resources and command structures are deployed nationwide.

In addition, all operational guidelines, standard operating procedures, and internal directives affecting police formations must now receive the Inspector-General's approval before implementation.

The government says the changes are designed to eliminate duplication of functions, improve coordination, and strengthen command within the National Police Service.

Kenya Police, APS, and DCI undergo major restructuring ¶

The revised Standing Orders reorganise all three branches of the National Police Service under clearly defined operational structures.

The Kenya Police Service, under Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat, will now comprise specialised formations including the General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Police Traffic Unit, Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU), Kenya Railways and Ports Police Unit, K9 Police Unit, Nairobi Metropolitan Police, Diplomatic Police Unit, Tourist Police Unit, Marine Police Unit, Quick Response Unit and the Government Vehicle Check Unit.

The Administration Police Service, led by Deputy Inspector-General Gilbert Masengeli, will continue operating through specialised units such as the Border Police Unit (BPU), Anti-Stock Theft Police Unit (ASTU), Critical Infrastructure Police Unit (CIPU), Judiciary Police Unit, Energy Police Unit, Mining Police Unit, Water Police Unit and the National Government Administration Police Unit.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has also undergone significant restructuring.

The DCI will now operate through specialised investigative formations, including the Counter-Terrorism Bureau, National Anti-Narcotics Investigations Bureau, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, National Police Service Forensic Laboratory, Kenya Airports Criminal Investigations and Kenya Railways and Ports Criminal Investigations.

DCI receives wider deployment powers under new framework ¶

Beyond the structural changes, the new Standing Orders grant the Directorate of Criminal Investigations broader administrative authority over its operations.

The DCI can now, in consultation with the Inspector-General, establish command structures, determine deployments and reorganise investigative formations, specialised units, sub-units, sections and operational desks.

The amendments also bring police training institutions under a unified National Police Service training framework aimed at standardising operational procedures across all formations.

Government officials believe the reforms will strengthen command, reduce overlaps between police agencies and improve coordination during investigations and security operations.

The changes come at a time when security agencies continue to face growing pressure to modernise policing, improve intelligence-sharing and respond more effectively to increasingly complex security threats.

The latest overhaul represents one of the most significant reorganisations of the National Police Service in recent years, consolidating greater authority within the office of the Inspector-General while redefining how Kenya's police service is structured and managed.

The United Nations has piled fresh pressure on President Yoweri Museveni's government after opposition leader Kizza Besigye was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), warning that Uganda is sliding deeper into political repression, shrinking civic freedoms and systematic intimidation of dissenting voices.

The strongly worded statement from the UN came at a politically sensitive moment, amplifying international scrutiny of Museveni's administration as concerns mount over opposition crackdowns, arbitrary arrests and the growing role of security agencies in civilian affairs.

UN Escalates Pressure on Museveni Over Opposition Crackdown ¶

The United Nations has issued one of its strongest rebukes yet against President Yoweri Museveni's administration, warning that Uganda is witnessing an alarming deterioration of civil liberties and democratic freedoms.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday, July 30, accused the Ugandan government of intensifying its crackdown on opposition figures, civil society organisations and independent voices.

According to Türk, the continued erosion of the rule of law, increased military involvement in civilian institutions and restrictions on fundamental freedoms have created a climate of fear across the country.

"I am appalled that the authorities are increasingly targeting any form of dissent, and deepening restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of all those living in Uganda," Türk stated.

The warning landed just hours after dramatic developments involving veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, adding urgency to growing international concerns over Uganda's political direction.

Besigye Rushed to ICU After Court Collapse ¶

Türk's statement came shortly after Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, confirmed that the veteran opposition politician had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after collapsing during a court appearance in Kampala.

Byanyima, who also serves as Executive Director of the United Nations AIDS programme (UNAIDS), revealed that the 70-year-old politician was in critical condition.

"He is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus," she said in a statement shared on X.

Besigye reportedly collapsed while appearing in court, where he is facing treason charges, before being rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

His medical emergency has renewed scrutiny over the treatment of opposition leaders and the broader political environment ahead of Uganda's next electoral cycle.

UN Raises Alarm Over Arrests and Disappearances ¶

The UN says the latest developments reflect a wider pattern of political repression that has intensified since Uganda's January 15, 2026, general election.

According to Türk, at least 50 opposition leaders and supporters have been arrested during the post-election period.

He also disclosed that five journalists have allegedly been subjected to enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture and other forms of ill-treatment that fall short of international human rights standards.

