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Maraga calls for dismantling of ‘Illegal’ police units after journalist’s alleged abduction

By
Vincent Amara
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Former Chief Justice and Green Thinking Action Party leader David Maraga has condemned the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, describing the incident as a serious threat to constitutional freedoms, press freedom and Kenya’s democracy.

Maraga said the reported abduction by masked individuals in plain clothes reflected the kind of systemic lawlessness that the Police Reforms Taskforce, which he chaired, sought to address.

In a statement, Maraga described the alleged incident as a “severe affront” to Kiprotich’s constitutional rights and warned against the continued existence of what he referred to as clandestine police units and alleged illegal operations.

His remarks come amid growing concern over reports of abductions and enforced disappearances in Kenya, particularly where security agencies are accused of operating outside established legal procedures.

Maraga said the recommendations contained in the report of the Police Reforms Taskforce he chaired remain relevant in addressing concerns over accountability and the conduct of security agencies.

He called for the immediate dismantling of what he described as “illegal killer squads and clandestine units”, arguing that security operations must be conducted within the limits of the Constitution and the law.

“The commanders of these illegal operations must be held individually accountable for these crimes,” Maraga said, stressing that those responsible for unlawful conduct should face personal accountability.

The former Chief Justice also linked the issue to his broader political message, calling for what he termed an “Ukombozi government” anchored on constitutionalism and respect for the rule of law.

Maraga said true political liberation must be based on constitutional principles, using the hashtags #Ukombozi and #Ukatiba to emphasise his call for a government guided by the Constitution.

The statement adds to mounting calls from political leaders, journalists and rights advocates for greater accountability in the conduct of security operations and stronger protection of press freedom.

The circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s alleged abduction, including the identities and affiliations of those involved, remain subject to official investigation and verification.

Maraga’s intervention is likely to add pressure on authorities to clarify what happened and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are held accountable.

Senator Eddy Oketch demands unified front to end enforced disappearances and restore national security

By
Newton Ingui
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Migori County Senator Eddy Oketch has issued a firm call for collective national action and governmental accountability to tackle the rising wave of unresolved abductions across Kenya, warning that failure to secure citizens risks destroying public trust in the state.

Speaking on the nationwide concern over human rights violations and missing individuals, the lawmaker highlighted that stopping security lapses requires an urgent, unified approach from political leaders, civil society, and state agencies.


“No Kenyan should ever be subjected to abduction. If such incidents occur and go unanswered, it is a clear sign that our security infrastructure has failed. If these abductions continue, we are going to lose our country.”

Urged all political affiliations, human rights bodies, and community leaders to join forces against illegal detentions and forced disappearances.

Noted that whether abductions are executed by rogue security elements or staged incidents, the government’s inability to account for missing citizens deeply damages national integrity.

Demanded that top leadership address non-performing security heads and Cabinet Secretaries to restore command responsibility and constitutionality.

Stressed that safeguarding citizens’ basic rights is an indispensable duty of the state under the Constitution.

The senator’s push adds momentum to growing calls from civil society and lawmakers demanding institutional reform and full transparency from security apparatuses.

Owino defends Ruto’s record, urges Kenyans to embrace hard work

By
Newton Ingui
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Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has strongly defended President William Ruto’s economic track record, asserting that the Head of State has fully delivered on key commitments outlined in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.

Speaking during a press engagement, Owino dismissed criticism surrounding the administration’s performance, arguing that government efforts in critical sectors such as agriculture and housing have laid a firm foundation for economic growth—and now citizens must do their part.

“The President had a manifesto. His manifesto is very clear. He has delivered according to his manifesto,” Owino stated, addressing public concern over the rising cost of living and slow economic turnaround.

Owino cited the ongoing digitized fertilizer distribution system as a major milestone, emphasizing that registering farmers directly onto the portal cut out middlemen, lowered input costs, and boosted farm yields.

Responding to skeptics, Owino called on civil servants and the public to actively participate via the Boma Yangu portal rather than criticizing the initiative from the sidelines. He noted that monthly contributions of KSh 2,000 would build substantial long-term wealth and make homeownership achievable compared to commercial market prices.

The spokesperson emphasized that while the state creates infrastructure and opportunities, it cannot solve every individual financial challenge. He challenged idle youth to return to farming and take advantage of available state programs.

“President Ruto has done his part by putting systems and infrastructure in place. Kenyans should also play their part by working hard to improve their economic circumstances.”Owino’s remarks come as the Ruto administration faces s

Duale meets new US CDC Kenya director as health partnership enters new phase

By
Vincent Amara
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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held talks with the newly appointed United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) Kenya Country Director, Dr Runa Gokhale, as Kenya and the United States prepare to transition into a new phase of their long-standing health partnership.

