Articles and columns

A legal storm has broken over the head of Felix Koskei, the country's Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, after three registered voters marched into the High Court in Kapsabet on Monday and asked a judge to do something rarely attempted against a sitting official of his rank: declare him unfit to hold public office altogether.

The petitioners, Shadrack Kimeli, Elisha Kiprop and Stephen Sirngewo, present themselves to the court as voters drawn from six constituencies across Nandi County, namely Aldai, Tindiret, Nandi Hills, Emgwen, Chesumei and Mosop, and their case rests on a single, sharp edged accusation that Koskei has stepped beyond the boundaries of his office by engaging in political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Rather than confining himself to the neutral machinery of public administration, the petitioners contend, Koskei has been attempting to influence the choice of leaders in Nandi County, conduct they argue runs contrary to the code of conduct governing public officers.

Their sworn affidavits paint a picture of an official who, in their telling, has traded the impartial role of a civil servant for the campaign trail, conduct they argue amounts to a breach of public trust because he has been campaigning for prospective candidates seeking elective office.

They contend that such conduct risks compromising the transparency and integrity of the 2027 General Election before a single ballot has been cast.

"The petitioners pray for a declaration declaring that the first respondent through his utterances violated the principles of governance under Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya to the extent that the utterances of the first respondent meant that they shall not put into consideration the democracy and participation of the people of Nandi County in choosing their elected leaders," the court filings state.

To support their case, the petitioners rely heavily on remarks they attribute to Koskei during public rallies conducted in the Nandi language before being translated and presented to the court.

"We have the responsibility of taking care of Nandi. We need leadership that is aware that Nandi County is still lagging behind in terms of development. Even Melly has shown interest in the Nandi gubernatorial seat. I am also there; even the war waged against me is because I am right behind you (Melly). They know that I am right behind fellow constituent," the petitioners quote Koskei as saying in their court filings.

The petitioners argue that the remarks amount to an open endorsement of Tindiret MP Julius Melly's gubernatorial ambitions while serving as Head of Public Service, a position they maintain requires strict political neutrality.

Their lawyer, Sammy Mathai Maina, argues that Koskei is unfit to continue serving as Head of Public Service because his participation in political campaigns raises integrity questions and denies voters their constitutional right to freely choose leaders of their choice without interference from a holder of public office.

The petitioners further contend that Koskei repeatedly suggested during public rallies that he and others would intervene should voters elect leaders they did not approve of.

"We will not allow to be led by a demagogue (Soriin in the Nandi dialect) and anyone who wants to destroy this land. If you fail to choose wisely, we shall come and interfere in the future. We will not allow, we will fix it," the petitioners told the court, attributing the remarks to Koskei during a speech in Chepkunyuk Ward in Nandi Hills Constituency.

"The utterance by the Head of Public Service violated the rights of the people of Nandi County in making free political choices by participating in campaigns for a political party and choosing a leader of their choice," the petitioners state in their application.

Taken as a whole, the petition asks the High Court not only to declare that Koskei violated the principles of governance under Article 10 of the Constitution but also to relieve him of his duties as Head of Public Service and bar him from engaging in political activities for as long as he continues serving as Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff.

Whether the High Court agrees that the petitioners have demonstrated constitutional violations warranting such far reaching orders now rests with the court in Kapsabet.

A fresh complaint against controversial gambling platform Betfalme has placed the company back at the centre of public conversation, this time over an issue that strikes at the heart of what responsible gambling is supposed to mean for an operator, and one that comes on the back of previous accounts from users who have described experiences ranging from disputed crash game outcomes to accounts that remain active despite repeated requests for closure.

The latest account comes from a customer who says they reached out after struggling with what they describe as gambling addiction, a struggle serious enough that they formally requested the permanent closure and deletion of their account in the hope of removing the temptation to keep playing altogether.

According to this customer, the platform offered assurances that the request would be honoured, yet the account, by their telling, remains open and active well beyond whatever window one might reasonably expect such a process to take.

What compounds the frustration, as this customer describes it, is that promotional SMS messages, bonus offers and fresh betting incentives have continued arriving on their phone in the exact period during which they believed themselves to have opted out entirely, a sequence of events that, in their own words, defeats the entire purpose of asking to be excluded in the first place.

The customer contends that a self-exclusion request ought to function as a hard boundary rather than a suggestion, arguing that anyone who has taken the deliberate step of asking a betting company to stop should not, by any measure, continue being nudged back toward the very behaviour they tried to walk away from.

They further note that they have retained email correspondence, SMS records and screenshots documenting both their original request and the company's responses to it, material they say they are prepared to hand over for independent review should regulators or others wish to examine the matter more closely.

Their worry, as they frame it, extends well beyond their own experience, since they believe the pattern they encountered could just as easily be repeating itself across an unknown number of other customers, among them young adults and people already wrestling with gambling addiction, who may find a steady drip of promotional nudges considerably harder to resist than someone without that particular vulnerability.

"Hello Cyprian. I'm reaching out because I believe BetFalme's handling of responsible gambling deserves public attention. I requested permanent account closure and deletion due to gambling addiction, but despite their assurances, my account has not been deleted. Even after my request, they continue sending me promotional SMS messages, bonuses, and betting offers encouraging me to gamble again. In my view, this defeats the purpose of responsible gambling and self-exclusion. A customer who has asked to be excluded should not continue receiving marketing that encourages further gambling. I have email correspondence, SMS messages, screenshots, and other evidence showing my requests and their responses. I believe this matter should be investigated by the relevant regulators, as it may affect many other vulnerable gamblers. In my view, this undermines the purpose of responsible gambling and self-exclusion. Someone who has asked to stop gambling should not continue receiving marketing messages that encourage them to return. I am also concerned that these practices can have a serious impact on vulnerable people, especially young adults and individuals struggling with gambling addiction, who may find it much harder to resist repeated promotional messages."

This latest account does not arrive in isolation, and it lands squarely within a pattern this platform has tracked and reported on for some time now.

Earlier reports brought to our attention described a separate customer's two-month battle simply to have an account deactivated at all, a process repeatedly blocked by what the company characterized only as ongoing system work, while a wave of user testimony gathered around the platform's crash game, Aviator, painted a picture of players who felt the game's outcomes were tilted against them in ways that defied the odds any fair system should produce, with some going so far as to describe the presence of what they called coordinated behaviour nudging customers toward larger and riskier stakes.

X postEmbedded X post

Third-party content is kept off until you load it.

Load embedView on X

Taken together, these threads sketch the outline of a company whose public promises around fairness, transparency and player protection appear, at least in the eyes of a recurring set of customers, to sit uneasily alongside their lived experience of trying to actually walk away from the platform.

Whether the tools Betfalme advertises, among them deposit limits, loss controls and self exclusion options, function as intended remains a question raised by customers who have shared their experiences, with the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the regulator responsible for overseeing the betting and gaming sector in Kenya, potentially facing calls to examine the concerns as complaints continue emerging around the operator.

A Kisumu-based security firm, JRS Systems Ltd, also operating as JRS Group Ltd, has come under criticism from some employees who have raised concerns over working conditions, citing claims of limited rest days, inadequate support following workplace incidents and challenges in accessing assistance after injuries sustained while on duty.

The employees have cited concerns over mandatory salary deductions, lack of compensation following workplace injuries, limited time off duty and what they describe as inadequate support from the company after guards experience attacks or accidents while reporting to work.

They are now calling for the company to review the issues they have raised, strengthen support structures for guards and address what they describe as challenges affecting their welfare while carrying out security duties.

The employees have also appealed for intervention and accountability measures to ensure concerns raised by security personnel receive proper attention.

"Hello Cyprian. I wanted to share with the world about this good security company in Kisumu, Kenya called JRS. OK.

(1) Its salary is somehow okay, Ksh 14,000. But as soon as you get the salary, you can work until you are dead, or else no single day off duty.

(2) When you have maybe been attacked, there is no sick off, and I can confirm. I have a colleague who was attacked while reporting to work, with no consideration from the company. Salary deductions are mandatory, reflection nil.

(3) There was a second casualty who got into an accident with his bicycle while heading to work. He lost an eye and some teeth. The company did nothing about the issue, and there was no compensation. Why treat security guards like this, surely?"

A troubling picture has begun to emerge from within the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), one painted by sources close to the organization who describe a humanitarian institution that, in their telling, has drifted a long way from the standards of governance and public confidence it once commanded under earlier leadership.

According to these sources, the Society now finds itself contending with a period of institutional decline severe enough that questions once whispered in private corridors are increasingly being voiced out loud by people who say they can no longer stay silent.

Chief among the claims put forward is a pattern of conflict of interest said to run through the National Executive Committee (NEC) itself, with certain board members reportedly benefiting from fully sponsored postgraduate education funded out of KRCS coffers at precisely the moment the organisation has publicly described itself as grappling with financial strain.

Sources close to the matter argue that this arrangement, whatever its formal justification, effectively places board members in the position of overseeing an institution from which they are simultaneously drawing personal benefit, a dynamic they say cannot help but compromise the independence and rigor of the very oversight the NEC exists to provide.

The claims extend well beyond the boardroom.

Sources describe a wider pattern of financial management that they characterize as troubling, coupled with a growing reliance on short-term staff contracts that, in their account, has left employees feeling disposable and has done lasting damage to morale across the organisation.

Several sources drew an explicit comparison between the current era and the tenures of Dr. Asha and Dr. Abbas Gullet, both of whom, in their recollection, presided over a period marked by considerably stronger donor confidence, a confidence that sources now say is eroding, with a number of longtime partners reportedly reconsidering the scale and nature of their continued support.

Questions have also been directed at the very top of the organisation, with sources pointing to what they describe as the limited personal presence of Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris at pivotal organizational meetings, occasions on which representation has, on more than one occasion, been delegated downward to deputies rather than handled by Dr. Idris himself.

For a number of stakeholders who shared their views with us, this pattern has become a source of unease in its own right, feeding a broader perception that leadership continuity and visible engagement at the top of the Society have both weakened at a time when steady stewardship matters most.

Beyond the leadership question, sources point to a steady outflow of experienced personnel and a parallel decline in volunteer retention, trends they attribute in part to claims of favoritism shaping who advances internally and who is given room to grow within the organisation.

