Speaker Moses Wetangula announced the Special Sittings will be held in the National Assembly Chamber, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, commencing at 10.00 am and at 2.30 pm.

The meeting will among others discuss and consider the tabling of report and Notice of Special Motion on the Report of the Committee on Appointments on its consideration of nominees for appointment as Cabinet Secretaries and tabling of report and Notice of Special Motion on the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on its consideration of nominees for appointment as High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Permanent Representative and Consul-General. 

It will also consider the tabling of report and Notice of Special Motion on the Report of the Departmental Committee on Labour on its consideration of nominees for appointment as Vice-Chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission.

The Committee on Appointments is set to conduct approval hearings for three nominees proposed by Ruto for Cabinet Secretary Positions on January 14, 2025, at County Hall, Parliament Buildings.

The nominees include Mutahi Kagwe, a former Health Cabinet Secretary under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has been nominated to head the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has been designated for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, while former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has been proposed to lead the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry.

Kagwe is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Appointments, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, as the first nominee on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at noon.

Kabogo will take the stand at 3:00 p.m., followed by Kinyanjui at 5:00 p.m.

Additionally, the departmental committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations will vet nominees for ambassadorial, high commissioner, and diplomatic representative positions on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Committee Room 9, 1st Floor, Main Parliament Buildings.

Among the nominees is Margaret NyamburaNdung’u, the immediate former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, who has been nominated as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Accra, Ghana.

She will appear before the committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, at 9:00 a.m.

Dr. Andrew Karanja, the immediate former Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, has been nominated as Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil and is scheduled to appear at 11:00 a.m.

Ababu Namwamba, the former Sports Cabinet Secretary, who has been nominated as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, will face the panel at 2:00 p.m.

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow, nominated as Consul-General to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, will conclude the vetting at 4:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the departmental committee on Labour will conduct approval hearings for nominees to fill vacancies at the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Committee Room 9, 1st Floor, Main Parliament Buildings.

Among the nominees is former Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service, Mary Kimonye, who has been named the new Vice-Chairperson of the PSC.

She will be joined by six other nominees for commission member positions: Harun Maalim Hassan, Boya Molu, Irene Cherotich Asienga, Francis Otieno Owino, Joan Andisi Machayo, and Francis Meja.

In an advertisement placed in local dailies on Tuesday December 24th, 2025, Clerk of the National Assembly Mr. Samuel Njoroge notified the public of the approval hearings, stating, “Pursuant to Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(4) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Cap. 7F), the committees shall conduct approval hearings (vetting) of the nominees on the dates, times, and venues indicated in the schedule.”

The public is invited to submit written statements on oath (affidavits) with supporting evidence contesting the suitability of any nominee.

These representations should be sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly, P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk at the Main Parliament Buildings, or emailed to cna@parliament.go.ke by 5:00 p.m. on January 3, 2025.

The post National Assembly to hold special sitting on January 16 to debate Ruto’s appointees  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

The visit follows a special invitation extended by Mahama during his trip to Kenya on December 29, 2024.

While in Accra, Ruto will hold talks with Heads of State and Government, including President-Elect Mahama, focusing on key areas of mutual interest and cooperation, including trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture and diplomatic relations.

Kenya and Ghana share a long-standing, cordial relationship that dates back to the pre-independence era, with both countries drawing inspiration from each other’s liberation movements during their respective struggles for liberation, guided by the spirit of pan-Africanism.

Ruto will also use the visit to discuss reforms of the African Union that are aimed at improving institutional efficiency and strategic focus.

Additionally, he will express gratitude for Ghana’s support of Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, while continuing to advocate for Odinga by highlighting his pan-African vision and proven leadership credentials.

The post Ruto Off to Ghana to Attend Presidential Inauguration  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Security forces in Kenya have been accused of carrying out dozens of illegal detentions since youth-led anti-government demonstrations in June and July were harshly repressed.

More than 60 people were killed and many are missing after the incidents.

And on Monday, police forcibly detained dozens of protesters and fired tear gas into small peaceful rallies calling for the release of those who had disappeared.

