It’s no secret that First Daughter Charlene Ruto doesn’t shy away from sharing her opinions on national matters.

This time, she’s advising the country’s youth to be cautious of “simple solutions” in their quest for reforms, warning that these can have “far-reaching consequences.”

Weighing in on the nationwide protests organized by Generation Z following the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024, Charlene urged the youth to be forward-thinking and rallied them to support the government.

“I urge us all to consider the complexities of governance. Solutions that seem simple often have far-reaching consequences we might not immediately see,” she said.

In a media briefing with Presidents of the County Student Association drawn from 47 counties, Charlene however, asked the youth not to relent in their push for seeking reforms albeit constructively.

“Let us criticize when necessary but also propose solutions. I want you to know that your engagement in our nation’s affairs is not just welcome but essential. They all contribute to the vibrant democracy we are building together.”

She added: “I speak not just as the President’s daughter but as one of you, a young Kenyan passionate about our country’s future. I hear your voices, I understand your concerns. The challenges we face as a generation are real and pressing.”

The protests, which entered their third week on Tuesday, started peacefully but escalated into chaos and violence.

Protestors, disguised as thugs, were involved in looting and vandalizing properties in several cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisii, among others.

Initially a noble cause, Charlene cautioned the youth to beware of “dark forces” intent on spreading instability and chaos throughout the country.

“This is why we stand against the protests that have shown no leadership from young people but rather a push from dark forces to create chaos in a country that we love,” she said.

President Ruto has since extended an invitation for dialogue with the youth, though its occurrence remains uncertain due to a lack of official communication.

During a joint interview with digital writers on Sunday, President Ruto expressed his willingness to engage with the youth on their preferred social media platform to address their concerns.

President Ruto mentioned he was ready to engage with the youth on Thursday or Friday, depending on when the youth extended an invitation.

However, with no formal Gen Z leaders to issue such an invite, the uncertainty of the meeting looms large.

On Thursday, ‘Do not give Ruto an X platform’ was trending on X, signaling doom for the talks with the youth who continue to push for government reforms.

Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech now claims that MPs are living a fake lie and a fake life.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, Koech stated that they are living an illusion.

“They take loans to go and give out in Harambees so that they can be re-elected and continue to live this life that is not real,” he stated during the interview.

A Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2023, from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission noted that state officers were scheduled to get salary and benefit increments starting July 1.

“Monthly remuneration structure for state officers in the Executive of the government will be implemented in the financial year 2024/25 with effect from July 1, 2024,” the commission said in the notice.

Additionally, Members of Parliament and Senate will receive a pay rise from the initial Sh725,502 to 739,600.

However, in a press briefing on Wednesday evening, SRC froze the review of the salary of all state officers.

Commission chairperson Lyn Mengich said this followed consultations with the Treasury.

Mengich further attributed this to the recent budget cuts and the ongoing conversation in the country.

“In consultation with the Treasury, SRC hereby freezes the upward review of salaries for all State officers, and will review the advice for all other public officers, taking into account the current realities of the economy, and a reduced budget to ensure affordability and fiscal sustainability of the wage bill,” she said.

She also clarified that the salary increase has not been newly gazetted as reported as it was set and published in August last year.

This, she said, is part of the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review cycle for state and other public Officers.

It was to be implemented over two years, 2023-24 and 2024-25, Mengich said.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the youths (Gen Zs) from allegations they are behind the ‘Ruto must go’ slogan.

According to Duale, the slogan being propagated on social media is sponsored by a group of politicians from the opposition.

“It is the traditional group of people who have not recovered and who cannot wait for 2027 and they even feel because Baba (Raila Odinga) is going to AU, they have no chance in 2027,” he said.

He noted that the Gen Zs raised valid and vital points which the president has since addressed.

Speaking during a TV interview Wednesday night, the CS claimed that the proponents are a cabal who tried to stop Ruto from being the president and are now trying hard to detract him.

