Faith Odhiambo, an exceptional legal mind and an advocate for justice, has been lauded for her unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and fairness by receiving the highly esteemed 24th Commonwealth Law Conference Rule of Law Award.
This distinguished recognition comes as a testament to Faith’s remarkable contribution to the legal field, where she has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring legal professionals across the globe. Her passion for advancing the rule of law, upholding human rights, and promoting legal reforms is truly unparalleled, earning her a place among the most respected figures in the legal community.
The Commonwealth Law Conference Rule of Law Award is given to individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the promotion of the rule of law, a cause Faith Odhiambo has passionately championed throughout her career. This prestigious honor not only recognizes her outstanding legal expertise but also acknowledges the profound impact she has had on enhancing justice and human dignity within the Commonwealth.
In her acceptance speech, Faith Odhiambo expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the award is a collective achievement, not only for her but also for the many mentors, colleagues, and supporters who have stood by her throughout her career. She reiterated her commitment to continuing her work in strengthening legal frameworks, advocating for the voiceless, and ensuring that justice remains accessible to all.
As the 24th recipient of this esteemed award, Faith Odhiambo is celebrated not just for her excellence in law but for her dedication to ensuring that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of a just and fair society.
Her groundbreaking work and contributions set a high standard for legal professionals around the world, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer who continues to inspire change and foster hope in the pursuit of justice.
Githunguri, Kenya – Fiery Githunguri Member of Parliament, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, has once again stirred the hornet’s nest, this time calling out what she terms as reckless and unaccounted public expenditure by the ruling Kenya Kwanza (KK) Brigade.
In a strongly-worded statement, Wamuchomba questioned the source of the massive funds allegedly spent during a single day of political events in Kilgoris, Githunguri, and Kiambaa. According to her, over KES 100 million was splashed in public donations, luxurious motorcades, and high-end helicopters as the KK team crisscrossed the three regions.
“Pressing for accountability is our singular role,” Wamuchomba asserted. “Yesterday alone, the KK Brigade spent over KES 100 million in public displays. Each MP had something to show off in their respective constituencies—choppers, limousines, and bundles of donations. The question Kenyans must ask is, where is this money coming from?”
The Githunguri MP, known for her bold and unapologetic stance, further criticized the government for its failure to meet basic financial obligations while its leaders appear to operate with extravagant ease.
“How is it that the government is struggling to pay its bills—delayed salaries, stalled development projects, and unpaid contractors—yet these leaders have access to unlimited resources for political theatrics?” she posed.
Her remarks have sparked fresh debate about transparency, accountability, and priorities within the ruling administration. As Kenyans grapple with rising living costs and economic uncertainty, the optics of opulence and unchecked spending are unlikely to go unnoticed.
Wamuchomba has urged investigative agencies and Parliament to initiate a thorough audit into the sources and use of such funds, insisting that leaders must be held accountable to the people they serve.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Land Commission (NLC), CHRP Kabale Tache Arero, has reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to the strategic adoption of cutting-edge geospatial technologies as a cornerstone of progressive land administration in Kenya.
On Monday morning, Arero, accompanied by NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi, presided over the formal inauguration of a comprehensive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Training Programme at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Kasarani. The initiative is tailored for county and national government officials, with the objective of enhancing institutional capacity in evidence-based spatial planning and sustainable land governance.
“The integration of GIS and remote sensing technologies has fundamentally transformed the architecture of land management,” Arero remarked. “These tools provide precise, real-time data that enable informed decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and fortify the foundations of sustainable development within our communities.”
She emphasized that the deployment of such advanced technologies is pivotal to refining land use efficiency, curbing mismanagement, and fostering an ecosystem of accountability and transparency in public land administration.
“At the National Land Commission, we are resolute in our pursuit of innovation-driven governance. We are deploying these tools not only to modernize our operational frameworks but to also actualize the development of an exhaustive public land inventory. Our overarching aim is to ensure equitable, efficient, and sustainable utilization of land for the collective good of the citizenry,” she asserted.
As Kenya grapples with complex land-related challenges—from historical injustices to rapid urbanization—the incorporation of geospatial intelligence is increasingly indispensable. By empowering public servants with this knowledge, the Commission aspires to entrench data-driven planning and propel the nation toward a future where land resources are judiciously managed and equitably distributed.
