Kenya Insights

Author: Agencies

  • UK Sanctions Corrupt Ugandan Politicians Including Speaker Anita Among

    UK Sanctions Corrupt Ugandan Politicians Including Speaker Anita Among

    UK Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell has announced sanctions on Ugandan politicians and the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, marking the first time the UK government has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda.

    The sanctions apply to three former ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, who stole thousands of iron sheets from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing vulnerable communities in the region.

    The Speaker of the Parliament, Anita Annet Among, benefited from the proceeds.

    “Today the UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible.” Andrew Mitchell, said.

    “The actions of these individuals, in taking aid from those who need it most, and keeping the proceeds, is corruption at its worst and has no place in society. The Ugandan courts are rightly taking action to crack down on those politicians who seek to line their own pockets at their constituents’ expense.” He added.

    Terms of UK sanctions

    The sanctions follow previous UK sanctions under the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, which has targeted individuals involved in serious corruption cases globally, including Bulgaria, Lebanon, Moldova, Russia, South Africa, South Sudan, and Venezuela.

    Since its introduction in April 2021, the UK has introduced sanctions on 42 individuals and entities under this regime globally to combat corruption across the world.

    An asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person and which are held in the UK. It will also prevent funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person or entity.

    A travel ban means that the designated person is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971, and must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom (any leave given to a person who is an excluded person is invalid).

    Parliament’s rebuttal

    The Ugandan Parliament responded by calling the allegations rumors that were prompted by the Speaker’s support for Uganda’s anti-LGBT* legislation.

    “The iron sheets have been used as a ruse to conceal the real, unstated but clearly obvious reason for the sanctions, which is the Speaker’s stance on the recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act,” the parliament said.

    The lawmakers also advised London to “respect Uganda’s sovereignty” and avoid “interfering in local politics, including arm-twisting decision-makers to align with their value systems, especially on homosexuality.”

    Since the Ugandan president signed a law that prohibits same-sex relationships and imposes the death penalty for certain related aggravated crimes, including engaging in homosexual acts with minors, Uganda has been criticized by Western countries and Western-backed organizations. The US, for instance, announced several rounds of visa restrictions for Ugandan officials involved in the enforcement of the law.
    In early December, the US imposed a new package of sanctions on Ugandan officials involved in the law, which Ugandan Foreign Minister Henry Okello Oryem criticized, accusing Washington of pushing its LGBT agenda in Africa.

    Under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regulations 2021, individuals and entities anywhere in the world can be sanctioned for their involvement in bribery or misappropriation of property involving a foreign public official.

    This could include those who facilitate, profit from or try to cover up serious corruption, as well as making efforts to prevent authorities from carrying out justice for these actions.

    UK Aid was not involved in the Ugandan Government project.

  • Victoria Rubadiri Joins CNN International

    Victoria Rubadiri Joins CNN International

    CNN International has hired Kenyan journalist and anchor Victoria Rubadiri for a new role on its long-running multiplatform series Connecting Africa and as part of the network’s newsgathering operation in Nairobi.

    As the series enters its fifth year on CNN International, Rubadiri will join the team telling the stories of emerging and expanding businesses across Africa and exploring the impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. Alongside the 30-minute monthly show Connecting Africa, which continues to be hosted by CNN anchor and correspondent Eleni Giokos, content is available across CNN’s digital and social platforms.

    Rubadiri joins CNN from Citizen TV where she was a senior anchor and reporter in the network’s Nairobi headquarters. She also has extensive experience as a radio presenter both in Kenya and the US, where she studied a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism at Temple University in Philadelphia. In 2020, Rubadiri was awarded the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award for her exceptional talent in telling African stories.

    On joining the network Rubadiri said, “I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to work at CNN and to bring my experience and passion to its global audience. Connecting Africa champions the people, projects and companies revolutionising African business and I’m looking forward to working alongside Eleni and the team to get out on the ground and tell these stories.”

    CNN International SVP and Global Head of Features Content Ellana Lee said of Rubadiri’s hiring, “Victoria will be a fantastic addition to Connecting Africa bringing a wealth of expertise and storytelling experience from across the continent. Her appointment speaks to CNN’s commitment to telling African stories from an African perspective and our investment in the Connecting Africa franchise.”

    Connecting Africa is part of a continuing partnership between CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

  • Netanyahu Says Israel Will Invade Rafah ‘With Or Without Deal’ With Hamas

    Netanyahu Says Israel Will Invade Rafah ‘With Or Without Deal’ With Hamas

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Tuesday to invade Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip despite reports of a possible cease-fire deal with Hamas.

    “The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all its objectives is out of the question,” Netanyahu said during a meeting with families of Israeli soldiers, as quoted in a statement from his office.

    He said the Israeli army would enter Rafah to destroy Hamas’ battalions there “with or without a deal.”

    Netanyahu said the evacuation of civilians from Rafah has begun.

    “We have begun the evacuation of the population in Rafah. We will be there soon,” he added.

    Home to more than 1.4 million displaced Palestinians, Rafah is the last remaining area in the Gaza Strip where Israel has not yet formally announced the entry of its troops to continue the onslaught against Palestinians.

    Netanyahu’s statements came amid reports of a new cease-fire proposal being discussed by Hamas and Israel to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

    The new proposal includes Israel’s willingness to discuss the “restoration of sustainable calm” in Gaza after an initial release of hostages on humanitarian grounds, two Israeli officials told news website Axios.