Taken together, these threads, according to the people who brought them to our attention, describe an institution whose humanitarian mission and public standing are being quietly hollowed out from within, even as its public-facing work continues.

Stakeholders who spoke to us were united on one point above all others: that the Society cannot afford to treat these claims as background noise, and that only an urgent, independent internal review, followed by real corrective action, can arrest what they see as a slow erosion of the credibility and operational effectiveness KRCS has spent decades building among the Kenyan public it serves.

"Hello Cyprian. Kindly Hide my ID. The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) is facing a period of significant institutional decline. Issues regarding governance, with corruption becoming increasingly common and affecting public perception of the organisation.

There are claims of conflicts of interest within the National Executive Committee (NEC), with some board members reportedly benefiting from fully sponsored postgraduate education funded through KRCS resources when the organisation has financial difficulties. This situation is said to potentially compromise their oversight responsibilities, thereby exposing the organisation to governance risks.

Concerns have been expressed regarding financial management and the use of short term contracts for staff, which may be affecting morale and institutional stability. Compared to previous leadership periods, particularly during Dr. Asha’s and Dr. Abbas Gullet’s tenure, there is a perception of reduced donor confidence, with some partners reportedly reconsidering their support.

Questions have also been raised about senior leadership engagement, including the availability of the Secretary General, Dr. Ahmed Idris, at key organisational meetings. In some instances, representation at high level engagements has been delegated to deputies. This has fueled concerns among some stakeholders about leadership presence and continuity.

Further concerns include staff turnover, particularly among experienced personnel, and declining volunteer retention, with allegations that internal engagement and progression are influenced by favoritism. These issues, if not addressed, risk undermining the organisation’s humanitarian mandate and long standing public trust.

Stakeholders are calling for the need for an urgent internal review and corrective measures to safeguard the credibility and effectiveness of the organisation in delivering humanitarian services in Kenya.

A tenant has accused Gathumbi & Associates Company Limited, a Nairobi property management firm, of discriminating against prospective tenants on the basis of ethnicity.

The complainant alleges that the company, which manages residential properties in Nairobi, refuses to rent houses to people from the Luo community. The allegation has not been independently verified.

If true, such conduct would raise serious concerns under Kenya's constitutional protections against discrimination. The Constitution guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, race and other protected characteristics.

The company is led by J. S. Gathumbi, who identifies himself publicly as the Managing Director of Gathumbi & Associates Company Limited. As the head of the firm, he would be expected to respond to concerns about the company's tenant selection practices and whether any policies exist that could amount to ethnic discrimination.

According to the complainant, the alleged practice has existed for years and is well known among prospective tenants who have attempted to rent properties managed by the company. The source claims that applicants from the Luo community are turned away or denied housing opportunities because of their ethnicity rather than their ability to meet the financial and contractual requirements expected of tenants.

The complaint now places the spotlight on J. S. Gathumbi, who publicly identifies himself as the Managing Director of Gathumbi & Associates Company Limited. As the head of the firm, he would be expected to explain the company's tenant selection process, whether any policies exist governing the screening of prospective tenants and whether ethnicity plays any role whatsoever in rental decisions.

Below is the complaint received.

Hello Nyakundi.

It has been years but Gathumbi & Associates is a tribal outfit, fronting as a law firm but also doubling as a real estate manager that does not allow Luos to rent their houses.

Housing is one of the most basic needs protected under Kenya's legal framework. The Constitution of Kenya guarantees every person equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on grounds including race, ethnic origin and social background. Landlords and property managers are generally expected to make decisions based on lawful and objective considerations such as a tenant's ability to pay rent, references and compliance with tenancy requirements, rather than ethnic identity.

The allegations have also renewed debate about claims of ethnic profiling within Kenya's housing market. Over the years, tenants have occasionally alleged that some landlords or property managers quietly reject applicants from particular communities. Such claims are often difficult to prove because decisions are rarely communicated in writing, leaving many prospective tenants convinced they have been discriminated against but without documentary evidence.

Consumer rights advocates argue that if property managers are making decisions based on ethnicity, the practice would undermine the constitutional principle that every Kenyan should have equal access to housing opportunities regardless of where they come from.

The complainant says the alleged conduct has become so common that some prospective tenants avoid approaching properties managed by the firm altogether because they believe they will automatically be rejected.

Workers at consumer electronics manufacturer K-Elec have reached out to this publication describing what they say is growing dissatisfaction within sections of the company's workforce, particularly among employees assigned to its security department, with complaints centred on alleged disparities in pay, contract management and claims of preferential treatment in employment decisions.

The workers, who requested anonymity out of concern that speaking publicly could affect their jobs, contend that employees assigned to security duties work considerably longer shifts than many other members of staff while receiving lower pay, a situation they say has persisted for some time and has become a major source of dissatisfaction within the department.

Several employees further claim that support staff in other sections of the company receive comparatively higher salaries despite working shorter shifts, a disparity that security personnel say has fuelled frustration and strengthened calls for a review of the company's remuneration structure to ensure compensation is applied fairly and consistently across different categories of employees.

Beyond the issue of salaries, workers also question what they describe as an apparent imbalance in employment decisions, claiming that salary increments are not being awarded uniformly across the workforce.

According to the accounts shared with this publication, some employees believe pay increases have disproportionately benefited people said to have close family connections to members of the human resources department, while many long serving workers have seen no comparable adjustments.

The same workers also describe uncertainty surrounding contract renewals, claiming that employment agreements are, at times, brought to an end without adequate explanation, creating an atmosphere in which many employees feel insecure about their continued employment.

Among the most frequently repeated claims is an assertion that relatives of the Human Resources Manager are employed in certain sections of the company, a situation that workers believe has influenced decisions relating to salaries and employment opportunities.

Employees who contacted this publication argue that the perceived differences in pay between departments, combined with long working hours and uncertainty over contract renewals, have contributed to declining morale among security staff, many of whom say they feel their contribution to the company is not valued despite the critical role they play in protecting personnel, facilities and company assets.

K-Elec has established itself as a growing manufacturer and assembler of consumer electronics in Kenya through partnerships with South Korean technology firms and local investors, producing televisions, refrigerators and other household appliances from its manufacturing facility in Syokimau while marketing itself as a premium brand with locally assembled products and extended warranty offerings.

The workers are now calling on the company's leadership to review its employment practices, examine concerns surrounding pay structures, ensure that recruitment and promotion processes remain fair and transparent, and address what they describe as longstanding disparities affecting employees in the security department.

"Hello Cyprian. I work at K-Elec Company situated at Sarin Business Park on the way to Mlolongo along Mombasa Road. Kindly hide my identity. The HR is doing nepotism in the company by only increasing the salaries of his relatives and terminating contracts unfairly. Please expose this company because there is a lot of inhumane treatment in the security section. Since the HR has no relatives working in the security section, they have decided to pay security staff a salary of KSh20,000 even though they work for more than 12 hours. At the same time, the HR is paying the cleaners KSh27,000 while they work only 8 hours, and those cleaners are relatives of HR Titus."

Weeks after this platform first brought to light the grievances of Coca-Cola merchandisers working under We Evolve Marketing Agency, a fresh wave of correspondence from workers on the ground indicates that the situation has not improved and that, in the view of several employees, matters have taken a turn for the worse since the earlier exposé was published.

According to multiple merchandisers who reached out following the initial report, supervisors within the agency were directed to issue warning letters over minor infractions, a pattern that workers say was designed less to enforce discipline and more to intimidate anyone suspected of having spoken to the press.

Several employees describe an atmosphere in which even small, previously overlooked errors are now being documented and used as grounds for formal reprimand, a shift that occurred, according to those affected, in the immediate aftermath of the earlier story going public.

Workers further state that dismissals have followed this pattern of heightened disciplinary action, with a number of merchandisers reporting that colleagues believed to have contributed information to the original report have since been let go.

Those who remain say they now approach every interaction with supervisors with a heightened sense of caution, aware that the smallest misstep could be used against them.

Perhaps most striking among the claims is the assertion, relayed by several merchandisers, that a senior figure within the agency openly dismissed the possibility of change regardless of continued public exposure.

Workers describe this individual as having told staff that no amount of publicity would alter the agency's practices, and as having pointed to a change in ownership, with new shareholders linked to LG, as evidence that the current arrangement is here to stay.

For the merchandisers who shared this account, the remark has only deepened a sense that their complaints are being treated with indifference rather than being taken seriously.

The workers are now calling for the matter to reach a wider audience, requesting that Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) management, along with the global Coca-Cola corporate structure, be made aware of what is unfolding at the ground level of the company's merchandising operations in the country.

Merchandisers describe their daily responsibilities in granular detail, explaining that the polished, well-arranged displays customers encounter in supermarkets are the product of their labour: building and maintaining promotional podiums, cleaning shelves, rotating stock, and monitoring expiry dates.

On this last point, several workers describe a particularly troubling practice: when expired products are discovered on the shelves they are personally assigned, they are required to cover the cost out of their own pockets, with the deductions coming from a monthly salary already reported to stand at roughly KSh24,000.

Workers argue that this combination of low pay, out-of-pocket liability for expired stock, and the added fear of retaliation for speaking up amounts to a working environment that leaves them, in their own words, invisible, overworked, and undervalued, despite serving one of the most recognisable consumer brands on the continent.

The merchandisers are demanding that Coca-Cola's leadership review and terminate its contractual relationship with We Evolve Marketing Agency, arguing that only a change in the entity managing their employment will resolve the underlying pay and treatment issues that have persisted across successive agency transitions.

They further insist that any resolution must include fair and transparent compensation, given that many among them are the sole providers for their households and carry family responsibilities that a stagnant, unpredictable wage struggles to meet.

The claims outlined here, including those concerning warning letters, dismissals, and remarks attributed to agency leadership, are presented as accounts relayed directly by workers who requested that their identities be withheld out of fear of reprisal.

This publication continues to invite We Evolve Marketing Agency, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, and the Coca-Cola Company to respond directly to the concerns raised by their workforce.

As it stands, the merchandisers say their appeal is a simple one: that the companies whose products they promote across the country's supermarkets take the time to listen to the people responsible for those displays, and that their concerns be met with dialogue rather than the threat of further disciplinary action.

