Kenha flags flooded Green Park Underpass photo as fake

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February 26, 2026

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has labelled as fake widely circulated images purporting to show flooding at the Greenpark Pedestrian Underpass in Nairobi.

The images, which were widely shared across social media platforms on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, appeared to show the newly constructed underpass partially submerged in rainwater.

The photos immediately sparked public concern, with many Kenyans questioning the quality of construction and drainage systems at the facility, which is located at the busy Haile Selassie-Uhuru Highway roundabout.

However, KeNHA on Thursday, February 26, clarified that the viral image showing flooding was artificially generated using Artificial Intelligence and did not reflect the actual condition of the underpass.

“It has come to the attention of the Authority that several stakeholders have been misled by the AI-Generated photograph of a flooded Green Park Pedestrian Underpass,” KeNHA stated.

KeNHA further assured the public that the underpass is fitted with a robust drainage system designed to direct any infiltrating water to a collection chamber, where it is efficiently pumped out to prevent flooding.

Additionally, the Authority noted that all entry points to the Underpass are raised in a way that no external flowing water can enter the structure to the extent of causing flooding.

“This image is AI-generated, which is designed to mislead and create unnecessary anxiety, and does not reflect the real state of the underpass,” KeNHA revealed.

While dismissing the viral fake clips, KeNHA called on the public to verify any information shared on social media platforms through the Authority’s official communication channels before circulating.

“The Authority is dedicated to providing accurate updates and ensuring the safety and functionality of all its road infrastructure,” KeNHA said. roads in the city being completely flooded, resulting in traffic snarl-ups and damage to vehicles and road infrastructure.

President Ruto Announces Salary Increase for Prison Officers Beginning July 1, 2026

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John Mutiso

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February 26, 2026

President William Ruto has announced that Kenya Prison Service wardens will receive salary increments starting July 1, 2026.

Speaking on Thursday, February 26, during a passing out parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, the President said the salary hike is in line with the David Maraga Taskforce recommendations.

Ruto said the government has already implemented Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the salary reviews of the Prison officers.

According to the Head of State, the pay increase is aimed at strengthening the welfare and uplifting the morale of the wardens.

“Phase III of the salary review will take effect on 1st July 2026. This is clear evidence of the government’s sustained resolve to improve the welfare and motivation of our correctional officers,” said the President.

During the pass-out parade, President Ruto directed the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to build 28,000 institutional housing units for the Kenya Prisons Service.

He noted that the units will support the probation and aftercare service, ensuring officers live in dignified and secure homes.

“Phase one of the programme, representing about 30% of the total housing initiative, is firmly on course, targeting selected correctional facilities. More housing units will be built,” Ruto added.

According to Ruto, the salary increment reflects the government’s resolve to safeguard the welfare of correctional officers and boost their morale in recognition of the critical role they play in the justice system.

He further noted that the move is expected to boost morale within the prison service, as officers have in the past raised concerns over remuneration and working conditions.

“This is clear evidence of the government’s sustained resolve to ensure that the welfare and motivation of our correctional services are upheld,” the President affirmed.

EACC arrests four Gatundu North NG-CDF committee members in Ksh300,000 extortion scandal

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John Mutiso

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February 26, 2026

Four members of the Gatundu North NG-CDF Committee have been arrested over allegations of extorting Ksh300,000 from a contractor in exchange for approving a pending payment of Ksh9.1 million.

In a statement on Thursday, February 26, the arrests were carried out on Wednesday, February 25, by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) following an undercover operation.

“Those arrested are Annah Mugure Njoroge, Susan Wanjiru Muchiri, Stephen Waititu Mungai and James Kibe Ngige. The Commission received a report that the officials had demanded the bribe to authorize payment for completed works at Karure Primary School,” the statement read.

EACC further detailed the projects undertaken by the complainant and the timeline leading up to the alleged demand for a bribe.

“According to preliminary investigations, the contractor had undertaken three projects: construction of a modern kitchen at Karure Primary School, levelling and landscaping works, and uplifting and general renovation of an administration block and six classrooms. The works were completed on 31 January 2026, after which the contractor formally requested payment,” the statement added.

