Cabinet PS Korir Denies Assaulting Estranged Wife

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July 25, 2023

PS Cabinet Affairs Julius Korir has denied assaulting his estranged wife Evelyn Koech in 2020 and has requested that the court acquit him.

Korir took the stand to defend himself on Today, claiming that the allegations were false and that the charges against him were motivated by a personal vendetta against him.

Korir told Milimani senior principal magistrate Dolphina Alego that they were separated at the time he is accused of assaulting Koech, and she had already moved out of their matrimonial house.

“Your honor, I married the complainant in June 2014, and our marriage had problems.” We lived apart yet under the same roof. “The complainant left the house around 2019,” Korir said.

He added that shortly after that, she moved to children’s court for custody of the kids and also prayed for child support in 2020.

In 2021 she filed for divorce at Milimani law court and the marriage was dissolved in December 2021.

“The complainant was given full custody of the children. I was only granted supervised visitation which I felt aggrieved and appealed. She didn’t like that I complained about seeing my children and saw me as a violent person.

“In my opinion, the case is because I appealed the decision of the children’s court to remove the restrictions when accessing the children,” he narrated to the court.

KeNHA Announces Temporary Closure Of Kenyatta Avenue for 19 Days

By

John Mutiso

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July 25, 2023

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of Kenyatta Avenue at Uhuru Highway Roundabout for 19 days, effective July 25.

According to a statement by KeNHA, the road shall be closed in phases between Tuesday 25th July 2023 to Sunday 12th August 2023.

“The closure shall be done at off-peak hours from 9 pm to 4 am,” said KeNHA in a statement.

“This is to allow for re-installation of a Cross Culvert across Kenyatta Avenue,” it added.

The re-installation will be done in scheduled phases with the first one from July 24 to July 26.

The second phase is from July 28 to August 1 while the third is from August 3 to August 7.

The fourth and last scheduled phase will be done from August 8 to August 12, 2023.

Motorists have been urged to exercise caution and road courtesy as they cooperate with police and traffic marshalls for better management of traffic.

KNHCR Condemns Police Brutality During Azimio Protests

By

John Mutiso

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July 25, 2023

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned cases of police brutality during the opposition’s recent anti-government protests.

The commission’s chairperson, Roseline Odede, stated at a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday that there has been “a clear manifestation of violation of fundamental rights and freedoms” in the way police have interacted with protesters.

“It is disheartening to witness the escalating tensions and the blatant disregard for human rights and freedoms by both protesters and security agents,” she said.

“The commission has received reports of torture and abuse, the wanton beating of persons even after surrender, indiscriminate teargassing of residents and schools.”

Odede stated that the commission will investigate alleged torture and degrading and inhumane treatment by security forces and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations into the matter.

The KNCHR also expressed concern about the return of police abductions and killings. The commission condemned the detention of arrested people for longer periods of time than allowed by law, stating that under the constitution, an arrested person should be arraigned within 24 hours and have the right to communicate with an advocate.

Similarly, the KNCHR condemned the breaking into people’s homes on Friday in Kisumu.

“Breaking into homes as was seen in Kisumu and affecting improper arrested while dispensing brutality and torture infringes upon the rights of citizens and violates the dignity and sanctity of their private spaces,” said Odede.

She also stated that special interest groups must be protected from violence during demonstrations and that human rights defenders and members of civil society organisations must be protected from assaults and arbitrary arrests.

Guardiola: City And Bayern Will Fight For Kyle Walker

By

John Mutiso

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July 25, 2023

Manchester City will “fight” to stop Kyle Walker going to Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola said Tuesday, describing the defender as a key player for the team.

Walker started as a substitute in the Champions League final when City completed a historic treble last month, and the German champions are keen to bring him to Munich.

But ahead of City’s clash against Bayern in Tokyo on Wednesday, Guardiola insisted the 33-year-old was “an incredibly important player for us”.

Walker has “very specific qualities that are so difficult to find worldwide. I know we are in touch, both clubs,” Guardiola told reporters.

“We will fight for him, like I’m pretty sure Bayern (will). I don’t know how it is going to finish.”

Guardiola was bullish when asked if Walker would be considered for selection against Bayern, saying “of course, he’s our player”.

“We need the best players,” he said.

“He’s our player and we hope he’s going to stay all the season with us, so why should he not play?”

