NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21-The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has urged County Assemblies across the country to fully implement the newly enacted Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, and strengthen independent oversight over County Executive operations to enhance accountability and protect public resources at the devolved level.

The call was made during a capacity-building forum for members of the Bungoma County Assembly Service Board and the Committee on Powers and Privileges held in Kisumu.

The forum brought together elected leaders and oversight officials to discuss practical measures counties can adopt to curb conflicts of interest and stem the misuse of public funds.

Speaking on behalf of EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud, the Commissions Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi said the new law introduces a stronger framework for asset and wealth declarations as well as enhanced enforcement measures aimed at promoting integrity in public service.

In a statement read during the forum, Mohamud said the effectiveness of the law would depend on how faithfully public officials and oversight institutions execute their responsibilities.

By strengthening wealth declarations, tightening procurement integrity, and ensuring accountability of both MCAs and county executives, county governments can better safeguard public funds and advance genuine devolution, he said.

Mohamud warned that public accountability is most vulnerable when institutions mandated to provide oversight become compromised by the same corrupt practices they are expected to fight.

Drawing from trends observed in ongoing EACC investigations, he identified procurement and staff recruitment as the county functions most susceptible to conflicts of interest.

He cited cases where county executives allegedly direct tenders to proxy companies linked to Members of County Assemblies, resulting in non-competitive procurement processes, substandard projects, ghost projects and poor service delivery to wananchi.

Public accountability is at greatest risk when those responsible for oversight engage in the same corrupt conduct they are required to guard against, Mohamud said, urging County Assemblies to maintain independence in their oversight of governors and county executives.

Emmanuel Situma, who also addressed the forum, echoed the Commissions concerns and urged MCAs to view the Conflict of Interest Act as a governance tool rather than a punitive instrument.

He cautioned that when County Assemblies become extensions of governors offices, oversight weakens and the risk of unchecked contracts and misuse of public funds increases significantly.

Separately, the anti-graft agency used the forum to raise concern over the increasing forgery of academic certificates ahead of the next General Election.

The Commission noted that during previous election cycles, some individuals seeking nomination for elective positions submitted fake academic qualifications in order to meet eligibility requirements.

EACC urged universities, colleges and examination bodies to tighten verification systems and remain vigilant against attempts to fraudulently acquire certificates outside legitimate academic processes.

The Commission further pledged to continue pursuing investigations into academic fraud to ensure that only legitimately acquired qualifications are used to access public office.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe delivered the warning during the flagging off of 25 bulk milk coolers at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, calling on brokers and informal traders to exit the raw milk business immediately.

Milk hawking must stop. It is dangerous, it is a health issue, and it destroys the ability to create value-added dairy products, CS Kagwe declared.

Public Health Warning at the Heart of the Crackdown

CS Kagwe made clear that the stakes go beyond industry economics. Millions of Kenyans, he warned, consume milk that authorities cannot trace, test, or certify as safe, leaving families and especially young children exposed to contamination and disease.

If you have young children, feed them quality and traceable milk to avoid health issues such as diarrhea, he said.

The statement signals a significant policy shift as the government tightens its grip on Kenyas dairy sector, which informal traders operating outside regulated systems currently dominate. Under the new reforms, processors and cooperatives must build stronger traceability systems, tracking individual farmers, their output levels, and the source of every liter that reaches the market.

CS Kagwe further accused milk-hawking networks of causing broader economic harm. He argued that informal brokers undermine processors, weaken cooperatives, and cut farmers off from better earnings that come from processed dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk powder.

230 Milk Coolers and a Ksh. 1.43 Billion Investment

The crackdown runs alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Developments rollout of 230 milk coolers across the country, backed by a Ksh 1.43 billion dairy support program. The government has already deployed 95 units, with the remaining coolers set to reach dairy cooperatives nationwide in structured phases.

The ministry says the coolers will reduce spoilage, stabilize market prices, and draw farmers away from hawkers toward organized and regulated collection systems, creating a more reliable and profitable supply chain from farm to processor.

Kenya Eyes Global Dairy Markets

CS Kagwe framed the reforms as part of a much larger ambition. Kenya, already Africas largest milk producer, should not settle for regional dominance, he argued. The government wants to build a dairy system capable of exporting milk powder and insulating farmers from the price volatility that comes with seasonal production swings.

We want to make sure there is no milk pricing coming down. Rain seasons and dry seasons should not destabilize farmers, he said.