"The actions of the authorities are creating a climate of fear that is increasing self-censorship, further stifling public debate and deepening polarisation," Türk warned.

The High Commissioner called on Museveni's government to honour its obligations under international human rights law, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and Uganda's Constitution by protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation.

He further urged the government to use renewed international financial support and economic opportunities to address structural challenges while placing human rights at the centre of governance.

The UN intervention is expected to intensify diplomatic pressure on Kampala as international attention shifts to Uganda's human rights record amid growing concerns over political freedoms, opposition rights and the country's democratic trajectory.

Employees of Tha Nickolee Hotel in Nanyuki have anonymously come forward with a litany of grievances against the hotel's management, accusing them of unlawfully deducting huge amounts from staff salaries without explanation, while subjecting workers to 15-hour days in a toxic environment where the director allegedly hurls insults and threats of dismissal at employees.

The workers, many of whom are orphans or sole breadwinners for sick parents and siblings, are particularly incensed by what they describe as the operations manager's overbearing conduct, including branding all staff as thieves and lazy, interfering with departmental operations, ganging up with junior staff to undermine managers, and shouting at chefs in the kitchen.

The employees are now demanding immediate intervention from the Nanyuki Labour Office, the Ministry of Labour, and the Kenya Revenue Authority, warning that if management does not cease the intimidation and unauthorized deductions, they will escalate the matter to relevant authorities.

"Dear Nyakundi. Please assist in posting the below and please hide my identity. I do not want to be killed. There is this hotel in Nanyuki called The Nickolee Hotel. Hell of a place. Toxicity at its best. Because why did the management wake up and decide to be deducting staff salaries without a reason? Do they know how hard it is to get that salary? Do they know how hard it is to survive in this Kenya with the taxes we have? We work and spend almost 15 hours a day at the hotel, then the best they can do is deduct very huge amounts of money from our pay. Some of us are orphans, some have sick parents, some have siblings we are educating, yet they have the audacity to deduct our money on top of what Kasongo is deducting from us.We want this to stop or else we will invite the relevant offices to do it on our behalf. WE WANT NANYUKI KUDHEIHA OFFICES TO COME AND ASSIST US, THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR PLUS KRA PEOPLE. It is time the world gets to know what we as staff go through at the so called hotel. We want the issue of the director shouting at us and even insulting us to stop immediately. We want the issue of the director threatening to fire us and telling us we are all fools to stop. The operations manager needs to stop intimidating and threatening managers by saying she will fire us. The issue of the operations manager overstepping and saying that all managers are incompetent needs to stop. She has zero experience in hospitality. SHE NEEDS TO STYLE UP. The issue of the operations manager interfering with the departments and even ganging up with junior staff to say managers are incompetent should stop, and stop immediately. The issue of the operations manager saying that people are stealing from the hotel needs to stop unless she has evidence. We, especially those of us in service, have suffered enough stress from being told we are all thieves. We are not happy with what she does, always walking around yapping that we are all thieves. The issue of the operations manager saying that people are lazy needs to stop. She needs to tell us what she does other than sitting in the camera room the whole day looking for thieves. The issue of the operations manager coming to the kitchen and shouting at chefs needs to stop. She spends all her time at the pastry section gossiping about everyone, including the managers and the directors. This has to stop. The issue of her coming to the club to drink, yap, gossip, shout, and command us needs to stop."

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested seven current and former senior Nakuru County Government officials and a contractor over an alleged Ksh120 million procurement fraud.

Investigators claim the suspects manipulated county tenders through conflict of interest, fake documents, and money laundering between the 2020/2021 and 2024/2025 financial years. The anti-graft agency says the scheme diverted millions of shillings in public funds through companies linked to the spouse of a serving county employee.

The arrests mark one of the biggest county corruption crackdowns in recent months as the suspects prepare to face charges in court.

EACC Arrests Nakuru County Officials Over Ksh120 Million Tender Scam ¶

According to the EACC, investigations uncovered an elaborate procurement scheme in which a serving county official allegedly used companies owned by her husband to secure lucrative county tenders while still working for the county government.

The commission alleges that the arrangement created a direct conflict of interest, allowing the companies to receive 29 county contracts worth Ksh120,042,417 over several financial years.

Investigators further claim the companies relied on false documents to unlawfully win the tenders.

The EACC also traced payments made under the contracts and found that part of the money allegedly ended up in joint bank accounts held by the county official and her husband.