“It cannot be denied that there have been instances of excessive and extrajudicial actions by members of the security services,” Ruto said in his New Year’s address, without specifying what those actions may have been.

“That said, it is crucial to remember that every freedom has its limits and that public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty.”

Last week, the embattled president had promised to “stop the abductions”, a vow taken by human rights activists as an admission of guilt.

But he also urged parents to take responsibility for their children.

The latest disappearances have by and large involved young people who have criticised Ruto online.

Two of them had published an image generated using artificial intelligence of the head of state lying in a coffin.

“These are clear signals that our moral fabric is at risk of decay, exacerbated by various factors, including the manipulation of digital technology, particularly social media, to amplify anti-social behavior and erode moral values,” Ruto said in his end-of-year address.

A Nairobi court on Monday ruled that the security forces should “immediately and unconditionally” free five men who were reportedly abducted.

Judge Bahati Mwamuye ordered the police to present the five in court on Tuesday or “explain under oath the circumstances of the matter” or their whereabouts.

None of the missing were present in court, where a tearful father asked where his son was. The police inspector general, who was also summoned, sent a representative in his stead.

While police have denied involvement in the disappearances, activists have questioned why they do not appear to be investigating them.

Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch said that its research pointed towards a unit drawn from multiple security agencies.

Last week the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said it had counted seven cases of abduction reported this month.

Six of those disappeared are still missing.

In all, 29 of the 82 people reported to have disappeared since June remain unaccounted for, according to the KNCHR.

The post Ruto Admits to Police Abuses During Protests appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Ruto would be breaking the tradition where other presidents had been hosting the new year fetes in Mombasa.

He last year ushered in the new year in Nakuru.

In Kisii, South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, also Majority Chief Whip, in a tweet, welcomed the head of State to the County Capital.

“We are looking forward to hosting the President, this is definitely a special gesture to the community at large,” he later told this journalist in a text.

By late Monday, the Kisii State Lodge was a hive of activity with tents being hosted to accommodate about 1200 invitees.

Invites to journalists were however, yet to be formalized by Tuesday morning.

County Commissioner Joseph Kibet said they would be handled by Statehouse itself.

“What we have are general invites which have already been depleted,” he said.

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba was at hand leading the preparations ahead of Ruto landing in town.

County Police Commander Charles Kases said all was set for the event.

Surveillance appears to had been heightened in the streets of Kisii following fresh outburst of protests against a string of abductions in the country.

Already activists have fingered security agencies for orchestrating the abductions of bloggers critical of Ruto administration.

Police have since denied the claims.

The post Ruto to Usher in New Year in Kisii  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

He spoke following complaints from many leaders present at an event in Homa Bay.

Speaking at the Raila Odinga stadium on Friday, Ruto, however remaining reserved, said that he will end the abductions to restore public trust in national security.

He further urged parents to lead from the front in mentoring and protecting their children to uphold peace in the nation

“We all want to walk together. I want to urge all parents that our children are a blessing from God, and you should take care of them and the government will do our part,” Ruto said.

“All that has been said about abduction will be dealt with. We will end it so that our youth can live in peace and have faith in security agencies,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had urged Ruto to address the matter with haste and bring those held culpable to book.

“The cases of young people being arrested carelessly, and being handcuffed and tortured should stop. Those behind this should be arrested,” he said.

Their sentiments come amid heightening and alarming cases of abductions in the nation as the National Police Service (NPS) stated that it is not involved in the distressing incidents.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has however fingered the state and his former boss President Ruto, noting that they should be held responsible for the disappearance of young Kenyans.

“To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his (Ruto’s) knowledge and consent,” he said.

Speaking in Nyeri, Gachagua argued that it is impossible to ignore the fact that the victims are only linked by the criticism against President Ruto and his administration, noting that the state cannot afford to distance itself from the vice.

The recent abductions of seven Kenyans in December have been linked to statements they have made against the government on social media.

They include Steve Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Naomi (found), Rony Kiplang’at and recently cartoonist Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said that since June, 29 people have been reported missing from abductions.

