The Online Kenyan

The Court of Appeal of Kenya has granted a temporary reprieve to President William Ruto's 21 advisors, suspending a High Court ruling that declared their offices unconstitutional. The appellate court issued the reprieve pending an appeal of the original ruling. Separately, concerns are being raised about press freedom in East Africa following the acquisition of Nation Media Group (NMG), a major media conglomerate, by politically connected billionaire Rostam Aziz. Meanwhile, Francis Atwoli has been re-elected as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) for an unprecedented sixth term, securing his leadership until 2031.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reportedly attacked Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, accusing him of usurping his leadership role. Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are reportedly strategizing for a 'Kibaki-style victory' in upcoming political realignments. The two leaders met to discuss strategies for a potential political alliance.

Families in Mathare are beginning anew after the devastating 2024 floods destroyed their homes, forcing them to relocate and rebuild their lives. Concerns are escalating in Nairobi following a heavy rainfall and flood alert. An investigation by KTN News has revealed political maneuvering behind the recent devastating floods in Kenya, suggesting political interests may have contributed to or exacerbated the disaster's impact.

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju was forcibly removed from his Karen property by armed police who sealed off the premises. Tuju alleges that over 50 police officers forcefully entered his property. He has written to Chief Justice Martha Koome to protest the auctioning of his restaurant. The property dispute represents a significant legal and property rights issue involving a former government minister.

Posta Rangers secured a crucial 2-0 victory against defending champions Kenya Police FC in a Kenya Premier League match, significantly easing their relegation concerns. The match took place at Kasarani Annex. Meanwhile, Nairobi United has expressed strong confidence ahead of their upcoming match against Sofapaka. The league has eight matches scheduled across the weekend, including Bandari vs Mara Sugar.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has welcomed newly recruited officers to the Social Health Authority, a move aimed at bolstering the implementation of Universal Health Coverage. The Social Health Authority is urging all Kenyan employees to verify timely remittance of their monthly health insurance deductions by employers, emphasizing that employers are legally required to submit these contributions by the ninth day of the following month. Senior Economic Advisor David Ndii asserts that the government-to-government petroleum deal was crucial in preventing the Kenyan Shilling from depreciating to Ksh180 against the U.S. Dollar.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a five-day weather advisory predicting moderate to heavy rains across several regions of the country this weekend, including the Central Highlands and Rift Valley. Kenya's flash flood death toll has tragically risen to 62, with Nairobi bearing the brunt of the devastation, recording the highest number of fatalities. The Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation has issued a warning that the Ndakaini dam is nearing capacity and could spill within two weeks. The Ministry of Health has also issued a warning about increased risks of building collapses during the current March-April-May long rains.

Parliament has invited public comments on a Ksh316.87 billion supplementary budget that significantly increases government spending beyond initial approved estimates. The State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is simultaneously requesting Ksh 300 million to recover defaulted loans from the Hustler Fund. President William Ruto has approved the creation of the Railway Development Levy Fund, a new vehicle to accelerate infrastructure funding and securitisation. These developments come as President Ruto also handed over keys to 120 new homeowners at the Emgwen Boma Yangu Estate in Nandi County, marking a significant milestone for the Affordable Housing Programme.