Gov’t warns Nairobi residents to vacate from these areas before demolition

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March 5, 2026

The government on Thursday, March 5, urged Nairobians living on riparian land to vacate on their own volition or face demolitions.

Speaking to the press, Nairobi County Commissioner Were Simuyu disclosed that an eviction notice will soon be issued to residents living along the Nairobi River and River Ngong.

Simuyu reiterated that the law was clear about building on riparian land and explained that the move was to save the environment.

“If you have built on riparian land, start the demolition process yourself. Do not think that you are more intelligent than others who are vacating because we will not allow that.

“The river and the land that surrounds it belong to all Kenyans and not any individual. You know very well that you are not supposed to build next to the river,” Simiyu stated.

A file image of President William Ruto inspecting the cleaning process of the Nairobi River.

Environmentalist Joseph Muracha echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments, reiterating the need to clean the rivers within the city.

Muracha listed the four major concerns that the clean-up sought to address, including the sewage and garbage disposal systems.

“We will also address flooding and the recovery of all riparian areas in Nairobi County,” the Environmentalist added.

The leaders were also advised that vacating the riparian land could potentially save their lives amid the ongoing rainy season since the areas were susceptible to flooding.

According to the Environmental Management and Coordination Act and the Water Quality Regulations, Kenyans are forbidden to develop land within six to 30 meters from the highest water mark.

The law further describes riparian land as public land, meaning that it cannot be privately owned or legally allocated to individuals.

Nairobi has witnessed a spate of demolitions, with the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) reclaiming land meant for road use along major highways.

KeNHA has brought down structures along Thika Road in Roysambu and Githurai to pave the way for the construction of bus bays.

Senate Committee Probes Procurement Breaches in County Governments

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Editor

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March 5, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, led by Mandera Senator (Cpt.) Ali Roba, held a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) earlier today to address persistent non-compliance with procurement laws by several county executives.

During the session, the Committee expressed concern over the lack of transparency in county operations and emphasized its role in compelling local governments to adhere to statutory directives.

Senators underscored the necessity for evidence-based inquiries, requesting that the Authority provide detailed, itemized reports and specific evidence of procurement breaches to ensure the House can hold individual accounting officers accountable rather than relying on generalities.

The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, led by Director General Patrick Wanjuki, briefed the Committee on a pattern of systemic disregard for procurement regulations in counties such as Nairobi, Isiolo, Mandera, and Marsabit.

The Authority highlighted various irregularities, including the failure to use standard tender documents, the application of non-objective evaluation criteria, and a widespread refusal to upload procurement proceedings to the mandatory Public Procurement Information Portal.

Furthermore, the PPRA raised the alarm over the severe socio-economic impact of delayed payments to suppliers, noting that some county leaders have refused to honor obligations for services and goods procured by previous administrations.

While the Authority maintains a mandate to monitor and audit procurement cycles, its leadership admitted to facing challenges with enforcement due to instances of impunity among certain procuring entities.

The PPRA clarified legal standards regarding financial safeguards, noting that advance payments are strictly capped at 20% and must be backed by bank guarantees rather than insurance.

In its concluding remarks, the Authority appealed to the Senate to exercise its oversight and enforcement powers to hold these entities to account, asserting that such intervention is essential to safeguarding taxpayer value and restoring integrity to the public procurement system.

By Anthony Solly

United Opposition claims CS Mbadi misled Parliament over Sh5trn National Infrastructure Fund

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John Mutiso

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March 5, 2026

The united opposition has called for the summoning of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi by Parliament to explain alleged contradictions regarding the proposed National Infrastructure Fund (NIF).

Addressing the press on Thursday afternoon, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused Mbadi of allegedly misleading MPs about the legal and constitutional status of the Ksh5 trillion Fund.

According to the opposition, statements made by Mbadi to parliamentary committees contradicted information contained in an affidavit he submitted in court.

”These concerns on NIF are directly confirmed by the conduct of John Mbadi, in an affidavit, consistently presenting the Fund to parliamentary committees as a public fund subject to parliamentary oversight,” Kalonzo said.

The opposition leaders argued that while the fund had been presented before legislators as a public fund, Mbadi’s affidavit revealed something different.

According to Kalonzo, the affidavit indicated that the National Infrastructure Fund was not a constitutional public fund but rather a limited liability company.

Kalonzo Musyoka said it was even more concerning that the entity had not been formally incorporated at the time the Cabinet Secretary was making representations to Parliament regarding its status.

”This court affidavit revealed a whole contradictory reality. The entity is not a Fund within the meaning of Article 206 at all, but a limited liability company that had not even been incorporated when these assurances were being given to MPs,” he added.

While addressing the press, the opposition leaders described Mbadi’s contradiction as a serious constitutional issue, given the scale of the proposed Fund.

