Category Archives: General News

Video of girl clinging to father in courtroom causes uproar, Judiciary gives explaination

A video of a girl clinging to her father has gone viral after mother attempts to snatch her away. The video that was shot in a court room has sparked uproar with pundits blaming the mother and police for trying to force her off the father.

But,  in a rejoinder the Judiciary has responded and put the record straight. Read the statement below;

“The Judiciary’s attention has been drawn to a media report carried by a few media houses and also circulating on social media regarding the above case. The video shows a young girl crying and clinging to her father.

The narrative perpetuated is that the court gave custody to the mother but the child is seen supposedly resisting to go with her.

From the onset, it is noted that children cases are always heard in camera and Judiciary makes every effort to shield children from publicity and exposure.

This is in a bid to safeguard children’s rights and to act in the best interests of the child. This clarification will therefore not give the Case Number or parties’ details.

A review of our court records reveal that the mother in the video, filed a court case at Mwingi Law Courts seeking custody of their daughter who was living with her father. The case went through full trial and judgement was delivered on September 12, 2019.

In summary, the court granted equal legal custody for both parents. The mother would stay with the child, but during the school holidays the father would have custody.

The Court observed that since it was September the effective implementation date of the court order would be December 1, 2019 after schools close, so as not to disrupt the minor’s education. The mother
was to pick her on December 1, 2019 which would give them ample time to bond and look for a school for her well before January. Come December 1, and the father refused to hand over the child. The mother returned to court on December 15, 2019 to seek orders that he be compelled to do so and also to show cause why he should not be cited for contempt of court.

More push and pull followed, but on Jan 8, the couple re-appeared in court. They were both represented by advocates who requested to be allowed to negotiate outside court. When they returned, they had a written signed consent where both parents agreed to abide by the court orders. The father was to bring the child the following day, January 9, 2020, and a Children’s Officer was to oversee the handover and ensure the girl had the necessary counselling and preparation.

It was on the material day, January 9, that the video was taken and uploaded on social media with a view to painting the Judiciary in bad light, and as an attempt to reverse the decision of a court unprocedurally.

The Judiciary makes several observations as follows:

  • That when the court communicated its decision on September 12, 2019 the parties were informed of their right of appeal to the High Court, yet no appeal was filed.
  • That the Children Officer in Mwingi, who is the expert on children matters, was involved in every step and aspect, to ensure that the decision was in the best interest of the child.
  • That both parties were represented by advocates, so none of them was legally disadvantaged.
  • That in addition to the court orders both parties, through their advocates on record, signed a consent to comply with court orders
  • There was no application filed to review the court decision, or even for stay of execution.

In this particular case, the social media narrative seems to suggest the mother was away for many years and therefore should not have been given custody. It is noted that all matters of interest and angles of
the case, were canvassed before a competent court.

Moreover a notable aspect is that the child actually lives with her parternal grandparents, since her father works over 70 kilometers away, yet her mother is alive, able and willing to stay with her.

The parties did not inform the Court through any of the above stated options that they had any problem with the court decision.

Obedience of court orders is a key pillar in upholding of the rule of law. If anyone is dissatisfied with a court decision, the way to go is to appeal to a higher court, but not to defy, castigate the judicial officer or mud-sling the Judiciary.

The Judiciary remains committed to its Constitutional mandate of administering justice to all without fear or favour.”

Governors, Uhuru agree on how to reopen the country

A meeting of the national and county governments convened on June 10, 2020 by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi agreed on a raft of Covid-19 response measures to be put in place ahead of the gradual re-opening of the country’s economy.

The measures which are aimed at safeguarding Kenyans against the adverse health and socioeconomic impacts of Covid-19 include the attainment of a national 30,500 isolation bed capacity within one month.

The third extra-ordinary session of the national and county governments co-ordination summit set the target of 300 isolation beds for each county so as to deal with the rising cases of infections, currently in 35 of the country’s 47 counties.

In addition to raising the isolation bed capacity, the meeting which was also attended by Deputy President Dr William Ruto tasked county governments to review their fiscal and strategic plans for the 2020 to 2021 financial year to include Covid-19 prevention and control measures.

To address the growing public pressure to re-open places of worship including churches and mosques, the summit agreed to involve the Council Governors in the ongoing consultations being undertaken by an inter-faith council.

