AG Moves to Dismiss Petition Against 2026 National Prayer Breakfast Venue

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February 25, 2026

The Office of the Attorney General has urged the High Court to dismiss a constitutional petition challenging the hosting of the 2026 National Prayer Breakfast at a five-star hotel, arguing that the case raises no constitutional violation and improperly seeks to interfere with parliamentary processes.

The petition, filed by lawyer Lempaa Suyianka, names the Parliamentary Service Commission, the National Assembly, the Senate, the Attorney General, and the Commission on Administrative Justice as respondents.

Suyianka seeks orders to stop Parliament and related offices from organising the event using public funds and requests the court to certify the matter as urgent, including a restraining order pending the hearing.

In its grounds of opposition, the Attorney General contends that the petitioner’s reliance on Article 35 of the Constitution on access to information is misplaced, noting that the right is not absolute and must follow statutory procedures, including the Access to Information Act and parliamentary protocols.

On claims of discrimination under Article 27, the State argues that the allegations are vague, unsubstantiated, and unsupported by evidence.

The Attorney General asserts that holding the event at a five-star venue does not, by itself, constitute discrimination.

The petition also allegedly invites judicial interference with parliamentary processes, contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers.

Regarding public expenditure, the Attorney General states that the petition fails to demonstrate any illegality, misappropriation, or unconstitutional spending, arguing that questioning the venue or cost does not amount to a justiciable constitutional issue.

“The holding of a national prayer breakfast or similar national event does not, per se, amount to a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers,” the Attorney General emphasizes.

The Office of the Attorney General is now urging the High Court to dismiss the petition with costs.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah Drags NTSA to Senate Over Soaring Road Deaths

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John Mutiso

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February 25, 2026

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has formally moved the Senate to investigate the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) over what he terms persistent failures in enforcing road safety laws amid rising fatalities.

In a statement request tabled on February 16, 2026, Omtatah asked the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing to probe the authority’s implementation of statutory road safety obligations under the National Transport and Safety Authority Act, 2012.

The senator cited an alarming increase in road traffic deaths and serious injuries over the past three years, despite the existence of legal and policy frameworks designed to reduce accidents.

“Road deaths and serious injuries continue to rise. Thousands of lives are lost each year. This reflects weak enforcement, poor coordination, and failure to implement structured safety systems,” Omtatah said in a post on X dated February 23.

According to NTSA data, 4,458 fatalities were recorded as of December 2, 2025 — surpassing the 4,311 deaths reported in 2024. The Kenya Traffic Police further reported that 398 people died in road accidents in January 2026 alone.

At the centre of Omtatah’s motion is the alleged failure by NTSA to operationalise a comprehensive Road Traffic Safety Management System. He argues that the authority has not instituted structured accident investigations, robust journey and fatigue management mechanisms, or real-time monitoring of vehicles and drivers.

The senator also questioned whether NTSA has adopted internationally recognised standards such as ISO 39001:2021, a global framework for road traffic safety management systems.

“I have asked the relevant Committee to explain what NTSA has done to enforce mandatory road safety management systems and why fatalities keep increasing despite existing laws,” he said.

Omtatah further claimed that professional proposals aimed at strengthening enforcement and safety oversight have been ignored, weakening institutional response to a crisis that continues to claim lives.

Road safety in Kenya is anchored in statutory law and linked to constitutional guarantees on the right to life and security of the person. Article 26 of the Constitution protects the right to life, while Article 43 recognises the right to the highest attainable standard of health — provisions that governance experts argue extend to state obligations in preventing avoidable road carnage.

The motion also seeks clarity on ongoing or planned policy, administrative, and enforcement reforms to curb the trend. It calls for scrutiny of inter-agency coordination between NTSA, the National Police Service, and county governments, which are critical actors in road management and enforcement.

The Senate committee is expected to summon NTSA officials to provide a detailed account of compliance measures, enforcement strategies, and future reforms.

Omtatah has pledged to keep the public informed on the progress of the motion, framing road safety as “a statutory obligation and ultimately a matter of life and death.”

Babu Owino Decries Harassment After Bodyguard, Wife Allegedly Arrested by DCI

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John Mutiso

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February 25, 2026

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of unlawfully arresting and assaulting his personal bodyguard, identified as Oliver, and the officer’s wife under what he termed unclear circumstances.

