President Ruto Hints at plan to bring back Linturi and Munya to govt

By

-

April 2, 2025

President William Ruto has hinted at considering former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and his predecessor, Peter Munya, for state appointments.

Speaking in Maua, Meru Town, during his ongoing Mt. Kenya tour, the head of state announced that he was in talks with the two leaders and further confirmed that plans were already in place for their accommodation.

Ruto, who did not immediately disclose the nature of their conversations, assured Meru residents not to worry over Linturi and Munya, as he was at an advanced stage of sorting them out.

“Last thing, MP John Paul Mwirigi has mentioned that there are two elders in this area, Peter Munya and my friend Mithika Linturi. I want to confirm that I’m already having talks with these two leaders and we are working on a plan. So just relax, everything is in control,” he said.

Linturi was among the Mt Kenya political leaders who were awarded state appointments after Ruto won the 2022 general election. He was picked to lead the agricultural sector.

His stint, however, was marred by controversies, including the fake fertiliser scandal, where farmers countrywide lamented for receiving substandard subsidised product.

The fake fertiliser scandal almost ended his tenure as Cabinet Secretary as MPs saved him after an impeachment motion was tabled by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka.

He, however, lost his job after Ruto sent home his entire cabinet at the height of Gen-Z-led protests in 2024 over the contentious Finance Bill 2024.

Linturi has since remained in the cold despite Ruto making various changes in various ranks of government.

On the other hand, Munya served as cabinet secretary in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.

During the 2022 campaigns, he pledged support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who lost to Ruto.

After the loss, he continued being aligned to the opposition until Raila signed a joint agreement with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Nyeri Governor Kahiga Clarifies His Photos With Ruto Allies

By

John Mutiso

-

April 2, 2025

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has asked Kenyans not to read too much into the photos that were taken of him alongside allies of President William Ruto.

In a statement dated Wednesday, April 2, Kahiga acknowledged that the photos had raised political eyebrows after they were shared online.

The photos taken during Ruto’s visit to Mt Kenya showed the governor being friendly with Ruto allies, including Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah.

According to the close ally of former DP Rigathi Gachagua, he was at the Kieni event to welcome the President.

He explained that his decision to attend the event was informed by his respect for the presidency, adding that he would still welcome Ruto when he attended other events in the county as the Head of State.

“I have noted frenzied interest in my attendance of the President’s functions in Kieni. Do not read too much into this photo and others shared all over. The presidency must be respected. The Governor of Nyeri received the President of the Republic of Kenya in Nyeri, Kieni Constituency,” he wrote.

“The Governor of Nyeri will still receive the President of the Republic of Kenya on Saturday in both Nyeri Town and Othaya Constituencies on Saturday. Ni lazima kutofautishana mambo!”

Notably, while addressing area residents at the event, Kahiga expressed that Ruto was welcome to the county to initiate development projects.

He added that no one should be in a position to tell the president not to visit the county. Nyeri is the home county of Gachagua, who had a bitter fallout with his former boss.

“The President should not be told not to come to Nyeri; we want him to come again and again to bring us development. We are the ones who voted for this government, and we deserve development,” the governor remarked.

Former CS Muturi Fires Warning at Ruto Days After Sacking

By

John Mutiso

-

April 2, 2025

Sacked Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi has issued a warning to President William Ruto just days after his dismissal.

While addressing the press on Wednesday, April 2, Muturi stated that his sacking was not an attempt to silence him from speaking his mind.

The former CS also dismissed the president’s claim that he had absconded duty, insisting that he was fired for speaking out against the abductions and extrajudicial killings of Kenyans.

“There is no doubt that I was sacked because of my firm stand on the issue of abductions. If their goal was to silence me, then they’ve dialed the wrong number. The inference that one draws from my sacking is that raising the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings must be terribly annoying to the president,” Muturi said.

“I told the President in a letter that the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings should be prioritized and placed on the agenda of future Cabinet meetings. Ladies and gentlemen, to date, the President has never responded to my letters, clearly indicating that he does not consider the matter worthy of his attention.”

Muturi stated that he had previously declared he would not attend Cabinet meetings until the issues of abductions and extrajudicial killings were included in the agenda for discussion and resolution.

He added that the third Cabinet meeting took place on November 3, 2025, at State House, Nairobi, and he had been invited and sent the agenda for the day.

According to Muturi, the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings was still missing from the agenda.

“Once again, I wrote directly to the president in a letter dated March 10, referring to the previous two letters and reiterating my position,” he said.

“I did beseech the president this time to direct that the vexing issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings in our country be prioritized and placed on the agenda for any future Cabinet meetings.”

Muturi noted that in January this year, he stated that he found it untenable for the highest decision-making body of the state to continue sweeping the matter of abductions and extrajudicial killings under the carpet.

“I stated therein that I would not attend any other cabinet meetings until the issues of abductions and extrajudicial killings were listed as an agenda for discussion, debate, and resolution on the way forward,” the former CS said.

“Not only because I was personally affected, but also because there are several Kenyan families, friends, and relatives of Kenyan youth who are still missing. Others have been found dead, and others released after undergoing a lot of torment.

