Former Sauti Sol frontman makes history while delivering scathing critique of Kenya’s political landscape during landmark US radio appearance
Kenyan Afro-pop sensation Bien-Aimé Baraza has broken new ground by becoming the first East African artist to grace America’s most influential radio platform, The Breakfast Club, but it was his unfiltered political commentary that left audiences buzzing across two continents.
The solo artist, who has been riding high since Sauti Sol’s indefinite hiatus in 2023, used his historic appearance on the show hosted by DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God to deliver a blistering assessment of Kenya’s current political climate while cementing his position as a voice for the nation’s disillusioned youth.
“Right now, Kenya has no real opposition. The youth are the opposition,” Bien declared during the candid interview, his words carrying the weight of a generation frustrated by systemic failures.
“We’ve seen abductions, intimidation, and a crackdown on voices that speak truth. There’s freedom to express, but not freedom after expression.”
The artist’s appearance comes at a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. His debut solo album “Alusa, Why Are You Topless?” released in November 2023, not only topped Kenyan charts but secured a coveted spot in East Africa’s Top 10.
When pressed by Charlamagne Tha God about the pressures of representing Kenya on the global stage amid the country’s economic struggles, the artist didn’t mince words about his role as a cultural ambassador for change.
“There’s pressure to represent more than just myself. My music is about telling our truths, the pain, the hustle, the dreams,” he explained.
“I want people to hear my lyrics and feel what it’s like to be a young person in Kenya right now.”
His criticism extended to the government’s recent controversial announcement about bidding to host the Grammy Awards in Kenya, a move that sparked public outrage amid rising living costs.
While acknowledging the potential long-term benefits for the music industry, Bien called out the administration’s tone-deaf timing.
“When people are hungry and hurting, they’ll see something like that as wasteful,” he said.
“The government just needed to communicate it better. Right now, it feels like they’re talking at us, not to us.”
The Breakfast Club appearance represents more than just a career milestone for Bien.
It signals the growing global influence of East African music and provides a powerful platform for artists to address social and political issues affecting their home countries.
His collaborations with international stars like Ayra Starr and Adekunle Gold have already demonstrated his commitment to pushing musical boundaries while maintaining his authentic voice.
Industry observers see Bien’s fearless commentary as emblematic of a new generation of African artists who refuse to separate their art from their activism.
As he continues his US tour, his message resonates with young Kenyans who view him not just as an entertainer, but as a spokesperson for their struggles and aspirations.
“I’m not afraid of this regime,” Bien stated emphatically. “I believe the youth will save us. I trust them more than the leaders who continue to oppress and silence us.”
With his star continuing to rise internationally, Bien’s ability to command global attention while amplifying the voices of Kenya’s youth positions him as more than just a musical export – he’s become a cultural force challenging the status quo from stages around the world.
Mombasa, May 26, 2025 – A fresh legal battle has erupted in Likoni, Mombasa, as a petition seeks to block the construction of a Sh16 billion liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal by Taifa Gas Investments SEZ Ltd, a company linked to Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz.
The 30,000-tonne LPG facility at Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, launched with fanfare in February 2023, is poised to disrupt Kenya’s LPG market by offering competitive prices to benefit low-income households.
However, behind the petition lies a shadowy figure: a powerful Kenyan LPG tycoon accused of orchestrating resistance to protect his market monopoly.
The petition, filed at the Environment and Land Court in Mombasa, claims the Taifa Gas project threatens environmental degradation, citing the clearing of indigenous trees, disruption of coral ecosystems, and potential harm to local fishing grounds.
It further alleges that Taifa Gas lacks necessary permits from the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and failed to engage in public participation.
However, sources close to the project suggest the petition is a calculated move by a well-known LPG magnate, notorious for sponsoring civil society groups to file fictitious legal challenges and incite community protests against competitors.
The tycoon, a dominant player in Kenya’s LPG industry, has long thrived on controlling supply chains and maintaining high prices, which have burdened ordinary Kenyans.
Industry insiders reveal that the tycoon’s influence has historically stifled competition, with a trail of derailed projects linked to his covert campaigns.
Taifa Gas, with its promise to lower LPG costs and level the market, threatens this monopoly, prompting what analysts describe as a desperate bid to maintain control.
For years, Rostam Aziz faced a barrage of petitions that delayed the Taifa Gas plant, keeping it on hold until President William Ruto’s administration granted the necessary licenses in 2023.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Ruto himself, marked a turning point, signaling government support for the project as a game-changer for Kenya’s coastal economy.
Yet, the latest petition underscores the lengths to which the LPG tycoon will go to frustrate Aziz’s ambitions.
On May 15, the presiding judge declined to issue a temporary injunction to halt construction, directing the petitioners to serve Taifa Gas with the application and setting a hearing for July 29.
The court’s decision has bolstered hopes that the project will proceed, but the petitioners’ demands—an environmental restoration order and compensation for alleged ecological damage—continue to cast a shadow.
Critics of the petition argue it is a thinly veiled attempt to protect vested interests rather than genuine environmental concerns.
“The narrative around environmental harm is a smokescreen,” said a Mombasa-based energy analyst, speaking anonymously.
“This is about one man’s empire fighting to keep prices high and competition out. Taifa Gas could make cooking gas affordable for millions, and that’s a threat to the status quo.”
The petition also claims that Taifa Gas’s pipeline construction could harm water quality and fishing grounds, a critical livelihood for Likoni residents.
However, supporters of the project counter that Taifa Gas has committed to adhering to environmental regulations and engaging with local communities.
They point to the Dongo Kundu SEZ’s broader economic benefits, including job creation and infrastructure development, as evidence of its value to the region.
The LPG tycoon’s history of sponsoring protests and legal challenges is well-documented, with similar tactics used against other competitors in the past.
Community mobilizations, often fueled by misinformation, have been a hallmark of his strategy to delay or derail projects that challenge his dominance.
“This is not about the environment; it’s about power and profit,” said a local business leader in Mombasa.
“The tycoon’s grip on the LPG market has kept prices out of reach for the poor, and Taifa Gas is a direct challenge to that.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the Taifa Gas project remains a flashpoint in Kenya’s energy sector.
For Rostam Aziz, the fight is not just about building a gas plant but breaking down barriers to a fairer, more competitive market.
For the LPG tycoon, it’s a battle to preserve a lucrative monopoly.
The outcome of the July 29 hearing could determine whether Kenyan consumers finally gain access to affordable LPG—or if the tycoon’s influence will once again prevail.
Popular Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki, better known as Samidoh, has categorically dismissed widespread rumors suggesting he had resigned from the National Police Service, declaring that he remains an active officer while pursuing his musical career.
Speaking during a high-profile meeting hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Karen on Friday, Samidoh addressed the speculation head-on with characteristic brevity.
“I am a musician and also serve as a police officer under the National Police Service, and normally I don’t speak a lot under my boss,” he stated during what appeared to be a light moment as he introduced himself to attendees.
The clarification comes at a time when the artist has been under intense public scrutiny following a series of cryptic social media posts that sparked concern among his fanbase.
Recently, Samidoh posted what many interpreted as a farewell message while celebrating his estranged wife Edday Nderitu’s birthday, writing about living life to the fullest and being remembered “as a heart that burned with a flame” should he die before his time.