EACC stated that the payment was allegedly withheld despite completion of the works, setting the stage for the extortion claims.

“However, the four committee members allegedly blocked the payment, citing unnamed unresolved issues. On 23 February 2026, the complainant met three of the suspects, who reportedly demanded Kes300,000 in order not to raise objections to the payment,” the statement continued.

The agency explained that the suspects were arrested during a sting operation where they received Ksh250,000 from the contractor.

“EACC mounted an operation on 25 February 2026, which led to the arrest of the suspects at Karure Primary School as they received Ksh250,000 from the contractor. They were escorted to the Integrity Centre for processing and later booked at Kilimani Police Station,” the statement concluded.

The suspects were subsequently released on cash bail of Ksh40,000 each pending completion of investigations.

Super Metro Responds to Death of Passenger Thrown Out of a Moving Matatu

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John Mutiso

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February 26, 2026

The Super Metro Bus Company has expressed remorse over the death of passenger Joseph Mureithi, who died after allegedly being pushed out of a moving bus operated by the business.

In a statement dated Thursday, February 26, Super Metro offered condolences to the family of the victim.

It also issued an apology to the passengers of the 33-seater matatu over anxiety caused by the bodaboda operators who trailed the bus and forced it to a stop after the incident.

“Our vehicle KDK 060H enroute from Kitengela to Nairobi CBD with 32 passengers on board was stopped by an irate mob of boda boda riders claiming that the conductor had pushed a passenger from the bus. This came as a surprise to all on board.

“As a company, we are deeply saddened by the reported loss of life, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those who are affected. Safety of our passengers, employees, and communities is our major concern,” the statement read in part.

A file image of a Super Metro Bus dropping a passenger along a highway.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring passenger safety and reassured that it would comply with investigations.

The Sacco confirmed that both the driver and the conductor alleged to have pushed the deceased out of the moving bus, were in police custody.

“We are cooperating fully with the law enforcement and National Transport and Safety Authority as they conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident. Currently, the matter remains under investigation,” the bus company reassured.

Super Metro disclosed that it would also conduct an independent internal review to determine whether any company policies or procedures were implicated to improve safety measures that may be necessary.

Witnesses disclosed that Mureithi, a petrol station attendant, was pushed out of the matatu shortly after boarding it.

They claimed that the deceased sustained serious head injuries on impact and was run over by the Super Metro bus.

The victim was pronounced dead on site by medical doctors. Witnesses claimed that the victim was pushed out of the moving vehicle because he had less bus fare.

Residents have called on the NTSA and the police to take action on the Sacco, as this is not the first-time conductors of the bus company have thrown passengers out of their matatus.

Judge Rejects Bias Claims, Allows Sarah Wairimu Murder Trial to Proceed

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Editor

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February 26, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The High Court has dismissed an application by murder suspect Sarah Wairimu seeking to have the trial judge recuse herself from presiding over the case involving the death of Dutch businessman Tob Cohen.

In a ruling delivered on February 26, 2026, Justice Diana Kavedza found that there was no evidence to support allegations of bias raised by the accused, allowing the trial to continue before her.

“Having carefully considered the application, I am not persuaded that there exists bias in this matter,” the judge ruled.

Wairimu had moved to court arguing that the judge ought to step aside, claiming that her right to a fair trial had been compromised. She alleged that the conduct of the proceedings, including actions by the prosecution, had undermined the impartiality of the court.

However, Justice Kavedza held that the burden of proving bias lies with the party making the allegation, noting that mere claims without supporting evidence are insufficient to warrant recusal.

The court further stated that it lacked jurisdiction to nullify ongoing proceedings in the absence of proper legal grounds.

With the application dismissed, the murder trial will proceed before the same judge at the High Court.

Wairimu is accused of murdering her husband, Tob Cohen, whose body was discovered in a septic tank at their Kitisuru home in September 2019 after he had been reported missing for several weeks.

She was initially arrested and charged following the discovery, but the case later took several legal turns, including a constitutional challenge that saw proceedings halted.

In January 2025, detectives re-arrested Wairimu after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reviewed the case and determined that there was sufficient evidence to reinstate the murder charge.

