Makadara Law Courts has extended the detention of a senior officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who stands accused of brutally killing his wife.
During proceedings, it emerged that the officer is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
In light of his health condition, the court issued an order directing Chiromo Hospital Group to release his medical records.
This is intended to provide doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital with a comprehensive medical history, ensuring they can administer the most appropriate care.
The court has extended the officer’s detention for a further 14 days as investigations and legal processes continue.
This development underscores the ongoing judicial process surrounding the high-profile case, which has drawn significant public attention due to the gravity of the allegations and the officer’s position within the national police service.
A standoff has emerged in court between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over the attempted closure of a Ksh58 million corruption case involving former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and 15 others.
The dispute played out before Magistrate Celessa Okore after the prosecution sought to close its case, citing lack of cooperation from investigators.
Prosecution counsel Duncan Ondimu told the court that the EACC had failed to cooperate with his office, making it difficult to proceed with the matter and forcing the DPP to apply for closure of the case.
However, an EACC officer, Evans Ronoh, opposed the move, stating that investigations were still active and that witnesses had already been lined up to testify. He told the court that two witnesses had been bonded to appear on April 14, 2026, although efforts to trace others had been complicated by the death of some witnesses.
The court heard that so far, only seven out of 32 intended witnesses have testified in the case.
Ondimu further accused the investigating officer of failing to act on requests to avail specific witnesses, reinforcing the prosecution’s position that it could no longer proceed effectively.
The case relates to the alleged irregular payment of Ksh58 million to a law firm on January 7, 2014, for services that were allegedly not rendered to Nairobi City County.
Court documents show that Kidero was charged on April 29, 2019, alongside other accused persons with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to provisions of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA).
Meanwhile, three of the accused persons who served as accountants at City Hall have since had the charges against them dropped. They are Manasseh Karanja, the deputy director of internal audit, Peterson Njeru and Charity Ndiritu.
The defence welcomed the prosecution’s move to close the case, indicating readiness to proceed with submissions on whether there is a case to answer.
The matter is expected to come up again on March 26, 2026, when the court will give further directions.
Old Mutual Holdings PLC has announced changes to its board following the resignation of an executive director and the retirement of a long-serving non-executive director, both effective from 10 March 2026.
In a notice issued on 16 March 2026, the board confirmed that Craig Aitchison had stepped down as an Executive Director. He joined the board on 14 June 2024 and, during his time in office, contributed to shaping the group’s strategy and strengthening governance structures.
The board noted that Aitchison chaired the Committee for Customer Affairs, where he oversaw the execution of customer-focused strategies, including market conduct, distribution channels, and the committee’s role in advancing the company’s sustainability agenda. He also served on the Technology, Digital and Innovation Committee, offering guidance on digital transformation, innovation, governance, and technology-related risks. Despite his relatively brief tenure, the board acknowledged the value of his contributions.
At the same time, the company confirmed the retirement of Robert Mbugua as a Non-Executive Director after completing a nine-year term. Mbugua joined the board on 1 July 2017 and played a key role in supporting the company’s strategic direction and governance oversight.
During his tenure, he chaired the Board Risk and Compliance Committee, where he led efforts to strengthen risk management frameworks, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve stakeholder engagement. He also previously headed the Board Audit Committee, overseeing financial reporting, tax matters, balance sheet restructuring, and the reinforcement of internal controls and governance systems.
The board praised Mbugua not only for his technical expertise but also for his character, highlighting his sincerity, humility, and strong commitment to the company’s success, which positively influenced board deliberations.
Old Mutual Holdings expressed its appreciation to both directors for their service and wished them well in their future endeavors. The notice was issued by order of the board and signed by Group Company Secretary and Legal Counsel Nannette Miingi, in line with the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listings and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023, and with the approval of the Capital Markets Authority.
The final eight teams in the 2025-26 Champions League are set after a dramatic end to Wednesday’s round of 16 knockout ties.
Barcelona put together a stunning 7-2 obliteration of Newcastle in the day’s early match. The tie was level at 1-1 after last week’s draw in England, but doubles from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski capped an incredible display in front of a bouncing Camp Nou.
Liverpool had it all to do after losing the away leg 1-0 against Galatasaray. However, the Turkish side capitulated under the pressure of Anfield on Wednesday, succumbing to a 4-0 defeat as Liverpool rattled through its shellshocked visitors to win 4-1 on aggregate. Mo Salah’s brilliant goal made up for an earlier penalty miss.
Bayern Munich pulled zero punches after beating Atalanta 6-1 last week, adding another four goals in Germany for a 10-2 deficit.
On Tuesday, Real Madrid completed a surprisingly easy job against Manchester City with a 2-1 win, even without the unfit Kylian Mbappé. Los Blancos eased to a 5-1 aggregate score over Pep Guardiola’s side, who many considered a frontrunner for the tournament.
Competition favorite Arsenal brushed aside Bayer Leverkusen, headlined by a sublime Eberechi Eze goal in a 2-0 win (3-1 on aggregate).
Mikel Arteta’s team will face Sporting after the Portuguese club pulled off the comeback of the round.