“They are the same people who were saying before the elections Ruto will not become the President and they have not recovered from that Ruto is now the President and he is changing the country,” Duale told Citizen Tv.

He, however, assured them that Ruto is firmly in control noting a regime change cannot be done on a “Twitter space”.

Aden Duale: You cannot do a regime change through Twitter space. I think the Gen Zs have been hijacked, they said they are tribe less and leaderless. Are Boniface Mwangi, Babu Owino, Sifuna, Kalonzo Musyoka, Kioni and Wamalwa Gen Z? #JKLive @KoinangeJeff pic.twitter.com/ZnI8XHiG7d

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 3, 2024

Following the withdrawal of Finance Bill, 2024 due to the widespread protests, the chants have now shifted to leadership.

What began as demonstrations against proposed tax measures have morphed into anti-Ruto slogans.

Destruction and looting have been witnessed in various parts of the country.

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that recently deployed Kenyan police will be crucial to helping control the country’s gangs and moving toward democratic elections — and he called feedback from their initial days in the capital “extremely, extremely positive.”

He said his government will focus on addressing gang violence and food insecurity, ensuring free elections through constitutional and political reform, and rebuilding public trust in the police.

On June 25, the initial contingent of 200 Kenyan police arrived in Port-au-Prince. Kenya has pledged 1,000 police to the international police force and Conille said the next contingent will be arriving “very soon.” They will later be joined by police from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica in the force that will total 2,500 personnel.

Haiti asked for an international force to combat gangs in 2022, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for months for a country to lead the force before the Kenyans came forward.

The gangs have grown in power since the July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and are now estimated to control up to 80% of the capital. The surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings has led to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups.

Conille, a former U.N. development specialist, took up his post as prime minister last month after being voted in by a transitional council.

With the help of the international police force, Conille is tasked with stabilizing the country in preparation for democratic elections in February 2026.

“More than ever Haiti must mobilize all the necessary and available resources to make this transition the last one, a transition that could set it on the path toward peace, security and sustainable development,” Conille told the council.

He said Haiti intends to “redefine our approaches” to build “strong and effective institutions” by the time the police leave Haiti.

Since its arrival, the Kenyan police contingent has held “operational meetings” with the national police and started “joint operations” for the mission, Kenya’s U.N. Ambassador Njambi Kinyungu said.

In February, gangs launched coordinated attacks on government infrastructure, including roads, prisons, and the Port-au-Prince airport, eventually leading Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign in April.

The violence has resulted in the displacement of 580,000 people, more than half of whom are children, according to the U.N. children’s agency, UNICEF. The World Food Program reports that more than 4 million Haitians face food insecurity.

Conille called the country’s history of foreign intervention a “mixed bag” that has included human rights abuses and a “lack of respect for sovereignty and local culture.”

“Haiti must escape the spiral of security missions once and for all,” the prime minister said.

Conille said the international police force will require “close coordination and constant communication between all the parties involved to ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated.”

U.N. Special Representative for Haiti María Isabel Salvador urged the international community to contribute to the fund financing the police operation.

Kenya’s Kinyungu and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez Gil of the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, also called for countries that have made pledges to the fund to deposit the money. Álvarez Gil said this should be done “as soon as possible.”

The United States pledged $309 million to the police mission, the largest contribution of any country. Kinyungu said Kenya is “working closely with the United States” to distribute supplies in Haiti, but the U.S. funding has not yet arrived.

At the council meeting, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the U.S. for failing to prevent arms smuggling to Haiti’s gangs.

“We do not see the current embargo doing anything to prevent the flow of arms from the U.S.,” Nebenzia said. “If it wished to do so, Washington could have long tackled this problem.”

Earlier, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that the United States is “concerned about the illicit flow of arms into Haiti” and is “actively working to enforce the arms embargo.”