The commission says investigators also identified financial transactions linking some of the contract proceeds to several senior county officials, raising further concerns about the handling of public resources.

The investigations focused on three companies allegedly owned and controlled by the spouse of a serving county employee.

According to the commission, those companies continued doing business with Nakuru County despite the clear conflict of interest prohibited under public procurement and anti-corruption laws.

Investigators Trace Contract Payments to Senior Officials ¶

The EACC says financial investigations revealed that some of the money paid under the disputed contracts was transferred into accounts connected to senior county officials.

The findings have expanded the scope of the investigation beyond procurement irregularities to include possible money laundering and abuse of office.

After completing the investigations, the commission forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The ODPP has since approved the prosecution of nine suspects on multiple corruption-related charges.

Suspects Face Multiple Corruption Charges ¶

The suspects are expected to face charges that include:

Conflict of interest Money laundering Irregular procurement Abuse of public office Fraud-related procurement offences

The EACC has also directed two additional suspects believed to have gone into hiding to surrender at its South Rift Regional Office in Nakuru or the nearest EACC office.

All the suspects are expected to appear before the Nakuru Law Courts on July 31.

Latest Arrests Add to EACC's Crackdown in Nakuru ¶

The latest operation comes only months after the EACC arrested a staff member of the Nakuru Water and Sewerage Company (NAWASCO) over an alleged bribery scheme.

In that case, a leak detection officer allegedly demanded a Ksh15,000 bribe from a resident seeking the replacement of a confiscated water meter.

During the operation, detectives also recovered Ksh118,000, which investigators suspected to be proceeds of corruption.

The new arrests signal the commission's continued focus on dismantling corruption networks within county governments.

If the prosecution succeeds, the Ksh120 million procurement case could become one of Nakuru County's most significant corruption prosecutions in recent years, with investigators seeking to hold both public officials and private contractors accountable for the alleged misuse of public funds.

A draft United Nations report has strengthened allegations that a fleet of aging Boeing aircraft formed part of a covert supply chain delivering fighters, mercenaries, drones, and weapons to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The findings expand on an earlier Reuters investigation and place fresh scrutiny on the aircraft's role in supporting a paramilitary group accused by UN investigators of committing genocide in Darfur.

The report also raises troubling questions about hidden flight operations, cross-border logistics, and the international networks that allegedly sustained the RSF despite a long-standing UN arms embargo.

UN Experts Link Boeing Planes to RSF Arms Network Through Secret Flight Operations ¶

The draft report, prepared by the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan, concludes that investigators received reliable information from four independent sources showing that Boeing aircraft transported RSF fighters, foreign mercenaries, drones, weapons, and other military equipment into Darfur.

The panel based its findings on eyewitness accounts from Nyala, the RSF's main logistics hub, and official communications from two UN member states.

The report adds significant weight to a Reuters investigation published on July 15, which traced three aging Boeing aircraft connected to companies linked to former US Army Special Forces soldier and government contractor Steven Shaulis.

Reuters tracked the aircraft from Chad to strategic RSF-controlled locations in Sudan, Libya, and Somalia. One Boeing 737 was reportedly destroyed in May 2025 while carrying RSF fighters, although investigators initially lacked evidence about what cargo the planes routinely transported.

The UN report fills many of those gaps.

According to investigators, the aircraft moved military supplies through an air corridor connecting Chad's capital, N'Djamena, with Nyala in western Sudan.

The panel also found suspicious flight patterns.

Although three Boeing 727 aircraft arrived in Chad in late 2024, investigators found no official flight records showing their movements afterward.

Instead, they believe the aircraft deliberately avoided detection while flying.

Reuters independently reached a similar conclusion after using satellite imagery, mobile phone data, and open-source video evidence to trace flights that never appeared on commercial aircraft tracking systems.

Aircraft Supply Chain Raises Serious Questions ¶

The investigation identifies three Boeing 727 aircraft central to the alleged network.

Aircraft Details Findings Origin One aircraft purchased in Brazil, two acquired from Kalitta Charters II in Michigan Ownership Linked to Contractor Airways, partly owned by Steven Shaulis and Craig Munro Operating Base Military section of N'Djamena Airport, Chad Alleged Cargo Fighters, mercenaries, drones, weapons, military equipment Destination Nyala, Darfur, and RSF logistics hubs in Libya

Alleged Boeing Supply Route ¶

Brazil / United States │ ▼ Contractor Airways │ ▼ N'Djamena Military Airport (Chad) │ Secret Night Flights │ ▼ Nyala Logistics Hub (Darfur) │ ▼ RSF Operations Across Sudan

Shaulis has not responded to questions regarding the UN report and previously declined to answer Reuters' inquiries about his companies or the aircraft.