Muturi said that, to date, the president has never acknowledged, received, or responded to any of his letters, clearly indicating that the matter of abductions and extrajudicial killings is not worthy of his attention or that of the Cabinet.

“After each Cabinet meeting, as you all know, I, in particular, regularly receive a dispatch from the Cabinet detailing all the matters discussed and the decisions made. But the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings has never been discussed,” Muturi added.

At the same time, the former Attorney General (AG) noted that while the president denied any involvement in abductions and stated that the police should take responsibility and also vowed to end extrajudicial killings, the issue has never taken precedence during Cabinet meetings.

“I was, therefore, like many Kenyans, surprised to hear the president on live television on the evening of March 31 stating that the issue had been discussed in Cabinet and had been resolved,” Muturi said.

Ruto-Nomics Falls Dollar, Pound As Foreign Reserves Surge

By

Gerald Gekara

-

April 2, 2025

The Kenyan shilling is standing firm against global and regional currencies, with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) reporting an exchange rate of KSh 129.2452 per US dollar on April 2, 2025.

The British pound trades at KSh 166.9202, the euro at KSh 139.4297, and 100 Japanese yen at KSh 86.2066, reflecting minor ripples in Asian markets.

Regionally, the shilling fetches KSh 28.2718 per Ugandan shilling, KSh 20.4263 per Tanzanian shilling, KSh 10.9070 per Rwandan franc, and KSh 6.9795 per South African rand.

This stability follows a robust climb in foreign exchange reserves to $10,001 million (KSh 1.3 trillion), up from $8,877 million in January, now covering 5.1 months of imports—a three-month high.

CBK Governor Kamau Thugge credits President William Ruto’s stabilization policies, including a $1.5 billion Eurobond buyback in 2024 that eased default fears and lured investors. Infrastructure bonds also drew hefty dollar inflows, allowing CBK to sell dollars and curb February’s demand surge.

The shilling, which shed 22% against the dollar from March 2022 to January 2024, has clawed back ground, bolstered by a 19.2% spike in diaspora remittances to $423.2 million in November 2024.

Ruto’s focus on slashing wasteful spending and boosting tourism has further propped up confidence. Yet, last week’s dip in CBK reserves to $9,057 billion signals the cost of these interventions amid global headwinds.

Court Acquits Suspended Bomas of Kenya CEO Peter Gitaa Koria in Sh 8.5 Million Graft Scandal

By

Cyrus Kimanga

-

April 2, 2025

Suspended Bomas of Kenya Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Gitaa Koria has been acquitted after the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the case against him.

The court found no evidence of malice in the procurement process, affirming that it was conducted lawfully. As a result, Koria was cleared of all allegations.

Koria had been facing charges related to procurement irregularities amounting to 8.6 million shillings. The prosecution accused him of improperly awarding public tenders for kitchen supplies, including utensils, plates, cups, and cutlery. The tenders in question—Quotation No. 15 (Kitchen Items), Quotation No. 16 (Utensils), Quotation No. 17 (Kitchen Items), Quotation No. 18 (Plates & Cups), and Quotation No. 19 (Cutlery & Other Items)—were alleged to have been excluded from the Bomas of Kenya’s Budget and Procurement Plan for the 2020/2021 financial year.

However, the court determined that there was a budget in place and that the procurement followed the correct procedures. Witness testimonies confirmed that the items were accounted for within the budget, dismissing claims of irregularity.

In its ruling, the court stated that the evidence did not link Koria to any wrongdoing. It further concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him on all seven counts.

Koria was suspended from office following his arraignment over the alleged procurement violations. With his acquittal, it remains to be seen whether he will be reinstated to his position.

Investigating Officer Reveals How A Non-Kenyan Obtained ID Illegally

By

Cyrus Kimanga

-

April 2, 2025

Investigation Officer Gachii Gakure informed the court that the individual charged with identity fraud is not a Kenyan citizen.

The suspect allegedly obtained a Kenyan passport and identity card through fraudulent means.

While testifying at Milimani Court, Officer Gakure presented documents obtained from the Registrar of Persons in Isiolo.

“The investigation team could not locate any Chief’s Letter to support the registration of Abdihakim Said Jama as a Kenyan citizen,” Gakure added.

The officer further explained that the accused’s purported father was a fictitious person and did not exist at all.

Gakure also stated that the accused’s alleged mother, Fatuma, who the suspect claimed was deceased, is in fact alive and has even testified in the case.

During re-examination, Gakure told the court that the process through which the suspect obtained his ID card and passport was fraudulent.

The individuals who allegedly approved the suspect’s birth certificate later denied ever meeting him.

“The accused is not related to the woman he claims as his mother, Fatuma. This was confirmed when Fatuma denied being his mother. The local administration also stated that they had never seen or met the accused in the area he claims to come from,” Gakure said.

Jama faces charges of providing false information to a public service employee between March and June 2011 in Isiolo, where he allegedly submitted forged documents to the chief in an attempt to obtain a Kenyan identity card.