In a Facebook post on February 24, the outspoken legislator said he was alarmed to learn that the two had allegedly been assaulted by the same officers who took them into custody. He claimed that neither he nor Oliver’s family had been informed of the charges facing the couple.

“I have received deeply troubling news that my security officer, Oliver, and his wife were arrested today and reportedly assaulted by rogue officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” Babu said.

He demanded immediate clarification from the authorities and called for strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, including due process and transparency.

“No Kenyan should be subjected to intimidation, unlawful arrest, or violence by those entrusted to uphold the law,” he added.

The lawmaker linked the arrests to what he described as a pattern of targeting individuals close to him. Days earlier, his brother-in-law Geoffrey Adjiki — who also serves on his security team — was reportedly picked up by six DCI officers on February 17.

According to Babu, Adjiki called him shortly after being apprehended, stating he was being taken to Nairobi area police headquarters. However, he allegedly never arrived at the station, and his whereabouts remained unknown for several days.

Babu said he personally went to the police headquarters in search of Adjiki but was unable to trace him. Adjiki later resurfaced in Machakos in the early hours of Friday, having reportedly been dropped off at around 4 a.m.

In a separate incident on February 21, Babu alleged that additional members of his security team were arrested and detained at Kisumu Central Police Station following the Linda Mwananchi rally held in Kakamega County.

He claimed the officers were not apprehended by local Kisumu police but by DCI officers flown in from Nairobi. The MP linked the arrests to political tensions surrounding the rally and alleged that the actions were meant to intimidate his team.

Babu further alleged that the detentions were connected to disagreements over alleged coordination efforts involving Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

As of press time, the DCI had not issued a public statement addressing the allegations. The incidents raise fresh concerns over law enforcement conduct, constitutional protections against arbitrary arrest under Article 49, and the broader climate of political contestation.

Human rights observers have previously emphasised that any arrest must be lawful, transparent, and supported by clear charges, with suspects presented in court within the constitutional timelines.

ODM Challenges Senator Sifuna Complaint, Says Tribunal Lacks Jurisdiction

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John Mutiso

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February 25, 2026

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has asked the political parties dispute tribunal to dismiss a complaint filed by Edwin Watenya Sifuna arguing that the matter is premature and that the Tribunal lacks jurisdiction to hear it.

In the complaint, Sifuna sued ODM and the Registrar of Political Parties as the 1st and 2nd Respondents respectively, seeking the Tribunal’s intervention in what is understood to be a dispute touching on internal party governance and decisions of the party’s National Executive Committee.

However, in a Notice of Preliminary Objection ODM, through Makori & Karimi Advocates, contends that the Tribunal is expressly barred from entertaining the dispute under Section 40(2) of the Political Parties Act.

According to ODM, the law is clear that disputes falling under Section 40(1)(a)-(e) of the Act cannot be heard by the Tribunal unless they have first been subjected to and determined through the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (IDRM).

The party argues that the issues raised by Sifuna concern internal governance and are therefore subject to mandatory prior exhaustion of its internal structures.

ODM maintains that Sifuna has neither pleaded nor demonstrated that he invoked or exhausted the party’s internal mechanisms. Further, the party argues that the Complainant has not shown any exceptional circumstances that would warrant bypassing those mechanisms.

“The complaint has nether pleaded no or demonstrated that he invoked , persuaded or exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms,”reads court papers

ODM also cites the Court of Appeal ruling in Geoffrey Muthinja & Another v Samuel Muguna Henry & 1756 Others, which underscored the doctrine of exhaustion, holding that where a dispute resolution mechanism exists, it must be exhausted before recourse is made to the courts.

The party argues that allowing the complaint to proceed without exhaustion of internal remedies would effectively short-circuit the party’s established dispute resolution processes and undermine the intent of the Political Parties Act.

In its objection, ODM terms the complaint premature, incompetent, and fatally defective for want of jurisdiction and urges the Tribunal to dismiss it with costs.

Chief Justice Koome Transfers High Court Judge Justice Bahati Mwamuye in Judiciary Reshuffle

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Editor

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February 25, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Chief Justice Martha Koome has effected changes within the Judiciary, transferring High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye from the Milimani High Court, Constitutional and Human Rights Division in Nairobi to the Kiambu High Court.

The move is part of an annual judicial reorganization exercise aimed at enhancing efficiency, balancing workload across courts and strengthening service delivery within the Judiciary.