At least 39 people have died and 361 injured since the onset of anti-finance bill protests across the country, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

In its latest data, the commission indicates that Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths at 17, followed by Uasin Gishu (4), Nakuru (3), Mombasa (3), while Kisumu had 2.

Kisii, Siaya, Kiambu, Kakamega, Nandi, Narok, Laikipia reported one death each.

Additionally, KNCHR has documented 32 cases of enforced disappearances and 627 arrests of protestors.

“Many others remain in hiding, fearing for their safety amidst threats from unidentified individuals,” said KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede.

Odede condemned excessive use of force against protestors, as well as attacks on medical personnel, lawyers, journalists, and sanctuaries such as churches and medical emergency centers.

While acknowledging the destruction of government structures such as the Parliament buildings, KNCHR urged protestors to conduct themselves within the confines of the law while exercising their rights.

The human rights body further cited wanton destruction of property linked to politicians in Molo, Eldoret, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Embu.

“Over the weekend we documented instances of open hostility, threats of violence and actual violence meted on politicians by the public. This is unacceptable, rights have obligations and we urge restraint, respect for the rule of law by all and non-violation of the rights of others,” said Odede.

The commission reiterated that the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) must adhere strictly to legal frameworks that uphold human rights, democracy, and other fundamental freedoms.

But the demands of many protesters have escalated over the past two weeks to include calls to root out corruption and for Ruto to step down, presenting the most serious crisis of his two-year-old presidency.

An interview Ruto gave on Sunday evening to Kenyan television networks, in which he mostly defended the actions of the police and his government, seemed to have only hardened the positions of protesters.

On Monday, activists were sharing pamphlets on social media that urged people to occupy the capital Nairobi’s Central Business District. Many posted under the hashtag #OccupyCBDTuesday.

The protest movement has no official leadership, and it was not clear to what extent people would respond to these calls after tens of thousands came out last week in some of the country’s largest protests in recent memory.

In audio forums on social media, activists have been discussing how to maintain momentum now that the immediate objective of killing the finance bill has been attained.

SPENDING CUTS

In his interview on Sunday, Ruto reiterated his previous calls for dialogue with young people. He said he was prepared to do this in a forum of their choosing, including the X Spaces where they often gather to discuss issues and strategise.

Many protesters reject the calls for dialogue, seeing them as an effort to co-opt the movement.

“You can’t dialogue with someone who is killing you on the other hand,” one activist said during an X Space over the weekend.

Ruto defended the conduct of the police in his interview, saying they had done the best they could under the circumstances and blaming “criminals” who he said had hijacked peaceful protests.

Asked about this on Monday, Finance Minister Njuguna Ndung’u noted that there are legal limits on borrowing and the carrying capacity of debt.

“So it means that we must have expenditure cuts. This will be known once Parliament approves Supplementary one (budget),” he told Reuters in a text message.

Kenya’s national debt of more than 70% of gross domestic product already surpasses the statutory limit of 55% of GDP.

After withdrawing the bill, Ruto asked lawmakers to pass a supplementary budget, but parliament is currently in recess.

($1 = 128.5000 Kenyan shillings)

Democratic President Joe Biden’s family has urged him to ignore calls to step aside following his disastrous debate against Republican Donald Trump.

He spent Sunday with relatives at a presidential retreat where they encouraged him to keep fighting, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News.

Anxiety has gripped sections of his party following a rambling and at times incoherent performance in Atlanta.

Polls since then suggest concerns about his age – he is 81 – have increased.

A CBS News/YouGov poll released on Sunday indicated that 72% of registered Democratic voters believe the president does not have the mental and cognitive health to serve as president. Nearly half said he should step aside.

But the message from his campaign team and his family is that he remains the party’s best hope to defeat Trump.

The family gathering at Camp David in Maryland had been previously scheduled as a photoshoot by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz. Mr Biden’s wife Jill, his children and grandchildren were among those present.

Jill Biden told Vogue magazine in a phone call from Camp David that they “will not let those 90 minutes define the four years he’s been president”.