"Hello Mr Nyakundi. Thank you for exposing the rot Coca-Cola merchandisers go through. We're really suffering under the leadership of We Evolve Marketing Agency. We're getting information that supervisors have been directed to issue warning letters to merchandisers over slight mistakes and dismiss them because we have exposed the rot within the agency. Again, there's a top leader from the agency who's now bragging that whether we continue to expose it or not, no changes will be made because the shareholders are new management that came from LG Company to Coca-Cola. But why do they eat our money in the name of the agency? Kindly help us tag Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) management and the Coca-Cola fraternity worldwide to come through. Nyakundi, all the beautiful displays you see in supermarkets and the arrangements are the work of merchandisers. We do heavy work, we arrange all podiums in supermarkets, we clean shelves, and when expired products are found in the shop, we are forced to pay for them using that KSh 24,000 salary. Yet we are the most invisible, most harassed, and least paid workforce at the Coca-Cola company. We're demanding that the leadership of the Coca-Cola company cancel all the contracts they have with this agency and start paying us well. Merchandisers are also human beings, and they have families to feed and responsibilities to take care of. Mr Nyakundi, please stand with us until Coca-Cola management hears our plea and cries. Thank you so much. Hide ID please."

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has, in a move that signals the seriousness with which he regards the matter, ordered a formal investigation into financial irregularities said to surround the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners (A-RDCs) and Assistant Resident City Commissioners (A-RCCs), a decision that followed reports of substantial losses at the Office of the President and that was prompted, in large part, by a whistle-blower who submitted a detailed dossier outlining suspected mismanagement and possible embezzlement of public funds.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the whistle-blower contends that approximately Shs 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, a set of claims that arrives at a moment when national oversight bodies continue to warn, with mounting urgency, about the sheer scale of corruption that pervades Uganda's public institutions.

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has, on previous occasions, estimated that the country loses somewhere between Shs 9 trillion and Shs 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 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 Shs 817,217, which amounts to Shs 9.8 million on an annual basis, together with a monthly allowance of Shs 1.5 million that totals Shs 18 million per year, and given that 432 officers have been deployed across the country, insiders now estimate that more than Shs 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, and 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.

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 Shs 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.

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.

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.

In response to these latest claims, the President has 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 a period of two weeks, and the inquiry itself 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 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, and the details now emerging suggest that the financial irregularities involved may extend well beyond what was initially understood by the public and by oversight institutions alike.

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.

Employees at Consolidated Bank of Kenya, a fully state-owned commercial bank regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), have raised concerns over alleged disparities in remuneration and what they describe as unequal treatment of staff across different cadres within the institution.

The complaints, shared anonymously by an employee, point to a widening gap in pay structures within the bank, with claims that certain staff in sales and customer-facing roles receive significantly higher compensation compared to others performing what are described as similar duties and responsibilities.

According to the whistleblower, employees in higher sales positions are said to earn substantially more than Direct Sales Representatives, who allegedly receive low monthly stipends that are further subjected to statutory deductions including Social Health Authority (SHA) and housing levy deductions. The employee argues that despite both categories being involved in revenue generation and customer acquisition, the compensation structure remains uneven and demoralizing.

The complaint further claims that a recent internal communication indicated salary increments for management staff in response to the rising cost of living, while lower cadre employees were not included in the adjustment, raising questions over fairness and internal equity within the institution.

"Hello Cyprian. Please keep me anonymous. I want to expose Consolidated Bank of Kenya. It is not treating its employees equally. Hii bank ni kama ni ya matajiri na maskini. This bank has employees who are paid well and others who are paid poorly. For example, a Business Development Officer is paid a salary of KSh 100,000 while a Direct Sales Representative is paid a monthly stipend of KSh 20,000, which is also deducted for SHA and housing levy. This is unfair since they are doing the same roles. Yesterday, a memo was circulated for salary increments for management staff and the rest of the staff to cushion them against the cost of living, but for the Direct Sales Representatives who do the donkey work and earn KSh 20,000, not a single penny was added to their salary. My question is, who is supposed to be cushioned against the high cost of living, the person earning KSh 20,000 or the one earning KSh 100,000? This bank does not treat its employees equally. Ni kama shamba la wanyama where all animals are equal but some are more equal than others, and this is a government bank; it should cushion everyone against the high cost of living."

Concerns over aggressive lending practices in Kenya’s microfinance sector continue to surface as borrowers report rapid loan escalation, disputed deductions, and forceful recovery of collateral by credit providers.

The latest complaint involves MyCredit, a microfinance company, where yet another borrower alleges that a loan taken from the firm quickly ballooned within a few months, despite partial disbursement and substantial repayments already made.

According to the complainant, the loan amount rose sharply within a short repayment period. The borrower further claims that despite making significant repayments, the company proceeded to repossess a vehicle that had been used as collateral, raising renewed questions over the firm’s lending and recovery practices.

“Hello Mr. Nyakundi, I would like to bring to your attention my experience with a microfinance company called MyCredit. I took a loan of KSh 150,000, but only KSh 120,000 was disbursed to me. Within just four months, the outstanding amount had risen to KSh 393,000. Despite paying KSh 200,000, the company forcefully repossessed my vehicle, which I had used as collateral. This has left me wondering how a loan can grow so rapidly, even after making substantial repayments. I believe many Kenyans may be facing similar experiences. Kindly help share this story so that others who have dealt with the same company can come forward and share their experiences. It is important that there is greater public awareness and scrutiny of such lending practices.”

This comes just months after another similar complaint involving MyCredit Limited, where a commercial vehicle owner alleged that his lorry was seized following a loan dispute, later transferred between auctioneers’ yards and eventually sold at a value he claimed was significantly below market valuation after court-ordered conditions and repayment demands he says he could not meet.

In that earlier case, the borrower reported that he had pledged his logbook as collateral, received a reduced disbursement after deductions, and later fell into arrears before the vehicle was repossessed, despite seeking court intervention and attempting to negotiate restructuring terms that he says were not honored in a way that protected his asset or livelihood.

X postEmbedded X post

Third-party content is kept off until you load it.

Load embedView on X

Fast food chain Galito's Kenya, part of the Simbisa Brands portfolio that operates several major restaurant franchises across the country, has come under fresh criticism over the packaging quality of its delivered meals.

According to the latest complaint shared by a frustrated customer on social media, the order arrived in what she described as an unacceptable condition, marking the third time she had raised concerns over the same packaging issue.

X postEmbedded X post

Third-party content is kept off until you load it.

Load embedView on X

The latest complaint has revived public attention on Simbisa Brands Kenya, which has previously faced damaging whistleblower accusations over its treatment of workers across major franchises such as Galito's, Pizza Inn and Chicken Inn.

In reports published by this news outlet, current and former employees accused the fast-food giant of unexplained salary deductions, chronic understaffing, punitive staff transfers, and a management culture characterized by intimidation and arbitrary disciplinary measures.

While those revelations centered primarily on labour practices rather than customer experience, the renewed criticism over Galito's delivery standards is now fuelling fresh questions about operational oversight and accountability within one of Kenya's largest fast-food operators.

Staff members at Nairobi-based microfinance and asset-leasing company ZARIBEE Kenya Limited, which operates a rent-to-own financing model for boda boda riders, have reached out to labour authorities and external watchdog channels over what they describe as mounting tension within the workplace, pointing to a work environment shaped by strict managerial control, limited internal recourse structures, and growing unease among employees following recent staff exits.

The company, known for its motorcycle financing programme serving riders across the city, is now being mentioned in accounts that describe day-to-day operations marked by pressure around performance, decision-making concentrated at senior level, and a communication style staff say leaves little room for internal dialogue.

Within the same submissions, employees describe a setting where reporting workplace issues is viewed as risky, with claims that disciplinary decisions are executed swiftly and without prior engagement, a pattern they say has contributed to uncertainty after a series of recent terminations.

The absence of a dedicated human resources function is also cited by staff, who state that workplace disputes are handled without a structured review channel, leaving employees reliant on informal escalation routes that they say offer limited protection.

Attention in the reports turns to senior management conduct, with staff identifying a manager known as Kaz, described as maintaining close control over daily operations and communicating with employees in a manner they say is firm and at times dismissive.

Employees further describe an internal culture shaped by top-down instruction and constrained feedback channels, a combination they say has influenced morale and heightened caution among staff when engaging management.

Staff further reference the company’s leadership composition, stating that senior roles are predominantly held by foreign management, a structure they say has limited Kenyan representation in decision-making positions and shaped workplace expectations around authority and communication style.

The matter has now been placed before relevant labour channels for review, with employees seeking an assessment of working conditions, management conduct, and compliance with employment requirements within the Nairobi operation.

"Hello Cyprian. I would like to bring to your attention the situation at ZARIBEE Kenya Limited. There are serious concerns about racism, unfair treatment of employees, and an unhealthy work environment. One of the main concerns involves a Japanese manager known as Kaz, who is reported to speak to employees in a rude and disrespectful manner. Many staff members feel that he adopts a "my way or the highway" approach to management. Recently, three employees have reportedly been dismissed, which has increased fear and uncertainty among the workforce. The working environment at ZARIBEE is not conducive to employee well-being. Many staff members work in fear of retaliation from management if they raise concerns or express their opinions. Another major issue is the absence of a Human Resources department. Without an independent HR function, employees do not receive a fair hearing when workplace issues arise. Decisions appear to be made without proper investigations or due process, leaving staff feeling unheard and unfairly treated. We respectfully request that the Ministry of Labour conduct an audit and investigation into the company's employment practices and workplace conditions to ensure compliance with Kenyan labour laws and the fair treatment of employees. Additionally, there are concerns that no Kenyan holds a managerial position within the company. Management is reportedly dominated by Japanese nationals, and many employees feel that Kenyan culture and perspectives are not respected. Instead, staff are expected to conform entirely to Japanese management practices, with some managers, particularly Kaz, frequently raising their voices at employees. We hope the relevant authorities will look into these concerns and take appropriate action to ensure a fair, respectful, and lawful working environment for all employees."

Current and former Associated Press (AP) employees and freelancers in Nairobi have raised serious issues over what they describe as years of workplace harassment, intimidation, bullying and claimed abuse of authority by the news agency's Kenya Bureau Chief, Egyptian national Khaled Kazziha.

