Category: News

A web of forged documents, ghost employees and doctored bank statements has exposed how Kiambu County Government lost millions of shillings in what investigators now describe as one of the most brazen procurement frauds in recent memory.

In the sprawling offices of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in Nairobi’s Integrity Centre, investigators have been piecing together a scandal that reads like a carefully choreographed heist. At its centre is Filtronic International Limited, a company that allegedly used an elaborate scheme of fabricated credentials to walk away with a contract worth Sh230 million, a contract meant to modernize Kiambu County’s administrative systems but instead became a gateway for systematic plunder of public funds.

The story begins in the early days of March 2023, when Kiambu County under Governor Kimani Wamatangi advertised a tender for an Enterprise Resource Planning system. Such digital platforms represent the future of county administration, promising to streamline operations, improve service delivery and bring accountability to public finance management. For a county government eager to demonstrate technological progress, the ERP system was meant to be a flagship project.

What happened next defied all logic of competitive procurement. Despite the contract’s substantial value, only one company bothered to submit a bid by the April 6 deadline. That company was Filtronic International Limited. Within a mere 18 days, an impossibly short window for proper due diligence, the tender had been evaluated, approved and awarded. By April 24, 2023, the contract was signed and sealed, setting in motion what investigators would later discover was a monumental fraud.

The EACC’s investigation has now blown the lid off this transaction, revealing that Filtronic International and its three directors, Bernard Theuri, Chen Ligou and Martha Wachinga, allegedly constructed an elaborate house of cards built on deception. The commission’s court filings paint a damning picture of systematic fraud that should have been detected at multiple checkpoints but somehow sailed through unchallenged.

At the heart of the deception were the company’s financial statements. The tender requirements were explicit and demanding. Bidders needed to demonstrate an average annual turnover of Sh400 million over three years, profitability of at least Sh100 million per year, positive cash flow and an asset base exceeding Sh500 million. These were not arbitrary figures but carefully calibrated benchmarks designed to ensure only financially robust companies capable of delivering such a complex project would qualify.

Filtronic claimed its financial records for 2020, 2021 and 2022 had been audited by MSM Chris & Associates. The documents looked professional, bearing all the hallmarks of legitimate financial statements complete with audit opinions and financial ratios. But when EACC investigators followed the trail, they discovered something shocking. MSM Chris & Associates had never conducted any such audit. The entire audit trail was fabricated, conjured from thin air to create an illusion of financial credibility that simply did not exist.

The deception went deeper. Bank statements for a US dollar account allegedly held at NCBA Bank were submitted as part of the bid documents. These statements portrayed a company flush with cash, demonstrating the kind of healthy cash flow that procurement officers look for when assessing a contractor’s ability to finance project implementation while awaiting payment milestones. But investigators discovered these too had been doctored, fraudulently edited to present a picture of financial health that bore no relation to reality.

Perhaps most audacious was the fabrication of human resources. The tender documents required bidders to demonstrate technical capacity by listing qualified personnel who would work on the project. Filtronic obliged, submitting detailed curriculum vitae for two employees, complete with academic credentials, professional experience and technical certifications. These CVs were meant to assure evaluators that the company had the human capital necessary to deliver a complex ERP system.

When EACC investigators tracked down these individuals, they discovered neither person had ever worked for Filtronic International. The CVs were complete fabrications, ghost employees created on paper to meet tender requirements. It was fraudulent misrepresentation of the most brazen kind, a calculated gamble that county officials would never bother to verify the credentials of listed staff.

The question that hangs over this entire affair is how such obvious irregularities escaped detection. County governments have elaborate procurement systems precisely to prevent such fraud. Tender evaluation committees are supposed to scrutinize bid documents with forensic attention to detail. Supply chain management officers are tasked with conducting due diligence. Finance departments must verify financial credentials before releasing payments. Yet at every checkpoint, Filtronic’s fabricated credentials passed unchallenged.

The EACC now points fingers at two county officials who allegedly played key roles in this procurement disaster. Phyllis Muiruri, serving as Acting Head of Supply Chain Management, allegedly recommended the award of the tender to Filtronic without conducting the due diligence her position demanded. Zachary Gitau, Chief Officer for Revenue and Supply Chain, allegedly compounded the problem by extending a contract that had not only expired but had delivered absolutely nothing.

The original contract stipulated a six-month implementation period, meaning the ERP system should have been operational by November 2023. During those six months, Filtronic received Sh23 million in two tranches, paid in July and September 2023. November came and went without any sign of the promised system. December passed. January arrived. Still nothing.

Any reasonable procurement officer would have suspended payments and initiated breach of contract proceedings. Instead, in February 2024, months after the contract had lapsed and with zero evidence of project progress, the County Executive Committee approved a 52-week extension. Gitau signed this extension on behalf of the county government on February 24, 2024, effectively resurrecting a dead contract and opening the taps for more public money to flow into Filtronic’s accounts.

The payments continued like clockwork. Between the original contract and the inexplicable extension, Kiambu County has paid out Sh63.7 million to Filtronic International in six separate instalments. The most recent payment, a staggering Sh10.6 million, was disbursed as recently as June 2025. This was money leaving public coffers for a project that existed only on paper, an ERP system that remained stubbornly invisible despite millions in payments.

For perspective, Sh63.7 million could have built multiple health centres in underserved areas of Kiambu County. It could have equipped dozens of schools with modern learning resources. It could have upgraded water infrastructure serving thousands of residents. Instead, it allegedly vanished into the accounts of a company built on fabricated credentials, payment after payment approved despite the glaring absence of any deliverable.

The EACC is now seeking to recover every shilling paid to Filtronic and its directors. The commission’s court papers invoke the common law principle that no one should profit from their own illegal acts, arguing that all money received by Filtronic should be forfeited to the state as proceeds of corruption. The commission also wants damages from Muiruri and Gitau for breach of fiduciary duty, arguing they betrayed the public trust placed in their offices.

