A US report has accused Kenyan security forces of extrajudicial killings during 2024 protests, raising human rights concerns. Separately, Kericho Governor Mutai faced impeachment hearings over alleged misuse of 85 million shillings amid chaos. In the Shakahola massacre case, chilling testimonies of forced starvation emerged. Meanwhile, the government plans a disaster recovery site for eCitizen. The Kenya Met Department warns of heavy rainfall, and the KDF may increase troops on the Kenya-Ethiopia border due to insecurity. Private hospitals have given CS Duale an ultimatum over NHIF arrears. Moi University confirmed first-year admissions despite a looming lecturers' strike. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino proposes a bill to expunge youth criminal records, excluding capital offenses, and a proposed law giving the President power to confer Senior Counsel awards faces backlash from the LSK.
Kenya’s military is focusing on domestic border security and regional stability. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is considering increasing troop deployment along the Kenya–Ethiopia border in Turkana County to address insecurity. This follows a fatal attack on Kenyan fishermen in February and a subsequent meeting between Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuim. Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, held a high-level meeting with the US Military Chief. General Kahariri has also warned that the recent reduction of African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops risks undoing gains against Al-Shabaab, urging for stronger international backing.
President William Ruto has nominated John Cox Lorionokou as the new Registrar of Political Parties and Agatha Wanjiku Wahome as the Assistant Registrar. Additionally, Claris Awuor Onganga has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). In a separate major shake-up, President Ruto significantly restructured Kenya’s Foreign Service. This overhaul involved appointing new ambassadors, high commissioners, and consuls general. The objective of the restructuring is to enhance diplomatic performance and service delivery.
Kenya is taking steps to formalize its Web3 industry through the impending Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025. The bill aims to provide regulatory clarity and consumer protection to the country's growing digital asset sector, which is expected to unlock growth for crypto startups. While experts see potential benefits like reduced remittance costs, concerns remain about the impact of overregulation on innovation. Separately, to foster digital literacy and innovation among youth, Huawei launched its 10th ICT competition in Nairobi on August 14. Attended by government officials, the event aims to attract over 10,000 participants from tertiary institutions nationwide.
High Court halts Kenya Pipeline privatization over national security concerns. DT Dobie now under receiver manager Mark Gakuru following liquidation. Serena Hotels owner optimistic for improved second-half performance despite losses.
Gospel singer Guardian Angel maintains his respect within his marriage stems from hard work, not dependence on his wife. Separately, musician Brown Mauzo publicly addressed his baby mama over late-night drunk calls.
President Ruto's bribery claims against MPs spark uproar, with Gloria Orwoba challenging him to address sex scandals too. Meanwhile, senators warn Ruto against luring Kalonzo to government, maintaining their opposition.
East African leaders' cash pledges aim to keep the CHAN trophy in the region. Meanwhile, Kenyan schools are excelling at FEASSSA Games in Kakamega: Butere, Dr Aggrey, and Ng'iya won opening basketball matches, while Kinale Girls and Koyonzo dominated rugby. Tigoi Girls also won their hockey opener.
Safaricom's M-Pesa and MySafaricom apps may now require a SIM, while Airtel updates its app to show live Home Wi-Fi data balances. Safaricom also won a CIPS Africa award for its AI in procurement. Meanwhile, Android's X app users are experiencing a reply-duplication bug.
A US report accuses Kenyan security forces of extrajudicial killings during 2024 protests, raising human rights concerns. Meanwhile, Kericho Governor Mutai faced impeachment hearings over alleged misuse of 85 million shillings, amidst chaos and a heavy police presence. In the Shakahola massacre case, chilling testimonies of forced starvation emerged. The government plans a disaster recovery site for eCitizen to safeguard funds and ensure uninterrupted service, while the Kenya Met Department warns of heavy rainfall. KDF may increase troops on the Kenya-Ethiopia border due to insecurity. Private hospitals have given CS Duale an ultimatum to pay NHIF arrears. Moi University confirmed first-year admissions despite a looming lecturers' strike. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino proposes a bill to expunge youth criminal records, excluding capital offenses. Lastly, a proposed law giving the President power to confer Senior Counsel awards faces backlash from the LSK.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has opposed a proposed amendment to the Advocates Act that would grant the President unilateral authority to confer the rank of Senior Counsel. The LSK and the Senior Counsel Bar warned this would politicize the honor. LSK President Faith Odhiambo also defended anticipatory bail, countering President William Ruto's claims that it shields corruption suspects by stating that strict legal thresholds are applied. In a related legislative development, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has proposed a bill to amend the Criminal Procedure Code. The bill aims to expunge criminal records for Kenyan youth who have served their sentences for non-capital or non-sexual offenses to improve their employment opportunities.
