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Ruto faces tough battle as key ally Munyaka defects

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Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyokareceives a book tilted Moving beyond Limitation from Reverend Gladys Muthui of Gospel Outreach Ministry Church Joska In Machakos County during the launch on March 15,2025. [Benard Orwongo,Standard]President William Ruto could face a huge challenge navigating the Ukambani political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election, given the unfolding political dynamics in the lower Eastern region.

While the region has traditionally followed the political leadership of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Ruto’s fortunes in Ukambani appear to be dwindling further, especially after losing key political allies.

Former Machakos Town legislator Victor Munyaka, once Ruto’s most trusted ally for nearly seven years, has severed ties with the Head of State and emerged as one of his fiercest critics in the region.

Dr Munyaka has also taken aim at ODM leader, Raila Odinga, accusing him of exploiting the Kamba community for nearly 15 years before ultimately abandoning them.
In his latest political salvo aimed at Raila, Munyaka urged the Kamba community to reconsider their allegiance to the ODM leader, accusing him of being a self-seeker who does not value their support.
.Raila: Why I cannot work with GachaguaA courtship mission: President returns to an angry but vote rich mountainHeavyweights jostle for Nakuru governorship in 2027Scorecard for Ruto’s administration at half timeReferencing President Ruto’s recent reshuffle of senior government officials, Munyakaexpressed frustrations that the Ukambani region, despite its significant support for Raila party, reaped no benefits.

“As a community, we must redefine our space in national politics. Raila is the greatest political conman in Kenya who, even after using the community for 15 years, abandoned it to team up with Ruto, dishing out all the available Principal Secretary positions, excluding the Kambas,” Dr Munyaka said.
The former legislator pointed out that there was no justification for Raila to exclude qualified members of the Kamba community, who align to the ODM philosophy, from recent appointments.

“There are many professionals and qualified individuals from Ukambani who have supported Raila for years, but he chose to overlook them in the latest appointments. This sends a clear message from both Raila and Ruto that the Ukambani region does not factor into their political calculations,” Munyaka told The Sunday Standard.
Addressing mourners in Yakamete village in Ngelani, Machakos County Friday, Dr Munyaka declared that he will rally the community to secure victory for Kalonzo.

“I urge Gen Zs to come out in large numbers, apply for national identification cards, and register as voters. The only way to address political deceit in the country is by voting out bad leaders,” he said.

Political pundits have described the move by the soft-spoken but influential politician as a potential master stroke that could derail Ruto’s efforts to gain traction in Ukambani ahead of the 2027 general election.
“With Munyaka out of the Ruto camp, and with Kalonzo on the presidential ballot, Ruto’s chances of securing substantial votes in Ukambani are dashed,” says political analyst, Pascal Ndei.

According to Ndei, the few local legislators who are sympathetic to President Ruto and his government remain politically vulnerable, as they face the growing influence of the Kalonzo wave, which is expected to sweep across the region starting next year.
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Ndei argues Ruto supporters MPs, along with any other politician, will find it nearly impossible to sell Ruto to the local electorate.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!GEMA Politics
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Heavyweights jostle for Nakuru governorship in 2027

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Governor Susan Kihika’s supporters protesting outside the County Assembly on March 20, 2025, in a bid to stop filing of a petition by other residents who are calling for accountability and disclosure on the status of the county following the absence of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihikafor over five months. The petition was successfully filed. [Daniel Chege, Standard]The UDA-ODM pact, along with the emerging alliance between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, is shaping the political landscape in Nakuru County as the 2027 elections approach.

Local politicians are beginning to take sides, aligning themselves with these two emerging factions as they plan their strategies for various elective positions.

Of particular interest is the gubernatorial seat, which has attracted significant figures, including former government officials, current lawmakers, and ex-politicians, all looking to challenge Governor Susan Kihika in the upcoming election.

