By Anderson Ojwang

Kenyans from all walks of life and political leaders were in solidarity with former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju after police locked him out of his disputed business premises.

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Vice National Chairman Dr Otiende Amolo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi were among the leaders who visited the premises to stand with Tuju in solidarity.

Wanga was captured making frantic telephone calls in a bid to break the stalemate while Otiende called for the removal of the police officers from the facility.

“It is legally wrong to block Tuju from accessing his premises when you do not have court papers that guarantee you such liberty. Get the court documents first and before that Tuju should be allowed to access his facility,” he said.

Homa Bay MP George Opondo Kaluma wrote on his X handle, “This is the only property/hotel business owned by a Luo in Nairobi.
We will defend it to the last drop of our blood, to our last generation.
Whoever thinks he can take this property should prepare to kill all Luos before that—let no one try eviction there again.”

Tuju on Saturday, in a meeting with his family and relatives, showed them his burial place should he be killed over the bid to take over his multi-billion premises in Nairobi’s upmarket Karen.

Tuju told the family the specific place he would wish to be buried should he be killed over his move to protect his property.

“Today, I told and showed my family and relatives the specific place I would wish to be buried. I am not ready to be killed over my property.
I will not sit and watch my property taken away.
Let them kill me first. I will be happy that I was killed protecting the family property and my grandchildren will know where and how their grandfather died,” he said.

On Saturday at dawn, over 100 police officers stormed Tuju’s premises in what Tuju termed as continuous intimidation.

He said the police officers, some with unmarked police vehicles, stormed the facility and denied everyone entry to the facility.

“I do not know why the police have decided to occupy my facility. They do not even have court orders. I will not be cowed,” he said.

Tuju has declared that only over his dead body will he lose his property after an auctioneer went to claim the facility.

He said the agents of a gentleman by the name Chebet brought a fellow called Mr. Kiprop to take over the property.

“They had no court order and court papers. They just think they can come and intimidate me so that they can come and take over my property.
It is very simple what they have to do. They have to shoot me to get a big burial for me in Rarieda Constituency. I am sure my constituents will come to mourn. After I have been put into the grave, then they can come and take the property through such kind of impunity.
I am not going to take this kind of intimidation. It is very simple. They kill me first. I am not taking that kind of intimidation,” he said.

Tuju has been overwhelmed with support and goodwill from Kenyans and the international community over the attempted takeover of his premises by an auctioneer over a long-running commercial debt court battle.

“I am overwhelmed by the messages of support and goodwill from friends, relatives and many Kenyans, not to mention members of the international community. I am indeed humbled and grateful for your prayers and words of encouragement,” he said.

Similarly, the High Court also granted Tuju the authority to appeal the Monday ruling by Judge Josephine Mongare that the matter was already settled, opening the door for recovery of the prime assets tied to a long-running debt.

After the ruling by Justice Mongare on Monday, she denied him the constitutional right of appeal and stated on record that it would be subject to her discretion.

“I have a right to appeal but the judge didn’t give me that opportunity. The 2010 Constitution gives me the right to appeal. You know there are corruption cases on this matter. People were arrested at my place because they were insisting that I must give them money to allegedly allow any appeal and any stay of execution and any status quo. I have already made an application,” he said.

Tuju said goodwill messages and support from Kenyans and the international community were a sign of love and respect from the public.

He said on Monday four people, including a former High Court judge, came to his premises to collect a bribe and were arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Former High Court Judge Joseph Mutava and three other suspects were released on Sh200,000 cash bail each pending investigations into bribery claims.

The four, who also included a lawyer, spent Monday night in cells following their arrest by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officials.

Officials said they will forward the outcome of the investigation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and possible charges.

“These individuals had been in touch with me for several weeks. There are details of my encounter that I may not dwell on before the investigations are completed,” he said.

He said currently he was politically exposed and he has to fight to protect his property.

“Given the fact that I am a politically exposed person, I cannot be so naive as to think that this conflict with the bank would engage my political enemies who are many all over the country,” he said.

Tuju said the move was aimed at intimidating and blackmailing him into submission after some suspects were arrested at his premises for allegedly soliciting a Sh10.4M bribe over a case in court.

He wondered why the agent had to invade his premises with goons instead of using proper legal channels.

“On Wednesday evening the firm of Lavington Security, led by Mr. Kiprop, under the instructions of Mr. Jackson Chebet and their lawyer Mr. Kiprono, accompanied by over a hundred goons stormed our Dari Business Park, which now hosts Tamarind Restaurant, in an attempt to throw me out.

If they had valid eviction orders, they needed not come with goons. Fortunately, after the commotion they created, my people informed the Karen Police Station, who came to restore order,” he said.