Here are links to the most important news portals:

So as to ensure the smooth reopening of schools and other institutions of learning, the summit agreed to involve the Council of Governors in the ongoing education sector stakeholder consultations.

The consultations led by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha will lead to the issuance of a new school calendar in line with the recent Presidential directive to re-open schools in September this year.

To keep track of today’s resolutions, the summit resolved to reconvene on Wednesday next week to among other matters, review: guidelines for the gradual re-opening of the economy; containment measures currently in place; and protocols for the progressive re-opening of places of worship.

In his remarks, President Kenyatta urged the two levels of government to work very closely with each other so as to find proper solutions to the Covid-19 economic and health crisis.

The President said the framers of the 2010 Constitution understood the desire for Kenyans to have proper and well-equipped health services closer to them and that’s why they decided to devolve healthcare.

However, the Head of State pointed out that the same drafters of the constitution were aware that as a country, in times of crisis, the two levels of government would need to sit down and come up with solutions for emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When this summit sits, its only business is Kenya. No party affiliations; no political distancing; and no ethnic divisionism. The summit becomes the soul of Kenya. That is why the pronouncements of this gathering, whenever we meet, become articles of our faith in ‘Project Kenya’,” President Kenyatta said.

He said the Covid-19 health crisis offers the best opportunity for the improvement of healthcare in the country.

“… this opportunity is also a blessing in disguise. We must embrace it and grow it. If we fight Coronavirus from the ground up; from the County up to the National levels, we cannot fail.  We will succeed,” the President said.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe applauded Governors for working closely with his ministry in the fight against Covid-19, saying cooperation is key in ensuring the country succeeds in dealing with the health crisis.

Mr Kagwe urged the County bosses to emulate Machakos County which he said has commissioned Jua Kali artisans to fabricate Covid-19 isolation beds.

“The Ministry of Health will continue to work very closely with County Governments so as to ensure we have win-win outcomes in every part of the country,” CS Mutahi said.

Treasury CS Ukur Yattani said his ministry was in the process of assessing the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the economy.

In his technical briefing, acting Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth said community preparedness is crucial in defeating Covid-19.

“Homecare as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) is the way to go now so as to ease the strain of the rising infections on our health facilities.

“WHO has provided guidelines on how to go about it (homecare), that we are translating into Swahili so as to ensure Mwananchi understands what is required of them,” Dr Amoth said.

Brutality at its best! DCI arrests gang caught on camera assaulting man (Video)

Four suspects caught on video assaulting a Man have been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Invetsigations and placed in lawful custody. The four are part of a gang that beat up the man identified as Lloyd Mango. The four assailants are: Mr. Robert Momanyi, Mr. Collins Neriko, Mr.Stanley Rimbere and Mr. Stephen Kimeu. Three others-who are at large-are being sought DCI Detectives. To be charged on Monday.

The complainant recorded his statement after being issued with a P3 Form. Further investigations are underway to arrest the other suspects who are still at large.

See the video, below, captured during the assault;

Good news for motor vehicle owners, importers as production of new number plates resumes

Motor vehicle owners and importers have reasons to smile about as the government moves to restore production of new number plates. Production of new number plates had been suspended due to unavailability of raw materials. The government has announced that the resumption of this production kicks off in the next five days. See presser from the National Transport and Safety Authority, NTSA;

The challenge faced in production of new Car Number Plates due to a shortage of raw material, has since been resolved. Production has resumed and the back log is expected to be addressed over the next 5 days, hence return to normalcy.

Eight new Regional Police Commanders have been appointed by the IG

The Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, has today appointed eight Regional Police Commanders who are:

  1. Mr Marcus Ocholla- Coast
  2. Ms. Eunice Kihiko- Eastern
  3. Ms Judy Jebet Lamet- Central
  4. Mr Philip Ndolo Ndunda- Nairobi
  5. Mr Edward Mwamburi- Rift Valley
  6. Mr Paul Soi- N/Eastern
  7. Mr Vinceng Makokha- Nyanza
  8. Mr Rashid Yakub- Western

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Equity Bank to award scholarships to selected 2018 KCPE candidates

Murder chargers against Jacque Maribe approved, remanded until Monday

The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against journalist Jacque Maribe and her fiance. “I have independently reviewed the evidence so far on record and Am satisfied that there exists a prima facie case to warrant criminal prosecution against the following individuals, for the offence: murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the penal code: Joseph Kuria Irungu alias Jowie and Jacqueline Wanjiru Maribe,” reads the statement from the DPP, Noordin M. Haji.

