Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has resurfaced after being reported missing on Sunday, March 22, stating that he abandoned his vehicle after suspecting he was being followed by unidentified individuals.
Speaking to the press on Monday, March 23, Tuju said he became alarmed after noticing unmarked vehicles trailing him, prompting him to take evasive action for his safety.
He explained that the situation forced him to abandon his car and go into hiding, describing the events as unsettling and raising concerns about his personal security.
“I realised that I was being followed by unmarked vehicles, and I had to make a decision for my own safety,” Tuju said.
Tuju was accompanied during the press briefing by several opposition leaders, including Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka,DAP-K Leader Eugene Wamalwa and Former CS Justin Muturi.
During the address, Tuju detailed the sequence of events leading up to his disappearance, maintaining that his actions were driven by fear for his safety after detecting what he believed to be surveillance.
“I abandoned my car because I felt unsafe. I could not take chances with my life,” he stated.
The incident had sparked widespread concern after reports emerged that he could not be reached, with calls from political figures and the public demanding clarity on his whereabouts.
His reappearance and account now shift attention to the circumstances surrounding the alleged surveillance and whether there was any official involvement or security threat.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hit out at Rigathi Gachagua after he threatened to mobilize residents of Meru North to arm themselves and fight cattle rustlers.
In a post on Monday, March 23, Kindiki dismissed Gachagua’s threats, saying banditry in the region has persisted for over a decade.
The Deputy President claimed that the insecurity in Meru North intensified when some of Gachagua’s allies were in charge of national security.
“Gachagua, I hear you have given me 10 days to address banditry in Meru North or else you will go there to incite the public to arm themselves and fight cattle rustlers.
“For your information, banditry in Meru North has been there for more than 10 years, and it became worse when some of the friends you are now frolicking with were in charge of national security,” said Kindiki.
File image of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The DP noted that during his tenure as the Interior Cabinet Secretary, he spent months in that region and the neighboring counties coordinating security formations to crush bandit networks.
Kindiki alleged that Gachagua, who was the Deputy President at the time, did not visit Meru North to show solidarity.
“You offered no support despite the high office you held then, not even a visit to Meru North to show solidarity with the people you now seem to have so much concern for,” he stated.
DP Kindiki acknowledged that bandit attacks in Meru North have intensified over the past two weeks, resulting in the loss of life and livestock.
He assured Meru North locals that the government would act decisively to crush the criminals in the region.
“We are not acting because of your empty and childish threats and ultimatums, but because the Government has a duty to protect the people of Kenya and their property,” said Kindiki.
Further, he challenged Gachagua to point out development projects or meaningful security interventions he advanced while serving as the Deputy President.
“You can rant all you like about Kasongo this, Soprano that, but your hateful rhetoric and useless threats won’t sell,” Kindiki added.
“Let’s compete on who has pushed the people’s agenda and wellbeing more, and I will show you dust any day, anywhere in this country.”
On Sunday, March 22, Gachagua gave DP Kindiki and the government a 10-day ultimatum to deploy security in Meru, Isiolo, and Samburu counties to deal with the bandits in the area.
Gachagua said that failure to do so, he would personally move to Meru North and mobilize the locals to arm and defend themselves from the bandits.
“It will be irresponsible of me to keep quiet anymore. I am giving the government of William Ruto and Kindiki ten days to deploy security along the border, along with Samburu and Isiolo, to protect the people of Meru from cattle rustling.
“If they don’t do so, I will have no choice but to personally move to the border and mobilize the people of Meru to arm themselves and defend themselves and their livestock,” said Gachagua.
The National Police Service (NPS) on Saturday, March 21, announced the deployment of a multi-agency security team to restore peace in Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia counties.
In a statement, NPS said the operation will target Mukogondo Forest in Laikipia, Lantana and Sereolipi in Samburu East, Kipsing and Ngaremara in Isiolo, and all surrounding areas.
