Kenya Insights

Author: Agencies

  • Meru Lawyer Charged In Sh4M Fraud

    Meru Lawyer Charged In Sh4M Fraud

    A Meru based lawyer and a mechanic have been charged with three counts of alleged forgery and conspiracy to defraud a businessman of land valued at Sh4million.

    Jackson Mukaria Muriungi, a lawyer based in Meru, is alleged to have forged a letter of consent for change of ownership of the said plot to read Hudson Mutugi Francis.

    Muriungi used to be an employee of the Meru County government at the time.

    On Thursday the two pleaded not guilty before Meru Chief Magistrate Dominica Nyambu.

    The two were charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 317 of the penal code, forgery contrary to section 349 (d) of the penal code and making a document without authority contrary to section 357(a) of the penal code.

    He then allegedly made the said fraudulent letter, purporting it to be a genuine document issued by the Ministry of Lands and physical planning, housing, urban development and public works, Meru.

    The former civil servant then allegedly pretended Mutugi had been allocated the parcel of land from the said ministry, and attempted to defraud the businessman of the plot.

    This is said to have happened on diverse dates between March 5 1997 and August 4, 2015.

    Muriungi was represented by lawyer Thuranira Atheru.

    He was released Sh500,000 cash bail or suerity of Sh1 million.

    Chief Magistrate Nyambu said the case will be brought for hearing on July 18, 2024.

    The State has lined up four witnesses to testify against the accused.

  • Six Fraudsters Charged In Sh1B Land Scam

    Six Fraudsters Charged In Sh1B Land Scam

    Six people have been charged with defrauding a land buying company in Mavoko, Machakos county of a land valued at Sh11 billion.

    The six, are alleged to have procured registration for an expansive parcel of land in Mavoko in a bid to defraud Drumvale Farmers Cooperative Society.

    The accused persons are Jeremiah Mutisyah Paul, Mohamed Kurowyo Mohamed, Mohamed Salat Ibrahim, Omar Khalif Adan, Adow Ahmed Mohamed and Joseph Njue.

    The charges stated that they conspired to defraud Drumvale Farmers Society of their parcels of land Mavoko block 12 original number 8529/1 measuring approximately 452.0 hacters.

    The court was informed that the six committed the offense at an unknown place and time, jointly with others not before court.

    Mohamed, Ibrahim, Adan and Adow are also accused of obtaining registration of the said land by false pretenses.

    The court heard that they willfully procured for themselves a Certificate of lease for parcel of land No.IR 237120 LR 8529/10 original Number 8529/11 measuring approximately 141.5ha valued at Sh 3.4 billion, Mavoko, Machakos County, the property of Drumvale Farmers.

    The accused persons also denied charges of forcible detainer of the said land on diverse dates between 5th August 2018 and 23rd June 2022.

    The court heard that the accused persons were found in possession of the said land illegally in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace to those entitled by law to possess it.

    Paul is further facing a charge of making a fake certificate of lease for land IR No. 204303 IR 8529/7 purporting it to be a genuine and valid document issued by the registrar of titles.

    He is alleged to have committed the offense on or before 11th November 2019 within the Republic of Kenva jointly with others not before court with intent to defraud Drumvale Sacco members.

    He denied the charges before Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi and were granted a cash bail of Sh 8 million.

  • Harassment Cases Of Borrowers By Digital Lenders Decline By 75%

    Harassment Cases Of Borrowers By Digital Lenders Decline By 75%

    The Office of Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and the Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya (DFSAK) have joined forces in curbing cases of harassment and debt shaming by digital lenders.

    Speaking in Nairobi during the DFSAK digital credit breakfast, Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait said that there has been a drastic decline in the complaints against financial service providers, since the introduction of a regulatory framework by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) two years ago.

    She said that due to the growing adoption and use of technology based innovation, financial services have undergone radical digital transformation over recent years.

    “New technology innovation created new business model application processes and products are largely responsible for these transformations,” she said.

    Kassait highlighted that the emerging issues in adoption of new technology in the financial sector included increased collection of personal data to get access to services and increased automated process using AI and machine learning among others.

    “The office has established a record of all processing operations undertaken by the digital credit providers and the lawful basis for each,” she noted.

    The Commissioner also said that her office would continue having more training on matters concerning data protection, adding that they were planning on going to mashinani the coming year and create massive awareness on data protection.

    DFSAK Chairman Kevin Mutiso said that they have been working in collaboration with the ODPC to ensure customer protection by coming up with guidance notes.

    Mutiso added that this has helped digital lenders to be more compliant reducing the numbers of complaints against the lenders.

    He noted that the practice of debt shaming is nearly eradicated and warned those who continued to harass customers to do so at their own peril.

  • Gachagua’s Office Seeks Sh2.6B To Renovate Karen Home And Buy New Cars

    Gachagua’s Office Seeks Sh2.6B To Renovate Karen Home And Buy New Cars

    The Office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now wants a whooping Sh2.6 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year with a huge chunk of the monies allocated to office refurbishment.

    In the breakdown given before the National Assembly Administration and Internal Security, Sh1.12 billion is for the refurbishment of the offices with the Harambee Annex being allocated Sh460.4 million and Karen residences Sh660 million.

    The committee members led by the Chair Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo questioned why huge allocation was being made to the refurbishment of the offices which were fairly new.

    “Please tell us more about the renovations of the said offices because we have seen an allocation of Sh300.4 million. I know we have a few issues there like lifts not working but this figure is too big yet the building is not only ten years old?” questioned Tongoyo.

    Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi however explained that the facelift of the building was aimed at enhancing the security system within the building.