The post, which was later deleted, generated viral screenshots and widespread speculation about the musician’s wellbeing and future plans.
Many fans connected the troubling message to his recent performances, particularly one where he encouraged revelers to chant “Wantam” – a term popularized by opposition supporters to advocate for a Ruto’s single presidential term.
Adding another layer of intrigue to Friday’s Karen meeting, Samidoh made an unexpected political reference by uttering the phrase “two-term” without elaboration.
The comment immediately drew attention from attendees, given the current political climate and the musician’s previous association with opposition terminology.
The dual role of artist and law enforcement officer has long been a unique aspect of Samidoh’s public persona.
His confirmation of continued police service puts to rest months of speculation that had circulated in entertainment and social media circles about his potential departure from the force to focus solely on his thriving music career.
However, his recent political statements have raised questions about the traditional expectation for public officers to remain apolitical.
The musician’s apparent political leanings, combined with his continued police service, present a complex dynamic that has sparked debate about the boundaries between personal expression and professional obligations for civil servants.
As Samidoh navigates both his artistic ambitions and law enforcement duties, his public statements continue to generate significant attention, reflecting the unique position he occupies at the intersection of entertainment, politics, and public service in contemporary Kenya.
The musician’s reaffirmation of his police service effectively closes one chapter of speculation while potentially opening new discussions about the evolving role of public figures who serve in multiple capacities within Kenyan society.
Nairobi, May 23, 2025 – Kenyan musician and police officer Samuel Muchoki, known professionally as Samidoh, has triggered widespread concern among fans with a cryptic Facebook post about his potential “unexpected death.”
The message, posted at dawn today, has generated hundreds of comments from worried supporters amid Kenya’s increasingly volatile political climate.
In his post, Samidoh wrote: “In case I die unexpectedly, or before my time, I want you to know that I’ve lived a full and good life. Allah gave me an opportunity to travel the world, see nature at its best, meet incredible humans I was fortunate enough to share a moment with.”
The message continued with what many interpreted as a farewell: “If you ever miss me, look at the stars, I will be there shining brightly reminding you to live your life with passion, chase your dreams and cherish the people around you.”
His fanbase is grappling with genuine fear for the artist’s safety.
Several responses directly reference current political tensions and Samidoh’s controversial music.
“In this era of kasongo where everything is possible at anytime and especially after your famous wantam chorus, hope you are fine and nobody is trolling you,” wrote Yvoone K Kim, using the slang term “kasongo” to describe Kenya’s chaotic political climate while referencing Samidoh’s provocative song Wantam.
Other fans urged immediate action. “Those who r close to Sammy should look at him with immediate effects,” commented Poline Kaniaru, while several others questioned whether the post was connected to recent events or threats.
Samidoh’s message comes during a particularly tense period in Kenyan politics. His song Wantam, which echoes former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s rhetoric and contains veiled criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, has placed the police officer-turned-musician in a potentially precarious position.
Recent incidents have amplified fears of targeted harassment against those associated with Gachagua.
Media personality Oga Obinna recently claimed he was being followed after hosting the former deputy president on his show, while the unsolved murder of a Catholic priest who had met with Gachagua has added to the atmosphere of unease.
Not all fans interpreted the post as ominous. Some viewed it as philosophical reflection or even promotional content for upcoming music.
“Here I thought this is a rap song by Tupac Shakur,” commented Flozie Wanjiku, expressing initial confusion about the post’s nature.
Others offered spiritual reassurance.
“And tonight I declare for myself and to whoever is reading this that premature death is not our potion. We shall enjoy long life and blessed years in Jesus mighty name,” wrote Bilha Beatrice, whose comment received over 800 reactions.
As of publication, Samidoh has not clarified the meaning behind his post or addressed the concerns raised by fans.
The timing—coming amid political tensions, his controversial music, and ongoing personal drama involving his relationship with nominated Senator Karen Nyamu—has left many speculating about his motivations.
The post has sparked broader conversations about artist safety, political expression, and the climate of fear that some perceive in Kenya’s current political landscape.
Whether Samidoh’s message represents genuine concern for his safety, artistic expression, or personal reflection remains unclear.
For now, his fans can only hope that the “victory” referenced in his hashtag comes in the form of continued safety and success rather than serving as a prophetic farewell.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has claimed that US President Donald Trump has lifted a travel ban imposed on him and his family three years ago over corruption allegations, according to a statement posted on his social media account.
“Thank you President Donald Trump for lifting my travel ban to the US. Details to follow. Those who implicated me are the ones who are most corrupt in this country,” Sonko wrote on social media, tagging the US president’s official account.
The controversial politician has not provided any official documentation or additional details to substantiate his claim.
Sonko claims the U.S. president Donald Trump has lifted his travel ban.
The US Embassy in Nairobi has not yet commented on the matter.
In March 2022, the United States government banned Sonko and his immediate family members from traveling to the US, citing “involvement in significant corruption” during his tenure as Nairobi’s governor.
At that time, US Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Eric Watnik announced that Sonko, his wife Primrose Mbuvi, daughters Saumu and Salma, and his underage son were all declared ineligible for entry into the US.
The designation also prohibited them from conducting business with the United States.
“The department has credible information that the former governor was involved in significant corruption when serving as governor of Nairobi. We determined that he received bribes in kickbacks in exchange for irregular awarding of contracts to his associates for personal gains,” Watnik stated when announcing the ban.
When the ban was first imposed, Sonko held a press conference at his Shanzu residence in Mombasa, where he expressed shock and insisted on his innocence.
“I am shocked and surprised. My wife and daughters have never applied or won any tenders while I was Nairobi governor,” Sonko said at the time, questioning why his family was included in the ban.
He also claimed political persecution: “I am being persecuted because I differed with the State over some issues. But I will exhaust all avenues of appeal and ensure I am cleared.”
At the time of the ban, Sonko was facing multiple corruption charges in Kenyan courts, including allegations that he received a kickback of Ksh 8.4 million from ROG Security Ltd.
The US government stated that the outcome of those trials would not impact their decision to ban him.
Sonko became the second high-profile Kenyan official to be publicly banned from traveling to the US during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, following former Attorney General Amos Wako who was banned in 2019.
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has descended into chaos as revelations emerge of deceased members mysteriously “participating” in crucial meetings while millions in artists’ royalties hang in the balance.
The explosive boardroom war has pitted former “moral police” Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, who earns a staggering Sh742,500 monthly salary, against MCSK directors in a battle royal for control of the Sh200 million annual royalty cash cow.
In a bombshell revelation, Kenya’s Business Registration Service uncovered evidence that several participants recorded as attending a crucial Extraordinary General Meeting on August 6, 2024, were actually dead at the time.
The ghost participants allegedly “voted” to install a new caretaker board in what critics are calling an elaborate scheme to divert artists’ money.
“How can dead people attend meetings and vote?” questioned Lazarus Muli, who claims to be the legitimate chairman of MCSK. “This is not just fraud—it’s desecration of the dead to steal from living artists!”
Refusal to hand over cars, secret bank accounts
As the war over artists’ millions intensified, Dr. Mutua has been sensationally accused of refusing to surrender a luxury Toyota Prado TX purchased on loan using musicians’ funds.