They would continue fighting, she said, adding that her husband “will always do what’s best for the country”.

The encouragement of the family to stay the course was first reported by the New York Times and later confirmed by CBS News.

Some relatives have reportedly blamed his poor performance on over-preparation by his aides. A person close to Jill Biden told CBS she was not among those criticising his team.

Concerns about the age of both candidates – Mr Biden is only three years older than Trump who is 78 – were present before Thursday’s debate.

But Mr Biden’s weak voice and muddled answers renewed concerns about his candidacy and left some calling for him to step aside.

The New York Times editorial board said in an opinion piece that the “greatest public service [Biden] can now perform is to announce that he will not continue to run for re-election”.

Trump was also criticised for his performance – he made a number of false assertions including his long-held grievance that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter was abducted on Sunday by hooded men in dramatic scenes outside Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

In a video widely circulated on social networks in Kenya, four armed men in plain clothes can be seen forcibly removing Keter from his black Land Cruiser and bundling him into a waiting double-cabin van.

His wife and children, who were both in his company, are heard screaming helplessly as they whisked him away.

The dramatic scene, which happened in full glare of the public, came only a few days after President William Ruto reassured that abductions and extrajudicial killings were things of the past and wouldn’t happen under his administration.

Update

Police have admitted that they arrested former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter in a dramatic incident captured on the road in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

He was taken and booked at Kamukunji police cells. It is not clear if he will be produced in court. The team involved in the drama said they staged the dramatic arrest after he allegedly resisted arrest. Police said they are investigating the former MP on some issues.

Questions have now emerged over possible existence of a deep-rooted web of fraud syndicate operating in high offices of top government honchos sparking fears shadowy individuals could be involved in identifying their-would be victims, offering protection and sharing the loot stolen from unsuspecting local and foreign investors.

Reports reveal that one of the suspects arrested together with the Director of Prime Cabinet Secretary Press Service Salim Swaleh Abdallah had been involved in another multi-million fake laptop supply tender to State House, office of the then Deputy President William Ruto and the Department of Defence (DoD).

James William Makokha alias Major George Nyapindi who appears to have gained notoriety in the underworld dealings was among the suspects who conned Charles Gathii, the director Microhouse Technologies, in a fake laptop tender.

The matter is pending before courts.

The six will today spend the night at Capitol Hill Police Station police cells after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) filed an application seeking orders to temporarily detain the six.

They include Swaleh, Otieno Japolo Michael, Terry Kemunto Sese, Daniel Omondi Gogo, John Musundi Wabomba and James William Mokoha.

The court will tomorrow, Tuesday June 25, 2024 rule on whether they will be detained for 14 days to allow for investigations into fraudulent activities.

The Investigating Officer (IO) in this case informed court the six were arrested on Saturday at the Office Prime Cabinet Secretary in Nairobi after they allegedly lured foreign investors in the country with the aim of securing a tender to construct two stadia for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Games.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania the hosting rights for this tournament.

It’s alleged that upon entering the said office, Swaleh paved way for the investors allowing the other respondents to hold a meeting with the foreigners where Otieno Japolo Micheal personated himself as the chairman of the Government Delivery Unit at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and promised to assist the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national to speed up the alleged tender.

Prosecution counsel James Gachoka told court the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are investigating offences of Conspiracy to commit a felony, attempt to obtain money by false pretence, personating a person employed in the Public Service, and abuse of office.

Gachoka urged court to grant the investigating officer 14 days to allow him complete the investigations before the respondents are charged in court.

According to the investigations reports the respondents were to part with Sh5,850,000 as registration fee before securing the tender. Senior Principal magistrate Benmark Ekhubi will make a ruling on this applicable tomorrow, Tuesday June 25, 2024.

Before their arrest over the weekend, Swaleh, Makokha and four other suspects are said to have lured the unsuspecting victims from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Nexor- Emea Engineering Consultancy, into the country.