Craig Munro has denied that Contractor Airways had any links to the RSF and disputed reports that the aircraft landed in Nyala or Libya.

Meanwhile, Chad's Civil Aviation Authority stated that none of the Boeing aircraft had authorization to operate from Chad. Officials also stressed that military aviation falls outside the agency's control.

Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul maintained that Chad's involvement in Sudan's conflict remains limited to diplomatic efforts.

Colombian Mercenaries and Foreign Contractors Deepen the Conflict ¶

The draft UN report goes beyond aircraft movements.

Investigators also documented what they describe as credible evidence showing that between 1,500 and 2,000 Colombian mercenaries supported RSF military operations.

The mercenaries, known as the Desert Wolves, reportedly established a base in Nyala in March 2025 after being recruited by UAE-based Global Security Services Group (GSSG).

According to the report, they operated drones, advised commanders, and participated in planning military operations during the siege and eventual capture of al-Fashir in October 2025.

The offensive ended in mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and child abductions.

The United Nations has previously described the violence committed during the assault as genocide.

Estimated Foreign Support to the RSF ¶

Category UN Findings Colombian mercenaries 1,500–2,000 fighters Main recruitment company Global Security Services Group (UAE) Military role Drone operations, battlefield planning, combat support Primary deployment Nyala and al-Fashir operations

GSSG has denied involvement in mercenary activities.

A spokesperson for the UAE mission to the United Nations said authorities investigated the company and found no evidence linking it to mercenary operations in Sudan.

Colombia's government has previously apologized for the presence of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan, although its foreign ministry did not respond to Reuters' latest inquiries.

A Conflict Sustained by Hidden International Networks ¶

The latest UN findings paint a disturbing picture of how covert aviation networks and foreign military contractors may have helped sustain one of Africa's deadliest wars.

Sudan's civil war erupted in 2023 after relations collapsed between the national army and the RSF during a failed transition to civilian rule.

Since then, the conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions, and created what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The draft report now places Boeing aircraft, secret night flights, and foreign mercenary operations at the center of an expanding international investigation into alleged violations of the Darfur arms embargo.

If the Security Council endorses the findings when the report is published in September, pressure could intensify on governments, aviation companies, and private contractors whose aircraft or business networks allegedly enabled the flow of weapons and fighters into Sudan despite decades of international sanctions.

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Five elite Kenyan security officers have been killed after a suspected Al-Shabaab roadside bomb ripped through their patrol vehicle in Mandera County, exposing the growing sophistication of cross-border militant operations.

Preliminary reports indicate the attackers planted the explosive days earlier before launching a coordinated ambush, raising fresh concerns over security along one of Kenya's most volatile border corridors.

Elite Officers Killed in Suspected Al-Shabaab IED Ambush ¶

The deadly attack occurred on Tuesday night in El-Raamo, Kutulo, along the Alungu Main Supply Route (MSR) near the Kenya-Somalia border.

According to security sources, the officers were conducting a routine patrol when their vehicle struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The explosion killed four Special Operations Group (SOG) officers and one National Police Reservist, destroying the patrol vehicle instantly.

The incident is among the deadliest attacks against Kenyan security personnel reported in recent months.

Militants Laid Trap Days Before Attack ¶

Preliminary security assessments indicate the explosive device may have been planted as early as July 21, suggesting the attackers had monitored security movements before executing the ambush.

Moments after the blast, heavily armed militants reportedly opened fire on responding officers, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Despite resistance from security personnel, the attackers are believed to have escaped toward the Kenya-Somalia border under the cover of the explosion.

Although no group had claimed responsibility at the time of publication, investigators suspect Al-Shabaab militants due to the group's history of carrying out similar cross-border attacks in the region.

Security Operation Intensifies as Investigation Begins ¶

Security agencies have deployed additional personnel to pursue the attackers and secure the area following the deadly assault.

Several officers injured during the gun battle were airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment.

Senior police commanders, including Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, visited the injured as investigations into the attack gathered pace.

The latest ambush is expected to intensify scrutiny over border security, intelligence gathering, and the continued threat posed by militant networks operating along Kenya's northeastern frontier.