Pending the determination of the recovery suit, the High Court has frozen the remaining balance of Sh166 million, preventing further hemorrhaging of public funds. But questions remain about how this situation was allowed to develop in the first place.

The case exposes systemic vulnerabilities in county procurement systems. The fact that only one company submitted a bid for such a lucrative contract should have immediately raised red flags. Single-bidder tenders are notorious breeding grounds for corruption, often indicating collusion between officials and predetermined contractors. Procurement best practices demand that when competition is suspiciously absent, the tender should be re-advertised to attract more bidders.

The lightning-fast evaluation and award process, completed in just 18 days, suggests corners were cut in the rush to execute the contract. Proper evaluation of technical bids, financial credentials and company track records requires time. Auditors need to be contacted to verify financial statements. Banks must confirm account balances and transaction histories. Professional bodies should verify the credentials of listed staff. None of this can be responsibly accomplished in 18 days.

The extension of an expired contract that had delivered nothing represents perhaps the most inexplicable decision in this entire saga. Standard procurement practice demands that contractors who fail to deliver face penalties, not extensions. Performance bonds exist precisely to protect public entities from contractor non-performance. Yet somehow, a company that had spent six months doing absolutely nothing was rewarded with an additional 52 weeks and continued payments.

This case also highlights the weakness of oversight mechanisms meant to protect public funds. County assemblies have committees specifically tasked with scrutinizing procurement and expenditure. Where were these oversight bodies as millions were paid out for an invisible project? Internal audit departments are supposed to flag irregular payments before they happen, not discover them years later. External auditors reviewing county accounts should have questioned payments for undelivered projects.

EACC CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamud has been vocal about the commission’s focus on asset recovery, recognizing that Kenyans want to see stolen money returned to public coffers. Dozens of similar cases are pending in court, each representing another chapter in Kenya’s seemingly endless struggle with procurement fraud. But recovery is always harder than prevention. Money disbursed tends to disappear quickly, dissipated through multiple accounts, converted to assets in different names, or simply moved offshore beyond the reach of Kenyan courts.

The Filtronic case also raises uncomfortable questions about the broader ecosystem that enables such fraud. Who are the enablers who help companies fabricate audit reports? What about banks where doctored statements originate? Professional bodies that should be verifying credentials? The web of complicity extends beyond the primary actors to include all those who facilitate document forgery and fraudulent misrepresentation.

For ordinary residents of Kiambu County, this scandal represents a betrayal of the social contract between citizens and their government. County governments were created to bring services closer to the people, to ensure local needs were met efficiently using locally generated revenue supplemented by national allocations. When corruption diverts these resources into private pockets, it is not just money that is stolen but the promise of development itself.

The matter is scheduled for hearing on November 13, 2025. Filtronic International and the accused officials have not yet filed their responses to the suit. Whether they will mount a defence or settle remains to be seen. But regardless of the legal outcome, the damage to public trust has already been done.

This scandal serves as a stark reminder that devolution’s promise can only be realized when accompanied by robust systems of accountability. All the legislation in the world means nothing if procurement officers do not verify credentials, if finance departments release payments for undelivered projects, if oversight bodies fail to scrutinize expenditure, and if corrupt actors face no meaningful consequences.

As Kenya continues its fight against corruption, cases like Filtronic International demonstrate that the battle must be fought on multiple fronts. Stronger procurement systems, enhanced verification mechanisms, vigilant oversight bodies, swift prosecution of offenders and meaningful asset recovery must all work in concert. Only then can public resources be protected from those who view county coffers as personal ATMs, there for the taking by anyone brazen enough to forge the necessary paperwork.

The Sh63.7 million already lost represents just the visible portion of a much larger problem. For every fraud that gets detected and prosecuted, how many more sail through unnoticed? For every corrupt official who faces consequences, how many continue operating with impunity? These are the questions that haunt every discussion of public sector corruption in Kenya.

As the case proceeds through the courts, all eyes will be on whether the EACC can successfully recover the stolen funds and whether those responsible will face meaningful consequences. The outcome will send a signal about whether Kenya is finally getting serious about protecting public resources or whether corruption remains a low-risk, high-reward enterprise for those connected enough to exploit the system’s weaknesses.

In the opulent shadows of Nairobi’s Kitusuru suburbs, where manicured lawns hide the scars of ruthless real estate dealings, Daniel Ojijo—managing director of Sigimo Enterprises Limited and the sprawling Homes Universal conglomerate—has built a reputation not as a property mogul, but as a “landlord from hell.”

Known for explosive anger outbursts that echo through boardrooms and eviction notices, Ojijo allegedly unleashes hell on tenants and home buyers, turning routine rent disputes into orchestrated nightmares of illegal seizures and fraudulent schemes. Now, in a blistering court showdown at Milimani Commercial Courts, Kenyan entrepreneur Mubarack Muyika and his company Mubz Holdings Limited accuse Ojijo of masterminding a “sham auction loot fest” that defrauded them of millions—and now, brazenly using Muyika’s own seized luxury Toyota Crown as his personal chariot to glitzy Kenya Homes Expo events he organizes at KICC.

The horror unfolded in early 2023 at Unit 19, Kitusuru Terraces—a luxury villa rented from Sigimo on July 22, 2022, for KSh 200,000 monthly. Muyika, a director of Mubz Holdings, shared the home with his fiancée, Niceta Lyimo, whose personal belongings soon became collateral in Ojijo’s alleged vendetta. What started as arrears negotiations—despite Muyika offering post-dated cheques and installment plans—escalated into a raid by Ojijo’s web of scammers: non-practicing lawyer Kamau Muthoni (operating without valid LSK certificate from January to May 2023) and unregistered goons posing as auctioneers and brokers, flouting the Auctioneers Act and Estate Agents Act.