The introductory meeting focused on strengthening Kenya-US health cooperation and ensuring the continuity of essential public health services as the two countries move towards implementing a Government-to-Government Health Cooperation Framework.

The partnership, which has spanned more than four decades, has played a significant role in strengthening Kenya’s response to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, while supporting investments in laboratories, disease surveillance, epidemiology, health data systems, emergency preparedness and response, as well as the health workforce.

Duale and Gokhale discussed the transition to the new cooperation framework, which is expected to place greater emphasis on strengthening Kenya’s national health institutions and promoting country-led delivery of health programmes.

The framework is also intended to safeguard uninterrupted access to essential public health services as Kenya assumes greater leadership in the management and delivery of health programmes supported through the bilateral partnership.

The meeting comes as Kenya continues to strengthen its health systems and build national capacity to respond to infectious diseases and other public health emergencies.

The Health Ministry said the discussions reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between Kenya and the United States in addressing public health priorities while strengthening the country’s ability to independently manage critical health programmes and systems.

Also present during the meeting were Director for Family Health Dr Bashir Issak, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Chief Executive Officer Dr David Kariuki, and Head of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme Dr Andrew Mulwa.

The engagement marks an important step in shaping the next phase of Kenya-US health cooperation, with both sides expected to continue working together to strengthen national institutions and protect access to critical health services.

Wanjigi pledges to eradicate poverty as cornerstone of 2027 presidential bid

By
Newton Ingui
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Safina Party leader and 2027 presidential hopeful Jimi Wanjigi has declared that his primary mission if elected head of state will be the complete eradication of poverty across Kenya, framing it as the single catalyst needed to solve the nation’s broader socio-economic challenges.

Speaking, the businessman-cum-politician criticized successive administrations for failing to resolve the fundamental problem of economic hardship over six decades after independence.

“When we got independence, Jomo Kenyatta anchored three main problems: poverty, health, and education. 63 years later, are we still not facing those same challenges? Mine is to remove poverty, because once you remove poverty, you remove all the others.”

Wanjigi argued that Kenya possesses a hard-working, educated population, but persistent poverty stems from a lack of capital access for ordinary citizens to scale businesses.

His broader economic platform centers on reducing debt, cutting taxes, unlocking credit, and ensuring free basic education and healthcare to drive self-sustainment.

Calling on youth to abandon reliance on formal employment, Wanjigi advocates for policy structures that turn job seekers into self-employed creators within local markets.

Wanjigi continues to position his candidacy around radical economic structural reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua links Standard editor abduction to unpublished Mau forest exposé

By
Newton Ingui
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued an explosive statement alleging that the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was directly orchestrated by top government officials to suppress an investigative exposé on the Mau Forest compensation scheme.

Kiprotich was intercepted on the Gilgil-Nakuru highway by armed, masked men on September 1, 2026, before being released several hours later near Masinga Dam. Addressing the issue in a statement directed at Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Gachagua claimed that the abduction was tied to the journalist’s upcoming investigation into alleged financial fraud surrounding government compensation for displaced Mau Forest evictees.

Gachagua alleged Kiprotich was preparing a story detailing how millions of shillings intended for evicted families were diverted to brokers and proxies through senior government figures.

The former Deputy President claimed a late-night meeting involving President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen resulted in directives to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to halt the report.

Gachagua alleged DCI Director Mohamed Amin placed Kiprotich under 24-hour surveillance using a specialized unit led by a recalled, retired officer. He further claimed the original plot was to eliminate the journalist, but public exposure of the incident forced the team to abandon the plan.

Terming Inspector General Kanja a “flower girl” with no real command, Gachagua dismissed the ongoing police probe into the incident as a sham, arguing that the police service cannot independently investigate orders originating from top leadership.

While the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed its Anti-Abduction Unit is investigating the incident and promised transparency, neither the State House nor the Ministry of Interior has officially responded to Gachagua’s specific accusations.

Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda in major restructuring strategy

By
Newton Ingui
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Global ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies has officially ceased operations in Nigeria and Uganda. The move ends a 12-year footprint in Nigeria and a 10-year presence in Uganda.

An Uber spokesperson confirmed the sudden departure, noting that the decision followed a thorough operational assessment of both markets.


“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda. This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent.”

The exits coincide with a broader global restructuring plan, in which Uber is cutting approximately 3,300 roles—about 10% of its global workforce.

Capital freed from these operational scale-backs is being reallocated toward next-generation mobility investments, including a planned $10 billion investment in autonomous vehicle and robotaxi technology.

Uber clarified that its departure from Nigeria and Uganda does not mean a total exit from Africa. The platform continues to operate in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana.