Justice Mwamuye, who has been serving at the Milimani-based Constitutional and Human Rights Division, has presided over several notable constitutional and public interest matters.

His transfer now sees him redeployed to Kiambu, where he will continue his judicial duties.

The reshuffle has also affected the Constitutional and Human Rights Division in Nairobi, which had previously been under the leadership of Justice Chacha Mwita.

The division is expected to receive new judges as part of the reorganization.

The annual transfer of judges is a routine administrative process undertaken by the Chief Justice to ensure optimal utilization of judicial officers across different stations and divisions.

It also seeks to promote impartiality, professional development and the effective dispensation of justice.

Further details on the new judicial postings and replacements in the Constitutional Division are expected as the Judiciary continues implementing the changes.

Kenya High Commission Rescues Stranded Woman in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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John Mutiso

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February 25, 2026

The Kenyan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has rescued a Kenyan woman who was stranded at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 25, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu confirmed that the lady identified as Olivia was rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The Diaspora Affairs PS also said the family of Olivia has been informed of her rescue.

“I confirm that our Kenya High Commission in Kuala Lumpur quickly intervened and rescued Olivia.

“She is receiving medical treatment, and the family is informed. Great job, team,” said PS Njogu.

File image of a Kenyan woman stranded in Malaysia.

Further, PS Njogu urged Kenyans to always register with the nearest Kenyan mission when traveling abroad.

“Whenever you travel abroad, please register with the Kenya Mission Abroad nearest to you via https://diaspora.go.ke/missions.php,” she added.

This comes after Olivia was discovered stranded at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and appeared to be confused and distressed.

The lady reportedly was unable to identify herself clearly, but was speaking fluent Kiswahili and English.

Following the incident, Kenyans online urged the government to rescue the woman and facilitate her return to the country.

This comes weeks after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced that the government has rescued 27 Kenyans who were stranded in Russia after being illegally enlisted to fight in the war.

“The government secured the safe return of Kenyans through swift diplomatic and consular interventions coordinated by Kenya’s mission in Moscow,” Mudavadi said in a statement.

The Prime CS also mentioned that he is scheduled to travel to Moscow to meet a Russian delegation to address the matter and prevent further exposure of Kenyans to danger.

Mudavadi intimated that he will have a direct engagement with the Russian government to address the issue.

“We have seen loss of lives, and I am planning to make a visit to Moscow, so that we can emphasise that this is something that needs to be arrested,” he stated.

State Department Warns Kenyans Over Fake Malaysia Job Advert Promising Ksh 85,000 Salaries

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John Mutiso

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February 25, 2026

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has cautioned Kenyans against falling victim to fraudulent overseas job advertisements promising attractive salaries of up to Ksh80,000 per month.

In an update on Wednesday, February 25, the department flagged as fake a viral poster circulating on social media that claims to offer multiple employment opportunities in Malaysia across various sectors.

The poster lists positions such as factory workers, plant operators, caregivers, hospitality staff, warehouse workers, drivers, and cleaners, all allegedly offering salaries ranging between Ksh65,000 and Ksh90,000.

Authorities noted that the individuals behind the advertisement are not licensed recruitment agents and have not been approved to facilitate overseas employment.

Earlier in the month, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has issued a warning to Kenyans seeking jobs abroad, cautioning them against two agencies claiming to be recruiting job seekers for overseas placements.

In a statement on Monday, February 9, State Department for Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said the agencies are not licensed.

“It has come to our attention that these outfits, Triple K and Kenka Company, who are not licensed are trying to recruit people for diaspora jobs,” she said.

File image of Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu

Njogu warned that engaging with such agencies could expose job seekers to serious risks, including falling victim to human trafficking schemes.

“Do not fall for this scam. You could be a victim of human trafficking. These fliers are circulating on various WhatsApp groups. Always confirm that you’re working with a licensed agent through National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAMIS),” she added.

Prior to that, the Ministry of Labour uncovered a fraudulent overseas recruitment scheme involving forged documents and an unlicensed recruitment network targeting Kenyans seeking jobs in Oman.

In a statement on Friday, January 30, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the scheme involved the recruitment of three women, Jeneffer, Matilda, and Caroline, who were scheduled to travel to Oman under what has now been confirmed as a fake process.