    “The continuous lack of maintenance has necessitated a face lift targeting major functional areas and security systems of the building,” Mwangi said.

    MPs also raised queries on the Sh 250M allocation for the purchase of medals, honors, and insignia.

    An executive order number 2 of 2023 directed the re-organization of the government’s mandate at the Office of the Deputy President to coordinate the conferment of medals and awards through the national and county government advisory committee in line with the National Honors act 2023.

    In particular, lawmakers raised questions on why the Office of the Deputy President had made such a huge allocation for the purchase of medals, honors, and insignia yet it wasn’t a necessity.

    “On the Sh 250 million for the purchase of honors, medals and insignias, are we not becoming extravagant when you know the situation of this country,” he posed.

    The Principal Administrative Secretary however stated that the actual honor, insignia, and medals awards haven’t been honored for a period of time due to budgetary situation.

    “The office has however not presented the actual honor, insignia and medals awarded in December 2022 and June 2023. The office had requested an allocation of Sh 500 million in the financial year 2024/2025 budget to procure the medals but we received an allocation of Sh 250 million,” Mwangi said.

    Documents tabled before MPs show that Sh 100 million has been allocated for the acquisition of motor vehicles despite Sh 100M being allocated in the previous financial year for the same purpose.

    He explained part of the money was used to purchase vehicles for the big bosses with the requested allocation in this financial year being used to purchase vehicles for other junior officers.

    “This Sh 100 million here takes care of our staff. Most of us are on uber and others have been using their own personal vehicles. It is the reality that, when attending meetings, I have allowed my staff to make claims on uber because our national vehicle fleet is used for national events and activities,” Mwangi stated.

    Sh 250 million has been allocated for the implementation of alcohol drugs and substance abuse programs which was withdrawn under Article 223 which allows the government to spend monies outside the budget but seek regularization of the said monies in parliament later.

    Other expenditures tabled include in the department include Sh 247.7 million for catering services, accommodation, gifts, food and drinks. Travel cost for both airline, bus, railway and mileage allowances Sh171.8 million.

    Sh 301.5 million for boards, committees, conferences, and seminars and Sh 328.5 million for personal allowance.

  • Labour Migration: Kenya Finalizes Jobs Deal With Germany

    Labour Migration: Kenya Finalizes Jobs Deal With Germany

    Kenya and Germany have successfully concluded negotiations on the draft Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

    The negotiations, that took place in Nairobi on 14th to 15th May, were a follow up of the initial round of negotiations held in Berlin, Germany, in March this year.

    The agreement aims to establish a framework for cooperation on migration and labour mobility between the two nations.

    Labour and skills development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime headed the Kenyan delegation while Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu was the lead negotiator on Kenya’s side.

    The German Federal Republic delegation on the other hand was led by Dr. Joachim Stamp, the Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements and Mr. Holger Schamberg from the Ministry of Interior and Community.

    “Being an international bilateral agreement, the draft agreement shall be subjected to the relevant internal legal and procedural checks by both governments” said the officials in a joint communique issued at the completion of the negotiations.

    The official signing has been set for September 2024. Implementation of the agreement will commence with a job fair in Nairobi.

    Both countries have committed to its full realisation through the joint implementation committee.

    PS Mwadime affirmed his commitment to the process which he said will smoothen the labour mobility for Kenyans.

    “We are committed to developing a clear framework to allow migration of Kenyan skilled workers in a safe, orderly and regular manner. This will ease mobility and fast track migration between the two countries.” PS Mwadime said.

    He thanked negotiators from both parties for adopting a friendly environment, which made it easy to arrive at general consensus in most of the substantive issues.

    The two countries agreed to form the joint committee in February this year following a meeting held in Berlin between Labour CS Florence Bore and her German counterpart Hubertus Heil.

    The ongoing negotiations result from the initiative conceptualized between President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

    During the first meeting, CS Bore informed the German government of the measures in place to streamline Labour Migration through restructuring of its policies and legal and institutional framework to support seamless Migration and mobility with Germany.

    “Kenya seeks to fill the skills deficit in Germany’s labour market with its well-trained, qualified, hardworking and disciplined labour force in various fields of ICT, health care, construction, engineering, agriculture and hospitality among others. We are able and ready to supply the required labour to fill in the skills deficient in your labour market,” said the CS.

  • Why Most People Are Denied Visa To The US, Ambassador Whitman Reveals

    Why Most People Are Denied Visa To The US, Ambassador Whitman Reveals

    US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has explained why most people are denied Visas to the United States of America.

    Speaking on Wednesday, Whitman said that while they have been wrong in some cases, they have been mostly right to deny the visas.

    She went on to say that what they do is try to be cautious because a lot of people wish harm on the United States.

    “We do deny people visas and are we always right? No. But are we mostly right? Yes. Think about it everyone wants to come to America and some bad people want to come to America. Terrorists, money launders, people who have overstayed their visas before, people who have let their Green Card expire and then come back.

    “We have to be quite careful because there are people who wish America harm. It is a minority of people but what I always say is you have to be thoughtful,” Whitman said.

    Whitman who was responding to a question by an affected Kenyan during an interview with Citizen TV, however, affirmed that they have always been fair in issuing visas.

    The Ambassador added that they always try to make sure the right people enter the United States.

    “You all remember the 911 hijackers. How would you like to be the Visa officer who let in the 911 hijackers? You would live with that for the rest of your life. We really try to be fair but we are also trying to make sure that the right people who are not ill-intent get to America,” she added.

    Ambassador Whitman’s explanation follows complaints from a section of Kenyans over the denial of visas to the US.

