Former Lands Minister Amos Kimunya retires from politics after court acquittal

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May 7, 2026

Former Lands Minister Amos Kimunya has declared that he is done with politics following his acquittal in a long-running graft case that had shadowed him for more than a decade.

Speaking shortly after the court decision, Kimunya said the ruling marked the end of what he described as 12 years of personal and professional suffering over allegations he maintained he did not commit.

He welcomed the outcome, saying it brought closure to a prolonged legal battle that had defined much of his public life in recent years.

“It marks a culmination of 12 years of suffering for something we did not do. We are happy that the long journey has come to an end,” he said.

The former Cabinet minister, who has previously held influential positions in government, used the moment to signal a decisive break from elective politics.

He said he no longer intends to participate in political contests, suggesting instead that he is turning a page on public office ambitions.

“I am free to pursue other pursuits in life, of course not politics anymore,” Kimunya said in light-hearted remarks, noting that his experience in public service had already fulfilled his contribution to the political sphere.

The former Kipipiri MP added that the prolonged court process had altered his priorities, particularly his desire to serve in environments where he can have a direct impact outside the political arena.

According to him, years spent defending himself in court limited his ability to engage in academic work, despite holding a doctorate and possessing significant professional experience.

Kimunya said he now intends to devote more time to teaching and mentorship, especially for young professionals and students seeking guidance.

He expressed optimism about returning to lecture rooms, saying that education would allow him to share his experience more constructively.

“I would like now to mentor the young generation. You might find me in some lecture rooms using my doctorate, knowledge,” he said.

“I couldn’t do that while appearing in court because students would wonder whether they are being taught by a guilty person or an accused. Now I am free to venture.”

He hinted that his next chapter would focus on shaping future leaders through academic engagement, adding that he hopes to interact with students and young professionals in learning institutions.

Reflecting on the acquittal, Kimunya said the decision was not just personal vindication but also a broader reminder of the importance of truth in the justice system.

He said the ruling should encourage confidence among citizens facing prolonged legal battles.

“We hope it will happen to all other Kenyans seeking justice, where truth will prevail for those suffering,” he said.

Rapper Kodak Black arrested in Florida on drug trafficking charge

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John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

U.S. rapper Kodak Black has been arrested in Florida on allegations of drug trafficking, according to local authorities.

The artist, whose real name is Bill Kahan Kapri, was taken into custody on Wednesday and booked into the Orange County Corrections Department on charges linked to trafficking MDMA, a synthetic stimulant commonly known as “Molly,” official records indicated.

Authorities said the rapper was processed following his arrest, with booking images showing him appearing solemn, wearing his trademark long dreadlocks.

Kodak Black’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, described the arrest as a “coordinated surrender” connected to a November 2025 incident in which police searched a vehicle occupied by a passenger who was not the rapper.

According to Cohen, officers reportedly recovered a bag containing several items, including a bottle of prescription cough syrup that allegedly bore Kodak Black’s fingerprint.

The attorney said the defence intends to challenge the trafficking charge, describing it as lacking a strong legal basis.

“We look forward to yet another fruitful resolution to another case that should have never been filed,” Cohen said.

Kodak Black has faced multiple legal issues in the past, including arrests related to drug possession, weapons charges, assault, battery and trespassing, marking a long history of encounters with law enforcement.

Kenya Power Announces Nairobi Areas to Experience Electricity Shutdown on Friday

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John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Kenya Power has announced scheduled power outages in parts of Nairobi County on Friday, May 8.

In a notice on Thursday, May 7, the company said the planned interruption will affect selected areas between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

In the Kilimani Road and part of Ngong Road area, customers set to be affected include Part of Elgeyo Marakwet Road, Kilimani Road, Part of Ngong Road, Ndemi Road, Suna Road, Adams Arcade, Green House, Kirichwa Road, Nairobi Women Hospital, and KISM Offices on Ngong Road.

Menelik Road, Part of Muringa Road, Quickmart Kilimani, Dykio Ngong Road, Kirichwa Lane, Ndemi Lane, Morning Office Park, Ndemi Gardens, Jadala Investment, and all adjacent customers will also be affected.

A separate outage has also been scheduled in Imara Daima during the same period from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Areas that will experience power interruption in Imara Daima include Part of Villa Franca Estate, Tashcom Supermarket, Tsavo Gardens Apartments, Valeries Place, Scion Hospital, and Elegant Apartments.

Other affected areas are Kenwood Court, Southern Apartments, Kings Millennium, Mukuru Health Centre, Kingswood Park Estate, Think Twice Imara, and all adjacent customers.

Kenya Met warns of heavy rainfall in Nairobi and several regions

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John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that Nairobi and several other parts of the country will experience heavy rainfall over the next seven days, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides in some areas.