Among those who have shown interest or declared their intentions to contest the governorship are; Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, former NHIF Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Mwangi, former Nakuru County Assembly Speaker Joel Kairu, and James Mungai, the former Nakuru senator.
Former Nakuru governor Lee Kinyanjui, who is serving as the current Trade Cabinet Secretary, is said to be considering seeking a second term.
.Ole Sapit bars politicians from addressing faithful in ACK churchesRaila allies gain ground in new PS reshuffleKalonzo calls for thorough vetting of IEBC chair nomineesKalonzo dismisses viral State House video as fakeKinyanjui had before his appointment given an indication that he intended to have a stab at the county’s chief executive officer’s job come the next general election.

The soft-spoken former governor had also held some consultative meetings with his key persons in the county to plot on his came back.
Nevertheless, the leader has since assuming office kept off social and political forums in the county and also refrained from making social medial comments on public issues.

However, Kinyanjui’s close allies have intimated that the leader still harbored political ambitions in Nakuru County but was currently focusing on his CS duties waiting for the right moment to resume his campaigns to reclaim the seat.
For Kihika, this is a challenging time, as she faces a series of political difficulties.

This situation may suggest that her bid for a second term in office could encounter strong opposition at the ballot box in 2027.

Kihika’s time as the county’s first female governor is facing serious challenges due to her abrasive leadership style, the performance of her administration, and her strong ties to the national government, which has seen a significant decline in approval ratings recently.
Kihika, who has been away on maternity leave for the past five months, is facing an uncertain political future as scores of leaders are launching campaigns to oust the incumbent.

She has continued being in the national limelight as residents continued questioning her prolonged absence from office.
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This week, a group of activists and good governance crusaders presented a petition to the County Assembly over the governor’s absence from office and demanded accountability in the running and conduct of the county government affairs.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!The County Assembly has 14 days, beginning March 20, to process the petition that was signed by more than 2,000 residents.

However, Kihika’s administration has dismissed claims that she has failed to perform, giving a list of projects that she has initiated since she took over two years ago.

Joseph Rutto, one of her political advisers, who served as a former deputy governor, said Kihika’s administration has continued to prioritize health infrastructure, ensuring efficient and dignified services for all.

Rutto gave an example of the recently completed and equipped Subukia Level 4 Hospital, the establishment of the Bondeni Textile Hub, bold investment in vocational training colleges that are changing lives for youth, and several water projects that ensure the provision of clean drinking water to residents.

“The governor has performed more than any other governor has done since 2013 when devolution was implemented. People should understand that when the time of politics will come, the governor will be out there defending her development record,” he said.

County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura has maintained that the county government was discharging its mandate in accordance with the law under the able leadership of Deputy Governor David Kones.

“The Deputy Governor is in charge and in consultation with the governor. Governor Kihika will be back in no time,” he said when asked about Kihika’s absence.

Some of the leaders eyeing the gubernatorial seat have been traversing various electoral wards across the county where they have been meeting groups of residents and selling their agenda.

Other leaders have made it a habit of attending social gatherings including churches and burial functions where they get an opportunity “to greet the people”

Senator Karanja, who is among who have publicly declared their intentions, fell out with the governor soon after she assumed office.

“At the moment am doing my oversight role and ensuring that Nakuru gets its rightful share of the national resources as required by the constitution. The governor must work for the people, and not play to the gallery,” she said.

But why have leaders launched early campaigns against Kihika?

Since assuming office, Kihika has been the subject of criticism by a cross section of leaders over her abrasive handling of issues in the county and failure to spearhead development projects in the devolved unit.

The Auditor General and the Controller of Budget reports have also been critical of her administration over illegal spending of county finances, operating illegal bank accounts, and expenditures outside the IFMIS system.

Members of the County Assembly have also joined in her attacks, accusing her of failing to provide leadership in the country and failure to implement projects as outlined in the budget passed by the legislative body.

The governor was thrust into the national limelight after the county executive hired goons who invaded the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital, a private hospital, alleging that the lease had expired.

The hospital which has been under the ownership of a private facility over the past 100 years had had its lease renewed by the Lands Ministry in what the governor alleged was fraudulent dealings.

The Senate summoned the governor over the invasion of the hospital and the matter in which patients who were admitted to the hospital were ejected from wards by the hired goons.

The summons followed a petition filed in the Senate against the governor by Karanja, who has over the past two years emerged as one of the most vicious critic of the devolved unit boss.

