Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has held talks with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa.
The trio met at an undisclosed location in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 19 afternoon.
According to Kalonzo, they met to share a cup of tea and share notes on various issues facing Kenyans.
They also discussed recent political developments in the country and the continent.
“I enjoyed a cup of Kenyan tea with my friends, Second Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya Rigathi Gachagua and DAP Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa in Nairobi earlier today,” Kalonzo wrote.
“Together we compared notes and shared our thoughts about the current political situation in the country, region and continent.”
Notably, the meeting came weeks after Gachagua announced that they were keen on forming one alliance to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 polls.
Apart from the trio, Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is reported to be part of the talks.
Additionally, Gachagua has also been engaging People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua on a possible partnership ahead of the polls.
The Accra seminar, which took place from 13 February 13 to 17 Febraury was organised by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) under the theme “Knowing and Owning SECAM.”
The aim of the seminar was to strengthen episcopal bonds of communion among African Bishops under the continental umbrella and also an opportunity to reflect on their collective responsibility as Bishops. The seminar also served to introduce new Bishops to SECAM as an association..
Collective mission beyond the diocese
In his opening speech, Cardinal Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM urged the Bishops to embrace their collective mission beyond their dioceses and to engage in shaping SECAM’s future.
“This gathering is an opportunity for us to reflect on our collective responsibility as Bishops,” said Cardinal Ambongo, calling on participants to act as “the voice of the voiceless” and promote justice, peace, and reconciliation in their communities.
Some of the Bishops at the Accra seminar
Church is not a passive observer
Cardinal Ambongo also addressed the critical challenges facing many African countries, including violence, terrorism, and political instability in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Sudan. “The Church cannot remain a passive observer,” he said, emphasising that Bishops must be prophetic voices advocating for peace and justice.
In the wake of the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Ambongo encouraged the Bishops to strengthen the synodal model of leadership at all levels, from diocesan to continental. “Hope is something that our continent desperately needs today,” he added, referencing the Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims of Hope” as a reminder of the urgent need for solidarity and action.
Unified response to contemporary challenges
The seminar, which also introduced the Bishops to SECAM’s history and mission, was crucial in fostering unity and collaboration among the Church’s leaders in Africa.
Distinguished guests, including Archbishop Julien Kabore, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, joined the opening session.
In an address, the Nuncio emphasised the importance of SECAM maintaining its identity as a symbol of communion and service.
“SECAM was founded with a mission to serve the local Churches of Africa, offering a unified response to the contemporary challenges facing our continent and our Church. It empowers the Church to speak with a single voice as a universal Sacrament of Salvation, reconciliation, justice, and peace, as emphasised during the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops in 2009. To fulfil this noble mission, SECAM must remain faithful to its identity as a symbol of communion and service to the poor,” he said.
The High Court of Narok has granted temporary orders preventing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from compelling seven Supreme Court judges reply to petitions filed against them.
The court’s ruling grants a reprieve to Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and Justices Mohamed Ibrahim, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Susana, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko as court disputes over judicial accountability and independence continue.
In his decision, Justice Kariuki granted the applicant leave to seek an order of certiorari to overturn the JSC’s decision of January 27, 2025, which required the judges to file responses in JSC Petition Nos. 35 of 2024, 72 of 2024, and 3 of 2025.
The court also granted leave to seek an order of mandamus instructing the JSC to create procedural guidelines in accordance with constitutional principles before proceeding with disciplinary proceedings against judges.
Further, an order of prohibition was imposed to prevent the JSC instituting proceedings against Supreme Court judges until the judicial review matter is completed.
The court granted leave, which serves as a stay and effectively suspends the JSC’s directive until the substantive judicial review application is heard and decided.
A Kisumu Law Court sentences two former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) employees to pay a fine of KSh. 10 million each or serve 9 years imprisonment.
The two were sentenced alongside Joseph Mbugua Maina, a truck driver who was sentenced to pay a fine of Ksh.5.3 million or serve 7 years imprisonment.
Kisumu Law Courts Chief Magistrate Hon. D.O. Onyango sentenced Reuben Andolo Aseneka, a former loading Island operator and Mutai Micah, a former ICT employee after they were found guilty of conspiracy to commit a felony, theft of petroleum products, illegally tampering with the KPC fuel monitoring systems (Fuelfacs and Acculoads), unauthorized access to KPC’s computer systems, specifically the Fuelfacs systems.
The Court further sentenced all accused persons to serve another 1-year imprisonment or pay a fine of Ksh.200,000 each for theft of petroleum products.
In Count 3, Aseneka and Mutai were both sentenced to pay a fine of Ksh.10 million each or serve 5 years imprisonment for illegally tampering with the KPC fuel monitoring systems (Fuelfacs and Acculoads).