The GIS and Remote Sensing initiative exemplifies the Commission’s forward-thinking ethos, positioning it at the vanguard of digital transformation within the land sector and reinforcing its mandate to safeguard the national land interest with precision, integrity, and innovation.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially opened its first temple in East Africa, marking a historic milestone for its members in the region. Located in Nairobi’s Mountain View area along Hinga Road, just off Waiyaki Way, the Nairobi Kenya Temple is now welcoming visitors for a public open house beginning this week.
This temple is the 204th worldwide and the first of its kind in East Africa. It will serve more than 80,000 Latter-day Saints across seven neighboring countries, providing a sacred space for ordinances such as eternal marriages and baptisms—key practices rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“We stand amazed to see the construction of the house of the Lord here in Nairobi, Kenya,” said Elder Thierry Mutombo during a media tour on Monday. “We are humbled to witness God’s love and tender mercies in blessing the Saints and their families on both sides of the veil,” he added. “The house of the Lord is built for worship and for making sacred covenants of eternal significance. I love to see the house of the Lord in this beautiful land of Kenya and the East Africa region.”
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is scheduled to dedicate the temple on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The dedicatory session will be broadcast live to all congregations within the temple district.
Following the dedication, only worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may enter to worship, serve, and perform sacred ordinances.
The Church’s presence in Kenya began in 1979 with the first baptisms. By 1981, small congregations had been established in Nairobi and Kiboko. The first stake in Kenya was organized in 2001. Since then, membership has grown steadily in Kenya and throughout the region. Today, Kenya is home to more than 19,200 members across approximately 70 congregations and three stakes.
Until now, Latter-day Saints in Kenya and surrounding nations traveled to the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple—the nearest temple. The Nairobi Kenya Temple will now serve members in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
During the open house period, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the temple and learn more about its purpose and significance to Latter-day Saints.
Church members consider temples to be the “house of the Lord”—the most sacred spaces on earth. Within their walls, families are bound together forever, life’s purpose is taught, and God’s plan of salvation is explained. Temple attendance also promotes personal spiritual growth and reinforces a commitment to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) has issued a fierce and unrelenting condemnation of the outrageous teargassing of students at Butere Girls High School—a vile, shameful act that has shocked the nation and laid bare the growing crisis of police brutality in Kenya.
In what can only be described as a grotesque display of state-sponsored violence, young schoolgirls were subjected to teargas within the very grounds that should shield them from harm—their classrooms. This was not only a reckless breach of duty by those entrusted with public safety, but a heartless violation of children’s rights, security, and dignity.
KEWOPA is appalled.
In a strongly-worded statement, the association termed the incident “unacceptable and deeply concerning,” demanding immediate investigations, full accountability, and concrete action to ensure the safety of children is never again compromised by state agents.
“This act is a stain on our nation’s conscience. Our children are not enemy combatants. They are innocent students who must be protected, nurtured, and shielded from harm—not brutalized with chemical weapons meant for riot control,” KEWOPA declared.
The association further decried the normalization of excessive force by police officers, calling it a clear sign of institutional decay and moral collapse within the enforcement ranks.
KEWOPA is calling on the Ministry of Education, the National Police Service, the Interior Ministry, and human rights watchdogs to act decisively and transparently. The nation cannot sit back and watch as its future—its children—is brutalized. Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not war zones.
KEWOPA stands united in defense of Kenya’s daughters. The time for justice is now.
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Sen. Julius Murgor (West Pokot) today heard responses from both law firms of Kaplan & Stratton Advocates representing Kenya Breweries Ltd. and Avocate Harrison Kinyanjui representing 125 former employees of KBL in an ongoing probe over unpaid compensation to former Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) employees who had been laid off.
The hearing, which follows a previous tense engagement by the Committee with the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC), aimed to clarify issues raised in a Petition to the Senate brought by 125 aggrieved former KBL staff.
At the outset, Advocate Harrison Kinyanjui raised an objection on the issues being a live Judicial proceeding and therefor sub Judice, on the grounds that an imminent Hearing of settlement of final dues to all former KBL employees in this case was coming up for hearing on 2nd May 2025.