The commission added that so far, there are 13 abduction cases have been reported in the last three months bringing to 82 the total cases since June 2024 during the anti-government protests.

Police have denied being involved in the saga.

The post We Will Stop Abductions, Ruto Says  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Gachagua said Ruto should take full responsibility and address the issue, lest the cases continue to happen unchecked.

“To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his knowledge and consent,” he said.

Gachagua further argued that it is impossible to ignore the fact that the victims are only linked by the criticism against President Ruto and his administration, noting that the state cannot afford to distance itself from the vice.

The president has not said anything on the issue since the trend re-emerged.

He blamed the police for being complacent in addressing the alarming issue, noting that it is incongruous for the police to deny being aware of the abductions despite the existence of sufficient evidence.

“How can the police still be in denial when there are witnesses, CCTV footage and countless grieving families coming forward,” he said.

“Our security agencies are either complicit or profoundly incompetent and unable to take decisive action on one of the most significant crises the country has faced under this administration.”

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said that since June, 29 people have been reported missing from abductions.

The commission added that so far, there are 13 abduction cases have been reported in the last three months bringing to 82 the total cases since June 2024.

Police have denied involvement in the incidents amid calls for action on the same.

Gachagua also fingered the government for victimizing him after he called out the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for being incapacitated and posing a threat to national security.

The remarks invited a lawsuit against him, seemingly prompting the move to oust him from office.

The post Gachagua Says Ruto’s Silence on Abductions is an Indication that he Approves them  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Karua sensationally claimed during an interview with Citizen TV that Ruto is running a covert “killer gang” made up of foreigners and select Kenyans drawn from the military and outside the police force.

There was no immediate comment from State House over the claims.

Karua did not mince words, pointing the finger squarely at President Ruto, claiming that only the Head of State could lead such an operation.

“I believe that William Ruto is behind the abductions, because you cannot mention the state and fail to mention who is at the helm,” Karua stated. She claimed that the abduction squad is made up of both Kenyans and foreigners, including people from Uganda and Burundi, many of whom have military experience.

“The squad operates outside the police force. Their command is independent, and only Ruto can tell us who these people are. No wonder they don’t introduce themselves when abducting citizens,” Karua said.

Karua also brought up the case of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who she claimed was arrested in Kenya by Ugandan military operatives working with Kenyan authorities.

“These foreign mercenaries cross our borders without documentation or extradition protocols. This is gangster-style abduction facilitated by the government. William Ruto has violated the law,” she asserted.

She accused Ruto for purportedly targeting young people who express dissent online, particularly through satire.

“He would not be abducting young people just because they created satire on social media. It’s not a criminal offense; it might be distasteful, but it’s not worth harming them over,” Karua said.

She urged Ruto to develop thicker skin, saying, “If you want to sit in the highest position in this country, you must arm yourself with asbestos.” Don’t easily catch fire.”

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja responded to the allegations by defending the National Police Service’s professionalism.

“Police do not abduct; we arrest. When we arrest, we take suspects to court. If there is a case of abduction reported at our police stations, ours is to investigate and ensure justice is served,” Kanja said.

The IG dismissed claims that police officers are involved in abductions, stating, “How are you abducted by a police officer in uniform? There’s a difference between formal arrest and abduction. Those who abduct commit crimes and deserve to be taken to court. Ours is to uphold the law.”

Kanja emphasised the collaborative nature of Kenya’s security apparatus, revealing that the police collaborate closely with agencies such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

“Security is not just about the police; it is a collective effort. We depend on intelligence to keep the country safe,” he said.

More than 60 people are missing after being abducted post June 25 anti government protests.

This came as a family in Embu claimed that their kin is missing after being abducted by armed men.

Another man identified as Peter Muteti is missing after his abduction for allegedly posting an AI generated picture offensive to Ruto.

The family in Embu has come out demanding for the release of their son, Billy Mwangi, who was allegedly abducted in the same manner on Saturday afternoon.

Mwangi’s family says he was forcibly taken away from a barber shop by four armed men who wore masks and were traveling in a double cabin pick up before speeding off towards the Embu-Nairobi Highway.

