Charles Ouma

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has signed a charter in Nairobi to establish a parallel government, marking another chapter in the Sudan conflict.

The signing of the charter happened in total disregard of warnings that doing so would hamper efforts to restore peace and security in the war-torn country.

Other than <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/what-new-auc-chairperson-mahmoud-ali-youssouf-told-ruto-after-beating-raila-2025021611315638410">rolling red carpet for RSF leadership in Nairobi,</a> Kenya and President William Ruto have been dominant in efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan.

Several parties in the conflict met at a closed-door meeting in Nairobi the deal was inked, paving the way for the formation of &quot;government of peace and unity&quot;.

Najm al-Din Drisa, spokesman of the United Civil Forces, which signed the charter confirmed to AFP noting that "the charter has been signed".

War broke out in Sudan on 15 April 2023 with rival military factions battling for control of the nation.

The clashes turned violent as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by Abdel Fattah-al Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/5-preachers-boldly-speaking-truth-to-power-and-keeping-ruto-and-his-govt-in-check-2025022313375090299">5 Preachers boldly speaking truth to power and keeping Ruto &amp; his gov't in check</a>

The conflict has so far left 12 million people displaced and caused what the United Nations calls the world's largest hunger and displacement crises.

Another 15,000 have so far lost their lives, with widespread rape and destruction of property.

Gen Burhan - who seized power in a coup in 2021 confirmed that he is ready in principle to sit down with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) but this is yet to bring the brutal war to an end.

He has powerful allies and enjoys immense support in the wealthy gulf nations.

Kenya’s warming up to RSF leadership has not been received well by Khartoum&nbsp; which protested the decision to host the group in Nairobi.

Kenya hailed the signing of the charter, noting that it is a significant step in resolving the conflict.

<blockquote><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/govt-adopts-new-strategy-to-save-ruto-from-embarrassment-2025021913502554850">The peace roadmap signed in Nairobi provides</a> a good framework for further negotiations, and it is our firm expectation that the signatories will actively engage with their fellow citizens and other parties to the conflict, ensuring that the interests of all Sudanese are fully represented as they move forward.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Kenya remains committed to supporting the Sudanese people as they embark on the critical journey of reconciliation and to address the root causes of the conflict in their country.</blockquote>

Kenya noted that it stands ready to offer both technical and diplomatic support to Sudan, as their shared history, regional proximity, and common goals for peace and stability make the collaboration indispensable.

Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo (C), Sudan's Rapid Support Forces deputy commander and brother to Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), flanked by representatives of other political parties affiliated to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo (C), Sudan's Rapid Support Forces deputy commander and brother to Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), flanked by representatives of other political parties affiliated to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (SRF)

Kenya’s warming up to RSF leadership has not been received well by Khartoum  which protested the decision to host the group in Nairobi.

Sudan conflict: Charter for parallel gov’t signed in Nairobi, Ruto’s role & impact

Kenya is not asleep anymore and the clergy is not backing down on its quest for a better nation, keeping President William Ruto in check and using their influence on the pulpit to drive change and better governance.

The events of last year left the church with no option but to push for the good of the country with the congregation taking charge and declaring that politics have no place in the pulpit.

The wave saw many churches and preachers cave in to pressure, criticizing the government and locked politicians from the pulpit.

While some preachers have relapsed and turned the pulpit into a battleground for politicians, a few have stayed faithful to the course, using their voices to hold the government of the day accountable and locking politicians out of the pulpit.

Some have taken it a step further and boldly returned hefty sums of money donated by politicians, some of who have been implicated in scandals.

