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Parliamentary Committee Endorses Kagwe, Kabogo and Lee For Cabinet Positions

The Parliamentary Committee has approved the nomination of Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo and Lee Kinyanjui for Cabinet Secretary positions. The Head of State made fresh nominations and reshuffles in his Cabinet on December 19th, 2024, which included ministerial positions. If their appointment is approved, Mutahi Kagwe will take up as the CS of Agriculture and Livestock Development, William Kabogo as the CS for Information Communication and Digital Economy and Lee Kinyanjui as the CS of Investment, Trade and industries. Their approval was announced in a special sitting in Parliament by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung\’wah on Thursday 16th 2025. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 152 (2) of the constitution of Section 3 (8) of the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals of the following persons as Cabinet Secretaries; Mutahi Kagwe in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, William Kabogo in the Information, Communication and Digital Economy, Lee Kinyanjui to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industries.  Ichung\’wah said.

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Senator Orwoba Faces Blow As High Court Affirms 3-Month Suspension

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has faced a huge blow after High Court upheld her decision to be suspended. The decision to suspend Orwoba was made by the Senate in September last year to suspend her from participating in Parliamentary activities for three months for gross misconduct. She had also alleged that there was discrimination in parliament by posting various messages on the Senate Business WhatsApp group a report made by the powers and privileges committee. The ruling was made by Justice Mugambi who agreed with the decision made by the Senate noting that the Nominated Senator had been given a chance to appear before the Senate Committee to defend herself but failed to do so. Senator Gloria Orwoba was provided with opportunity to appear and state her case, presumably even raising all manner of preliminary issues before the Senate powers and privileges committee but she instead opted not to participate and walked out on the committee. Justice Lawrence Mugambi said. The judge said he did not find an infringement of the right to fair administrative action or the right to fair hearing in the circumstances of the case and therefore dismissed the petition filed by Orwoba with costs to the respondents. With the ruling, Senator Orwoba will loss certain personal benefits until May this year when she will be required to appear before the house and apologise before being readmitted.

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Fire Engulfs Part Of University Of Nairobi

A fire broke out on Wednesday 15th January 2025 at the University of Nairobi (UON). The incident was confirmed by the Kenya Redcross Nairobi Branch who discoursed that the fire had affected partes of the historic Gandhi Wing block. A fire has been reported in a section of the University of Nairobi. Firefighters are at the scene. Efforts to put it out are underway.  The Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch stated on their X account. The Kenya Red Cross also updated that the fire had been successfully contained touching on the areas which had been affected. The Nairobi fire team has successfully contained the fire, which affected parts of the Mahatma Gandhi Wing Block. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.  The Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch noted. The Nairobi Fire Team has successfully contained the fire, which affected parts of the Mahatma Gandhi Wing Block. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. — Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch (@Krcs_NRbBranch) January 15, 2025 According to reports, the fire is said to have started in the restaurant within the structure before it spread out to other areas. As much as no injuries were reported, properties of unknown value were damaged. There were also videos shared on social media which showed the intensity of the blaze, with smoke flames visible from across the campus. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

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Board Fires Former KDF Soldier Appointed By President Ruto As CEO

Brigaider (Rtd) Joseph Muracia, the chief executive officer of the Nairobi rivers has been removed from office. The former KDF soldiers was ousted from office on Tuesday 14th January. Muracia was appointed the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a commission that had been established by the Head of State. He was relived off his duties after being accused of gross misconduct, corruption and embezzlement of funds, nepotism and insubordination. The move followed a high-stakes meeting chaired by former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru where a decision was unanimously reached to remove him. Muracia who has been on operation for less than two years was tasked with overseeing the restoration of the Nairobi River. It was alleged he exploited organizational gaps to misappropriate resources. An audit of the 2023/2024 financial year revealed severe financial mismanagement resulting in the loss of over ksh150million. The report also disclosed that Muracia claimed to have employed 20,000 climate workers but many were identified as ghost workers. He was further accused of nepotism as he hired family members to work for the commission and prioritized their salaries over those of other employees. The government has pledged to investigate the matter and repossess lost funds to prevent future mismanagement.

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South Korea’s President Yoon Arrested Over Controversial Martial Law Proposal

Suspended South Korean President Yoon has been detained for failed attempt martial law proposal. The impeached President was arrested on Wednesday over accusation of declare martial law on December 3rd, 2024. According to the country’s anti-corruption agency, the suspended President had been detained hours after hundreds of investigators and police officers arrived at his Presidential compound and apprehended him. According to reports, Yoon sent his soldiers to storm the parliament following his declaration of martial law. Yoon said after his arrest that he decided to give in to prevent unsavory bloodshed. When I saw them break into the security area using firefighting equipment today, I decided to respond to the CIO’s investigation, despite it being an illegal investigation to prevent unsavory bloodshed. He said in a statement. The CIO officers reported that while in custody, the impeached President is exercising the right to remain silent. The arrest makes the South Korean President the first incumbent President in the country’s history to be taken into custody. Yoon could allegedly face life imprisonment or death penalty if found guilty.

