By Anderson Ojwang

President William Ruto has nominated a political hardliner and opponent of public demonstrations to the cabinet.

Similarly, the tallest politician in Mt Kenya and Mbeere North MP, Geoffrey Ruku, was appointed to replace his constituent, the sacked Public Service Cabinet Secretary, Justin Muturi.

Before the announcement of his appointment this afternoon, Ruku had hosted Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki in his backyard for the launch of development projects.

Ruku had, last year, sponsored the controversial Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024, which sought to impose stricter regulations on public protests by granting the police greater control.

Muturi, a former Speaker of the National Assembly, was once a close ally of Ruto and played a key role in his 2022 presidential campaign but recently found himself increasingly sidelined in key cabinet decisions.

The rift became more evident when Muturi publicly contradicted some of the administration’s positions in his role as Public Service Cabinet Secretary.

Kindiki had posted on his Facebook page:

“Revitalising agriculture for better productivity and higher returns to farmers requires a steep increase in land under irrigation across the country.

Impromptu inspection of progress on the Sh258 million Kanyaumbora Irrigation Project in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County.

Area MP Geoffrey Ruku, officials of the National Irrigation Authority, and the project’s beneficiaries were present.“

Ruku is the only MP elected under the Democratic Party of Kenya, for which Muturi was the presidential candidate before entering into a political coalition with President Ruto to join the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

The Democratic Party recently wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties, giving notice of its intention to leave the coalition, citing the changing political climate in Mt Kenya and the country.

Muturi, the former party leader, had earlier confirmed the move, saying it was within the party’s democratic right to sever links with President Ruto’s coalition.

Recently, the National Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024 came under heavy criticism, with the police, human rights organisations, civil society groups, and police watchdog bodies calling for its immediate withdrawal.

Critics have branded the bill as retrogressive and unconstitutional, arguing that it infringes on fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Their concerns were raised as the police proposed amendments to the Public Order Act to regulate noise pollution during protests.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the National Police Service (NPS) suggested incorporating these changes into the existing law to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and do not disrupt public order.

The commission’s Director of Legal Affairs, James Nduna, acknowledged that while Kenyans have the right to protest, demonstrations should be conducted in a moderate manner.

“We must have a clear provision on how to regulate noise so that it is controlled – just like in the US, where protests occur with minimal noise,“ said Nduna.

He further emphasised that demonstrations should not turn into entertainment events.

“There must be a way of separating noise from protests. We cannot have a situation where people hire a DJ to entertain crowds in the middle of town,“ Nduna stated.

NPS Director of Training, Wycliffe Opiyo, pointed out that the current Public Order Act lacks specific provisions on noise pollution, making it necessary to include regulations addressing this issue.

The debate around the bill intensified as the NPSC, NPS, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) highlighted that amendments to the Public Order Act are already underway under the supervision of the Attorney General.

They argued that passing a separate bill would result in the duplication of laws.

The bill, sponsored by Ruku, sought to provide a legal framework for regulating public assemblies and demonstrations, as outlined in Article 37 of the Constitution.

However, the NPSC insists that the existing Public Order Act already offers a sufficient framework for managing protests while maintaining public order.

“The best approach is to amend the Public Order Act to align with international standards rather than creating a separate bill,” Nduna explained.

IPOA Chief Executive Elema Halake strongly opposed the bill, warning that it rolls back fundamental rights, particularly the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition.

“The bill introduces unnecessary restrictions, including pre-approval requirements by authorities and punitive measures on conveners,” they said.

Despite their opposition to the bill, the NPS has proposed amendments that they believe should be considered if the bill proceeds.

These include reducing the threshold for public gatherings from 100 people (as stated in the bill) to 10 people and introducing a new section to criminalise obstruction during demonstrations and regulate how protests impact traffic flow.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), represented by Commissioner Marion Mutugi, criticised the bill for its biased approach to spontaneous protests.

She pointed out that the bill only protects organised demonstrations while penalising unplanned or spontaneous protests through the mandatory notification process.

She also questioned Clause 12 (1) of the bill, which severely limits freedom of assembly, and argued that:

“Organisers cannot be held accountable for the actions of every individual in a protest. If rogue individuals cause damage, it is the duty of the police to maintain law and order.“

By Remmy Butia

In a Cabinet reshuffle announced today, President William Ruto has dismissed the immediate Public Service CS and Justin Muturi and reassigned key ministers in a bid to revitalize his administration. The changes come amid growing public pressure for accountability and improved service delivery.

Key Changes in the Cabinet

Justin Muturi Dismissed

Former Attorney General and Public Service CS Justin Muturi has been relieved of his duties, marking a significant shift in the leadership of Kenya’s political realignments. Muturi, previously served as the Speaker of the National Assembly. His dismissal signals a new direction in President Ruto’s political strategy.

Aden Duale Moved to Health Ministry

Former Defence and Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has been reassigned to the Ministry of Health, taking over from Debora Mlongo. Duale, a seasoned politician and former Majority Leader in the National Assembly, will now oversee Kenya’s healthcare system at a time when the country is pushing for universal health coverage (UHC) and addressing challenges in public hospitals.