To reduce production costs, the government plans to encourage local cultivation of yellow maize and soybeans for animal feed through state-supported land leasing programs. The ministry is also accelerating dairy genetics reforms through a subsidized sexed semen program, cutting the cost from Ksh. 9,000 down to Ksh. 1,000 per unit, a move officials say will rapidly increase the number of high-quality dairy cows across the country.

Animal Welfare Gets a Mention Too

CS Kagwe also took aim at poor animal welfare practices, criticizing farmers who keep cows in cramped and neglected conditions.

Some farmers put cows in prison. The way we treat cows matters, he said.

The government expects thousands of new jobs to emerge around milk cooling, transport, veterinary services, and dairy processing as the reforms take hold.

Officials are clear that the war on milk hawking is not simply an enforcement exercise. The administrations broader goal is to restructure Kenyas entire dairy economy around quality, traceability, and long-term farmer profitability, replacing a fragmented informal system with one that works for farmers, consumers, and the countrys export ambitions alike.

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Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev heaped praise on William Ruto, describing Kenya as one of Africas most vibrant and progressive nations.

Speaking during President Rutos state visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, Tokayev described Kenya as a symbol of innovation, talent, and opportunity, adding that the country continues to stand out as a major economic and technological force.

Under your strong leadership, Kenya has emerged as one of the most vibrant and forward-looking nations in Africa. Your country serves as a beacon of progress, proving that Africa is a true powerhouse of talent, limitless innovation, and unique opportunities, he said.

The Kazakh president pointed out that although vast distances separate Kenya and Kazakhstan geographically, the two countries share identical ambitions centered on economic transformation, modernization, and regional influence.

Though vast distances separate us geographically, we are bound by a commonality of spirit, a bold drive for modernisation, and confidence in the future, Tokayev added.

President Tokayev further highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening ties between Nairobi and Astana, noting that the partnership could unlock fresh economic and diplomatic opportunities linking Africa and Central Asia.

Kazakhstan stands at the heart of Eurasia, while Kenya is a leading hub of East Africa. This gives our partnership a significance that goes beyond bilateral relations. Together, Kazakhstan and Kenya can build a stronger bridge between Central Asia and Africa, linking markets, transport routes, investment flows, and new opportunities.

His remarks coincided with Kenya and Kazakhstan signing several cooperation agreements to deepen collaboration in trade, transport, ICT, mining, investment promotion, climate action, and diplomatic relations.

During the trip, President Ruto received the Order of Dostyk First Degree, one of Kazakhstans highest state honors, in recognition of his role in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries. The presentation took place during his state visit to Astana, where he held high-level talks with President Tokayev and witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral pacts.

In his acceptance speech, President Ruto expressed gratitude for the honor, describing it as both a personal privilege and a symbol of the growing bonds between the two nations.

I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the Order of Dostyk, First Degree, one of the highest distinctions of your great nation, he said.

President Ruto noted that the award carries a broader diplomatic meaning that goes well beyond individual recognition.

This award is not only a personal recognition but also a luminous symbol of the enduring friendship between Kenya and Kazakhstan, Ruto said.

The president explained that the honor reflects the shared aspirations of Nairobi and Astana, particularly in promoting peace, cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual development.

It reflects our shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and the enrichment of cultures across continents, he said.

Ruto added that he accepted the award on behalf of all Kenyans, underscores the deep spirit of solidarity connecting the two countries.

I accept this honour on behalf of the people of Kenya, who stand with the people of Kazakhstan in the pursuit of harmony and prosperity. May this moment mark the strengthening of our partnership, and may the bonds of Dostyk and friendship continue to flourish between our nations for generations to come, he said.

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The former Kakamega senator drew sharp parallels to the divisive 41 vs 1 narrative associated with the 2007 post-election violence period, warning that Ruto is seeking to isolate the community connected to his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

In a statement on Wednesday, May 20, Malala claimed the alleged scheme has been ongoing for months and cautioned that it risks reviving deep-seated ethnic tensions across the country.

Over the last couple of months, we have witnessed a well-structured ethnic profiling of the members of the Kikuyu community by President William Ruto. This is a well-orchestrated move ahead of the 2027 elections in what Mr. William Ruto scripted in 2007 of the 41 vs 1, he said.

He further reminded the nation of the historical consequences of such political narratives, adding:

We all know what that led Kenya into. We lost over 1,300 Kenyans, and hundreds of thousands of Kenyans are up to date in IDP camps.

Malala Names Murkomen and Hassan Omar as Key Players

Malala named Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar as key figures allegedly pushing this divisive narrative.

