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By Cantona Joseph Published on: March 24, 2026 04:27 (EAT)
File image of the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre in Nairobi. PHOTO | COURTESY
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The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has conducted a major raid at the Embu County Government over an alleged Ksh.95 million tender scandal involving multiple companies linked to county officials and Members of the County Assembly.
Anti-corruption detectives pitched camp at the county headquarters as investigations intensified into a suspected conflict of interest involving three MCAs and several procurement officers.
According to preliminary findings presented by EACC Central Regional Manager Japheth Baithalu, the commission raided at least eight homes associated with the MCAs and procurement officials as part of the ongoing probe.
Investigations indicate that the three MCAs are suspected to have had beneficial interests in at least eleven companies that the county government awarded tenders.
Detectives believe the companies may have been used as conduits to secure lucrative contracts, raising concerns over abuse of office, conflict of interest, and violation of procurement laws.
Further findings suggest that the officials, including the MCAs, may have received approximately Ksh.95 million through the irregularly awarded contracts.
During the operation, EACC officers spent hours inside the county offices collecting key documents, including procurement records, payment details, and contract files linked to the suspected companies.
Baithalu indicated that the commission is focusing on establishing the extent of involvement by the MCAs in influencing the award of tenders and whether they failed to declare their interests as required by law.
The county government has reportedly cooperated with investigators, although the operation caused tension within the offices as detectives secured critical records.
The EACC has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with appropriate legal action expected against any individuals found culpable.
Nairobi intensifies crackdown on land rates defaulters, hires debt collectors ahead of deadline
File image of the Nairobi County government headquarters at City Hall.
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The Nairobi City County Government has stepped up its revenue enforcement efforts by engaging professional debt collectors, signaling the end of a prolonged grace period for land rates defaulters as the March 31 deadline approaches.
Sources within the Revenue Collection Department indicate the move marks a decisive shift from facilitation to enforcement, following more than a year of leniency, structured payment plans, and sustained stakeholder engagement aimed at boosting compliance.
The decision, backed by the office of Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge, is intended to seal revenue leakages that have constrained the county’s capacity to deliver essential public services.
Land rates remain a critical source of funding for infrastructure development, including roads, drainage systems, and waste management. However, compliance has remained uneven, prompting officials to push for greater accountability and equity among property owners.
The enforcement exercise will be conducted within a structured legal framework under the Rating Act, 2024, ensuring due process is observed even as pressure mounts on defaulters. Property owners with outstanding balances now face penalties, legal action, and the potential auction of properties where arrears remain unresolved.
With the entry of professional debt collectors, follow-ups are expected to intensify, marking a transition toward a more systematic and sustained approach to revenue recovery.
Despite the tougher stance, sources indicate that City Hall is still offering a final window for voluntary compliance ahead of the deadline. Property owners who settle their dues within this period will avoid penalties and retain full control of their properties. Those who fail to comply, however, risk falling under a stringent enforcement regime with significant financial and legal consequences.
Tuju needs honest friends, not scavengers riding on his misfortune – Ruto
President William Ruto speaking during a roadside rally in Migori County on March 24, 2026.
President William Ruto has sustained his attacks on the United Opposition, claiming that they are exploiting Raphael Tuju’s misfortune to sustain their relevance.
According to the President, his political rivals in the opposition front are hell-bent on using Tuju’s adversity for gaining political mileage, misleading him even when he is facing a contentious legal battle.
“Tuju needs honest friends and advisers. They told him to go and hide in his bedroom and lie that he has been abducted. He does not need scavengers who are riding on his misfortune. They are seeking prominence from Tuju,” said Ruto during a roadside rally in Migori.
“We want Tuju to be advised so that he can secure his property and move forward. He does not need those people.”
President Ruto further scoffed at the political factions’ attempt to unseat him during the 2027 General Election, saying that they lack the competence to govern Kenyans.
“We do not have an opposition in Kenya. Their future is hollow, empty and sterile. It is an alternative to nothing. These people cannot lead Kenya. And we are going to expose them,” he said.
The former Cabinet Secretary was arrested on Monday after he allegedly staged his abduction on March 21, as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that he was hiding in his residence while sparking unnecessary unrest.
He is expected to be charged with giving false information to a person employed in public service, contrary to Section 129(a) of the Penal Code.
According to a charge sheet shared by his lawyers, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved the charges against the former minister, paving the way for his arraignment in court.
He has moved to the High Court seeking anticipatory bail, claiming he is under constant threat of arrest and harassment by police and prosecution agencies.