The incident has sparked fear not just among family members who received the information from a witness but also residents who witnessed the drama unfold in broad daylight.

The controversy surrounding abductions in Kenya has reignited fears about the resurgence of extrajudicial practices to silence government critics.

The post Karua Accuses Ruto of Leading Covert Abduction Squad appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Ruto said the government will seek the views of police officers on the their preferred uniform.

The ambitious modernisation programme will include new equipment and weapons, digitisation of police operations as well as constructing new housing units for police officers.

“I want to commit that I intend to see the process of modernisation to completion in the next two years so that we can have the equipment, vehicles and ammunition necessary to protect our country,” he said.

He made the remarks when he launched the National Police Service and State Department for Correctional Service Strategic plans for 2023-2027 at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete, Nairobi.

So far, Ruto said the government has spent Sh2 billion to raise the standards within the service.

He said 1,000 new vehicles will be acquired for the police early next year under the police leasing programme in an effort to alleviate the shortage at police stations across the country.

He said plans are at an advanced stage to procure 2,000 more vehicles.

To improve police officers’ living conditions, President Ruto said 582 new housing units have been completed, while another 1,000 are at different stages of construction. The aim is to build 17,000 new units for police officers.

“It is our intention to make sure that many of our policemen and women, who discharge a very sensitive responsibility of protecting all of us, work in conditions that help them discharge that responsibility,” he said.

Generally, Ruto said Kenyans serving in the security sector will also benefit from the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.

Additionally, Ruto said the government will continue the digitisation of police operations to bring them to international standards.

“We need a modern police service and technology is key to this. We must ensure we digitise operations, including the famous OB (Occurrence Book),” he said.

He commended the police for doing a good job to keep Kenyans safe under difficult working conditions.

“I want to commend the leadership of the police and all policemen and women for what they are doing in protecting citizens, their lives and property,” he said.

However, President Ruto reminded them that Kenyans expect them to shed old habits that have soiled the reputation of the police such as extrajudicial killings.

He pointed out that while it is a constitutional imperative for the police to operate within the law at all times, it is important that Kenyans support hardworking officers and stop vilifying them.

He also commended the police for speedy investigation of the alarming cases of killings of women, but noted that eradicating the vice will require a concerted approach.

He urged parents to be the moral guiding lights to their children, and called on religious leaders to play their part, too, in combating the menace.

Present at the function were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, United Kingdom High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo, Salome Beacco and Julius Bitok, and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, among others.

The post Gov’t to Spend Sh28 Billion in Modernization of Police in Two Years, Ruto Says  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

He pointed out that much of the opposition against the government stems from inaccurate representation and outright disinformation.

He called on critics to stop misleading the public and instead engage in discussions based on fact and the truth.

“We are at the stage in social development when digital technologies have immense capacity to amplify disinformation, magnify fake news and distort facts beyond all recognition,” he said.

He went on: “If we give in to these emerging negative trends, we shall pay with our freedom, democracy and development.”

President Ruto made the remarks during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Lang’ata, Nairobi County, on Thursday.

Gambian President Adama Barrow, who is visiting the country, was the chief guest at the colourful event whose highlights were the President’s speech and the military’s Trooping of the Colour.

The presidential colour is trooped when a military unit or base performs a national ceremony in which the Commander-in-Chief or a visiting Head of State is honoured with a parade.

Present at the event were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, ambassadors, MPs and other leaders.

He said the government has laid a solid foundation for inclusive economic transformation. He noted that despite falsehoods about the development agenda, the results are evident.

“We are no longer where we were a year, let alone two years ago. We have moved beyond pledges and commitments and are now making progress with our implementation strategies,” he said.

Ruto pointed out that the country’s economy is stable, the cost of living has reduced and inflation is at its lowest in 17 years.

“When we say that the cost of basic food commodities has come down, it is a fact. When we say that inflation has gone down, it is a fact,” he said.

“When we say that our farmers are producing more and better, it is a fact and, when we say that Kenyans who have registered for Taifa Care are receiving better services than before, it is a fact,” he emphasised.