He specifically faulted Murkomen for what he termed as reducing critical national security concerns into petty ethnic politics rather than addressing the actual insecurity challenges plaguing the country.

Reducing critical security issues into an ethnic clash between a Kikuyu and Kalenjin affair is bad for our nation, Mr Murkomen, he stated. As you do your simple mind games, cattle rustling in Meru is wreaking havoc. Mandera is occupied by Jubaland forces, goons are taking control of towns.

The former UDA official further accused the Ruto administration of attempting to frame widespread public frustrations over the high cost of living and governance failures as an ethnic contest.

When Kenyans come out in the streets to demonstrate about high costs of fuel, mutilated payslips, dysfunctional SHA, and failed education systems, it is not Kikuyu vs Kalenjin community, Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen, he said.

It is about 55 million Kenyans suffering high taxation, double standards, bad roads, poor policy, among others.

Malala Warns Matatu Sector against Increasing Fare Prices

Malala also took aim at the government over skyrocketing fuel prices, slamming the latest price hikes as insensitive and deeply harmful to ordinary citizens.

The government cannot purport that the high fuel cost only affects the matatu sector. Every Kenyan is affected by this insensitive fuel hike, he said.

Speaking on the ongoing matatu strike, the DCP deputy party leader cautioned transport operators against raising fares while negotiations with the state continue.

He said, To the matatu sector, do not dare increase the costs of transport or fare costs since you agreed to the one-week negotiation with the government.

Malala additionally accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of intentionally stirring up ethnic narratives to distract the public from the controversial Finance Bill 2026/2027 and mounting public anger. He noted that Kenyans see right through these political schemes.

But we know all this balkanization is meant to hoodwink Kenyans on the punitive Finance Bill 2026/2027. If you think it will stop Kenyans from asking questions, you are far from what the reality is, he said.

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Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiangi, Secretary General Richard Kenta, and Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni spoke out during a press briefing on Wednesday at the partys headquarters at Daraja House on State House Road. They warned that the bill would hit ordinary Kenyans hardest if Parliament passes it into law.

Matiangi stated that the country is currently walking down a crisis and called on the Executive to directly address the challenges facing Kenyans instead of issuing what he views as endless excuses.

We are walking down a crisis, Matiangi said. He further warned against politicizing national security and framing economic challenges along ethnic lines.

Jeremiah Kioni noted that the protests witnessed over the past two days carry a clear message from Kenyans that they have had enough, insisting that citizens took to the streets spontaneously rather than through political mobilization.

What we saw in the last two days is a statement of Kenyans saying enough is enough There was no single political statement ahead of the demos, Kioni said.

The party also cautioned the Kenya Kwanza administration against ethnic profiling of the recent fuel protests, arguing that the soaring cost of living affects all Kenyans regardless of their community.

Jubilee further warned the government against blaming retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for the countrys challenges, advising leaders to focus on solutions instead.

Kioni accused the government of shifting blame to Uhuru rather than responding to the issues the public has raised, and he repeated the partys call for Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026.

They have a Finance Bill that Kenyans must reject, he said.

Matiangi stated that Jubilee will hold public engagements on the proposed law as the party rallies public opposition against the bill. Jubilee also demanded that the government disclose what it claims is a secret road levy securitization deal, calling for full transparency on the agreement and its long-term financial implications.

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Justice Bahati Mwamuye delivered the judgment on Tuesday, ruling that state agencies have no legal basis to flatly refuse applications seeking to alter sex or gender markers on official identity documents. The decision is widely expected to influence future policy and constitutional interpretation around identity rights in Kenya.

What the Court Actually Decided

At the heart of the ruling is a straightforward but consequential legal finding: when authorities read the Births and Deaths Registration Act (Cap 149) and the Registration of Persons Act (Cap 107) alongside the Constitution, they will find no express prohibition against reviewing and deciding on these applications.

The court went further, finding that the governments blanket refusal to amend identity documents had caused real, tangible harm. That refusal exposed petitioners to harassment, forced them to disclose sensitive personal information in public settings, and created serious barriers to accessing essential services.

Justice Mwamuye also made it clear that gaps in legislation or administrative silence cannot be used to suspend constitutional rights. Where a violation is established, courts carry a binding duty to enforce the relevant protections.

This court does not purport to legislate or to establish a comprehensive statutory framework, the judge stated, noting that Parliament and relevant agencies remain free to develop clearer policies going forward.

