Author: staff reporter

George Ochila Owino, Lawyer Jackline P.Atieno Omolo and Mercy Muthoni

Rogue George Ochila Owino, lawyer Jackline P. Atieno Omolo and Mercy Muthoni Njeru have been charged with Fraud at a Nairobi Court.

The three, who doubles as the former Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO) are linked to Sh 3B scandal that left the Sacco on its knees.

The DCI on its social media handle said that the three who conspired to defraud, were arrested in different areas within the Kenyan Capital Nairobi adding that the last suspect was arrested in Nyeri.

Further investigations details says that they also conspiracy to defraud,

While appearing before Nairobi Senior Principal Magistrate Dalpina Alego, they jointly denied the charges on Thursday and pleaded for a lenient bond terms.

However, the Plea against George Otieno Ototo, a notorious suspect failed to take place since he did not  appear,he is expected in court on Tuesday.

The court heard that they conspired to defraud the financial institution by diverting Sh82,826,000, meant for the purchase of parcel of land LR23269/35 at Nairobi.

Furthermore, they are said to have  committed the offence on diverse dates between the month of October 2020 and April 2022 l, jointly with others not before court.

According to the DPP they jointly entered into agreement for sale of Land LR No.23269/35 in order to conceal or disguise the nature and source of Sh82,826,000  through accounts held at KCB and Oriental Bank respectively.

Both accounts were under the name of Jackline P. A Omolo & Advocates whilst having reasons to believe that the said monies were proceeds of crime.

They are said to have 6committed the fraud on diverse dates between 9th October 2020. and 30th April 2022 with others not before court, with intent to dispose of, the money.

Magutu, Ototo and lawyer Omolo were further accused of making an agreement for sale of land LR No.23269/35 to make it appear authentic, with intent to deceive.

The prosecution alleged that they committed the offence on the 6th day of October 2020 with intent to defraud or deceive.

Lawyer Jackline Omollo was accused of knowingly and fraudulently uttering to Moses Adeli a forged agreement for sale purporting to be a genuine agreement for sale of Land LR LR No.337/1925 Machakos from Catherine Wanjiku Mbugua.

They are still in custody and the court will rule in bail issues on Monday.

Developers in Nairobi County are ‘over the moon’ after Justice O. Angote, the Presiding Judge at ELC Milimani Court delivered a judgement that now allows them to proceed with construction works even when there are existing court orders stopping any construction activities, so long as they can pay penalties or fines on disobeyance of those orders.

In June 2022, Citizens filed petition on illegal development of a 13 – Level Apartment Building on City Park Drive, Parklands.

They also filed an application for injunctive orders.

The Injunctive orders were granted by the ELC Judge order compelling Nairobi County Government to stop all development activities pending determination of the petition. The Orders were ignored and disobeyed, and construction work continued.

The court then found the county govt officers and the developers of contempt and sentenced them to pay Ksh2M fine each.

Contemnors were also ordered to purge the contempt. They ignored the purge order and construction work continued.

A further contempt application was there after filed by the petitioners and Court gave directions that parties file submissions a the application and on the main petition.

Parties filed their respective submissions and court ordered that the ruling on the application and the main suit be delivered on the same date.

Ironically on the said date, the court delivered judgement on the main petition and dismissed it.

The same court gave another date to rule on the further contempt application.

“Judgement was made by Head Judge of ELC. All other judges have no otherwise but to follow this authority”, said one of the developer’s lawyers present during a celebration party held on Friday in Parklands.

Following the developments, petitioners have appealed against the judgment.

Feb 13 -Two Google employee in were on Thursday charged with cyber crime after they illegally conspired to temper with some Data associated to an MP Aspirant.

The two James Mugo and Kelvin Kabaya Kung’u are said to have illegally logged into the system and tempered with the Data associated to Politician Francis Mureithi from Kenya with the intentions to delete his data associated to a court case in which he had been charged with fraud.

” We have dismissed two individuals from a country in East Africa for trying to delete some data associated with Francis Mureithi Wambugu without a court case that could allow the said process to proceed in a legal way,” said a google official.

They jointly denied the charges before an East African Court and were granted a bond of Sh 1Million with a cash bail of Sh1Million.

The case will proceed on February 28.

CAPTION: Skaters entertain Naivas customers in one of its branches. PIC By Tum David

by Tum David

Kenya’s leading retailer, Naivas Supermarket, is proud to announce the opening of its latest store, marking branch number 110 in the country. Located in Tatu City, Ruiru, Kiambu County, this new outlet is set to serve the growing community and surrounding areas.
Spanning an impressive 7,000 square feet of retail space, the store is well-equipped with a wide selection of quality products, including fresh produce, groceries, and a diverse range of
household goods. Additionally, the Naivas deli offers convenient, ready-to-go meals, ensuring a quick and easy shopping experience for busy customers.
The opening of this store comes at a time of economic challenges, yet Naivas remains committed to its brand promise of “saving you money.” Despite the current economic
climate, the supermarket continues to deliver exceptional value, offering shoppers excellent deals that provide some relief in these tough times.
“We are excited to bring this new outlet to Tatu City, which we believe will significantly enhance the shopping experience for residents and surrounding communities,” said
Andreas Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas. “This new development is a direct reflection of our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers. We achieve this by offering not only an outstanding product range but by understanding the needs and
preferences of those we serve. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, we remain focused on delivering a world-class shopping experience, something that has become synonymous with the Naivas brand.”
Naivas continues to demonstrate its dedication to customer satisfaction through ongoing research and a keen focus on addressing market gaps. The company remains steadfast in its mission to make people’s lives better by offering quality products, exceptional service, and great value for money