The duo, Jacque Maribe and Joseph Irungu were arraigned in Court, today, following the DPP’s directions that they be charged with the murder of Monica Kimani. High Court Judge Jessie Lessit deferred their plea taking to 15/10/18 to allow Maribe undergo a mental assessment.

Maribe will continue to be detained at the Langata Women’s remand prison while Irungu will be detained at Industrial area remand prison till Monday, 15/10/2018.

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Full TV Schedule for AFCON Soccer Qualifiers Match day 3- 2018

Governors to support the referendum plus other briefs from the County Governors’ meeting held on 25.10.2018

Key points from Yesterday’s Extraordinary meeting of Governors on issues affecting implementation of devolution.

  • Slow disbursement of funds has hampered implementation of development projects to an extent that despite being halfway through the financial year, three quarters of counties are yet to receive their allocations.
  • Governors support calls for a referendum but ONLY if it seeks to increase allocations to counties and is driven by ‘Wanjiku’. We will undertake an internal audit on implementation of devolution so far which will inform referendum question for Counties.
  • On the referendum matter, the Governors formed a special committee Co-chaired by Governors kibwana and Kiraitu. Other members: Laboso Joyce, Anyang’ Nyong’o, kingi, Ngilu, Kimemia, Paul Chepkwony, Oparanya, Ali Roba and Rasanga.
  • The committee will be consulting County Assemblies Forum on behalf of the Governors to agree on a unified County Governments’ voice.
  • On the issue of water resources, an intergovernmental meeting was held on 8th October 2018 where it was resolved that County Governments are 100% owners of the Water Services Providers and Water Services and Sanitation provision.
  • Under the 4th Schedule of the Constitution, the County Governments have legal mandate of ownership and management of Water Service Providers within Counties and have already legislated on this exclusive functions and can’t be reversed short of their constitutional amendment

See full presser, below:

EACC: Most Reliable Sources of information in Kenya

According to the Ethics and Corruption Commission of Kenya’s Survey, the are the most reliable sources of information:

  1. Radio- 58.0%
  2. Television- 24.9%
  3. Social Media- 5.7%
  4. Churches/ Mosque- 5.1%
  5. News Papers- 2.3%
  6. Community meetings- 1.9%
  7. Public Rallies- 0.5%
  8. Banners/ Posters- 0.3%
  9. Others- 1.3%

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EACC: Most Listened to, Watched & Read/ Popular Media in Kenya

Pharmacy and Poisons Board recalls ‘Fiesta’ Condoms for having larger holes

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya has ordered for the removal of Fiesta Condoms from the market for having larger holes than expected. This is after Fiesta’s two brands, Stamina and Big Black condoms, failed the board’s ‘hole test’.

“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board carried out a post marketing surveillance activity and the batch for Fiesta Stamina failed freedom from holes test, while that for Fiesta Black failed Thickness test,” reads, in part, a letter sent to Surgipharm Limited Company’s pharmacist. The Pharmacy Board has now ordered the parent company, that manufactures the condoms, to recall the affected condoms from the market with immediate effect.

Stamina and Big Black condoms are male worn condoms. Using such condoms exposes the users to a higher risk of contraction of Sexually Transmitted infections, STIs.

Fiesta chocolate condoms
   Fiesta chocolate condoms

Fiesta Strawberry Condoms
Fiesta Strawberry Condoms

In July this year, 2018, a Kenyan man went to court to seek for damages from the Kenya Revenue Authority, KRA, and pharmaceutical company Beta Healthcare after alleging that he contracted a sexually transmitted infection by using substandard condoms.The unnamed man said the three failed to protect consumers by branding Zoom Condoms with the quality mark of assurance. The man alleged that the condom burst when he was using it exposing him to contraction of the STI.

Applying for an Uwezo fund loan? Watch out for these cons with replica uwezo fund website

Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit have today, 16th November 2018, afternoon arrested four young men who created a website similar to Uwezo Fund and using the name of the , defrauded applicants millions of shillings after they sent an application fee for loan processing.