Kenya’s Inflation Hits Six-Month High at 3.6% in March

By

Gerald Gekara

-

April 2, 2025

Kenya’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.6% in March 2025, marking a six-month high from 3.5% in February.

Despite this uptick, inflation has remained below the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) 5% target midpoint for the ninth consecutive month.

According to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the inflationary pressures were driven by sharp increases in food and energy prices, particularly in the non-core inflation segment, which surged 7.4 percent.

Key price movements included:

Core Inflation (2.2%)
• Cigarettes: +23.6%
• Cooking oil (salad): +5.8%
• Sugar: +12.3%

Non-Core Inflation (7.4%)
• Sukuma wiki: +34.2%
• Tomatoes: +29.3%
• Electricity (200kWh): +15.5%
• Diesel: +12.2%

On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.4 percent in March, accelerating slightly from a 0.3 percent increase in February.

Analysts attribute the rising inflation to supply chain disruptions, seasonal price fluctuations in food commodities, and global oil price trends.

Outlook: Inflation to Rise Gradually

Projections from Trading Economics indicate that inflation could reach 3.8 percent by the end of the first quarter of 2025, with a long-term forecast of 4.1 percent in 2026.

However, CBK remains confident that inflation will stay within the target range, supported by stable monetary policies and improved agricultural output.

5 High School Students Heading Home Knocked Down by Speeding Vehicle

By

John Mutiso

-

April 2, 2025

Five students from Mbita Boys High School on Wednesday, April 2, were hit by a speeding personal car in Mbita town, Homa Bay County, while going back home for the April holidays.

According to reports, the five students were walking near the Mbita International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) when a car lost control and knocked them.

While the victims have been rushed to Homabay County Level 5 Hospital, reports indicate that two of them could have succumbed to the injuries.

According to eyewitnesses, the car was moving at high speed, and the driver is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol when he hit the students.

Videos and images shared on social media platforms showed the vehicle severely damaged with a cracked windscreen, damaged side mirrors and deflated tyres.

Footages also showed a group of residents attempting to rescue the victims while others stood from a distance in dismay to witness the unfolding.

The accident came a few hours after three pupils from Ober Boys Boarding Primary School died in Nyakatch sub-county.

Matatu Carrying Students Intercepted with 401 Rolls of Bhang Worth Over Ksh 1M

By

John Mutiso

-

April 2, 2025

Police officers from Kamagambo Police Station have nabbed a trafficker and confiscated 401 rolls of bhang.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the arrest follows a tip-off from vigilant members of the public, who alerted authorities about a suspicious public service vehicle, KDM 981Z.

The vehicle was heading to Kisumu from Migori, loaded with the illicit cargo.

“Officers set up an ambush and intercepted the vehicle. A thorough search of the vehicle revealed two bags containing a total of 401 sizable rolls of bhang, weighing 34.4 kilograms, with an estimated street value of Sh1,032,000,” read the statement in part.

At the time of his arrest, the driver, identified as Calvin Okoth Otieno, was carrying only students, perhaps banking on the assumption that such company would shield him from suspicion.

However, his clever ruse was no match for the watchful eyes of members of the public.

Okoth is currently in custody at Kamagambo Police Station, undergoing processing pending his court appearance.

KUG Party Among 7 New Players Eyeing The 2027 Elections

By

John Mutiso

-

April 2, 2025

The Kenyan political landscape is witnessing a rapid expansion, with seven new political parties securing provisional registration in March alone.

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has also confirmed that five additional parties are in the process of being registered.

In a notice, the ORPP revealed that it had provisionally registered the Kenya United Generation Party (KUG), Peoples Forum for Rebuilding Democracy (PFRD), Imarisha Uchumi Party (IUP), African Development Congress (ADC), Kenya Ahadi Party (KAP), National Economic Development Party (NEDP), and Forum for Economic Development Agenda (FEDA).

Records show that FEDA’s founder members include Stephen Tinga, Lucy Wambui, William Keloi, Christine Ndegwa, Benard Koskei, and Risper Awuor.

Meanwhile, KUG boasts a founding team of Jared Nyabuto, Sammy Mwanyaa, Sharon Jepkorir, Fredrick Wafula, Purity Mumbe, Vicky Chebet, Hezbon Oluoch, Cynthia Wangui, Joshua Mwonga, and Frejustus Kiima.

Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu has issued a seven-day notice before granting provisional registration to United Patriotic Movement (UPM), Party for Democratic Reforms (PDR), Alliance for Democratic Association (ADA), The Inclusive Party (TIPTIP), and Conservation of Democracy in Kenya (COD-K).

The growing number of political parties is linked to increasing concerns over party primaries, with many politicians fearing being locked out by dominant party factions. The business of political parties has also become lucrative, fueled by billions of shillings allocated to political parties from the public coffers.

With at least 48 parties that participated in the 2022 elections still benefiting from state funding, the rush to establish new political outfits underscores the high stakes of Kenya’s evolving political scene.

Whether these new entrants will bring ideological depth or simply serve as election vehicles remains to be seen.

Create a free account, or log in.

Upgrade your subscription