<h3>Archbishop Anthony Muheria: Stinging truth &amp; ruffling feathers of Kenya's political elite</h3>

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nyeri has been consistent in speaking truth to power, expressing his mind and amplifying what Kenyans

From thought-provoking sermons to bold statements calling out the political class, he has endeared himself to Kenyans who view him as a true patriot who can be counted on to speak when it matters.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/kenyans-urge-soweto-catholic-church-nairobi-to-reject-rutos-sh53-million-donation-2024112007395321560">Kenyans pile pressure on Catholic Church to reject Ruto's Sh5.3M donation</a>

His diplomatic yet firm demeanour makes him deliver even the hardest punches in a way that reaches the intended target as evidenced by the flurry of responses that they attract from the political class.

Most recently, he slammed President Willima Ruto for his frequent promises, noting that the government is not an advertising agency.

<blockquote>Government is not an advertising agency. It is an agency that implements actions. That’s what we want to see.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Stop advertising what we should do, will do, or have done. Instead, focus on mobilising people, resources, and experts. We have great capacity, even within our leadership in government, to deliver—especially for the poor.</blockquote>

Neno Evangelism center’s apostle James Ng'ang'a captured the hearts of many at the height of Gen Z protests.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/ack-leaders-join-catholic-bishops-in-criticising-govt-highlights-key-failures-2024112007413871839">ACK leaders join Catholic bishops in criticising gov't, highlights key failures</a>

The controversial preacher is known to speak when it matters the most, amplifying the concerns of Kenyans.

As the youth took to social media in protests before eventually took to the streets, Pastor Ng’ang’a is on record trailing his guns on a section of politicians who he accused of misleading President William Ruto.

He cautioned that the trend could see the regime crumble and not long afterwards,protests broke out.

His sermons, laced with political comments saw him celebrate the firing of Ruto’s Cabinet, reminding his congregants of his previous prophecy that certain people were misleading the government.

<h3>Archbishop Philip Anyolo: Rejecting Ruto's expensive car gift &amp; ordering return of millions</h3>

For years, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Archdiocese has refused to wine and dine with the political elites, making his stand known.

He is on record directing hefty donations to be returned to politicians and rejecting and expensive SUV that was gifted to him by President William Ruto when the latter was still serving as the deputy president.

<blockquote>The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.</blockquote>

<h3>Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu</h3>

President William Ruto has not had it easy with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) either.

Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu led in the criticism and read the statement, calling out President William Ruto’s administration for what they term a deeply entrenched culture of lies, corruption, unfulfilled promises, and misplaced priorities.

From the chaos in the Education sector to the confusion that characterized SHA and the abductions, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia had no kind words for Ruto.

<blockquote>Who is abducting these people? And is the government unable to stop these abductions and killings?</blockquote>

<h2>Stephen Ndicho &amp; Pentecostal Churches</h2>

The political developments in the country have also seen the Akurino church call out the Head of State for prioritising church donations over addressing key national concerns.

Through their chairman Stephen Ndicho, the clergy celebrated the decision by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Archdiocese to return hefty political donations.

<blockquote>We commend Archbishop Anyolo for ordering the refund and return of money donated by President Ruto to their Soweto Catholic Church last Sunday.</blockquote>

<blockquote>This action has effectively eliminated the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/embu-residents-disrupt-rutos-speech-at-event-graced-by-uhuru-gachagua-and-kindiki-2024112007382610842">Judas spirit of the clergy receiving bribes from politicians to influence their thinking and actions</a>.</blockquote>

With the congregation politically informed and impacted by the decisions made by the government, the clergy has had no option but to speak one language with their flock.

The events of last year left the church with no option but to push for the good of the country with the congregation taking charge and declaring that politics have no place in the pulpit.

5 Preachers boldly speaking truth to power and keeping Ruto & his gov't in check

Norwegian Dawn, the largest cruise ship to ever dock at the port of Mombasa has returned to the Kenyan Coast, docking in the coastal city with President William Ruto having a tour of the luxury cruise ship.

The marvel of engineering that offer the best cruise experience gracefully made its way to Mombasa from Seychelles to a befitting reception for the thousands of guests and crew members.