    Hamas is expected to deliver its response to the truce proposal later this week.

    Israel has waged an unrelenting offensive on the Palestinian enclave since a cross-border attack by Hamas last Oct. 7 which killed some 1,200 people.

    More than 34,500 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and thousands of others injured amid mass destruction and severe shortages of necessities.

    More than six months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins, pushing 85% of the enclave’s population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine, according to the UN.

    Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.​​​​​​​

  • Former President Uhuru Pledges Sh2M To Support Flood Victims

    Former President Uhuru Pledges Sh2M To Support Flood Victims

    NAIROBI, April 30, 2024 (OFPP): His Excellency President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta expresses his sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to all those affected by the devastating effects of the ongoing heavy rains and floods, which have caused widespread destruction across the country. The recent floods in Nakuru, Nairobi, Homa-Bay, Garissa, Kisumu, Mombasa, as well as various parts of Central, Eastern, and Rift Valley counties, have resulted in numerous deaths, destruction, and despair.

    “The relentless rainfall has caused significant damage, displacing families, destroying infrastructure, and claiming precious lives. During this time of profound loss and despair, my thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities as they cope with the aftermath of this natural disaster,” said the former Head of State.

    The former President highlightedthe urgent need for solidarity and collective action to alleviate the suffering of our fellow Kenyans in distress. He called upon all citizens to unite in providing support and assistance wherever possible. Furthermore, it is through our shared determination and compassion that we can help rebuild lives and restore hope amidst this disruption.

    In a compassionate and supportive gesture, Kenyatta has pledged a personal donation of Ksh 2 million to the Kenya Red Cross Society. He stated that this contribution is intended to bolster relief efforts and provide essential aid to the affected families, offering them some comfort and solace during these difficult times. “As a nation, we must stand together in the face of adversity, demonstrating compassion, resilience, and solidarity with one another”, he noted.

    Additionally, he emphasized the crucial need for all Kenyans to remain vigilant and cautious amidst the dangers posed by flooding. He urged citizens to exercise utmost care, avoid crossing flooded roads or pathways, and, most importantly, seek higher ground when necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.

    Recognizing the ongoing challenges within the healthcare sector, the former President urges volunteer medical professionals and healthcare providers to step forward and assist the sick and injured. He acknowledges the dedication and commitment of all healthcare workers and emphasizes the importance of addressing their concerns through constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement.

    “Together, let us navigate through these difficult times, emerging stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever before,” said Kenyatta.

  • Kenya Airways Suspends Flights To Kinsasha

    Kenya Airways Suspends Flights To Kinsasha

    In what is now morphing into a diplomatic tiff, Kenya Airways (KQ) will suspend flights to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) tomorrow over the continued detention of its two staff amid an allegation of trying to transport uncleared cargo.

    Allan Kilavuka, KQ CEO and MD, said that their detainment has disrupted the airlines’ ability to operate flights between the two countries.

    “The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa, which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and generally ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations. We also ask that our staff be treated humanely and respectfully during this unlawful detention,” Kilavuka added.

    Last week, the national carrier announced the apprehension of its staff at the DRC’s Military Intelligence Unit over a missing document for the transportation of valuable cargo on April 12, 2024.

    Kilavuka, however, argued that KQ hadn’t taken the cargo due to missing documentation.

    According to KQ, the two staff were taken to a military wing to record statements and were held incommunicado until April 23, when they were visited by KQ and embassy staff.

    “We continue cooperating with the investigating agencies and the relevant Government entities in both DRC and Kenya to ensure this matter is resolved,” KQ added.

    “We ask that the Military court’s direction that they be released to allow due process to be respected so that our innocent staff can return to their families and everyday lives without harassment.”

  • South Sudan Agrees To $13 Billion Loan For 20 Years Crude Oil Deal With Dubai Firm

    South Sudan Agrees To $13 Billion Loan For 20 Years Crude Oil Deal With Dubai Firm

    South Sudan government has agreed to allow a deal with a Dubai-based company to lend South Sudan $12.9 billion in exchange for oil over a 20-year period, according to a leaked UN report cited by Bloomberg.

    The deal, negotiated on the sidelines of the COP28 climate change summit in Dubai, amounts to almost double South Sudan’s GDP and five times its current external debt of 2.5 billion US dollars. The government has earmarked 70% of the loan for infrastructure and 30% for the country’s working capital against the approved budget.

    The report by a UN Security Council panel indicates that Dubai’s Hamad Bin Khalifa Department of Projects (HBK DOP) reached the agreement with South Sudan’s former finance minister, Bak Barnaba Chol, between December 2023 and February 2024.

    The deal is controversial as it’s nearly twice South Sudan’s GDP. The report notes that 70% of the funds would be used for infrastructure, despite the country facing famine and conflict.

    The UN panel of experts said in the unpublished report, that the loan deal will trap most of South Sudan’s oil revenues for many years.

    Under the terms, South Sudan would receive $10 less than the international benchmark price per oil barrel.

    Terms of the deal

    The agreement obliges the South Sudan government to pump 3,000,000 barrels of oil per month to the Abu Dhabi firm with an unspecified increase in over 6 months.

    In the first phase of the deal, the company will pay over 5 billion US dollars to South Sudan government after which it will receive two cargoes of Nile and Dar Mix crude oil at 600,000 barrels per month.