The High Court has dealt the government a major legal blow by declaring Kenya's shisha ban unconstitutional, effectively ending nearly a decade of enforcement under the 2017 regulations.

The ruling prevents authorities from arresting traders or shutting down businesses using the invalidated rules, handing shisha traders and users a significant court victory.

The judgment also faults the government for failing to correct legal defects identified years earlier, rendering the ban legally unenforceable.

High Court Shisha Ban Ruling Declares 2017 Regulations Unconstitutional ¶

Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the Public Health (Control of Shisha Smoking) Rules, 2017 are no longer legally enforceable.

The court found that the government failed to amend the regulations within the timeline previously set by the High Court.

As a result, the judge held that the regulations automatically lost legal effect, meaning authorities can no longer rely on them to enforce the ban.

The ruling immediately bars government agencies from arresting traders or closing businesses based on the invalidated regulations.

Government Faulted for Ignoring Earlier Court Orders ¶

The case was filed by the Novel Tobacco Products Association, which argued that the government continued enforcing the ban despite an earlier court decision questioning its legality.

The court agreed, noting that Justice Roselyne Aburili had given the Ministry of Health nine months in 2018 to correct legal flaws in the regulations.

However, the government failed to implement the required amendments before the deadline expired.

Justice Mwamuye ruled that this failure rendered the regulations legally ineffective.

Court Also Nullifies 2025 Government Crackdown Notices ¶

The High Court further declared unlawful two government notices issued in 2025 that insisted the shisha ban remained in force and directed enforcement operations against traders.

The judgment stops the Ministry of Health and other state agencies from enforcing those notices against members of the association.

Justice Mwamuye also ruled that tobacco products cannot be banned through regulations that fail to comply with the Statutory Instruments Act, 2013.

He added that treating shisha differently from other tobacco products under the current legal framework violates the constitutional right to equality before the law.

The decision marks a major legal victory for shisha traders and users while placing pressure on the government to pursue any future restrictions through constitutionally compliant legislation.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has widened its crackdown on alleged hate speech and incitement by opening investigations into former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and several other senior political leaders.

The move comes as political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the commission warning that inflammatory ethnic rhetoric will not be tolerated regardless of a leader's political affiliation.

NCIC Opens Probe Into Gachagua and Senior Leaders as Political Temperatures Rise ¶

In a joint statement issued with the Interreligious Council of Kenya on Tuesday, the commission confirmed that multiple politicians are under investigation over alleged hate speech and incitement.

Those named include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Health CS Aden Duale, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Wanjiku Muhia and MP David Gikaria.

NCIC Chairperson Reverend Dr. Kepha Nyamweya said all investigations are being conducted within the law and emphasized that every individual under investigation remains innocent until proven guilty.

He added that the commission would follow due process as it examines the allegations against the leaders.

Duale's Remarks Trigger Fresh Political Storm ¶

Health CS Aden Duale has emerged at the center of the latest controversy following remarks made during a community empowerment event in Lafey Constituency, Mandera County.

The comments, captured in a viral video, have drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and civil society groups, with critics accusing the CS of making statements that could fuel ethnic division.

During the address, Duale praised President William Ruto's administration for what he described as restoring the dignity of the Somali community before making remarks that are now under investigation by NCIC.

He has maintained that his comments have been taken out of context.

Probe Comes as Kenya Enters High-Stakes Political Season ¶

The investigations come at a time when political activity is intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The commission has repeatedly warned leaders against using inflammatory language capable of inciting communities or undermining national cohesion during political campaigns.

By widening the investigations to include both government and opposition figures, NCIC is seeking to demonstrate that the law applies equally to all political leaders regardless of office or affiliation.

The outcome of the investigations could shape political discourse in the months ahead as scrutiny over public statements by senior leaders continues to intensify.

The United States has deported former Kenyan NFL player Daniel Adongo after immigration authorities accused him of overstaying his visa and cited his criminal record.

The deportation marks the end of a years-long immigration case that followed several arrests and a criminal conviction in Indiana.

US officials said Adongo remained in the country illegally after his visa expired in 2016, insisting that immigration laws apply equally to everyone, including former professional athletes.

US Deports Former Kenyan NFL Star Daniel Adongo Following Immigration Court Order ¶

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Daniel Adongo, 37, was deported to Kenya on June 20, 2026, after an immigration judge ordered his removal in March.

