Chief Inspector Martin Munene, who led the investigation into the Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada Education Programme, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege at Nakuru Law Courts. The matter concerns Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei, accused on 10 counts including conspiracy, theft, abuse of office, and forgery. During his testimony, Munene faced scrutiny over alleged shortcomings in the investigation, such as using scanned signatures, failing to trace Sh32 million, and not contacting students or universities abroad. He was the final witness among 138, with the case set for submission highlights on February 16.
Dedan Kimathi Foundation CEO Ms Evelyn Kimathi on Thursday visited the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) in Athi River following an invitation by Managing Commissioner Maj. Gen. Jattani Gula. She engaged the KMC team, including Deputy Managing Commissioner Brig. C. K. Nyakundi on environmental collaboration. The visit aligned with the National Tree Growing and Forest Restoration Campaign targeting 30 per cent tree cover by 2032, with focus on seedling production to support the Kenya Defence Forces’ goal of planting 450 million trees by 2032. Ms. Kimathi donated assorted tree seeds and 20,000 polythene potting bags and pledged further supplies, technical input and labour support.
Joseph Wairagu, Murang’a County coordinator for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led party members to pay tribute to the late Chege Mwangi, a respected public servant and former colleague in the National Government Administration.
The ceremony was held at ACK St. John’s Church in Kiru, where family, friends, and community members gathered to honor Mwangi’s life and service. Known for his discipline, dedication, and faith, Mwangi served in various capacities, including as District Officer, District Commissioner, and County Commissioner in Nyeri, Meru, Kisii, and Laikipia, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.
The DCP coordinator who is popularly known as Wairagù Wa Maaì expressed his condolences to the Mwangi family and prayed for strength and comfort, noting that Mwangi’s legacy of integrity and public service would continue to inspire all who knew him.
The Government, through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), has disbursed KSh870.38 million to 132,780 vulnerable households under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) across Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Garissa, and Tana River counties. This cash transfer aims to cushion communities against worsening drought, stabilize food consumption, protect livelihoods, and reduce negative coping strategies. NDMA CEO Lt. Col. (Rtd) Hared Adan emphasized the transfers as a vital lifeline, complementing broader drought response measures. The initiative forms part of the Government’s early social protection efforts to address immediate food and essential needs during the ongoing crisis.
Orma elders in Bangali Sub-County, Tana River County, have surrendered two more illegal firearms, bringing the community’s total to six during the ongoing voluntary disarmament exercise. The initiative follows a 60-day amnesty period allowing residents to hand in illegal guns. The disarmament was prompted by violent clashes in late 2025 between the Orma and Degodia communities over pasture and water, which left at least 14 people dead. So far, the Degodia community has surrendered five firearms. Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir thanked both communities’ elders for their cooperation, emphasizing their role in promoting peace and security.
Some of the illegal Chinese coin-slot gambling machines confiscated in Ahero and Awasi towns were destroyed at the Nyando Deputy County Commissioner’s grounds during a multi-agency crackdown on illegal gambling. The machines were found to be operating illegally without registration from the Betting Control and Licensing Board, with authorities saying the exercise aims to curb crime, protect youth from gambling addiction, and enhance security in the sub-county. “We realized that the machines were not registered by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) during the crackdowns by a multi-agency security team conducted in December last year,” Nyando Deputy County Commissioner Elijah Maranga said.