Another Premier League player on Bayern’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

The German champions are said to be intent on securing the signing of England’s record scorer, whose contract with Spurs runs out in 2024.

Kane’s camp is believed to have approved the move, but Bayern need an agreement on a transfer fee with Tottenham to seal the deal.

Bayern technical director Marco Neppe and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen remained in Europe rather than joining the team on their trip to Asia.

Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel opted for an enigmatic response when asked why, merely saying they were “doing something that is necessary for them to do in Munich to support us”.

Guardiola said of Kane that he didn’t “have words to say how good he is,” but was similarly hesitant to be drawn on the subject of his potential move to Bayern.

“He is a Tottenham Hotspur player. I understand Bayern always wants to take the best players in the world, so Harry Kane is one of them,” he said.

“I cannot say anymore. He is not our player. I can talk about Kyle, but Harry Kane is not my business so I’m sorry.”

City won the first game of their Asian tour 5-3 against J-League Champions Yokohama F-Marinos on Sunday.

After playing Bayern in Tokyo on Wednesday they will travel to Seoul to take on Atletico Madrid.

After facing City, Bayern will take on J-League side Kawasaki Frontale in Tokyo on Saturday, before travelling to Singapore for a game against Liverpool.

Raila: I Have Lived In A Dictatorship Before, I Fear For My Country

By

John Mutiso

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July 25, 2023

Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio coalition, claims that the current regime, led by President William Ruto, is gradually returning the country to the dark days of dictatorship.

Odinga stated on Tuesday during a meeting with the International Press Association of East Africa (IPAEA) that the Kenya Kwanza government has allowed the country’s security forces to run amok and commit unspeakable crimes against civilians, reminiscent of previous cruel administrations.

The opposition leader claimed that the ongoing anti-government protests against heavy taxation and the high cost of living have exposed the dark sides of the police force, which he accused of ethnic profiling, brutality, and extrajudicial killings.

“We will talk about a problem we never anticipated; the unprecedented horrors of police brutality against protesters. With constitutional guarantee for protests, we never imagined that police would outlaw protests, confront protestors and kill so many as is the case now. We never expected the State-sponsored genocide that is taking place,” he said.

“The response by the State to the protests has given way to something that now looks even more ominous than the high cost of living that the protests were initially about. We are witnessing unprecedented police brutality. We are also witnessing an unprecedented phenomenon of the State resorting to armed militia to quell protests.”

Odinga went on to say that the opposition has now launched a campaign to gather more evidence against the alleged atrocities committed by the police against its supporters, particularly in Kisumu County and Nairobi’s slum areas.

The former premier also condemned senior government officials’ attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s person, as well as the withdrawal of security attached to his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, and the recent attempted raid on his son Jomo’s home by men dressed in civilian clothing claiming to be police officers.

“These developments are alien to this country. As a country, we adopted the unwritten rule that for the sake of stability and dignity of our nation, we shall as much as possible let retired presidents live in peace,” said the Azimio leader.

“We left President Moi and President Kibaki in peace. We appreciate the good they did and learn from their mistakes. This is pretty much the case in virtually all countries unless a retired president is actively involved in undermining the state.”

He added: “The developments here are therefore very worrying. I fear for my country. I have lived in a dictatorship before. I fear a new dictatorship is taking roots here and our work is cut out for us.”

Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Benchmark at EPRA Kenya

By

Vanessa Kariuki

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July 25, 2023

Today at EPRA’s Upperhill, Nairobi, headquarters, a delegation from Malawi’s Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) was welcomed by Eng. Edward Kinyua, Director of Petroleum and Gas for the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

The delegation, which is being headed by Mrs. Alinafe Mkavea, Director Liquid Fuels and Gas, is in the nation to learn about, among other things, the regulations governing the planning, building, operation, and maintenance of petroleum depots, the licencing procedure, and the economic and technical standards for fuel depots.

Malawi noted the significant advancements Kenya has made in its energy industry as a country of interest.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malawi, is implementing the access to clean renewable energy project aimed at promoting deployment of sustainable mini-grids in rural areas coupled with productive use of energy.

Court Orders Police To Release Babu Owino’s Phone

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 25, 2023

Milimani Chief Magistrate court has directed OCS industrial area to release Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s mobile phone once done with forensic investigation.

The magistrate further directed the second accused person Calvin Gaucho to file his complaint of assault in any police station within Kilimani’s jurisdiction.