The allegations resurfaced after a female freelancer formally reported Kazziha for allegedly harassing and threatening her inside the Associated Press offices on Lenana Road in Nairobi.

According to documents seen by Nyakundi Reports, the freelancer attempted to report the matter to the company on at least four separate occasions over several months, but says her complaints were ignored or dismissed without meaningful action.

The matter was also reported to the Media Council of Kenya. Yet, according to the complainant, no response or action has been taken regardless of the seriousness of the claims.

Following the complaint, several former employees and freelancers came forward, claiming that the incident was not isolated but instead reflected a long standing pattern of intimidation and hostile workplace conduct that had gone unaddressed for years.

Several people who previously worked with Kazziha described an environment where freelancers feared speaking out because they believed doing so would cost them assignments or permanently damage their careers.

According to multiple sources, the bureau chief reportedly used his position to intimidate journalists who questioned editorial decisions, payments or his conduct.

One freelancer recalled being warned that reporting issues outside the company would effectively end any future working relationship with the Associated Press.

Records reviewed by Nyakundi Reports show that Kazziha reportedly told the complainant: "If you report this to the Media Council, then you cannot work here."

The records further indicate he reportedly stated: "I am Khaled the man, but I can also be Khaled the bureau chief, and Khaled the corporate, and I can make any decision regarding you."

Former staff members say such statements reflected a wider culture of fear within the Nairobi bureau, where freelancers who largely depend on repeat commissions for their livelihoods often felt powerless to challenge management.

Kazziha has also been accused of humiliating freelancers who have since left the company by telling them to kneel at the company parking lot and beg him while he drives away.

"The staff had sent a gift for their colleague, when he heard about it he was angry and told them to act like he is their God, kneel down and beg him for forgiveness. On a separate occasion, he instructed them to kneel at the parking lot and walk on their knees besides his car while saying 'we are sorry' as he drove off."

Racism and Unequal Pay Claims ¶

Separate complaints now under internal review reportedly concern claims of racial discrimination and unequal compensation within the Nairobi bureau.

According to multiple freelancers, white foreign freelancers working in Kenya without legal work permits reportedly received substantially higher rates than equally qualified Kenyan journalists performing similar work.

One British freelancer, who several sources claim was working in Kenya without a valid work permit, was reportedly paid approximately $1,500 (about Ksh 194,000) per story, while Kenyan freelancers say they were often paid as little as $150 (about Ksh 19,400) for comparable assignments.

Several freelancers claimed that attempts to negotiate higher rates or question the disparity were met with threats that they would no longer receive work from the bureau.

Current and former staff argue that the claimed pay differences created a two-tier system in which Kenyan journalists were undervalued regardless of possessing greater local knowledge, networks and experience.

Questions have also been raised regarding compliance with Kenyan immigration and labour laws.

Sources claim that earlier this year Kazziha facilitated the relocation of a Swedish journalist from Tanzania to Kenya, where she reportedly worked for the Associated Press as a freelancer while holding only a tourist visa.

According to people familiar with the matter, she was assigned to cover official government events, such as a press conference at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

The claims raise concerns over compliance with Kenya’s immigration and employment regulations governing foreign nationals.

Nepotism ¶

Kazziha has also been accused by former staff of favouritism and nepotism.

Multiple sources claim that he assigned paid work to his wife, such as story ideas that had originally been pitched by Kenyan reporters but were reportedly declined for them before later being commissioned through her.

Former colleagues claim such decisions fuelled resentment within the newsroom and reinforced perceptions that editorial opportunities were not being allocated fairly.

Questions Over Past Conduct ¶

Former employees also claim Kazziha was transferred to Kenya from the United States during the 1990s following disciplinary issues.

Several former staff members claimed that the move came after an incident involving marijuana possession while attempting to attend a campaign event for then-U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Nyakundi Reports has not independently verified those claims, and Associated Press has not publicly commented on the matter.

Nevertheless, former colleagues interviewed for this story argue that complaints regarding Kazziha's conduct have persisted for decades without decisive intervention from the company.

As attention grows over workplace culture within international media organisations operating in Africa, former staff say the Associated Press now confronts difficult questions over whether repeated complaints from Kenyan employees and freelancers were adequately investigated, and whether sufficient safeguards exist to protect staff from retaliation when voicing worries about senior management.

Neither Khaled Kazziha nor the Associated Press had responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.

The report provides specific percentages of development allocations for various counties, highlighting poor performance in development spending.

The development matters because analysis of County Development Spending in Kenya.

The key developments are:

• Kajiado county recorded the lowest development expenditure during the first nine months of the 2025/2026 financial year, spending only 9% of its total expenditure on development.

• During the first nine months of FY 2025/2026, county governments spent KSh 72.07 billion on development projects, or 31% of the KSh 234.33 billion annual development budget allotment.

Nairobi Water has successfully repaired a significant leak on the main supply pipeline, restoring water supply after a weekend outage that affected many residents and businesses. The leak was detected on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the NCT Fresh Water Pipeline at Riabai, near Kirigiti in Kiambu County.

The water shortage caused considerable disruption in various residential and commercial areas within Nairobi City County. Residents reported challenges in accessing water, which is crucial for daily activities.

Following the repair, Nairobi Water announced that water supply is resuming progressively according to the distribution schedule. However, they cautioned that low pressure may be experienced as the system stabilises. This development is vital as it alleviates the immediate crisis caused by the leak, highlighting the importance of maintaining infrastructure to ensure reliable water access.

While the situation is improving, it remains unclear how long it will take for water pressure to normalise across all affected areas. The utility's response and the effectiveness of their repair efforts will be closely monitored in the coming days.

The outstanding amount of unremitted staff deductions has surged by Sh14.33 billion over the past nine months, raising significant concerns about employee welfare. As of March this year, state agencies reported an alarming total of Sh51.96 billion in unremitted pension deductions, sacco contributions, and other staff benefits.

A major contributor to this increase is the unremitted sacco deductions, which alone account for Sh9.21 billion of the new arrears. This situation has prompted warnings from Nyakang’o, who emphasized that the failure of accounting officers to remit statutory deductions on time directly impacts workers’ welfare and morale. The implications of these delays are profound, as they threaten the financial security of employees who depend on these funds for their pensions and savings.

In response to this growing crisis, the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been proposed. This legislation aims to empower the Kenya Revenue Authority to recover unremitted pension deductions from employers who neglect their obligations. If enacted, the bill could provide a mechanism to ensure that employees receive their rightful benefits, potentially alleviating some of the financial strain caused by these unremitted deductions.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on how effectively the government will address these outstanding amounts and the broader implications for employee welfare across state agencies. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as it not only affects individual employees but also raises questions about the accountability of state agencies in managing employee benefits.

Kenya's water sector is grappling with a significant challenge as non-revenue water has risen from 44% to 48% during the 2024/25 financial year. This alarming increase translates to an annual loss of Sh13.7 billion, primarily due to leakages, theft, and inefficiencies. A new report from the Water Services Regulatory Board (Wasreb) underscores the severity of the situation, revealing that nearly half of all water produced fails to generate revenue.

The report indicates that Kenya loses approximately 242 million cubic metres of water each year, a statistic that raises concerns about the sustainability of water resources in the country. This loss not only impacts the financial viability of water services but also exacerbates access issues for many Kenyans. Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining: water coverage has improved from 70% to 72%, allowing an additional 1.26 million people to access piped water services.

In the same period, water production increased by nine percent, rising from 461 million cubic metres to 504 million cubic metres. This growth in production highlights the potential for improved management practices to mitigate losses and enhance service delivery. However, the persistent issue of non-revenue water raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies in addressing leakages and theft.

The findings of the Wasreb Impact 18 Report serve as a wake-up call for stakeholders in the water sector. The increase in non-revenue water indicates systemic inefficiencies that must be tackled to ensure the sustainability of water services in Kenya. As the country strives to improve water access and quality, the focus must shift towards reducing losses and enhancing operational efficiency.

In conclusion, while there have been improvements in water coverage and production, the rise in non-revenue water presents a significant hurdle that needs urgent attention. The ongoing losses threaten the financial stability of the sector and the overall goal of providing reliable water services to all Kenyans.

The increase in non-revenue water from 44% to 48% during the 2024/25 financial year.

The development matters because kenya's water sector faces Sh13.7 billion losses annually due to leakages and theft.

The key developments are:

• Kenya loses about 242 million cubic metres of water every year, translating to financial losses of Sh13.7 billion, a new report shows.

• The report shows that non-revenue water increased from 44 per cent to 48 per cent during the 2024/25 financial year.

• According to the Water Services Regulatory Board (Wasreb) Impact 18 Report, nearly half of all water produced fails to generate income due to leakages, theft, faulty meters and inefficiencies.

• Water coverage improved from 70 per cent to 72 per cent, allowing an additional 1.26 million people to access piped water services.

• According to the report, water production increased by nine per cent from 461 million cubic metres to 504 million cubic metres during the review period.

Martha Karua has publicly criticized the National Assembly following the passage of the Finance Bill 2026, highlighting the concerning trend of absenteeism among MPs during crucial legislative votes. Her remarks come in light of the Finance Bill being approved at the Third Reading stage on Thursday evening, June 18, 2026, with 122 votes in favor and 40 against, and notably, no abstentions recorded.

Karua pointed out that a significant number of legislators chose not to participate in the vote, despite the bill's implications for taxation and public finance. This absence raises questions about the commitment of elected officials to represent their constituents effectively. Only 162 out of 349 MPs took part in the vote, underscoring a troubling lack of engagement in key legislative matters.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed Karua's concerns, emphasizing that MPs are elected to serve the interests of wananchi, not merely to rubber stamp decisions made by others. His comments reflect a growing frustration among some political leaders regarding the accountability of their peers in the National Assembly.

The implications of the Finance Bill are significant, as it affects taxation structures and public finance management, areas that directly impact citizens' lives. Karua's criticism not only spotlights the absenteeism issue but also calls for greater responsibility among lawmakers to ensure they fulfill their roles as representatives.

As the discourse around MP absenteeism continues, questions remain about the effectiveness of current measures to ensure legislative participation. The lack of engagement during such pivotal votes could lead to broader concerns about governance and accountability in the National Assembly.