    In Phase II, South Sudan will receive more than 3 billion dollars in exchange for two additional cargoes of Dar Mix amounting to 600,000 barrels per month within four months.

    HBK DOP will further send over 3 billion South Sudanese pounds to Juba for reimbursement of one cargo of Nile at 600,000 barrels per month within six months.

    It is further stipulated that if oil prices drop, South Sudan will provide additional barrels to meet the loan, whereas when oil prices rise, the number of barrels can be reduced or the difference can be paid back to suit the market.

    The loan will give the UAE discounted oil for up to two decades, and under the agreement, South Sudan will receive $10 less per barrel of oil in comparison with the international benchmark, Bloomberg reported.

    The UAE company further offered to provide additional funding for building the pipeline, refinery, and petrochemical complex and 1,000 megawatts of power for the project.

    According to the terms and conditions, the government shall direct the Bank of South Sudan to open a lender bank account and deposit of sovereign guarantee backed “by crude oil only” to receive funds from the company’s designated bank coordinates.

    The deal is based on English laws, where disputes will be resolved in accordance with the London Court of International Arbitration.

    South Sudan is heavily dependent on oil, with the commodity being responsible for 90% of the country’s revenue and nearly all of its exports, according to the World Bank.

    Former finance minister, Agak Acuil said in May 2022, that the government had been struggling to pay civil servants because the country’s oil proceeds have been sold in advance up to 2027.

    HBK DOP was founded by Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a distant relative of Abu Dhabi’s royal family. It’s unclear if South Sudan has yet received an initial $5 billion installment from the deal.

    The UAE has pledged over $97.3 billion in African investments from 2022-2023, seeking to become the continent’s largest investor.

    In February 2024, Abu Dhabi’s ADQ sovereign wealth fund pledged $35 billion to develop Egypt’s Ras El Hikma peninsula.

    Oil-rich nations often turn to oil-backed loans when they struggle to access conventional financing. Nigeria recently secured a $3.3 billion oil-backed loan from Afreximbank in August 2023.

  • Jeshi Iheshimiwe, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali Explains Why He’s Supporting KDF In Scuffle With The Police

    Jeshi Iheshimiwe, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali Explains Why He’s Supporting KDF In Scuffle With The Police

    Nyali MP Mohammed Ali alias Jicho Pevu has expressed his unreserved love for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the wake of a scandalous scuffle with the police in the Likoni Ferry drama.

    In the incident that has since gone viral on the Kenyan social media networks, special mission soldiers drawn from KDF were involved in a physical altercation with police and private security manning the vessel.

    Jicho Pevu in expressing his support has called out the private security firm controlling the operations accusing them of exhibiting impunity, and advocated for the police to be assigned the duties.

    “I support KDF 100%. Those private security guards are so brutal. Kenya Ferry should be protected by Kenya Police and not those guys who think they are so powerful even than the Police.” He said.

    Mr. Ali, a former investigative journalist further stated that the military ought to be respected and should not be summoned for questioning following the ugly incident, “No one should summon those KDF SPECIAL FORCE RANGERS. Jeshi iheshimiwe!”

    Likoni scuffle

    According to multiple reports revealed that the soldiers tried to force their way in after they failed to convince a private guard to allow them in because they were in a hurry.

    Although most dignitaries, military and police vehicles use the exit during peak time, the guard said the soldiers would obstruct vehicles.

    “Dignitaries and military vehicles always use the exit to enter the ferry. The guard refused to give way even after one of the soldiers alighted from the vehicle to talk to him,” said a witness.

    He said the other four soldiers alighted from the van after the guard called police officers to help him and members of the public started charging towards the scene and the soldiers.

    “Members of the public who witnessed the incident also started to approach the military vehicle. Some had started to collect stones. It could have turned ugly,” he said.

    A report filed at the Ferry Police Station identified the soldiers as naval officers from the Kenya Navy who were on a military tactical Land Cruiser that was crossing from the island to Likoni.

    In a brief statement, KDF said the military police and other investigating agencies were handling the matter, adding that the incident was “highly regrettable”

    KDF has had a tighter security routine at the Likoni crossing channel since 2013 when cases of terrorism increased at the Coast.

    In 2019, during Heroes Day at Mama Ngina Drive, the naval forces had a similar confrontation with the police and the residents.

    The Saturday incident at the Likoni channel was the second one after police in Kilifi also reported that they had arrested a soldier for assaulting a police officer from Kambe Ribe Police Station.

    A report from Kambe Police Station indicates that the soldier from 6 Brigade Garissa obstructed the police from arresting his cousin wanted for an assault case.

  • Platinum Cars Limited Director In Court For Theft

    Platinum Cars Limited Director In Court For Theft

    The director of Ultimate Platinum Cars Limited has failed to plead to the charges stealing Sh 1.5 million derived from the sale of a motor vehicle.

    Ayub Abdul Gaffar Kadernani appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi but did not plead to the charges.

    This is after his lawyer informed the court that they have entered into consent to settle the matter out of court.

    The court allowed them to proceed with negotiations and return before court on Monday to confirm the status of the talks and possible record a consent.

    According to the charge sheet before court, Gaffar is accused of stealing the money from John Mwangi Munyiri, an offence he allegedly committed on diverse dates between 22nd June and 23rd June 2023 in Westlands, Nairobi County. It was alleged that he committed the offence jointly with another not before court.