Tuju said the power of prayer and God’s intervention has seen him through turbulent moments but expressed optimism of victory.

“God continues to see me and my family through this difficult journey,” he said.

By Phillip Orwa

The Kenyan government is moving to standardize fares for digital taxi operators that include Little Cab, Yego, Weego, Faras, Uber and Bolt by implementing a new national pricing model to address low driver earnings and disputes over fair compensation.

Last year, drivers through the Amalgamation of Online Drivers brought together drivers who ply the online trade, including the Organisation of Online Drivers (OOD) and the United Organisation of Drivers (UOD), in a strike to help force the applications to increase the prices.

Late last year, digital taxi drivers in Kenya met with Ministry of Transport (Kenya) officials and National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) representatives to seek a hearing over a strike they had conducted over low earnings, high commissions, and rising operational costs.

The strike, often referred to as a “digital blackout,” involved drivers shutting off apps from services like Uber, Bolt and Faras.

During the discussions then, representatives of the digital taxi drivers and ministry officials resolved that the applications should be guided by the AA rates, but to date the rates are yet to be implemented.

Justin Nyaga, the Chairman of the Organisation of Online Drivers, welcomed the government’s new move and said that they are still awaiting the apps’ response after they were ordered by the government to implement the AA rates, which they are yet to implement to date.

“We held several meetings and expected that the apps would adhere to the government order that they implement the AA Rates,” said Nyaga in one of the meetings with the members.

Brian Munyendo, one of the drivers operating under the OOD fraternity, then said “Drivers operating the digital apps were just demanding standard rates where payments do not drop below a specific minimum price, the current rates are uneconomical and do not cover fuel, maintenance, and app fees.”

And after a long struggle from the digital drivers, the Ministry of Transport is now reportedly set to develop a mandatory taxi pricing policy to address the complaints of predatory fares.

Meetings have included representatives from companies like Uber, Bolt and Little Cab, with discussions aimed at revising the current commission structures.

The Ministry of Transport, driven by complaints of unfair labour practices and protests from driver associations, is currently setting a minimum fare structure.

The government has mandated the adoption of rates approved by the Automobile Association of Kenya (AAK), which include a base rate of KSh 33 per kilometre.

Total cost per kilometre is expected to be approximately Sh39, accounting for platform commission and a per-minute driver salary component, particularly for vehicles with engine capacities not exceeding 1,000cc.

Drivers have been pushing for a minimum fare of Sh300 to ensure profitability.

The state has previously directed that commissions paid by drivers to the platforms be capped, moving to regulate them at 18 per cent per trip, down from higher rates, to ensure drivers maintain a reasonable take-home pay.

The Transport ministry is reviewing driver and operator cost structures to ensure that pricing covers key expenses like fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance.

By Habil Onyango

Mzee Felix Ajwang’, a resident of Kosodo Beach in Suba South Sub-County, Homa Bay County, has been part of the fishing industry since childhood.
The 70-year-old retired teacher reminisces about a time when fishing in Lake Victoria was a lucrative business, yielding significant catches and profits.

In those days, his catches predominantly consisted of black tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Nile perch.
However, over time, the population of the black tilapia—a fish known for its delicious taste and nutritional value—began to dwindle and eventually became extinct in the lake.

Ajwang’ has reason to be optimistic now due to a restocking initiative led by Victory Farms, a company engaged in fish caging in Lake Victoria.
For the past several years, Victory Farms has been working to reintroduce the extinct species in the Roo catchment area, where they operate a fish caging facility, as well as in other parts of Lake Victoria.

This programme involves releasing thousands of fingerlings, aiming for a significant recovery of fish populations in the lake.
According to Mike Ouya, a Senior Partnership and Development Manager at Victory Farms, they recently introduced 200,000 fingerlings of the black tilapia species at Kosodo Beach.

He noted that this initiative marks the third community conservation area established in collaboration with the Beach Management Unit (BMU).

“We are pleased to announce the launch of our third community conservation area in partnership with the Kosodo BMU,” Ouya said.
“Victory Farms has a responsibility to protect the environment where we work in the lake, and as part of that responsibility, we have introduced 200,000 pieces of the native black tilapia species, locally referred to as ‘rech makwar,’ in collaboration with the Kosodo BMU.” he noted.

The community conservation area is designed to protect a section of the lakeshore that serves as fish breeding grounds, ensuring there is no overfishing, illegal fishing, or the use of harmful chemicals.
It also promotes the return of the species that nearly vanished by the 1960s.

Ouya revealed that the project is conducted in partnership with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), where they have successfully propagated fingerlings of the species.