In a weekly weather update issued on Thursday, the agency said rainfall is expected between May 7 and May 14, with peak intensity forecast between May 10 and May 13.

The Met Department noted that rainfall amounts could reach up to 20mm per 24 hours in the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, as well as in the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya and parts of Northwestern Kenya.

“The heavy rainfall is anticipated to decrease intensity from May 14,” the statement read.

The agency warned that flash floods and landslides may occur in high-risk areas such as the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya regions and also cautioned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely during the period.

Motorists have been urged to exercise caution on the roads, particularly during heavy downpours, due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions.

Residents were also advised to avoid sheltering under trees during storms, citing the risk of lightning strikes.

The weather alert comes as the country continues to experience ongoing seasonal rainfall in several regions.

CS Mbadi Allocates Ksh4.92 Billion to Hire Intern Teachers

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John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury John Mbadi has set aside Ksh4.92 billion to hire 20,000 intern teachers.

According to the proposed National Budget for the 2026/27 Financial Year, CS Mbadi has set aside 4,920 million for the conversion of intern teachers to permanent and pensionable.

Hiring will take effect from January 1, 2027, if the National Assembly approves the proposed budget.

In addition, Mbadi has also budgeted Ksh8.16 billion for the provision of intern teachers in the next financial year.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been allocated Ksh406.6 billion to pay teachers’ salaries and their medical insurance between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

A file image of JSS intern teachers on strike.

The Treasury Boss set aside Ksh54.6 billion for free day secondary education, Ksh30.9 billion for Junior Secondary School capitation, Ksh7 billion for free primary education capitation and Ksh9.9 billion for the school feeding programme.

Mbadi has proposed an allocation of Ksh56 billion to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and another Ksh30 billion marked as ‘Scholarship for University Students’.

The proposed budget for the 2026/27 Financial Year also includes a Ksh9.2 billion allotment for the scholarships of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students.

The move to set aside funds for the confirmation of intern teachers was pushed by threats by intern teachers to down their tools.

Since 20255, the teachers have been pushing for their confirmation, citing low pay. They argued that the Ksh17,000 was not enough to sustain them or their families.

They also claimed that working on contract denies them access to perks enjoyed by those hired permanently.

However, TSC extended their contracts by four months instead, with the government stating that it did not have the funds to absorb all interns.

Senator Onyonka claims former IEBC commissioner Roselyn Akombe is his wife

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has come out to declare that former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Roselyn Akombe is his wife.

Speaking during a condolence visit by Kisii leaders led by Education CS Migosi Ogamba on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the outspoken senator made remarks that shed light on his family life.

Onyonka, who also revealed that he is a polygamous man and a father of 12, stated that he will introduce all his children during the funeral in Kisii, Mosocho, on Friday, May 15, 2026.

He added that the former IEBC commissioner has been close to his mother and has even taken photographs with her. He further said that Akombe could take care of her whenever she was sick and would accompany her to the United States for medical treatment.

“I have 12 children. You will see them in Kisii; their mothers are known. What I know many people don’t know is that Roselyn Akombe is my wife. If you see those pictures, you will see her with my mother. In fact, she was treating her; she would take her to the US,” he said.

In 2017, Roselyn Akombe served as a commissioner of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following her appointment earlier that year. During preparations for the repeat presidential election ordered by the Supreme Court after the annulment of the August vote, she resigned on October 17, 2017, while in New York.

In her resignation statement and subsequent interviews, she said the commission, in its then-current state, could not guarantee a credible election, citing operational and internal challenges.

She also cited safety concerns and said she did not feel secure enough to return to Kenya at the time. Akombe later issued an “End of Assignment Report” dated October 30, 2017, in which she shared observations from her tenure and recommendations for the commission.

Akombe remained in the United States in the years after 2017, continuing her career with the United Nations in roles focused on peacebuilding and governance.

Fake Millions, Fake Dollars: DCI Detective Tells Court Gold Scam Suspects Were Found With Counterfeit dollars Displayed as Evidence

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Editor

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May 7, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The Milimani Magistrates Court was on Thursday shown bundles of suspected fake US dollars in 100 dollar bills allegedly recovered from suspects linked to a high-profile gold scam syndicate operating in the city.

The dramatic proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts saw the counterfeit notes produced before court as prosecution witnesses detailed how the suspects allegedly operated an elaborate fraud scheme involving fake gold deals, forged currency and illegal firearms.

Chief Inspector Martin Gitahi, a forensic analyst and document examiner attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), testified that the exhibits examined by the forensic laboratory were not genuine currency.

“The questioned notes were mere papers cut and sized to resemble US dollar bills,” Gitahi told the court during his testimony.

According to the forensic expert, the exhibits were delivered to the DCI documents laboratory on September 14, 2023, by Sergeant Rhemas Musungu of the Operations Support Unit (OSU), accompanied by an official exhibit memo.