Ruto explained that the strategies implemented to address unemployment, healthcare and food security are delivering tangible results.

Ruto said job creation is a central pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, disclosing that 200,000 jobs have been created in the Affordable Housing Programmes, while 243,000 Kenyans have secured international jobs since September 2022.

“Our rejuvenated micro, small, and medium enterprises have created 840,000 jobs this year,” he pointed out.

He wondered what critics have to say about the thousands of plumbers, electricians, teachers, health workers, building and construction workers, digital workers and many others already at work, including the 300 young men and women flagged off on Wednesday by Deputy President Kindiki to work abroad.

The President said Taifa Care has transformed access to healthcare, registering 11 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority in just two months.

“No public service delivery project of this scale and ambition has ever been undertaken in the history of our country,” he added.

Additionally, 107,000 community health promoters have been engaged to support universal healthcare.

Ruto outlined the government’s ambitious ICT initiatives, including fibre optic connections to 74,000 public institutions and the digitisation of 20,855 public services.

He described digital transformation as “a critical enabler in creating opportunities across all sectors”.

The President said affordable housing is on course, with 1,200 units completed and 124,000 units at various stages of development.

“Our delivery pipeline for affordable housing now has a total of 124,000 units at various stages of development across Kenya, while 840,000 planned projects over the next four years are projected to create one million jobs,” Ruto explained.

He said the country has achieved surplus food production, citing stocks of 95 million 50kg bags of maize, nine million of beans and 10 million of wheat.

“Step by step, we are building a food-secure Kenya where every family can afford and access a meal,” he said.

President Ruto said that special economic zones and export processing zones have attracted 80 companies in the past two years, generating 14,000 jobs.

“The six Export Processing Zones flagship projects in Busia, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Eldoret, Kwale and Nakuru, now being developed, are set to generate 30,000 more jobs,” he said.

Additionally, he explained that the ongoing establishment of the Dongo Kundu and Naivasha Special Economic zones will create 26,000 jobs, facilitating private special economic zone investments and supporting county and public special economic zones operations.

President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to support the creative industry, outlining plans to introduce a system that collects royalties real-time, facilitating better returns for artistes.

He noted that it was unacceptable for an artist to earn as little as KSh10,000 a year, while those tasked with collecting royalties pocket millions monthly.

“This injustice must end. The Kenya Copyright Board, in conjunction with industry players and the e-Citizen platform, must establish a transparent, real-time system for royalty collection and distribution to rightful owners and beneficiaries,” he said.

Ruto also disclosed that Kenya is bidding to host the 2026 World Creative Economy Conference, showcasing the country’s leadership in the sector.

The post Ruto: Fake News will Destroy Our Freedom and Democracy  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

They are Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill 2023.

Others are the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill 2024 provides for the appointment of deputy commissioners by the Commissioner-General. However, the appointments will be subject to the approval of the Board.

The Bill further amends the KRA Act, giving the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary power to waive the penalty payable by an appointed agent who fails to transfer funds collected if the failure was inadvertent.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to effect the recommendations and views of the public submitted by the National Dialogue Committee on governance.
It also amends the provisions of the EACC Act prescribing the qualifications for appointment of the chairperson of the commission.

The Bill requires that the commission chairperson be a person qualified to hold the office of a judge of the High Court.

This will enable the office holder to offer leadership and strategic direction to the commission.

Meanwhile, the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to amend various Acts of Parliament to boost financial stability, protect depositors and promote integrity in the financial services sector.

It also promotes the ease of doing business through the amendment of the Kenya Accreditation Service Act and to provide mandatory accreditation of conformity assessment institutions by the Kenya Accreditation Service.

Further, the Bill amends the Special Economic Zones Act to empower the respective Cabinet Secretary to set the minimum amount to be invested in a special economic zone and for a one-stop shop where enterprises can send all their applications for ease of doing business.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Mbadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, MPs led by the Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah, among others, were present at the function held at State House, Nairobi.

The post Ruto Assents to Seven Parliamentary Bills appeared first on KahawaTungu.