“The National Police Service wishes to inform the public that an elaborate multi-agency security operation has been assembled with the sole and firm mandate of recovering stolen cattle, mopping up all illegal firearms and ammunition, arresting the criminals and their financiers, and restoring normality in the affected areas,” NPS stated.
The Murang’a County Government has announced a series of measures and alternative healthcare options after the county’s Level 5 hospital reached full capacity due to a sharp increase in patient numbers.
In a statement on Monday, March 23, the county attributed the surge to recent infrastructure expansion that has drawn more patients to the facility.
“Following the recent expansion of Murang’a County hospitals infrastructure, the county has noted a huge surge of patient numbers in the last few months at the Level 5 facility,” the statement read.
The county further detailed the scale of the crisis, noting that both outpatient and inpatient services are operating at their limits.
“The hospital is attending to 1,500 to 2,000 patients daily (outpatients), while those admitted are 500, which is equal to the established bed capacity. This is compounded by the influx of patients from elsewhere,” the statement added.
To manage the overwhelming demand, the county has rolled out a number of urgent interventions aimed at maintaining service delivery and improving patient outcomes.
“To address this huge demand for health services, and to ensure good clinical outcomes, the county has taken the following urgent measures, including re organisation of emergency staff at the casualty department; recalling staff who are currently on leave; deployment of marshallls to guide patients on movement to various points of care; and opening up new wards,” the statement noted.
File image of the Murang’a Level 5 Hospital
Additional steps include strengthening support systems across other health facilities within the county and increasing staffing where possible.
“Other measures are linkages with other county level 4 hospitals to uptake some patient safety to ease pressure on the referral hospital; ensuring the lab and radiology services are manned 24 hours; recruiting new staff which however will be limited due to our constrained wage bill; and fastracking Locum policy that can assuage such emergencies,” the statement further read.
Residents have also been advised to seek care from nearby facilities to reduce congestion at the Level 5 hospital.
“We advise patients to consider neighbouring facilities, including Muriranja’s Hospital Mugoiri, which now has additional doctors, new Mukuyu, and Kiangage dispensaries in township wards Kiharu Constituency,” the statement concluded.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a traffic disruption along the Kitale–Morpus highway after floods cut off a section of the route.
In a traffic advisory on Sunday, March 22, KeNHA said the Chapareria–Morpus section, located one kilometre from Morpus, has been affected, rendering it impassable.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the public that the Chapareria – Morpus section, approximately 1 km from Morpus along the Kitale – Morpus Road, has been cut off, rendering traffic flow between the Chapareria and Sebit sections towards Lodwar unsafe for motorable traffic,” KeNHA stated.
The authority advised motorists to exercise caution and strictly adhere to instructions issued by police officers and traffic marshals on site to ensure their safety.
KeNHA directed drivers travelling from Lodwar to use the Marich Pass–Nakuru route as an alternative while restoration works continue.
“Motorists plying the route from Lodwar are advised to use the Marich Pass – Nakuru route as an alternative,” the authority said.
Further, KeNHA noted that efforts are underway to restore passage along the damaged section
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the violent assault, abduction, and harassment of journalists George Njoroge (Mediamax Network Ltd) and Gilbert Sitati (KTN) in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, as they were covering a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting in Cherangany.
According to MCK in a statement released on Sunday, March 22, the attacks are a blatant violation of Kenya’s constitution and international norms protecting press freedom.
Per the media watchdog, which disclosed fresh details regarding the attack, the journalists were targeted after reporting on alleged corruption involving a local political figure, with attackers reportedly storming a police station where one journalist sought safety.
George Njoroge was reportedly assaulted after sharing a screenshot of a Standard Group news article on WhatsApp—a legal act. While at the police station, he was forcibly removed by an individual linked to a county leader and taken into Kitale Forest, where he faced death threats.