The renewed prosecution has since been ongoing at the High Court.

In her latest application, Wairimu had sought to have the trial declared a mistrial, arguing that there had been serious prosecutorial and judicial improprieties that infringed on her right to a fair hearing.

She also sought orders to have all prior rulings vacated and the case restarted before a different judge.

Part of her complaint centered on the prosecution’s alleged uploading of a committal bundle onto the court’s digital platform, which she argued is not recognised in law and exposed the court to evidentiary material it should not have accessed at that stage.

Court Reaffirms Order for Release of Goodlight Industries’ Cargo in Shipping Dispute

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Editor

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February 26, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

A Nairobi court has once again directed Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. to release a consignment of goods belonging to Goodlight Industries Limited, in an ongoing commercial dispute that has also raised issues of compliance with court orders.

The directive was issued in Civil Case No. E 043 of 2026 before the Milimani Commercial Court, where the court reiterated its earlier position that the cargo must be released without delay.

In its order, the court stated that “the 1st Defendant/Respondent is ordered to immediately and forthwith release the consignment goods sent by the 2nd Defendant/Respondent to the Plaintiff/Applicant vide the copy of the lost original Bill of Lading Number MEDUOV710746 as directed by this Court in its Consent Order dated 9th February, 2026.”

The case involves Goodlight Industries Limited as the Plaintiff/Applicant, Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. as the 1st Defendant/Respondent, and Shenzhen Jin Tongcan Trade Ltd. as the 2nd Defendant/Respondent.

According to documents filed in court, the consignment was shipped to Goodlight Industries under Bill of Lading Number MEDUOV710746. However, the original bill of lading was reported lost at Kariobangi South Police Post under OB Number 19/29/12/2025.

Following the reported loss, the court issued a consent order on February 9, 2026, allowing the goods to be released using a copy of the lost bill of lading pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

Despite the issuance and service of that order, the plaintiff, through its advocate Kevin Turunga Ithagi, has maintained that the shipping company has failed to comply, leading to further legal action before the court.

Goodlight Industries argues that the continued detention of the goods has caused it significant financial prejudice, including the accumulation of demurrage charges, storage fees and disruption to its commercial operations.

The latest court directive reinforces the earlier consent order and underscores the requirement for immediate compliance, as the matter proceeds for further determination on the issues in dispute.

ICJ Kenya Condemns Expulsion of Zimbabwean Human Rights Lawyer Brian Kagoro

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Editor

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February 26, 2026

On February 26, 2026, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya officially denounced the expulsion of renowned Zimbabwean human rights lawyer and Pan-Africanist Brian Kagoro.

Kagoro, who serves as the Africa Director of the Open Society Foundation (OSF), was denied entry into Kenya at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on February 22, 2026.

He was detained for several hours and subsequently expelled from the country.Kenyan security agencies accused Kagoro of involvement in a foreign-supported network allegedly seeking to stir anti-government protests and “destabilize” the country.

The organization condemned the detention as an “unlawful denial of entry” and a violation of constitutional obligations regarding civic space. They noted that Kagoro was not provided with an official explanation or written notification for his denial of entry.

ICJ Kenya has called on the Kenyan government to provide a transparent and legally sound explanation for the move and urged the state to cease the harassment of human rights defenders.

By Anthony Solly

How Reforms at Weighbridges Increased Compliance to Stipulated Axle Load Limits at Dongo Kundu

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John Mutiso

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February 26, 2026

Deployment of technology such as weigh speed motion at Mariakani Weighbridge in Kilifi County has enhanced compliance to stipulated Axle Load limits along the Northern Corridor by more than 98 percent.

According to Ebenezer Commercial Works, the company retained to operate the Mariakani cluster, the introduction of cutting-edge technology by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has reduced the time taken to move goods from the port of Mombasa to landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mariakani Assistant manager Victor Kithome said there has been a marked improvement and compliance to the East African Axle Load Act and the Traffic Act due to the introduction of Weigh in motion and the improvement of facilities by KeNHA at the Mariakani, Dongo Kundu and Mtwapa weighbridges.