The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the arrest of 56 individuals in connection with violent disruptions at a public event in Kuresoi North Sub-County, Nakuru County, attended by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. The unrest occurred during a women and youth empowerment event at Umoja Secondary School, where tensions escalated following the alleged arrival of Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai.

The violence resulted in at least three people sustaining gunshot wounds, highlighting the severity of the situation. Authorities have intensified investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the chaos that interrupted the high-profile gathering. NPS issued a statement via X on Saturday, June 20, 2026, confirming the arrests and emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the events leading to the violence.

Witnesses reported that the atmosphere shifted dramatically once MP Mutai arrived, suggesting his presence may have triggered the unrest. Kiprono, one of the injured, spoke from his hospital bed, providing a firsthand account of the turmoil that unfolded during the event.

This incident raises significant concerns about safety during public gatherings and the potential for political tensions to escalate into violence. As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with the implications of the unrest and the need for measures to ensure peaceful engagements in the future.

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a manhunt for Kuresoi North Member of Parliament Alfred Mutai following violent clashes that erupted during a youth empowerment meeting in Nakuru County, leaving several people injured and causing significant destruction of property.

In a statement released on Friday by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the NPS said preliminary investigations indicate that the violence broke out at Sirikwa Umoja Grounds during a youth empowerment event attended by several senior political leaders.

The event, which was reportedly led by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and also attended by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Kuresoi North MP Irene Njoki, descended into chaos after the arrival of MP Mutai, triggering a confrontation between rival political supporters.

X postEmbedded X post

Third-party content is kept off until you load it.

Load embedView on X

According to police, suspected groups allied to the legislator clashed with supporters of Governor Kihika, resulting in gunfire and widespread panic at the venue.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident involved suspected goons aligned to Hon. Alfred Mutai and supporters of Governor Susan Kihika. Several individuals sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” the statement read.

At least three people were confirmed to have sustained gunshot wounds to their hands and legs. They were taken to Molo Level 4 Hospital where they were receiving treatment.

One of the victims, Job Kiprono, who was shot in the right hand, recounted how members of the public assisted him after the incident.

“I thank the members of the public who helped me and ensured I received medical attention in time,” Kiprono said from his hospital bed.

The violence also led to destruction of property, including the burning of a bus that had transported tents and chairs to the venue. At least three vehicles, among them one belonging to MP Mutai, were vandalized during the clashes.

“Police are pursuing Hon. Alfred Mutai, who has been named as a person of interest in the incident. He is urged to present himself at the nearest police station to assist with investigations,” the NPS statement added.

Authorities further confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest other individuals linked to the violence as investigations continue.

The National Police Service condemned the incident, terming it part of a worrying trend of rising political intolerance.

“The Service strongly condemns acts of political violence, goonism and destruction of property. Those involved, including sponsors and instigators, will face the full force of the law regardless of their political standing,” the statement said.

Police also referenced a separate incident in Chemilil, Muhoroni Sub-County, where armed individuals allegedly stormed Chemilil Academy and injured several people. Three suspects have since been arrested in connection with that case and are assisting investigators.

The latest violence comes amid growing concerns over political tensions in parts of the country ahead of the next electoral cycle, with leaders urging restraint and peaceful engagement.

President William Ruto has also directed the Ministry of Interior to take firm action against individuals involved in orchestrating political violence and the use of goons to disrupt public events.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

The National Assembly on Thursday evening passed the Finance Bill, 2026 through an electronic vote, clearing the final parliamentary hurdle and sending the legislation to President William Ruto for assent.

The Bill was approved at the Third Reading with 122 Members of Parliament voting in support and 40 voting against, with no abstentions recorded. The electronic voting process marked the formal conclusion of weeks of debate, committee scrutiny, and public participation on one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation in the current parliamentary calendar.

The outcome reflected the numerical strength of President Ruto’s broad-based coalition, which rallied behind the Bill, while a consolidated opposition bloc largely aligned to impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua voted against it.

During earlier political mobilization, Gachagua had directed allied MPs to reject the Bill and demand a recorded division vote to publicly capture each legislator’s position.

The Finance Bill, 2026 is a key instrument in the government’s plan to finance the Sh4.8 trillion national budget for the 2026–27 financial year. It provides the legal framework for tax measures and revenue-raising policies that the Treasury says are necessary to support government operations, fund development projects, and service public debt obligations.

The Bill sailed through Parliament after lawmakers adopted a series of amendments proposed by the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee.

These amendments were developed following nationwide public participation exercises, during which stakeholders including businesses, civil society organisations, and members of the public raised concerns over several proposed tax measures.

Among the most significant changes made during the legislative process was the removal of a controversial proposal that would have required taxpayers to pay disputed taxes before they could file appeals.

The clause had drawn strong criticism from legal experts, taxpayers’ associations, and business groups, who argued it would undermine access to justice and make it difficult for taxpayers to challenge tax assessments.

Other amendments modified or dropped additional proposals that had attracted public concern, as MPs sought to strike a balance between the government’s revenue needs and the economic pressures facing households and businesses.

Treasury officials had defended the original proposals contained in the Bill, maintaining that the reforms were intended to improve tax compliance, broaden the tax base, and reduce reliance on borrowing.

They argued that the measures were also aimed at strengthening tax administration systems and ensuring more efficient collection of existing revenues rather than introducing excessively punitive taxation.

However, critics of the Bill maintained that several provisions risked increasing the cost of living at a time when many Kenyans are already grappling with high prices of basic goods and services. They warned that some of the measures could place additional pressure on households and small businesses, potentially slowing economic activity.

The vote followed an extended period of debate both inside Parliament and in the public arena, with the Finance Bill emerging as a key test of the government’s economic policy direction. Lawmakers on both sides framed the legislation not only as a fiscal instrument but also as a political statement on the government’s approach to taxation and economic management.

Inside the House, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the final results after the electronic voting process confirmed the passage of the Bill. The sitting proceeded in accordance with parliamentary procedure after the Finance and National Planning Committee tabled its report recommending adoption of the Bill with amendments.

Following its approval by the National Assembly, the Finance Bill, 2026 will now be transmitted to President William Ruto for assent. Once signed, it will become law and provide the legal framework for revenue collection under the 2026–27 national budget.

Its passage represents a significant legislative victory for the Kenya Kwanza administration, which has been working to secure revenue streams needed to finance government programmes, support infrastructure development, and manage public debt obligations in a tightening fiscal environment.

The approval also sets the stage for implementation of the wider budget framework, with Treasury expected to move swiftly to align tax administration systems and enforcement mechanisms ahead of the new financial year.

Opposition leaders are advocating for June 25 to be declared a national holiday in memory of victims of recent protests. This initiative aims to honor those who lost their lives and to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The call comes amid growing demands for accountability from the government regarding police actions during the protests.

The push for recognition of June 25 is significant as it highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in the face of alleged police brutality. Opposition leaders are urging President Ruto to publicly renounce any directives that promote a 'shoot-to-kill' policy against protesters. This demand reflects a broader concern about the government's approach to dissent and the treatment of citizens exercising their right to protest.

In addition to the holiday proposal, opposition leaders are calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of law enforcement during the protests. They emphasize the need for accountability, pointing to the importance of addressing police brutality and the killings that occurred. The opposition argues that acknowledging these issues is crucial for restoring public trust in the government.

Furthermore, protest victims and their families are demanding more than just financial compensation; they seek a formal apology from President Ruto. This demand underscores the emotional and societal impact of the violence experienced during the protests, highlighting the need for healing and recognition of the victims' suffering.

As the situation develops, the opposition's efforts to secure June 25 as a national holiday could serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about human rights and government accountability in Kenya. The outcome of these demands remains uncertain, but the push for recognition and justice continues to resonate with many citizens.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently defended the Social Health Authority (SHA) amidst rising accusations from hospitals regarding treatment denials. During a committee session, Duale revealed that SHA's national claim settlement rate is currently at 84%, though he noted that Mombasa County lags behind at 71%. This disparity has raised concerns about the accessibility of healthcare services in the region.

Duale's remarks came in response to allegations that some healthcare facilities are using SHA's processes as an excuse to deny patients necessary treatments, despite having received claim payments from the government. He emphasized that the SHA has been consistent in its financial disbursements, having paid Ksh12.7 billion last month and Ksh16.3 billion the month prior. This financial support is crucial for ensuring that health facilities can continue to operate effectively.

The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted specific public facilities, such as Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and Nakuru Level Five Hospital, which have continued to provide services after receiving reimbursements from SHA. This indicates that while some facilities may be facing challenges, others are successfully utilizing the financial support to enhance patient care.

Additionally, Duale presented proposed amendments to healthcare tariffs aimed at guaranteeing free maternity services at Level Two and Three facilities, fully financed by the government. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and addressing the needs of expectant mothers.

While Duale's defense of SHA sheds light on the authority's financial performance and commitment to service provision, it also raises questions about the reasons behind the treatment denials reported by some hospitals. The ongoing dialogue between the government and healthcare providers will be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring that patients receive the care they need.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is ramping up its grassroots efforts in preparation for the 2027 General Election. Following a recent Central Committee resolution, the party has outlined a series of political activities aimed at mobilising support and energising its base.

The first significant event will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Kwale County. ODM plans to hold a grassroots leaders’ meeting and a public rally at Kwale Baraza Park in Kwale town. This gathering is expected to galvanise local leaders and supporters, setting the tone for the party's campaign strategy.

A week later, on Sunday, June 27, 2026, ODM will shift its focus to Busia County. The party will host a youth convention at the Busia Polytechnic grounds. This event aims to engage the younger demographic, a crucial voter segment for the upcoming elections.

These initiatives reflect ODM's commitment to strengthening its presence in key regions as the election date approaches. The party's efforts to mobilise support at the grassroots level are critical, especially in the context of a competitive political landscape leading up to 2027.

While the specific details of these events are clear, the broader implications of ODM's strategy remain to be seen. How effectively the party can translate these grassroots engagements into electoral success will be a key factor in the upcoming elections.

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has ruled in favour of Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, invalidating disciplinary proceedings initiated by the party to remove him from office after finding that ODM failed to comply with the principles of procedural fairness and due process, thereby violating his right to a fair hearing.