News reports allege the embattled CEO has created shadow banking systems, including unauthorized Equity Bank accounts and Safaricom Pay Bills, in a desperate bid to maintain control of the money flow.
“They’ve even engaged a new company to create an alternate licensing system to divert royalty collections,” claimed one insider, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals. “It’s a sophisticated operation to siphon funds away from rightful artists.”
Despite being officially terminated and ordered to take 96 days of accumulated leave, Dr. Mutua has brazenly continued presenting himself as CEO through social media accounts he allegedly refuses to surrender, creating a bizarre parallel leadership structure within the organization.
When contacted by our reporters about these allegations, Dr. Mutua’s response was terse and threatening: “Your newspaper has defamed me. We have instructed our lawyers to take up the matter.”
The ultimate victims in this high-stakes power struggle are Kenya’s musicians, many of whom depend on these royalties for survival. As executives drive luxury cars and fight over control of the Sh200 million fund, staff members haven’t been paid since December, and the Kenya Revenue Authority has threatened to freeze accounts over non-compliance issues.
“While these fat cats fight over who controls the money, real artists are struggling to feed their families,” said one prominent musician who requested anonymity. “They’re literally fighting over our money while we starve.”
As this drama unfolds, the question remains: who is really pulling the strings in this macabre puppet show where even the dead appear to have voting rights? And will Kenya’s musicians ever see the money that rightfully belongs to them?
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has confirmed the validity of tax waivers granted to religious institutions during his administration, backing Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a in his ongoing dispute with the Nairobi City Council over land rates.
In a statement released today, Sonko validated claims made by the controversial Neno Evangelism founder, who recently declared in a viral video that he was exempt from certain land rates due to waivers granted during Sonko’s tenure.
“Yes, the Pastor is right and without fear of contradiction, I vividly remember and do hereby confirm that I lawfully through an executive order gave a waiver to all religious institutions and organizations including all mosques, madrasas, churches, and even homes for the ages and the poor and children’s homes,” Sonko stated.
The former governor emphasized that the waivers were issued in accordance with county by-laws and “are valid unless revoked by my successors.”
Pastor Ng’ang’a had earlier claimed possession of documentation proving the waiver, insisting that the current county administration had never formally communicated any revocation of these exemptions.
In his fiery address captured on video, Ng’ang’a challenged the city council, declaring he was prepared to pay any outstanding amounts if the waiver had been officially revoked.
“City Council of Nairobi, ten million is trash to me. Even five million is trash to me,” the pastor stated, comparing his situation to that of the Freemasons’ Hall, which was recently closed over Ksh19 million in unpaid land rates.
Sonko’s confirmation appears to strengthen Ng’ang’a’s position in the dispute, though it remains unclear whether the current county administration recognizes these waivers or if any formal revocation has been issued.
The former governor noted that his administration had extended similar waivers to small-scale traders, stating, “I extended waivers to mama mbogas whose licenses arrears were also waived.”
Pastor Ng’ang’a known for courting controversy, has recently made headlines for other incidents, including slapping a church member who had fallen asleep during a service.
Newly appointed Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, has sparked controversy just weeks into his role after erecting a billboard celebrating his own appointment.
The billboard, which publicly thanks President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, has drawn fierce criticism on social media platforms for what many describe as self-promotion at the taxpayer’s expense.
The controversial billboard, prominently featured on Jacobs’ official Facebook page, displays the message, “Congratulations Fikirini Jacobs for your appointment as Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy. Thank you H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. Raila Odinga for the appointment.”
Jacobs captioned the accompanying video, “Many thanks my dear comrades of the Ruthless Focus. This is for God and Country!”
The public response has been swift and largely negative, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where users condemned the display as inappropriate and wasteful.
“Welcome to Kenya, where politicians erect ‘thank you billboards’ after being appointed,” wrote @DukeOfOthaya, capturing the sentiment of many critics.
User @SirJamesKE called the billboard “absolutely diabolical and a slap on the face of young people,” arguing that it undermines Jacobs’ opportunity to demonstrate effective youth leadership.
Questions about the funding source for the billboard have also emerged. @WatuSaba suggested, “You’ll be surprised that public money was used to put it up,” while @HChiruka criticized the expenditure, stating, “Spending money on a billboard to pass a message that can be done through a text or a lunch meeting at most is diabolical.”
The controversy reflects growing public intolerance for perceived extravagance by government officials during challenging economic times.
A recent commentary by @KenyaWatchdog noted, “Kenyans are tired of leaders who prioritize personal branding over service delivery. Public funds must be scrutinized.”
Reaction has been more favorable on Facebook, however, where supporters have praised Jacobs’ achievement.
“You have inspired us as youths. One can become anything, so long as one puts their trust in the Lord and works hard,” commented Mwarogo Chidari.
Another supporter, Alice Masudi, added, “Comrade, you have a bright future… keep the focus.”
Jacobs brings significant credentials to his new role. Before his appointment, he served as a county executive for youth development and chaired the National Youth Council.
His career has been marked by advocacy for youth inclusion in governance and skillful navigation between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The controversy emerges as the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy faces mounting pressure to create jobs and economic opportunities for Kenya’s youth, who constitute over 35% of the population.
Critics argue that Jacobs’ billboard detracts from these urgent priorities.
“We need PS Jacobs to focus on policies that empower young entrepreneurs, not billboards that glorify appointments,” posted @YouthKE, encapsulating widespread sentiment.
The PS has pulled down the controversial post but yet to address the criticism.
The incident raises important questions about the appropriate use of resources and the standards to which Kenya’s youth leaders are held.
Meanwhile, the billboard continues to draw scrutiny, testing public confidence in a leader charged with advancing the interests of Kenya’s younger generation.
Controversial blogger Maverick Aoko has thrown a grenade into Senator Hezena Lemaletian’s carefully crafted narrative about her recently canceled engagement.
What was initially portrayed as a dignified cultural decision by Samburu elders has now been exposed as a messy web of alleged deception, spurned lovers, and political intrigue.
Just months ago, social media buzzed with excitement as the youthful nominated Senator announced her traditional engagement to Dr. Hussein M.L., describing him poetically as “the gentleman who is after my heart and is apparently sitting inside it eating popcorn while swinging on a grandpa rocking chair.”
The Senator had proudly shared that elders from both clans, the “Clan of cows that lick fire (Quaro)” and the “Son of Lake Drinkers (Sarima)” had blessed the union, hashtagging it #QuaroWedsSarima.
Bombshell allegations
But according to Aoko’s explosive exposé, the romantic fairy tale was nothing but smoke and mirrors.
The blogger alleges that the Senator, who presents herself as 28, is actually closer to 38, a full decade older than her 25-year-old fiancé, Mussa Lenyumpa.
She claims citing close sources that it was the young doctor who called off the engagement and not the elders as per the senator and this was after allegedly discovering concerning health issues.
She accused the senator of lying about the bride price asserting that it wasn’t Sh100,000 as she had claimed, but nearly Sh500,000.
Receipt of the alleged bride price sent to the senator Hezena’s family showing a figure of approximately Sh500,000.Mpesa message of the alleged bribe price refund of Sh100,000.
To lather up the story, she attached a video showing the Senator “forcing a ring” on the reluctant groom’s finger alluding to it not being such a tight relationship.