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/lifestyle/food-and-travel/inside-the-luxury-cruise-ship-msc-poesia-that-docked-in-mombasa-with-2500-tourists-2024072915513100722">On board the luxury cruise ship were 2200 tourists</a> from across the world who were treated to an unparalleled experience of Kenyan coastal beauty.

MV Norwegian Dawn: 5-star luxury & amenities aboard largest cruise ship inspected by Ruto in Mombasa

Apart from the pristine sandy beaches, the tourists will enjoy the magical Kenyan experience, including visits to key attractions such as Fort Jesus, Haller Park, Diani Beach, and Tsavo National Park.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/worlds-largest-floating-campus-world-odyssey-docks-in-mombasa-for-the-3rd-time-2024072915582738335">World's largest floating campus docks in Mombasa for the 3rd time</a>

Stretching 294 metres in length with a draft of 8.3 metres, MV Norwegian Dawn is one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

<h3>Ruto highlights steps taken to boost tourism</h3>

President Ruto noted that his government has invested in quality infrastructure, strategic marketing and enriching the experience of every tourist who sets foot in the country.

<blockquote>We are investing in quality infrastructure, engaging in strategic marketing and enriching offers and experiences to sustainably drive our tourism numbers. This will spur foreign investments and stimulate our economic growth.</blockquote>

<blockquote>At the Port of Mombasa, welcomed and toured the Norwegian Dawn, a 294-metre long passenger vessel, with more than 2,200 tourists on board.</blockquote>

<h3>Intimate cruising experience and fine dining</h3>

Its arrival was hailed as a testament to Kenya’s growing status as a top tourist destination.

It offers an&nbsp;intimate cruising experience with a wide array of cuisine options that give guests a taste of traditional and oriental flavours with a modern twist.&nbsp;

<h3>Spacious suites &amp; gaming experience</h3>

Those on board also get an award-winning gaming experience at sea with its Casinos at Sea having a wide array of games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, slots, Texas hold 'em and many more.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/5-star-amenities-aboard-124-metre-luxury-cruise-ship-mv-sh-diana-docked-in-mombasa-2024102822310832474">5-star amenities aboard 124-metre luxury cruise ship docked in Mombasa</a>

The ship has exclusive and well-appointed and spacious suites that make every second an experience of a lifetime with breath-taking views.

Rooms spanning up to 6,693 square feet and equipped with king- or queen-size beds, separate living and dining areas, luxury baths and private balconies are among the highlights that await those who book a cruise on the ship.

MV Norwegian Dawn docked in Mombasa with 2200 tourists on board

5-star luxury & amenities aboard largest cruise ship inspected by Ruto in Mombasa

Orange Democratic Movement party has made it clear to President William Ruto that never again will the party intervene to save him from the wrath of disgruntled Kenyans.

In a strongly-worded statement, acting ODM party leader Anyang' Nyong'o cautioned President Ruto that remaining tone-deaf to the concerns affecting Kenyans is a ticking time bomb that could see another wave of protests similar to the one witnessed last year which saw that president send his Cabinet home.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/govt-adopts-new-strategy-to-save-ruto-from-embarrassment-2025021913502554850">Gov't adopts new strategy to save Ruto from embarrassment</a>

Nyong’o who spoke in Siaya on Saturday during the burial of the late Professor Bethwell Ogot asserted that the government, led by President Ruto needs to be alive to the grievances that Kenyans have been airing and address them swiftly.

He added that should matter take a drastic turn with a new wave of protests, ODM and its leader Raila Odinga will not step in to remedy the situation as was the case last year when a broad-based government was crafted after months of protests.

<blockquote>The government was doing things that did not make the citizens happy. We all made the noise as those who've been in the struggle supporting the people and their cause. The government must listen to the grassroots and should be keen on what is happening down there as we know where Kenya is headed. Raila Odinga came and saved this country.</blockquote>

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/chebukati-vs-kivuitu-5-strange-coincidences-about-their-lives-and-deaths-2025022112553126184">Chebukati vs Kivuitu: 5 strange coincidences about their lives &amp; deaths</a>

He noted that having calmed the storm, the former Prime Minister will not be available in the future should the Kenyans take to the streets to protest government decisions.