Kalonzo noted that the issue went beyond a technical misunderstanding, arguing that misleading Parliament on such a major financial matter undermined public accountability.

“As a CS who assures parliament of a Ksh5 trillion vehicle constitutional status, swears under oath, then misleads them, has not made a technical error. He has misled the legislature on a matter of the highest fiscal and constitutional consequence,” Kalonzo affirmed.

He went on to add, “The National Assembly must summon CS Mbadi to reconcile his parliamentary presentation with his court testimony.”

Three More Suspects Arrested in Oyugis Anti-Drug Operation

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Editor

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March 5, 2026

Officers from Oyugis Police Station arrested three more suspects yesterday during a successful raid within Oyugis Town, as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking in the area.

The suspects, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested after being found in possession of over 200 large rolls of suspected cannabis sativa.

A search conducted at the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of several other items believed to be associated with illegal activities.

These included eleven mobile phones, one Dell laptop, two HP laptops, a weighing machine, a laptop charger, one tablet, a blue Honda motorbike with its number plates removed, and a police smock jacket.

These arrests highlight the continued threat posed by illicit drugs, which significantly undermine the well-being, productivity, and future prospects of the youth.

The suspects were placed in custody pending arraignment, while the items have been secured as exhibits to support further investigations.

The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to serving and protecting the public.

By Anthony Solly

Raila was forced to go to India with suspicious individuals; Orengo reveals

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John Mutiso

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March 5, 2026

Siaya Governor James Orengo has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, suggesting that the late leader may not have traveled to India of his own volition.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, Orengo said he believes Raila was compelled to travel under conditions that warrant scrutiny.

“With a heavy heart, I have to be sensitive to the family, so I will not say everything I want to say just yet. But I must point out that the circumstances of Raila’s evacuation from Kenya suggest he did not go to India willingly,” Orengo said.

He added that Raila’s journey was accompanied by certain individuals whose presence raises questions.

“I think he was almost forced to go to a specific institution in India, accompanied by people whose actions I find deeply questionable,” the governor stated.

Orengo also expressed doubts about the official explanation for Raila’s death, noting the absence of a public post-mortem report.

“Based on the information that was publicly available, it seems clear that the official cause does not fully account for the circumstances. I believe there may have been some external intervention. A thorough and transparent inquiry could reveal the truth,” he said.

Drawing on his experience with high-profile cases, Orengo highlighted the importance of verification in matters of public concern.

“Even when professionals provide explanations, verification is essential. In the case of Ouko, some government officials suggested suicide, and in the Julie Ward trial, proper investigation was necessary to uncover the truth. The same principle applies here,” he said.

The governor emphasized that the public has a right to know the truth, given Raila’s prominence and influence in Kenyan politics.

“The nation is being asked to accept his passing as natural. However, the public interest demands that we examine the circumstances fully,” Orengo stated.

Last month, Orengo had described the circumstances surrounding the death of Odinga as a mystery, vowing that the truth will eventually be uncovered.

Speaking at a press briefing, Orengo said those responsible for Odinga’s death are still silent but expressed confidence that accountability will eventually be achieved.

“I said in the presence of President Ruto that they killed Raila Odinga, and I want to say without fear of contradiction that his death is still a mystery to all of us. Those who bear the responsibility are out there and are silent about it,” Orengo declared.

“I hope that one day we will determine the circumstances that Raila Odinga passed away. That must be an objective that we must achieve. We will unlock the mystery.”

Orengo recalled confronting former President Moi over the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, saying he had told the late Head of State that ‘the spirit of Odinga will live on.’

“Today I can say the spirit of Raila Odinga will live on,” he noted.

Senate ICT Committee Considers Submission Matrix on E-Waste Bill

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Editor

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March 5, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) chaired by Senator Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia) today considered the stakeholder submission matrix on the Electronic Equipment Disposal, Recycling and Reuse Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 5 of 2025).

The Committee reviewed proposals submitted by key institutions including the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), the Council of Governors (CoG), WEEE Centre and KICTANet, examining proposed amendments, justifications and recommended resolutions across various clauses of the Bill.

The Bill seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework for the environmentally sound disposal, recycling and reuse of electronic equipment, including the creation of a National E-Waste Recycling Plant, county-level sorting sites and ward-level consolidation centres.

Among the key issues considered were proposals to amend the short and long titles to reflect the full lifecycle of electrical and electronic equipment, including reuse, refurbishment, repair and recovery, in line with the waste hierarchy principle.

The Committee also deliberated on licensing and regulatory mandates, with NEMA proposing that licensing, compliance oversight and classification of e-waste remain under its authority as provided under existing environmental laws.