  • Slovakia Prime Minister In ‘Life Threatening Condition’ After Shooting Incident

    Slovakia Prime Minister In ‘Life Threatening Condition’ After Shooting Incident

    Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a “life-threatening condition” after he was shot and injured on Wednesday, his Facebook account said in a statement.

    “He was shot multiple times and is currently in a life-threatening condition,” the statement said, adding that he is being transported to Banska Bystrica due to the necessity of an “acute intervention.”

    According to the state-run TASR news agency, the incident took place when an attacker fired several shots in front of the House of Culture in the central city of Handlova, where a government meeting was held.

    The attacker was detained after the attack, it added.

    Local JOJ television reported that a man in the crowd opened fire at the prime minister when he came out of the building to greet the residents of the city.

  • US Elections: Biden and Trump Agree To Hold First Presidential Debate On June 27

    US Elections: Biden and Trump Agree To Hold First Presidential Debate On June 27

    US President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, agreed to hold the first presidential debate on June 27 as the campaign season prepares to enter high gear ahead of November’s national election.

    “I’ve received and accepted an invitation from @CNN for a debate on June 27th. Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place,” Biden said on X.

    Biden also released a video in which he said, “Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal. I’ll even do it twice.”

    Earlier Wednesday, Trump said on his Truth Social network that he is “ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September.”

    “I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds – That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. ‘Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!’” he added.

    CNN, the television network that will host the first debate, said the Trump campaign confirmed the date. The second debate has yet to be scheduled but is likely to be in September before early voting begins.

    But Biden said in another X post that he “received and accepted an invitation” to debate Trump on Sept. 10. That face-off would be hosted by the ABC television network, he said.

    Biden earlier this month said during an interview with radio host Howard Stern that he would be “happy” to debate Trump. The two campaigns have spent the past couple of weeks attempting to iron out the details.

    CNN said the June 27 debate will be held at 9 p.m. Eastern Time in a studio at the television networks’ Atlanta, Georgia headquarters. No audience will be present “to ensure candidates may maximize the time allotted in the debate.”

    To participate, candidates must receive at least a 15% approval rating in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters. That means independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will unlikely qualify for the showdown. Kennedy polls at around 8% nationally on surveys on which he is included.

    Debate moderators will be announced at a later date.

  • Ruto’s Man Among The 3 Arraigned In Sh60M Laptop Tender Fraud

    Ruto’s Man Among The 3 Arraigned In Sh60M Laptop Tender Fraud

    A serial fraudster who has been using his photos with president William Ruto to con his victims is among three suspects who’ve been charged in court for conning a foreigner Sh60 million in a fake laptop tender scam.

    The hearing of the case in which three suspects, Alex Stephen Ogolla alias Oparanya, Mofat Gicheru aka Aden and Eric Otieno Atanga are charged for defrauding a British national USD 398,000 in a fake tender project to supply laptops and other accessories to the Ministry of ICT in March 2023 has been set for 29th, 30th and 31st of October, 2024.

    The three are accused of obtaining the amount equivalent to Sh60 million through their supposed companies namely Violand Investment Ltd and Battre Africa Ltd after hoodwinking the complainant into believing that he was pre-qualified for the supply.

    In the well-orchestrated scheme that involved several travels to UK by the fraudsters while armed with forged documents, the unsuspecting victim lost the amount as charges for prequalification, purchase, facilitation and handling.

    Exhausting avenues of milking the victim further, the suspects cut off communication and holed up, until the Operation Support Unit detectives uncovered their fraudulence and hunted them down at Kasarani, Athi River and Kariobangi North.

    Upon arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts, the three were released on Sh3 million bond with one surety of the same amount and without the option of a cash bail, with the pre-trial happening today at court no. 2 for confirmation of the documents to be relied on by the prosecution.

    Two accompices who are still on the run; Stephen Nadade and Joy Wangari Kamau believed to have played key roles in the machinations before disappearing with part of the obtained amount are being pursued.

    Alex Stephen Ogolla alias Oparanya who has been pictured in several occasions with the president has been using the photos to dupe his victims claiming his closeness to the president.

    He doesn’t hold any government position and it’s unclear his relationship is with the president apart from the photos.

    The incident is also similar to that of one Isaiya Begi Gesicho who was charged for defrauding Jane Prema Peter of Sh1 million by falsely pretending that he was in position to secure lucrative tenders on her behalf at government and private sector which turned out to be a lie as he lacked such high level connections to deliver the promise. Jane aid associated with companies including I-Parts Contractors and Lami Inya Contractors Limited. In Kenya, getting tenders through manipulation and influence is also considered a crime.

  • My Drive Is To Push Kenyans, Ruto Announces Plans To Keep Taxing Kenyans More In His Term

    My Drive Is To Push Kenyans, Ruto Announces Plans To Keep Taxing Kenyans More In His Term

    President William Ruto has announced his intention to continue raising taxes despite cries from Kenyans who feel they’re already overtaxed.

    While defending his economic plan, Ruto unveiled ambitious plans to elevate Kenya’s tax revenue to a whopping 22 per cent from the current 14 per cent.

    The President made the remarks during an engagement forum with the Harvard Business School students at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday May 14, 2024.

    Speaking during the event, President Ruto acknowledged that taxes are painful but necessary to help government reduce borrowing.

    “Its going to be difficult, I have a lot to explaining to do, people will complain but I know finally they will appreciate that the money we go to borrow from the World Bank is savings from other countries,” said Ruto.

    The president outlined a phased approach to achieve the desired increase, aiming for a rise to 16 per cent in the current year, with a long-term target of reaching between 20 and 22 per cent.