Media Max journalist George Njoroge and Standard Group’s Gilbert Sitati being attacked while covering a UDA meeting in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia, March 20, 2026. /VIRAL TEA KE
He was only rescued after public attention brought the incident to light. MCK described the police’s failure to protect him as a “grave institutional failure” and a “source of profound shame” for the National Police Service.
Sitati was assaulted for filming part of the attack. His footage, now widely circulated online, serves as crucial evidence. “Documenting matters of public interest is a fundamental journalistic duty, yet he was punished for performing it,” the statement read in part.
When Njoroge later returned to give a statement, he was reportedly threatened again on police premises, with the alleged attacker declaring no action would follow—highlighting a worrying culture of impunity.
The Media Council called for urgent, impartial investigations into the attacks, urging that all perpetrators, including any complicit officers, be held accountable. “Attacks on journalists are attacks on democracy. Press freedom is non-negotiable,” MCK declared.
Previously, the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) also condemned the attack, urging Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately launch transparent investigations, identify those behind the attacks, and ensure swift prosecution.
The group warned that failure to hold the perpetrators accountable could force them to take legal action, including pursuing private prosecutions.
KEG also called on political leaders and their supporters to respect journalists’ work and guarantee their safety at public events, cautioning against turning political gatherings into “lawless zones.”
The editors’ body further expressed solidarity with the assaulted journalists and others facing threats while on duty, appealing to witnesses and the public to provide information that could help bring the attackers to justice.
This incident added to a troubling trend of harassment, threats, and violence against journalists in Kenya, sparking renewed fears over the safety of media workers covering sensitive issues.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has welcomed the growing momentum behind the ‘Niko Kadi’ voter registration drive.
Speaking on Monday, March 23, Ag. Manager for Legal Reforms, Political Parties’ Liaison and Campaign Financing Ruth Makuth expressed the commission’s satisfaction with the turnout of young Kenyans seeking to register as voters.
“From where I sit, I think as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, we couldn’t be more happier that the youth have decided to come out and register and have their voices heard in the ballot,” she said.
Makuth explained that the commission has already put in place mechanisms to ensure that newly registered voters are able to participate in upcoming elections without barriers.
“As far as I know, the commission, at the moment, has made certain arrangements to enable any new voter to vote because we have been inviting the youth to come and register, and we want to just keep encouraging them to come in and register to vote,” she added.
Elsewhere, organizers of the ‘Niko Kadi’ voter mobilization campaign have dismissed claims that the movement is backed by political sponsors or hidden financiers.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, March 22, Ademba Allans framed the campaign’s “sponsorship” as symbolic of public frustrations and national concerns rather than financial backing.
“We are sponsored by Kenyans, we are sponsored by those who died in 2024, we are sponsored by the 1.3 trillion that was stolen the other day, we are sponsored by 43 million that was stolen from eCitizen. We are sponsored by the fact that RutoMustGo,” he said.
Ademba explained that the initiative is focused on mobilizing citizens to register as voters, distancing the campaign from political influence and rejecting any form of external funding tied to politicians.
He criticized political leaders for what he described as a failure to encourage voter registration in the past, arguing that the current effort is filling that gap independently.
“To any politician out there, claiming or wanting to work with us, we have to say this: You had the longest time to mobilize Kenyans to register as voters, and you failed to do that. We are mobilizing Kenyans to register to vote; we do not want you anywhere in the picture.
“For now, don’t ruin this, don’t interrupt our process. This is not a politician-led mass voter registration; this is a citizen-led mass voter registration. We don’t have the money, but we don’t want your money,” he added.
Ademba further revealed that there have been attempts by political figures to associate themselves with the campaign, including alleged offers of logistical support.
However, he warned that any attempts to infiltrate or take over the movement would be met with resistance from organizers.
“They have approached us. I have been receiving phone calls. If a lorry appears on Tuesday at our rallies in Kibra, Langatta, the 5 Embakasi constituencies, at anniversary towers, we are going to chase those lorries away. We are not going to allow politicians to hijack,” he further said.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba.
