Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to avoid being misled by critics of the new healthcare initiative, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

He cautioned that this opposition is driven by a concealed agenda aimed at undermining the health sector, ultimately denying citizens the advantages of a comprehensive universal healthcare program.

Mudavadi emphasized that those defending the current system are primarily interested in benefiting a select group of unscrupulous individuals who exploit the shortcomings of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“Kenyans must understand that corruption will retaliate. Those who have thrived on the gaps and mismanagement of the past system will inevitably resist any incoming reforms,” cautioned Mudavadi.

“The government is not implementing a program that would negatively impact its citizens, particularly concerning healthcare, which is vital for our society’s welfare. We are determined to get it right this time,” he emphasized.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary encouraged Kenyans to exercise patience as the government makes improvements to the health sector with the introduction of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Mudavadi highlighted that this initiative is designed to fundamentally reshape Kenya’s healthcare system through progressive policies that strengthen the national health infrastructure.

“The government is dedicated to decentralizing healthcare services, expanding access from basic community facilities to advanced medical centers,” he stated.

As a key element of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the SHIF initiative aims to ensure comprehensive health coverage for all Kenyans. This program will provide vulnerable groups with a wide range of benefits, including screenings, dialysis, kidney transplants, essential medications, and access to well-equipped hospitals.

Mudavadi made these remarks while joining President William Ruto at the 73rd anniversary celebration of the African Divine Church (ADC), held at Nairobi Primary School grounds in Nairobi County. He also urged Kenyans to back the reforms initiated by President Ruto, emphasizing that they are transformative and designed to stabilize the nation.

“Stability, peace, and security are essential for a nation’s development. We cannot allow Kenya to become a place where even attending church or mosque poses a threat due to insecurity,” he implored.

“We aspire to be a nation that honors the rule of law and adheres to the processes that guide our governance. It is crucial to uphold the integrity of the executive branch, parliament, judiciary, and all institutions that serve our country,” he continued.

Mudavadi urged the church to remain a steadfast foundation and a vital force in promoting peace and unity within the nation. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the African Divine Church under the leadership of Archbishop John Chabuga, celebrating their dedication to the community.

“We encourage the church to enhance its collaboration with the government to foster societal resilience against challenges that threaten our moral values,” he urged.

Attendees included Governors Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Susan Kihika (Nakuru), as well as the leaders of the majority in both the national assembly and senate, Kimani Ichung’wa and Aaron Cheruiyot, alongside Nairobi Women’s Representative Esther Passaris and several other Members of Parliament and County Assemblies.

Security measures at the Kitale Law Courts have been significantly enhanced following an incident in which a suspect, facing charges of murder and armed robbery, successfully escaped from the court premises.

The individual, identified as Ruben Garakacha, was appearing in court for a mention of his case when he misled a prison guard by requesting to use the restroom.

Seizing the moment, Garakacha slipped through a gap in the courtroom and made a dash for the Kitale Conservancy Forest. A nearby witness, who was working the land, recounted seeing the suspect sprint past him into the forest, with prison officers hot on his heels.

“I saw him running incredibly fast towards the forest, and soon after, the prison officers followed,” he stated.

Prison officials are currently in pursuit of the suspect, and security protocols have been enhanced at the Kitale Law Courts to avert any similar occurrences in the future.

Last month, police apprehended Garakacha after he was found with a cell phone that belonged to a deceased boda boda rider, whose motorcycle had been stolen.

During their investigation, authorities also uncovered the body of a woman buried at Garakacha’s home. Police have confirmed that he is facing multiple charges of armed robbery as well.

A suspect has been apprehended in connection with the brutal murder of Willis Ayieko, the Human Resource Manager for Wells Fargo. On Tuesday morning, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) named Victor Ouma Okoth as the primary suspect in this horrific crime.

Detectives revealed that Ouma was located and captured in a hiding place in Dandora Phase IV, Nairobi, on Monday night. Currently, he is being held at Muthaiga Police Station and is believed to have rented a residence using money obtained from the crime.

According to the DCI, “Forensic analysis has placed the suspect at the crime scene as part of the comprehensive investigation led by a collaborative team of detectives from DCI’s Homicide, CRIB, and Operations units.