The Council of Governors raised concerns regarding provisions that may affect devolved functions, particularly in relation to establishment and management of recycling facilities at the county level.

Members further examined recommendations to strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions by placing primary financial and organisational responsibility for post-consumer e-waste management on producers, in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, 2024. Stakeholders emphasized the polluter pays principle as central to sustainable financing of e-waste infrastructure.

KNRA proposed explicit exclusion of radioactive and nuclear-contaminated electronic equipment from the scope of the Bill, noting that such materials must be handled under nuclear safety laws to prevent radiological risk to the public and the environment.

The Committee will continue reviewing stakeholder submissions before preparing its report to the Senate.

Other Senators present during the meeting were Sen. William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet), Sen. Beatrice Ogolla (Nominated), and Sen. Abdalla Shakila Mohammed (Nominated).

By Anthony Solly

‘They Wanted to Kill Babu’ – Kisii Senator Onyonka Stoned in Kisumu in Case of Mistaken Identity

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John Mutiso

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March 5, 2026

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has alleged that he was recently stoned in Kisumu after a group of individuals reportedly mistook his vehicle for that of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Speaking on JKL Live on Citizen TV, the outspoken Senator explained that the attackers targeted his white car because it resembled that of Babu Owino, who has been a controversial figure in Kenyan politics.

“I was stoned in Kisumu the other day. They thought my car is white like Babu Owino. They want to kill Babu. Why would anybody want to kill Babu?” Onyonka said.

Onyonka went on to defend Babu Owino, describing him as non-violent despite his contentious political reputation.

“Babu is such a useless boy in terms of he is not violent. I have never seen Babu where I see violence, that is why I am saying he is useless. I have never been around Babu since he was elected and saw his value in beating people; he is useless in a good way,” he added, clarifying that the term “useless” was meant sarcastically to highlight Owino’s peaceful nature.

Babu Owino has recently faced criticism from senior ODM leaders for his opposition to the broad-based government arrangement and his persistent criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.

The remarks from Onyonka come amid heightened political tensions and days after the vocal Nairobi legislator raised concerns about political interference, following the arrest of his security officers in Kisumu ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega.

In a post on X on Sunday, February 22, 2026, he said the officers remain in custody with no information on charges.

“Yesterday, my security officers were arrested by the police in Kisumu. Up to this moment, they have not been released, and the charges against them remain unknown,” he wrote.

Babu has actively criticised the administration and participated in opposition events, including rallies with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Dimension Data Nigeria holds signing ceremony for $15m Bond Programme

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John Mutiso

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March 5, 2026

Dimension Data Nigeria (https://DimensionData.com.ng) has formally executed its N20 billion ($15m) Bond Programme under Dimension Data SPV Funding Plc, following approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The signing ceremony, which marked the completion of the programme documentation and regulatory clearances, was held recently at the Capital Club, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Gbenga Olabiyi, Managing Director of Dimension Data Nigeria, explained that the capital raise is focused on long-term value creation. “Sustained infrastructure investment is essential to maintaining competitiveness and unlocking future growth. When deployed thoughtfully, infrastructure secures the business, future-proofs operations, and allows efficient scaling as data demand and complexity increase.”

Nigeria continues to face significant digital infrastructure gaps, including limited metro and access fiber coverage, constrained enterprise connectivity, and rising demand driven by cloud adoption, fintech, digital public services and artificial intelligence. These gaps increase costs, limit service quality, and slow the country’s digital economy. Olabiyi said the bond programme is designed to help expand critical digital infrastructure capacity, strengthen network resilience, and support enterprise and carrier-grade services needed to meet Nigeria’s growing data and connectivity requirements.

He also expressed appreciation to the company’s advisers and partners for their professionalism and support throughout the process and signaled his intention to continue working closely with them as Dimension Data moves into subsequent phases of funding and execution.

In his comments, Shatse Kakwagh, Managing Partner, Mbavaa Partners Limited, the Private Equity company backing Dimension Data Limited, described the transaction as a watershed moment for the company and a validation of its long-term infrastructure strategy.

“This is a journey we began years ago, and it proves that the opportunities we see in the market can be realised,” Shatse said. “We believe strongly in working with partners to address the critical infrastructure deficit in Nigeria and across Africa. This programme enables us to secure the right type of capital to finance the aggressive growth we have planned.”

He noted that the bond programme has received a strong vote of confidence from rating agencies. At the same time, the company’s first market issuance was heavily oversubscribed, reflecting investor belief in Dimension Data’s ability to execute and deliver at scale.

The transaction advisers on the bond programme include Pathway Advisors Limited as Book Runner; Greychapel Legal and Alliance Law Firm as Solicitors; CardinalStone Registrars Limited and STL Trustees Limited as Registrar and Trustees; Deloitte & Touche as Reporting Accountant alongside Mascot Okpori & Co as Auditors; Fidelity Bank as Receiving Bank; and Agusto & Co as Rating Agency.