    Gaffar is also accused of conspiring with another commit the offense of stealing the said money which was proceeds realized from the sale of motor vehicle registration No. KCT 755V make Subaru Outback, the property of Munyiri.

    The case will be mentioned on May 6.

  • Those Crossing Flooded Rivers To Be Arrested And Charged With Attempted Murder, Kindiki Says

    Those Crossing Flooded Rivers To Be Arrested And Charged With Attempted Murder, Kindiki Says

    In the wake of dozens of deaths that has engulfed the country, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki has issued stern warnings to those who’re risking their lives by crossing flooded rivers.

    In a statement issued to the media, the CS has ordered the deployment of enforcement teams at urban and rural road spots prone to storm water flooding and without bridges or where the water has breached the bridge to prevent motorists or pedestrians from dangerous crossovers and to arrest and prosecute offenders for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be.

    At the same time, CS Kindiki orders County Security & Intelligence Committees to immediately inspect all public & private dams & water reservoirs in their jurisdictions within 24 hours & recommend cases where compulsory evacuation & temporary resettlement orders are to issued.

    In regard to the reports of continued risky behaviour by motorists and pedestrians, and casual treatment by members of the public of weather forecast and voluntary evacuation advisories.

    The CS noted that the ministry is aware of unscrupulous persons in order to benefit from persons in distress during storms are endangering the public by constructing and operating rudimentary canoes or boats, and transporting stranded passengers for money.

    Further, the CS has directed police to arrest inexperienced and unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the prevailing situation to cash in on persons in distress. He says this is to prevent the transportation of passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe canoes or boats.

    This follows incidences across their countryincidences across the country where close to 100 have lost their lives in the floods.

  • Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road Declared Impassable After Deadly Floods

    Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road Declared Impassable After Deadly Floods

    The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has declared the Mai Mahiu route impassable and advised motorists to use alternative routes due to floods.

    The travel advisory was issued on April 29, 2024, following the Kijabe dam burst, causing severe flooding in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County. Heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe have led to water courses upsurging, washing away debris and several houses.

    The road sections are now impassable, with traffic at a standstill around the Mai Mahiu center. KeNHA advised motorists to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution when travelling through the affected areas.

    Part of the Mai-Mahiu road destroyed by floods.
    Part of the Mai-Mahiu road destroyed by floods.

    The Kijabe dam tragedy was caused by ongoing heavy rains in the country. A multi-agency team, including police officers, Nakuru County disaster management unit, and Kenya Red Cross, is leading the rescue operation in Mai Mahiu.

    102 flood victims were rescued and rushed to various hospitals in Naivasha for treatment. Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui confirmed the tragedy, noting that the death toll may rise as the rescue operation continues.

  • Mai Mahiu: 42 Dead In The Floods

    Mai Mahiu: 42 Dead In The Floods

    At least 42 people died when a dam burst its banks near a town in Kenya’s Rift Valley, the local governor told AFP on Monday, as heavy rains and floods battered the country.

    The dam burst near Mai Mahiu in Nakuru county, washing away houses and cutting off a road, with rescuers digging through debris to find survivors.

    “Forty-two dead, it’s a conservative estimate. There are still more in the mud, we are working on recovery,” said Nakuru governor Susan Kihika.

    Monday’s dam collapse raises the total death toll over the March-May wet season to 120 as heavier than usual rainfall pounds East Africa, compounded by the El Nino weather pattern.

    Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross said Monday it had retrieved two bodies after a boat carrying “a large number of people” capsized at the weekend in flooded Tana River county in eastern Kenya, adding that 23 others had been rescued.

    Video footage shared online and broadcast on television showed the crowded boat sinking, with people screaming as onlookers watched in horror.

    On Saturday, officials said 76 people had lost their lives in Kenya since March.

    Flash floods have submerged roads and neighbourhoods, leading to the displacement of more than 130,000 people across 24,000 households, many of them in the capital Nairobi, according to government figures released Saturday.

    Schools have been forced to remain shut following mid-term holidays, after the education ministry announced Monday that it would postpone their reopening by one week due to “ongoing heavy rains”.

    “The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools is so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety,” Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu said.

    “Based on this assessment, the Ministry of Education has resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, to Monday, May 6, 2024,” he said.

    Turmoil across the region

    The monsoons have also wreaked havoc in neighbouring Tanzania, where at least 155 people have been killed in flooding and landslides.

    In Burundi, one of the world’s poorest countries, around 96,000 people have been displaced by months of relentless rains, the United Nations and the government said earlier this month.

    Uganda has also suffered heavy storms that have caused riverbanks to burst, with two deaths confirmed and several hundred villagers displaced.

    Monday’s dam collapse comes six years after a similar accident at Solai in Nakuru county killed 48 people, sending millions of litres of muddy waters raging through homes and destroying power lines.

    The May 2018 disaster involving a private reservoir on a coffee estate also followed weeks of torrential rains that sparked deadly floods and mudslides.

    El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern typically associated with increased heat worldwide, leading to drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains elsewhere.

    Late last year, more than 300 people died in rains and floods in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, just as the region was trying to recover from its worst drought in four decades that left millions of people hungry.

    The UN’s World Meteorological Organization said in March that the latest El Nino is one of the five strongest ever recorded.

  • Al Shabaab Launches Terror Attack In Elwak, Mandera Killing Five

    Al Shabaab Launches Terror Attack In Elwak, Mandera Killing Five

    An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off in Elwak Town, Mandera County, killing at least five people. Witnesses reported seeing at least five people motionless following the incident, which occurred opposite a local Administration Police camp.