Uber’s local customer support and Help Centre channels will remain active until September 23 to resolve outstanding user balances, refunds, and driver payments.

The exit creates immediate opportunities for competing mobility platforms already entrenched in West and East Africa.

Kenya targets KSh350 billion Blue economy boom under CS Joho

By
Newton Ingui
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The Kenyan government is stepping up a major economic drive to tap into the unexploited wealth of its vast Indian Ocean coast and inland waters, positioning the nation as Africa’s premier maritime hub.

Under the leadership of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, the country has rolled out an aggressive strategy aimed at supercharging national revenues, driving job creation, and attracting high-value foreign investments into marine trade.


Speaking at key policy unveilings, CS Hassan Joho emphasized that the ocean can no longer be viewed strictly through an environmental lens, but rather as an indispensable driver of commercial growth and food security.


“This strategy explicitly positions the blue economy and fisheries as co-drivers of our growth, fully aligned with our aspirations under Vision 2030,” said CS Joho. “Recognising achievements in the sector will help tell Kenya’s maritime story, attract investment, inspire innovation, and demonstrate that our country has the talent, institutions, and ambition required to compete globally.”

Expanding capacity at the Port of Mombasa and coastal shipping networks to strengthen East Africa’s primary trade gateway.

Upgrading local processing capabilities, enforcing sustainable fishing guidelines, and tapping into high-value species like tuna.

Creating global job opportunities for Kenyan seafarers by raising maritime education standards to international levels.

Opening investments in marine biotechnology, offshore renewable ocean energy, and eco-friendly coastal tourism.

To catalyze private sector interest and showcase local talent, the ministry announced initiatives including the inaugural Kenya Maritime Excellence Awards (KMEA). The event aims to spotlight key innovators across shipping, ports, governance, and marine sustainability.

Kenya’s elevated continental stance—supported by active roles in international ocean diplomacy such as the UN Ocean Conference frameworks—places the country in a strong position to pull in climate finance, debt-for-ocean swaps, and private investments. Stakeholders expect the strategy to turn Kenya’s ocean resources into millions of sustainable jobs over the next decade.

Kenya targets 2028 to mainstream traditional medicine into healthcare system

By
Newton Ingui
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0

The Kenyan government has formally set 2028 as the target deadline to integrate evidence-based traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine into the country’s mainstream healthcare system. The ambitious move aims to expand access to affordable treatments, protect indigenous knowledge, and bolster Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), is finalizing a National Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Policy. The framework will govern the training, registration, licensing, and standardized dosing of traditional practitioners to ensure patient safety and quality control.

Speaking during events marking African Traditional Medicine Day at KEMRI, health officials emphasized that remedies will not be integrated based on tradition alone—they must undergo rigorous scientific validation, clinical trials, and standardized laboratory testing.

“Traditional medicine should complement, rather than operate separately from, conventional healthcare,” noted health experts, stressing that research must guide integration to safeguard public health while scaling up local solutions.

KEMRI is currently prioritizing six candidate herbal formulations—including promising anti-cancer treatments—set to undergo clinical piloting in referral hospitals.

Partnerships with county governments (such as Elgeyo Marakwet) and the Kenya Forest Service are establishing commercial herbal gardens to protect forest ecosystems while securing a sustainable supply of medicinal plants.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is enforcing strict manufacturing, labelling, and safety monitoring rules to move herbal products into formal clinical settings.

By standardizing and scientifically validating traditional therapies, Kenya seeks to cut reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, boost local manufacturing, and establish a regulated, globally competitive herbal medicine sector by 2028.

Ruto intervenes in trader row as government slashes KRA taxes on consolidated cargo

By
Vincent Amara
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0

The government has directed the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to reduce overall taxes on consolidated cargo to between KSh 500,000 and KSh 2 million following a meeting between President William Ruto and small-scale traders at State House.

However, the new tax rates will not apply to ready-made clothing, footwear, and textiles, which will retain their existing charges. The recently adjusted duty rates for air freight will also remain in force.

The move comes days after traders from Kamukunji, Gikomba, and Nyamakima shut down their businesses and staged protests across Nairobi against the government’s revised customs valuation framework.

KRA had previously raised the minimum customs clearance fee for a 40-foot consolidated container from KSh 2.5 million to KSh 3.2 million starting August 20. The authority defended the increase as a necessary measure to curb under-declaration and the undervaluation of imported goods. Traders, on the other hand, argued that the steep hike would drastically inflate operational costs and erode their already thin profit margins.

Addressing the controversy, KRA clarified that the KSh 3.2 million figure serves as a risk-management benchmark rather than a fixed tax applied uniformly to every container, noting that importers retain the option to request custom duty verification based on the actual value and classification of their items.

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