According to preliminary police investigations, the suspects then told the foreigners that they were in a position to influence the award of tender for the construction of two additional stadia to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In this latest case, according to police investigations, Makokha presented himself as the chairman of Government Delivery Unit, according to a preliminary report by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit (OSU).

“This deception also meant switching legitimate name tags with fake ones on office doors to advance the scams.” Peter Warutere, the Secretary, Strategic Communication at Musalia Mudavadi’s office Peter said.

Warutere added that the cabal of fraudsters and government officers facilitated their operations at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (OPCS-MFDA) at Kenya Railways office.

“Further investigations by relevant law enforcement agencies are ongoing to track and arrest other conspirators who may have been involved.” He said.

Warutere said the arrests followed a tipoff that alerted OPCS-MFDA security, who then mounted intense surveillance at the Railways Office to disrupt the reported nefarious acts of impersonation and misuse of the facility by the fraudsters.

According to OPCS-MFDA, the surveillance involved tracking a group masquerading as visitors.

They would individually gain entrance into the Railways Building on different dates and times by falsifying their identities, as VIP guests or Government Officers, and the officers they purported to be visiting.

“Their victims were mainly foreigners who would be shepherded into the Railways Building ostensibly to meet high ranking Government officers for favours in exchange of bribes.” He said.

He added that the surveillance was able to also track and identify their co-conspirators, among them Government officers who facilitated their dastardly activities.

“Those arrested include Salim Swaleh, Director of OPCS Press Service, in whose office the swindlers were found nested with fake door switch-nametags.” Warutere added.

Preliminary investigations further revealed that the government officers arrested had perfected “renting” office space to criminals by either vacating their offices for the fraudsters use, or deceptively misrepresenting themselves.

“Upon being smoked out in one of the OPCS-MFDA Railway offices where the confidence tricksters had settled in wait for their victims on Saturday, the group had the audacity of attempting to bribe their way out.” He said.

James William Makokha alias Major George Nyapindi alongside Eric Otieno alias Colonel Koech, Fredrick Mangala Muhanji alias Douglas Simiyu and Joy Wangari Kamau alias Patricia Mareka were charged before a Kiambu Law Court and arrest warrants issued against them in connection to a 2018 fake tender case involving the National Intelligence Service (NIS), State House, the then Deputy President’s Office and Americans.

The key complainant Charles Gathii Ng’ang’a told court the case has dragged for too long since 2018 without being heard.

Adjournments were made after Wangari feigning sickness and insanity, he said.

“I had to take an early discharge from Nairobi Hospital as I am recuperating from dislocation of the spinal cord so that I can testify. The matter is of 2018 and every time it is the accused Wangari who does not appear, hence prompting adjournment. I appeal to the court to allow the matter to proceed.” Gathii told the court.

The four accused denied obtaining Sh40 million from Gathii by falsely pretending that they were in a position to award tender to supply military surveillance system complete with equipment and logistical support.

They also denied making a false document without authority purporting it to be a genuine valid tender document for the supply of security equipment for maritime surveillance for the State Department of Defence.

They are also accused of forging a tender document signed by the alleged State House agent.

The accused denied stealing and obtaining 1,200 HP laptops all valued at Sh96 million belonging to Gathii in a false tender number STHSE/SUPLS/0451-404/2017-2018/SH which were to be supplied to State House.

In 2018 unsuspecting Kenyans lost millions of their hard earned money after they were lured into fake government tenders orchestrated through collusion of rogue government staff in the Office of Deputy President, State House and DoD.

The fake multi-million-shilling tenders reportedly came with complete documentations and targeted victims were invited for meetings inside these government offices to win their confidence.

President William Ruto has given in to the demands of Kenyan youths who’ve sustained demos in the last few days by rejecting what they’ve termed a punitive finance bill.

On Wednesday, the president, while addressing the nation from Nairobi, said he had listened, consulted widely, and found it prudent to withdraw the controversial bill.