    The victims are four non-locals and a local one, including teachers, nurses, casual laborers, and police officers.

    Equity Bank suspended operations at their local branch following the explosion, stating that they are safe.

    Officials believe the incident was set up by al-Shabaab terrorists or their remnants operating in the area. The explosion may also have been set up by local extremists hiding behind al-Shabaab terrorists. This is the latest such incident in the area amid ongoing operations to tame terror activities.

    On April 13, gunmen suspected to be al-Shabaab militants raided a local hospital and terrorized guards on duty. The area is near the Kenya-Somalia border, which the terrorist group frequently breaches.

    Police have increased operations in the area to address terror threats, including increased deployment of security officers. They have been staging operations to downgrade the activities of the terrorists, who have been attacking places in the region, especially in Mandera and Garissa counties after breaching security zones, leaving dozens of civilians and security officials dead and others wounded.

  • KDF-Police Clash In Kilifi Explained

    KDF-Police Clash In Kilifi Explained

    An altercation between the military and police officers in Kilifi at the Likoni ferry crossing that blew to a full physical fight continues to draw mixed reactions.

    According to reports, problem started when the special forces had attempted to enter the ferry using the exit and the police officers made an attempt to stop them leading to the altercation.

    Efforts by the private security officers manning the vessel also failed as the KDF officers claimed they were in a hurry for a security operation.

    Although most dignitaries, military and police vehicles use the exit during peak time, the guard said the soldiers would obstruct vehicles.

    “Dignitaries and military vehicles always use the exit to enter the ferry. The guard refused to give way even after one of the soldiers alighted from the vehicle to talk to him,” said a witness.

    He said the other four soldiers alighted from the van after the guard called police officers to help him and members of the public started charging towards the scene and the soldiers.

    “Members of the public who witnessed the incident also started to approach the military vehicle. Some had started to collect stones. It could have turned ugly,” he said.

    Another witness who’s a trader claimed that he heard the soldiers complaining about the Police Officers and the security guards inciting the public against them. A number of civilians watching the dram from a distance could be seen filming the scuffle amidst murmurs.

    A report filed at the Ferry Police Station identified the soldiers as naval officers from the Kenya Navy who were on a military tactical Land Cruiser that was crossing from the island to Likoni.

    “The Land Cruiser approached from town and blocked the exit lane and naval officers jumped out of the vehicle and started assaulting the security guard who sought assistance from the police who were providing security at the lock-up,” states the police report.

    It states that the police, who tried to intervene, were also assaulted by the soldiers. The private security guard assaulted was Wilson Obege of Istmax Guard.

    In the video clip that has since gone viral, a soldier is seen slapping a security guard before he runs to a police officer who was approaching a charged crowd, chanting against the soldiers.

    The witness said the other four soldiers scared away members of the public who were charging towards their colleague.

    In a brief statement, KDF said the military police and other investigating agencies were handling the matter, adding that the incident was “highly regrettable”.

    “As KDF personnel, we are beholden to the core value of professionalism,” stated the statement from KDF.

    KDF has had a tighter security routine at the Likoni crossing channel since 2013 when cases of terrorism increased at the Coast.

    In 2019, during Heroes Day at Mama Ngina Drive, the naval forces had a similar confrontation with the police and the residents.

    The Saturday incident at the Likoni channel was the second one after police in Kilifi also reported that they had arrested a soldier for assaulting a police officer from Kambe Ribe Police Station.

    A report from Kambe Police Station indicates that the soldier from 6 Brigade Garissa obstructed the police from arresting his cousin wanted for an assault case.

  • Petition Seek To Probe China Roads and Bridge Corporation In SGR Sh777B Overpayment

    Petition Seek To Probe China Roads and Bridge Corporation In SGR Sh777B Overpayment

    A petition has been filed in the Senate to establish why Sh777 billion was overpaid to China Roads and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the suppliers of facilities and rolling stocks during the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) by the State department for Transport.

    This even as the State department is said to have allocated Sh97.3 billion for the construction of the Mombasa – Nairobi SGR seven years after the completion of the project.

    A petitioner, Bernard Muchere in his documents tabled before the Senate wants the lawmakers to also establish the authenticity of the amount spent to develop SGR, which he claims was aggregated to Sh1.18 trillion notwithstanding that the contract sum was Sh407billion.

    “The amount spent to develop SGR aggregated to Sh1.18 trillion notwithstanding that the contract sum was Sh407 billion indicating that China Roads and Bridges and the suppliers of facilities and rolling stocks were overpaid by Sh777billion,” reads part of the petition.

    According to Muchere, the SGR project was schemed by China Road and Bridges Corporation which benefitted the Chinese at the expense of Kenyans.

    Establish authenticity

    He further wants the Senators to establish the authenticity of Sh63.9billion expenditure by the National Treasury for the development of Nairobi-Naivasha SGR, whereas work on that part of SGR was completed and commissioned in December 2019.

    “The petitioner prays that the Senate intervenes in this matter with a view to undertake an inquiry into the inconsistency in financing the SGR project between the National Treasury, State Department of Transport and Kenya Railways Corporation,” reads part of the petition.

    Muchere who is a Fraud Risk Management Consultant further alleges that the SGR project did not meet the criteria for a public project neither did the contract and related debt qualify as a public contract and public debt.