In an interview with a local television station on March 23, 2026, Maina scrutinized the economic viability of the SGR project and cautioned against the potential debt burden it may impose on Kenyan taxpayers.
She highlighted that large-scale infrastructure initiatives have historically been susceptible to corruption and inefficiencies. “Regrettably, many of these projects serve as conduits for corruption. My primary concern is that the Kenyan taxpayer will shoulder the debt associated with this endeavor. We’ve heard discussions about the volume of our exports; will it truly be competitive when we compare road transport to the SGR?” Maina remarked.
Maina emphasized that financing the railway extension could substantially elevate Kenya’s debt, ultimately placing the financial responsibility on taxpayers. She questioned whether the anticipated economic returns would warrant the considerable investment involved.
Additionally, the legislator expressed skepticism about the extended SGR’s ability to compete with road transport, which remains the predominant mode of cargo transport in the region. She raised doubts about whether the projected export volumes, as indicated by Ugandan authorities, would be adequate to support the railway’s sustainability and profitability.
“This issue genuinely concerns every Kenyan. Ultimately, the Kenyan taxpayer will bear the financial burden of this SGR line. Will it sufficiently address our needs, or will it become excessively inflated by the time construction concludes?” she stated.
The Naivasha–Malaba extension forms part of a broader regional infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing trade connectivity between Kenya and Uganda, with potential links to other East African nations. However, Maina warned that without meticulous planning and transparency, the project risks becoming financially unviable or underutilized.
Regarding the cost of the SGR extension, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir disclosed in December 2025 that the government plans to invest up to Ksh400 billion to extend the SGR to the Uganda border. During an interview with a local media outlet, Chirchir outlined that this ambitious project, which aims to connect Kenya’s existing SGR network to Uganda’s railway system, requires significant financial mobilization. “This is a substantial project, costing us up to Ksh400 billion, and it is essential for linking with Uganda, which is already advancing on their side,” Chirchir stated.
At that time, the Cabinet Secretary announced that the government was seeking parliamentary approval to amend sections of the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act to facilitate funding for the project.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng has arrived in Kenya for a four-day state visit.
Zheng landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday, March 22 night and was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, China’s Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, and Kenya’s Ambassador to China Willy Bett.
File image of Musalia Mudavadi receiving Chinese Vice President Han Zheng at JKIA.
Mudavadi, in a statement after receiving Zheng, said the visit underscores the relations between Kenya and China.
“Welcomed to Kenya, H.E. Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, upon his arrival for a four-day State Visit.
“His visit underscores the strong and enduring relations between Kenya and China, and our shared commitment to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation,” said Mudavadi.
File image of Chinese Vice President Han Zheng with Musalia Mudavadi.
Zheng’s visit to Kenya will include a series of high-level engagements to strengthen collaboration across key sectors and expand trade and investment.
The Chinese Vice President’s visit is also aimed at deepening the Kenya–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Zheng’s visit is part of his diplomatic tour of Africa, which will also take him to South Africa and Seychelles.
File image of Chinese Vice President Han Zheng holding talks with Musalia Mudavadi.
In an update on Friday, March 20, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Zheng’s visit to Africa is scheduled to run from March 22 to 30.
The ministry’s spokesperson said the trips follow invitations extended by Deputy Presidents Kithure Kindiki of Kenya and Paul Mashatile of South Africa, as well as by Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay.
China is one of Kenya’s leading development partners, collaborating closely in infrastructure, trade, and investment.
Zheng’s visit comes days after President William Ruto presided over the launch of the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba.
Speaking at the launch in Narok County on Thursday, March 19, he said the SGR extension is necessary to unlock its full potential.
The project is being constructed by the China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC).
A brazen attempt to rob an unsuspecting resident in broad daylight was dramatically thwarted, thanks to the swift response of Konza-based crime busters and the courage of an alert victim.