The court heard that investigators submitted four metallic boxes, bundles of suspected US dollars, white papers, carton boxes and several pieces resembling Kenyan Ksh1,000 notes for forensic examination.

Gitahi testified that among the exhibits were six bundles of 100-dollar denomination notes without serial numbers, alongside multiple pieces resembling Kenyan currency.

Upon examination, the forensic officer concluded that the suspected dollars lacked critical international security features found in genuine US currency.

“The paper quality did not conform to genuine dollar notes of the same denomination. Features such as raised prints, microprints and security threads had not been incorporated,” he said.

He further testified that some of the recovered notes had repeated serial numbers while others lacked the colour-shifting features expected in authentic US dollars.

“The denomination on a genuine note changes from copper to green or gold to green when tilted. Those features were absent,” Gitahi stated.

Under ultraviolet examination, the notes reportedly “flourished brightly” and failed to reveal embedded security markers present in authentic currency.

The forensic examiner also told the court that the suspected Kenyan Ksh1,000 notes lacked watermarks, security threads and other security features associated with genuine Kenyan money.

“In my opinion, they were simply papers cut and sized to resemble genuine notes,” he testified.

During cross-examination by the defence, Gitahi admitted that he did not personally know who signed the inventory of the recovered exhibits and only knew the officer who delivered them to the laboratory.

He also confirmed that he had not brought genuine sample notes to court for comparison during his testimony.

When pressed on whether his findings were supported by reports from institutions such as the US Federal Reserve, Gitahi said his conclusions were based on forensic analysis and official reference materials available within the DCI forensic laboratory.

“We have genuine notes of major world currencies for comparison. The data we use is provided by reserve authorities,” he said.

The court also heard testimony regarding a firearm allegedly recovered during the arrests.

A ballistic witness told the court that the gun had originally been issued in 2007 before allegedly being stolen in 2009. He stated that he only learned the weapon had been recovered in 2023 while he was in Uganda and after suspects had already been arrested.

The accused persons are facing several charges, including conspiracy to defraud, possession of forged bank notes, possession of papers for forgery, unlawful presence in Kenya and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.

According to the charge sheet before court, the suspects, namely Nelson Fru Che, Roland Johnson, Joseph Gikonyo, Alice Kavata, Ian Wekesa Mulongo, Duncan Muchai and Police Constable Festo Akula Wamwayi, allegedly conspired to defraud a complainant of USD 400,000 in a fake gold deal said to have been staged at a residence in Nairobi’s Garden Estate area.

Kenya Pipeline Begins Search for New Managing Director After Joe Sang Exit

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has announced a vacancy for the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following the exit of former boss Joe Sang.

In an announcement on Thursday, May 7, the company said it is seeking applications from suitable and qualified professionals to fill the position.

According to the notice, the successful candidate will serve as the company’s Chief Executive Officer and will be accountable to the Board of Directors.

“The office holder will be required to provide visionary leadership to ensure sustainable growth, operational excellence, and delivery of shareholder value for a high performing, commercially driven, and globally competitive energy infrastructure business,” the advert stated.

KPC revealed that the recruitment comes at a time when KPC is transitioning into a listed entity after joining the Nairobi Securities Exchange in March 2026.

“KPC was listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in March 2026. The Managing Director will therefore be instrumental in leading the Company through the post-listing phase, including navigating the heightened governance, disclosure, investor relations, and regulatory obligations,” the company added.

According to the advert, the successful candidate will be appointed on a three-year renewable contract subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by the Board of Directors against mutually agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

The next Managing Director will oversee the company’s overall strategic management, coordination, and leadership of operations, human capital, and resources to deliver sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders.

Other responsibilities include leading the formulation and implementation of corporate strategy, business plans, investment initiatives, and strategic growth initiatives aligned to shareholder expectations and board decisions.

KPC also said the new CEO will be tasked with driving financial performance, including revenue growth, cost optimization, profitability, capital efficiency, and ensuring timely reporting and disclosures.

The company added that the successful candidate would oversee governance, enterprise risk management, internal control systems, and regulatory compliance in line with legal, statutory, and capital markets requirements.

In addition, the Managing Director will drive operational excellence, innovation, and digital transformation across the company’s value chain while managing stakeholder relations and strategic partnerships.

The advert further states that the office holder will act as the company’s primary spokesperson and proactively manage investor relations to ensure compliance with NSE and CMA continuous disclosure obligations.

The successful applicant will also lead talent management and organizational culture transformation while championing sustainability and ESG integration across KPC’s operations and investment decisions.

KPC said the candidate will additionally spearhead the company’s regional energy infrastructure strategy and intergovernmental partnerships to strengthen its market position and drive long-term growth across Africa.