“We are excited to report that, along with KMFRI, we have been able to return the black tilapia to its rightful place in Lake Victoria,” he emphasised.
“In the coming years, we hope that the species—deemed even more delicious than the tilapia commonly consumed—will provide nutrition to the community and other Kenyans.”

The extinction of this species has been attributed to competition with the introduced Nile perch, environmental degradation, Nile perch predation, and habitat loss.
Additionally, overfishing and illegal fishing practices—such as using illegal nets and targeting immature fish—have destroyed breeding habitats and exceeded the natural replenishment rates of the lake and rivers.

These activities have led to smaller fish sizes, increased mortality rates, and the potential collapse of ecosystems like Lake Victoria.

However, according to Kosodo BMU Chairman Naphatally Otieno Kibuogi, measures have been implemented to ensure the conservation area is protected.
He stated that they have agreed to provide security around the clock to prevent other fishermen from encroaching on the site.

“We want to thank Victory Farms for reintroducing the tilapia species that we only heard about in our youth at Lake Victoria, especially along our beach,” he said.
“As the BMU, we have established rules and regulations to govern operations along the beach, and this area has been reserved as a breeding site for the fish, with no fishermen allowed to access it.”

Suba Central Fisheries Officer Charles Odhiambo urged the community to work together to provide security for the restricted breeding site. He noted that the species had become extinct and expressed satisfaction with the restocking initiative, hoping for breeding every three months.

“You must ensure that the region is protected day and night by providing security to deter encroachers,” he advised.

The dwindling fish population in Lake Victoria has forced many fishermen to turn to ponds and cage fishing. Odhiambo commended the initiative taken by Victory Farms to restock the lake.

Why the Project?

According to David Otieno, the Farms Community Relations Coordinator, evidence collected from the Roo Conservation area shows that the project has the potential to increase fish catches in nearly all the Beach Management Units (BMUs) they are working with, provided it is well managed.

“In regions where we have initiated the programme, there have been reports of increased fish catches, indicating that the programme is effective. This is why we are encouraged and continue to invest significantly while seeking partnerships to extend it to other BMUs,” he stated.

Otieno explained that in alignment with their mission to support local livelihoods, they collaborate with BMUs to provide fingerlings to small-scale farmers in Homa Bay, aiming to enhance their production. This year, in partnership with the County Government, they have already distributed 2.5 million fingerlings at a cost of KSh 2.5 million to pond fish farmers.

Additionally, the officer mentioned that they aim to boost food security. With the decline in fish populations, the restocking programme helps replenish the lake’s resources, providing an affordable and high-quality protein source for the region’s growing population.

Furthermore, Otieno revealed that this effort is part of a broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and a sustainable strategy to protect the long-term health of Lake Victoria.

BY OPCS PRESS SERVICE

Kenya and Ireland have agreed to negotiate a structured labour mobility framework that will allow nurses and midwives to work in Ireland in the coming days, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said.

Mudavadi said that Kenya looks forward to the conclusion of the instrument and appreciates Ireland’s commitment to the process.

“Kenya regards Ireland as a valued partner and true friend. We take pride in our diverse and multifaceted partnership, which spans a wide range of priority sectors of mutual interest, and we appreciate continued support in strengthening initiatives in food security, climate resilience, governance, and humanitarian assistance,”Mudavadi said.

He was speaking when he attended St. Patrick’s Day, the National Day of Ireland celebrations in Nairobi.

The occasion not only honours the legacy of Ireland’s patron saint but also celebrates the timeless values of faith, unity, and resilience that Saint Patrick exemplified.

Among those in attendance was Christopher O’Sullivan.

“I note with satisfaction that our relationship is marked by robust and thriving people-to-people exchanges through the activities of missionaries, initiatives by Irish non-governmental organisations, and bridge-building by the vibrant diaspora communities in both countries. For more than a century, the Irish missionaries have been part and parcel of our society, supporting the development of schools and hospitals and helping to provide essential services in remote and underserved communities,”the CS added.

On the education and innovation front, Mudavadi said Ireland’s steadfast support for the Young Scientists Kenya Programme has enriched the lives of thousands of students, nurturing creativity while opening pathways to recognition and opportunities on the global stage.

He noted that Kenya and Ireland have also worked side by side in multilateral fora, including their joint tenure on the United Nations Security Council in 2021 and 2022, where they advanced peace, human dignity, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

He assured:

“We are keen on strengthening collaboration in the multilateral sphere, especially in the context of uncertainties in the current global order. As we commemorate Ireland’s National Day, Kenya reaffirms its commitment to deepening friendship and cooperation with Ireland for the benefit of our two friendly nations and the well-being of our peoples.”