” The investigation is also ongoing to identify any accomplices who may have assisted Ouma. Willis Ayieko’s body was discovered on Wednesday in close proximity to a stream in the Nyamninia sub-location of Gem Yala, Siaya County.

He had been reported missing since Friday, October 18, 2024, after attending a burial in the North Gem area.

Additionally, on Tuesday, October 22, his vehicle was found abandoned near a gas station in Sabatia, Vihiga County.

Authorities in Rongo sub-county are on the hunt for a 37-year-old man, Geoffrey Agunga, who stands accused of fatally assaulting his biological father, Agunga Riwa, in Nyangau village, Migori County.

The motive behind this tragic incident remains uncertain, but family members believe it may be connected to a loan of Ksh. 200,000 that Geoffrey extended to his sister several months prior.

Jason Ouma, the deceased’s son, indicated that tensions had been brewing between Geoffrey and their parents, stemming from his sister’s failure to repay the money he lent her during his time in Qatar.

Before the horrific act took place, Ouma recounted that Geoffrey had confronted their mother regarding the debt. After receiving no satisfactory answer, he turned his ire towards his father, who was entering their home at the time.

Ouma expressed that Geoffrey had been pressing their parents to settle the repayment. Eyewitness Maurice Otieno reported that the altercation lasted approximately five minutes before Geoffrey attacked his father with a machete.

“I was at Mzee Aguga’s house when Geoffrey arrived, and we witnessed their conversation before he struck him with a machete,” Otieno recounted.

“He inflicted four severe wounds to the forehead, face, shoulder, and arm.” The victim was quickly transported to Rongo Sub-County Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Salim Fundi, the Rongo Sub-County police commander, stated that the authorities are looking into the incident.

In the meantime, a search operation is underway for the suspect, who remains at large.

Authorities in Suba West, Homa Bay County, have prohibited nighttime funeral vigils, commonly known as ‘disco matanga’, and late-night prayer gatherings referred to as ‘keshas’.

Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Samson Akach emphasized that this measure aims to safeguard school-aged children during the extended holiday period.

He expressed concerns that these nighttime events pose security risks and often become breeding grounds for negative influences, including sexual promiscuity and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.

DCC Akach instructed local chiefs and their assistants to take firm action against such gatherings within their jurisdictions. He made it clear that all prayer services must conclude by 6 p.m., and organizers are expected to comply with this regulation.

Furthermore, he requested that those organizing football tournaments register their events with his office by this Friday, with a stipulation that these activities should also wrap up by 5 p.m.

Akach urged parents to take their responsibilities more seriously, emphasizing the importance of steering their children away from activities that could jeopardize their futures.

A magistrates’ court has granted a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, to dismiss the Sh7.6 billion corruption case against oil magnate Yagnesh Devani.

This development follows the reluctance of a critical witness to provide testimony. In the court’s decision, it was emphasized that this witness was deemed essential for the case.

Magistrate Harrison Barasa noted that neither the DPP nor the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) can be compelled to proceed with the case when vital witnesses have become uncooperative and unwilling to testify.

On October 9, the DPP, represented by Senior Prosecution Counsel Elphas Ombati, made an oral application to terminate the case. However, acknowledging the public significance of the matter, the magistrate ordered that an affidavit be submitted before reaching a conclusion.

Following the filing of the affidavit, the DPP outlined various reasons for requesting the case’s withdrawal, which included the deaths of some witnesses and the hesitance of the key witness to testify.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) indicated that attempts to locate the primary complainant were unsuccessful, with the only information available being that the complainant has moved.

The magistrate noted that, as per the affidavit, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) – the agency responsible for the investigation – had been appropriately consulted regarding the motion to withdraw the case. The court considered the DPP’s arguments, which highlighted a lack of sufficient evidence to maintain the prosecution.

Additionally, the DPP referenced Article 157(8) of the Constitution, which emphasizes the importance of public interest, the integrity of the judicial process, and the necessity to prevent any misuse of legal proceedings.