On qualifications, applicants are required to have at least 15 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 10 years in senior management or executive roles in a large, complex, and commercially driven organization.

Candidates must also demonstrate experience in strategy execution, financial management, and organizational leadership, with proven exposure to a listed company or highly regulated environment.

Applicants are required to possess a Master’s degree from a recognized institution and a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Energy Management, Finance, Economics, Law, or a related field.

Membership in a relevant professional body in good standing is also listed as a requirement.

KPC further outlined key competencies expected of the successful candidate, including exceptional leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, strong commercial acumen, deep knowledge of the oil and gas sector, and experience in infrastructure development and partnerships.

The company also emphasized the need for high ethical standards, emotional intelligence, integrity, and accountability.

Interested candidates have been directed to visit the KPC website under the Career Opportunities section for the job description and application instructions.

Applications addressed to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors must be submitted no later than midnight on May 20.

KPC stated that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CS Ruku Dismisses Opposition Threat to Storm Huduma Centres Over IDs

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has dismissed threats by the opposition to mobilise Kenyans to storm Huduma Centres over delays in the release of national identity cards, insisting that thousands of processed IDs remain uncollected across the country.

Speaking during a tour of the North Eastern regional offices in Garissa, Ruku said the government has already processed and dispatched thousands of national identity cards to Huduma Centres and other government offices, where they are awaiting collection by applicants.

He urged Kenyans who have applied for the documents to visit their nearest Huduma Centre and collect them instead of listening to what he termed as misleading political statements.

The CS maintained that no Kenyan has been barred from collecting a national identification card and reiterated that the government has not imposed any restrictions on the issuance or collection of IDs.

According to him, all applicants should freely collect their documents once they are ready.

Ruku further explained that national identity cards are generated and processed by the National Bureau of Registration and not at Huduma Centres, saying it was therefore wrong for politicians to incite the public and spread misinformation regarding the process.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, during a tour of the North Eastern regional offices in Garissa

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, during a tour of the North Eastern regional offices in Garissa

“The IDs are available in Huduma Centres and other government offices. Kenyans should simply go and collect them,” said the CS.

Ruku further dared the opposition to attempt to disrupt operations at Huduma Centres, saying the government would not allow what he described as cheap politics to interfere with quality service delivery across the country.

He emphasised that Huduma Centres exist to serve wananchi efficiently and should not be turned into political battlegrounds.

The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring every eligible Kenyan acquires a national identity card without discrimination or unnecessary delays.

He also called on public officers handling registration services to continue serving wananchi diligently and to uphold efficient service delivery in all parts of the country.

Ruku reiterated that the government remains focused on improving public service delivery and urged Kenyans to avoid politicising national registration processes that are meant to benefit all citizens equally.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, during a tour of the North Eastern regional offices in Garissa

North Eastern Huduma Centre offices in Garissa

CS Ruku Furious after a Surprise Garissa Visit as He Finds Empty Government Offices

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has expressed disappointment after an impromptu visit to the North Eastern regional offices in Garissa.

In a statement on Thursday, May 7, the CS said the ministry has been conducting surprise inspections across regional headquarters over the past year to assess whether public servants are meeting service delivery standards.

According to Ruku, the ministry has conducted impromptu visits in five regional offices, including Nakuru in Rift Valley Region, Nyeri in Central Region, Mombasa in Coast Region, Embu in Eastern Region, Kisumu in Nyanza Region, and most recently Garissa.

“The aim of the unannounced visits was to establish whether public servants were providing citizen-centric customer service to Kenyans,” he said.

Ruku noted that previous inspections in other regions had identified recurring challenges such as late reporting to work, absenteeism and long queues of citizens waiting for services.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, interventions by the ministry had helped improve the situation in those areas.

“While we noted lateness, absenteeism and long unattended queues of Kenyans seeking government services as some of the chronic issues in the regional headquarters of the national government, and following interventions by the Ministry, the issues are continually being resolved,” he added.

File image of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku

However, Ruku said the situation in Garissa stood out sharply from the other regional offices visited so far.

“Nevertheless, the North Eastern Regional Offices in Garissa have proven an extreme case of neglect of duty and total disregard of ethics and principles of public service,” he further said.

Ruku said the ministry’s inspection found that by 7:30am, nearly all public officers assigned to the building had not reported for duty.

“Except for one employee and the building protection officers, all public servants in the building had not reported to work as at 7:30 AM as required in the public service guidelines for Coast and North Eastern regions’ government offices,” he noted.

Ruku said the ministry would now take disciplinary action and other human resource management measures to safeguard the quality of public service delivery in the region.

“The Ministry will be taking necessary remedies and human resource management disciplinary undertakings to protect the quality of public services dispensed in the North Eastern Regional Offices in Garissa,” he further said.

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