    “My drive is to push Kenya, possibly this year we will be at 16 per cent from 14 per cent. I want in my term, God willing, to leave it at between 20 and 22 per cent. It’s going to be difficult,” he added.

    Ruto pointed out that Kenya’s tax revenue as a percentage of total earnings trails behind that of peer nations on the continent.

    “Our peers in the continent are on an average of between 22 and 25 per cent, which means our taxes are way below those of our peers,” he explained.

    Ruto remained confident that the move is essential for Kenya’s economic resilience.

    “I know finally they will appreciate that the money we go to borrow from the World Bank is savings from other countries,” Ruto affirmed noting the importance of reducing dependence on external financing.

    Ruto’s remarks came barely a week after the introduction of the proposed Finance Bill 2024.

    The Finance Bill, 2024 was published on May 9 and is set to be subjected to public participation thereafter.

    The Bill contains tax proposals that the Kenya Kwanza government wants to use to raise revenue and finance its ambitious projects.

    Top on the list is the increase in the price of bread, and a mandatory tax for all motor vehicle owners in the country as the government funds the 2024-2025 budget.

    He added, “And I’m not comparing ourselves with OECD countries. Countries like France are at 45% others are higher. So I persuaded and made a case to the people of Kenya that we must begin to enhance our revenue because if we are a serious State we must be able to enhance our taxes.”

    The President also explained that the push to raise more revenue through taxes was part of ensuring that ‘we live within our means’.

    “When I came into office I told everybody to tighten up your belts. I am not going to preside over a bankrupt country. I’m not going to preside over a country in debt distress. We have to cut our spending,” he stated.

    His remarks came a few days after the controller of the budget raised concerns about wasteful spending including excessive domestic and international travels by government officials.

    Meanwhile, the closure of businesses and job losses in the private sector have been attributed to increased taxation in the country.

  • Eliud Kipchoge Embroiled In Sh100M Land Ownership Row

    Eliud Kipchoge Embroiled In Sh100M Land Ownership Row

    World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, along three others are embroiled in a court battle over a prime piece of land worth over KSh100 million.

    Joyce Kimosop, a lecturer at Moi University, has sued her husband former runner Daniel Komen, Kipchoge and Brimin Kipruto.

    She is accusing Komen of selling off their matrimonial land without consulting her. Local businessmen Felix Kipchoge Lagat and Peter Kipsigei Lagat were also dragged into the matter.

    In the ongoing legal battle before Justice Reuben Nyakundi of Eldoret High Court, the prime agricultural land measuring 200 acres is registered in Southern East of Eldoret Municipality in Uasin Gishu County.

    The owner, who is currently fighting to reclaim the property, argues that the sale process of their matrimonial property was conducted illegally.

    Joyce expressed disappointment that the first to fourth defendants; Eliud Kipchoge, Felex Kipchoge Lagat and Peter Kipsegei Lagat were occupying the land claiming they had bought it.

    “I have also learned with shock that the property was sold at just KSh10 million which represents just 10% of the actual value of the land,” she says in court papers.

    Komen says he sold 120 acres of the land jointly to Kipchoge and Kipruto and not 150 acres as alleged by his wife. He reportedly sold another 50 acres to the third defendant and 20 acres to the fourth defendant.

    “I took several bank loans to fund the purchase and development of the property which was the only family home as I married Komen at a time when he had no place to call a home,” Joyce argues.

    Komen claims to be the sole registered owner of the disputed land, while also acknowledging that Joyce is his wife and they have children.

    On the other hand, Kipchoge and the other buyers argue that in September and October 2011, they were approached by Daniel Komen, who informed them about the land for sale.

    “Komen entered into a sale agreement with us on October 4, 2011, where we bought the property at a sum of sh10 million. We did the diligence after confirming that the land in question was indeed registered under his name,” stated Kipchoge.

  • Sh32M Investment Fraud Case Against Two Italians Set To Begin

    Sh32M Investment Fraud Case Against Two Italians Set To Begin

    The trial against Two Italian Nationals charged with Obtaining over Ksh 32 million by false pretence from two fellow Italians in the tourist resort town of Watamu in Kilifi County is set to begin on May 22 this year.

    The prosecution said they have lined up four witnesses including the two Italian complainants, the investigating officer and the complainants’ lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.

    Daniele Lo Coco and Massimo Nativi had on April 29 appeared before Kilifi Chief Magistrate Julius Mukut Nangea and denied the charges levelled against them.

    However today they appeared before Kilifi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike for pretrial after the former CM got a promotion to serve the Judiciary as a judge.

    Both parties agreed the matter to proceed before the Principal Magistrate who set the trial of the case to begin on May 22.

    There was however drama after the two Italian suspects and their lawyer Ole Kina were taken by the DCI officers from Nairobi headquarters once outside the court premises and taken to the County Criminal Investigation officer’s offices for questioning.

    The three drove themselves together with the DCI officers to record statements regarding another complaint of fraud by another Italian National.

    They were interrogated and their statements recorded after which they were allowed to go as the detectives continue with the investigations.

    Kilifi County Criminal Investigation officer David Siele confirmed that the Italians recorded statements but were released later after the interrogation.

    He said there was a third Italian complainant who had taken the matter to the DCI headquarters which was being handled by his seniors.

    Earlier during the Court proceedings Rita Napo one of the complainants filed an application through his lawyer Njiru seeking the defence lawyer to recuse himself from the case as he was listed as a prosecution witness in the chargesheet having attested to the lease agreement dated August 7.

    “The respondent herein is a shareholder of Rafiki Company Limited holding one ordinary share while the accused persons are directors of the same company, the said company was the lessor of the demised property from which the charges before this honourable court accrues from,” said the application.