Below is a text of the speech he delivered.

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY WILLIAM RUTO, C.G.H.; PhD; PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE KENYA DEFENSE FORCES, ON THE FINANCE BILL 2024

1. When we assumed office 20 months ago, our country was facing tremendous economic challenges. Escalating the cost of essential household commodities, high fuel prices, rapid depreciation of the shilling and spiralling public debt were threatening to ground the economy.

2. My administration has worked hard and consistently so that today, the prices of essential commodities like unga have dropped from an average of KSh240 for a 2kg packet to KSh100, majorly attributed to our fertiliser subsidy programme and the resilience of our farmers. During the period, we reduced the price of fertiliser from Kshs 7500 to Kshs 2,500. Petrol prices have come down from a high of KSh 217 to KSh 189 a litre. The shilling has strengthened against the dollar from a high of KSh 165 to KSh 129 today.

3. We have made significant progress in pulling the nation back from the brink of debt distress. Our debt situation is better managed, and our budget now has space for investment in programmes aimed at easing the hardship on vulnerable people and creating opportunities for the youth.

4. Our GDP grew by 5.6% in 2023, ranking Kenya among the 27 fastest-growing economies in the world. Our inflation figures have fallen from 8% in May 2023 to 5% in April this year.

5. Out of every Kshs 100, we have been spending 61 shillings in debt service. We have paid Kenya’s Eurobond debt of $2b (Kshs 350 b) incurred in 2014. Today, Kenya’s debt burden is much less, more sustainable and we are on course to redeem our country from the discomfort of debt and assert our sovereignty.

6. Earlier this year, the treasury had proposed a budget of kshs 4.18 trillion. I directed that it be reduced by kshs 200 billion to kshs 3.99 trillion. The Finance Bill 2024 generated to actualise this budget underwent public participation which resulted in concessions by which we agreed to drop the proposed imposition of VAT on bread, motor vehicle circulation tax, VAT on locally manufactured diapers and sanitary pads as well as Excise duty on money transfer services among other concessions.

7. The additional tax measures we had proposed in this year’s Finance Bill were for raising money to employ on a permanent basis all the 46,000 JSS interns, increase NG-CDF by Kshs 10b, increase the allocation to county governments by kshs 15 billion, allocate 14.5 billion for rural electrification, provide an additional Kshs 6 billion for UHC, paying debts owed to coffee and sugarcane farmers, and Kshs 2 billion to support the stabilization of milk prices among other interventions.

8. I salute our members of parliament for supporting the proposal to incorporate the views of the public generated through the parliamentary public participation process.

9. Notwithstanding all these concessions, it became evident that members of the public were still insisting on the need for us to make more concessions. I am grateful to all the members of the National Assembly who voted yesterday affirmatively for the Finance Bill 2024 as amended on the floor of the House to incorporate the views generated in the public participation process.

10. Following the passage of the bill, the country witnessed widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the bill as passed, regrettably resulting in the loss of life, destruction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions.

I send condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate manner. Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the finance bill of 2024, I will decline to assent to the bill.

11. Accordingly, as I committed on Sunday, I propose an engagement with young people of our nation to listen to their issues and agree with them on their priority areas of concern. I also propose that within the next 14 days, a multi-sectoral, multi- stakeholder engagement be held with a view to charting the way forward on matters relating to the content of the bill as well as auxiliary issues raised in recent days on the need for austerity measures and strengthening our fight against corruption.

12. In this regard, I direct immediate further austerity measures to reduce expenditure, starting with the Executive Office of the President and extending to the entire executive arm of government. I direct that operational expenditure in the Presidency be reduced to remove allocations for the confidential vote, reduce travel budget, hospitality and purchase of motor vehicles, renovations and other expenditures.

13. I propose that equally, Parliament, the Judiciary and County Governments working with the National Treasury also undertake budget cuts and austerity to ensure that we do what I have always advocated for, that we live within our means.