In perhaps the most damaging allegations, Aoko claims the Senator has a history of high-profile relationships, including one with Saitabao Ole Kanchory, Raila Odinga’s former Chief Agent during the 2022 elections.
According to the blogger, this relationship allegedly led to financial ruin for Kanchory, forcing him to close his Ngong Road law firm and relocate to Malindi.
The post further alleges a heated confrontation between Senator Lemaletian and another female politician, Senator Orwoba, at a hotel in Juba, purportedly over “a man in Gafment.”
Senator’s defense
Senator Lemaletian has issued a terse statement maintaining that Samburu elders conducted a “THOROUGH background check” before halting the marriage process and returning the 100,000 KSh dowry payment.
She categorically denies being married and has requested “total privacy moving forward on this matter,” threatening legal action against further “slander.”
This scandal couldn’t come at a worse time for the young Senator, who was appointed to represent youth interests. Questions about her actual age could undermine her position, while the allegations about her romantic history threaten to overshadow her legislative work.
NAIROBI — What began as a Sh19 million land rates dispute with the Nairobi County Government has evolved into a rare public relations opportunity for the historically private Freemasons society in Kenya.
William Ramsay McGhee, Grand Master of Scottish Freemasonry, used the unexpected spotlight during a press briefing on Friday to dispel long-held suspicions about the organization and extend an invitation to Kenyan men to join their ranks.
“We are looking for good men to make better men. That’s what Freemasonry is all about—living with honesty, supporting our neighbours, and giving back to the world around us,” McGhee told journalists at the Freemasons’ Hall in Nairobi, just days after county officials had clamped the property over unpaid land rates.
The Grand Lodge of East Africa’s Freemasons’ Hall was among several properties targeted in Nairobi County’s operation to recover approximately Sh50 billion in outstanding land rates.
Nairobi County Council team, led by Health CEC Suzanne Silantoi, at the Freemasons Hall along Processional Way, Nairobi on May 14, 2025.
According to county officials, the society owes Sh19 million in arrears.
McGhee, who bears the titles O.ST. J and D.L. (Officer of the Order of Saint John and Dame of the English monarchy), confirmed that the dispute had been referred to legal advisers.
“As you can see, we are back as normal,” he stated, indicating the reopening of the hall that had been temporarily closed.
In what appeared to be a calculated move to shift the narrative from tax troubles to recruitment, the Grand Master took pains to counter popular misconceptions about the organization.
“If it was a secret society, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today,” McGhee said. “There are no dark secrets, just a few traditional practices kept to enrich the ceremonial journey of members.”
The Freemasons have long been the subject of conspiracy theories and suspicion in Kenya and globally, with rumors of occult practices and secretive rituals.
McGhee directly addressed these concerns, stating: “Contrary to what some people believe, Freemasonry is purely and simply an organization where we try and make good men better men.”
He emphasized that Freemasonry is not a religion but rather a fraternity built on “three pillars” representing “all that is good in mankind” including integrity, charity, and the betterment of humanity.
On membership criteria, McGhee clarified that the organization is open to men of good character regardless of age or background, with only one explicit disqualification: a criminal record involving murder.
The Grand Master revealed that in East Africa alone, the Scottish Freemasonry has 10 lodges with approximately 34,000 members.
Globally, Scottish Freemasonry comprises between 600-700 lodges in Scotland and nearly 400 lodges spread across more than 40 countries.
McGhee warned against believing internet rumors about the organization.
“My concern is that if you’re going to the website, you will see so many things in there that are totally and utterly untrue when it comes to Freemasonry,” he said. “There’s no hockery-pockery or anything at all about it.”
He encouraged those curious about the organization to attend lodge open days or visit their official websites for accurate information.
The Nairobi Freemasons’ Hall houses lodges under various constitutions, including Scottish, Irish, and English, each meeting regularly.
While the tax dispute remains unresolved, McGhee’s public appearance marks a significant departure from the organization’s typically low-profile approach to public relations, suggesting a potential shift toward greater transparency or at least better public image management for the centuries-old fraternity in Kenya.
Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian has publicly addressed swirling rumors about her marital status, confirming that her previously announced engagement has been called off following intervention by family elders.
In a detailed statement, the Senator Lemaletian explains that her family elders halted wedding plans in January 2025 after conducting what she described as a “thorough background check” on her prospective husband, as dictated by Samburu cultural practices.
“The elders of my family therefore halted the whole process after the background check and refused to accept dowry from that person,” stated Lemaletian, adding that the Sh100,000 dowry presented during the initial ceremony has been returned in full.
The Senator’s announcement comes after what she termed “continuous malicious media attacks” despite her attempts to maintain privacy on the matter.
She clarified that contrary to some reports, she was never married and “shall also not be married to that person whatsoever.”
Lemaletian had previously shared news of her engagement on social media, describing the proposal as an “ambush (siamu)” according to Samburu tradition.
However, the subsequent background check, a standard cultural practice among the Samburu community, appears to have revealed concerns significant enough for family elders to terminate the arrangement.
The Senator expressed profound gratitude to her family elders for their involvement and guidance, comparing their role to that which her late father would have played. “I respect the decisions of our elders and I hold them in very high regard and esteem,” she noted.
The politician has asked for privacy and a warning that any attempts to “slander” her name “out of failure to accept these decisions” would be addressed through legal channels.
She has requested that no further questions be directed to her regarding this matter.
Freemasons Grand Master Refutes Nairobi County’s Sh19 Million Land Rates Claim, Tells Kenyans Their Secrets
In a rare public appearance, William Ramsay McGhee, Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, has denied allegations that the Freemason Society owes Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Nairobi County Sh19 million in unpaid land rates, describing the claims as “unfounded.”
McGhee’s statement follows a raid on Freemasons’ Hall on Nyerere Road by county officials led by Health CEC Susan Silantoi.
The operation was part of a broader crackdown targeting Sh50 billion in outstanding land rate payments across the county.
“The property is registered under a trust, which exempts it from such rates,” McGhee explained.
“We are currently in talks with the county government, and a joint statement will be issued soon.”
During the enforcement operation, a county official identified as Njoroge contradicted the initial Sh19 million figure, stating that the plot in question owes approximately Sh4 million.
Officials threatened to seize the property until the debt is cleared.
McGhee took the opportunity to address public misconceptions about Freemasonry.
“We are told Freemasonry is a secret society, it is not,” he stated. “Freemasonry is purely an organization where we try to make good men better men.”
He emphasized the society’s core values of integrity, honesty, and godliness, highlighting its three foundational pillars which he described as representing “all that is good in mankind.”
McGhee also stressed the organization’s commitment to supporting both members and non-members.
The Nairobi County operation is part of an aggressive campaign to recover Sh10 billion within two months.
County officials noted that many landowners had ignored a previous waiver period offered for settling outstanding debts.
This public defense marks a significant moment for the Freemasons, an organization traditionally shrouded in mystery, as it navigates both financial scrutiny and public perception in Kenya.
A flamboyant city lawyer has implemented a groundbreaking workplace policy that drastically reduces working hours for his entire staff, challenging conventional corporate culture in the industry.
Donald Kipkorir, has transformed his law firm’s working schedule to a six-hour day, operating from 8 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday.