    Njiru said the respondent acted for and on behalf of the first and second accused person in the lease agreement and which forms the subject matter of the current case adding that by the dint of the respondent testifying and appearing against the accused persons from the basis of the conflicts of interest and breaches the Advocates -client privilege the detriment of the applicant /lesse.

    “It is not permissible for the respondent to appear in this matter both as a witness and a defence advocate as the same will amount to a miscarriage of justice and violates article 50 of the constitution, the applicant will provide evidence that’s prejudicial to the applicant herein and as such comprise justice as ought to be delivered to the application herein,” he said.

    On the other hand, the two Italian accused persons also filed an application seeking the court to review their bail/bond terms made by the court and also release their passports to enable them to travel outside the country so as not to prejudice their business which is the source of livelihood.

    “The Applicants are not a flight risk since they are residents of Kenya and own businesses which have about 200 employees working for them directly and indirectly,” he said.

    Ole Kina said the applicants being business persons have to fly in and out of the country frequently and asked the court to feel free to return the passports to enable them to carry on their business activities and earn a livelihood.

    He said the applicants also have properties in the jurisdiction worth Ksh 143,414,000 hence it’s almost impossible for the applicants to abscond court when required to present themselves in court.

    “The Applicants had earlier been charged in Criminal case number E506 of 2023 at Kilifi law courts. Their charges were withdrawn after they appeared in court though they were out of the country and they returned to Kenya with the knowledge that warrants for their arrest had been obtained in their absence. The applicants came to face the law, they had an option not to return to Kenya but they returned because they believe in the rule of law,” said the application in part.

    “This Honourable court be pleased to issue any further and /or directions as may meet the ends of justice herein,” said the Coco and native through their lawyer Ole Kina.

    The Magistrate certified the applications as urgent directed the parties to file responses within three days and set the case to be heard on May 22.

    The accused were charged that on various dates between August 30 2018 and August 1, 2019, at the Watamu area of Malindi Sub County within Kilifi County with intent to defraud they jointly obtained Ksh 17 million from Rita Nappo by pretending that they were in a position to sublease her Villa no 5A.

    The court heard that the Villa was on a Plot of Land number Kilifi Jimba 1544 measuring approximately 0.327 hectares a fact they knew to be false.

    In the second count, the two Italians were also charged that on various dates between March 21 2020 and February 24 2021 at the Watamu area of Malindi sub-county within Kilifi County with intent to defraud they obtained Ksh 15 million from Girola Fiorenzo by pretending that they were in a position to sublease her Villa number 4 B.

    The Villa is reportedly located on plot number Kilifi Jimba 1544 measuring approximately 0.327 hectares a fact they knew to be false.

  • Don’t Use Your Car If You Don’t Want To Pay Vehicle Tax, MP Kuria Tells Off Kenyans Opposing Finance Bill 2024

    Don’t Use Your Car If You Don’t Want To Pay Vehicle Tax, MP Kuria Tells Off Kenyans Opposing Finance Bill 2024

    Molo Constituency member of parliament (MP) Kuria Kimani, who is also chair of the National Assembly Finance Committee has defended the government’s proposal to tax car owners through a motor vehicle circulation tax.

    The motor vehicle tax has been included in the new Finance Bill 2024 which seeks to introduce an annual tax that will be paid during motor vehicle insurance cover acquisition.

    According to the Bill, the minimum amount for the vehicle tax is Ksh.5,000, which should also translate to 2.5 percent of the vehicle’s value.

    Speaking during an interview with NTV on Tuesday May 14, 2024, Kimani described the levy as a hybrid of income and wealth tax.

    According to the MP, the move of taxing vehicles will encourage investment in public transport and minimize the use of private cars.

    “If you don’t want to pay the motor vehicle circulation tax, then don’t use the car. If you don’t want to use the expressway, then don’t pay for it and use other means,” he said.

    In addition, he advised car owners opposed to the tax to avoid using personal cars and instead use public transport.

    “If you go to economies ahead of us, there are elaborate and very efficient public transport systems,” he added.

    He revealed that most investors are shying away from investing in public transport in the country because majority of Kenyans prefer the comfort of personal cars.

    “Every time investors want to invest in our public transport system through public-private partnerships, the feasibility studies show that we like to drive our cars so much that we are not able to attract foreign investment,” he said.

    However,  ambulances, and government-owned vehicles are exempt from the motor vehicle circulation tax as stipulated in the Privileges and Immunities Act.

    If the bill is passed, car owners who fail to remit the tax within five working days after issuing of motor vehicle insurance cover shall be liable to a penalty of fifty percent of the uncollected tax.

  • Mental Breakdown: Journalist Kimani Mbugua’s Father Reveals How Women Ruined Son’s Life

    Mental Breakdown: Journalist Kimani Mbugua’s Father Reveals How Women Ruined Son’s Life

    Former TV journalist Kimani Mbugua has been battling mental health issues for the past four years, according to his father.

    In a recent interview with Oga Obinna, Kimani’s father provided an update on his son’s condition and shed light on how the challenges began.

    The turning point came in February 2020 during a seemingly ordinary board meeting for his father’s company. Kimani’s behaviour stunned his father.

    “[It all went well] until February 2020,” Kimani’s father recounted. “I was in Westlands. I have a Consultancy company in which he’s also a director. He’s the MD. We were in the boardroom when he came and in the middle of the meeting he stood up and said Dad for four days sijawahi lala (I haven’t slept) ulevi (because I’m drunk). I was shocked because we are SDAs (Seventh-day Adventists). It gave me red flags. Kwa basement alikuwa ameacha gari na mlango hakufunga (In the basement he had left his car with the door unlocked.”