<blockquote>We don't want to be always putting out the fire. We want those in government to always know that a fire can break out at any time if the country is not taken care of. We will only put out the fire if we know who we are talking to will implement what the country wants.</blockquote>

<h3>Future of Raila's truce with Ruto</h3>

The remarks signal potential trouble in paradise for President William Ruto who has had it relatively easy with reduced criticism following the formation of the broad-based government.

Having lost the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/djibouti-fires-back-at-ruto-over-railas-au-loss-2025021704182152348">African Union Commission chairperson race, Raila Odinga is back</a> in the country and could be back to playing an active role in local politics.

President William Ruto with Raila Odinga in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2025

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga in Addis Ababa

Whether the political truce will hold for longer remains to be seen as Odinga explores his options with a section of Kenyans accusing the veteran politician of using the protests to find his way into government.

Should things fall apart, Ruto will find himself with more critics while his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua who has been a fierce critic of the government finding more voices amplifying his criticism.

Acting ODM party leader Peter Anyang Nyong'o, ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna & ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi

Nyong'o also made it clear to President William Ruto that never again will Raila Odinga or ODM intervene should disgruntled Kenyans take to the streets

ODM puts Ruto on notice: What this means for Kenya Kwanza and truce with Raila

Divisions have emerged in Orange Democratic Movement party with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on the receiving end amid claims that he is being used by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to advance an agenda that is not aligned with the party’s decision to cooperate with President William Ruto.

Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa accused Sifuna of disloyalty, suggesting that the Nairobi Senator may be kicked out of the orange party soon.

Aladwa noted that like those before him, Sifuna’s days are numbered and it is only a matter of time before he is kicked out.

Nairobi Senator and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna

<blockquote>I want to warn Sifuna who refers to himself as the Secretary General of ODM that we have had many SGs who were way powerful like Ababu Namwamba and the rest. Even him, he will go the way Ababu did.</blockquote>

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/politics/sifuna-lashes-out-at-treasury-cs-mbadi-accuses-him-of-adopting-new-traits-2024092714513727261">Senator Sifuna lashes out at Treasury CS John Mbadi [Video]</a>

Aladwa who addressed a press conference on Saturday claimed that Sifuna is a mole within ODM and has shown every intention of working with rival political formations.

The MP who also serves as the party's Nairobi branch chairperson claimed that Sifuna is being used by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to fight the broad-based government and has consequently refused to support President William Ruto’s government even after the political truce between Raila and Ruto.

According to the Makadara MP, a political outfit led by Gachagua has promised to back Sifuna for the gubernatorial seat, hence his political stance.

<blockquote>The same Sifuna is being used by Gachagua. Even during the impeachment, he caused trouble and voted reluctantly. We know that he is Gachagua’s candidate for the governor seat. Even last week but one, he was with Gachagua, Waititu, and Kalonzo in Kawangware.</blockquote>

Hinting at possible ouster, Aladwa remarked that from all indications, Sifuna has already left ODM and wished him the best.

<blockquote>We wish him all the best, as we know he has already left ODM. He should stop deceiving people that he is still the Secretary-General, he has already joined Gachagua’s team.</blockquote>

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/edwin-sifuna-accuses-sakajas-administration-and-city-mortuary-of-colluding-with-abductors-2025020109442053290">Edwin Sifuna puts Sakaja &amp; City Mortuary on the spot, claims collusion with abductors</a>

Sifuna has remained a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration, making it clear that he will not support President Ruto even if the latter has the backing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The formation of the broad-based government saw a number of ODM politicians who had been vocal critics change tune, heaping praises on President Ruto and supporting government decisions that they had opposed previously.

