In the midst of solemn news regarding the untimely passing of Kevin Kiptum which we discussed on the latest Sports Corner episode,, the sports world is still reeling from the loss. However, amidst this, a flurry of events has unfolded across Kenya this week. Let’s dive into the highlights:

Headlights

– Illicit Brew Tragedy Claims 20 Lives in Kirinyaga County
– Forgery Scandal Exposes Corruption in Government Parastatals
– Kenya’s Economy Sees Shilling Surge Against Dollar
– Legal Updates: Rita Waeni Case and Jacque Maribe Appeal
– Raila Odinga Declares Candidacy for AU Commission Chairmanship
– President Ruto Receives Historic White House Invitation



Illicit Brew Tragedy Strikes Kirinyaga County Again

In the wake of tragedy, the resilient spirit of Kirinyaga County is shining through as communities band together to combat the deadly scourge of illicit brews. Following a spate of harrowing incidents involving poisoned alcohol, the county has mobilized its resources and resolve to confront this pressing issue head-on. 
Over the past two weeks, the region has been rocked by a series of heartbreaking fatalities linked to the consumption of illicit brews. Reports reveal a staggering death toll of 20 lives lost, with several more individuals currently battling for survival in hospitals after ingesting the contaminated substance. The latest casualties, three more victims, tragically succumbed between Wednesday and Friday in Kandongu village, underscoring the urgent need for action.  Despite the seriousness of the situation, the people did not back down.

Representing the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis, CS Kithure Kindiki visited the affected areas to assess the situation and provide support. Kindiki’s presence represents a beacon of hope in these dark times as efforts  to bring justice to  victims and stem the flow of illegal beer are intensifying.
However, authorities have vowed to pursue justice rigorously, with plans to prosecute not only the owners of establishments distributing the lethal concoctions but also any complicit officers involved in the nefarious trade. 
In a statement echoing the sentiments of many, Kindiki declared, “The sale of illicit brew is now equivalent to banditry and terrorism.” This declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s unwavering determination to eradicate this menace.

Moreover, Kindiki emphasized that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of justice, signaling a resolute commitment to upholding the sanctity of life and the rule of law.

As Tongoa edia our question still remain, who benefits from these local bars and who is responsible for granting them licenses.
Now with the recent nationwide crackdown on illicit brewing, what will be done about to those involved in this deadly trade?



Forgery Scandal Rocks Government Parastatals
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has disclosed a troubling revelation regarding the presence of public servants in critical government parastatals who obtained their positions using forged certificates. According to the PSC’s announcement on Tuesday, a significant number of individuals holding positions in the Ministry of Interior, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and the Geothermal Development Corporation, a parastatal under the Ministry of Energy, were found to have acquired their positions through fraudulent means.


The Public Service Commission (PSC) has disclosed a troubling revelation regarding the presence of public servants in critical government parastatals who obtained their positions using forged certificates. According to the PSC’s announcement on Tuesday, a significant number of individuals holding positions in the Ministry of Interior, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and the Geothermal Development Corporation, a parastatal under the Ministry of Energy, were found to have acquired their positions through fraudulent means.

The investigation, initiated in October 2022, targeted various ministries, state departments, and semi-autonomous government agencies, uncovering a total of 2,067 forgery cases. Among the types of forgeries detected were alterations of KCSE mean grades, forged KCSE certificates for individuals who did not sit the exam, fake education certificates, and cases where individuals were found to have never sat for the alleged examinations or registered as candidates. Other forgery types included submission of certificates with incorrect certificate numbers and certificates with names that did not match the alleged owner.

Out of the 58,599 cases submitted, only 195 complied, with 1,280 cases referred to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) found to be forged. The affected entities, including the Ministry of Interior, KNH, MTRH, and the Geothermal Development Corporation, have had their files submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further scrutiny.