This radical departure from standard business hours comes in the wake of his life-threatening battle with COVID-19 in late 2020.
“We are the only business in Kenya if not the whole world that stops work at 2 PM,” Kipkorir stated.
The lawyer spent the entirety of November 2020 in isolation at Aga Khan University Hospital after contracting COVID-19.
The severity of his condition led to an extended month-long hospitalization, followed by a prolonged recovery from Long COVID, which affected his nervous system and impaired his ability to write or walk properly for over four months.
It was during this difficult period of reflection that Kipkorir reassessed his priorities and business philosophy.
Upon returning to work in May 2021, he instituted the shortened workday policy, which remains in effect today.
“My solitary stay in AKUH allowed me to reflect on life, vanity of riches, love of family, loyalty of few BFFs & duplicity of many others,” he explained.
Donald Kipkorir during his stay in hospital.
The lawyer, who can now often be spotted enjoying leisure time in the afternoons, emphasized that this change represents more than just adjusted working hours but a fundamental shift in values.
“When you see me breaking bread or taking wine every afternoon, be rest assured, I have done my work for the day,” he said.
Kipkorir’s experience has also reshaped his personal philosophy regarding material wealth and possessions.
“It was also then that I decided I will never hunger for material possessions or money or love,” he reflected, adding, “Our lives are written in the stars. What is ours will always be.”
In the heart of Nairobi, on the quiet stretch of Nyerere Road, stands a building shrouded in whispers. Its colonial facade, modestly dignified, bears the weight of over a century of secrecy and symbolism.
This is the Freemasons’ Hall, a landmark often overlooked, yet central to one of Kenya’s most persistent cultural enigmas.
In May 14th, the veil was momentarily lifted when Nairobi County officials raided the premises and closed it over a Ksh.19 million land rate debt.
The operation, led by Health CEC Susan Silantoi, wasn’t unusual in administrative terms, it was part of a broader county-wide crackdown on revenue defaulters.
Yet the backlash online was immediate and electric, not because of unpaid dues, but because of who had been targeted: the Freemasons.
To many Kenyans, Freemasonry evokes a potent mix of fear, fascination, and folklore.
Long rumored to be a cabal of the wealthy and powerful, the organization is often accused without evidence of devil worship, secretive dealings, and supernatural acquisition of wealth.
But what lies beyond the conspiracy theories?
From European Fraternity to African Chapter
Freemasonry’s history in East Africa begins in colonial Zanzibar in 1905, where British settlers first introduced it. In those early days, membership was strictly reserved for Europeans.
Even as late as the 1930s, only a handful of lodges admitted Asians, and even fewer welcomed Africans, an institution that mirrored the racial exclusions of empire.
The landscape began to change in the mid-20th century.
A pivotal figure was Tanzanian businessman Sir Jayantilal Keshavji Chande, who joined the fraternity in 1954 after a two-year wait.
Over decades, he rose to become District Grand Master of East Africa, overseeing lodges in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Seychelles.
In his writings, particularly “Whither Directing Your Course,” Chande argued passionately for the craft’s moral foundation: “Freemasonry admits a good man with a view to making him better.”
Contrary to popular belief, Freemasonry is not a religion—nor does it aim to replace one.
Members must profess belief in a Supreme Being, and lodges often contain the King James Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, or other holy texts depending on the region. The philosophy, rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emphasizes brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Inside the Lodge: An Insider’s Account
Nairobi-based lawyer and Gor Mahia Football Club chairman Ambrose Rachier during a past interview at his office in February 2020. Mr Rachier says Freemasons have their own ceremonies; just like weddings or cultural functions like circumcisions, where there are certain rituals that they cannot talk about publicly.
Prominent Nairobi lawyer Ambrose Rachier, who has been a Freemason since 1994, offers a rare glimpse into this secretive world. “Our main objective is to engage in charity to help humanity,” Rachier explains.
“But in the process, we ensure that our intellectual faculties are all the time interrogated, and we also have what you can call companionship or fellowship through dinners and so forth.”
The society operates through a structured hierarchy of degrees, beginning with apprentice, then craft person, and finally master.
Beyond these initial three degrees lies a path to the 33rd degree symbolically significant as the age at which Jesus was crucified.
Rachier himself has reached the 30th degree after nearly three decades of membership.
According to Rachier, joining requires sponsorship from existing members. “It is a member’s organization in which someone who knows you very well invites you to join,” he says.
Prospective members undergo interviews and a vetting process to ensure they meet the fraternity’s standards of honor and charity.
“We are trying to build a group of people with the same interests… You need to be a good person.”
Meetings typically commence at 6 p.m. to accommodate working schedules and conclude by 9 p.m. with dinner at the Freemasons’ Hall.
Members dress in formal attire, including an apron that symbolizes building, a nod to the craft’s historical roots in stonemasonry. “We just wear a suit and some kind of apron to symbolize building, because when you go to build, you wear an apron,” Rachier explains.
The Mask of Mystery
Secrecy remains central to Freemasonry’s identity. From elaborate initiation rituals to the use of symbols like the square and compass, the fraternity guards its traditions with near-religious zeal.
And in Kenya, where religious and cultural interpretations often collide with colonial legacies, this secrecy breeds suspicion.
When asked about certain rituals, Rachier demurs: “I am not allowed to talk about it.”
He acknowledges the fraternity’s ceremonial aspects but insists they’re no different from religious or cultural observances.
“We have our own ceremonies, just like weddings or cultural functions like circumcisions, where there are certain rituals that we cannot talk about publicly.”
The mythos surrounding Freemasonry in Kenya intensified in the early 1990s during a moral panic over “devil worship.”
President Daniel arap Moi ordered an official commission of inquiry in 1994 to investigate alleged satanic practices infiltrating churches, schools, and allegedly Masonic lodges.
The commission’s report, largely withheld from the public, deepened the air of mistrust.
“We ushered them in and took them around and urged them to ask questions,” Rachier recalls of the commission’s visit to the Freemasons’ Hall.
“I think that was a good thing to open up for the world to see what Freemasons do and what they stand for.”
Debunking the Myths
Among the most persistent rumors is that Freemasonry involves human sacrifice for wealth and power.
Rachier vehemently denies this: “In the 28 years I have been a member, I have never seen a sacrifice. I have not seen anyone who has sacrificed anybody.”
Rather than requiring members to sacrifice family, Rachier claims to have introduced about 20 of his own family members and close associates to the fraternity.
“I have a son who is 43 years old and practices law with me in my firm here. I have other children, and I have suffered no death,” he says, countering the narrative that membership demands sacrificing loved ones.
He also dismisses the notion that Freemasonry is exclusively for the wealthy and powerful, “we join Freemasonry to propagate charity. There are a few wealthy people in Freemasonry, and there are those people who live ordinary lives like me. I am not a wealthy person, and I am not a powerful person.”
The organization has traditionally been male-only, though Rachier acknowledges that women’s lodges have emerged in the United States.
He compares this gender exclusion to historical practices in religious institutions, “just ask yourself, in Catholicism, the priesthood, for a long time, has been a preserve of men… These are things that as men, we need to address.”
Freemasonry’s global membership has steadily declined since the 1980s, including in Africa.
Younger generations, increasingly secular and skeptical, often see the fraternity as outdated.