Sporting headed into Tuesday’s second leg 3-0 down to surprise Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt, but an incredible fightback saw the tie finish 5-3 to Rui Borges’ men.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain shocked Chelsea with another huge win, beating Liam Rosenior’s struggling side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and 8-2 on aggregate, capped off by a stunning Senny Mayulu finish.
Champions League Quarterfinal Draw
PSG vs. Liverpool
Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid
Sporting vs. Arsenal
Arsenal remain clear favorites as the tournament reaches its climax. Arteta’s squad is arguably the deepest in Europe, with top quality replacements in key positions, propped up by an incredibly physical defense.
The North London side is unbeaten in this year’s Champions League and on the easier side of the draw, avoiding Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and defending champions PSG.
Madrid and Bayern squaring off at the quarterfinal stage is also evidence of the tougher side of the bracket. Mbappe going toe-to-toe with Harry Kane is a mouthwatering prospect that pits two of the best strikers in the world against each other at a relatively early stage.
PSG or Liverpool will await the winner of that one, two sides that have put up inconsistent, yet improving form in recent times.
The French team’s easy win over Chelsea is a reminder of how it won last year’s prize, as PSG got better in the knockout stages, headlined by a standout performance against Arne Slot’s Reds.
The quarterfinal first-leg fixtures will take place on April 7-8, with the second legs set for April 14-15.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for urgent diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran, warning that continued military escalation could lead to widespread destruction of critical energy infrastructure and trigger far-reaching global consequences.
His appeal comes amid rising tensions following reports that the United States and Israel have carried out coordinated strikes against Iran since February 28, marking a significant escalation in an already volatile region.
Macron emphasized the need for restraint and dialogue, urging both Washington and Tehran to return to negotiations before the situation deteriorates further.
He cautioned against the targeting of energy facilities, noting that such attacks not only endanger civilian livelihoods but also threaten global energy stability.
France has positioned itself as a key voice for de-escalation, with Macron warning that continued strikes on vital infrastructure could provoke uncontrollable economic and security consequences worldwide.
The recent wave of hostilities has seen energy installations increasingly become targets, raising alarm across international markets and among global leaders.
Any sustained disruption to oil and gas production in the region, particularly in strategic zones such as the Strait of Hormuz, carries significant risks for global supply chains.
The waterway remains one of the world’s most critical routes for oil transportation and instability there has historically led to sharp increases in fuel prices and heightened geopolitical tension.
Iran has signaled that it will respond firmly to continued attacks, while the United States and Israel maintain that their actions are driven by security concerns.
The exchange of strikes has intensified fears of a broader regional conflict that could draw in neighboring countries and disrupt already fragile economic systems.
Several nations in the Gulf have expressed concern over the growing instability, calling for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement.
Macron’s intervention underscores mounting pressure from the international community to prevent further escalation.
By advocating for direct talks between the United States and Iran, he is seeking to open a path toward de-escalation at a time when military actions risk spiraling beyond control.
His warning reflects a broader concern that without immediate diplomatic efforts, the conflict could expand, causing lasting damage not only to the Middle East but to the global economy at large.
Iran is considering imposing transit fees on vessels passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a move that could have far-reaching implications for global trade and energy markets.
According to emerging reports from Iranian lawmakers, the proposal, still at a discussion stage, would require ships navigating the narrow waterway to pay tolls or taxes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, handling roughly a fifth of global oil shipments and serving as a key passage for liquefied natural gas exports.
The suggestion comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and ongoing economic pressure on Iran due to international sanctions.
Analysts say the proposal may be part of a broader strategy by Tehran to assert leverage over global shipping lanes and respond to economic isolation.
However, the plan has not been formally adopted, and no official framework has been announced.
The Strait of Hormuz is widely recognized as an international waterway under global maritime law, granting ships the right of transit passage.
Any attempt by a single country to impose unilateral charges could spark legal disputes and strong opposition from the international community.
Maritime experts caution that enforcing such fees would be complex and potentially provocative.
Major global powers, particularly those reliant on Gulf oil exports, may view the move as a threat to free navigation and respond diplomatically or militarily.
Even the possibility of new charges has raised concerns among energy traders and shipping companies.
Any disruption or added cost in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to higher oil prices, increased shipping insurance premiums and delays in global supply chains.
For import-dependent countries, including many in Africa, the ripple effects could be significant. Rising fuel costs would likely translate into higher prices for goods and services, putting additional pressure on already strained economies.
While Iran’s proposal remains speculative, it underscores the fragility of global trade routes in times of geopolitical tension.
Observers will be closely monitoring developments in the coming weeks to see whether the idea gains traction or is shelved amid international scrutiny.
For now, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues as normal, but the debate has once again highlighted the waterway’s critical role, and vulnerability, in the global economy.
Catholic bishops have sharply criticised President William Ruto, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and Jubilee leader Fred Matiang’i over what they described as growing verbal indiscipline and public insults among political leaders.
Speaking during the reception ceremony of Joseph Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, on behalf of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, called for restraint and decorum in public discourse, warning that the tone of political engagement in the country was becoming increasingly troubling.