    This incident was followed by a call from Kimani’s girlfriend, further escalating his father’s worry.

    “When he went home around midnight the girlfriend called me and said Kimani alikuwa anaongea tu (Kimani was just talking nonstop). She made me listen to what he was saying and it kept me worried until today,” his father said.

    The situation rapidly deteriorated, leading to hospitalization. Kimani’s father described the experience of seeing his son in such a state as devastating.

    “The girlfriend took him to hospital. I went nikapata amefungwa kamba mkono and anaongea tu (and I found him tied up with straps on his arms and just talking). Hanijui, hanitambua (He didn’t know me, he didn’t recognize me), he was just talking. He was chaotic. Somebody I knew, was healthy. Ilinivunja moyo hadi wa leo (It broke my heart until today). The way he is, it hit me like lightning. That was the day I saw darkness at midday, I couldn’t believe it. When he saw me he even called me by my real names, he used to call me dad. When he came to hug me, he would fall down,” Mr. Mugua said.

    Further investigation revealed a possible cause for the sudden mental health crisis.

    “I had to follow up to know what had happened before those four days,” Kimani’s father explained. “He had a bash. Ilikuwa birthday yake na ilikuwa kubwa (It was his birthday and it was a big one). The sister took his phone akapitia akaona picha alikuwa anaanguka akitapika na kuna wasichana wanampiga (and went through it and saw pictures of him falling and vomiting and girls were hitting him).

    He added: “My daughter said aliona kwa glass yake kuna white substances zinaekwa (she saw white substances being put in his glass). Na anaambiwa kunywa na anatapika na anaanguka (And he was being told to drink and he was vomiting and falling down). So I told my daughter if we could consolidate the phone but how it got lost we don’t know because we wanted evidence that was there.”

    A toxicology test later confirmed the presence of marijuana and other substances in Kimani’s system, leading his father to believe his son had been spiked.

    Kimani’s condition worsened and he was admitted to Chiromo Hospital for treatment. The medical bills quickly added up, leading Kimani to suggest selling his car to cover the costs.

    Kimani’s father says his son is currently living in an apartment with close family members who can monitor him.

    The apartment is secured to prevent self-harm and allow for easy access by family in case of an emergency.

  • Ex-Treasury CS Ukur Yatani Denied Anticipatory Bail

    Ex-Treasury CS Ukur Yatani Denied Anticipatory Bail

    Former Treasury CS Ukur Yattani suffered a set back on Tuesday after the court declined to grant him anticipatory bail.

    Yattani had filed an application seeking for anticipatory bail saying that saying that investigations against him are malicious.

    The judge declined to grant orders but directed that all parties in the case to appear in court on June 14 for inter party hearing.

    He is apprehensive that the actions of EACC are borne of malice ,ill will and bad faith and the court should protect him .

    “To this end, the Applicant seeks the interpretation of the court of the scope of the 3rd respondent’s (Milimani chief magistrate) duty in considering ex parte (EACC’s) applications for search warrants and whether the 3rd Respondent judiciously exercised its discretion in granting the search warrants in the manner that it did,” reads court papers

    The EACC opposed the application saying that there was no threat of Yattani arrest as investigations into alleged loss of 1.2 billion shillings at the Marsabit county government, were still ongoing.

  • Google Launches New Artificial Intelligence Model Gemini 1.5 Flash

    Google Launches New Artificial Intelligence Model Gemini 1.5 Flash

    Google on Tuesday introduced its new artificial intelligence (AI) model that it said is faster and more efficient for AI assistants.

    The new Gemini 1.5 Flash model is lighter-weight than its predecessor Gemini 1.5 Pro which was introduced in February, following the first natively multimodal Gemini 1.0 that was launched in December 2023.

    Google dubbed Gemini 1.5 Flash as a lightweight model that is optimized for speed and efficiency, which is suitable for the vast majority of developer and enterprise use cases.

    It has a long-context understanding that can process hours of video and audio, and hundreds of thousands of words or lines of code, according to the company.

    “Flash has a one-million-token context window by default, which means you can process one hour of video, 11 hours of audio, codebases with more than 30,000 lines of code, or over 700,000 words,” according to its website.

    Developers can integrate Gemini models into their applications with Google AI Studio and Google Cloud Vertex AI.

    Gemini 1.5 Flash by Google came a day after Microsoft-backed OpenAI unveiled its new model GPT-4o which is said to be much faster compared to its previous ones, as the competition in the AI industry heats up.

    Google in late February had temporarily suspended Gemini’s ability to generate images after receiving criticism on social media platforms.

  • Cooperatives PS Patrick Kiburi Fingered In Linturi’s Fake Fertilizer Bribery Scandal

    Cooperatives PS Patrick Kiburi Fingered In Linturi’s Fake Fertilizer Bribery Scandal

    Patrick Kiburi Kilemi, the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), has been adversely mentioned in the alleged bribery scandal in parliament over the exoneration of Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi in the fake fertilizer saga.

    The National Assembly’s special committee committee probing Linturi’s impeachment has been accused of being compromised and taking bribes to clear the CS.

    Sources claim that each of the members were offered with up to Sh5 million for a favorable report.

    Its reported PS Kiburi who is a close confidant of CS  Linturi, allegedly played as the intermediary between the compromised MPs and the accused CS in negotiating for bribes.

    Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai made the claim insisting, ‘PS Patrick Kiburi played like himself” loosely translated to mean he facilitated the transfer of cash to the MPs.

    Linturi survived impeachment after the 11-member committee determined that the grounds of the impeachment motion were not substantiated.

    Seven of the 11 MPs voted to save the CS.