The only critical voices that remained are those of Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Jeremiah Kioni.

Aladwa noted that like those before him, Sifuna’s days are numbered and it is only a matter of time before he is kicked out.

MP George Aladwa: What Sifuna is up to with Gachagua & his future in ODM

After taking the heat for hosting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi, sparking protest from Sudan, President William Ruto held talks with U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

“I had a telephone conversation with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening Kenya-U.S. diplomatic ties and advancing shared interests.

They also discussed the escalating conflict the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), agreeing that a broader political process rather than military intervention is the key to resolving the conflict that has dragged on for years.

The two leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

<blockquote>We emphasised the crucial role of the EAC-SADC joint-led process in de-escalating tensions and advancing peace efforts. This includes the appointment of facilitators, the implementation of the ceasefire, and the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/how-djiboutis-mahmoud-ali-youssouf-snatched-victory-from-raila-in-auc-chairperson-elections-2025021515480531036">broader political process towards a lasting resolution</a>.</blockquote>

President Ruto also disclosed that Kenya’s crucial role in providing a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions that bring the nation closer to sustainable peace.

<blockquote>Additionally, we discussed the situation in the Republic of the Sudan and Kenya’s crucial role in providing a platform for key stakeholders - including political parties, civil society, and other actors - to engage in a process aimed at stopping the tragic slide of Sudan into anarchy and ensuring a pathway towards sustainable peace.</blockquote>

<h3>Allegations of personal &amp; commercial interests</h3>

Earlier this week, Kenya ruffled feathers in diplomatic circles after hosting Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/govt-adopts-new-strategy-to-save-ruto-from-embarrassment-2025021913502554850">Nairobi as they seek to establish a parallel government</a>.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/djibouti-fires-back-at-ruto-over-railas-au-loss-2025021704182152348">Djibouti fires back at Ruto over Raila’s AU loss</a>

Kharoum responded swiftly, noting that Kenya has no justification for its actions.

<blockquote>This hostile and irresponsible move cannot be justified by referring to the previous hosting of the Machakos negotiations, as these were between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in South Sudan under the auspices of IGAD and notable international sponsorship</blockquote>

<blockquote>The Government of Sudan has sought, through diplomatic communication, to change this stance without success. It is unfortunate that the Kenyan president has placed his personal and commercial interests... above the historical relations between the two brotherly countries...</blockquote>

Kenya continues to play a leading role in the pursuit of lasting peace and security in the region.

President William Ruto has revealed details of a phone call with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which they discussed key bilateral and regional issues.

Highlights of Ruto's discussion with U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Ruto gives his account of discussions with .S Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The late Member of Parliament of Parliament Malulu Injendi’s family has released an elaborate plan in a bid to keep politicians in check during his high-profile burial.

Speaking during a requiem mass for the deceased in Kakamega, Melvin Malulu, the late MP’s son made it clear that the burial will not be a political event.

As such, he shared an elaborate plan agreed on by the family to ensure that the day is not taken over by politicians.

The plan entails setting aside a day for politicians with condolence messages to deliver and wrapping this up before the burial on March 4.

The late Member of Parliament of Parliament Malulu Injendi

The family shared that politicians who wishes to give their condolence messages to the family and the MP’s constituents are at liberty to do so on 3 March.

March 4 will see all politicians locked out from addressing mourners when the MP will be laid to rest with President William Ruto being the only one who will be given an opportunity to address the gathering.

The day is reserved for the church and the family who will pay their tributes to the fallen lawmaker.

<blockquote>On March 4, only President William Ruto, the family, and the church will be only be allowed to speak. Then on March 3, 2025, other political leaders will be allowed to give condolence messages.</blockquote>

He added that the President has offered to transport Malulu’s body from Nairobi to Malava by air in time for the final sendoff.

Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet supported the plan shared by the family, noting that a peaceful funeral is a befitting honour to the late lawmaker.