The opening of the Tatu City store further exemplifies Naivas’ growth and its vision to expand its footprint across the country, solidifying its position as Kenya’s most trusted retail brand.

By John Kariuki

Kenya’s legal fraternity is celebrating a historic milestone following the recognition of Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, as the recipient of the Commonwealth Law Conference Rule of Law Award. This prestigious award, conferred by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to upholding the rule of law, justice, and good governance.

Faith Odhiambo’s dedication to legal excellence, judicial independence, and human rights advocacy has been widely acknowledged, making her a deserving recipient of this global honor. Her leadership at LSK has been marked by fearless advocacy for judicial reforms, accountability, and protection of constitutional rights, positioning her as a formidable force in Kenya’s legal landscape.

In response to the award, legal professionals across Kenya and the broader Commonwealth have hailed Odhiambo’s achievement as a victory for Kenya’s legal profession. The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and prominent legal minds have extended their congratulations, recognizing her unwavering commitment to justice and governance.

This award not only elevates Kenya’s position in global legal circles but also serves as an inspiration for young lawyers and legal practitioners across Africa. Odhiambo’s impact continues to resonate within legal corridors, ensuring that the fight for justice remains steadfast.

With this recognition, Faith Odhiambo joins an elite class of legal minds driving change and reinforcing the rule of law across the Commonwealth.

Hongera, President Faith Odhiambo! Kenya stands proud of your achievement.

By John Kariuki

Renowned businessman and medical professional, Dr. Moses Mwangi, has expressed confidence in former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ability to clinch the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship in the upcoming election slated for the 15th of this month.

Dr. Mwangi hailed Odinga as a seasoned statesman whose leadership on the continental stage would not only be a personal triumph but also a major diplomatic win for Kenya. He emphasized that Odinga’s victory would elevate Kenya’s international standing and strengthen its influence in African affairs.

Describing Odinga as a formidable candidate, Dr. Mwangi lauded his relentless campaign and unwavering commitment to good governance and justice. He expressed optimism that Odinga’s track record as a pan-African leader and advocate for democracy would secure him the highly coveted seat.

Furthermore, Dr. Mwangi noted that should Odinga emerge victorious, it would create an opportunity for the Azimio coalition to strategize on a strong candidate for Kenya’s 2027 General Election. He suggested that if a well-positioned contender were to step into Odinga’s shoes, they could present a formidable challenge to President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

With the AUC election fast approaching, Dr. Mwangi believes that Odinga’s win would not only shape Africa’s future but also redefine Kenya’s political landscape in the coming years.

By John Kariuki

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) continues to foster strong collaborations with global conservation organizations to enhance wildlife protection and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. This morning, KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga hosted a delegation from the Born Free Foundation, led by Will Travers OBE, Co-founder and Executive President, for a courtesy meeting aimed at strengthening conservation efforts in key ecosystems.

During the discussions, the two teams explored opportunities for deeper collaboration, particularly in the Meru, Kora, and Amboseli ecosystems. These areas are crucial wildlife habitats but are also hotspots for human-wildlife interactions, which often result in conflicts that threaten both community livelihoods and wildlife survival. Enhancing cooperation in these regions is essential to developing sustainable solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Born Free Foundation has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya for over 40 years, implementing projects that address critical challenges in biodiversity protection. The organization has played a pivotal role in constructing lion-proof bomas to prevent predators from attacking livestock, thereby reducing retaliation killings by herders. They have also installed lion lights, an innovative deterrent system that helps keep lions and other predators away from homesteads, and have spearheaded conservation awareness programs to educate and empower local communities on peaceful coexistence with wildlife.

These initiatives have proven highly effective in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, ultimately promoting harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife. By reducing livestock losses and fostering local engagement in conservation, Born Free has contributed to long-term wildlife protection while also supporting the well-being of people living near protected areas.

Prof. Kanga emphasized that strong partnerships between government agencies and conservation organizations are essential for the long-term success of wildlife conservation efforts. He highlighted the importance of leveraging expertise, resources, and community-driven approaches to ensure that conservation initiatives have a lasting impact.

Will Travers reaffirmed Born Free Foundation’s commitment to working closely with KWS to enhance conservation strategies, particularly in areas facing high human-wildlife conflict. He acknowledged the critical role that KWS plays in protecting Kenya’s wildlife and expressed optimism that through strategic collaboration, significant progress can be made in ensuring the survival of key species and securing their habitats for future generations.