Deborah Mlongo is the new Environment CS

Health CS Deborah Mlongo, has been reassigned as the new Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. She takes over from Duale, as the government seeks to strengthen its climate action policies ahead of major global environmental summits.

Geoffrey Ruku Nominated for Public Service Ministry

Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North, has been nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. If approved by Parliament, he will replace outgoing CS Justin Muturi. Ruku’s nomination is seen as a strategic move to to silence Justin Muturi who has been fighting the government from within.

Hanna Wendot Cheptumo Nominated for Gender Ministry

Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, a women’s rights advocate, has been nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, The Arts, and Heritage. She will be tasked with promoting gender equality, preserving Kenya’s cultural heritage, and supporting the creative arts industry.

Political Implications

This reshuffle comes at a time when President Ruto is under pressure to address economic challenges and improve governance.

The reassignment of Aden Duale to Health suggests the government is prioritizing strong leadership in the sector, while the nomination of Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Cheptumo reflects an emphasis on grassroots representation and gender inclusivity.

The nominated CSs will undergo vetting by the National Assembly’s Appointments Committee before assuming office. If approved, the new team is expected to drive President Ruto’s agenda in the remaining years of his administration.

President Ruto’s latest Cabinet reshuffle signals a fresh approach to governance, with a focus on efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. The dismissal of Justin Muturi and the introduction of new faces mark a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.

By Habil Onyango

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has urged the newly appointed County Executive Committee Member and two Chief Officers to serve the county diligently and ensure they deliver on their promises to the people.

Wanga said the appointments reflect a moment of renewal and commitment, reaffirming her administration’s resolve to provide efficient and people-centred services to the great people of Homa Bay.

She emphasised that the officers must be guided by the values of hard work, transparency, and service to humanity.

“The journey ahead requires teamwork, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the people and our collective vision of a prosperous county,” said Wanga.

According to Wanga, the appointees bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion that will be instrumental in driving their agenda forward.

“The individuals we are swearing in today bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion that will be instrumental in driving our agenda forward,” she said.

Engineer Elijah Ogodo Munga was sworn in as the County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sports, Talent Development, Gender, Inclusivity, Cultural Heritage, and Social Services, while Elly Nyiero will now serve as the Chief Officer in the same department.

Stephen Okeyo Othira has been appointed as the Chief Officer for Education, Human Capital Development, and Vocational Training.

“To our newly sworn-in leaders, today marks the beginning of a journey of service,” said Wanga.

“The people of Homa Bay have placed their trust in you, and they expect nothing less than excellence, accountability, and integrity,” she added.

“Your roles are not just about policies and programmes; they are about changing lives, building a brighter future, and leaving a legacy that future generations will be proud of,” said the Governor.

Wanga, however, urged the appointees to work closely with the people, listen to their concerns, and be proactive in finding solutions.

“Your success will be measured by the impact you make in the lives of the people you serve,” she said.

Empowering the Youth and Developing Talent

According to the Governor, young people are the cornerstone of the county’s future, and with the leadership of Ogodo and Nyiero, she expects bold and innovative policies to nurture sports and talent, enhance gender inclusivity, and preserve the county’s rich cultural heritage.

She stated that the county would continue investing in sports infrastructure, talent academies, and social development programmes to provide young people with the best opportunities to excel.

“Through structured mentorship programmes, skills development, and a strong focus on inclusivity, we will ensure that every young person in Homa Bay finds a platform to grow and thrive,” said Wanga.

“Our administration is keen on strengthening partnerships to support talent development, provide funding for creative industries, and promote social empowerment initiatives that uplift the most vulnerable in our society,” she added.

The Governor further affirmed her administration’s commitment to transforming education and skills development across the county.

She noted that the future of Homa Bay County is shaped by the investments they make in education today.

“With the appointment of Othira as the Chief Officer for Education, we are reinforcing our commitment to improving access to quality education and skills training,” she said.

“We are making significant progress in constructing modern Early Years Education (EYE) classrooms, expanding vocational training institutions, and strengthening our bursary and scholarship programmes, including the Fins to Swim and Fundi Mang’ula initiatives,” said Wanga.

“I charge you, Mr Othira, to take up the challenge of ensuring our children and youth receive quality education and the skills needed to compete in a fast-changing world,” Wanga directed.

The event was also attended by Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, County Assembly Speaker Polycap Okombo, Majority Leader in the County Assembly Richard Ogindo, and other senior county and assembly officials.

Magwanga stressed that the officers must observe the code of conduct to ensure they diligently and effectively serve the people of Homa Bay.

He urged them to work tirelessly to create more job opportunities for unemployed residents.

“Any office you serve in has a code of conduct that is key to your service to the people,” he said.

“Your past, present, and future behaviour are all critical, and you must strive to serve our people diligently,” he advised.

“You are joining a team that already has a system in place, so you must ask yourself whether you are going to contribute positively or negatively to what has already been established,” he said.

By Anderson Ojwang                                  

The political tiff between President William Ruto and his Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has reached a melting and irreparable point.

This time, the spat is about the allegation of incompetence on one side and the justification of competence on the other side.