Economic Reshuffling with Kenyan Shilling’s Surge

In financial news, Kenya recently issued a new $1.5 billion Eurobond maturing in 2031, intending to utilize the funds to repurchase a significant portion of the $2 billion bond due in June via a tender offer. Additionally, the government sold a 70 billion shilling infrastructure bond, receiving over 288 billion shillings in bids, with strong offshore investor participation.

The Kenyan shilling has seen a notable appreciation against the dollar, gaining 3.62 units in the past week to Tuesday. This surge has led to a reduction in Kenya’s debt service costs by Ksh144.8 billion ($965.3 million) within seven days. However, dollar holders and earners have experienced paper losses, with $10,000 depreciating from Ksh1.6 million to Ksh1.5 million over the same period.



Experts note that the recent strengthening of the shilling, posting its strongest intra-day gain against the US dollar in the last 12 years on Wednesday, is attributed to increased investor confidence following significant inflows to pay off the $2 billion Eurobond. While experts project the shilling to stabilize around 140 to the dollar in the second and third quarter, they caution that the rally may not be sustained if macro-economic fundamentals remain unchanged.

President Ruto has expressed optimism, suggesting that Kenyans could anticipate a further decline in the dollar’s value to as low as 120. Conversely, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advised individuals holding dollars to sell them promptly, emphasizing that no one will be blamed for doing so or not doing. Amidst divergent opinions, some experts suggest holding onto the dollar, anticipating a potential rise post-quarter end. The ongoing debate has left Kenyans contemplating whether to sell their dollars or await further developments in the currency market.

On the comments section can we know are you still holding your dollars or you have already sold them?

Legal Twists and Turns in High-Profile Cases

Legal dramas unfolded as two Nigerians arrested in connection with the tragic killing of university student Rita Waeni were set free, pending ongoing investigations. The court directs them to appear before investigators weekly as DNA tests continue. Investigations reveal disturbing details of Waeni’s dismembered body, with her head found in a dam. The prosecution asserts that investigations are ongoing, keeping the case shrouded in uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions announced plans to appeal against the acquittal of former TV News anchor Jacque Maribe in the murder case of businesswoman Monica Kimani.Maribe’s co-accused, Jowie Irungu, is convicted. Despite Judge Nzioka’s findings implicating both, Maribe is acquitted of murder but found guilty of lying to a public officer. The legal saga surrounding this high-profile case continues. These developments underscored the complexities and uncertainties within the judicial system.



Raila Odinga’s Ambitious Bid for AU Commission Chairmanship

Raila Odinga, the veteran opposition leader and head of Azimio la Umoja, made a formal announcement on Thursday regarding his interest in the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) Commission. Addressing the press in Nairobi, Odinga expressed his readiness to assume the role, citing his previous experience as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure. Accompanied by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Odinga disclosed extensive consultations on the matter.



Numerous political figures, including the President, Deputy President, key Azimio la Umoja leaders, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, have thrown their support behind Odinga’s candidacy. If elected, Odinga is set to assume office in January 2025 for a four-year term, which would conclude in 2028, a year after Kenya’s next general election.

Odinga’s potential appointment to the AU Commission chairmanship would necessitate his withdrawal from Kenya’s political arena.

As per the expectations of the role, he would be required to maintain neutrality on matters concerning development, conflicts, and politics across Africa.

This shift would position Odinga as a pivotal figure in international affairs, impacting not only Africa but global dynamics as well.

Consequently, he would be ineligible to participate in Kenya’s political landscape come 2027, limiting his involvement to voting as a regular citizen without campaigning or standing as a candidate.



President Ruto’s Historic State Visit to the United States

In a historic milestone, President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto are set to embark on an official State visit to the United States in March, where they will be hosted by President Joe Biden.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and build partnerships for mutual benefit.

President Ruto’s previous engagements in the US, including attending the United Nations General Assembly and courting technology investors, underscore the importance of this upcoming visit in advancing Kenya’s global agenda.