KBC Channel 1

Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • Migori leaders condemn reckless utterance by Kuria West MP

    Migori leaders condemn reckless utterance by Kuria West MP

    A section of political leaders and professionals drawn from Migori County have described as reckless utterances by Kuria West MP calling on security agents  to use lethal force against demonstrators.

    Kuria West MP Mathias Robi, a fortnight ago during a baraza at Kubweye Village, allegedly said police should shoot to kill any protestor who will take part in Wednesday (today) demonstrations.

    Migori County Deputy Governor Dr. Joseph Mahiri termed the utterance as reckless and dangerous at  a time the country is seeking to foster unity and peace.

    “Every person has a right to picket if both the county and the national governments are not listening to their grievances,” said Mahiri.

    Omahi Mwita, an official with the Migori-Kuria Alliance, also condemned the utterance saying the politician has no authority or mandate to command the police force.

    Mwita asked the politician to withdraw the utterances made and apologize publicly to the Migori people and the entire nation.

    “We will not sit down and allow this kind of talk to continue because it may set a very bad precedent  especially when uttered by a political figure,” he noted.

    Migori Muslim Community led by Abdi Fatah also voiced their displeasure advising the legislator to apologize for the sake of peace.

    Reporting by KNA

  • Governor Malombe warns officers against rejecting transfers

    Governor Malombe warns officers against rejecting transfers

    Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe says his administration will not tolerate cases of officers opposing deployment to other duty stations.

    The County Boss was reacting to an ongoing online debate allegedly sponsored by disgruntled officers affected by the recent transfer of over 200 members of staff in the County Ministry of Health and Sanitation, ostensibly to oppose the process.

    “There are people who think they are special and should not be deployed. If they they feel they are doing a sterling job wherever they are, then let them know that we want them to replicate the same to other duty stations,” said Dr. Malombe.

    “We are not going to allow officers to politicize deployments going forward,” he warned.

    He defended the transfers insisting that the Health Ministry undertook them procedurally and instructed those affected to vacate and hand over their current duty stations so as to allow others to take over for seamless public service delivery.

    The Governor was addressing journalists in his office boardroom after signing Performance Contracts with the County Ministers for the 2023/2024 financial year.

    He said the move aims at realizing an efficient and effective service delivery to the people of Kitui in line with his 16-sector development agenda.

  • Kenya signs deal with ICAO to host Aviation Week conference

    Kenya signs deal with ICAO to host Aviation Week conference

    The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Kenya Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the hosting of the 8th African Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week Conference for the first time in Nairobi.

    The ceremony, held at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Headquarters’, marked the beginning of a strong partnership and commitment between the Kenya Government and ICAO in advancing the aviation sector in the African region.

    Ms. Lucy Mbugua, the ICAO ESAF Regional Director, attended the event as the representative of ICAO Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar, and expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome back to the aviation sector in her new role. She conveyed greetings from Mr. Salazar and highlighted the significance of the MOU signing.

    “The MOU for the hosting of the 8th AFI Aviation Week Conference in Nairobi signifies the strong partnership and commitment between the Kenya Government and ICAO,” Ms. Mbugua stated.

    “This event will bring together key stakeholders in the aviation sector from across the African continent and beyond, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.”

    Speaking during the signing, the Director-General KCAA Emile Arao disclosed that this will be the Second Regional Safety Oversight Organisation Meeting, noting that the first meeting took place in 2017.

    He emphasized that the government of Kenya has shown its support to the AFI Aviation Week Conference by sponsoring the event.

    Other organisations who have expressed support to the event are the Qatar and Emirates Airways.

    The ICAO AFI Aviation Week, set on 21st-25th August, is a highly anticipated gathering that promotes cooperation and addresses challenges faced by the aviation industry, particularly in the areas of safety, security, facilitation, and sustainability of air transport in the African region.

    By hosting this significant event, the Kenya Government demonstrates its unwavering dedication to advancing aviation in the region and reinforces its commitment to fulfilling the State’s obligations to ICAO as a contracting State.

    This commitment aligns perfectly with Kenya’s vision to become a regional hub and a center of excellence in the aviation sector.

    ICAO remains steadfast in its commitment to working hand in hand with States to achieve impactful development in the African aviation sector.

    Through close collaboration with States, ICAO provides technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and guidance to support the implementation of international aviation standards and best practices.