In Counts 4 and 5, Mutai and Aseneka were sentenced to serve 2 years or pay a fine of Ksh.200,000 each for unauthorized access to KPC’s computer systems, specifically the Fuelfacs systems. While in Count 6, Mbugua was fined Ksh. 5 million or serve 5 years imprisonment.
Jude Bellingham has been handed a two-game ban after his red card in Real Madrid’s 1-1 LaLiga draw at Osasuna on Saturday was upheld by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee.
Madrid will appeal the decision that sees the England international banned for the LaLiga games against Girona and Real Betis.
Referee José Luis Munuera Montero dismissed Bellingham in the 39th minute of the game at El Sadar — with Madrid leading 0-1 at the time — with the official stating in his report that the midfielder had insulted him, saying “f–k you.”
Osasuna then levelled in the second half with a Budimir penalty, as Madrid dropped two points in the LaLiga title race.
Madrid and Bellingham disputed the referee’s version of events, and appealed the decision to the federation, which is responsible for officials via its technical committee of referees.
Video footage showed the England star saying “I’m talking to you with respect” to Munuera while disputing a decision, before appearing to say “f–k off.”
“It’s clear that [the referee] made a mistake, there was a miscommunication,” Bellingham told journalists after the game. “I remember the incident very well, but also I’ve seen the video. The video doesn’t match the [referee’s] report … I hope the footage will be reviewed. We can’t change the result of this game, but I’d like to think that going forward there will be a change.”
Bellingham’s sending off being rescinded means he avoids the possibility of a lengthy ban.
“I think [the referee] didn’t understand English well,” coach Carlo Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference. [Bellingham] said f–k off, not f–k you. [The referee] made a mistake… I don’t think it’s offensive… Bellingham didn’t do anything to get sent off today.”
The federation confirmed on Tuesday that it had “begun an analysis” of media reports which stated that a company linked to Munuera Montero had business relationships with a number of football bodies and clubs.
Juja lawmaker George Ndung’u Koimburi was today arraigned at a Kiambu court following his arrest on Tuesday.
The MP was slapped with three charges related to forging academic certificates and three more for uttering false documents.
Prosecuting Counsel, Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Everlyn Onunga, told court that on diverse dates between November and December 1994 at an unknown time and place within Republic of Kenya, with intent to deceive, the MP forged a Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificate to wit Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) purporting it to be a genuine and dully signed certificate issued by KNEC.
He was charged with two other counts of forging a Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) certificate of participation in the East African Universities Accession Project and JKUAT Academic Excellence certificate from department of School of Human Resource Development.
The MP was also charged with allegedly uttering the said academic certificates and Certificate of participation, purporting them to be genuine and duly signed certificates issued by KNEC and JKUAT.
Court heard that the accused person knowingly and fraudulently uttered the said certificates on the 8th of March 2021 at the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) offices.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges before Hon. Mwanamkuu Mwakwambirwa.
Further, the court will rule on 20th February 2025 on whether the legislator will be handed another charge of failing to attend court as preferred by the prosecution.
The accused was initially charged with forging academic certificates on 26th April 2021 and released on a bond of Ksh.100,000.
Court issued a warrant of arrest on 16th September 2021 after the MP failed to attend to court summons and forfeited his cash bail.
He was released on a Ksh.200,000 cash bail.
The case was prosecuted by Onunga, assisted by Principal Prosecution Counsel Benjamin Kelwon.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has warned leaders against rushing to decamp to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s camp.
Speaking in Kirinyaga County on Tuesday, February 18, the county boss noted that many of the leaders were making the political move without thinking through things.
In particular, she opined that many of the leaders were rushing to Gachagua’s camp with the hope of getting the party ticket- something that was not a guarantee.
She also added that the leaders were not thinking through whether the former DP would be on the ballot come 2027.
Therefore, she called on leaders, especially those from Mt Kenya not to be misled and to stay in President William Ruto’s government for development programmes.
“Don’t be in a hurry because even where you are being told to go, there is no guarantee that you will get the party ticket. Even in his (Gachagua) party, there will be others who will want that seat,” she cautioned.
“You can be in a rush to join them and yet you miss out on the ticket. Go slow. Ask yourself, will he be on the ballot? Let us wait and see, this is the time to work and go and get development from the national government.”
Gachagua has been meeting leaders across the country at his Wamunyoro home as he strategizes to form an alliance ahead of 2027.
Already, he detailed that he would be unveiling his political party in May.
“Our vehicle is ready. It is in the showroom, a brand-new vehicle. However, I will not name the number plate and its colour.