The case had come up today before Milimani senior principal magistrate Esther Kimilu for a mention on allegations of torture and release of their mobile phones.

“All other accused mobile phones to be released as soon as the forensic analysis is done,” court directed.

Gaucho had complained to the court that the investigating officer slapped him and that he was assaulted during his arrest.

The case will be mentioned on August 3.

Last week, Babu Owino, Gaucho and five others were released on a cash bail of Sh100,000 each.

They are accused of conspiring to plan and organize demonstrations.

Milimani chief magistrate Lukas Onyina noted that the charge against the accused persons is punishable upon conviction for imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.

Onyina added that one of the reasons advanced by the prosecution was that the witnesses are most likely to interfere with witnesses.

However, he said the prosecution was not clear on which of the accused persons would interfere with witnesses.

Also, released on bond were Tom Odondo, Michael Otieno, Pascal Ouma, Kevin Wambo and Willys Owino.

The seven have since denied conspiring to commit subversive activities which are prejudicial to public order.

They allegedly committed the offence on dates between July 7 and 23, 2023 with others, not before the court within Nairobi City County.

Babu was arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and detained incommunicado.

Househelp Who Allegedly Killed Kilifi County Official Arrested At Busia Border

By

John Mutiso

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July 25, 2023

The househelp suspected of killing Kilifi Chief Officer for Mining and Blue Economy, Rahab Karisa, was apprehended on Tuesday while attempting to flee the country at the Busia crossing point.

Rahab was murdered in the early hours of Thursday, 20 July, at her apartment in Mnarani, Kilifi County.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro expressed shock and sadness at the untimely death of the young and talented officer upon learning of the incident.

Rahab Amani Karisa had returned to the country the day before from a county workshop in Italy when her life was tragically cut short.

The housekeeper allegedly stabbed Rahab before fleeing the scene, according to the police. The private guard present at the time provided critical information about the incident, prompting an immediate police investigation.

Authorities immediately launched a search for the housemaid in order to determine the reasons behind the heinous act.

Governor Gideon Mung’aro urged security agencies to expedite investigations and apprehend the known suspect responsible for the murder. He promised the County Government of Kilifi’s full cooperation in planning the burial arrangements and supporting the bereaved family during this difficult time.

Malala: Azimio Planning Night Vigils To Cause Chaos At Night

By

John Mutiso

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July 25, 2023

The United Democratic Alliance Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, has accused the Azimio leaders of organizing the night vigil to commemorate the lives of the lost people in order to cause chaos at night.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, the former Kakamega Senator said that the government would be on the lookout for any chaos.

“There are many ways to mourn the people lost during the Azimio protests; you can go to church, you can visit their homesteads, but night vigils are a no,” Cleophas Malala stated.

Malala also said that they will ensure that Kenya is safe at all times regardless of the situation.

Malala said that President William Ruto has directed firm action against any groups that could be planning to assemble at night to allegedly light candles across the country.

“The president has directed that there shall be peace. You want to hide behind the night vigils to disturb peace,” Malala said.

The opposition coalition led by Raila Odinga is set to provide a detailed programme on Wednesday’s candle-lighting plan after calling off street protests on Monday evening.

“Our people shall light candles and also lay flowers in honour of our people who have been killed by the police and those in hospitals,” Raila said on Tuesday during his international media conference.

Three Dead, Several Injured After Four Lorries Collide in Narok

By

John Mutiso

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July 25, 2023

Three people were killed and several others were injured when four lorries collided near Ntulele on the Narok-Mai Mahiu road on Tuesday, July 25.

According to police, the accident occurred when a trailer attempted to overtake a truck en route from Mai Mahiu to Narok. Unfortunately, the trailer collided with another truck travelling in the opposite direction.

The impact of the collision was so severe that the third truck’s driver lost consciousness and collided with an oncoming truck. The oncoming truck’s wheels, fuel tank, and canvas were severely damaged as a result of this collision.

Meanwhile, the driver of the fourth truck swerved in an attempt to avoid the chain reaction of the accident, but ended up overturning on the side of the road. Tragically, three people were killed, and four other occupants were severely injured.

Traffic officers quickly cordoned off the area, and an ambulance crew from Emergency-plus Medical Services (EMS) arrived to provide immediate assistance.

The injured people were given immediate medical attention and transported to Narok County Referral Hospital for further treatment and care. The wreckage was towed to the yard of the Ntulele Police Station.

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