The dice is cast, and the two leaders have reached a fever pitch and a point of no return in the falling out between the coalition partners.

And it is just a matter of time before President Ruto cracks the whip on his once ally turned ardent critic and who has vowed not to resign from the cabinet.

Muturi has, in recent times, snubbed some of the key functions and meetings by President Ruto, indicating that all is not well in the Kenya Kwanza government.

Yesterday, President Ruto took a swipe at Muturi, saying he proved incompetent as Attorney General and accused him of delaying the rollout of the Muslim endowment fund.

“ I had a problem with the Attorney General who was there before, he was fairly incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I  can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” he said during an Iftar session at State House.

Hardly 12 hours after Ruto’s comment, Muturi made a rebuttal saying “ Under the Waqf Act no 8 of 2022, there is no provision for a:” Muslim Endowment  Fund”. It must be understood that a waqf is a religious, charitable or benevolent endowment by a person who professes  Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission”.

Muturi went further to share his performance indicators in his Exit scorecard report while he was the Attorney General, listing his achievements.

Muturi wrote in his Exit score card report that the achievements of the office were based on the mandate of the  Office as provided under section 5(1) of the Act. The office played a key role in facilitating the Kenya Kwanza Government to achieve its transformational agenda by advising MDAs and Constitutional Commissions on all matters. 

He wrote, “ In accordance with its mandate, the Office is to represent the national government in court or in any other legal proceedings to which the national government (ministries, departments and state corporations) is a party. These include legal proceedings filed in international, regional or municipal courts, international and domestic arbitral tribunals and other statutory tribunals and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) fora such as mediation, adjudication and negotiation, amongst others. 

For the period under review, the office has concluded 1,588 out of which 1,503 were successfully defended and saved the country Sh. 17.5 billion

An analysis of some of the concluded cases demonstrates savings to the Government in excess of Sh. 17.5 billion

Some key highlights of cases that the Office successfully defended and consequently saved the government money include:

• Nairobi Civil Appeal No. 638 of 2019 Attorney General vs Kabuito Contractors Limited, where the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, thereby saving the government in excess of Sh.5,200,637,048.53 upon factoring the award of interest.
• Nairobi Supreme Court Petition No. E006 of 2022, Torino Enterprises Ltd vs Attorney General, where the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, thus saving the Government in Sh. 3,771,429,041.10.
• Eldoret ELC No. 649 of 2012: Stephen K. Cheruiyot -v- Attorney General & others, the court dismissed a third-party claim against the Attorney General for the sum of Sh.100 million being an indemnity for wrongful allocation of the land

The Government’s interest was safeguarded during negotiations to sign international agreements and instruments. 

708 legal advisories on bilateral, regional and international law matters issued to Ministries within six days of receiving the requests. 

The Office issued 225 advisories in matters on International Judicial Cooperation in criminal matters within 6 working days. 

The Office represented the Government in five (5) ongoing International Arbitration matters seeking to defend the Government against liabilities in excess of Sh. 632Billion.

The Office issued a total of 511 advisories, being part of the delegations that negotiated 167 loan and grant agreements and attended 104 meetings with Ministries, Departments, Agencies and County Governments. 

The advisories issued were with regard to providing guidance to ensure that development projects and initiatives are implemented in accordance with the existing laws and regulations, reviewing existing and new policies required for the implementation of the BETA, supporting the legal aspects of setting up social enterprises that align with the bottom-up agenda, including structuring,  compliance.

The Office facilitated the formal drafting of 36 pieces of legislation to support the BETA including the Affordable Housing Bill, 2023, Gambling Control Bill, 2023, the National Lottery Bill, 2023, and 11 Legal Notices for the establishment of Special Economic Zones and Export Processing Zones (in Kiambu County, Mombasa County, Nairobi County, Trans Nzoia County, Murang’a County and Uasin Gishu County). 

Through the Advocates’ Complaints Commission, the Office has received a total of 1,052 complaints against advocates. 

The Government operationalized the registration of Civil, Christian, Hindu, Customary and Muslim marriages in all the 47 counties. In the period under review, the Government facilitated and registered 60,175 marriages, resulting in a revenue collection of Sh. 116,826,739.

 In the period under review, the Government facilitated and registered 60,175 marriages, resulting in a revenue collection of Sh 116,826,739

The Office  operationalized the registration of Civil, Christian, Hindu, Customary and Muslim marriages in all the 47 counties

The government rolled out registration of marriages via oag.ecitizen.go.ke. 13 services were onboarded with the Nairobi Office as the pilot project, with immediate plans to roll out to regional offices. Under the E-citizen platform, 26,044 services were offered, resulting in a revenue collection of Sh. 69,942,000. 

For the period under review, the Public Trustee finalized the administration of 4055 estates of deceased persons and trusts and has disbursed approximately Shs. 3.1 billion to widows, widowers, orphans and other beneficiaries. 

The Office offered legal aid to 122,221 indigents, marginalized and the vulnerable members of the society in Criminal, civil and children’s matters. The services were offered in the Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, Makueni, Marsabit, Garissa and Tana River Counties.