“Our enemies might sabotage its launch but we will unveil in May 2025 and we will start opening offices and allow all Kenyans to join,” he said during a media interview on February 9, 2024.
At least 14 counties are set to benefit from improved electricity connection following a partnership between the World Bank and the government.
In a statement dated Wednesday, February 19, it was revealed that the Ksh10 billion initiative was targeting counties that have been marginalised in electricity connection.
The counties listed were Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and Narok.
West Pokot and Taita Taveta counties were also listed among the devolved units being targeted in the deal.
As detailed in the joint statement, the programme will involve the development of solar power systems and mini-grids.
“President William Ruto witnessed the signing of 14 contracts worth Ksh9.4 billion for the development of 113 solar-power mini-grids in 12 counties and six contracts for the installation of stand-alone solar systems in 343 public schools, health facilities and administrative offices in 13 Counties worth Ksh438 million,” read the statement in part.
“These installations will provide access to electricity services to spur socio-economic development and improve the quality of life in the target counties.”
On the other hand, during the signing of the contracts, the President revealed that plans were underway to improve electricity connectivity within the capital.
He acknowledged that some residents of the city were still in the dark, affirming the government’s commitment to have every resident in the city get connected to the grid.
President William Ruto has responded to Kenyans making fun of his video naming roads in Isiolo during his development trip to Northern Kenya.
Speaking on Wednesday, February 19, Ruto dismissed memes made from the video, emphasizing his commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
“I was in Northern Kenya, and I did announce a major road artery that will be constructed from Isiolo through Wajir, Mandera, and many people think it is a joke. In this country, sometimes we take matters of life and death as if it is a joke,” he said.
Ruto reaffirmed his dedication to delivering the 750-kilometre road, highlighting its importance which include creating job opportunities.
“I’m committed to delivering that 750 kilometres of road because, for a very long time, we have left Northern Kenya behind. And I want to ask the people of Kenya, as we develop that transport corridor there will be huge opportunities; take time and sample those opportunities,” he added.
This comes a day after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hit out on critics who mocked Ruto over his mastery of road projects in the country.
During a stakeholder meeting with Meru County leaders in Karen on Tuesday, February 18, Kindiki expressed that many online users had created an online trend to mock Ruto over a road project he named during the recent Northern Kenya tour.
He noted that online users did not know that the road was already under construction, adding that those mocking Ruto would be put to shame when it is completed by 2027.
“That road is going to be constructed and people saying that do not know. This government is going to construct a road from Isiolo to Mandaera in the next 2 and a half years. There are 11 contractors on the ground as we speak.
“In some sections, 50 per cent have already been tarmacked. Some people are just on the phone and they do not know anything. They do not know where Samata or Kotulo is. When 2027 comes, we shall use that road to account,” he said.
The Office of the director of public prosecutions today through their 37th witness, Police Officer Mwangi has tabled communication analysis matrix of the seven suspects believed to have murdered Lower Kabete MP George Muchai on February 7, 2015.
The murder case hearing today revealed that there existed a constant communication between the suspects during and after the murder of the late Lawmaker as some of the accused persons had engaged each other on phone during the same period for over 150 times.
According to the police officer, a stolen phone during the robbery that led to the murder of Muchai was traced to Simon Wambugu the 7th accused person who had inserted his line into the stolen phone.
Thereafter, his interview and interrogation process led to the arrest of the other accused persons in the alleged murder.
“Beginning with association between Raphael accused 2 and accused 4 Steven alias chokore..what I was able to deduce from analysis is that there existed an association that is close because asitiva in Feb 1st had engaged Raphael for 33 times while Raphael had engaged him for 77 times during the same period.” revealed officer Mwangi.
Clear analysis of the data indicated that all the suspects were connected to each other via phone calls with some engaging each other on phone for as many as 150 times between February 1st and 11th, 2015.
In the case, Eric Isabwa alias chairman, Raphael Kimani alias Kim Butcher, Mustapha Kimani alias Musto, Stephen Astiva alias Chokore, Jane Wanjiru alias Shiro, Margaret Njeri and Simon Wambugu are charged with the murder of late George Muchai, his driver and two bodyguards.
The late George Muchai met his death in Nairobi’s Central Business District early Saturday morning of February 7, 2015, when an unknown assailant sprayed his car with bullets.
At the Murder hour, his wife and Children were in a different vehicle ahead of him and according to his daughter, at the material time, they were heading home from a family gathering in Westlands.
Chief Government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor who gave his evidence in 2023, said Muchai was shot at close range with a bullet lounged at a very high speed from either a G3 rifle or AK47 gun.
The murder trial will proceed on February 20, 2025.