This renewed collaboration between KWS and Born Free Foundation represents a shared vision for a future where Kenya’s wildlife and communities can thrive together. By combining scientific research, community engagement, and innovative conservation strategies, both organizations are setting a strong foundation for sustainable wildlife protection.

As Kenya continues to lead in wildlife conservation across Africa, partnerships like this remain vital in addressing conservation challenges, promoting biodiversity, and securing a better future for both people and wildlife.

By John Kariuki

In a resounding testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to service, Hon. Rose Mumo Museo, the esteemed Woman Representative for Makueni County, has once again risen to the top, emerging as the best-performing Woman Representative in the Lower Eastern Region. The latest Infotrak survey, released on Wednesday, ranked her an impressive 2nd nationwide, securing a remarkable 46% approval rating—a feat that cements her place as one of Kenya’s most outstanding leaders.

This achievement is not just a number; it is a reflection of the trust, admiration, and confidence that the people of Makueni have in their leader. It speaks to her tireless dedication, strategic leadership, and relentless pursuit of progress, ensuring that Makueni remains a model of good governance and development.

Hon. Museo’s leadership transcends mere politics—she embodies true servant leadership, championing causes that uplift her people. From advocating for women’s empowerment, fighting for better education opportunities, and initiating youth employment programs to spearheading development projects that transform lives, she has etched her name in the hearts of many. Her passion for service and commitment to excellence have set her apart, making her a symbol of hope and inspiration not just in Makueni but across Kenya. She has defied odds, shattered glass ceilings, and consistently raised the bar in leadership, proving that women can lead with both compassion and impact.

Speaking on this historic achievement, Hon. Museo expressed her deep gratitude to both God and the people of Makueni for their unwavering support.

“Makueni has been blessed with yet another great win! I am humbled to announce that Infotrak has ranked my overall performance as the 2nd Best Performing Woman Representative Nationwide. This is a remarkable achievement for my people and my service in the August House. I give all thanks to God.”

Beyond gratitude, she remains steadfast in her commitment to delivering even greater results, declaring that “this is only the beginning; greater things lie ahead!”

By John Kariuki

Melbourne, Australia – Kenya’s tourism game just went up a notch, and Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano is leading the charge! Touching down in Melbourne, she didn’t just promote Kenya—she sold the dream. Speaking to top-tier Australian travel journalists, she pitched Magical Kenya as the ultimate adventure destination, packed with thrilling safaris, pristine beaches, luxury stays, and vibrant culture.

“Kenya is not just a place; it’s an experience! From the Big Five to our breathtaking coastlines, we have everything an adventure seeker could ever dream of. Our world-class hospitality and unique travel experiences set us apart. It’s time for the world to see Kenya through a fresh, exciting lens,” Miano declared.

And guess what? The Aussies were all in! Many who’ve been to Kenya shared glowing reviews of their experiences—wildlife encounters straight out of National Geographic, jaw-dropping sunsets over the savannah, and the warmth of the Kenyan people. Some were even ready to book their next trip, promising to bring friends along for the ride.

Miano’s visit wasn’t just about showcasing what Kenya already has—it was about the future. She highlighted Kenya’s expanding tourism frontiers, from sports and wellness tourism to agri-tourism and cultural adventures. The goal? To make Kenya the go-to destination for every kind of traveler.

With Magical Kenya making waves globally, Miano’s mission is clear: put Kenya on every traveler’s bucket list. And from the buzz in Australia, it’s safe to say she’s doing just that.

By John Kariuki

Kirinyaga County is making headlines after two of its leaders emerged as the best-performing legislators in Kenya, according to a new InfoTrak survey. The county’s Woman Representative, Hon. Njeri Maina, and Senator Kamau Murango have topped national rankings, cementing their influence in the country’s political landscape.

Hon. Njeri Maina, popularly known as “Gasheri Gaitu”, was ranked as the best-performing Woman Representative in Kenya, a recognition that reflects her growing popularity and impactful leadership. The firebrand legislator has captivated the nation with her fearless advocacy, strong development agenda, and unwavering commitment to her constituents.

She outshone her peers, with Makueni Woman Representative Hon. Rose Museo Mumo and Homa Bay’s Hon. Bensuda Osogo Atieno tying in second place with a 46% approval rating.

Meanwhile, Kirinyaga’s Senator Kamau Murango also made waves, securing the top spot as Kenya’s most popular senator, according to the survey. With a commanding 52% popularity rating, Murango’s performance and leadership style have resonated not just in Kirinyaga but across the country. His rise in national politics signals growing influence and confidence among his electorate.

The survey further revealed that Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo tied with Murango, also earning 52% popularity, making the two the highest-ranked senators in Kenya.

This double triumph for Kirinyaga County underscores its increasing prominence in national politics. The stellar performance of Njeri Maina and Kamau Murango is a testament to their dedication, leadership, and the faith their constituents have placed in them.

With the spotlight now on these two rising political stars, the question remains: Will they leverage this momentum to drive transformative change, not just in Kirinyaga but across the nation? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Kirinyaga is on the rise!