But paradoxically, in Kenya, public curiosity has reached new heights.
Social media platforms fuel perceptions of Freemasonry as a shadowy power structure accessible only to elites.
This phenomenon may be partly psychological. In a society where inequality and corruption often dominate headlines, the idea of a secret society pulling the strings offers both a convenient explanation and a compelling narrative.
Freemasons continue to assert that the craft focuses on self-improvement and moral guidance not monetary enrichment.
“If you get to the Masonic Hall, the first thing you get is a citation of King Solomon to God saying, ‘I shall build you a house and you shall establish your throne forever,’” explains Rachier.
“In reference to building a temple for God, nothing could be further from satanic than that.”
The fraternity maintains lodges across East Africa, with branches in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Ruiru within Kenya, as well as in Tanzania, Uganda, and Seychelles.
Members regularly travel between these lodges for what they describe as brotherhood and charitable work.
A Building, a Symbol, a Mirror
The Freemasons’ Hall in Nairobi.
The Freemasons’ Hall in Nairobi remains a silent witness to this ongoing tension between myth and reality.
Its colonial walls have seen Kenya through independence, political transformation, and cultural upheaval.
Today, as county revenue officers place chains on its gates, the building has once again become a mirror reflecting not just the fate of a debt-ridden organization, but the country’s deeper anxieties about power, secrecy, and truth.
Whether viewed as an exclusive gentleman’s club, a philanthropic network, or something more sinister, Freemasonry in Kenya resists easy categorization.
It is a story still unfolding, hidden in plain sight, yet now with voices like Rachier’s offering unprecedented insight into a world that has been, until recently, closed to public scrutiny.
“I am not scared to say I am one of them, and it is something I don’t regret joining,” Rachier concludes.
His candor marks a new chapter in the relationship between this ancient fraternity and a skeptical public, one that may gradually transform whispers into understanding, even as the rituals behind those colonial walls remain closely guarded.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi alias Grand Mullah has dropped a bombshell claim by threatening to expose the details of what he claims is a brazen act of corruption involving a Supreme Court judge.
Taking on X, Abdullahi alleges that the judge solicited a Ksh 6 million bribe to sway a Court of Appeal case, only to fail to deliver the promised outcome and then refuse to refund Ksh 4 million already paid.
This explosive revelation has ignited fresh concerns about the integrity of Kenya’s apex court.
According to Abdullahi, the scandal unfolded about a month ago when a lawyer and their client met with the unnamed Supreme Court judge.
The trio discussed a pending case before a three-judge Court of Appeal bench, with judgment imminent.
The judge allegedly boasted of their influence, claiming that two of the three appellate judges were “his/her judges” and could be swayed to deliver a favorable ruling.
For this illicit service, the judge demanded Ksh 6 million, Ksh 4 million upfront as a deposit and Ksh 2 million upon delivery of the judgment.
The lawyer and client, persuaded by the judge’s assurances, paid the Ksh 4 million deposit.
However, the scheme unraveled when the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment days later, and the bribe-givers lost the case.
Abdullahi claims the Supreme Court judge failed to “speak to” the two appellate judges as promised.
Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdulahi.
Furious, they confronted the judge, demanding a refund of the Ksh 4 million. The judge allegedly refused to return the money.
What followed was a tense standoff.
Abdullahi says the lawyer and client, feeling defrauded, are now threatening to recover the funds “by force/physically.”
The situation, he warns, is “about to escalate.”
Abdullahi further claims he was approached to publicize the incident to pressure the judge into refunding the money.
“Please judge, kindly refund the Ksh 4 million for many people know about the incident,” he wrote, suggesting a broader circle of insiders aware of the scandal.
Abdullahi’s doesn’t stop at exposing the alleged corruption.
He challenges Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), offering to share “the details” of the incident if they demonstrate genuine commitment to tackling judicial corruption. “I’m sure CJ Koome is aware of this,” he asserts, suggesting the allegations may already be an open secret within judicial circles.
This isn’t Abdullahi’s first clash with the Supreme Court.
In January 2024, the court banned him and his law firm from appearing before it, citing his relentless criticism of its judges.
Abdullahi, along with other prominent lawyers like Nelson Havi, has since led a vocal campaign against alleged corruption in the judiciary, accusing Koome and her colleagues of incompetence and misconduct.
The ban prompted petitions to oust all seven Supreme Court judges, fueling a bitter feud that now finds fresh ammunition in this bribery saga.
The allegations paint a troubling picture of a judiciary where justice is allegedly for sale, with judges wielding their influence improperly.
The claim that a Supreme Court judge could confidently promise to influence a Court of Appeal ruling only to keep the payment without delivering raises serious questions about the integrity of Kenya’s legal system.
If true, the incident suggests a potential network of complicity, with the judge’s reference to “my judges” hinting at deeper, systemic issues.
Legal circles are now abuzz with speculation about the judge’s identity and the case in question.
In a shocking development that has set social media ablaze, prominent real estate tycoon James Kinyua Wairatu, CEO of Maono Lands Limited, finds himself at the center of a salacious scandal involving allegations of a complex three-way relationship between himself, his wife, and a former employee.
Nancy, the woman at the heart of these explosive revelations, has come forward with claims that threaten to shatter Wairatu’s carefully cultivated image as a pastor and ethical businessman.
“Mzee 3sum”: The Malindi Incident
According to Nancy’s public statements, what began as a supposed business relationship quickly evolved into something far more intimate.
In one particularly damning social media post, she described a trip to Malindi that took an unexpected turn.
“In this car we were the three of us. Secular artist, me, and mzee 3sum,” Nancy wrote, using what she claims is their code name for Wairatu. “We were heading to Malindi where he lied to me that we are going for vacation and he is dropping the Secular artist to his friend.”
What allegedly followed was far from a standard business trip. Nancy claims the three ended up sharing a bed in what she describes as a shocking encounter that left her bewildered. “How he manipulated me and we ended up in the same bed the three of us is mystery,” she wrote.
Wife’s Alleged Involvement Deepens Scandal
Perhaps most explosive are Nancy’s allegations regarding Wairatu’s wife.
Far from being an unwitting victim, Nancy suggests the wife was not only aware of the arrangement but actively participated.
“The wife was sent to the office to see if she be okay with me but I think it’s something they have been doing to girls,” Nancy claimed in another post. “The man later told me that he wants to marry me and the wife is okay with it.”
In a live video posted on her Facebook, Nancy has gone into intimate details how the couple allegedly took her to a city hotel and recruited her into their fetish arrangement.
Nancy alleges that what followed were multiple intimate encounters involving all three of them. “We went for several vacations and road trips together Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, and some hotels in Nairobi. We slept in the same bed and shit really happened,” she stated bluntly.
From Employee to Alleged Mistress
Nancy’s relationship with Wairatu reportedly began while she was employed at Maono Lands Limited. She claims Wairatu deliberately manipulated her into leaving her position.
“I was working in his company Maono Lands Limited until he pushed me to leave the job in the name of he wanted to build me nikiwa inje [while I was outside],” she wrote. Nancy alleges that whenever she attempted to find alternative employment, Wairatu would become angry and make lavish promises.