Meet Alex Mbaja Savwa: The Goon-for-Hire at the Heart of the Operation

At the center of this chaos stands ;Alex Mbaja Savwa, a notorious “goon for hire” who does the dirty work for various parties in Nairobi’s shadowy property underworld. Court documents and investigative sources reveal Savwa operates without an individual auctioneer’s license under the Auctioneers Act, nor is he registered as a real estate broker with the Estate Agents Registration Board as per the specific dates of various events.

Instead, he lurks as the 3rd Defendant acting under Joseph D.B.K. Kimani t/a Pyramid Auctioneers, but sources paint him as a freelance enforcer who materializes in tenancy disputes across the city—proclaiming assets, towing vehicles, and vanishing when accountability calls.

Savwa’s name surfaces repeatedly in similar distress-for-rent cases, always evading personal licensing scrutiny while collecting fees through proxies.

On January 28, 2023, Savwa personally led the villa raid, storming in with brazen misrepresentations, proclaiming and towing away Muyika’s **Toyota Crown** (KDJ 952H, valued at KSh 3.5 million per a January 18, 2023, report). The vehicle, jointly owned with Sidian Bank, wasn’t even the tenant company’s asset. “1st applicant declined to sign,” the notice admitted—yet Savwa’s crew dragged it off without court order or valuation, terrifying Lyimo and violating the couple’s sanctuary.

Desperate to Resolve: The Pangani Yard Vanishing Act  
**In a last-ditch effort to reclaim his vehicle and Lyimo’s household chattels and settle the disputed arrears,**Muyika enlisted third parties in February 2023 who physically visited the notorious Pangani Auction Yard—operating base of Pyramid Auctioneers and Alex Mbaja Savwa—to negotiate payment and release. Armed with proof of intent, the intermediaries arrived ready to clear the balance. But in a move straight out of a con artist’s playbook, Alex Mbaja Savwa dodged every call and vanished from the yard, leaving the third parties stranded and the Toyota Crown firmly in limbo. No explanation, no receipt, no resolution—just silence. This evasion, court documents allege, was part of a deliberate strategy to escalate distress and force a sham auction, ensuring maximum profit at minimum accountability.

Desperate to mask the illegality, Ojijo’s camp applied for ex-parte orders in Milimani Chief Magistrates Court Miscellaneous Application No. E148 of 2023 on January 31, 2023—after the seizure—securing retroactive “legitimization” on February 2, 2023, for breaking in and carting goods. Astonishingly, the magistrate, Honourable S.A. Opande, was hoodwinked and issued ex-parte orders to break into the villa despite Ojijo having in possession Muyika’s luxury vehicle, which had not been valued and had been already illegally linked to the distress activities on January 28th 2023. But plaintiffs argue the entire operation was void ab initio: no prior demand letter, no service of documents, double proclamations in January and on February 6, 2023 (seizing KSh 2 million in household chattels), and eventual a February 25, 2023, auction selling the Toyota Crown for KSh 650,000 to Sammy Ogili—allegedly Ojijo’s relative—and chattels for KSh 230,000. “Fraudulent concealment, overreach, and undervaluation for unjust enrichment,” court filings in Civil Suit No. E225 of 2023 blast, with receipts and LSK searches annexed as proof.

Adding insult to injury: sources close to the case claim Ojijo has been spotted cruising the very same Toyota Crown—still bearing its original KDJ 952H plates—to high-profile Kenya Homes Expo events he organizes at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Photos circulating on social media show the sleek sedan parked in VIP zones during the October 2025 expo, while Muyika, the rightful co-owner, has been forced to replace the motor vehicle making this a case of “Ojijo is not just keeping Muyika’s car—he’s flaunting it at his own events. This is not rent recovery. This is theft with a smile.”

The Toyota Crown’s Allure: A Fuel-Friendly Status Symbol That May Have Sealed Muyika’s Fate
The seized Toyota Crown isn’t just any luxury ride—it’s a fuel-efficient marvel routinely deployed in Indonesia and Japan for transporting cabinet secretaries and high-ranking officials, blending executive prestige with practical economy. In Japan, where the Crown has reigned as Toyota’s flagship sedan since 1955, hybrid variants deliver up to 45-50 MPG, making it a tax-friendly choice for government fleets amid strict emissions laws. Indonesia imported a batch in 2019 specifically for cabinet ministers, praising its quiet operation, low revs at high speeds, and hybrid efficiency that slashes fuel costs without sacrificing power. Muyika’s model, with its 2.5-liter multi-stage hybrid system, epitomizes this—offering torque from a standstill and emissions so low they’re taxed favorably in its home markets. Yet, despite Muyika’s repeated demonstrations of ability, intent, and attempts to settle the so-called arrears—including the Pangani visit—Ojijo’s operatives zeroed in on this prized asset. Was it the Crown’s resale appeal in East Africa—where fuel-sipping luxury sedans fetch premiums—or simply a chance to claim a “cabinet-level” perk? Either way, the irony stings: a vehicle designed for efficient public service, now hijacked for private plunder.

This is not the first instance in which Ojijo has been reported to abuse statutory powers in his roles as a landlord, employer, and property owner. Multiple complaints demonstrate a recurrent pattern of exploiting those positions to unlawfully coerce or intimidate tenants, employees, and associates. What happens when you’re a tenant profiled and targeted for a scam executed under the guise of rent arrears resolution? Ask the trail of victims from Ojijo’s companies, especially Villa Care Management Ltd, his property management arm. Online stories paint a grim picture: online reviews on villacare demonstrate a trail on numerous disgruntled tenants and homebuyers, while a 2020 Kenya Insights exposé details of how Villa Care “rips off tenants” with unethical practices. That same year, amid COVID-19, Ojijo sent staff on compulsory unpaid leave despite the firm raking in rents and deposits—hiring replacements while citing the pandemic as an “excuse,” as activist Boniface Mwangi amplified on social media. Blogs accused him of tax evasion across entities like Villa Care, Sigimo, and Homes Kenya, allegedly bribing Kenya Revenue Authority officials to stay untouchable. A 2016 parliamentary probe even flagged Ojijo as a beneficiary of laundered government loot funneled into unregulated real estate. Ex-employees whisper of his rage-fueled firings, and tenants recount stalled refunds, phantom fees, and aggressive evictions that cross into harassment.