    A call for Probe

    A section of lawmakers now want thorough investigations into claims that money changed hands with a view to exonerate Linturi from blame in the fake fertiliser scandal probe.

    In particular the MPs demanded that the Powers and Privileges Committee as well as other investigative agencies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) be seized of the matter as it had put Parliament to shame.

    The calls for the investigations  came on a day fresh details emerged over how a senior official working in parliament allegedly met Linturi on May 1 immediately after Wetangula had approved the impeachment motion, to deliberate on how to save him from ouster.

    Sources privy to the intrigues, revealed that the said official assured the CS that resources would be mobilised to ensure that he is saved from ouster.

    It was understood that apart from the said meeting, a lot of other underhand dealings as well as meetings were held in high offices in government where it was agreed that Linturi should be saved as he was not to blame for the alleged scandal.

    After the committee presented its findings to the House on Monday, Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo claimed to be aware of corruption among the members.

    “I have spoken to some of the members of the select committee and a disclosure has been made to me that questions and allegations of impropriety and misconduct by some members of the committee,” he told Parliament.

    “It is necessary that such an issue is referred to the powers and privileges committee first because if there is any truth in it would result in the report being annulled. It would not be right to discuss that report.”

    Speaking separately, Nominated MP John Mbadi was categorical that EACC should be called in to investigate  the matter which has put parliament to shame. He said it is regrettable that Sh5 million was being mentioned as the buying price for members  to save Linturi.

    He said: “I think those are not issues that you can just wish away. In fact, the amount has been mentioned and there is consistency in the amount. This matter needs to be dealt with by the Powers and Privileges Committee and it may even go to the extent of asking EACC to investigate because it is very unfortunate and if it happened then the Members affected have a lot of explanations to do.”

    He added: “The day before yesterday (Monday), the figure of Sh5 million has been mentioned, on Monday the same amount was still being mentioned. To me that is a serious matter more so that this is an issue that is of serious interest to the country in terms of compromising the food security.”

    ‘I was offered the bribe’

    Busia Woman Rep Catherine Omayo who was part of the special committee has claimed that someone attempted to bribe her to vote in favor in the impeachment case against Linturi.

    In an interview with Citizen TV, Omayo stated that most of the committee members tasked with determining Linturi’s fate were approached with bribes to sway their decision in favor of the CS.

    “Someone came to me with Ksh.2 million, and another came saying the money had increased to Ksh.3 million because the report against Linturi was hot. At some point these people asked me to state what I wanted to favour the CS,” Omanyo said.

    “The other person asked me to say what I wanted at that time so that we go where the person is or he will come here.”

    She revealed that the committee members were given bribes, but some declined to be compromised.

    List of the select committee

    1.Naomi Waqo- Marsabit Woman Rep

    1. Robert Mbui –Kathiani MP
    2. Rachael Nyamai- Kitui South MP
    3. Samuel Chepkonga- Ainabkhoi MP
    4. George Murugara-Tharaka MP
    5. T.J Kajwang- Ruaraka MP
    6. Jane Maina- Kirinyaga Woman Representative
    7. Moses Injendi – Malava MP
    8. Kassim Tandaza –Matuga MP
    9. Catherine Omanyo- Busia Woman Representative
    10. Yussuf Farah- Wajir West MP

    The committee held twelve sittings to investigate the proposed dismissal of the Agriculture and Livestock Development CS.

    According to Naomi Waqo the chairperson of the committee, four members dissented and made it publicly known to the committee.

    However, seven out of the 11 committee members investigating the fake fertilizer scam voted to save Linturi.

    While presenting the report, Naomi Waqo informed the House that the Committee found that allegations against the Cabinet Secretary were unsubstantiated.

    This meant that there will be no further proceedings on the matter.

    The Motion for the proposed removal of the CS was moved by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, on the grounds of alleged gross misconduct.

    Also cited was the gross violation of the Constitution and reasons to believe the CS committed a crime under national law.

    In response to the outcome of the impeachment, Wamboka accused MPs of betraying Kenyans by letting Linturi off the hook over the fake fertilizer scandal.

    “The unanimous decision of 149 members representing over 30M Kenyans cannot be overturned by the influenced 7 members of the select committee. Their decision is a betrayal in the city to the hardworking Kenyans in our villages,” he said.

    Despite the setback dealt by the select committee’s decision, Wamboka has stated that he will not tire until justice is served to Kenyan farmers and Linturi is dismissed.

    “We will not relent in pursuit of this fake fertilizer scandal that has rendered farmers hopeless and endangered the country’s food security,” Wamboka said.

    “There is no doubt that all evidence and witnesses proved beyond reasonable doubt that Linturi as the head of the docket was liable for the mess, scam and failures.”

    Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi described the committee’s decision as a case of the House’s ruling being overturned by a group of seven people.

    “There is a higher moral responsibility on the cabinet secretary and the appointing authority, following the overwhelming 149-against-36 vote in this House last Thursday. This matter should not even have gone to the select committee stage,” said Wandayi.

    He urged Parliament to refuse to recognize Linturi as the Minister for Agriculture until President Ruto yields and dismisses the CS.

  • Putin Fires Defense Minister Leading War In Ukraine

    Putin Fires Defense Minister Leading War In Ukraine

    Sergei Shoigu, the man leading Russia’s war in Ukraine, has been removed as defense minister, a post he has held since 2012, in a surprise shake-up hinting at Vladimir Putin’s true focus.

    Shoigu, a long-standing ally of Putin, was replaced on Sunday by Andrei Belousov, 65, a civilian economist who previously served as the first deputy prime minister in the government reshuffled after Putin’s inauguration last week.