    Ms. Mbugua emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange, stating, “ICAO aims to support African states to overcome challenges, strengthen their aviation infrastructure, and unlock the full potential of the industry.”

    Ms. Mbugua expressed her gratitude to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for the support and commitment to hosting the Eighth (8th) ICAO AFI Aviation Week Conference on behalf of the country, adding that this was a demonstration of Kenya’s position as aviation hub in the region.

  • CS Kindiki before Senate Committee over Shakahola deaths

    CS Kindiki before Senate Committee over Shakahola deaths

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure is currently before the Senate Adhoc Committee investigating the Shakahola deaths.

    The committee had invited the security and administration officers who served in Kilifi County at the time the killings are believed to have happened to shed light on what they know about the incident.

    The CS will appear on behalf of the officers and explain his decision to transfer them.

    On Monday, Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Nixon Korir revelaed that Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie did not own 800 acres in Shakahola, Kilifi County. 

    Appearing before the Senate Ad Hoc Committee probing the Shakahola deaths, PS Korir said the government has no evidence to prove Mackenzie owns the land further deepening the mystery over ownership of the vast property.

    In his submissions, Korir said that the land where the Shakahola massacre happened was unoccupied, and is part of the 50,000 Chakama ranch, whose lease expires in 2029 and is expected to be reverted back to the government.

    Last week while appearing before the committee, representative of Chakama ranching company limited said that it has never interacted with Mackenzi nor sold to him any portion of the 100,000-acre piece of land.

    Government pathologist Johansen Oduor who was set to appear before the committee did not show up saying he was overseeing the fourth phase of autopsies of bodies exhumed from the Shakahola forest.

  • Lawyer Miguna Miguna applies for DPP job

    Lawyer Miguna Miguna applies for DPP job

    Lawyer Miguna Miguna has revealed that he is eyeing the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) job.

    Through his official Twitter handle, Miguna said that he has joined the list of Kenyans eyeing the position of DPP after the seat fell vacant following the appointment of Noordin Haji as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

    “For the avoidance of any doubt, yes, I have applied for the position of The DPP,” said Miguna.

    Last month, President William Ruto constituted a seven-member selection committee for the recruitment of the next DPP.

    The member of the committee include; Central Organization of Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission CEO Twalib Mbarak, Public Service PS Mary Kimonye

    According to the committee, interested persons have until 5 pm Wednesday, July 12 to apply for the position.

  • Land PS says Mackenzie does not own Shakakhola land

    Land PS says Mackenzie does not own Shakakhola land

    Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Nixon Korir says government records show that preacher Paul Mackenzie does not own 800 acres in Shakahola, Kilifi County. 

    Appearing before the Senate Ad Hoc Committee probing the Shakahola deaths, Korir said the government has no evidence to prove Mackenzie owns the land further deepening the mystery over ownership of the vast property.

    In his submissions, Korir said that the land where the Shakahola massacre happened was unoccupied, and is part of the 50,000 Chakama ranch, whose lease expires in 2029 and is expected to be reverted back to the government.

    Last week while appearing before the committee, representative of Chakama ranching company limited said that it has never interacted with Mackenzi nor sold to him any portion of the 100,000-acre piece of land.

    Government pathologist Johansen Oduor who was set to appear before the committee did not show up saying he was overseeing the fourth phase of autopsies of bodies exhumed from the Shakahola forest.

  • Maralal court grants foreigners refugee status

    Maralal court grants foreigners refugee status

    A Maralal Court has granted refugee status to ten Eritrean nationals who were accused of being in the country illegally.

    Maralal Senior Resident Magistrate James Wanyanga acquitted the foreigners of being in the country illegally after confirmation by the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) that the suspects were just asylum seekers.

    The Department of Refugee Services tabled a report in court on Monday and confirmed the ten foreign nationals were seeking asylum in Kenya before they were arrested in Maralal.

    The report by the DRS also indicated that they established a bonafide asylum claim under Section 3 of the Refugee Act 2021, and the Eritreans were required to process the claim.

    “After conducting an assessment on the accused persons, DRS confirms they are Eritrean nationals,”

    “They have established a bonafide asylum claim under Section 3 of the Refugee Act 2021, and should be allowed to process the claim.” The report read in part.