The Archbishop said the conduct of leaders was not only disappointing but also damaging to the image of leadership in the eyes of citizens, particularly young people.
“We want to call for restraint and decorum in public speaking. And we call upon leaders, especially political leaders, to exercise restraint. The children listening to you are shocked. The young people listening to you are traumatised,” he said.
He noted that many Kenyans were struggling to identify with leaders who engage in public insults, describing such conduct as a poor reflection of leadership.
“The adults listening to you are embarrassed. You are a poor representation of our generation. And we are struggling to identify with you,” he added.
Archbishop Muhatia further warned that when leaders insult each other publicly, they do not only disrespect one another but also the citizens they represent.
“When you publicly insult each other in front of citizens, you don’t just disrespect each other, you disrespect the citizens as well,” he stated.
He urged leaders to exercise self-control, emphasizing that not every thought should be expressed publicly.
“Not everything that crosses your mind must drop on your lips. Please exercise restraint. This country belongs to more than 50 million Kenyans and not only to yourselves,” he said.
The bishops described the rising use of inflammatory language as a sign of deeper issues within the political space, warning that it undermines national unity and dignity.
“You can disagree with people without insulting them. Disagreement is okay, but insulting each other in public is a disgrace,” the Archbishop said.
In a pointed remark, he urged leaders to take their personal disputes away from the public if they must engage in insults.
“If you want to insult each other, look for some bunker underground… go there, insult each other and when you finish, come back and join us in nation building,” he said.
The clergy maintained that while they respect and support national leaders, such conduct risks embarrassing the country and eroding public confidence in leadership.
“We love our country. We love our leaders. But not when you do things like the ones you are doing. You are embarrassing this great nation,” he said.
The remarks come amid escalating political tensions marked by public exchanges between top leaders, raising broader concerns about the tone of political discourse in Kenya.
Senator Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) has sought a Statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Health regarding the plight of cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital following the prolonged breakdown of the hospital’s Linear Accelerator (LINAC) radiotherapy machine.
In his request, the Senator noted that Kenyatta National Hospital remains the primary affordable referral centre for thousands of cancer patients across the country. He expressed concern that the hospital relies on a single LINAC machine for radiotherapy services an issue that has historically exposed patients to treatment delays whenever technical challenges arise.
“The current breakdown, which has persisted for approximately two months has brought radiotherapy services to a complete halt. Consequently, patients are being forced to seek treatment in alternative facilities, many of which are significantly more expensive,” he stated.
The UDA Party Senator has called on the Committee to provide details on the measures being taken to expedite the repair and maintenance of the LINAC machine including the expected timeline for restoring full functionality and the alternative treatment pathways available to affected patients.
He also sought clarification on whether there are budgetary allocations and procurement plans for acquiring additional or backup radiotherapy equipment to prevent future service interruptions.
Further, he has urged the Committee to address the broader structural and operational challenges facing Kenyatta National Hospital including the steps being taken to resolve the issues comprehensively.
Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda SC (Kisumu) has raised concerns over the growing prevalence of mobile money fraud, digital impersonation schemes and other tech enabled financial scams affecting Kenyans across the country owing to the rapid rise in adoption of mobile money and electronic banking.
The ODM Party Senator warned that the rapid growth of mobile money and electronic banking has exposed users to increased vulnerability, noting that the surge in fraud cases poses a serious threat to consumer protection and financial security.
In his request, the Lawmaker tasked the Committee to provide data on the number of reported cases of mobile money fraud, SIM swap incidents and related scams recorded nationally from 2023 to date, as well as the financial losses incurred.
He further called for accountability from the National Computer Coordination Committee, seeking details on measures being implemented to investigate and prosecute individuals and criminal networks involved in cyber enabled financial crimes.
“The Committee should outline mechanisms and the effectiveness of coordination between law enforcement agencies, telecommunications service providers and financial institutions in detecting, preventing and responding to incidents of mobile money fraud and related cyber threats,” he added.
Senator Ojienda also wanted the Committee chaired by Senator Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo) to establish steps being taken by the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration to strengthen consumer protection frameworks and scale up public awareness campaigns to help citizens identify, prevent and report digital financial fraud.
Senator Hazena Lemaletian has raised concerns over patient safety in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector calling for urgent scrutiny of regulatory and professional standards following a reported case of medical negligence in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Senator Lemaletian said the incident highlights serious gaps in due diligence, professionalism, regulatory oversight and ethical compliance within the pharmaceutical sector warning that such lapses pose significant risks to public health.
In her request, the Senator asked the Committee to establish the circumstances under which the wrong medication was dispensed, including whether standard dispensing protocols were followed and what action has been taken against those responsible.
She further called for accountability from key regulatory bodies including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, seeking clarity on mechanisms used to verify practitioners’ qualifications, licensing status and ongoing professional competence.
Additionally, Senator Lemaletian urged the Committee to provide a status report on compliance across pharmacies and chemists nationwide including the number of licensed outlets, recent inspection outcomes and enforcement actions.
The Lawmaker also called for comprehensive reforms by the Ministry of Health to strengthen oversight and restore public confidence in pharmaceutical services.