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Senior Counsel Judy Thongori Passes Away, Legal Community Mourns

Renowned Kenya Lawyer Judy Thongori has passed away. According to reports, the senior counsel died in India where she was taken for emergency treatment. Thongori had recently fell ill and was flown to India where she died on Tuesday 14th January 2024 in the evening. Sadly, she died yesterday evening due to ensuing medical complications.  The chair of Senior Counsel Bar, Dr. Fred Ojiambo said. She was well known as a selfless and assiduous contributor to that strand of the law. Her willingness and selflessness to be of service to the Senior Counsel Bar, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) as a mentor to younger advocates, will be greatly missed. She was also a favorite speaker at the Annual Judge’s colloquial.  Ojiambo added. The President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Faith Odhiambo also shared a tribute about the deceased. The legal community mourns the loss of a distinguished member and beacon of excellence. Judy Thongori SC has been a monument of legal prowess and exemplified all the qualities of a professional North Star. Her noteworthy contribution to family law and human rights are timeless and continue to propagate a learning curve for many in the profession.  The LSK President stated. This morning, the legal fraternity mourns the loss of a distinguished member and beacon of excellence. Judy Thongori SC has been a monument of legal prowess and exemplified all the qualities of a professional North Star. Her noteworthy contributions to family law and human rights… pic.twitter.com/nqz73gnwGj — Faith Odhiambo (@FaithOdhiambo8) January 15, 2025 Judy Thongori was Kenyan lawyer and rights Activist who successfully sued the government for not delivering 30% representation for women. She conferred the rank of Senior Counsel on July 20th, 2022, and was also the first woman to be inducted into the the Law Society of Kenya in 2013. MS Thongori was also accredited to the Meditation Accreditation Committe of the judiciary.

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NACADA Warns Of Rising Number Of Unregulated Rehab Centers Across The Country

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse has raised concerns on the increasing number of rehabilitation centers. Their concerns were based on the fact that some of the rehabilitation centers are operating outside established legal and ethical guidelines. NACADA CEO, Anthony Omerikwa issued a statement on Tuesday 14th January 2025. As mandated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994 and in line with the Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, all rehabilitation facilities must meet stringent legal and operational standards. This includes accreditation by NACADA, compliance with client confidentially provisions, and ensuring the highest standards of treatment protocol.  Omerikwa stated. NACADA disclosed that it has accredited 78 rehabilitation facilities out of 150 that were inspected in this financial year. Accredited is granted based on the strict adherence to the law and best practices in rehabilitation. Facilities that do not meet the standards are given feedback and guidance on how to align their operations. NACADA therefore promises to monitor activities within rehabilitation centers and take firm legal action against unaccredited or non-compliant facilities. advising all unaccredited centers to engage NACADA for guidance on obtaining compliance.

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EPRA Increases Fuel Price Amid Economic Pressure

The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has revealed an increase in prices of Super petrol, Diesel and Kerosene. The new fuel prices will be effective as of January 15th to February 15th, 2025. In accordance with section 101 of the petroleum and Legal Notice No. 192 of 2022, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products which will be in force from 15th January 2025 to 14th February 2025.  Director General of EPRA Daniel Kiptoo noted. During the forced period, the maximum allowed petrol pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will now increase by Ksh.2.00/litre and Ksh.3.00/litre respectively. The prices are inclusive of the 16% value added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance ACT 2023, The Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 0f 2020.  He added. Following the review, a litre of Super petrol in Nairobi will now retail at Ksh.176.58, Diesel at Ksh.167.06 and kerosene at Ksh.151.39. In accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022, we have calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products, which will be in force from 15th January 2025 to 14th February 2025.^DC pic.twitter.com/DHRZVaITSt — Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (@EPRA_Ke) January 14, 2025 The average landed cost of imported Super petrol decreased by 0.14 from US$612.53 per cubic metre in November 2024 to US$611.69 per cubic metre in December 2024. Diesel increased by 0.6% from US$644.10 per cubic metre while kerosene decreased by 1.62% from US$660.30 per cubic metre to US$649.64 per cubic metre over the same period.  Daniel Kiptoo further noted.

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Government Sets April Deadline For Digital Police Services Overhaul

The government plans to introduce a digital system for processing offences beginning April 2025. This will add an advantage to Kenyans as they will no longer be required to report criminal incidents at the police station. The digital system will see police service process fines and implement a digital occurrence book. Building on the Security and Defense strategic dialogue with Development partners held in the final quarter of last year, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo met with the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger to discuss support for the digitalization of National police service operations.  The statement said. Central to these efforts is the introduction of a digital system for processing traffic fines and the implementation of a digital occurrence book.  The statement added. The ideology of the digital OB was initiated in 2023 to enhance transparency and eliminate the disappearance of case records at police stations. The new development will be part of the State’s pledge for availing of over 5,000 government services online.

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Can Mr. Beast Save TikTok? YouTuber’s Ambitious Plan Stuns Netizens

American YouTuber Mr. Beast whose real names are James Donaldson has expressed his desire to purchase popular social media platform TikTok. This was after the US Supreme Court had oral arguments on 10th January 2025 regarding a law that mandates the TikTok owner ByteDance to sell by 19th January 2025 or face a potential ban. Okay fine, I’ll but TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.  Mr. Beast wrote on X formerly known as Twitter. Earlier, there were reports that China might sell TikTok’s US operation to popular billionaire Elon musk which ignited a storm on American social media. TikTok on the other hand dismissed the claims. We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.  A spokesperson told BBC news. Biden’s administration allegedly raised concerns claiming that TikTok acts as spy and could cause political manipulation. TikTok repeatedly denied the allegations arguing that such a ban would infringe upon First Amendment right in the U.S. According to BBC, lawmakers such as Senator Edward Markey have pressed Biden’s administration to allow more time for negotiations. Additionally, Beijing has strongly indicated it won’t allow a forced sale of the platform. Despite that, potential buyers are reportedly showing interest to acquire the platform.

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