Consequently, Barasa granted their request under Section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, allowing for the possibility of future prosecution against Devani should adequate evidence be presented. “At this point, it would be unreasonable for this court to move forward. We cannot compel the agencies to pursue a case when they have clearly stated, upon review, that they lack the necessary evidence to support it,” Barasa remarked. “I grant the application and hereby discharge the accused under Section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code,” he concluded.

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has filed an appeal challenging the decision that upheld the actions of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu in forming a three-judge panel to deliberate on cases related to his removal.

In his appeal, Gachagua is requesting that the Appellate Court pause the ongoing proceedings in the High Court, which are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, October 29.

The panel, composed of Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Fredah Mugambi, is expected to consider a motion from the Attorney General and the National Assembly aimed at overturning previous orders that prevented Prof. Kithure Kindiki from taking on the role of Deputy President.

Gachagua, represented by Advocate John Njomo, contends that the ruling by the three-judge panel, affirming Mwilu’s authority to assign a bench, is fundamentally flawed. “The decision stemmed from an incorrect interpretation of the intent and principles of the Constitution,” Gachagua argues.

He contends that the Constitution endows the Chief Justice with the authority to form and designate judges, rather than the Deputy Chief Justice.

However, a three-judge panel ruled last Wednesday in the case involving impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the Deputy Chief Justice is indeed legally authorized to assemble a bench.

In delivering this judgment, Justice Anthony Mrima stated that the Deputy Chief Justice is permitted to carry out responsibilities on behalf of the Chief Justice. Justice Mrima emphasized that the constitutional role of the Chief Justice in assigning benches, considered an administrative duty, can be executed by the Deputy Chief Justice if the Chief Justice is unable to fulfill it for valid reasons.

“There is no doubt that the Deputy Chief Justice can assign judges as outlined in Article 165, Section 4 of the Constitution, when performing any constitutional responsibilities on behalf of the Chief Justice,” Justice Mrima noted in the ruling.

“In this instance, we see no issue with the Deputy Chief Justice appointing judges to this bench, particularly since the Chief Justice has not indicated any concerns.” The panel was tasked with determining whether the Deputy Chief Justice possesses the legal authority to constitute a bench to address the matter.

The Deputy Chief Justice had formed a three-judge panel, which included Justices Anthony Mrima, Eric Ogola, and Fredah Mugambi, to hear the case concerning the impeachment of Gachagua.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reached out to the public for assistance in locating Collins Jumaisi, a murder suspect who escaped from the Gigiri Police Station in August.

In a public announcement made on Monday, the DCI confirmed that Jumaisi fled police custody on August 20, 2024, just prior to being charged with murder.

To accelerate the search for him, the DCI has offered a substantial cash reward for any credible information that leads to his apprehension, although the exact amount has not been disclosed.

“The DCI is offering a considerable cash reward for anyone with reliable information on the suspect’s location,” stated the announcement.

Individuals who have details about Jumaisi’s whereabouts can provide this information anonymously through the Fichua kwa DCI hotline at 0800722203, or by calling police emergency numbers 999, 911, and 112.

Additionally, anyone with relevant information can visit any police station nationwide to report what they know.

According to police records, Jumaisi is originally from Shiru Sublocation in Shaviringa Location, which is situated in Hamisi Subcounty of Vihiga County.

He was set to face murder charges before his escape. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has labeled the situation a critical one, urging the public to aid in efforts to recapture Jumaisi.

“Your assistance could significantly influence the re-arrest of this wanted individual. Every bit of information you provide is crucial,” the DCI remarked.

The agency reassured the community that all tips would remain confidential, allowing citizens to help without fear of repercussions. Jumaisi was one of thirteen suspects who broke free from a police facility on that unfortunate day.

A high-profile suspect, he had been detained at Gigiri Police Station while awaiting arraignment. It is alleged that he confessed to the murder of as many as 42 women, though he has denied these accusations.

The police became aware of the escape when they went to serve morning tea to the detainees, discovering that the suspects had cut through a security mesh and scaled the perimeter wall.

DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed the incident, stating that a renewed manhunt for the suspect is underway. “It’s regrettable that this has occurred, but we are actively pursuing this matter to ensure accountability,” he stated.