The senator has voiced her concern over the management of county finances and what she also terms as illegal recruitment of staff under Kihika’s watch.

Karanja has also faulted the governor for illegally terminating contracts for health workers and other employees engaged by the previous regime.

Kihika had upon assuming office also fallen out with a section of MPs from the Kalenjin community who supported her bid for allegedly failing to appoint members of the community in her cabinet.

The Kalenjin community leaders said the appointment to the county government were skewed as the slots allocated to members from the community were not commensurate with the votes they delivered.

Kihika, who ran on the UDA political party ticket received massive support from the Kalejin community, the dominant ethnic group that largely resides in Kuresoi North, Kuresoi South, and Rongai constituencies.

Though the governor later managed to mend fences with the legislators there have been complaints amongst ordinary members of the Kalenjin community who accused her of betraying their trust.

On his part, Mwangi, the former NHIF boss, in his consultative meetings with residents has pledged to provide an alternative leadership in the management of the county government.

“I will be on the race for the governorship. My qualifications in finance and accountancy will come in handy. I will inject professionalism and transparency into the management of the county,” he said when asked about his early campaigns.

Mwangi, who has been credited with transforming NHIF and expanding its revenue base was hounded out of office after he was charged with graft-related charges relating to the organisation’s procurement system.

The charges were later terminated by the court following an application by the director of public prosecution.

Mwangi seems to align himself with the former DP’s political wing and has since led a delegation of Nakuru residents to Wamonyoro, the rural home of Gachagua.

Kairu, on his part argues that he has the kind of experience required to take the county to a higher level of development.

“My background as a former speaker of the country assembly and as a former member of the county’s executive committee in charge of the roads docket, have enabled him to play a major role in laying the foundation of the county government.” He said.

“I have worked both in the county executive and in the legislative arm of the county government. I have been part of the teams that developed policies that laid the foundation for the operationalization of the county government,” Kairu said.

The former county assembly Speaker has stuck with former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party, and he appears to oscillate towards the former DP’s faction of politics.

For Mungai, the first Nakuru senator, he says he is still weighing options on which political formation he would join ahead of the next election.

He says his return to politics was informed by the great potential for growth that Nakuru has, which he says he is capable of ensuring that it provides services to the residents.

Nakuru had been engulfed by a strong UDA wave having been one of the areas that were affected by politically instigated violence in 2007 following disputed presidential elections.

The county which has been the epicenter of political violence since the introduction of multi-party politics solidly backed the peace pact between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, the current President that restored calm in the area.

This prompted the residents to overwhelmingly support Ruto’s presidential bid having worked with him to restore peace in the region.

As the country heads towards the 2027 general elections political leaders in the area are reluctant to openly declare their party of choice following the impeachment of Gachagua.

The power dynamics in the county are likely to change with the majority of Kikuyus who form the bulk of voters in the region having withdrawn their support for UDA while their counterparts in the Kalenjin community who form the second largest voting bloc in the county still supporting the party.

Over the past three successive general elections, the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities have entered into pacts that have seen them share power at the county level.

The pact has seen Kikuyus take the position of governor with the Kalenjins fielding the running mate.

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Nubian community wins landmark case against Kenya Railways

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Residents of Kibos in Kisumu county salvage their properties after their house were demolished by the Kenya railways on February 6th 2021. [Collins oduor, Standard]

The minority Nubian community has a reason to smile after an appellate court in Kisumu dismissed Kenya Railways appeal that would have left them landless and homeless.

In a judgment delivered by justices Asike Makhandia, Luka Kimaru, and Hellen Omondi, the appellate court established that the respondent’s right to housing was violated as their houses were demolished without considering their welfare.

“By destroying the respondents’ houses, churches, and schools, the appellant denied the respondents’ socio-economic and cultural rights under Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” the judgment read in part.

The judges who upheld high court’s justice Antony Ombwayo’s judgment dismissed Kenya Railway’s appeal saying that the contention that the judge did not analyze evidence lacked merit.
“We did not detect any error in law or on the application of legal principles on the part of the learned judge, as to warrant interference with his decision,” the judges ruled.

According to the appellate court judges, Kenya Railways failed to demonstrate that it suffered any prejudice or a miscarriage of justice.

