Raphael
Articles by Raphael
Ruto police brutality payout plan divides Kenya as missing victim families wait
Kenya’s bold move to compensate victims of police brutality is hitting fierce resistance from opposition leaders and activists who warn the government’s plan risks becoming a smokescreen for impunity. Despite President William Ruto’s recent proclamation to set up a framework for reparations, critics argue that the initiative lacks transparency and inclusivity, threatening to deepen political divisions ahead of looming elections. On Friday, 8 August 2025, Ruto established a coordinating framework for compensation of victims of protests and riots, to be housed under the Executive Office of the President. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had, on 19 July 2025, said victims
Catholic bishops slam Ruto gov’t over rights abuses, misrule
The Kenya Catholic bishops have called on young people to continue expressing their grievances through peaceful protests, while demanding answers from the government over killings, disappearances and brutality witnessed during last year’s demonstrations. Addressing the press on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) urged youth to protest lawfully, even as they sharply criticised government agencies for what they termed as shrinking civic space, selective justice, and violent suppression of dissent. They said the voices of young people must not be silenced but heard and respected. “As bishops, we appeal to the youth to exercise their
US, UK lead diplomatic call for peace and justice ahead of June 25 anniversary
As Kenya prepares to mark the anniversary of the 25 June 2024, protests, ambassadors and high commissioners from several countries have released a joint statement calling for peace, respect for the right to protest, and accountability. The statement, shared by the UK High Commission in Kenya via X on Tuesday, 24June 2025, includes support from 11 embassies and high commissions. These are from the UK, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, among others. “ 25 June marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance
Murkomen announces sweeping reforms in police sector
In the wake of the brutal murder of blogger and teacher Albert Omondi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has, on Monday, 16 June 2025, announced a raft of reforms aimed at transforming the National Police Service (NPS) and restoring public confidence in law enforcement. Speaking from Harambee House during a national address on the state of security in the country, Murkomen said the government is committed to ensuring justice and accountability in the wake of growing concerns over police conduct. He outlined several key interventions to address systemic issues within the police service. Among the measures announced is the mandatory
Activists Mwangi, Agather recount sexual assault, torture in Tanzania
Activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire have shared chilling details of their abduction, torture, and deportation by Tanzanian authorities, a harrowing ordeal that has drawn condemnation from across the region. Speaking in Nairobi on, Monday, 2 June 2025, a week after their return from Tanzania, Mwangi recounted the terrifying experience that began with their arrest while attending court proceedings for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. “They did very terrible things to me and Agather. Whatever they did was recorded, and they said they would release the footage once we returned home,” Mwangi told journalists. The former
Judiciary seeks probe into Senior Counsel Ahmednasir over corruption claims
The Judiciary has formally requested the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to launch an investigation into what it describes as persistent and baseless allegations of judicial corruption made by prominent lawyer Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi. In a letter dated 20 May 2025, addressed to DPP Renson M. Ingonga, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Hon. Winfridah B. Mokaya expressed concern over social media posts by Ahmednasir, claiming that a Supreme Court Judge accepted a KSh 4 million bribe to influence a Court of Appeal case. According to Ahmednasir’s posts on X (formerly Twitter), the judge allegedly refunded KSh 3
Accountants urged to lead hustler economic agenda
The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya has challenged the accountants to ramp up efforts in growing the country’s economy. Speaking at the Conference held in Sarova Hotel, Mombasa, Oparanya said that his docket need focused people to ensure provision of services to the citizens. The five-day seminar, themed “Beyond the Profession: Accountants in all Spheres of the Economy”, brought together hundreds of professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore the evolving role of accountants in shaping Kenya’s future. In his keynote address, the Cs praised ICPAK for its continued leadership and relevance, noting that the profession must
Senior NYS officials implicated in KSh2B fraud
The quiet town of Gilgil, known for its disciplined paramilitary training academy, was rocked by a sweeping anti-corruption operation that has unearthed what investigators are calling “one of the largest embezzlement scandals in recent public history.” On Wednesday 7 May 2025, officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission descended on the homes and offices of senior officials of the National Youth Service, acting under court-issued search orders. In a terse but revealing statement,the EACC, confirmed the raid. “The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission conducted a successful investigative search at the residences and offices of senior officials at the National Youth Service