A new US report accuses Kenyan security forces of extrajudicial killings during 2024 protests, potentially affecting leaders' US visas. This comes as Kenya prepares to seek a new IMF loan, while Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe warns of a looming rice crisis. Meanwhile, Parliament has passed a bill to jail IEBC officials who alter results and approved housing reforms. President Ruto has challenged KEMSA to achieve a 100% drug order fill rate, and Raila Odinga proposed pensions for two-term governors.
Kenyan government officials have disputed the contents of a BBC documentary titled 'Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade'. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen accused the BBC of fabricating parts of the documentary and stated that police investigations found several interviewees lied about being minors to receive promised sponsorships. Murkomen further claimed that some subjects were promised substantial payments and benefits to participate. In response, the BBC has denied the government's allegations that it paid or coached any of the interviewees for its exposé on child trafficking in Maai Mahiu.
The High Court in Kakamega has upheld the legality of additional taxes on betting stakes and winnings, dismissing a petition that claimed a 12.5% excise duty on amounts staked constituted double taxation and violated the Constitution. The ruling affirms the government's authority to tax betting activities. In a separate case, a Kenyan High Court ruled that presidential advisers, such as David Ndii, are permitted to attend Cabinet meetings. Justice Lawrence Mugambi dismissed a petition seeking to block their presence, stating that President William Ruto has the discretion to invite experts for advisory purposes and no laws prevent this.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed it will hold by-elections on November 27. The commission justified the date by stating it was impossible to meet the 90-day constitutional deadline due to delays in its full constitution. The IEBC refuted claims from ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna that the date is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the Kenyan Parliament has passed the Election Offences (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024. This bill introduces tougher penalties, including increased fines and jail terms, for IEBC officials who delay or alter election results.
The United States has accused Kenyan security forces of numerous extrajudicial killings during 2024, particularly following the "Gen Z" protests against tax increases. The accusations are detailed in the US State Department's 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Separately, the US has imposed visa restrictions on government officials from several African nations, including potentially Kenya, for their involvement with Cuba's medical missions. The US government views Cuba's program as a "coerced forced labour export scheme." The State Department alleges the Cuban government exploits its doctors by diverting most of their earnings.
The government eyes PPPs for digital health in Kenya. KQ plans to acquire 16 aircraft and establish a flying school after posting a half-year profit. KCB launched a new mobile banking app, while AAR Insurance was ordered to pay a 2.19 million shillings medical bill.
Guardian Angel addresses critics about his marriage to Esther Musila, stating respect comes from his hard work. Separately, Brown Mauzo publicly calls out his baby mama over alleged late-night drunk calls.
President Ruto's claims of MPs demanding "protection fees" from state officials have sparked debate, with Gloria Orwoba challenging him to address alleged sexual harassment in Parliament too. Opposition senators caution Ruto against luring Kalonzo Musyoka to government.
FKF faces Sh12.8 million CAF fines over CHAN safety breaches. Government sets up fan zones for Harambee Stars matches. East Africa Secondary Schools Games begin in Kakamega, with Kenyan schools dominating early rugby and basketball fixtures against regional rivals. KCB seeks redemption at Christie Sevens.
A new US report accuses Kenyan security forces of extrajudicial killings during 2024 protests, potentially affecting leaders' US visas over Cuba medical missions. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe warns of a rice crisis due to low stocks and import blocks. Kenya will seek a new IMF loan despite earlier plans to cut external borrowing. Parliament passed a bill to jail IEBC officials who alter results and approved reforms for affordable housing. President Ruto challenged KEMSA to achieve a 100% drug order fill rate. Raila Odinga proposed pension for two-term governors.
During the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, President William Ruto publicly accused parliamentary committees of demanding bribes. He stated that Members of Parliament engage in corruption by soliciting money from Cabinet Secretaries, governors, and ministers to create positive accountability reports, even when theft has occurred. The President vowed there would be no sacred cows in the war on graft and ignited a potential conflict between the executive and legislature. He emphasized that this practice is an environment of graft and that it cannot continue to be business as usual.
Several Kenyan public figures have recently made public statements addressing controversies and personal matters. Gospel singer Guardian Angel, also known as Peter Omwaka, spoke about his relationship with his wife's children and addressed critics regarding his financial independence. Musician Brown Mauzo publicly called out his baby mama over alleged late-night drunk calls. Entrepreneur Cashmeer clarified that her publicized "wedding" was a strategic campaign for her Bollington Training Institute. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is facing heavy criticism after claiming a recent BBC documentary featuring underage girls was staged. Additionally, social media personality Shorn Arwa ignited a heated online debate with her candid opinion on Prince Indah's live performance.
President William Ruto demonstrated his commitment to devolution by assenting to two bills aimed at strengthening the autonomy of county assemblies during the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County. At the same conference, ODM leader Raila Odinga also voiced support for strengthening devolution and stated that MCAs, not Senators, should be the ones to oversee governors. President Ruto continued his efforts to garner support in the Nyanza region by visiting Migori County, where he met with leaders in Awendo to launch development projects and campaign.
Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, is facing a lawsuit over the alleged unconstitutional takeover of the police payroll from the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). The suit was filed in court by Sheria Mtaani, a Mathare-based non-governmental organization, and city lawyer Shadrack Wambui. They claim the action is illegal as the duty is legally assigned to the NPSC. Lobby groups have also filed a petition challenging the move. A Kenyan court is now set to rule on this power struggle over payroll management and authority within the country's police administration.
Criticism is mounting against the Kenyan Parliament following President William Ruto's revelation that some parliamentary committees are demanding bribes from state officials. This practice, described as a "protection fee," is undermining the legislature's oversight role and raising concerns about governance. In response to the President's remarks, former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has challenged him to also address alleged sexual harassment cases in Parliament. Orwoba questioned the sincerity of Ruto's remarks, accusing the government of ignoring sexual misconduct while publicizing corruption. Another story mentioned Ruto turning the heat on MPs over corruption.
KCB Bank has launched a new, enhanced mobile banking app designed to provide faster, more secure, and user-friendly financial services in Kenya. The bank also declared a Sh13 billion dividend as its net profit climbed to Sh32.3 billion. In other banking news, Equity Bank has awarded scholarships worth Sh2.8 billion to 128 students from East and Central Africa. These scholarships, provided through the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), will support studies at prestigious global universities.
A deepening leadership crisis at The Nairobi Hospital has led to 12 insurance companies withdrawing their services, forcing patients to seek care elsewhere. In Isiolo County, community health promoters have suspended their services due to unpaid allowances, highlighting challenges in compensating frontline health workers. Meanwhile, healthcare services in Machakos County are being minimally delivered as officials deny a total paralysis despite an ongoing nurses' strike. The county's response followed a media report on the strike's impact.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is facing Sh12.8 million (USD 98,500) in fines from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for safety and security breaches during the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan). Meanwhile, the Nigeria Super Eagles have been eliminated from the tournament with one match remaining after a 4-0 loss to Sudan and an earlier 1-0 defeat to Senegal. Despite challenges, East African football fans are optimistic about the CHAN trophy remaining in the region due to significant cash incentives promised by their respective presidents to boost team morale and performance.