They held that the trial court considered all relevant facts and points of law urged by the parties.
Justices Makhandia, Kimaru, and Omondi established that the statutory procedure for evictions was not followed and that the respondents were not given sufficient notice.

“In any eviction, forcible or otherwise, adequate and reasonable notice should be given,” the judges said.
They pointed out that respect for human rights, fairness, and dignity in carrying out the eviction should be observed, and the constitutional and statutory provisions on fair administrative action adhered to.

Moreover, the appellate court cited legal provision for an eviction from public land as provided for in Section 152G of the Land Laws Amendment Act 2016.

The section states that any evictees from public land should be notified in writing, by notice in the Gazette, and in one newspaper with nationwide circulation and by radio announcement, in a local language, where appropriate, at least three months before the eviction.
Kenya Railways had filed an appeal against six respondents from the Nubian Community where they wanted to court to dismiss the high court judge’s judgment over claims that his judgment did not analyze evidence and lacked merit.

It maintained that the demolitions were legal after notices had been duly issued and published in the daily newspapers, and were undertaken by a multi-agency operation team comprising National Government Administration Officers, the Presidential Delivery Unit, the National Police Service, and Kenya Railways officers.
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In 1937, the colonial government moved the Nubian community to occupy the disputed land which they have remained in possession of to date.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!The government under the Physical Planning Act (CAP 286), the Ministry of Lands in 2012 formally recognized the Kibos Township and prepared Development Plans for the area.

The Ministry of Lands had issued a notice for completion of the Development Plans under the Physical Planning Act and invited all interested persons to submit any objections to the Development Plans within 60 days from the October 23, 2012.

According to the judgment, Kenya Railways Corporation did not submit any objection to the Development Plans of Kibos Township, nor did the Ministry of Lands, or Kisumu County Government have any objection to the Nubian community being allocated the land.

On February 13, 2015, the Director of Physical Planning put a notice in the Nation Newspaper on the formalization of Kibos Informal Settlement Upgrading Scheme.

Through the formalization process of the Kibos settlement, Kibos settlement was to get letters of allotment awaiting a community Land Title Deed.

The respondents include Fatuma Khamis Birah, Rashid Sadi Kemis, Kadmala Ahmed, Rukia Khamis, Noor Rajab, and Michael Odhiambo who are members of the Nubian community, who claimed to have been in occupation of the disputed land parcel Kibos Informal Settlement within since 1937 after being moved from Old Kisumu.

After the demolition of their homes, Birah, Sadi, Ahmed, Khamis, Rajab and Odhiambo filed two petitions before the Kisumu Environment and Land Court on their own behalf as well as 3, 500 other residents of Kibos Settlement.

They had alleged to have been forcibly and violently evicted from the land and their houses demolished by the Kenya Railways.

The community has since vowed to sue for compensation of the damages meted on the community.

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IEBC selection panel vice chair Linda Kiome appointed Meru DG

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IEBC Selection Panel Vice Chair Linda Kiome appointed Meru Deputy Governor. [File, Standard]Linda Kiome, the Vice Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, has been appointed the new Meru Deputy Governor.

Governor Isaac Mutuma picked Kiome from a pool of potential candidates that included both elected and nominated Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).

Kiome previously served as the legal advisor to former Governor Kawira Mwangaza, before their fallout.
She also briefly served as the acting President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) following the removal of then-President Nelson Havi.

In the 2022 general election, Kiome was the running mate of former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi. The pair finished second behind Mwangaza.
Following her appointment, activist Salesio Thuranira expressed hope that Governor Mutuma and Kiome would maintain a cordial working relationship to deliver on the county’s development agenda.
.Mwangaza vows comeback, claims she was ‘sacrificed’Nairobi ODM leaders urge Meru governor to appoint a female deputyRaila allies gain ground in new PS reshuffleNew Meru Governor Mutuma reverses Kawira policiesAmong those who congratulated Kiome was Abogeta West MCA Dennis ‘DMK’ Kiogora.
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Caring neighbor’ and churchgoer unmasked as notorious carjacker and killer

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Jane Gachanja at Nakuru High Court testifying before Justice Samwel Mohochi against Edwin Ngetich charged with the murder of his son George Njuguna a taxi operator on July 29, 2024 at Nakuru. [Yvonne Chepkwony]

He played the role of a ‘caring neighbor,’ offering a helping hand whenever there was a need. He attended a local church, where he discussed his strong Christian beliefs and personal testimonies.