    The appointment of Belousov, which is subject to the approval of Russia’s Parliament, is the most significant shake-up in the country’s military command since the onset of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

    On Monday, Kremlin observers stated that the move to remove Shoigu — and appoint a civilian economist in his place — might indicate Putin’s dissatisfaction with the war’s progress and his determination to prepare Russia for an extended conflict with Ukraine and its Western allies.

    “It’s another indication that Putin is prepared to fight a long war in Ukraine and make the Russian economy sacrifice whatever may be necessary to do so,” Michael Clarke, professor of war studies at King’s College London, told NBC News.

    While Shoigu has been the focus of criticism regarding the conduct of the war in Ukraine, his role and importance in the fight so far cannot be underestimated.

    Just recently, his troops took control of the battlefield and initiated a new offensive in the north after achieving several gains in Ukraine’s east.

    Nevertheless, his political future has been under sharp scrutiny since the war’s outset and Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s short-lived rebellion.

    He managed to survive the storms, but the recent detention of one of his deputies, Timur Ivanov, in a high-profile corruption scandal appeared to have sealed his fate.

    Nevertheless, Shoigu, whose friendship with Putin was evident through their frequent fishing trips to Siberia, was not entirely sidelined.

    He was named the secretary of Russia’s National Security Council, a position technically regarded as senior to his defense ministry role, likely as a face-saving measure. He replaces another prominent figure, Nikolai Patrushev.

  • PSG Star Mbappe Will Join Madrid: La Liga Chief

    PSG Star Mbappe Will Join Madrid: La Liga Chief

    La Liga president Javier Tebas says Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe will join Real Madrid next season.

    The 25-year-old France captain announced last week he is leaving PSG at the end of his contract this summer, without specifying his destination, and Madrid are poised to sign him after years of failed attempts.

    “He’s Madrid’s next season, yes,” Tebas told Argentine daily sports newspaper Ole on Monday.

    “If they’ve signed a five-year deal, he has five seasons of opportunity (to win the Champions League).”

    Mbappe is set to join a star-studded Madrid team led by Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and England international Jude Bellingham.

    Los Blancos strolled to the Spanish title and are in the Champions League final at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.

    “(Mbappe) is one of the best players in the world, but Vinicius and Bellingham are there too, Madrid will have a great squad,” continued Tebas. “But that does not guarantee you will win leagues.”

    Mbappe is PSG’s all-time record scorer with 256 goals, having joined the club from Monaco in 2017 for 180 million euros ($194 million).

    With PSG he won six French league titles but failed to earn Champions League glory, finishing as runners-up to Bayern Munich in 2020.

    By joining record 14-time winners Real Madrid, Mbappe would increase his chances of finally earning club football’s most prestigious trophy.

  • ChatGPT Maker OpenAI Unveils New AI Model GPT-40

    ChatGPT Maker OpenAI Unveils New AI Model GPT-40

    ChatGPT maker OpenAI said on Monday it would release a new AI model called GPT-4o, capable of realistic voice conversation and able to interact across text and image, its latest move to stay ahead in a race to dominate the emerging technology.

    New audio capabilities enable users to speak to ChatGPT and obtain real-time responses with no delay, as well as interrupt ChatGPT while it is speaking, both hallmarks of realistic conversations that AI voice assistants have found challenging, the OpenAI researchers showed at a livestream event.

    “It feels like AI from the movies … Talking to a computer has never felt really natural for me; now it does,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in a blog post.

    Reuters Graphics

    Microsoft-backed OpenAI faces growing competition and pressure to expand the user base of ChatGPT, its popular chatbot product that wowed the world with its ability to produce human-like written content and top-notch software code.

    At the livestream event, OpenAI researchers showed off ChatGPT’s new voice assistant capabilities. In one demo, ChatGPT used its vision and voice capabilities to talk a researcher through solving a math equation on a sheet of paper.

    In another demo, researchers showed the GPT-4o model’s capability of real-time language translation.
    OpenAI’s demonstrations verged on science-fiction, with ChatGPT and its interlocutor at one point engaging in coquettish banter.

    The OpenAI researcher told the chatbot he was in a great mood because he was demonstrating “how useful and amazing you are.”

    Altman posted on X after the demo, “her,” in what appeared to be a reference to the so named 2013 film by Spike Jonze about a man falling in love with his AI assistant, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

    OpenAI’s chief technology officer, Mira Murati, said at the event that the new model would be offered for free because it is more cost-effective than the company’s previous models. Paid users of GPT-4o will have greater capacity limits than the company’s free users, she said. The GPT-4o model will be available in ChatGPT over the next few weeks, the company said.

    ChatGPT responded: “Oh stop it! You’re making me blush!”

    In addition, free ChatGPT users now have access to a “browse” feature that enables ChatGPT to display up-to-date information from the web, Murati told Reuters after the event. The company does not intend to make money off free users through selling ads, Murati said.

    Shortly after launching in late 2022, ChatGPT was called the fastest application ever to reach 100 million monthly active users. However, worldwide traffic to ChatGPT’s website has been on a roller-coaster ride in the past year and is only now returning to its May 2023 peak, according to analytics firm Similarweb, opens new tab.

    OpenAI made the announcements a day before Alphabet is scheduled to hold its annual Google developers’ conference, where it is expected to show off its own new AI-related features.

    Reuters reported last week that OpenAI planned to announce an AI-powered search product, citing sources. But the company decided to delay the search product announcement, according to one source familiar with the matter.
    Shares of Alphabet were down 0.4% on Monday afternoon, after falling nearly 3% earlier in the day. Microsoft shares were down 0.2%.