Is River Enziu Bridge Used As A Campaign Tool? The Lies Under The Bridge, Incomplete Five Years After Tragedy Claimed 32 Lives

By

John Mutiso

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March 5, 2026

The Enziu Bridge along the Nguni–Nuu road remains a painful reminder of the December 2021 tragedy that claimed many lives when a bus carrying relatives and church members was swept away by floods. Only a few survived.

Years later, despite promises from various government leaders, including the President, the bridge is still less than 40% complete — with pillars standing halfway and no functional crossing in place.

President William Ruto announced the completion of the killer Bridge which began in December 2021, soon after it claimed at least 32 lives, but it stalled.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day Celebration in Kitui County on October 20,2025, Ruto announced his orders to the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir in ensuring the bridge is completed.

According to Ruto the deadly Enziu bridge was to be completed as of February 2026.

“Pale Enziu bridge iyo daraja imekua daraja ya maafa, mimi nataka niwaeleze sasa nimempatia waziri Chirchir maagizo kabla ya februari mvua iaanze mwaka ujao iyo daraja iwe imekamilika,” Ruto said.

Speaking in Mwingi, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated that the project stalled due to financial disputes with the contractor, but through his intervention, the matter has since been resolved.

He went on to say that the money that was at the centre of contention has been paid, and the contractor resumed work.

At the time, Kindiki assured residents that he will personally ensure the bridge does not stall again and that the remaining amount is paid as work on the bridge continues.

According to government reports, the Enziu Bridge is being constructed at a cost of Ksh165 million.

“Enziu Bridge has taken the lives of many people. It started and stalled because the contractor was demanding Sh91 million from the government. I want to announce that the bill was paid, and the contractor returned on May 14,” Kindiki said.

“This bridge will not stall again, and I will make sure that the remaining amount, another Sh74 million, is paid as work continues. It’s a big bridge that will cost Sh165 million. I want assure you that I will push for the completion of the bridge as soon as possible. It will not stall again.”

With the rains starting again, motorists using this route must exercise extreme caution. The temporary diversion provided by the contractor is very narrow — barely one lane. On busy days like the Nuu/Nguni market day, traffic stretches nearly a kilometer, creating a dangerous situation.

In the event of sudden flash floods upstream, vehicles stuck in traffic could easily be swept away due to limited road space and lack of proper safety measures.

The delayed completion of the bridge and the narrow diversion pose a serious risk. The responsible government agency and contractor must urgently address this before another tragedy strikes.

DPP Appears Before Parliamentary Committee to Deliberate on Public Prosecutions Fund Regulations

By

Editor

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March 5, 2026

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga CBS, OGW, today appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Delegated Legislation chaired by Hon. Samuel Chepkonga to deliberate on the Public Finance Management (Public Prosecutions Fund) Regulations, 2025.

The engagement provided an important platform for the DPP to offer insights into the proposed regulations, reaffirm the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ support for the framework, and highlight the significance of establishing the Public Prosecutions Fund as a strategic institutional financing mechanism.

The proposed fund is designed to align with the priorities outlined in the ODPP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, which seeks to strengthen the capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of prosecution services across the country.

During the session, DPP Ingonga emphasized that the establishment of the Public Prosecutions Fund will play a crucial role in reinforcing the operational independence of the ODPP by ensuring sustainable and predictable financing for its core mandate.

He noted that the fund will provide a structured mechanism through which critical prosecutorial functions can be supported, enabling the office to respond more effectively to the evolving demands of the criminal justice system.

“The establishment of the Public Prosecutions Fund will significantly enhance the ability of the ODPP to deliver on its constitutional mandate. It will ensure that key prosecutorial operations are adequately financed in a structured and accountable manner, while also strengthening institutional independence and operational efficiency,” said DPP Ingonga.

Once operational, the fund will support key activities including prosecution of complex and high-profile cases, capacity building for prosecutors, modernization of prosecution services, and facilitation of witness support and protection measures.

Members of the committee engaged the DPP and his delegation on various aspects of the regulations, including governance structures, accountability safeguards, and mechanisms to ensure transparency in the management and utilization of the fund.

The deliberations form part of Parliament’s oversight role in reviewing statutory instruments to ensure that they are consistent with the law and effectively support public institutions in fulfilling their mandates.

The establishment of the Public Prosecutions Fund is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity of the ODPP and enhance the administration of justice by ensuring that prosecutorial services are delivered in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.

The DPP was accompanied by senior management led by the Secretary prosecutions Services Alloys Kemo OGW, Senior Deputy Directors and Deputy Directors.

By Anthony Solly

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