<blockquote>Those people who will be transported to come and cheer (campaign) for others, tell them this is the funeral of Moses Injendi Malulu. We want a funeral that will be peaceful.</blockquote>

Malava MP Moses Malulu Injendi and his brother Samuel

<h3>Funerals become the latest battleground for politicians after churches</h3>

Funerals have in the recent past been characterized by chaos with politicians taking over, rival factions clashing and grieving families left counting losses in addition to the pain of losing their loved ones.

In some case, fatal injuries and even deaths have been reported with police stepping in to restore calm.

Earlier this month, chaos broke out at the burial of the late Chief Gerald Odongo in Matungu, Kakamega County with rival factions clashing.

The saw left the family slapped with a demand of over Sh.1.5 million as compensation for the damage to their equipment.

The family noted that the chaos were politically-induced, with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Setting aside a day for politicians with condolence messages to deliver their messages and other demands form Malulu Injendi’s funeral

MP’s family outlines demands & 4 strategies to tame politicians during his burial

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that Kenyans will automatically be issued identity cards (ID) in future upon attaining the age of 18 years.

The CS confirmed that plans are underway to ensure this is rolled out in a way that is aligned with existing security protocols.

He explained that <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/what-scrapping-of-extra-id-vetting-means-for-millions-of-kenyan-somalis-2025021214373726516">data collected at various stages right from the time of birth </a>will form the basis of automatically issuing IDs to Kenyans upon turning 18.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen

“We have your information from when you went to school, when you went for services, of your family, family tree across and so you can’t just come and say ‘I want to be a citizen.’ We will see who is your mother, father, sister, uncle…Technology will assist us in these things.”

While supporting President William Ruto’s decision to do away with stringent ID vetting system for the communities along the border counties, Murkomen stated that alternative initiatives have been put in place to address any gaps that may arise from the controversial lifting of the vetting.

<h3>How vetting &amp; data collection will be done</h3>

He clarified that vetting as well as collection of crucial data will now start at birth to ensure that no Kenyan is inconvenienced when it comes to obtaining the crucial document.

READ: What scrapping of extra ID vetting means for millions of Kenyan Somalis

<blockquote>We are a ministry that is extremely responsible for the security of this country and we cannot play with the security. We are also responsible for ensuring that Kenyans enjoy rights equally without undue discrimination.</blockquote>

<blockquote>The fact that we removed extra vetting does not mean that we have compromised on security of the country. The process that we are going to apply now of identifying who has gotten an ID or who has not, is to leverage the existing data across the board to know who you are.</blockquote>

<h3>Ruto's controversial decision to abolish vetting</h3>

The vetting exercise was spread across all border counties and not restricted to those bordering Somalia as widely claimed, an allegation that the CS clarified while speaking at the Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge on Friday, February 21.

President William Ruto during a tour of North Eastern

<blockquote>I want to dissuade all Kenyans not to think about this as about North Eastern or border with Somalia. Don’t think that this policy was applied to one corner of the country; it is not true. “It is applying to all corners of the country, from Tanzania in Lunga Lunga to our border in Turkana with both South Sudan and Uganda to our border in Ethiopia then Somalia.</blockquote>

President William Ruto abolished the vetting process in February 2025, ending a practice that has been in place since the 1990s and recognising the unfair treatment Kenyan Somalis have endured over the years.

File image of President William Ruto with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen

He also explained how data collection and vetting will be done to ensure that all Kenyans are issued with national IDs upon turning 18 without contravening security protocols

Kenyans to get IDs automatically at 18 – CS Murkomen explains what you need to know

Several suspects have been arrested with police launching investigations into the disappearance of a 19-year-old City Hall intern whose body was found at Kenyatta National Hospital Mortuary 23 days after his disappearance.

Elvis Munene who was a student at KCA university and an intern at City Hall disappeared in January, with his family embarking on a search, hoping to trace him alive.