“Ojijo and his companies routinely cross the line in ordinary business,” court documents argue, leaving “a trail of victims including Muyika… stuck in one of Ojijo’s fraudulent schemes.” Sidian Bank was defrauded of its vehicle stake as loan owed to the bank that was an asset finance facility; Lyimo’s property—trapped merely for cohabiting during a luxury villa rental agreement with one of Ojijo’s firms—now fuels years of trauma for various third parties. Muyika, the director of the company at the heart of the tenancy dispute, has forked out vehicle replacement costs since January 2023, while battling a legal quagmire involving multiple lawyers.

And Ojijo’s evasion tactics? Now, he’s actively dodging trial in this suit by pushing endless adjournments—July 23, 2024, and January 20, 2025, both at his behest, with unpaid court-ordered costs. New counsel (Omwanza & Areba, entering January 20, 2025) filed an August 4 2025 amendment claiming Misc E148 orders as “newly discovered” evidence—despite them being annexed in defendants’ own March 23, 2023, affidavit. Plaintiffs call it “vexatious” abuse, a loophole to “indefinitely prolong suffering” and clutch looted assets—including the Toyota Crown now doubling as Ojijo’s expo limo.The tenants stories constitute a recurrent pattern where they have done nothing to Ojijo save for being innocent contracted tenants but are now caught up in a years-long schemes of horror,”** Muyika’s team pleads, demanding punitive costs, immediate return of the Toyota Crown or KSh 3.5 million refund as well compensation of Ksh 2 million for the household chattels, and priority hearing to end the “illegal dispossession.”

From unpaid wages to tenant terror—and now joyriding in stolen luxury—Ojijo’s empire—boasting over 200 staff and CSR facades like Agape Children’s Home support—hides a darker core. As Kenyans grapple with rising tenant rights issues, this case spotlights distress for rent pitfalls. Victims like Muyika, now footing vehicle replacement costs, warn: Verify your landlord’s agents. One unsigned proclamation could cost you everything—getting out of hell is a warzone strife with illegalities, mountains of fake stories, misrepresentations and a quagmire of lawyers for just doing business with Ojijo’s companies.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has disclosed that the late Raila Odinga’s body was prepared for public viewing at Kasarani Stadium instead of Lee Funeral Home due to overwhelming crowds and logistical constraints at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Speaking in an interview on Sunday, November 2, Oburu confirmed that the difference between the coffin that arrived from India and the one used during the Kasarani ceremony was intentional.

The initial coffin, he said, was only meant for transport and not for presentation during public viewing.

“In India, bodies are normally cremated and not buried. The boxes they use for transporting remains are not ideal for viewing or burial,” Oburu explained. “We had planned to take a short time at Lee Funeral Home or at the airport to prepare the body, but the large crowd made it impossible.”

He recounted that when Raila’s body arrived at JKIA, a massive crowd had gathered, making it difficult for the family to proceed with the planned transfer.

Attempts to ask mourners to allow time for body preparation were met with resistance, forcing the family and funeral directors to adjust their plans.

“Someone thought that if I addressed the people, they would listen, but when I spoke, they rejected the idea. The crowd was too emotional. We then decided to move everything to Kasarani,” Oburu said.

Once at Kasarani, the family, accompanied by funeral directors from Lee Funeral Home, dressed and prepared the body in a controlled section of the stadium before public viewing began.

“You saw some teargas at the stadium. That was to clear the way for the body to be changed from the transport casket into the presentation one. The Lee Funeral team did the final preparations at Kasarani,” Oburu stated.

He maintained that the presence of two coffins was not a sign of confusion or secrecy but a practical response to unique circumstances surrounding the repatriation and national mourning of the late former Prime Minister.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has revealed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was suffering from a blood clot on his brain, a condition that had severely affected his health weeks before his death.

Speaking in a televised interview on Sunday, November 2, Oburu disclosed that the clot was first detected and treated in Nairobi, but the treatment took a heavy toll on Raila’s body.

“It was some clot that was discovered on his head, and it was being dissolved by our doctors here in Nairobi,” Oburu said.

“The medication was strong, and it left him weak and tired. That’s why he could not attend some public events, including the burial of Dalmas Otieno. I went to represent him there.”

According to Oburu, the doctors in Nairobi were using advanced clot-dissolving medication, but disagreements soon arose between medical specialists in Kenya and others in Dubai over the best course of treatment.

The conflicting opinions prompted urgent intervention from President William Ruto, who personally visited Raila at his Karen home to assess the situation.

Oburu narrated that the meeting between Raila and Ruto took place just a day before the evacuation.

“My brother told me that Ruto had returned from the United Nations General Assembly and that they were to meet at State House. Later he called me and said Ruto would come to his house at 6. I went there and waited, and the President came,” Oburu recounted.

During that meeting, the two leaders discussed Raila’s condition in detail. Oburu said the President acted swiftly and decisively, arranging for a private jet to fly Raila to India for specialized treatment.

“The President took that matter seriously and organised for his evacuation to India. I am very grateful to him for what he did. His quick reaction made everything possible,” Oburu said.

In India, Raila was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, where doctors successfully cleared the clot.

“When he went to India, they managed to clear that clot that was there in Mumbai. By the time he left the hospital, he was up and about, alive and kicking,” Oburu explained.