14. As we hold this important conversation, I remind us that we should proceed within the foundational principles upon which our nation is founded, namely; constitutionalism, adherence to the rule of law and respect for constitutional institutions.
Thank you.

President William Ruto has declined to sign the controversial Finance Bill 2024 into law, following countrywide outrage that has seen millions of young people stage demonstrations in Kenya.

The President has proposed several amendments to a bill that will be sent back to Parliament before they break for recess.

The House may amend the bill in light of the President’s reservations or pass it a second time without amending it. If the amendments fully accommodate the President’s reservations, the speaker must resubmit it to the President for assent.

If the House considers the President’s reservations, it may pass the bill a second time, without amendment, or with amendments that do not fully accommodate his reservations.

The US State Department has lauded the Kenyan government for fulfilling its commitment to deploy police in Haiti to help restore law and order.

The first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday to launch a long-awaited peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean country.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the arrival of the Multinational Security Support mission, which will support Haitian National Police anti-gang operations, is a vital step to restore security to Haiti.

“We commend Kenya for leading this mission and will continue to provide robust support alongside our partners,” posted Blinken on X

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations said the arrival of Kenya police is a major plus to the mission in Haiti. She disclosed the US is providing $360 million in funding to the mission and stands alongside international partners like Kenya to help deliver safety, security, and stability to all Haitians.

“Proud to see the first contingent of Kenyan-led MSS police forces arrive safely in Haiti, authorized by U.S.-led UN Security Council Resolution 2699,” she said

President William Ruto on Monday flagged off the first 400 group of police officers for the United Nations peace mission in Haiti.

The President expressed confidence that the Kenyan contingent, together with others from contributing countries, will help in returning lasting peace in the conflict-ravaged Haiti.

“This mission is one of the most urgent, important, and historic in the history of global solidarity. It is a mission to affirm the universal values of the community of nations, a mission to take a stand for humanity,” President Ruto said.

Ruto pointed out that Haiti has faced a continuous onslaught by external and internal forces, causing instability, leading to the loss of thousands of lives, extinguishing countless dreams, and depriving millions of basic social services.

“This has subjected millions to harrowing poverty, hardship, and disease,” he said.

“Currently, Haiti is torn apart by vicious gang violence, which has diminished the State’s capacity to function and provide essential services. Development cannot take place under these conditions and, if nothing is done, millions of children, women, and men will continue to suffer without the prospect of relief,” the President added

An activist has moved to court in a bid to compel the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) boss Silas Kinoti removed from office over claims of procurement irregularities.

Ezekiel Oyugi claims that the KURA chief executive officer over alleged irregularities in the procurement of three road projects at a cost of Sh13.2 billion.

High Court judge Chacha Mwita directed him to serve Kinoti with the court documents, ahead of the hearing on June 27.

The activist wants the court to declare Kinoti unfit to hold a public office and should bear the cost of the petition.

“A declaration that, as pleaded, the Respondent impugned actions and omissions contravened Articles 1, 2, 3(1), 4(2), 10, 24, 27, 28, 29(a) & (f), 30(a) & (b), 40,47(1), 73, 75, 232(e) & (f), and 259(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” he seeks in his petition.

He says Kinoti and EACC violated the obligations imposed on them by Chapter Six of the Constitution, specifically Articles 73(1) & 2(b to e), and 75(1) of the Constitution.

The alleged projects are the establishment of bus rapid transit line, which was done at a cost of Sh6.5 billion.

Oyugi is also accusing the KURA boss over the Nairobi transportation system establishment and junctions’ improvement project phase 1, which cost the taxpayers Sh6.7 billion and also the Nairobi Outering Road improvement project.

He says KURA irregularly entered into contracts with an international company for consultancy in the establishment of the bus rapid transit line on May 24th 2022 for a period of 39 months and the Nairobi Intelligent transport system establishment and junction’s improvement project phase on May 5th 2022 for a period of 34.5 months.