In its judgment, the Tribunal held that the steps taken by ODM were procedurally defective from the outset, noting that the party did not accord Sifuna a proper opportunity to respond to allegations before moving to initiate disciplinary action against him.

“The complainant was not accorded a fair hearing prior to the resolution to remove him from office,” the Tribunal stated.

The panel further found that there was no evidence showing that Sifuna had been notified that his conduct would be discussed during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in which the removal resolution was advanced.

“There is no evidence that the complainant was informed of any change in the agenda in the discussion of his conduct to enable him to appear accordingly,” the Tribunal observed.

At the centre of the dispute was an ODM NEC resolution that sought to remove Sifuna from his position as Secretary General, a move the Tribunal said could not stand due to fundamental breaches of fair hearing principles and internal procedural requirements.

The Tribunal emphasised that the failure to notify Sifuna of the agenda or allow him to respond to the allegations rendered the decision-making process legally untenable.

“The Tribunal finds that the decision-making process at the NEC level was procedurally defective, particularly on notice, agenda setting, and the opportunity to respond to allegations,” it held.

However, while nullifying the disciplinary process, the Tribunal drew a clear distinction between procedural fairness and the substance of the allegations, noting that ODM retains the right to pursue disciplinary action provided it complies with the law and its internal party constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the First Respondent (ODM) is at liberty to institute and conclude disciplinary proceedings against the complainant in accordance with its constitution and the law,” the Tribunal ruled.

The panel further directed that any future disciplinary proceedings must strictly adhere to due process requirements, reinforcing the principle of party autonomy while underscoring the obligation to observe fairness in internal governance.

“The complainant was not accorded a fair hearing prior to the resolution to remove him from office,” the Tribunal reiterated in its judgment.

The dispute arises from internal divisions within ODM, particularly over the party’s political direction and its engagement with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, which has created competing factions within the party.

Sifuna, who has been among the most vocal critics of the cooperation arrangement between ODM and the government, has previously been accused by some party members of insubordination and actions perceived to undermine party cohesion.

The Tribunal’s decision effectively restores Sifuna’s position while leaving room for ODM to restart disciplinary proceedings, provided they are conducted in accordance with constitutional and legal safeguards governing political party disputes.

The Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi has confirmed that an individual died after falling from one of its buildings, with the facility stating that it is cooperating with relevant authorities as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement released on June 18, 2026, the hospital said it was deeply saddened by the incident and extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

“Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, can confirm that an individual fell from one of our buildings and sadly passed on,” the statement read.

The hospital emphasized that it is working closely with investigators as authorities seek to establish what led to the incident.

“The hospital is cooperating with the relevant authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter,” it added.

The facility also appealed for privacy for those affected, including the family of the deceased, as well as patients and staff at the hospital.

“We kindly request that the privacy and dignity of the family, our patients, and staff be respected as the investigations continue,” the statement said.

X postEmbedded X post

Third-party content is kept off until you load it.

Load embedView on X

While the hospital confirmed the fatality, it did not release further details regarding the identity of the deceased or the specific circumstances of the fall, noting that the matter remains under active investigation by the relevant authorities.

Njathi Mwinga has emerged as the frontrunner in the Mathioya parliamentary race, according to a recent survey by Swiss Poll. The survey, conducted among 8,696 respondents, shows Mwinga leading with 28% support. This development highlights the competitive nature of the race, with several candidates in close contention.

Peter Kimari Kihara follows closely with 22.1% support, while Edwin Mugo is just behind with 21.9%. Kenneth Kabui Kihunyo also remains a strong contender, polling at 20.2%. The survey's margin of error is 2%, indicating a highly competitive environment where small shifts in voter sentiment could change the outcome.

The Mathioya constituency has been a focal point of interest due to its diverse voter base and the presence of multiple strong candidates. The survey results underscore the uncertainty and potential for any of the leading candidates to secure victory.

This tight race is significant as it reflects broader political dynamics in the region. Each candidate's campaign strategies and voter engagement efforts will be crucial in the final stretch.

As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on Mathioya to see how these dynamics unfold. The survey provides a snapshot of the current political landscape, but much remains to be seen as candidates continue to vie for voter support.

A nationwide march is set for June 25, 2026, to commemorate the deaths of Gen Z individuals during anti-finance bill protests. This development highlights ongoing demands for justice and accountability from the government.

Governor James Orengo has taken a leading role in these protests, organizing demonstrations in Nairobi to honour the memory of Gen Z individuals who lost their lives in previous protests. Orengo's involvement underscores the significant political weight behind the movement, as key opposition figures joined him in a peaceful march towards the police Inspector General's office.

The planned march is not only a call for justice but also a response to the government's allocation of KSh 2 billion intended to compensate victims of human rights violations. While the compensation is a step towards addressing grievances, the families of the victims, including the parents of the late Rex Maasai and Erickson, remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice.

The nationwide march aims to keep the spotlight on the government's accountability and the demand for justice for those affected by the violent crackdown on anti-finance bill protests. As the date approaches, the focus will be on whether the government will engage with protestors' demands or continue to face public pressure.

What remains unclear is how the government will respond to the upcoming march and whether further measures will be taken to address the protestors' grievances. The situation continues to develop, with the potential for significant political and social implications.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has leveled serious allegations against President William Ruto, accusing him of planning to misappropriate Ksh6.2 billion through confidential expenditure. This accusation comes at a time when the Finance Bill 2026 is stirring heated debate in Parliament.

Gachagua's allegations focus on what he describes as unnecessary allocations within the budget. He specifically questions the allocation of Ksh200 million for 'operations and maintenance,' suggesting that such expenditures lack transparency and accountability. These claims have added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Finance Bill 2026.

The Finance Bill 2026, which is currently under parliamentary scrutiny, has become a contentious issue, with various stakeholders expressing divergent views. Gachagua has been vocal in urging Members of Parliament to reject the bill, citing the alleged financial improprieties as a key reason.

The allegations against Ruto have significant implications, as they come from a high-ranking government official. This development raises questions about the internal dynamics within the administration and the potential impact on governance and public trust.

While Gachagua's accusations have made headlines, the specifics of the alleged misappropriation remain unclear. There is a need for further investigation to substantiate these claims and determine their validity.

The Finance Bill 2026 continues to be a focal point of debate, with its implications for the country's economic policy and governance under intense scrutiny. As the situation unfolds, the public and political observers await further developments and clarifications from the involved parties.

The Court of Appeal has upheld a significant compensation award against Romageco Kenya Limited, marking a crucial decision in the case of Hudson Kidaha Kisigwa. Kisigwa, who was dismissed from his position via a newspaper advertisement, has been awarded KSh 4.7 million for unlawful dismissal and outstanding dues.

This decision underscores the importance of due process in employment termination. Kisigwa's dismissal while on sick leave, without formal notice or procedure, highlights a breach of employment rights. The court's ruling affirms that employers must adhere to proper protocols when terminating employees, ensuring fairness and transparency.

The compensation includes over KSh 3.8 million in unpaid commissions owed to Kisigwa by Romageco. This amount reflects the financial obligations that the company failed to meet, further cementing the court's stance on the necessity of honoring contractual agreements and employee entitlements.

The case has drawn attention to the practices of dismissing employees through unconventional means, such as public notices, which may bypass established legal frameworks. The court's decision could set a precedent for similar cases, emphasizing the legal protections available to employees.

While the ruling provides closure for Kisigwa, questions remain about how widespread such practices are within the corporate sector. The case may prompt further scrutiny into employment practices, encouraging companies to reevaluate their termination procedures to avoid legal repercussions.

Romageco Kenya Limited has not publicly commented on the court's decision. The ruling serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in upholding workers' rights and ensuring that employers are held accountable for unlawful actions.

Oriwo Boys High School recently faced potential unrest as over 1,000 students threatened to strike due to bedbug infestations in their dormitories. The school administration allowed the students to leave peacefully, averting a possible crisis.

The decision to let students go home comes amid growing national concerns over disturbances in schools across Kenya. The peaceful resolution at Oriwo Boys High School highlights the importance of addressing student grievances promptly to maintain order and safety.

The students, dissatisfied with the living conditions caused by the bedbug infestation, were given permission to leave the school premises. They are expected to report back on June 30, giving the school administration time to address the infestation issue.

This incident underscores the need for effective communication between school authorities and students. Julius Bitok, a notable figure in the education sector, emphasized the importance of dialogue. He urged school principals to engage with students constructively to preempt similar situations.

The situation at Oriwo Boys High School serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by educational institutions in maintaining conducive learning environments. It also raises questions about the adequacy of current measures to ensure student welfare in boarding schools.

While the immediate threat of a strike has been averted, it remains unclear what specific actions the school will take to address the infestation. The response of the school administration in the coming days will be crucial in preventing further unrest and ensuring the students' well-being.

As of June 2026, a new ranking highlights the economic challenges faced by African countries with the weakest currencies. This development sheds light on the broader economic issues affecting these nations, including import dependence, political instability, and dollar-denominated debt.

Six African countries now require over 2,000 local currency units to equal one US dollar. This stark figure underscores the severe depreciation these currencies have suffered, impacting everyday life and economic stability in these nations.

The reliance on imports is a significant factor contributing to the weakness of these currencies. Many African countries depend heavily on imported goods, which increases demand for foreign currency and puts pressure on local currencies.

Political instability further exacerbates the situation. It diminishes investor confidence, leading to capital flight and further weakening of the currency. This instability creates a vicious cycle where weakened currencies fuel more economic uncertainty.

Additionally, the burden of dollar-denominated debt continues to weigh heavily on these economies. As exchange rates weaken, the cost of servicing such debt increases, straining national budgets and limiting economic growth.

Among the countries with the weakest currencies are Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Rwanda. These nations face significant challenges in stabilizing their economies amid these pressures.

The ranking serves as a crucial indicator of the underlying economic health of these countries. It highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to address these challenges and stabilize their currencies.

Milly Wa Jesus has issued an apology for her earlier criticism of 'The Polygamist' series. This comes after she admitted to making her initial comments without having watched the series. Her apology highlights the importance of informed commentary and the impact of public figures on media perception.

Milly Wa Jesus initially questioned why married individuals would choose to watch 'The Polygamist'. Her remarks sparked discussions among her followers and the general public, drawing attention to the series. She expressed confusion over comparisons made between her and characters from the series, indicating a misunderstanding of the show's context.