After being discharged, the ODM leader moved to Kerala to recuperate.

Oburu said he spent about a week there regaining strength and was preparing to return to Kenya on Friday, two days before his passing.

The revelation offers the clearest account yet of Raila’s final medical journey and the coordinated efforts between his family and state officials to save his life.

It also underscores the personal involvement of President Ruto in facilitating the emergency evacuation, marking a rare moment of cooperation between two long-time political rivals.

Oburu’s testimony paints a somber picture of Raila’s final days, revealing how close the opposition leader came to recovery before his sudden death.

It also exposes the immense pressure and medical complexity surrounding his treatment, handled quietly under the watch of Kenya’s top leadership.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has for the first time publicly hinted that he has been fighting a serious health challenge, believed by those close to him to be cancer.

The revelation came during the funeral service of his longtime friend and former Housing Finance boss Frank Ireri, held at Karura Community Chapel in Nairobi.

In an uncharacteristically emotional address, Uhuru spoke of Ireri’s role as a confidant and source of strength during a period he described as “one of the toughest” in his personal life.

“In the last year and a good part of this year, whenever we met, he was very encouraging about some of the challenges we were going through,” he said, pausing briefly before adding, “He guided me on how to handle some of these challenges in life, health and otherwise.”

The former Head of State, who has largely kept his private life out of public view since leaving office in 2022, appeared to confirm long-circulating speculation that he has been quietly seeking treatment for an undisclosed illness.

His remarks marked the first time he has openly acknowledged facing any form of health struggle.

Close associates say the retired president has maintained a low public profile, frequently travelling abroad for medical check-ups. A family source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the remarks as “his way of preparing the public for what he’s been going through,” noting that “he’s been remarkably strong through it all.”

Uhuru credited Ireri with offering steady counsel through moments of uncertainty. “I’ll miss that counsel. He really held our hand and told us, ‘Don’t worry, things will come to pass,’” he said, his tone reflecting the deep bond between the two men.

Ireri, who died on October 26, was remembered as a transformative figure in Kenya’s banking industry. As Managing Director of Housing Finance (now HF Group) from 2006, he led the institution’s expansion into a full financial services group and introduced innovative lending models that reshaped the mortgage market.

Mourners described Ireri as a visionary professional, mentor, and loyal friend. Uhuru’s remarks, however, stole the moment—marking an extraordinary break in his usual composure and offering a rare glimpse into the private battles of one of Kenya’s most guarded political figures.

As he concluded his speech, Uhuru’s words carried a quiet defiance that hinted at endurance and acceptance. “Those of us who have those challenges will continue fighting with them,” he said.

The statement has since sparked widespread concern and sympathy, with many Kenyans expressing respect for his resilience and hoping for his recovery.

The social media accounts of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga will remain active under the stewardship of the Raila Amolo Odinga (RAO) Foundation, ensuring that his voice and vision continue to resonate even after his passing.

The decision was confirmed following visible changes made to Raila’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where his bio now reads: “This page is managed by The RAO Foundation in honour of the legacy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH. Father, Prime Minister, Enigma, Hero, Baba. 1945–2025.”

This subtle but significant update marks a new phase in the digital preservation of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, in Kochi, India, had over the years built a formidable online presence—amassing 4.9 million followers on X, 2.3 million on Facebook, and 231,000 on Instagram. His social media platforms had become powerful tools for mobilization, communication, and civic engagement, especially among the youth.

According to sources close to the RAO Foundation, the accounts will now serve as “living digital archives,” chronicling Raila’s political journey, advocacy for democracy, and decades-long fight for justice and good governance. The foundation plans to share archival footage, speeches, and personal reflections from Raila’s storied career, as well as humanitarian initiatives inspired by his ideals.

“The RAO Foundation will ensure that Raila Odinga’s legacy continues to guide future generations. His social media will not fall silent—it will echo his lifelong message of peace, unity, and democracy,” said a spokesperson for the foundation.

Raila’s death at the age of 80 marked the end of an era for a leader whose influence stretched beyond politics into the very soul of Kenya’s democratic movement. His burial on October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, was a deeply symbolic event, held in accordance with his wish to be interred within 72 hours of his death.

The private ceremony, attended by close family, friends, and key national leaders—including President William Ruto—was conducted with full state honours. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) performed a 17-gun salute, while President Ruto posthumously awarded Raila the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the country’s highest civilian distinction.

In a poignant moment, the former Prime Minister was laid to rest with his trademark hat and fly whisk—icons that had become synonymous with his political persona and charisma.

As the RAO Foundation takes charge of Raila’s digital platforms, many Kenyans see it as a fitting continuation of his life’s work. For a man whose words inspired movements and whose ideas shaped the nation’s destiny, the decision ensures that his message will live on—online and in the hearts of millions.

Raila Amolo Odinga may have departed, but through the digital pages now entrusted to his foundation, Baba’s voice will never fade.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a stern warning to Kenyans planning to participate in demonstrations related to the ongoing political tensions in Tanzania, saying they will face the full force of the law.

Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, Dr Omollo urged Kenyans to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to handle any emerging issues within the confines of the law as protests erupted across the border following Tanzania’s general election.

“I wouldn’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania, but I can speak about Kenya on matters of security. As a country, we have laws and rules that guide demonstrations or protests. Let’s do what the law allows us to do,” the PS said during a visit to the Joint Operations Centre at the Port of Mombasa.

The warning comes amid rising tensions along the Kenya-Tanzania border following violent protests in Tanzania during Wednesday’s general election.

Videos circulating on social media showed injured protesters being carried away as security forces moved in to quell the demonstrations.

The Tanzanian government has since imposed an indefinite curfew from 6pm to 6am to restore order.