The lawyer cited Senate Standing Order 103, which restricts Parliamentary discussion on matters currently before the courts to avoid prejudice.
However, the Committee insisted on hearing the matter and Sen. Miraj Abdullahi referenced a Speaker’s Ruling of 2nd August 2018, noting that even if active judicial elements are present, the Committee retains discretion on whether to proceed with a hearing before it.
Sen. Gloria Orwoba further reinforced the Committee’s powers under Article 125(1) of the Constitution, affirming their authority to summon and gather information equivalent to that of the High Court.
Sen. Beth Syengo supported proceeding with the session, pointing out that the Committee is bound by petition timelines and cannot delay proceedings indefinitely in deference to Court schedules.
Kaplan & Stratton Advocates, represented by Advocate Peter Gachuhi, opened their submissions by distancing the firm from the central complaints in the petition.
Mr. Gachuhi emphasized that the core grievances appeared to relate to Client and Advocate issues between Harrison Kinyanjui on the one hand and the Petitioners on the other hand, and allegedly not Kaplan & Stratton.
“We paid the firm of Harrison Kinyanjui Adcocates the judgment sum of Kshs. 9,405,541 as ordered by the Court for remittance to the Petitioners.These amounts were made in full and final settlement and discharge vouchers were duly signed. Those are legal and binding documents,” stated Mr. Gachuhi.
However, the Committee pointed out discrepancies in the Consent which Mr. Gachuhi was citing with the Judgement, noting that this was only part of the payments to be made to the former employees.
In that regard, Sen. Gloria Orwoba drew attention to the Consent filed and co-signed by Kaplan & Stratton and Harrison Kinyanjui Advocate s, which referenced Paragraph 14 of the Court judgment—a section specifically dealing with withheld refundable deposits, not the one-month salary in lieu of notice referenced in paragraphs 18 and 20 of the Judgement.
Advocate Kinyanjui acknowledged this distinction, stating that indeed what had been paid by Kaplan and Stratton was paid to the Petitioners and that it wa “the full and final settlement was in respect to the withheld monies.” and not the one month notice payments which were still to be paid awaiting the outcome of an appeal lodged by KBL.
This I turn raised questions about whether Kaplan & Stratton Advocates had indeed fully complied with the judgment of the Court.
Sen Seki Lenku (Kajiado) noted Mr. Gachuhi’s hesitancy and suggested that the Committee could escalate the matter by summoning the CEO of EABL, KBL’s parent company.
Mr. Gachuhi, in response, requested the Committee to await the outcome of a related court ruling scheduled for 2nd May 2025.
This absolved Advocate Kinyanjui from blame before the Committee and points more squarely at Kaplan & Stratton’s failure to fully execute the judgment of the Court, especially in regard to the non payment of the one month damages for unlawful termination to the former employees.
The session was characterised by pointed inquiry by the Senators who pressed for clarity and accountability.
In terms of resolutions, the Committee directed the Advocates Complaints Commission to follow up with Kaplan & Stratton on the transfer of the outstanding sums of the one month damages to be remitted to Advocate Kinyanjui for forward transmission to the 125 Petitioners, with a firm deadline of June 2025.
Sen. Orwoba requested the Petitioners to apologise to Advocate Harrison Kinyanjui for the negative impression created that he had failed to account for their dues when this was not the case at all.
Sen. Seki equally requested the Petitioners to be patient in that regard and appreciate the work and effort of Advocate Harrison Kinyanjui which had been rendered pro bono to secure them Justice.
The Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (NAHUSOM), a coalition of civil society and faith-based organizations, has raised the alarm over the disturbing rise in human trafficking for forced criminality involving Kenyan nationals.
In a joint statement issued Thursday in Nairobi, NAHUSOM—which includes groups such as Counter Human Trafficking East Africa (CHTEA), the Salvation Army, Sema Nami, among others—called on the Government of Kenya to urgently establish a Special Inquiry Commission to investigate the trafficking of citizens, particularly to conflict zones like Myanmar, where victims have reportedly been forced into cybercrime under duress.
The call follows alarming revelations from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. In February, the Ministry confirmed that several Kenyans were among hundreds of foreign nationals lured to Myanmar and held in fraud centres operated by armed rebel groups. According to the Ministry, victims were coerced into online crimes including fraud, phishing, romance scams, identity theft, and cryptocurrency scams—often under inhumane and life-threatening conditions.