The four suspects: Collins Kiptanui, Dominic Kimutai, Brian Kiplagat and Joakim Kibet are currently in lawful custody and will be arraigned in court on Monday,19th 2018. Below are photographs of the four suspects (Courtesy of the DCI):

Elsewhere,  Chungwoo and Ki Hyun; both nationals of Korea were arrested today by Detectives for being in possession of several bundles of counterfeit currencies(Dollars and Euros).Black papers and sale agreements of Gold nuggets were recovered. Detectives had earlier on received information that the two Koreans, who are in possession of expired passports, were engaging in criminal activities. Below, are photographs of the two suspects;

Judiciary constructing new Court buildings with breastfeeding facilities; Full List

The Judiciary is constructing ultra modern court facilities that will take the interests of breastfeeding mothers into consideration.

The following are new and upcoming court buildings with breastfeeding facilities:

HIGH COURTS
Garissa Law Courts
Isiolo Law Courts
Kajiado High Courts
Kakamega Law Courts
Kapenguria High Courts
Makueni High Courts
Maralal Law Courts
Nanyuki Law Courts
Olkalou Law Courts
Siaya Law Court
Voi Law Courts
Wajir Law Courts
Chuka Law Courts
Mombasa Law Courts
Kwale Law Courts
Busia Law Court

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS
Engineer Law Courts
Kangema Law Courts
Kibera Law Courts
Kigumo Law Courts
Kitui Court
Makindu Law Courts
Mukurwe-ini Law Courts
Molo Law Courts
Nyamira Law Courts
Oyugis Law Courts
Tamu Law Courts
Vihiga Law Courts
Nyando Law Courts

Kenya Forestry Service: The Gains of forest Conservation Enforcement and Compliance Unit

Kenya Forest Service tasked with managing the forests, has an Enforcement and Compliance Unit (ENCOM) as provided in the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 tasked with protecting this invaluable resource. The unit has an active uniformed personnel of 2,465 rangers trained at the Kenya Forest Service College in Londiani. With the global shift in paradigm regarding conventional security, the Enforcement and Compliance Unit has adopted the best practices in educating its rangers on forest protection.

Aside from the basic paramilitary training, the rangers are taken through courses on human-rights approaches towards enforcement that are essential in curbing conflict cases between the rangers and the community. This is also followed up by a series of refresher courses and specialized training in collaboration with the Kenya Defense Forces and the Police Service. The Service also has internal training programs that are aimed at building the capacity of the rangers in line with the execution of the mandate of the Service.

The Enforcement and Compliance Unit has a well-articulated administrative structure comprising of the Intelligence, Investigations and Operations offices that oversee the field operations of the rangers. These offices under ENCOM have been critical on the ground in the efforts of the Kenya Forest Service to achieve the 10% forest cover by 2022. Over the past 12 months, the rangers have been instrumental in recovering encroached forests. They have succeeded in recovering 4,500 hectares in Maasai Mau, 256 hectares in Makunga forest and 38 hectares in Nabkoi forest.

The rangers have also adopted the new frontier in forest management by involving the community through the Community Forest Associations (CFAs). These Associations have been successful in Karura Forest where the rangers train the forest scouts resulting in the protection and the rehabilitation of the pristine ecosystem. Furthermore, the rangers have engaged the community in the Dakatcha Woodland through an intelligence generating and sharing program that has been key in protecting the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), which covers nearly 2,000 square Kilometres in the rolling hills of Magarini Sub-county of Kilifi County.

The rangers, through a series of operations, have been on the forefront in containing the illegal charcoal burning that was rampant in Kajiado County. On a national level, over the past 12 months, they have impounded 43,306 Cedar posts, 17,492 bags of charcoal and arrested an approximately 2,504 offenders who were then handed over to the Police Service for the due law process. The rangers have also been engaged in multi-agency security operations at the dangerous Boni Forest with the aim of eradicating Al-Shabaab insurgents in a region that has been the hotbed of their operations. These multi-agency operations have also extended to the Embubut Forest. The 20,000 hectares forest has long been a major hiding place for armed cattle rustlers. The rangers have had the daunting task of engaging the cattle rustlers with an aim of apprehending them which has led to grave injuries and loss of lives for the forest officers.

Source: Kenya Forestry Services

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