The Project Financing Agreement was irregular and contrary to Section 60 (1) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015.

“The delay in commencement of works for the establishment of bus rapid transit line project despite Sh174.9m being set aside for the acquisition of non-financial assets,” he says.

He delayed commencement of works caused low absorption of development partner’s loan.

“Due to public concern, Ngong Road was poorly designed, and the construction of the road stalled to date,” says Oyugi.

Under Article 3(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, the petitioner has an obligation to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution.

He adds that acting under Articles 22 and 258 in his own interest, on behalf of the Somali traders who are too scared to act directly in their own names, and in the public interest, the petitioner can move this court to defend rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights and also to defend other provisions of the Constitution.

Among other things, the basic rights guarantee the accountability of all, freedom to act within the law, equality before the law, and freedom of association, including the freedom to make political choices.

He adds that he have a reasonable and legitimate expectation by dint of articles 2(3) and 2(4) that Government and its agencies, departments, and commissions can only act legitimately if they proceed in compliance with the Constitution and don’t contravene it in any way.

Article 10 of the Constitution sets out national values and principles of governance that bind all state officers, state organs, and public officers. All persons are required to apply the national values and principles of governance, including inter alia the rule

He adds that under Chapter Four of the Constitution, various fundamental rights have been declared to belong to all persons in Kenya (Article 19, 20), including inter alia the following:

US President Joe Biden designated Kenya as a “major non-NATO ally” on Monday, making it the first sub-Saharan African nation to receive the designation.

“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2321k) (the “Act”), I hereby designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States for the purposes of the Act and the Arms Export Control Act,” said a White House memorandum.

Biden first announced the decision to elevate Kenya to such designation in May as he hosted Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House for a lavish state visit as they celebrated six decades of relations.

The move comes as Washington seeks to push back against growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

Biden then pointed to Nairobi’s assistance with the US’s national security priorities, including efforts to defeat the Daesh/ISIS terror group as well as al-Shabab in East Africa, what Biden described as “mutual support” for Ukraine and ongoing efforts to deploy a Kenyan security force in the instability-wracked Caribbean island nation of Haiti.

The other major non-NATO allies include Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand and Tunisia. Taiwan is treated as such without the formal designation.

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has said the Authority has no plans to shut down internet on Tuesday 25th June, 2024. 

In a statement, CA Director-General David Mugonyi said the Authority had received numerous inquiries regarding an internet shutdown.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Authority has no intention whatsoever to shut down internet traffic or interfere with the quality of connectivity.“ Mugonyi said.

Such actions he says would be a betrayal of the Constitution as a whole, the freedom of expression in particular and the ethos of the Authority.

“Further such actions would sabotage our fast-growing digital economy internet connectivity supports thousands of livelihoods across the country.“ He added.

At the same time he urged Kenyans to use the digital space with respect to all and within the confines of the law.

One person was fatally shot Thursday evening during anti-Finance Bill protests along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.

Police are investigating the shooting of Rex Kanyike Masai, 29, allegedly by a plainclothes officer at around 7pm. Aerial footage captured the incident as protesters, pushed from Kenyatta Avenue and City Hall Way, regrouped outside a club on Moi Avenue.

Witnesses reported the officer firing into the crowd, injuring Rex in the leg. Despite efforts to save him at Bliss Hospital Moi Avenue, he succumbed to his wounds. His distraught parents and fellow protesters gathered at the mortuary, mourning his loss.

The incident occurred amidst protests in urban areas nationwide, with demonstrators vowing further action. Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome cautioned against disrupting parliamentary proceedings, ensuring the right to protest while protecting critical infrastructure.

The ‘Occupy Parliament’ movement intensified following amendments to the Finance Bill, addressing contentious tax proposals, including removing the proposed 16% VAT on essential items. President William Ruto affirmed that protests would not hinder institutional decision-making, as the Bill advanced through Parliament, setting the stage for further debate and potential amendments next week