In her apology, Milly emphasized her preference for content that celebrates monogamy, aligning with her personal values. She acknowledged that viewers have the autonomy to choose the content they consume, suggesting a more open-minded approach to media consumption.

The apology is significant as it underscores the responsibilities of influencers in shaping public opinion. It also reflects the broader conversation about the types of relationships portrayed in media and their societal implications.

While Milly Wa Jesus has retracted her initial statements, it remains unclear how her followers will respond to her change of stance. The incident raises questions about the influence of social media personalities on audience perceptions and the potential for constructive discourse in digital spaces.

In a significant political maneuver, Rigathi Gachagua has instructed DCP MPs to reject the Finance Bill 2026. This directive comes amidst growing concerns about the potential impact of the bill on Kenyan taxpayers. Gachagua's opposition highlights a rift within the political landscape, as he warns that the Ruto administration's proposals could overburden citizens with excessive taxes.

The Finance Bill 2026 recently passed its Second Reading, sparking heated debates among lawmakers. Despite Gachagua's call to action, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended the bill, arguing that the proposed taxes are necessary for national development. Ichung’wah dismissed claims that the bill would harm the Kenyan populace, emphasizing the government's need for increased revenue streams.

Gachagua's directive to the DCP MPs includes a push for a formal division vote on the bill. This move is aimed at ensuring a transparent and accountable decision-making process. The political implications of Gachagua's actions are significant, as they challenge the unity of the ruling party and raise questions about the future direction of fiscal policy in Kenya.

The Finance Bill 2026 has become a focal point of contention, with Gachagua's stance drawing attention to the broader debate over taxation and economic policy. His opposition underscores the tension between political leaders over how best to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of the Kenyan people.

As the debate continues, it remains unclear how the division within the political ranks will impact the bill's final outcome. The developments could signal a shift in political alliances and influence the broader discourse on governance and taxation in Kenya.

Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga's abrupt removal from the National Assembly has stirred political controversy just before the critical vote on the Finance Bill 2026. Kalasinga's ouster raises questions about the motivations behind his removal and its impact on the legislative process.

Kalasinga alleges that his removal was strategically timed to weaken opposition to the Finance Bill 2026, which is expected to pass under President William Ruto's administration. This development has intensified scrutiny on the political maneuvering surrounding the bill, as the government seeks to secure its passage.

The Finance Bill 2026 is a significant piece of legislation, with implications for Kenya's economic policy and fiscal management. The bill's passage is seen as crucial for Ruto's administration, which aims to implement its economic agenda. However, the removal of a vocal MP like Kalasinga suggests a contentious atmosphere in the Assembly.

Kalasinga has demanded a clear explanation for his removal, questioning the grounds on which the decision was made. His call for transparency highlights concerns about the democratic process and the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

The situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for the balance of power within the National Assembly. As the vote approaches, all eyes are on how the removal will influence the dynamics among MPs and the ultimate outcome of the Finance Bill 2026 vote.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in Kenyan politics, where legislative processes are often intertwined with strategic political interests. The outcome of the Finance Bill 2026 vote will likely have lasting effects on the political landscape and the government's ability to implement its policy agenda.

When the Piny Luo Festival concluded on the 17th of December 2025 and the grounds in Migori were cleared of the equipment, the crowds and the visible evidence of weeks of coordinated effort, the media coordinators, logistics teams, site crews, sports managers, protocol officers and communications consultants who had made that coordination possible returned to their offices and their homes carrying a reasonable expectation that the invoices they had submitted for work already completed would be honoured within the ordinary timeframes that govern contractual relationships between service providers and the companies that engage them.

What followed instead was a prolonged and demoralising experience of unanswered follow-ups, circular conversations and explanations that shifted in character each time a supplier pressed for something more concrete than a promise, a process that continued for so long and produced so little resolution that a group of these suppliers eventually abandoned the informal pursuit of their dues and did what people do when they have exhausted every quieter option available to them, writing a formal petition, addressing it to the Governor of Migori County, and asking the county government to tell them where their money had gone.

The Work Was Done ¶

The services these suppliers provided were not preliminary or preparatory in any vague sense.

They were the operational substance of the festival itself, the media coordination that ensured the event was covered and documented, the logistics work that moved people and equipment across the grounds in a manner that made the programming possible, the site preparation that transformed a space into a venue, the sports management, protocol support and communications infrastructure that gave the occasion its structure and its public face, and every one of these services was delivered in full, on time, by people who had signed contracts, understood their obligations and met them without the kind of dispute or controversy that might have given a contracting company grounds to withhold or reduce payment.

“We financed parts of this work from our own pockets expecting normal payment cycles. Months later, we were still carrying debts from an event that is already long over,” a contractor said.

The suppliers were not asking for charity or negotiating a reduction in what they were owed.

They were asking for the settlement of invoices that represented the cost of work already absorbed by their businesses, work that had consumed staff time, operational resources and in many cases personal capital that small businesses and independent consultants had committed on the reasonable expectation that a county government-backed cultural event of this scale would be managed by people who understood and intended to honour their financial obligations to the people making the event happen on the ground.

Calls That Went Unanswered ¶

In the weeks after the festival ended, the suppliers did what any reasonable business would do in the ordinary course of a payment cycle, following up with Elgon Events Management and Consultancy Limited, the firm contracted by the County Government of Migori to organise the event and the entity through which all supplier payments were structured and were supposed to flow, and those follow-ups produced the kind of responses that are familiar to anyone who has ever chased a payment from a company that has decided, for whatever reason, not to pay.

The explanations shifted in a manner that itself tells a story, because a company that is genuinely processing payments does not need to change its explanation from week to week.

What began as assurances that payments were being processed evolved into references to delays at the county level, suggestions that the county government had not yet released the full amount owed to Elgon Group, and variations on the theme that the situation was being handled and that suppliers should wait a little longer, a form of communication that is designed not to resolve a dispute but to manage it, to keep the aggrieved party in a state of suspended expectation long enough that the cost of continued pursuit begins to outweigh the benefit of recovery.

“Every time we followed up, it was a different story. One week it was county delay, the next it was processing. But nothing ever changed. We just kept waiting,” one supplier said.

Months passed in this manner, and the festival that had been celebrated as a showcase of Luo heritage and regional cultural pride became, for the people who had delivered it, a source of accumulating financial distress, with small businesses carrying costs they had expected to recover by February finding themselves in June still without payment, still receiving the same circular assurances, and still no closer to the settlement that their contracts entitled them to receive.

What the Petition Revealed ¶

When the suppliers formalised their grievances in a written petition addressed to Governor Ochillo Ayacko, the document they produced accomplished something that months of informal pursuit had failed to achieve, placing on official record a set of facts and questions that the county government could no longer treat as a private commercial dispute between a contractor and its subcontractors, because the petition drew the county directly into the accountability chain by asking it to clarify the status of all payments made to Elgon Group under the festival contract.

“We had no option left. We wrote to the county because all informal channels had been exhausted and no one was giving us clear answers,” a member of the supplier group said.

The suppliers had been told by Elgon Group that the County Government of Migori had yet to settle seventy percent of the balance due to the company, a claim that, if accurate, would explain at least some portion of the payment delays and would shift the primary responsibility for resolution onto the county rather than the contracting firm, but the suppliers were not in a position to verify that claim independently because they had no direct visibility into the financial relationship between Elgon Group and the county government, which is precisely why they asked the county to clarify the record.

What the county's own documentation showed told a more complicated story, because leaked correspondence reviewed by this publication revealed that Elgon Group had formally acknowledged receiving Ksh3.4 million from the County Government of Migori and had informed county officials in writing that its consultants and service providers had been paid in full, submitting a statement of account that recorded an outstanding balance of zero, a declaration that was either accurate, in which case the suppliers pursuing payment had no legal basis for their claims, or inaccurate, in which case a company had made a false representation to a county government about the disposition of public funds, and the evidence available strongly suggested the latter.

The Woman at the Centre ¶

Mercy Wamoto is not a peripheral figure in this story, not an administrative name attached to correspondence or a title that appears at the bottom of a company letterhead.

She is the official within Elgon Events Management and Consultancy Limited whose name is most directly associated with the company's public-facing operations, whose conduct has been the subject of a formal public complaint from one of Kenya's most recognisable public figures, and whose role in the management of the Piny Luo Festival contract places her at the intersection of every question now being asked about where the money went and why the people who earned it have not received it.

The suppliers who filed the petition know her name.

The suppliers who spent months making calls that went unanswered were, in many cases, attempting to reach people within the company whose operations Wamoto is associated with.

The documentation showing that Elgon Group declared a zero outstanding balance to Migori County while suppliers remained unpaid was produced by a company in which she holds a key role, and the gap between what that documentation says and what the suppliers experienced is a gap that exists inside an organisation she is part of running.

What makes Wamoto's position in this story particularly significant is not merely her current role but the fact that she has been here before, that her name was attached to a public complaint involving the same essential failure, money received by the company, services inadequately delivered or funds not passed to the people responsible for delivering them, no satisfactory resolution through internal channels, and that the earlier episode did not result in the kind of public accountability or institutional correction that might have interrupted the pattern before it produced a larger and more damaging iteration involving public funds and dozens of suppliers rather than a single client.

The Akothee complaint, which will be examined in detail in the section that follows, is not ancient history dragged in to create an unfair impression.

It is a documented prior episode involving the same official and the same company and the same failure mode, and in investigative journalism the recurrence of a pattern across time and across different victims is not coincidental colour, it is evidence of a way of operating that has been allowed to continue because the consequences of each individual episode were contained before they could force a genuine reckoning.

Wamoto has not, to this publication's knowledge, made any public statement addressing the Piny Luo supplier complaints or the documentary contradictions at the centre of this dispute, a silence that is itself a choice with consequences, because the longer a named official at the centre of a public accountability story remains silent, the more that silence is read, reasonably, as an inability to offer an explanation that would withstand scrutiny rather than a considered decision to reserve comment.

“We are still waiting for clarity on how payments were processed and why suppliers are yet to be settled,” one affected supplier said.

The suppliers are not asking abstract institutional questions.