The Petition Behind the Ruling

The case originated from a petition filed by transgender activist Audrey Mbugua Ithibu, who challenged the refusal by state agencies to even consider requests to update sex or gender markers on official records. Ithibu argued that the governments outright dismissal of those applications violated core constitutional rights, including the rights to equality, dignity, privacy, and fair administrative action.

Justice Mwamuye agreed, finding that the refusal to amend Ithibus documents violated constitutional guarantees on equality, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, and fair administrative action. The judge also dismissed a preliminary procedural objection raised by the State, ruling that technicalities should not block constitutional petitions where a petitioner has clearly demonstrated rights violations.

The respondents were fully aware of the case they were required to meet and have addressed it comprehensively on the merits, the judge observed.

What Happens Next

The court issued concrete orders requiring the relevant state agencies to receive, consider, and determine Ithibus application to alter her gender markers within 60 days. Until Parliament creates a formal legislative or policy framework, authorities must handle such applications on a case-by-case basis, following a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory process.

The judge clarified that the court is not writing new law or directing Parliament to act. Instead, the ruling interprets existing statutes in a way that aligns with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, a distinction the judge treated as central to the scope and intent of the decision.

On the question of costs, the court ordered each party to bear its own, recognizing that the case raised significant public interest issues and critical questions of constitutional interpretation.

A Ruling That Opens a Door

While the judgment stops well short of creating a sweeping new legal framework, it opens a door that was previously shut. State registrars now have both the authority and the obligation under existing law to at least receive and genuinely consider these applications rather than dismissing them outright.

For rights advocates and members of the transgender community in Kenya, the ruling represents a meaningful step forward. For lawmakers and government agencies, it signals that the courts expect state action to stay in step with the Constitution, with or without new legislation in place.

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Holding placards high, the demonstrators condemned political intolerance, tribalism, and violence against women. Several of the signs carried direct messages reading #Justice For Wandeto, Wamama na Ruto, and Say No to Political Intolerance.

The protestors accused authorities of stalling the investigation, noting that the lack of arrests has only fueled public frustration and fear. They are now calling on security agencies to accelerate their probe and ensure the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and prosecuted.

The protestors urged political leaders and citizens alike to reject violence and divisive politics, warning that Wandetos death is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader wave of hostility targeting women.

Wandeto had drawn widespread public attention earlier this year after she tattooed President William Rutos face on her chest, along with the word Tutam and his name on various parts of her body in bold public displays of political loyalty. Family members allege that this notoriety made her a target.

The incident reportedly occurred just days after Wandeto publicly expressed unwavering support for President Rutos 2027 re-election bid.

According to relatives, the attackers falsely believed she had been receiving massive financial favors from the president in exchange for her vocal support, demanding a share of the supposed benefits. When Wandeto told them she had nothing to give, they turned on her, pouring petrol on her body and setting her on fire before fleeing the scene.

The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage across social media and among womens rights activists, who are renewing calls for stronger protection for women and swift justice for victims of violent crimes. Known for her uplifting songs and deep faith, Wandeto had built a dedicated following of fans who admired both her artistry and her message. Her passing leaves family, friends, and supporters mourning a promising voice silenced too soon by violence.

President William Ruto also joined Kenyans in mourning Wandeto, extending his deepest condolences to her family and vowing that authorities will hold her killers accountable. He declared that the government will pursue justice relentlessly, regardless of the perpetrators affiliations, while strongly condemning the rising cases of political intolerance and violence against civilians.

May God grant the family and friends comfort, peace, and courage to bear with the loss of Ms Rachel Wandeto, Ruto said. The criminals that attacked this hardworking and promising lady will be held to account, irrespective of their affiliation.

The president warned that such acts of violence and intimidation pose a direct threat to democratic freedoms, including the fundamental rights to free expression and association.

The post Wamama na Ruto: Women Storm KNH Gates Demanding Justice for Gospel Singer Rachel Wandeto appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

He extended a warm invitation to area residents and all Kenyans to join the procession as they traverse the region.

Tuafungia mwezi pale Masaku (We are closing the month in Masaku), the Nairobi senator announced.

This upcoming event marks the teams first rally following a month-long break. The Linda Mwananchi team last held their political gatherings in Vihiga and Kisumu counties on April 25 and 26, respectively.

Notably, this will mark the first rally that the ODM splinter team will hold in the Ukambani region. Previous Linda Mwananchi tours have covered Mombasa, Kitengela, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Vihiga. Sifuna and his team aim to popularize the outfit in a region that traditionally and overwhelmingly supports former Vice President and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

A recent poll conducted by TIFA underscores the challenge ahead for the group: 78 percent of respondents from Lower Eastern prefer Kalonzo as their presidential candidate for the August 2027 General Election. On the other hand, only 1 percent of the sampled respondents prefer Sifuna, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, a fellow Linda Mwananchi patriot, received zero percent backing in the region.