According to the report, the recruitment was conducted outside Kenya’s legal labour migration framework and relied on falsified government clearances.

The three job seekers were processed through an informal network rather than a licensed recruitment agency.

The primary local contact, Elijah’s Ticketing Tours, admitted to not holding a recruitment license, claiming instead that he only handled ticketing and reservations for what he described as ‘direct hires.’

The report further names a Mohamed, allegedly based in Oman, as the foreign recruiter, while the local contact claimed that labour clearance and contract attestation were being handled by a supposed Ministry of Labour official identified as ‘Raphael.’

However, investigations by the Ministry exposed multiple red flags.

“Verification with the Ministry’s Attestation Department confirmed that no officer by the name of Mr. Raphael exists within that unit. The stamps used on the recruitment documents are fake and did not originate from the Ministry of Labour,” the report read.

US Representative Al Green says he confronted Trump over Obama video

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Editor

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February 25, 2026

Democratic U.S. Representative Al Green said he confronted President Donald Trump at his State of the Union speech over a “deplorable” video on the Republican’s social media account earlier this month depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama as apes.

As Trump entered the House chamber, Green, of Texas, unfurled a white sign that read: “Black people aren’t apes.” The White House eventually took down the video and Trump said a staffer had posted it.

“I wanted him to know that portraying President Obama and First Lady Obama as members of the primate family is not only unacceptable, it is something that is deplorable and something we will not tolerate,” Green said in an interview with Reuters in the Capitol after being ejected from Trump’s speech.

Green, who first came to the House in 2005, said he positioned himself inside the House chamber at a seat on the aisle that Trump would have to walk up on his way to the podium.

It was the second year in a row Green was ejected from Trump’s speech to Congress, after having yelled at him during last year’s address.

“Judging from the look on his face that he turned away quickly, he was at a moment of vulnerability because he’s not confronted by people who are willing to speak truth to him,” Green said.

Asked whether he could face additional punishment from the Republican-controlled House, Green responded that he did not know but “The consequences are subservient to what happened.”

By Anthony Solly

Trump lays out case for possible attack on Iran in State of the Union

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Editor

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February 25, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump briefly laid out his case for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday, saying he would not allow the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon.

Even while assembling a massive military force in the Middle East, Trump has done little to explain to the American public why he might be leading the U.S. into its most aggressive action against the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution.

In his speech, Trump pointed to Tehran’s support for militant groups, its killing of protesters and the country’s missile and nuclear programs as threats to the region and the United States.

“The (Iranian) regime and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism and death and hate,” the Republican president said about 90 minutes into his annual address to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.

He accused Iran of restarting its nuclear program, working to build missiles that “soon” would be capable of reaching the United States and of being responsible for roadside bombings that have killed U.S. service members and civilians.

Iranian state media have claimed that Tehran is developing a missile capable of reaching North America.

The run-up to Trump’s address was overshadowed by the buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East and preparations for a possible conflict with Iran that could last for weeks if Tehran does not reach a deal to solve a longstanding dispute over its nuclear program.

Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with negotiators’ failure to reach an agreement. “They want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those secret words, ‘We will never have a nuclear weapon,'” Trump said in his speech.

By Anthony Solly

Court Adjourns Rex Maasai Death Case as Prosecution Heads for 2 Week Training

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Editor

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February 25, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The hearing of the case of the death of Rex Maasai during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests has been postponed after the prosecution sought more time to prepare.

Appearing before Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, the prosecution applied for an adjournment, stating that members of the prosecution team would be engaged in a two-week training programme and would therefore be unavailable to proceed with the matter.

“We seek an adjournment to ensure a proper way forward in the conduct of this case. We pray for the court’s indulgence,” the prosecution told the court.

Counsel representing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Shadrack Mwangi, did not oppose the request.

Other defence counsel, including Mwangi Chege, also indicated that they had no objection to the adjournment.

Following the consensus among all parties, the court allowed the application and directed that the matter be scheduled for hearing on the earliest available dates.

The parties subsequently agreed on March 25, 26 and 30, 2026 as the new hearing dates.

The case arises from the death of Rex Maasai, who died during the 2024 nationwide protests against the Finance Bill, an incident that sparked public outrage and raised concerns over police conduct during the demonstrations.

The matter is expected to proceed once the prosecution team resumes, as the court continues to hear evidence surrounding the circumstances leading to Maasai’s death.

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