Kithome said the number of lorries reporting overloading have decreased significantly in the last 60 days while efficiency has increased during the same period.

He attributed the move to cooperation between the weighbridge management company and the truck owners and crew as a result of sensitization by KeNHA.

At the same time, Kithome warned truck drivers against deployment of lift axle while the truck is loaded saying the move was destroying road service and is against the law.

He said despite sensitization on the dangers of lift axle, drivers continue to flout the rule warning of dire consequences to those engaging in the vice.

He said KeNHA has sensitized truck crew on the need for compliance adding that patience was running out.

President Ruto Good Tidings for Inmates, Major Welfare Boost For Officers, Their Family

By

John Mutiso

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February 26, 2026

President William Ruto has directed that all prisoners be registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking on Thursday, February 26, during a passing out parade at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Ruto said prisoners must receive medical care on par with other Kenyans.

“It is my instruction that every prisoner must be enlisted in SHA so that whenever they get sick, they must receive as good medical attention as all of us,” said Ruto.

The Head of State noted that currently, 56 percent of the prisoners have been registered under SHA.

“While this is commendable, it is not enough. I therefore expect the State Department for Correctional Services to take all the necessary measures to achieve 100 percent compliance within the shortest time possible,” Ruto added.

At the same time, the President directed the State Department of Housing to build 28,000 housing units for the Kenya Prison Service.

“A dedicated portion will support the probation and after-care system, ensuring our officers live in dignified and secure homes befitting their dedicated service to our nation,” he stated.

Ruto’s directives come weeks after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said over 29 million have so far been registered under SHA.

In an update on January 29, CS Duale mentioned that the authority has collected Ksh130 billion since it was launched, with Ksh90 billion disbursed to hospitals.

“Over 29 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority. To date, more than Ksh130 billion has been collected, with close to Ksh90 billion already paid out, demonstrating a settlement rate of about 70%,” said Duale.

SHA began operations in October 2024, replacing the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Under SHA, there are three main categories: the Primary Health Care Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.

Pharmacists Condemn Viral Video of Gachagua Buying Medicines, Cites Breach of Privacy

By

John Mutiso

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February 26, 2026

Pharmacists have raised concerns following the circulation of a viral video showing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua purchasing medicine at a pharmacy.

In a statement on Thursday, February 26, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) said capturing footage of patients in such settings without their approval undermines healthcare ethics and confidentiality.

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that recording any client within a pharmacy setting without consent constitutes a serious breach of privacy and healthcare confidentiality,” the statement read.

PSK noted that pharmacies are not ordinary retail spaces but healthcare environments where clients are entitled to respect and protection of their personal information.

“Pharmacies are healthcare environments, and every individual seeking medicines or professional advice is entitled to dignity, discretion, and protection of their personal health information,” the statement added.

The body also defended the professionalism and training of pharmacists, explaining the standards they are expected to uphold in their practice.

“Pharmacists undergo advanced university training in pharmacology, therapeutics, clinical decision-making, and patient safety. Upon qualification, pharmacists take a professional oath committing to place patient welfare first, uphold confidentiality, promote the safe and rational use of medicines, and practice with integrity and accountability at all times,” the statement noted.

PSK noted that it is still establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether licensed professionals were involved at the outlet captured in the video.

“At this stage, it is not yet clear which licensed professionals were present at the outlet in question. PSK is undertaking due diligence to verify the identity and licensing status of the outlet and the professionals involved so that appropriate regulatory steps may be taken if necessary,” the statement continued.

The society reaffirmed to the public that regardless of their public standing, they are entitled to confidential healthcare services.

“Regardless of public profile or status, every Kenyan has the right to confidential healthcare. We therefore extend our regret over the apparent breach of privacy that has occurred,” the statement concluded.

The pharmacists’ response comes after viral footage was captured during Gachagua’s recent political tour in the Gusii region.

The video appears to have been recorded secretly by a pharmaceutical attendant or pharmacist behind the counter.

In the video, Gachagua is seen being served at the counter, possibly purchasing painkillers or medication related to blood pressure.

The clip has sparked mixed reactions, with the majority of citizens condemning the act of recording him and sharing the footage on social media.

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