Dr Omollo emphasised that while Kenya respects Tanzania’s sovereignty and maintains friendly relations with its southern neighbour, any acts that undermine public order or threaten cross-border peace will not be tolerated on Kenyan soil.

“For our friends in Tanzania, we believe they have laws governing their country. They are our friendly neighbours and we wish them well. Anything outside the law, on the Kenyan side, we will deal with it firmly,” he said, appealing to Kenyans not to take matters into their own hands.

The PS specifically cautioned residents along the border against participating in or supporting demonstrations inspired by Tanzanian political developments, noting that security agencies are on high alert to maintain peace and facilitate trade and business between the two countries.

His remarks follow viral videos showing Kenyans expressing solidarity with Tanzanian protesters who are opposed to what they describe as an oppressive administration under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Tanzanian opposition has raised concerns about the conduct of the elections, with reports of internet disruptions and violence marring the voting process.

Dr Omollo assured that officers manning Kenya’s border points are competent and adequately equipped to advise on emerging security and trade issues.

“Our police are competent enough to deal with any situation in Kenya,” he said, urging traders and travellers to cooperate with authorities at border posts.

The political unrest in Tanzania has already had economic repercussions for Kenya.

Internet outages in Tanzania affected customs systems, leading to a build-up of traffic at border posts and disrupting the flow of goods along the Northern Corridor.

However, Dr Omollo reported a significant increase in cargo volumes handled at the Port of Mombasa, attributing it to government interventions aimed at improving efficiency.

“We have seen a marked improvement in the movement of goods, and various agencies are working to fast-track operations,” he said.

The PS cited the recent seizure of an Iranian vessel at sea carrying 1,024 kilogrammes of methamphetamine valued at Sh8.2 billion as evidence of enhanced multi-agency coordination at border points.

“Legal processes are ongoing, and we will do what must be done according to the law,” he said, though he declined to comment further on the matter, citing ongoing court proceedings.

Dr Omollo called for the upgrade and completion of key points of entry along Kenya’s borders with Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda, including Busia, Malaba and Suam, to enhance trade facilitation and security.

“Our borders are still porous and are becoming attractive points for illicit trade,” he said, noting that the government is fast-tracking the completion of stalled projects.

The PS added that the Ministry of Health has placed teams on high alert to manage health-related threats, including Mpox, and to respond swiftly to potential outbreaks at the borders.

“All agencies are on the lookout, and the coordination at the borders continues to improve,” he said.

Tanzania’s electoral commission has begun streaming results amid the chaos, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who ran on the ruling CCM party ticket, taking an early but expected lead.

The African Union, the East African Community and the South Africa Development Community have sent observers to monitor the election.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Hopes for the resumption of classes in public universities have been dashed after lecturers vowed to stay on strike until the end of the year.

The strike, now entering its seventh week, deepened after the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) rejected a government proposal to settle their Sh7.9 billion salary arrears in three instalments.

UASU declared that no classes would resume in all 42 public universities, insisting that learning will remain paralyzed until the arrears are paid in full and the 2019–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is fully implemented.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga accused the government of repeatedly failing to honour CBAs, saying that accepting phased payments would only trigger more strikes in the future.

“The government is proposing to implement the Sh7.9 billion in three phases — that’s three strikes, and we don’t want to subject our students to further frustration,” Wesonga said. “They better suffer now up to December so we clear all these issues.

Come January, it will be a clean slate — they can study up to 2030, and I’ll call another strike in 2030. Let the country know that lecturers have blatantly refused to go back to work if the Sh7.9 billion is not paid.”

The prolonged strike has disrupted academic calendars in most universities, raising fears that students could miss their graduations, industrial attachments, or even completion of studies.

This year’s first semester, which began in September, was expected to end in the second week of December ahead of the Christmas break. But with six weeks already lost and no progress in talks, students now face the grim reality of a lost semester — even as universities remain open.

“Most of us have given up,” said Mercy Oira, a postgraduate student at the University of Nairobi Dental School.

“It’s a total waste of resources, including the school fees we paid and the time that should have been used to advance our studies. Time lost is never recovered, but clearly, this semester is over.”

At Moi University, UASU officials warned that many students risk dropping out due to the prolonged stalemate.

“Students are suffering as a result of this strike, yet the Ministry of Education appears to be taking the situation lightly,” said Busolo Wegesa, the Moi University UASU Secretary.

 “Students have been left idle for much of the semester and are now engaging in other activities outside campus as classes remain suspended. We appeal to the government to quickly resolve this strike so that we can return to class.”

Talks between the government and university staff unions collapsed on October 24, 2025, after lecturers rejected a Sh3.5 billion offer, insisting on full payment of the arrears.

The strike began in mid-September, just as universities reopened for the new academic year and first-year students were settling in. It was called jointly by UASU and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU).

NAIROBI, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement interim party leader Oburu Oginga has opened the door for President William Ruto to return to the opposition outfit, but only if he is willing to face stiff competition for the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.

Speaking in a candid television interview on Tuesday night, Dr Oginga said the President would not automatically become ODM’s flagbearer should he abandon his United Democratic Alliance party and rejoin the political home he helped establish nearly two decades ago.

“We want ODM to be strong so that those seeking us will have to adhere to our terms. If Ruto sees that ODM is very attractive, he may just return since he is one of the founders who had even confirmed attendance to our party’s 20th anniversary. However, he should be ready to be subjected to competition with other suitable candidates,” the Siaya Senator declared.

The remarks come as ODM charts a new course following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga earlier this year.

Dr Oginga, who assumed the interim leadership mantle somewhat unexpectedly, revealed he only learned of his appointment from National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed while at Kasarani stadium.

President Ruto’s political relationship with ODM stretches back to 2007, when he was among the pentagon of leaders who formed the party’s original leadership structure alongside Mr Odinga, the late Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala and Joseph Nyagah.