They are asking why work they completed under contracts that bore the authority of a county government-backed event has not been paid for, and Mercy Wamoto, as a key official of the company that received the public funds and declared those funds distributed, is among the people most directly positioned to answer that question, and her continued silence in the face of that obligation is one of the most telling features of a dispute that has now lasted longer than the festival it concerns.

A Familiar Complaint ¶

Before the Piny Luo Festival, before the suppliers' petition, before the leaked correspondence showing a zero balance that contradicted the experience of dozens of unpaid workers, there was a public complaint from Akothee, the musician and entrepreneur whose name is known well enough in Kenya that when she chooses to direct it at a company, the company does not have the option of hoping the complaint passes unnoticed, and what she described in that complaint was an experience with Mercy Wamoto and Elgon Group that, read alongside the current dispute, has the quality of a first draft of the same story.

Akothee stated that she paid Ksh 80,000 to the company for event management services covering invitation coordination, guest management and event logistics for an occasion during which she would be occupied with examinations, rehearsals and other commitments, an arrangement that was clear in its terms and that represented a straightforward professional engagement between a client with a specific need and a company presenting itself as equipped to meet it.

What she received instead, as she described it in a detailed public account, was an engagement that failed at every stage it was supposed to function, meetings that consumed time without producing decisions, invitations that were delayed past the point of effectiveness, guest coordination systems that did not operate as promised, and written reports that were committed to verbally and never delivered, until the accumulation of failures reached a point where Akothee concluded that the only way to salvage the event was to take over its operational management herself, absorbing the additional burden of work she had specifically paid to delegate, and doing so while the company that had been paid to handle it continued, apparently, to manage nothing.

Those claims were never adjudicated in a court of law and they remain unverified allegations in the strict legal sense, but the relevance of the Akothee episode to the current dispute does not depend on a court verdict.

It depends on the structural similarity between what she described and what the Piny Luo suppliers are now describing, which is the experience of engaging with a company that takes money, produces assurances, fails to deliver and offers no satisfactory resolution, a similarity that is made more significant rather than less by the fact that Mercy Wamoto's name appears in both episodes and that neither episode, taken alone, produced the kind of institutional consequence that might have changed the company's operating culture before public money on a far larger scale became involved.

How the Ksh 105 Million Was Routed ¶

Understanding the full scale of the public resources at stake in this dispute requires looking at the financial architecture surrounding the festival from the beginning, because the Piny Luo Festival was not funded through ordinary county discretionary spending but through a process that reached into national Treasury resources through a constitutional provision invoked specifically because the original allocation was found insufficient for the event as it had been planned and contracted.

On the 22nd of January 2026, Margaret Nyakang'o, the Controller of Budget, approved a Treasury request for the withdrawal of Ksh105 million from the Exchequer account to facilitate the Piny Luo Cultural Festival under Article 223 of the Constitution, a provision designed for specific fiscal circumstances and not ordinarily deployed for county cultural programming, and the invocation of that provision for this event means that the payment disputes now being raised by suppliers are not merely a matter of a private company failing its subcontractors but a matter of national public funds being channelled through a contracting arrangement that has produced outcomes inconsistent with the representations made to the government bodies that approved and released those funds.

Sources familiar with the payment processing have directed attention specifically to Dr. John Achuora, the Migori County Chief Officer for Finance and Economic Planning, with those sources suggesting that payment documentation related to the festival has been withheld or processed with a deliberateness that goes beyond the ordinary pace of county financial administration, and that the delays experienced by suppliers cannot be attributed solely to Elgon Group's internal management failures but reflect decisions made within the county's own financial structures about which payment files move forward and which ones do not.

The suppliers have now asked Dr. Achuora to publicly account for the status of all payments related to the Piny Luo Festival and to address the suggestion that payment files are being deliberately held while the businesses and individuals who completed the contracted work absorb losses that were never part of the arrangement they agreed to, a request that deserves a public response proportionate to the scale of the public funds involved and the number of people whose livelihoods are directly affected by the answer.

The Network Behind the Contract ¶

Beyond the question of delayed payments, the suppliers' petition has brought into public view a set of relationships within the procurement and contracting structures surrounding the Piny Luo Festival that raise questions about how the contract came to be awarded in the way that it was and whether the processes that ordinarily govern the allocation of public event management contracts were observed with sufficient rigour in this instance.

At the centre of those questions is an arrangement that suppliers describe as operating through personal and professional relationships spanning the boundary between the county government and Elgon Group, specifically the role of Dennis Wasike, identified as a liaison officer within the county government, whose wife Jacquey Kivindyo is said to work closely with the leadership of Elgon Group in a professional capacity that gave the company a level of access to county contracting processes that was not equally available to other firms competing for the same opportunities.

The significance of that relationship, as the suppliers frame it, is not merely that it existed but that it functioned, that the proximity between the county government's internal processes and the leadership of Elgon Group produced outcomes in contract allocation and fund processing that would not have been achievable through standard procurement channels, and that ordinary businesses without equivalent relationships inside the county's financial and administrative structures found themselves unable to compete on equal terms regardless of their qualifications or their track record, a situation that, if accurately described, represents a serious compromise of the procurement integrity that the expenditure of public money is supposed to maintain.

What the Ultimatum Means ¶

The suppliers have issued a fourteen-day ultimatum warning that unless their claims are settled they will commence legal proceedings against Elgon Group seeking recovery of outstanding dues, damages and compensation for breach of contract, and the significance of that ultimatum is not merely tactical but documentary, because litigation would compel both parties to produce records, answer questions under formal process and submit to a determination of fact that the current silence from Elgon Group and from Mercy Wamoto has successfully avoided.

A court process would require Elgon Group to reconcile the zero-balance statement of account it submitted to Migori County with the payment claims being made by the suppliers that statement purported to cover, and the gap between those two positions is not the kind of discrepancy that survives close examination without generating consequences for the party whose version of events turns out to be inconsistent with the documentary record.

The county government carries obligations in this matter that cannot be discharged by pointing to the contractual distance between itself and the affected suppliers, because the county selected Elgon Group, paid Elgon Group with public funds that included resources drawn from the national Exchequer under constitutional provisions, and accepted from Elgon Group written declarations that all supplier obligations had been settled, either without verifying those declarations or having verified them and found them wanting without communicating that finding to the parties most directly harmed by the misrepresentation.

The suppliers who filed the petition, issued the ultimatum and are now preparing for potential litigation are not asking for anything that was not already owed to them before the festival opened its gates in December, and the length of time they have spent pursuing what should have been a routine settlement is itself a measure of how thoroughly the systems that were supposed to protect them from exactly this outcome have failed to function as intended, while the official most directly associated with the company at the centre of that failure has offered nothing that begins to explain the distance between what her company declared and what the people her company engaged have actually experienced.

The 11th Our Ocean Conference is taking place in Mombasa, Kenya, marking the first time the event is held in Africa. This milestone underscores the continent's growing influence in ocean governance, with a focus on marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.

The conference's location is significant for Africa, where 600 million people depend on ocean resources for food security, employment, and income. The event aims to address pressing issues such as illegal fishing, which costs African countries billions annually and threatens fish stocks.

Since its inception in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has generated over $169 billion in commitments for ocean action. This year, the focus is on tackling challenges like plastic pollution and declining fish stocks, which are impacting livelihoods along the Kenyan coast.

Delegates from various countries are expected to discuss strategies and make commitments to enhance marine conservation efforts. The conference provides a platform for Africa to voice its concerns and propose solutions to global ocean governance challenges.

While the event highlights Africa's proactive stance, it also raises questions about the implementation of commitments and the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling ocean-related issues. The outcomes of this conference could significantly influence future policies and actions in ocean conservation.

The United States Congress has introduced a bill proposing sanctions on African governments allegedly involved in facilitating recruitment for Russia's war in Ukraine. This legislative move underscores growing concerns over the role some African nations may play in supporting Russian military efforts.

The bill aims to impose asset freezes and visa bans on individuals and entities linked to recruitment networks operating within Africa. These measures are designed to disrupt what US lawmakers describe as a worrying trend of African involvement in Russian military recruitment. The legislation specifically scrutinizes recruitment activities in Kenya, South Africa, and Cameroon.

This development is significant as it highlights a new front in the international response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The US Congress is focusing on the alleged facilitation by African governments, marking a shift in diplomatic and economic pressure tactics. The bill's introduction signals a potential escalation in US foreign policy concerning African states perceived to be aiding Russia.

One of the key incidents prompting this legislative action was the recent rescue of over 20 men from a trafficking network in Kenya. This network is suspected of being part of the broader recruitment efforts allegedly tied to Russian military interests. The involvement of such networks raises serious human rights and security concerns.

While the bill has been introduced, its passage and implementation remain uncertain. The proposal must navigate the legislative process, during which it might face opposition or calls for amendments. The response from the African governments implicated in these allegations is also a crucial factor that remains to be seen.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for diplomatic tensions to rise between the US and the African nations under scrutiny. The outcome of this legislative proposal could significantly impact US-African relations and the broader geopolitical landscape as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

A new proposal for a digital firearms tracking system has been presented to the Kenyan Parliament, sparking discussions on enhancing security and accountability within the National Police Service. This initiative comes amid rising concerns over the theft of firearms from police stations, highlighting the inadequacies of the current manual firearm management systems.

The petition advocates for the implementation of a National Police Firearms Digital Detection and Tracking System. This system would incorporate biometric-controlled smart armouries and real-time tracking alerts. Proponents argue that such technology is crucial to safeguarding both officers and civilians, given the increasing incidents of firearm theft.

The proposal suggests that biometric controls would ensure that only authorized personnel can access firearms, reducing the likelihood of weapons falling into the wrong hands. Real-time tracking would allow for immediate alerts if a firearm is moved without authorization, providing a layer of security and accountability previously unavailable.

In response to the petition, the Kenyan Parliament has tasked three parliamentary committees with reviewing the proposal. These committees will assess the feasibility, potential impact, and implementation strategies for the digital tracking system.

The move to digitalize firearm tracking is seen as a significant step forward in modernizing the National Police Service. However, questions remain about the cost of implementation, the technology's reliability, and the potential privacy concerns associated with biometric data usage.

As the parliamentary committees begin their review, stakeholders and the public await further developments. The outcome could set a precedent for how law enforcement agencies in Kenya and potentially other regions manage firearm security in the digital age.