    Muchere avers that the National Treasury debt register shows three loans 2024006, 2014008 and 2015023 aggregating to Sh466.41billion ($5.08billion) from Exim Bank of China.

    Aggregate receipt

    In addition, KRC in its financial statements shows aggregate receipt of Sh539.27billion loans as of June 30, 2020 from the Exim Bank of China and the State Department of Transport in its Appropriation Act (Budgets) upto the June 30, 2021 financial year shows Appropriation in Aid (AIA) aggregating to Sh387.9billion from the government of China.

    Muchere in his petition argues that there is inconsistency in loans relating to the SGR as reflected in the books of the National Treasury, State Department of Transport and Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) in terms of the lender and the amount.

    Muchere in his petition argues that the development appropriation Acts (budgets) for 2015/2016 to 2020/2021, the aggregate expenditure estimates relating to SGR from Mombasa to Naivasha were Sh604.3billion comprising direct payments (AIA loans) of Sh436.9billion and Sh159.9billion receipts not classified and Sh7.5billion exchequer issues.

    The petitioner also contends that there appears to be two types of loans, one from Exim Bank of China aggregating to Sh544.2billion ($5.08billion) and the other Sh387.9billion from the Government of China, asking the lawmakers to seek clarification on which lender betweent the Exim Bank of China and the Government of China extended SGR credit facilities.

    “The alleged loan of $5.08billion from the Exim Bank of China to fund the SGR project was not paid into the Consolidated Fund contrary to Article 206 (1) of the Constitution, instead ‘Forms of irrevocable  notice of drawdowns’ substituted for payment of loan into the consolidated fund,” the petition reads in part.

    China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a subsidiary of Fortune Global 500 company China Communications Construction Company (CCCC)

  • How Nairobi Private Jet Hiring Firm Was Used To Defraud American Millions

    How Nairobi Private Jet Hiring Firm Was Used To Defraud American Millions

    Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) has demonstrated how funds linked to a private jet hiring firm were wired into the country raising alarm of money laundering claims.

    Through agency investigator Alfred Musalia, the agency said in documents filed in court the funds were wired by a man from the USA.

    “Unless this court grants the orders sought, the respondents and the interested party shall illegitimately enjoy the economic advantage derived from the commission of crimes and acquisition of proceeds of crime or profits and benefits of crime,” investigator told the court.

    According to the investigator, the statement of Fletcher demonstrates the manner in which the company fraudulently obtained the funds in issue from him without delivering goods or rendering any service to him.

    Musalia said investigations have established that the funds are proceeds of crime which should be forfeited to the state.

    Contrary to the assertions by Cullinan Private Jets Corp Limited and Glo Jets International Limited,  the officer said ARA has established that the funds in issue were fraudulently obtained from Rondell Maurice Fletcher, a citizen of the USA.

    “I established that the said Rondell Maurice Fletcher deposited a total of USD 400,000 into his Mazuma Holdings Account number 6897943574 held at Wells Fargo USA,” Musalia said in an affidavit.

    The investigator said a total of USD 412,746. 55 was then transferred from Mazuma Holdings Account number 6897943574 held at Wells Fargo USA to Cullinan Private JET USA Account number 9984784992 held at Wells Fargo USA.

    He also established that a total of USD 333, 718.35 which is part of funds in issue was sent from Cullinan Private JET USA Account number 9984784992 held at Wells Fargo USA to Cullinan Private Jets Corp Limited Account number 01904057361250 held at I&M Bank.

    “The funds were subsequently utilized by the Respondent for various purposes which are not the intended purpose safe for the amount preserved,” he added.

    The agency was responding to the company documents filed in court in which ARA applied for the account to be freezed pending forfeiture proceedings.

    The court has already freezed the the two exclusive jet companies accounts.

    Application dismissed

    Cullinan Private Jet Corp, an alleged subsidiary of a company registered in Miami and Glo-Jet International limited, a subsidiary of a company registered in the state of Florida, wanted the order freezing its bank accounts in Kenya lifted.

    High Court Judge Esther Maina dismissed the application by the owners of the two firms linked to US based companies for lack of merit.

    In her 31 page ruling , Judge Maina observed that the two companies annexed copies of cheques drawn to third parties which they claimed were dishonoured as a result of the freeze and demand letters from third parties threatening to sue for not meeting their financial obligations.

    Cullinan Private Jet Corp
    Cullinan Private Jet Corp

    Justice Maina added that the companies have also not demonstrated that their suppliers and employees were being paid from the four accounts that are affected by the preservation order.

    Moreover, the two private jet companies claim to be subsidiaries of global multi-billion dollar companies with operations in 47 countries in different parts of the world and which have financial muscle to support the Kenyan entities, added the judge.

    The two companies sotught to lift the order obtained by Asset Recovery Agency freezing its accounts pending forfeiture proceedings.

    The bank accounts included four dollar and Kenya shilling accounts belonging to Cullinan Private jets Corp limited and Glo-jet International ltd.

    The judge prohibited the operators or their agents or representatives from transacting, withdrawing, transferring, using and any other dealing with the money in the bank accounts.

    The Bank accounts includes USD 54, 257.85 , Sh 696,070.70 held in Account Number 01904057366250registered in the name of Cullinan Private Jets Corp Limited held at I & M Bank and USD 24,712.61 held in Account Number 6658001882 in the name of Glo Jet International Limited and Sh.1,134,691.33 held in Account number 6658001881 in the of Glo Jet International Limited held at Ecobank Limited.