“He would tell me ‘Beb unataka kuenda wapi na next week nangojea ten million nikubuyie gari na uweki kazi’ [Babe, where do you want to go when next week I’m expecting ten million to buy you a car and set you up in business],” she claims.
Threats of More Revelations
In perhaps the most dramatic twist, Nancy has threatened to release compromising videos allegedly showing Wairatu with multiple women in intimate situations.
“I’ll send the videos of mzee 3sum srewing the Secular artist like nonsense. I’ll send the videos to one blogger who will expose them on Telegram,” she warned in one of her posts.
Emotional Toll
The aftermath of these alleged encounters has reportedly taken a severe toll on Nancy’s wellbeing. “I have experienced a lot in the past 2 years, some are very traumatising that I ended up being alcohol addict,” she revealed, suggesting that the relationship left her deeply scarred.
As this scandal continues to unfold, many questions remain unanswered. Wairatu, who has built his reputation as a pillar of the community and ethical businessman, has yet to respond publicly to these explosive allegations.
For now, all eyes remain on Nancy’s social media accounts as the public awaits what may be the next chapter in this unfolding drama that threatens to permanently alter the legacy of one of Kenya’s most prominent real estate figures.
Political insiders have revealed that Erastus Edung Ethekon, a 48-year-old lawyer and former Turkana County attorney, has emerged as President William Ruto’s preferred candidate to chair the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
While public attention has focused on prominent names like Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae, sources close to State House suggest Ethekon’s candidacy represents a calculated political maneuver with significant implications for Kenya’s electoral future.
The Power Behind the Throne
Turkana County Governor Josphat Nanok, who is the Director General of Deputy President William Ruto’s Presidential campaign during an interview at his office in Lodwar town, Turkana County on March 25, 2022. JARED NYATAYA (Eldoret).
Ethekon’s path to consideration runs through Josphat Nanok, President Ruto’s influential deputy chief of staff and former Turkana Governor.
The two men’s professional relationship dates back to Nanok’s governorship, when Ethekon served as county attorney.
“Ethekon’s candidacy makes perfect sense when you look at the political chess board,” explained a senior official familiar with the selection process who requested anonymity. “His connection to Nanok places him within the President’s trusted circle.”
Nanok himself played a pivotal role in Ruto’s successful 2022 presidential campaign, cementing his position as a key strategist within the administration.
This relationship has fueled speculation that Ethekon’s potential appointment represents a strategic effort to install an ally at the helm of Kenya’s electoral body.
Making His Case
During his March interview with the IEBC selection panel, Ethekon outlined ambitious plans to restore public confidence in the commission.
He emphasized his commitment to transparent electoral processes and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
“I have the energy and experience to lead,” Ethekon told the panel, addressing concerns about his relative youth compared to other candidates.
His vision includes implementing internal reforms that would allow commissioners to formally register dissenting opinions, potentially preventing the post-election disputes that have plagued previous electoral cycles.
Professionally, Ethekon built his reputation in Turkana County, where his legal expertise contributed to several development initiatives, including securing funding for community projects and launching an investment portal in partnership with the International Finance Corporation.
Questions of Integrity
Ethekon’s candidacy has not escaped scrutiny.
Unconfirmed reports suggest financial irregularities occurred during his tenure in Turkana’s county government.
These allegations point to inflated pending bills and questionable spending patterns, including substantial daily expenditures on travel and per diems during COVID-19 restrictions.
Critics also highlight the operation of unauthorized bank accounts within the Turkana County Executive and alleged misappropriation of COVID-19 emergency funds during this period.
However, no official records directly implicate Ethekon in any wrongdoing, and his public service record shows involvement in peace initiatives and administrative appointments.
Strategic Diversion?
Political analysts suggest the prominence given to candidates like Amadi and Nyachae may represent a deliberate strategy to deflect attention from Ethekon’s candidacy until an official announcement is made.
“The President understands the significance of controlling the electoral commission,” noted another source close to the selection process. “Floating other names creates breathing room for the actual appointment.”
What It Means
The IEBC chairperson wields considerable influence over Kenya’s electoral framework.
The appointment of Ethekon would likely face intense scrutiny regarding the commission’s independence, particularly given his connections to influential figures within the current administration.
As the selection process enters its final stages, Kenyans await an official announcement that will either confirm these insider claims or redirect the national conversation about the future of electoral management in the country.
The IEBC, tasked with ensuring free and fair elections, continues to represent a critical institution in Kenya’s democratic landscape—making the identity of its next leader a matter of significant public interest.
In a dramatic display that has set Meru County abuzz, newly appointed Lands CEC nominee Joy Karwitha Kaaria made headlines yesterday when she arrived by helicopter for her swearing-in ceremony, while questions about her past legal troubles have reignited public debate about her appointment.
The 32-year-old Managing Director of CyberAce Africa, a cybersecurity solutions provider, touched down at Kinoru Stadium before being whisked away to the county headquarters where she was officially sworn in as the executive committee member for lands, physical planning, urban development and public works.
“I had important business in Nairobi when I received confirmation of my approval,” Karwitha reportedly told onlookers who gathered to witness her grand entrance.
“The helicopter was necessary to ensure I wouldn’t miss this important ceremony.”
Her appointment comes after significant political maneuvering within Governor Isaac Mutuma’s administration.
Karwitha’s predecessor, Kinoti Marete, resigned following protests from Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, who accused the governor of regional bias in his cabinet appointments.
“After lengthy consultations with the government and my family, I have agreed to step down and allow my position to be given to somebody from Buuri Constituency following concerns by residents that I am not from Buuri,” Marete stated in his resignation.
However, Karwitha’s nomination has reignited controversy surrounding a 2023 legal case in which she was charged with stealing a Range Rover from her former employer, Luxury Vehicle Imports Limited.
During her vetting, the county assembly’s committee on appointments confirmed she had been cleared by all relevant Chapter Six agencies.
“There was no negative report from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Higher Education Loans Board and the Credit Reference Bureau,” reported Meru Assembly Majority Leader Patrick Mutuma. “She has impressive knowledge about the docket, is experienced and well-connected.”
Meru Lands CEC nominee Joy Karwitha during her swearing-in on May 6, 2025.
Governor Mutuma defended his choice, stating that all ten executive members will now undergo induction to fast-track service delivery.
“We are working with the council of governors to ensure the new executive team works in line with the constitution. We should now focus on unity and delivering the much-needed development programmes,” he said.
Karwitha joins a diverse cabinet that includes Monica Kathono (Finance), Jenaro Gatangugi (Agriculture), Marius Maranya (Public Service Management), and Dr. David Bariu (Roads and Transport), among others.
As she takes office, all eyes will be on the young executive to see if her performance will quiet critics or vindicate supporters who believe her technological expertise and connections will benefit Meru County’s land management and urban development initiatives.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s political future in President William Ruto’s administration appears increasingly precarious as insiders reveal a shifting power dynamic within Kenya Kwanza’s inner circle.
Multiple sources close to the presidency suggest that Kindiki, who replaced the impeached Rigathi Gachagua, may soon find himself sidelined in favor of new allies from Western Kenya and Nyanza.
Warning Shots from Mudavadi
In what political observers interpret as the first public warning shot, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi made a thinly veiled statement during a function in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday that has set tongues wagging across Mt. Kenya region.