NAHUSOM expressed deep concern over this emerging form of exploitation, describing it as a chilling evolution of human trafficking. While the crime has traditionally involved forced labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude, traffickers are now forcing victims to commit criminal acts. This trend not only deepens the trauma for survivors but also threatens Kenya’s national security and global cyber safety.
The network also drew attention to the ongoing suffering of Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries, where many continue to face abuse, exploitation, and even death.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in rescuing and repatriating some victims from Myanmar, NAHUSOM emphasized the need for stronger and more transparent interventions. The network urged the state to establish a fully mandated commission to uncover the full extent of trafficking for forced criminality, investigate those involved, and ensure accountability for institutions, recruitment agencies, and individuals found complicit.
Additionally, NAHUSOM called for enhanced protections for Kenyan migrant workers and stronger reintegration support systems for trafficking survivors.
Reaffirming its commitment to the fight against human trafficking, NAHUSOM said it will nominate anti-trafficking experts to support the work of the proposed commission and collaborate with the government on efforts to protect victims, prosecute offenders, and strengthen prevention mechanisms.
“We urge immediate action to ensure that no Kenyan becomes a victim of such exploitative and criminal trafficking schemes,” the statement read in part.
The network concluded by calling on the government to act swiftly and decisively, saying it is a matter of national urgency and human dignity.
On April 5, 2025, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) launched a lion capture operation in Mutara-Rumuruti to address rising human-wildlife conflict. Lions have been reported to be preying on livestock, increasing tensions in the community.
During the search operation for the lions, the KWS Veterinary and Capture Unit came across a limping bull. Dr. Maurice Gichangi, a KWS vet, sought permission from the bull’s owner to provide care. With consent, he treated the animal’s injured leg—going beyond their call of duties to offer relief.
The lion search operation continues, aiming to relocate the lions and reduce the conflict. This incident highlights KWS’s commitment to both wildlife conservation and the well-being of communities.
Every action counts, and every life matters! By working together, we can ensure harmonious coexistence in our shared spaces for generations to come.
The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) embarked on a transformative journey, ushering in new leadership focused on accountability, presence and purpose.
Senator Veronica Maina was elected Chairperson on 1st April 2025, leading alongside Vice Chair, Senator Hezena Lemaletian. Senators Beth Syengo, Mariam Omar and Esther Okenyuri continue their roles as Secretary, Treasurer and Organizing Secretary, respectively. They promised their commitment to creating a more inclusive and purpose-driven KEWOSA, ensuring that no woman is left behind.
KEWOSA is also confronting a national crisis, the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. In a press statement this Wednesday, KEWOSA expressed its outrage over the increasing violence against women and girls across the country demanding action.
“We mourn the loss of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi from Wajir, murdered for rejecting an arranged marriage. We remember the woman in Baringo, tragically killed by her estranged husband in front of her children. We stand with widows in Kisii and Nyamira, who are stripped of their dignity by outdated customs. These are not traditions they are crimes,” said Chairperson Sen. Maina.
While appreciating the government’s allocation of Ksh. 100 million under the leadership of the President to combat GBV and femicide, KEWOSA stressed that laws alone are insufficient without implementation. With counties like Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru grappling with alarming cases, KEWOSA is taking the fight to the grassroots. Each nominated senator has been allocated KSh 930,000 to lead advocacy and community sensitization programmes tailored to their constituencies.
“From advocating for gender desks in police stations, expediting GBV case prosecutions and promoting responsible media reporting, to fostering community-centered action and empowering survivors, KEWOSA is declaring: Enough is enough. Today’s message is not just a statement. It’s a call to action,” Sen. Maina affirmed.
KSG Director General Prof. Nura Mohamed, Ph.D, EBS and Principal of IPA Dr. Shabaan M. Suleiman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya School of Government and Institute of Public Administration (IPA), Zanzibar to advance areas of mutual interest such as capacity development and research in various areas- governance, human resource management, and environment sustainability among others. Together with Prof. Mohamed from KSG, are Dr. Prisca Oluoch, Director Linkages and Collaboration and Ms. Elizabeth Ngava, Principal Administrative Office in the Office of the Director General.