But, Edwin Ngetich was instead a dangerous criminal, who staged daring carjackings and killed his victims, according to testimonies in court.
His neighbor Jesse Mwangi lifted the veil on Ngetich’s double life when he testified before Nakuru High Court Judge, Justice Samwel Mohochi in a case where Ngetich is facing trial for the murder of George Njuguna, a taxi driver, on the night of July 29 and 30, 2024 at Soysambu Conservancy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

According to the prosecution, Ngetich robbed Njuguna of a motor vehicle a model Toyota Noah.
Ngetich has been denied bond after prosecution linked him to multiple murders and robberies with violence cases of taxi drivers across the country committed between 2020 to 2024.
.Court suspends Controller of Budget, governors’ bursaries dealOver 60 acres of land ‘missing’ in Kibowen’s succession, court toldRaila allies gain ground in new PS reshuffleCourt suspends former MP’s Sh1b succession caseIt is alleged that Ngetich, who is remanded at Kamiti Prison, would hire tax vehicles, kill the driver, steal the vehicle, and sell them to unsuspicious third parties.

Mwangi, a caretaker of an apartment where Ngetich lived with his wife and two children, told the judge that he was still grappling with the reality of the tenant’s double life.
“He was friendly to all the neighbors. A religious man who never missed going to church with his family and paid his rent on time. Nothing was off about him. He was jovial, quoted the bible, and often gave personal testimonies, ” Mwangi told the court.

He recalled on March 22, 2024, he left for church but on coming back, he discovered that the number plate on his car was missing.
“The car was parked inside the apartment compound. I reported the matter to a local police station. I never suspected Ngetich would be behind the theft,” he said.

“Given that the car was inside our plot I was shocked, I reported the incident at a Police station but never had a suspect in mind,” he said.

Mwangi said the number plate was later recovered from Ngetich’s house when DCI detectives raided the home and collected evidence. He confirmed to the detectives that the plates belonged to his car.
Before Ngetich’s arrest, Mwangi had found him cleaning the seats of a Toyota Noah inside the apartment compound. The vehicle was stolen and the driver was killed.

“He told me that a customer had vomited inside the car and he was forced to clean the seat,” he said.
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Mwangi told the court that Ngetich used to drive a Toyota Voxxy but in August 2024, he came in a Toyota Noah.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!It was his testimony that Ngetich had told him he changed the car due to customer demands.

“I recall one day I came and found him washing his Noah, he removed the seats then told me a customer had vomited in it, his rent accumulated, only to see him in cuffs while watching the news,” he said.

During opening remarks on Wednesday, the prosecution informed the court that the State would demonstrate how Ngetich lured George Njuguna, a taxi operator to his death.

“The taxi belongs to his (Njuguna’s) mother, and the deceased has two children, we will be calling witnesses who will show, that the accused and the deceased knew each other, the others said he was going to Nairobi to bring missionaries and they had worked together,” the State noted

The prosecution noted that forensic evidence will be produced putting the accused at the crime scene.

Njuguna’s mother, Jane Gachanja, testified that his son was living in Nairobi, but had visited her with his family at Migori.

He received a call from a friend allegedly a driver was contracted by a church to ferry missionaries from Nairobi to Migori but needed two vehicles.

“He left on July 29, 2024, at around 4 am, and he was paid Sh2,000 for fuel but upon reaching Kisii, he called requesting Sh1000 for fuel,” she said.

Shocked, she questioned her son why the alleged friend had failed to send him the money, she would later send him Sh500 as the son kept updating her.

He later confirmed that they met with the alleged driver and were heading to Nairobi through the Naivasha route due to traffic.

At around 9 pm, the son confirmed he was inside his vehicle in Nairobi promising to call in the morning.

On July 30, his phone went off, and efforts to trace him commenced only to be called to identify a body on August 29, 2024, at Gilgil Morgue.