He bolted from the outfit in 2012 to join forces with Uhuru Kenyatta ahead of the 2013 general election.

Dr Oginga’s conditional welcome signal represents a significant shift in ODM’s positioning as it seeks to rebuild its political machinery ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The interim leader emphasized that the party is working to become a formidable force capable of fielding a competitive presidential candidate and forming the next government.

Beyond the Ruto question, Dr Oginga used the interview to address succession matters within both the party and the broader Luo community.

In a telling statement that has reverberated across political circles, he suggested that leadership should pass to younger, more energetic figures who spent years learning at Mr Odinga’s side rather than his contemporaries.

“The way I am seeing it, Raila’s peers should go with him. Personally I prefer that other leaders who were around Raila take over from him but not us his age mates,” Dr Oginga said, hinting at his interim role as a bridge to a new generation of leadership.

Among the youthful leaders whose names have been floated for the party’s top positions are Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Dr Oginga disclosed that he is actively reaching out to Mr Owino to assure him of fair treatment in the upcoming Nairobi gubernatorial nominations, addressing concerns that the firebrand legislator might decamp over fears of being shortchanged.

“I hear that there are things that are disturbing Babu Owino that he will be short-changed in the Nairobi gubernatorial nominations. If he clinches the ODM nominations for Nairobi, he will carry our flag. He should not run away from the party based on assumptions, yet he is one of our own children,” Dr Oginga stated.

The interim leader also acknowledged ongoing tensions within the party, particularly in Kakamega, Busia, Nyando and other regions where internal differences are affecting grassroots support. He identified resolving these disputes as a priority to prevent further fractures in the party structure.

Dr Oginga’s comments about Mr Sifuna were equally revealing. While acknowledging that the outspoken Nairobi Senator sometimes goes overboard with his statements, he affirmed that Mr Sifuna remains a strong party member who will not be pushed out.

As ODM navigates this transitional period, Dr Oginga’s strategy appears focused on consolidating the party’s base, attracting new members, and preparing for what he envisions as a competitive 2027 campaign. He indicated that a detailed roadmap for the party’s future will be released after the mourning period for Mr Odinga concludes.

The prospect of President Ruto returning to ODM, while seemingly remote given his position as the sitting head of state and UDA party leader, underscores the fluid nature of Kenyan politics where yesterday’s rivals can become tomorrow’s allies. Whether the President would ever consider such a dramatic political realignment remains unclear, but Dr Oginga has made it clear that any such move would come with strings attached.

For now, ODM finds itself at a crossroads, balancing respect for its storied past with the urgent need to reinvent itself for a future without the towering figure who defined its identity for nearly two decades.

Raila Odinga’s long-time aide Dennis Onyango has revealed that the opposition leader appeared aware that his time was coming to an end nearly a year before his death.

Onyango said Raila’s actions and conversations in his final year showed he was preparing to wind up his life’s work and put his affairs in order.

“From a year earlier, I told people this man seems to know his time is up,” Onyango said.

“I knew that Raila knew his time was up from the way we were talking and from the instructions he was giving.”

He recalled accompanying Raila to Germany in February 2024, where the former Prime Minister revisited his old schools.

“During the entire tour, he kept asking if I had carried my notebook, just to make sure we got the facts right. I could see this guy wanted to tie loose ends,” the Raila Odinga Secretariat spokesperson said.

According to Onyango, who spoke to KMB Media, Raila was keen to clarify details about his education, particularly in areas where the public record was unclear.

By September, Onyango said, Raila was discussing plans to support projects at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

“He told me some of his friends wanted to establish a department on Mining and Extractive Industry. I suggested they could also set up a Raila Odinga School of Government. But he told me categorically, ‘Those things you do posthumous — when I’m gone’,” Onyango said.

When asked whether he planned to build his own mausoleum, Raila reportedly declined.

“He said, ‘No, we all belong to the Jaramogi Museum. It’s a family museum. They have given me a corner. I will stay there,’” Onyango recounted.

Raila also spoke about starting the Raila Odinga Foundation and meeting his elder brother, Oburu Odinga, and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to streamline its operations.

“These are things he was supposed to do when he returned from India,” Onyango said.

He described Raila, 80, as strong and energetic but increasingly affected by age-related health issues.

“People talk as if he was not old,” Onyango said.

“He had back pain, knee pain, and other issues. Doctors told him to rest for three weeks, but he couldn’t stay home for even three days. He would say he was fine and hit the road again.”

Onyango said he was among those who urged Raila to take time off and travel abroad to rest.

“Politicians wanted him everywhere. I am one of the people who pushed him to get out of the country and go rest somewhere.”

A shocking Senate investigation has exposed a deep-rooted loan scam involving former governors, deputies, and senior county officials who took hefty car and mortgage loans and disappeared without repaying a cent.

The Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, revealed that counties across Kenya have been recklessly dishing out multimillion-shilling loans to officials, often without any security, insurance, or repayment guarantees. Once out of office, the borrowers simply walked away, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill.

“County governments are issuing loans without proper securities or consideration for tenure,” Osotsi said during the explosive hearing.

“We even have cases where a governor borrowed Sh50 million. How can one possibly repay that in five years?”

Governors earn about Sh957,000 a month, yet Senate records show that some structured repayment plans spanning up to 20 years, well beyond their five-year terms. Senators said this was a clear abuse of office.

In Meru County alone, all three former governors, Peter Munya, Kiraitu Murungi, and Kawira Mwangaza, owe a staggering Sh58.04 million to the Executive Staff Housing Fund. Governor Mutuma Mutuma told the committee that Kiraitu borrowed Sh40 million in December 2022 with a 20-year repayment plan. Munya and Mwangaza took Sh25 million and Sh13 million respectively, all under similarly questionable terms.