According to ICE, Adongo overstayed his visa after his professional football career with the Indianapolis Colts ended in 2015. His visa expired in 2016, but he remained in the United States without lawful immigration status.

Authorities said the deportation followed a Department of Justice immigration court ruling issued on March 23, 2026.

Criminal Conviction and Multiple Arrests Strengthened Deportation Case ¶

US authorities said Adongo's deportation was not based solely on his visa overstay.

According to ICE, he had several encounters with law enforcement in Indiana over the years, including arrests on allegations of felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct.

The agency also said Adongo was convicted of criminal mischief involving property damage in 2020 and received a sentence of 364 days in jail.

Officials added that his latest criminal charges placed him under the provisions of the Laken Riley Act, a federal law signed in January 2025 that expanded mandatory detention requirements for certain non-citizens accused of specified offences.

US Says Immigration Laws Apply to Everyone Equally ¶

Following the immigration judge's ruling, ICE removed Adongo from the United States on June 20.

US authorities described him as a public safety concern and stressed that professional status does not exempt anyone from immigration enforcement.

Douglas Thompson, Assistant Field Office Director at ICE Chicago, said immigration laws are enforced equally against all individuals, including former professional athletes.

Timeline of Daniel Adongo's Immigration Case ¶

Event Date NFL career ends 2015 Visa expires 2016 Convicted of criminal mischief 2020 Immigration judge orders removal March 23, 2026 Deported to Kenya June 20, 2026

The deportation highlights the Trump administration's continued enforcement of immigration laws against individuals who overstay visas or face criminal convictions, regardless of their public profile or professional achievements.

More than four out of every five Kenyans say they are already registered to vote, signaling strong public readiness ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, beneath the encouraging headline lies a troubling reality.

Thousands of young Kenyans remain outside the voter register, largely because they lack national identity cards. A new Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey shows a sharp generational divide that could reshape the country's political landscape if left unaddressed.

The findings pile fresh pressure on electoral agencies to remove barriers that continue locking first-time voters out of Kenya's democratic process.

83% of Kenyans Say They Are Registered Voters but Youth Registration Remains a Major Concern ¶

A new TIFA survey has found that 83% of Kenyans say they are registered voters, pointing to a high level of electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The nationwide survey involved face-to-face interviews with 2,048 randomly selected adults across all 47 counties between June 13 and June 22, 2026. While the findings suggest widespread voter registration, they also expose deep regional and age-based disparities that could influence the next election.

TIFA cautioned that self-reported voter registration should not automatically be interpreted as voter turnout, noting that many registered voters do not always cast ballots on election day.

The biggest concern emerging from the survey is the low registration rate among young people.

Regional Voter Registration Levels Show Wide Gaps ¶

The survey revealed notable differences in voter registration across the country.

Nyanza recorded the highest self-reported voter registration at 89 percent, followed by Lower Eastern and Mt Kenya, both at 86 percent. Central Rift followed closely at 85 percent, while Northern Kenya posted 84 percent.

Nairobi matched the national average at 83 per cent, while the Coast recorded 82 per cent.

Western Kenya registered a considerably lower rate of 74 per cent, while South Rift ranked last at only 66 per cent.

Region Registered Voters (%) Nyanza 89 Lower Eastern 86 Mt Kenya 86 Central Rift 85 Northern Kenya 84 Nairobi 83 Coast 82 Western 74 South Rift

Regional Registration Levels ¶

Nyanza ██████████████████ 89% Lower Eastern █████████████████ 86% Mt Kenya █████████████████ 86% Central Rift ████████████████ 85% Northern Kenya ████████████████ 84% Nairobi ███████████████ 83% Coast ███████████████ 82% Western ██████████ 74% South Rift ███████ 66%

The findings suggest that while most regions have achieved relatively high voter registration, significant pockets of the country still lag behind.

Young Kenyans Face the Biggest Barriers to Registration ¶

The survey exposed an even sharper divide when respondents were grouped by age.

Among Kenyans aged 35 years and above, an overwhelming 96 per cent reported being registered voters.

That figure dropped dramatically to 72 per cent among respondents below the age of 35.

Young adults aged between 18 and 24 years emerged as the least registered group, highlighting the continuing struggle to bring first-time voters into the electoral process.

Age Group Registered Voters (%) 35 years and above 96 Below 35 years

Age Gap in Registration ¶

35+ Years ████████████████████ 96% Below 35 Years ███████████████ 72%

The survey also examined why some Kenyans remain outside the voter register.