    ARA told the court on 25th August 2023 the Agency received information that the above accounts are holding funds suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities and money laundering.

    Subsequently the Agency opened an Inquiry file to investigate the legitimacy, source and destination of the funds for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same was acquired from or is a profits or benefits of proceeds of crime or intended for the commission of crime.

    According to ARA court documents, financial investigations conducted by the Agency revealed complex fraud and money laundering schemes conducted by the Cullinan Private Jets Corp Ltd and Glo-jet International ltd their directors and associates rendering the above funds proceeds of crime liable for preservation and forfeiture.

    The said bank accounts received suspicious huge cash deposits from various suspicious sources and investigations established that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the funds in issue are obtained through illegitimate means.

    “The investigations have revealed that the cash deposits were unlawfully acquired hence proceeds of crime pursuant to the Provisions of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act and investigations further established that the funds were obtained from various suspicious sources and spent/dispersed through suspicious activities and transactions in a classical money laundering schemes,” Agency told the court.

  • Zimbabwe Backs Raila’s AUC Bid

    Zimbabwe Backs Raila’s AUC Bid

    President William Ruto has secured Zimbabwe’s support for Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.

    Kenya has presented its candidature for AUC Chairperson for 2025 – 2028.

    This comes in the wake of a unanimous decision by the African Union Executive Council, on 15th March 2024, that the Eastern Africa region submit candidates for the AU Chairperson.

    President Ruto said Kenya candidature is informed by the role that the country plays in enhancing the Pan – African Agenda.

    “I am assured that Kenya and Zimbabwe will persist in conferring and backing each other on multitude issues of bilateral, regional and continental significance alongside the African Union
    Agenda 2063,” said President Ruto.

    President Ruto made the remarks at the Bulawayo State House, Zimbabwe on Saturday, during bilateral talks with his counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa.

    During the bilateral meeting, Kenya and Zimbabwe signed nine MoUs in the fields of transport, infrastructure, health, education, defense, trade and investments among other areas.

    President Mnagangwa emphasized on the need for investors to exploit existing opportunities in the two countries.

    Meanwhile, Kenya and Zimbabwe will leverage on their rich shared history, socio-cultural, political and economic ties as well as abundant natural resources for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

    President Ruto said the two countries have a deep understanding which underpins our mutual support over the years in diverse arenas.

    “Based on this, I wish to declare Kenya’s unreserved support for Zimbabwe’s readmission to the Commonwealth, and for the African Union’s call for the immediate lifting of all illegal sanctions against the Republic of Zimbabwe,” said President Ruto.

    Kenya’s commitment to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and states, and a rule-based multilateral system makes no room for the contemplation or imposition of unilateral coercive measures.

    “I stand here to affirm Kenya’s commitment to the flourishing of our bilateral relations, and our shared determination to advance and enhance mutual benefit through partnership and consultation,” said President Ruto.

    President Ruto made the remarks on Friday evening during a banquet hosted in his honour at the Bulawayo State House in Zimbabwe.

    Dr Ruto said President Mnagangwa’s emphatic commitment to accelerate the development of energy, transport and communications infrastructure as enablers of trade and investment, productivity and efficiency and, ultimately rapid economic growth is a substantial testament to the boldness and ambition of his vision for Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround.

    “To underscore this observation, I further note your government’s decision to break new ground in monetary policy and inaugurate a new currency backed by gold and other asset reserves, as compelling proof of Your Excellency’s irrevocable intent to usher in a new era of economic recovery and transformation,” said President Ruto.

    The Head of State said he was confident that the two countries are poised to accomplish immense growth together, on the basis of the bilateral frameworks of cooperation the numerous areas of potential mutual gains.

    President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe will forever be grateful to Kenya for standing resolutely with the country, particularly in the clarion and unequivocal call for the removal of illegal Western-imposed economic sanctions.

    “We have a common and rich liberation war history and a shared vision for prosperity, peace and progress. As we look into the future, we must now leverage on the current social, political and economic ties as well as natural endowments for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples,” said President Mnagangwa.

    He said Zimbabwe also took a leaf from Kenya, especially in infrastructure development that is now ubiquitous in the country as roads, that were in a state of disrepair, were now being resurfaced in every part of the country.

    “We are on course to attain our national Vision 2030 to become an empowered upper middle-income economy. The reforms undertaken since the inception of the Second Republic have seen a conducive business environment, which has in-turn increased both local and foreign investments across all sectors,” he said.

  • Starlink Cuts Installation Costs In Kenya

    Starlink Cuts Installation Costs In Kenya

    Billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm, Starlink, has announced a 55.6 percent reduction in the price of the installation hardware kit in the Kenyan market in a promotion that runs until May 15.

    During the offer window, Kenyans will purchase the hardware equipment at Sh39,500, down from the Sh89,000 asking price during normal sales.

    Starlink however appears to be off to a bumpy start in African markets after it emerged that it has halted operations in at least four countries that it recently ventured into.

    Starlink’s major strength is its ability to deliver high-speed internet with low latency, making it ideal for rural or remote areas where traditional internet services are limited or unreliable.

    The service has however proved unaffordable for many of the targeted users owing to its off-putting installation cost which is an almost ten-fold increase from what rival products cost.

    In the absence of the current offer, a subscriber in Kenya would be required to cough not less than Sh100,000 with the purchase of the hardware kit taking up the lion’s share of the cost at Sh89,000.