“The problem began during Peter Munya’s tenure. Some have defaulted, others are still struggling to pay,” Mutuma admitted, defending the loans as being issued under outdated Salaries and Remuneration Commission guidelines.

In West Pokot County, the scandal is equally alarming. Former Governor John Lonyangapuo and his deputy Nicholas Atudonyang owe more than Sh45 million, with Atudonyang alone defaulting on Sh23.52 million. Shockingly, he spent most of his term abroad but still enjoyed full access to county loans.

“This is to notify you that you have defaulted in servicing your car loan and mortgage,” a county notice dated May 15, 2024, warned Atudonyang. “You have 30 days to pay or face legal action.”

Yet to date, no repayment has been made.

Current Governor Simon Kachapin confirmed the county’s futile attempts to recover the funds. “We’ve tried everything, even legal threats, but the former governor and his deputy remain untouchable,” he said.

Senators were furious, describing the revelations as a blatant culture of impunity that has turned counties into personal cash cows. Migori Senator Eddy Oketch demanded that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission immediately step in.

“Taking a loan and refusing to repay is outright theft,” said nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana. “This is abuse of office, and these individuals must be held personally accountable.”

The committee resolved to summon all implicated officials under Article 125 of the Constitution, warning that unsecured loans will make recovery nearly impossible.

The Auditor-General’s 2024 report paints an even grimmer picture. Kirinyaga County still has Sh2.69 million in unpaid loans dating back to 2017, while Kericho County struggles to recover Sh61.95 million owed by 12 executive staff, including one deceased officer.

The Senate committee vowed to recommend sweeping reforms, tighter financial oversight, and legal action to ensure no county boss ever turns public funds into a personal payday again.

“Counties are not banks,” Osotsi declared. “We must stop this madness before it bankrupts devolution.”

A wave of public outrage is sweeping across Kenya after Huduma Centres continued charging Kenyans Sh1,000 for replacing lost national ID cards openly defying President William Ruto’s order to suspend the fees.

The President, while addressing mourners during the burial of Mzee Weston Kirocho in Laikipia on October 23, had announced a bold populist directive: no Kenyan should pay to replace or apply for an ID card, a move aimed at ensuring every eligible citizen can register as a voter ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We will ensure no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter because they lack an ID. Previously, we charged Sh300 for new cards and Sh1,000 for replacements, but we have decided to suspend all charges,” Ruto said to loud applause.

But barely a week later, Huduma Kenya under the Public Service Ministry issued a statement flatly contradicting the President.

“Hello, at this time, the ID replacement fees have not been waived. We are awaiting official confirmation through a gazette notice,” the agency announced on Wednesday, October 29.

The announcement triggered fury and confusion among citizens, exposing yet another glaring disconnect between Ruto’s pronouncements and the slow-moving bureaucracy tasked with implementing them.

“The President Lied to Us” — Kenyans Vent at Huduma Centres

At Huduma Centre GPO Nairobi, long queues formed early Wednesday morning. But instead of joy, frustration filled the air.

Many Kenyans arrived expecting free services only to be told they must still pay Sh1,000 for an ID replacement.

“I came here because I heard the President say the replacement is free. But they are telling us to pay. So who is lying the President or Huduma?” asked a visibly agitated Mercy Achieng, a university student who lost her ID in a matatu accident.

Another applicant, David Mwangi, a boda boda rider from Kiambu, said he had borrowed money just to replace his ID, believing the fee had been scrapped.

“This is betrayal. We believed the President’s words. How can I trust the government if they contradict each other like this?” Mwangi lamented.

In Mombasa, similar scenes played out as Huduma officials insisted they had “no official instructions” to stop charging.

“We cannot act on social media announcements. Until we get a gazette notice, the system won’t allow us to process free applications,” said one Huduma officer, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Inside Government Confusion and Bureaucratic Defiance

Sources within the Ministry of Public Service and the State Department for Immigration confirmed that no gazette notice had been issued to formalize the President’s directive.

“It’s true the President spoke ahead of procedure. The policy must be gazetted, and the Treasury must allocate funds to cover the lost revenue. Until then, Huduma Centres cannot waive the fees,” a senior ministry official told Kenya Insights.

But insiders suggest there may be more than bureaucracy at play hinting at internal power struggles and deliberate delays by civil servants unhappy with Ruto’s habit of making “off-the-cuff populist pronouncements.”

“There’s quiet resistance. Some people in government believe Ruto makes promises without consulting them, so they slow-walk implementation to embarrass him,” another insider revealed.

Public Trust on the Line

The contradiction has sparked a political and moral crisis, with many Kenyans accusing the administration of double-speak and incompetence.

Civil rights groups have condemned what they describe as “a government at war with itself.”

“This is a mockery of citizens. The President cannot make public promises only for his ministries to ignore him. It’s either he’s not in control, or someone is sabotaging him,” said activist Boniface Mwangi, calling for immediate clarification.

Political analysts warn that the standoff risks damaging Ruto’s credibility particularly among young and low-income Kenyans who make up the bulk of those seeking IDs.

“The symbolism is damaging. A President’s order should carry weight. The moment agencies contradict him, his authority is diminished,” noted governance expert Dr. Sheila Wanjiru.

A Government at War With Itself

As of Wednesday evening, no gazette notice had been published meaning the Sh1,000 replacement fee remains legally in place. Huduma Centres continue to collect the charges even as the President’s statement circulates widely online.

The Ministry of Public Service insists that it will act “once proper channels are followed.” Meanwhile, Kenyans continue to queue, pay, and fume.

“This country is broken,” said Grace Njeri, a trader in Nakuru. “When the President speaks, nobody listens. It’s like we have two governments.”

Until the bureaucratic standoff is resolved, President Ruto’s promise of free ID replacement remains little more than a speech while Huduma Centres quietly rake in millions from a service the Head of State swore would be free.