Several high-profile legal matters progressed this week. In the Mombasa High Court, harrowing testimonies were heard in the Shakahola massacre case, where Paul Mackenzie and 29 co-accused face murder charges. Witnesses described forced starvation and beatings. In Kericho County, Governor Erick Mutai faced his second impeachment hearing over the alleged misappropriation of Ksh85 million, which was accompanied by violent street clashes and an attempted arson attack. Separately, police arrested two masterminds behind a gold scam that targeted Dubai nationals. The suspects allegedly defrauded two investors of USD 54,000 (approximately Ksh 8.5 million) in September 2024.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a reduction in the prices of super petrol and kerosene by Sh1 per litre in its latest monthly review. In a move to improve road safety, the Kenyan government also plans to establish resting places for lorries on major highways. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the initiative, which aims to curb fatigue-related crashes. Additionally, the government will expand road sections at identified blackspots. In a related infrastructure decision, the Environment and Land Court has allowed 0.1233 hectares of Karura Forest to be used for the expansion of Kiambu Road, overturning a larger previous approval after a legal challenge.
Kenya's Harambee Stars have qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after DR Congo defeated Angola 2-0 in a Group A match at MISC Kasarani. This result secured Kenya's progression with one group stage match remaining. The race in Group A, also called the “Group of Death,” has been intensely close with Kenya, Morocco, and DR Congo as top contenders. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Leopards, who are vying for a historic third CHAN title, bounced back from an opening loss to Kenya. The match against Angola was pivotal for DR Congo's survival. Meanwhile, Zambia's Chipolopolo have been eliminated from Group A after three consecutive defeats and will play hosts Kenya on August 17 for pride.
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.
At the devolution conference in Homa Bay, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged the National Assembly to transfer Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) monies directly to county governments. Odinga argued that the centralized control of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) undermines the spirit of devolution. In contrast, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula defended the NGCDF, asserting its continued importance for development. The four-day conference concluded with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressing delegates from all 47 counties. During the conference, Raila also voiced support for increased funding to counties and backed President Ruto's stance against corruption.
The Nairobi Hospital has announced the immediate suspension of its recently implemented new medical fees. This decision followed consultations with insurance partners, after major insurers withdrew their services in response to the fee increase. A leadership crisis is deepening at the hospital, with reports indicating 12 insurance companies have withdrawn services. The ongoing dispute and leadership power struggle continue to negatively impact patients, who are now forced to seek medical care elsewhere. The situation highlights a significant challenge in the healthcare sector, affecting access to services despite the price freeze.
President William Ruto has announced that the government will compensate those affected by recent protests. This commitment aims to provide relief to individuals and businesses that suffered losses during the demonstrations. President Ruto also announced the passing of a KSh 21 billion budget law intended to provide free medical treatment for citizens. Separately, the President declared that Kenya's economy will not regress and can only get better. He also attributed the country's underdevelopment to a lack of accountability from previous leadership.
The anticipated exhumation of bodies in Shakahola, Kilifi, did not take place despite having court approval. The unexpected stalling of the Shakahola exhumations has caused concern among victims' families and human rights activists. In a separate case, the government has indefinitely postponed the exhumation of the Kwa Binzaro mass graves. The government cited a lack of personnel and equipment for the delay at Kwa Binzaro. This postponement has ignited strong condemnation from human rights organizations along the Kenyan coast.