The postmortem on his son revealed he was hit with a blunt object on the head.

In September she received a call that his vehicle was found, but the number plates were altered.

The hearing of the case will continue on April 2.

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Calls to ban foreign trawlers fishing off Kenyan Coast

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Illustration of trawler at sea dragging fishing net to catch fish. [Courtesy]

Caution has been issued against foreign trawlers seeking to take advantage of the six months of prawn fishing along the shallow Coastal waters of Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu.

Trawlers are large boats that use a wide, cone-shaped net to catch fish.
The Malindi- Ungwana Bay prawn fishery Management plan that was gazetted in 2010 is defined as a fishing season from April 1 to October 31 each year.

Kenya Fisheries Service, Director General Daniel Mungai said that as Kenya prepares to commence the shallow water prawn fishing season on April 1, 2025, The Kenya Fisheries Service has begun sensitization against foreign (Chinese) trawlers that fish at shallow waters of the Coastal Counties.

.Officials destroy Sh4 million illegal fishing gearHe said Prawn Fishery Implementation Committee (PIC) has organized for a prawn fishery management plan meeting on March 27 2025 at the Coast Development Authority, Kilifi County to discuss and plan for the upcoming shallow water prawn fishing season for 2025.

“The prawn fishery plan implementation committee meets at the beginning and end of every season to review the challenges and opportunities experienced during the period and other management issues,” said Mungai.
76-year-old Charo Gumbao, a fisherman at Pirates Beach in Mombasa, says back in the 1980 and 90s, fishing was a lucrative venture and one could get enough income to feed the family, educate children and invest.

Gumbao reminisces how he would come back with a huge catch in four baskets without even struggling to go deep sea.
“Right now the fishermen can come back with a kilo of fish or nothing at all, yet they have a family that depends on them. My sons can’t fathom doing fishing considering the low price, ineffective equipment, coupled with competition from foreign vessels and dumping of fish by the Chinese,” says Gumbao.

Lamu BMU Chair Abubakar Twalib says the foreign vessels usually encroach the shore waters, destroying the breeding grounds of fish because they are using illegal equipment that scraps and picks everything while killing the fish eggs and depleting the young stocks.

According to research by fishing experts, trawler fishing along the shallow waters of Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties have been cited as the reason for overfishing that damages sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sponge gardens by dragging heavy nets across the seabed.
Data from Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), shows that Kenya’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Indian Ocean can produce between 150,000 and 300,000 tonnes of fish.

The data shows Kenya losses sh.10 billion to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing every year, by foreign boats on the country’s waters.
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Blue Economy Network Kenya, Ali Bwana said that trawlers contribute to ocean pollution through fuel spills, discarded fishing gear, and noise pollution that affects marine life.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!Bwana called for a ban or restrict trawling in Conservation Areas and an establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) where trawling is prohibited.

“Trawlers, including foreign vessels, have been reported operating illegally in shallow waters, damaging fishing gear and marine habitats. Enhancing surveillance and enforcement can help curb these illegal activities,” said Bwana

He said there should be restricted trawling during breeding and spawning seasons to allow fish populations to recover and enforce strict limits on fish catches to prevent overfishing.

Bwana said many non-target species, including endangered marine animals like turtles, dolphins, and juvenile fish, get caught and discarded, leading to biodiversity loss.

He said implementing gear exchange programs, where fishers trade illegal nets for sustainable alternatives, has shown promise in regions like Kiunga.

“Promote the use of eco-friendly gear that reduces bycatch, such as trap fishing or pole and line fishing, and mandate the use of devices that allow non-target species, like turtles and small fish, to escape from nets through the use of Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs),” said Bwana.

In his presentation, Bwana said the trawler nets stir up sediments, reducing water clarity and affecting photosynthesis in aquatic plants, which are crucial for coastal ecosystems.

“Removing large numbers of fish species impacts predators and prey, leading to imbalances in the ecosystem. The removal of fish populations that maintain seabed stability can lead to increased erosion and habitat degradation,” said Bwana.

He called for conservation measures like no-trawling zones, gear restrictions, and sustainable fishing practices are essential to protect these areas.