In an ex parte application, Tuju claims that he was followed by unmarked vehicles on March 21 and forced to abandon his car to seek refuge at a secure location.
He later reported to Karen Police Station to record a statement, but alleges he was manhandled by officers, aggravating injuries sustained previously in an aeroplane and motor vehicle accident.
Tuju was transferred to Karen Hospital on Tuesday morning, where he remains under continuous police guard, despite not being formally charged.
PS Hinga defends Langata affordable housing project, says public was consulted
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga speaks during an interview on Citizen TV on November 25, 2025.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, has defended the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Langata, insisting that all legal, environmental, and procedural requirements were fully met despite ongoing court challenges.
In a replying affidavit filed in response to a petition challenging the project, PS Hinga says that extensive public participation was undertaken in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
He argues that the process involved household surveys, key informant interviews, and public barazas across Kibra Lots 1 to 5 in Mugumo-ini Ward, Langata Constituency.
Hinga revealed that initial meetings held at Ngei Primary School were disrupted by rumours of forced displacement, but the consultations were promptly relocated to project sites to ensure inclusive and meaningful engagement.
Community members, youth leaders, ministry officials, and consultants attended the barazas, raising concerns about housing allocation, affordability, employment opportunities, infrastructure, and potential environmental impacts.
“The barazas provided stakeholders with adequate opportunity to present their views, seek clarifications, and contribute to the planning process,” Hinga said.
According to the PS, residents were assured no forced displacements would occur and that allocations would be transparent through the government’s Boma Yangu portal.
Employment opportunities for local youth were also highlighted as part of the project’s social benefits.
Addressing environmental concerns, Hinga argues that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report was submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on 21st September 2025, adding that NEMA subsequently issued an Environmental Impact Assessment licence on 16th December 2025, authorizing the project subject to regulatory safeguards.
He further adds that consultations with aviation authorities and the Kenya Defence Forces showed full compliance with safety and security requirements, with no objections received from Wilson Airport or Langata Barracks.
On allegations that the project encroached on road and rail reserves or buffer zones, Hinga states that the land had been lawfully allocated for residential development under government planning frameworks.
The PS further warned that prolonged suspension of the project under conservatory court orders could result in financial losses, contract terminations, litigation, and safety hazards at the unoccupied construction site.
He has urged the court to adopt remedial measures that would allow the project to continue while addressing any procedural concerns, citing Supreme Court guidance on proportionality and public interest.
“The Petition lacks merit, and continued delay undermines the State’s constitutional mandate to provide accessible and adequate housing,” Hinga concluded, asking the court to dismiss the petition with costs.
Gov’t to target ministries, State agencies that fail to implement development plans
PS in the State Department for Economic Planning, Dr Boniface Makokha. [Photo/Video Courtesy]
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The government, through the National Treasury’s State Department for Economic Planning, has embarked on the formulation of an Economic Planning Policy that will introduce enforcement measures for ministries and state agencies failing to implement development plans such as Vision 2030 and the Medium Term Plan Four.
According to the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Economic Planning, Dr Bonface Makokha, the move is aimed at reining in stalled projects and restoring discipline in public spending.
The shift marks a change in approach by the State Department, which is now pushing for stricter compliance with the economic planning framework. Under the proposed policy, the government will, for the first time, introduce enforcement mechanisms to ensure state entities adhere to approved development blueprints.
Dr Makokha cited complacency as a key factor behind the country’s slow progress in achieving its development agenda, arguing that existing plans have often been treated as optional rather than binding.
“If a plan is like an advisory you eiotehr decide to take it or not even when you deviate nothing happens and i think that is the main weakness that we have and we are trying to adress that by introductionn of economic planning policy which will now strengthen the link between policy planning budgetting and implementation and include enforcement mechanism of if you are not able to stick by the boan then what happens to you,” said Dr Makokha.
Among the most consequential measures under consideration is the reduction of budgetary allocations to ministries, departments and agencies that fail to meet implementation targets. This means entities that do not deliver could see their future funding reduced — a sharp departure from the current system, where enforcement remains limited with minimal to no consequences.
“When we have a policy that now allows a very uniform template in how things are done, this will be a motivation because no one wants their plans to be delayed… delayed approvals mean you are delaying implementation,” Dr Makokha added.
By enforcing fidelity to development plans, the government hopes to improve project completion rates, enhance value for money, and restore credibility to the economic planning process.
However, the State Department acknowledges that implementation failures have often been linked to delayed funding, procurement bottlenecks and shifting priorities—challenges the new policy will also seek to address.