“There are many people, myself included, who are interested in the Deputy President position. If you’re not careful, the mountain will lose it,” Mudavadi cautioned the Mt. Kenya electorate, adding ominously, “A bird in hand is better than ten in the bush. Hold on to what you have and take it seriously.”
Sources within Kenya Kwanza who spoke on condition of anonymity confirm that Mudavadi’s statement wasn’t a slip of the tongue but a calculated move sanctioned by State House to test public reaction to a potential change in the deputy presidency.
Dwindling Support in Mt. Kenya
President Ruto’s approval ratings in the Mt. Kenya region have plummeted dramatically, with internal polling showing his popularity stands at a dismal 15 percent—down from 19 percent before his recent tour of the region. This decline has accelerated concerns about the region’s electoral value to Kenya Kwanza in 2027.
“The President is deeply worried about Mt. Kenya’s drift,” revealed a senior UDA official. “Kindiki was supposed to stabilize the region after Gachagua’s impeachment, but he lacks the political muscle to rally the mountain behind Ruto.”
Unlike his predecessor Gachagua, who maintained a robust grassroots network, Kindiki has struggled to connect with voters beyond his immediate Tharaka-Nithi base. His technocratic approach, while effective in administration, has failed to translate into political capital.
“The President needs someone who can deliver votes, not just manage files,” said the source.
Western Kenya: The New Power Base?
Multiple sources confirm that President Ruto is actively cultivating Western Kenya and Nyanza as alternative power bases for his 2027 re-election bid. The elevation of Mudavadi to the powerful Prime Cabinet Secretary position was reportedly just the first step in a broader strategy.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s increasingly close relationship with the President has raised eyebrows within ODM circles. Her frequent appearances at presidential functions in Nyanza and Western Kenya are now understood to be part of a calculated strategy to penetrate Raila Odinga’s traditional strongholds.
“The President has essentially written off Mt. Kenya for 2027. He’s betting big on Western and Nyanza,” revealed a strategist within the President’s inner circle. “Kindiki doesn’t fit into this new equation.”
Upcoming Litmus Test
President William Ruto.
The upcoming Mbeere North by-election will serve as a crucial test of Kindiki’s political relevance. Should UDA lose this contest in what is considered part of Kindiki’s Eastern Kenya sphere of influence, sources indicate it could accelerate plans to sideline him.
“The President is a pragmatic politician. If Kindiki can’t deliver even his backyard, his usefulness is severely diminished,” said a Kenya Kwanza parliamentary leader who requested anonymity.
Former MPs who supported Gachagua’s impeachment are now reportedly making quiet overtures to the ousted deputy president as he prepares to launch a new political vehicle—a development that has not gone unnoticed at State House.
2032 Succession Politics
Beyond immediate political considerations, sources reveal that President Ruto is already laying the groundwork for his succession in 2032, with Western Kenya figuring prominently in these calculations.
“The President believes that to cement his legacy, he needs to break the Central Kenya-Rift Valley stranglehold on the presidency,” said a close ally of the President. “Kindiki was never part of the long-term plan—he was always a stopgap measure after Gachagua’s removal.”
Unless Kindiki can quickly reinvent himself as a political mobilizer rather than just an administrator, his days in Kenya Kwanza’s inner circle appear numbered. With Mudavadi’s ambitions now in the open and new alliances forming in Nyanza, the Deputy President finds himself increasingly isolated in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
As one senior government official put it: “In Kenyan politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies—only permanent interests. Right now, Kindiki’s interests and Ruto’s are diverging fast.”
A High Court ruling has intensified a bitter succession dispute among the heirs of the late industrialist Tarlochan Singh Rai, revealing deep fractures within one of East Africa’s most powerful business dynasties.
Justice Alfred Mabeya’s decision to uphold the removal of Iqbal Singh Rai as a signatory to Rai Investments Limited’s bank account has effectively sidelined him from financial control of a key family asset, while cementing his brothers’ grip on the family’s vast business empire.
Brothers Against Brother
The dispute centers around Rai Investments Limited, incorporated nearly five decades ago by the family patriarch Tarlochan Singh Rai, who died in December 2010.
The company’s bank account at Absa Bank Kenya has become the focal point of an intensifying power struggle.
Iqbal Singh Rai filed a lawsuit in July 2023 after discovering he had been removed as a signatory to the company’s account without his knowledge.
He claimed to have learned of his removal only in February 2023 when the bank declined his request for account statements, informing him he was no longer authorized to access the information despite remaining a director and shareholder.
The lawsuit pitted Iqbal against his three brothers—Sarbjit Singh Rai, Jaswant Singh Rai, and Jasbir Singh Rai—who collectively control significant industrial assets across East and Southern Africa.
Silent Removal
Court documents revealed that Iqbal, who had been a director and shareholder since 1978, was removed from the bank mandate through a change made on April 26, 2008.
The modification nominated only Tarlochan Singh Rai (now deceased) and Sarbjit Singh Rai as authorized signatories.
Iqbal maintained that his removal was executed without a formal directors’ meeting or resolution—a claim that formed the cornerstone of his legal challenge.
He further alleged that the bank had allowed payments from the account based on a single signature, contrary to established protocols.
Court Sides with Brothers
Justice Mabeya dismissed Iqbal’s claims, stating that his removal was lawful and in accordance with the company’s resolution.
The judge emphasized that Absa Bank had acted within its obligations by following the instructions provided by Rai Investments Limited.
“A bank’s duty is to follow the mandate given to it by its customer and, in the absence of proof that the mandate was altered unlawfully or without proper authorisation, the court finds no fault on the part of the bank,” Justice Mabeya stated in his ruling.
The court further noted that as a director, Iqbal could not assert an individual claim against the bank for actions taken based on company instructions.
Instead, the judge advised that any challenge regarding the validity of the resolution should have been pursued internally within the company’s framework.
Empire at Stake
The legal battle offers a rare glimpse into the private conflicts of one of East Africa’s most prominent business families, whose combined industrial assets span multiple countries and sectors.
Jaswant Singh Rai, who chairs Rai Group, oversees a diversified portfolio encompassing cement production, edible oils, sugar processing, soap manufacturing, sawmilling, wheat farming, horticulture, and real estate.
Meanwhile, Sarbjit Singh Rai is the driving force behind Sarrai Group, a powerhouse in Uganda’s industrial sector with significant operations in sugar, cement, and wood processing across East and Southern Africa.
The dispute highlights the complexities of succession planning in family-owned conglomerates, where business relationships intertwine with family dynamics.
Industry analysts note that such conflicts are increasingly common as first-generation East African business empires transition to second-generation leadership.
Limited Options
With the court’s dismissal of his claim, Iqbal Singh Rai’s options for regaining financial control appear increasingly limited.
Justice Mabeya’s ruling suggests that his appropriate recourse would be to address the matter within the company’s internal framework rather than through independent legal action against the bank.
The ruling leaves Iqbal effectively isolated from the financial operations of Rai Investments Limited, while his brothers maintain their consolidated control over the company’s banking relationships.
As the dust settles on this legal chapter, observers note that family business disputes of this magnitude rarely conclude with a single court decision.
The ruling may represent just one battle in a longer succession war that could potentially impact the future direction and cohesion of the Rai business empire
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