Among the 17 per cent who said they were not registered, the biggest obstacle was the lack of a national identity card or other required documents.

Overall, 37 per cent cited missing identification documents as the main reason.

The problem proved even more severe among young adults, with half of respondents aged between 18 and 24 years saying they lacked the necessary identification to register.

Only 11 per cent of respondents aged 45 years and above cited missing documents as a barrier.

Besides identification challenges, 22 per cent of unregistered respondents blamed lack of time, while another 22 per cent said they had little interest in politics or voting.

Others pointed to poor awareness of voter registration drives, administrative bottlenecks and long distances to registration centres.

The findings place renewed pressure on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Registration Bureau to simplify access to national identity cards before the 2027 elections.

The survey also found little difference between supporters and opponents of the Broad-Based Government in terms of voter registration.

According to TIFA, 84 percent of supporters of the political arrangement reported being registered compared to 86 percent of those opposed.

Although public opinion remains divided over the political cooperation between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, those differences have not significantly affected voter registration patterns.

With a margin of error of plus or minus 2.18 percentage points, the survey offers one of the clearest snapshots yet of Kenya's electoral preparedness. Its central message is equally clear: while 83% of Kenyans say they are registered voters, closing the youth registration gap may become one of the defining challenges before the country heads to the ballot in 2027.

A peaceful protest has been scheduled at Talanta Plaza in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where a young businessman is demanding the repayment of a Ksh 2 million debt that has remained unpaid for close to two years, with the demonstration now awaiting approval from the Nairobi Regional Police Office.

The money was allegedly loaned to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, Nuh Ibrahim, who took office in August 2023 as the first substantive head of the institution, but has since failed to honour the financial obligation despite repeated promises to settle the debt.

Yusuf Muhsin, the complainant, has formally notified the Nairobi Metropolitan Regional Police Commander, Issa Mohamud, of his intention to hold a peaceful demonstration on the date specified in his notice, pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to peaceably and unarmed, assemble, demonstrate, picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.

In his letter addressed to the Regional Police Commander, Muhsin states: "I am Writing to formally notify your Office Of an upcoming peaceful protest, pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution Of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to peaceably and unarmed, assemble, demonstrate, picket, and to present petitions to public authorities."

The details pertaining to the scheduled procession and public gathering are outlined in the notice as follows: the protest will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Talanta Plaza, Upper Hill, with the purpose being a "Peaceful Public Petition and Demonstration" and an estimated 150 to 200 participants expected to attend.

"We categorically assure your Office that this assembly Will be strictly peaceful, orderly, and Within the confines of the law. We have put in place an internal team of marshals who will collaborate closely With law enforcement officers to guarantee that participants adhere to public order, maintain proper decorum, and avoid any disruption to public peace or the free flow of traffic along Upper Hill avenues," reads part of Muhsin's letter.

The primary objective of the notification, according to the letter, is to request the police to "provide the necessary security presence and traffic management support" that "will safeguard the safety of both the general public and the demonstrators during the course Of the event."

Muhsin alleges that Ibrahim approached him for financial assistance when he was facing auction, and the young businessman extended the Ksh 2 million loan to the CEO, who has since failed to repay the money despite repeated promises, with each indication that the payment would be made the following month only to be followed by further delays, a pattern that has now continued for nearly two years.

"Hello Cyprian. Kindly help highlight this. Mandamano loading at the office of CS Salim Mvurya, Talanta Plaza. Muhindi, lipa deni. A man called Nuh Ibrahim, the CEO of the Sports Fund, borrowed Ksh 2 million from a young man called Muhsin when he was facing auction. He has never refunded the money. Every time, the CEO promises, "I will pay this month," then later says he will pay the following month. It is now close to two years."

The letter has been served to the Nairobi Regional Police Office and is currently pending approval, with the organizers now awaiting a response from the authorities, while the protest is set to take place at Talanta Plaza, which also houses the office of Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, adding a political dimension to the demonstration.

"Thank you in advance for your cooperation and dedication to upholding our constitutional rights while maintaining law and order," Muhsin concludes in his letter to the police, as the organizers have expressed confidence that the protest will proceed peacefully and have urged the police to facilitate the exercise by providing the required security and traffic management support as guaranteed by the Constitution.

This news outlet will be following the matter closely and will provide comprehensive coverage of the protest and its aftermath.