Government to meet AFCON’s financial and infrastructural requirements
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya addresses the media during the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series launch at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi on Tuesday March 24, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY
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Kenya will meet all her financial obligations as well as ensure full infrastructural compliance as she gears to host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tanzania and Uganda next year.
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the Ministry was working closely with all the relevant bodies including the Parliamentary Committee on Sports and the National Treasury as part of Whole-of-Government-Approach towards availing all resources required for hosting the continental tournament.
Mvurya was speaking on Tuesday during the official announcement and launch of FIFA Women’s Series that will be hosted by Kenya from 11th to 15th April.
“I want to assure all Kenyans and our international stakeholders including the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that we are meeting both our financial obligations and infrastructural compliances,” said Mvurya.
He further noted that Kenya’s preparedness for AFCON was progressing well and the country was fully confident of delivering a world-class by next year.
“We are on course with our sports infrastructure. This is why we invited CAF to come and check on our progress because we know are doing excellently,” he added.
Kenya is hosting AFCON next year alongside Uganda and Tanzania in a pamoja East Africa bid. As part of the hosting requirements, Kenya is set to pay Ksh 3.9 billion as mandatory hosting fee.
CAF also demanded the rehabilitation of the sports facilities that will be used to host the tournament.
Already, the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium is over 87 percent complete and is poised to be the main stadium for the AFCON matches.
The Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani will also be a venue for AFCON matches while Nyayo National Stadium will be used as team’s training ground.
Speaking during the event, the Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi termed it as a great honor to host the continental event.
He further urged Kenyans to be passionate in supporting Kenya to become a premier host of international tournaments through being positive and upbeat over such tournaments.
“We should be very proud and passionate that we are hosting this great sporting tournament,” he said.
Mbappe says injury is behind him, all systems go for World Cup
By AFP Published on: March 24, 2026 04:30 (EAT)
France’s forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League third place play-off football match between Germany and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany on June 8, 2025. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP)
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French superstar Kylian Mbappe says the knee injury that kept him sidelined for almost two months is “behind him” and there had never been a concern he would miss this year’s World Cup.
The 27-year-old Real Madrid striker admitted he had not been at his best mentally during the 54-day absence — the longest of his career.
“There was a lot of frustration, anger and anxiety,” the French captain said.
Mbappe, who along with the French squad flies to the United States on Tuesday for friendlies against Brazil on Thursday and then Colombia Sunday, came on as a substitute for a few minutes in last week’s Champions League last-16 match at Manchester City.
He also played over 25 minutes for Real — for whom he is top scorer this campaign with 38 goals in 34 appearances — in the 3-2 derby win over Atletico on Sunday.
“It is behind me,” he said of the injury.
“I put myself under a regime where I wanted to return gently but with a hunger to play.
“I hope I am going to be able to play during the international break and make a difference.”
The France captain — a World Cup winner in 2018 and runner-up in 2022 — said he had been annoyed by the rumour mill suggesting his injury was more serious than it actually was.
He had avoided undergoing surgery after scans he had in Paris at the beginning of March revealed he would not require an intervention.
“Lots of people gave their own diagnosis, I heard many false things,” said Mbappe, who was appearing at an event of an insurance company he invested in in Paris on Monday.
‘Not at my best’
Mbappe said there had never been a doubt about the injury preventing him from playing at what will be his third World Cup finals in June.
“No, that was never a topic of discussion,” he said.
“At worst I could have had a partial rupture (of the ligament) which would have ruled me out till April.
“There was never a debate about the World Cup or the climax to the season with Real Madrid.”
In spite of the sprain and the resulting pain the former PSG star played part of January and February, admitting he and Real “had tried to manage it as best as possible”.
“One has to look at the positive, today, I have no pain and we are still in the hunt for trophies, that is what is most important,” he said.
“We will have time afterwards to assess how it was handled.
“I am not going to go into the details, I will say I was not at my best in handling this period, I was not the happiest of players but I am delighted that is behind me now.
“All (the pain) is gone.”
Mbappe said he was looking forward to pitting his wits against the Brazilians, who are managed by Carlo Ancelotti, who coached the Frenchman in his first season at Real.
“It might be a friendly but when you play Brazil, the greatest footballing nation with five World Cup wins, it is unbelievable to play against them,” he said.
“It is a team who could win the World Cup, it is good to compare how we are at the moment with them.
“Even if we cannot take a lot of learnings out of this get together, we can nevertheless take some.
“One thing is for sure we are not going there for a holiday, we are going there as a step in our preparations for the World Cup.”
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