The family’s plight, coming at a time when the country was witnessing<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/entertainment/celebrities/kate-actress-larry-madowo-and-octopizzo-address-abductions-as-pressure-piles-on-ruto-2024122913575837508"> increased cases of abductions and disappearances</a> was covered by Citizen TV.

The late Elvis Munene who was an intern at City Hall intern and a student at KCA University

<h3>Mission in downtown Nairobi that ended in tragedy</h3>

Reports indicate that on the day of his disappearance, Munene was called by his close friend, Keith Chacha as he left City Hall Annex and they agreed to head to downtown Nairobi to purchase phone covers.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/politics/abduction-of-4-influencers-triggers-raila-2024122606122268205">Abduction of 4 influencers triggers Raila</a>

Their mission downtown would end in tragedy with <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/us-secretary-of-state-presses-ruto-over-abductions-in-phone-call-details-2024112007250623686">police confronting them and handcuffing Chacha</a>, while Munene managed to escape but was allegedly cornered by a mob at the junction of Kirinyaga Road and Charles Rubia Road.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/protest-erupts-in-nairobi-cbd-over-abductions-video-2024123010281963869">Protest erupts in Nairobi CBD over abductions [VIDEO]</a>

According to eye-witnesses, the events happened between Munene was attacked by 5pm and 7:30pm, with a mob attacking Munene who was eventually rescued by the police and taken to hospital in an ambulance.

<h3>Eye-witness recount final minutes</h3>

Citizen TV quoted Charles Kamande, a bodaboda rider who was around the scene recounted seeing Munene in the company of other friends.

<blockquote>Ilikuwa tu masaa ya 6 jioni hapo, walikuwa vijana wanne wakiteremka pale na wote walikuwa marafiki. Wakati wakizozana nikaenda zangu, kurudi nilipata amepigwa.</blockquote>

A second witness, Edward Mwangi alleged that he (Munene) was involved in a phone-snatching incident and was cornered by a crowd that beat him up before police intervened.

<blockquote>Huyo jamaa walisnatch simu hapa chini, akakuja akitaka kutoroka hivi juu watu wakamshika wakamchapa. Polisi wakakuja, wakakataza watu kumchapa, ambulance ikakuja, ikamchukua wakaenda. Hatujui waliendaje.</blockquote>

<h3>Family identifies body 23 days after reprting him missing</h3>

He was then taken to Kenyatta National Hospital and was moved to the ICU where doctors were unable to save his life.

READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/truth-about-man-forced-into-waiting-car-in-rongai-in-viral-video-2025011206235360816">Truth about man forced into waiting car in Rongai in viral video</a>

The <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/local/ipoa-deploys-rapid-response-teams-after-abductions-in-several-counties-2024122515070004589">body was moved to the mortuary</a>, with his family that was unaware of the tragic turn of events continuing with their search until February 20 when his body was identified.

Munene’s final minutes alive, as well as visible injuries on his forehead are the subject of ongoing investigation with police keen on establishing what actually transpired, the people responsible for his death and the motive.

A photo collage of the late Elvis Munene who was an intern at City Hall intern and a student at KCA University

Inside the final minutes of 19-year-old KCA University student found dead 23 days after going missing

Puzzle of 19-year-old City Hall intern found dead 23 days after going missing

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has closed the AUC Chairmanship by absolving President William Ruto from all blame in his loss.

Speaking at a dinner organized for the Kenyan delegation in Addis Ababa, Raila noted that the loss is bound to attract baseless claims and hollow theories, none of which is true.

<h3>Raila addresses rumours likely to arise from his loss</h3>

The former Prime Minister acknowledged that the loss is bound to attract all manner of rumours including his age factor, insufficient financial investment in the shuttle diplomacy, and allegations that President Ruto simply wanted to distract him from local politics and eventually humiliate him.

Charles Ouma

Articles written by the author

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