    Mr Wanyanga ruled that all charges against the foreigners be withdrawn under Section 87a of the criminal procedural court.

    Wanyanga also ordered that the foreigners be escorted by the DRS through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to joint refugees centre in Nairobi to facilitate their asylum registration.

    “The DRS report confirms that the accused persons are Eritreans seeking asylum in the country. Let the accused be escorted by the DRS through the DCI Maralal to joint refugees centre in Nairobi to facilitate their asylum registration,” Wanyanga ordered.

    A report from the immigration office in Isiolo revealed that the accused were trying to seek asylum before being arrested.

    The immigration office conducted an interview with the suspects on June 27 and the report that was tabled before the Maralal Court by Isiolo’s immigration officer Stephen Monyenye indicated the Eritreans tried to seek asylum in Ethiopia, but were informed that the refugee camps were closed, and were not taking refugees anymore.

    The nine men and one woman between 17 and 53 years appeared before a Maralal Court last week where they faced charges of being unlawfully in Kenya contrary to section 53(1)(j) as read with section 53(2) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011.

    The majority of the suspects could not speak English or Swahili when they were arraigned, forcing the court to defer the case to have two interpreters (Tigranian and Amharic) available.

    Reporting by KNA

  • Opposition leaders to meet Monday over planned protests

    Opposition leaders to meet Monday over planned protests

    Azimio Leaders are set to have a sit down to strategize ahead of a fresh round of protests organized for Wednesday.

    Speaking during a church service in Embakasi East, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka revealed that Azimio principals will meet on Monday and give directions to their supporters on the planned  anti-government national protests.

    The wiper leader further claimed that his life is in danger following the Saba Saba demonstration that he led in Machakos County.

    Leaders accompanying Musyoka took issue with Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for defying court orders that temporary halted proposed fuel prices hike.

    Busia Senator Okiyah Omtata filed the petition after EPRA reviewed fuel prices by implementing the 16% VAT on the commodity as proposed in the finance Act 2023.

  • Kalonzo condemns Kenya Kwanza’s insensitivity towards Kenyans

    Kalonzo condemns Kenya Kwanza’s insensitivity towards Kenyans

    Wiper Democratic Movement Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the Kenya Kwanza leadership for being insensitive to the cries of the Kenyan citizens over the heavy burden of taxation and the rising cost of living.

    Kalonzo says Kenya Kwanza leadership has shown absolute arrogance over the handling of Kenyans whenever they try to raise issues with the ruling class over unbearable living conditions.

    The Wiper leader while scoffing at the Kenya Kwanza administration assertion that Kenya is a limited company with shares, Kalonzo says “It is time every Kenyan is given his/her share”.

    Kalonzo thanked the police in Machakos County for demonstrating absolute tolerance and allowing Leaders to picket and address Kenyans in peace.

    He says revolutions are created not by violence but messaging and common goal.

    He condemned the actions in Parliament where it has been revealed that Kenya Kwanza used bribery and other orthodox means to push for the passing of the Finance Bill.

    Kalonzo made the remarks Sunday when he attended a Church service and 4th anniversary celebrations of Missioners of Hope Christ Ministries, Utawala, Embakasi East Constituency.

  • Kenya to host 20th Maputo Protocol Anniversary celebrations

    Kenya to host 20th Maputo Protocol Anniversary celebrations

    Kenya is scheduled to host the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women.

    The event opens on today (Monday) up to Tuesday July 11th 2023. Hundreds of delegates from the African Union member States and others from overseas are expected to attend.

    The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Gender and Affirmative Action Aisha Jumwa says she is elated that Kenya is hosting the event, which she says is instrumental in evaluating the progress made toward women’s rights protection while taking stock of the achievements made while also formulating strategies to address challenges that still hinder the rights and role of women in the African societies.

    The CS said: “Since the establishment of the Maputo Protocol, it has been two decades of progressive realization of women’s rights. And though we made tremendous progress our work is far from over. Let us accelerate the promise of women and girls in Africa.”

    CS Jumwa added: “On behalf of the Government, I wish to welcome all delegates to his auspicious 20th anniversary celebration of the Maputo Protocol.”

    Delegates from all over Africa including AU Human Rights Commission are expected to attend the conference to discuss a wide range of social, political and economic issues that impact on women’s rights in African countries.