The incident unfolded yesterday at around 1500hrs when the victim, a resident of Kimutwa village within Machakos County, was going about his routine at his plot. His calm afternoon took a sudden twist when a motor vehicle, a Toyota Fielder registration number KDS 457A, heading towards Machakos, pulled up just outside his premises.
Inside the vehicle were two men who casually beckoned him over, claiming they were selling various items. With no immediate sign of danger, he approached the car. The passenger, seated at the co-driver’s seat, began scrolling through images on his phone, showcasing goods they allegedly deal in. However, moments later, the situation took a sinister turn.
The driver requested the victim’s phone under the pretext of saving his contact. Sensing something amiss, he declined. In a sudden and calculated move, the driver forcefully grabbed the phone. What followed was a heart-stopping moment of bravery—without hesitation, the victim lunged halfway into the vehicle in a desperate bid to reclaim his device.
Unfazed by the victim’s resistance, the driver ignited the engine and sped off, dragging him along. In a remarkable act of quick thinking and sheer determination, the victim managed to grab the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to lose control and veer off the road before coming to an abrupt halt. Realizing their plan had failed, the two suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
The shaken victim immediately raised alarm, drawing the attention of nearby members of the public. Their prompt action led to police officers from Konza Police Station, who were on patrol at Kwa-Mwau Trading Centre, being alerted. The officers responded with speed and precision, launching a pursuit that culminated in the arrest of the two fleeing suspects.
The suspects were escorted to Konza Police Station, where they are currently in custody awaiting processing and subsequent arraignment in court.
A follow-up visit to the scene yielded crucial exhibits. The vehicle used in the attempted robbery was recovered and towed to the station. Notably, a second registration plate, KDV 495X, was discovered concealed within the car’s bonnet, pointing to possible involvement in other criminal activities.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance, public cooperation, and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement officers in keeping communities safe.
The murder trial of Albert Ojwang’ is expected to proceed today at the Kibera High Court, even as activists raise concerns over the case allegedly missing from the official Judiciary cause list.
Justice Diana Kavedza had earlier scheduled a five-day hearing for the high-profile case in March 2026, with the court indicating its intention to fast-track the matter and conclude it before April due to heightened public interest.
According to the court schedule, the hearing was set to commence on March 17, followed by subsequent sessions on March 23, 24, 30 and 31. Today’s session was expected to feature testimony from three witnesses.
The prosecution has lined up a total of 28 witnesses, including six protected witnesses, while key evidence in the case includes approximately 16 terabytes of CCTV footage reportedly obtained from Central Police Station.
The accused persons include former OCS Samson Kiprotich Talaam, Police Constable James Mukhwana and four others, all of whom remain in custody after the court denied them bail over concerns of possible interference with witnesses.
However, questions have emerged over the management of the case after an activist identified as “I am Chege” claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the matter was missing from the Judiciary’s cause list.
In his post, the activist noted that the case, listed as HCCRC/E010/2025, Republic vs Samson Kiprotich Talaam and Peter Kimani alias Kim and four others, had initially appeared in the cause list with scheduled hearing dates, including March 17 and March 23.
He further claimed that the March 17 hearing did not take place despite being listed and that as of today, the scheduled March 23 session did not appear in the cause list results.
“Last week, the Albert Ojwang’ hearing was present in the Judiciary cause list… The hearing that was to happen on 17th March never happened, even though it was on the cause list and today… I am seeing no results,” the activist stated.
He further called on the Judiciary to address the issue by updating the said Causelist.
The developments have raised concerns among observers over transparency and consistency in the listing of high-profile cases, particularly those attracting significant public interest.
It remains unclear whether the absence from the cause list reflects an administrative issue, a rescheduling of proceedings or simply a delay in updating court records.
The case continues to draw national attention as the court is expected to proceed with hearings involving multiple witnesses and extensive evidentiary material.