A tragedy is unfolding at Shalom Schools Naromoru in Gitinga Village, Nyeri County, where a young boy reportedly died following an incident involving a school bus, and now parents are raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, with many demanding clarity on what exactly happened and why.

The incident is said to have occurred when the boy was struck by a school bus while alighting from the vehicle, but the details remain contested, with parents pointing to multiple troubling aspects that they say demand investigation, including the manner of driving inside the school compound, the absence of a teacher to guide children during disembarkation, and allegations that the driver was wearing earphones at the time of the incident.

According to sources close to the family, the boy suffered fatal injuries including a ruptured liver and a 7cm bone protruding from his head, with a pathology report confirming that he died instantly from the impact.

Questions are now being asked about the sequence of events, with some sources alleging that the boy was struck from the front while others claim the school has argued that the child hid behind the bus, a discrepancy that has left parents confused and demanding a clear account of what transpired.

Parents are also questioning why sand and gravel were poured over the spot where the boy's blood was spilled, with many viewing the move as an attempt to erase evidence of the incident rather than preserve the scene for investigations.

The family has further expressed distress over the conduct of the head teacher, who they describe as arrogant and dismissive, with claims that the school misrepresented the circumstances of the boy's death by suggesting he died at the hospital, a statement contradicted by the pathology report confirming instantaneous death.

Police are also facing scrutiny after the parents were reportedly denied an opportunity to record statements, with claims that the school had already submitted a report that the family believes was doctored to shift blame away from the institution.

The driver of the bus has been described by sources as reckless and known to drive with earphones on, raising further questions about whether the school exercised due diligence in vetting and supervising its transport staff.

Parents are now asking whether the driver has truly been dismissed, with unverified reports suggesting that he may have simply been reassigned to another route rather than held accountable for the boy's death.

The Ministry of Education and the local Teachers Service Commission (TSC) sub-county office have reportedly not launched any investigation or follow-up on the matter, a failure that has left parents feeling abandoned and questioning the commitment of authorities to protect children in schools.

Parents of other children at Shalom Schools Naromoru are now living in fear, worried about the safety of their own children and whether similar negligence could lead to another tragedy, with many urging the school to take responsibility and provide clear answers.

The family of the deceased boy has not received any meaningful support or compensation from the school, which they describe as adopting an "I don't care" attitude and distancing itself from the incident, leaving them to grieve alone while seeking justice.

The question on everyone's mind is simple.

How could a child die in such a manner within a school compound, and why has there been no accountability or investigation from the authorities who are supposed to protect children in learning institutions?

As parents continue to raise their voices and demand answers, the spotlight is now on Shalom Schools Naromoru, the police, and the Ministry of Education, with growing calls for an independent investigation into the boy's death and a thorough review of safety protocols at the school.

For the sake of other children and justice for the grieving family, parents are urging authorities to step in, investigate the incident, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, while the school remains under mounting pressure to explain the circumstances surrounding a tragedy that has left a community in shock and a family mourning an unimaginable loss.

"Hello Cyprian. There's a story unfolding regarding Shalom Schools Naromoru of a lady who lost her baby boy due to negligence. The following facts remain valid.

1. The school poured sand and kokoto on where the blood of the boy spilt. 2. The head teacher was very arrogant to the parent after losing her son, they lied on the boys death on impact implying that he dide on the hospital which was a lie. 4. The police denied the parents an opportunity to record statements arguing that the school had already but the report was doctored. 3. The pathology report shows that the boy died instantly. 4. There was no teacher when the kids were alighting from the bus to guide them another form of negligence. 5. The boys liver raptured and a bone of 7cm was out if his head. We question the manner of driving inside the school compound with kids that could lead to such an impact.

6. The driver has been known to be reckless driving the school bus with earphones on.

7. They are arguing that the boy hid behind the bus, yet the report appears the bus hit the boy from the front.

8. The story is that other kids were banging the bus while the kid had been hit but the driver could not hear them.

9. The parents are afraid of seeking justice as the school has posed an i dont care attitude and distance themselves from the issue.

10. The ministry and local TSC subcounty have not done any investigation or a follow up on this matter.

11. (Unverified) The driver who hit the boy was allegedly fired, but according to some locals he's just been given another route.

I just hope the world can also know the great evil that took place in that school leading to the boys death. It has negligence written all over it. Given my capacity I am unable to do much please expose the school.

They may not get compensated given the loss, but justice and also for the sake of other children. Please help in exposing this story."