    After installation of the equipment, the user is required to pay an activation fee of Sh6,500, which is also the monthly subscription charge.

  • Burkina Faso Suspends BBC And VOA

    Burkina Faso Suspends BBC And VOA

    Burkina Faso has temporarily suspended the programs of Voice of America and BBC/Africa following the broadcast of news stories about a Human Rights Watch report accusing the Burkinabè army of abuses against civilian populations.

    The Superior Council of Communication Thursday ordered the immediate halt of the rebroadcasts and suspension of the programs of both international radio stations for two weeks.

    Access to the websites and digital platforms of BBC, VOA, and Human Rights Watch was also suspended within Burkina Faso.

    In its broadcast of the story on the Human Rights Watch report, VOA said they had sought reactions from several Burkinabè officials but did not receive any response.

    Military-ruled Burkina Faso has in recent months suspended other Western news outlets, including the French television broadcasters LCI and France24; French radio broadcaster Radio France Internationale, the French daily newspaper Le Monde and the French magazine Jeune Afrique.

    Burkina Faso is one of several West African nations in the Sahel region, including Mali and Niger, that have been combatting Islamist insurgencies. The military seized power in a 2022 coup, citing the government’s failure to put down a jihadist insurgency that erupted in 2015.

    Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse, Reuters and The Associated Press.

  • TikTok Owner Prefers Ban In US Than Sell It, Reuters Reports

    TikTok Owner Prefers Ban In US Than Sell It, Reuters Reports

    TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, would rather shut down the app than sell it if they can’t fight the ban in the U.S, a Reuters report citing four sources.

    The algorithms that make TikTok work are really important to ByteDance, so selling the app without the algorithms is unlikely. Most of ByteDance’s money comes from China, and TikTok’s users in the U.S. only make up a small part of their overall users.

    It said late on Thursday in a statement posted on Toutiao, a media platform it owns, that it had no plan to sell TikTok, in response to an article by The Information saying ByteDance is exploring scenarios for selling TikTok’s U.S. business without the algorithm that recommends videos to TikTok users.

    The company continues to make most of its money in China, mainly from its other apps such as Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, separate sources have said.

    TikTok’s daily active users in the U.S. also make up just about 5% of ByteDance’s DAUs worldwide, said one of the sources.

    It would be impossible to divest TikTok with its algorithms as their intellectual property licence is registered under ByteDance in China and thus difficult to disentangle from the parent company, said the sources.

    Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has expressed interest in putting together an investor group to try to buy TikTok. ByteDance may struggle to attract any buyers for TikTok’s U.S. assets excluding algorithms, the sources said.

    Kenya rules out banning TikTok

    A similar debate of banning the Chinese app in kenya has been active.

    However, Kenya’s government has advised lawmakers against banning TikTok over concerns about content shared on the platform, and instead recommended stricter oversight by regulators.

    A panel in parliament has been considering a petition from a Kenyan citizen to ban the Chinese-owned platform. The recommendation follows accusations from the interior ministry that the platform has been used to spread propaganda, carry out fraud and distribute sexual content.

    Rather than imposing a ban on TikTok, the ministry proposes adoption of a co-regulation model,” the information and communication ministry said.

    The ministry proposed requiring TikTok to screen content to ensure compliance with Kenyan laws and file quarterly reports to the government on what material it had taken down.

    The company has been facing regulatory scrutiny in a number of countries, particularly in the West.

    Last month, Italy slapped three TikTok units with fines for inadequate checks on content deemed potentially harmful to children or vulnerable users.

    The U.S. Senate approved legislation on Tuesday that would ban TikTok in the United States if ByteDance fails to divest over the next nine months to a year.

    The move was driven by widespread worries among U.S. lawmakers that China could access Americans’ data or surveil them with the app.

  • Former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati Hospitalized

    Former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati Hospitalized

    Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati has been hospitalized in Nairobi.

    Chebukati who has been away from the public limelight has been unwell for sometime according to close sources speaking to Kenya Insights.

    While not indulging the details, the former IEBC boss has been  hospitalized in Aga Khan for weeks now.

    It is unclear the condition he’s suffering from.

    Missing from JSC Shortlist

    The news comes at a time when speculations have been running as to how he missed from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) list for the position of the Judge of the Court of Appeal.

    The JSC had advertised applications for the positions on 13 October 2023 and Chebukati was among those who applied and was favored to win the post.

    However, in an advertisement published on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Chief Justice Martha Koome-led commission instead accepted an application by former IEBC chair Issack Hassan Ahmed.

    Hassan who is an advocate is among 40 people who made it to the final list of candidates shortlisted for a Court of Appeal post where the Judiciary is seeking to hire eleven persons as appellant judges.

    In the notice, the JSC reduced the number of applicants from 81 candidates to 41 after going through the shortlist which Chebukati and several High Court judges and lawyers had applied.

    Among the candidates shortlisted for interviews set to begin on June 3, 2024, are current judges of the High Court, judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court and judges of the Environment and Lands Court.

    Those shortlisted are currently serving judges, including Alfred Mabeya, the presiding judge of the Commercial Division, Chacha Mwita, Hedwig Ong’udi, Anthony Mrima, Christine Meoli, Daniel Ogembo, Grace Nzioka, James Wakiaga, Kimondo Kanyi, Jairus Ngaah, Joseph Oguttu and Onesmus Makau.