SHA fraud: Duale says over 1,000 facilities closed, hundreds under investigation: Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a major crackdown on fraud within the Social Health Authority, revealing that over 1,000 facilities have been closed and hundreds more are under investigation for attempting to defraud public funds. The CS identified five counties—Homa Bay, Bungoma, Mandera, Wajir, and Kisii—as hotspots for SHA fraud, particularly involving private healthcare facilities. This comes as the Ministry of Health issued a public health advisory for Easter festivities, urging Kenyans to observe hygiene and safety precautions to prevent disease outbreaks. Maraga warns IEBC over 2027 election credibility: Former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga has cautioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission regarding the credibility of the upcoming 2027 general elections, emphasizing the continuous need for public trust. Maraga has demanded an immediate audit and inspection of Kenya's voter register, citing confusion stemming from recent statements by the IEBC. Separately, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has urged Siaya County Assembly members to halt impeachment proceedings against Governor James Orengo, suggesting voters should decide his fate in the 2027 elections. Political strategist Silas Jakakimba has defended Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo against criticism from some Luo Nyanza MPs, calling their attacks misplaced and politically motivated. Govt Issues Orders to Schools Amid Looming Textbook Crisis: The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development has directed school heads to submit updated learner data for Grade 10 due to a significant textbook shortage that has affected students completing their first term. This comes as thousands of students have been left stranded across Kenya as a nationwide crackdown on public transport vehicles coincides with the busy April holiday travel period. A former finance manager at Egerton University has detailed extensive corruption within the institution in his new book, citing it as the root cause of its current financial woes, a claim corroborated by the Auditor-General's report which found the university in significant financial distress. Nairobi Youth Warn Politicians Against Exploiting Tuko Kadi Movement: A coalition of youth groups in Nairobi has issued a stern warning to politicians, cautioning them against exploiting the 'Tuko Kadi' movement for political gain. This development comes as Senator Godfrey Osotsi has stated he is unfazed by his recent removal as the deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement party. At the same time, a group of Kenyan leaders operating under the banner of Kenya Kwanza have fiercely criticized retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of making tribalistic remarks that could divide the nation. Ruto Addresses Arrest of Ex-EPRA DG, PS in Ksh4 Billion Fuel Scandal: President William Ruto has vowed decisive action against individuals implicated in a Ksh4 billion fuel scandal, following the arrest and resignation of four senior officials including Energy PS Mohamed Liban, KPC MD Joe Sang, and EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo. The DCI is probing a local tycoon-owned firm and a Swiss oil company in connection with the scandal, which is linked to the sinking of the crude oil vessel MT Paloma. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended the detained officials, claiming President Ruto ordered their arrests. The Energy Ministry has launched an internal review of petroleum management systems to enhance transparency and oversight. Kenya Met Warns of High-Risk Deadly Outbreak of Malaria Epidemic: Kenya's meteorological department is warning of a potential malaria outbreak due to ongoing heavy rains, with the Western Kenya Highlands identified as high-risk areas. The country is experiencing intense heavy rains during the March-April-May long rains season, causing widespread devastation and fatalities across 30 counties. Meanwhile, Kenyatta National Hospital's Farewell Home announced the planned disposal of 480 unclaimed bodies within seven days, prompting public concern as many were children. The Kenya Meteorological Department is also warning farmers across Kenya to delay planting until late April, as the early part of the month is expected to have significantly suppressed rainfall, risking crop failure. Sh4.8B Fuel Scandal Linked to Sinking of MT Paloma Vessel: A Sh4.8 billion fuel scandal has rocked Kenya, linked to the sinking of the crude oil vessel MT Paloma, which resulted in the loss of three top petroleum officials. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is defending senior energy officials detained over the alleged fuel import scandal, claiming President Ruto ordered their arrests. Top energy officials including Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, KPC MD Joe Sang, and EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo have resigned and are in police custody. Additionally, Deputy President Gachagua has blamed President William Ruto for the fallout surrounding the fuel saga, amid growing public concern over fluctuating fuel prices. Two oil firms are also under investigation in connection with the scandal. 12 Die on Easter Weekend in Horrific Nairobi-Nakuru Highway Crash: A tragic road crash occurred on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on Friday night, claiming the lives of 12 people when a public service vehicle travelling to Nakuru collided with a stationary lorry. This horrific incident occurred during the Easter weekend and represents one of the deadliest road accidents in recent months. Separately, 10 people were killed in another tragic road crash in Gilgil, prompting urgent calls for road safety measures. Earlier in the weekend, 14 people died in three separate road accidents across the country, with a significant number of fatalities on the Nakuru-Naivasha road, including the daughter of KPA boss Ruto. Youth Drive Voter Registration Amid Political Intolerance Concerns: In Suba South, a group of young residents has initiated a door-to-door campaign aimed at increasing voter registration ahead of the upcoming elections. This voter registration drive comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission faces widespread criticism for its directive that voters registered before 2012 must register anew, with many viewing it as a suspicious attempt at voter manipulation. Meanwhile, Bishop Martin Kivuva has commended the Kenyan youth for their strong commitment to participating in the upcoming election. However, the Woman Representative for Homa Bay, Joyce Osogo, is urging for decisive measures against escalating instances of political intolerance within the region.