Similarly, he said that Kenya values the contributions of Irish non-governmental organisations, such as Concern Worldwide, to Kenya’s socio-economic development, particularly their work towards the improvement of livelihoods through projects in health and nutrition, education, and poverty eradication.

The CS also said that the Kenya Irish Society has played a key role in fostering ties between the peoples through cultural events, philanthropic activities, and community outreach, thus creating a forum for Kenyans and the Irish community to share traditions, celebrate diversity, and form long-lasting bonds.

Kenya and Ireland have had longstanding bilateral relations, established in 1979 and nurtured over the years through shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to sustainable development.

“I am grateful for the growth in our relations over the past decade, especially since the establishment of our embassy in Dublin in 2007 and the reopening of the Irish Embassy in Nairobi in 2014,”he noted.

By Team

Former cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju, in a meeting with his family and relatives, showed them his burial place should he be killed over the bid to take over his multi-billion premises in Nairobi’s upmarket Karen.

Tuju told the family the specific place he would wish to be buried should he be killed over his move to protect his property.

“Today, I told and showed my family and relatives the specific place I would wish to be buried. I am not ready to be killed over my property.

I will not sit and watch my property taken away.

Let them kill me first. I will be happy that I was killed protecting the family property and my grandchildren will know where and how their grandfather died,” he said.

On Saturday dawn, over 100 police officers stormed Tuju’s premises in what Tuju termed as continuous intimidation.

He said the police officers, some with unmarked police vehicles, stormed the facility and denied everyone entry to the facility.

“I do not know why the police have decided to occupy my facility. They do not even have court orders. I will not be cowed,” he said.

Tuju has been overwhelmed with support and goodwill from Kenyans and the international community over the attempted takeover of his premises by an auctioneer over a long-running commercial debt court battle. “I am overwhelmed by the messages of support and goodwill from friends, relatives, many Kenyans, not to mention members of the international community. I am indeed humbled and grateful for your prayers and words of encouragement,” he said.

Similarly, the High Court also granted Tuju the authority to appeal the Monday ruling by Judge Josephine Mong’are that the matter was already settled, opening the door for recovery of the prime assets tied to a long-running debt.

After the ruling by Justice Mong’are on Monday, she denied him the constitutional right of appeal and stated on record that it would be subject to her discretion. “I have a right to appeal, but the judge didn’t give me that opportunity. The 2010 Constitution gives me the right to appeal. You know there are corruption cases on this matter. People were arrested at my place because they were insisting that I must give them money to allegedly allow any appeal and any stay of execution and any status quo. I have already made an application,” he said.

Tuju said goodwill messages and support across from Kenyans and the international community were a sign of love and respect from the public.

He said on Monday four people, including a former Judge of the High Court, came to his premises to collect a bribe and were arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Former High Court Judge Joseph Mutava and three other suspects were released on Sh200,000 cash bail each, pending investigation into bribery claims. The four, who also included a lawyer, spent their Monday night in cells following their arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officials. The officials said they would forward the outcome of the investigation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and possible charges.

“These individuals had been in touch with me for several weeks. There are details of my encounter that I may not dwell on before the investigations are completed,” he said.

He said currently he was politically exposed and he has to fight to protect his property. “Given the fact that I am a politically exposed person, I cannot be so naive as to think that this conflict with the bank would not engage my political enemies who are many all over the country,” he said.

Tuju has declared that only over his dead body will he lose his property after an auctioneer went to claim the facility.

He said the agents of a gentleman by the name of Chebet brought a fellow called Mr. Kiprop to take over the property.

“They had no court order and court papers. They just think they can come and intimidate me so that they can come and take over my property. It is very simple what they have to do. They have to shoot me to get a big burial for me in Rarieda constituency. I am sure my constituents will come to mourn. After I have been put into the grave, then they can come and take the property through such kind of impunity. I am not going to take this kind of intimidation. It is very simple. They kill me first. I am not taking that kind of intimidation,” he said.

Tuju said the move was aimed at intimidating and blackmailing him into submission after some suspects were arrested at his premises for allegedly soliciting Sh10.4M bribe over a case in court.

He wondered why the agent had to invade his premises with goons instead of using proper legal channels. “On Wednesday evening, the firm of Lavington Security led by Mr. Kiprop, under the instructions of Mr. Jackson Chebet and their lawyer Mr. Kiprono, accompanied by over a hundred goons, stormed our Dari Business Park, which now hosts Tamarind Restaurant, in an attempt to throw me out. If they had valid eviction orders, they needed not come with goons. Fortunately, after the commotion they created, my people informed the Karen Police Station who came.