Despite the low individual numbers for the splinter leaders in the area, the report revealed a fascinating dynamic among opposition voters. The survey showed that Kenyans who support the United Opposition mostly prefer a Kalonzo-Sifuna presidential ticket, believing the duo stands a much higher chance of beating President William Ruto in 2027.

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Itumbi fired back at Gachagua, stating that despite being labeled a blogger, he brought far more to the table during critical discussions between public transport operators and the government. He traced his professional growth from his early days up to the moment former President Uhuru Kenyatta handpicked him to serve as a digital strategist in the executive.

Itumbi pointed out that his track record speaks for itself, questioning why Gachagua never raised any issues about his competence when Gachagua served as deputy president.

Hii mambo ni ya God. I indeed started as a correspondent, then became a journalist, then a blogger, and when Uhuru got the job, he appointed me as digital strategist, Itumbi stated.

I have done my work, and that is why you even recognized me while in the UK. Did you want the office to remain vacant? If anything, you were DP when I was given this job, but you did not complain, Itumbi argued.

Also Read The Day Gachagua Manhandled Itumbi Over Unfavorable Tweet

He accused Gachagua of becoming envious of him after losing his seat in government. Itumbi added that the former deputy president caused his own downfall by picking fights with almost everyone in the administration.

Taking a sharp swipe at Gachaguas past career, Itumbi claimed that Gachagua left no meaningful track record behind during his time as a District Officer (DO) or as Uhuru Kenyattas personal assistant.

You were also DO, but we just cannot remember anything you did. You became Uhurus PA and your biggest achievement was making sure Uhuru lost the election, he reiterated.

The Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination concluded by defending his current department, stating that his office creates employment for several Kenyans and continues to assist many others.

During his address in London, Gachagua questioned why authorities included Itumbi in such a high-stakes meeting despite him only being a blogger. He slammed President William Ruto for allegedly allowing bloggers to run the country while the Head of State traveled away on official duties.

The DCP leader made these comments after a leaked video of the meetings proceedings went viral on social media.

The post Itumbi Tells Gachagua to Look in the Mirror: Your Biggest Achievement Was Making Uhuru Lose appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Justice Mwamuyes central finding was direct: the appointment process did not comply with the statutory framework set out under Section 7 of the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999.

The appointment of Honourable Aisha Jumwa Katana as Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board was undertaken without demonstrable compliance with the mandatory statutory framework prescribed under Section 7 of the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999, the court stated.

Beyond the statutory breach, the court found that the recruitment process also violated Articles 10, 47, and 232 of the Constitution. These provisions require that all public appointments adhere strictly to the values of transparency, accountability, fairness, and administrative justice. The court ruled that these defects made the appointment legally unsustainable from the outset.

Justice Mwamuye drove the point home with a clear articulation of the principle at stake.

Legality flows from fidelity to the Constitution and the enabling law, he noted, adding that where statutory procedures go unobserved, the resulting decision cannot stand.

The Appointment Is Null and Void

Acting on those findings, the court issued a formal declaration nullifying the appointment entirely.

A declaration is hereby issued that the appointment of Honourable Aisha Jumwa Katana as Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board is unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void ab initio, Justice Mwamuye ruled.

The court also quashed two official Gazette Notices tied to the appointment: Gazette Notice No. 384 of January 16, 2025, and Gazette Notice No. 395 of January 17, 2025, to the extent that they confirmed her role. The judgment made clear that publishing an appointment in the Gazette does not shield it from legal challenge when the underlying process is flawed.

Publication in the Gazette does not confer upon an appointment undertaken contrary to statute, the court stated.

While the court nullified the appointment, Justice Mwamuye stopped short of issuing a blanket order invalidating every decision Jumwa made while serving in the role. The judge cautioned against sweeping remedies that could disrupt public administration without clear justification in each case.

It would not be reasonable or proportionate to quash all actions and decisions undertaken without knowing the status, nature, and scope of those actions, the court observed, drawing a careful line between enforcing legality and protecting the broader public interest.

What Must Happen Next

The court did not leave the matter without clear direction for the future. Justice Mwamuye directed that any subsequent appointment to the Kenya Roads Board Chairperson position must fully comply with the Kenya Roads Board Act and the constitutional principles governing public appointments, including transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and procedural fairness.

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