Bwana said that there should be Seabed Protection Zones through identifying and protect vulnerable habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds by prohibiting bottom trawling.

He said there should be restoration of damaged ecosystems by deploying artificial reefs and replanting seagrass beds.

He said to mitigate the adverse effects of trawling in Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu counties, the government should strengthen enforcement of Fishing Regulations.

“We should use drones, satellite monitoring, and patrol boats to detect illegal trawling activities and impose heavy fines and legal consequences for trawlers violating conservation laws,” said Bwana.

He said the local fishing communities should be involved in promoting sustainable practices and alternative livelihoods while conducting campaigns to inform fishers, policymakers, and the public about the long-term benefits of conservation.

Bwana pointed out that since 2018, over 95,000 mangroves have been planted in Pate, Kiunga, and Lower Tana conservancies, enhancing biodiversity and supporting fisheries.

Additionally, the Tana River County Government launched programs to restore wetlands and lakes, benefiting both ecosystems and local livelihoods.

“Empowering local communities to manage marine resources through Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) can lead to effective conservation. In Lamu and Tana River counties, conservancies like Kiunga and Pate have successfully implemented LMMAs, resulting in improved fisheries management and habitat protection,” said Bwana.

He said international cooperation and regional agreements through collaboration with neighboring countries will regulate trawling in shared waters.

He said there should government should encourage businesses and consumers to support sustainable fishing by choosing certified seafood like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified products.

Bwana said regular monitoring of fish stocks and habitats is essential through collaborations with research institutions to provide valuable data to inform management decisions and adapt strategies as needed.

The Members of the implementation committee are drawn from the County governments of Kilifi and Tana River, chairpersons of the participating BMUs in the Malindi —Ungwana Bay area, Kenya Fisheries Service, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), National Environmental and Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Coast Guard Service, Ministry of Interior and National Coordination, the Industry and representatives from the Non-Governmental Organizations.

Kenya Fisheries Service
Prawn Fishery Implementation Committee
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI
Pirates Beach
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Senate grills governor Abdullahi over Wajir Water Company mismanagement

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Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi when he appeared before the Senate National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration Committee at Bunge Tower in Nairobi on September 05, 2024.[FILE, Standard]

The Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee has taken Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi to task over failure to address recommendations made to fix financial, structural and governance issues at the Wajir Water and Sewerage Company Limited.

Abdullahi appeared before the committee chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi to respond to audit queries highlighted by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu for the Wajir Water and Sewerage Company Limited for the period ending June 2024.
Osotsi said that it was disappointing that the Governor had not acted on 12 recommendations made by the committee in June last year to streamline services and protect public resources at the company and that the Senate could not pass resolutions in vain.

“It is disappointing that 9 months later nothing has changed apart from the opinion that has moved from disclaimer to qualified and the Non-Revenue Water which has decreased from 82 to 63 per cent,” said Osotsi.
.The First Lady’s wardrobe: Is Mama Rachel getting it wrong?Senate summons Ngilu over Kicotec financial statementsThe recommendations came after the committee flagged several issues, including suspected fraud, theft and graft, that led to a high amount of Non-Revenue Water which stood at 82 per cent against the recommended 25 per cent.

Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera said that the response by Abdullahi was not acceptable and that he needs to be serious about these issues unless he was preoccupied with the Council of Governors matters where he is serving as the Chairperson.
The committee scrutinised the audit reports for the utility firm for 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21, identifying several inadequacies and leakages at the firm which included high non-revenue water, the absence of a board to run the company and various structural issues.

In the previous reports, the auditor issued a disclaimer of opinion, meaning the auditor could not express an opinion on the financial statements due to the inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, often due to limitations or circumstances beyond their control.
“The issues we raised in the previous audit reports are the same issues flagged in this report, nothing has changed, Governor you are not being sincere with this committee it is visible to all of us here that you have not complied with the recommendations,” said Osotsi.

Abdullahi who appeared riled by the harsh criticism, requested the senators to treat him with dignity, taking issue with Senator Chimera’s assertion that he was too preoccupied with the Council of Governors affairs at the expense of his county.

The Governor said the comments made regarding his supposed distraction with the COG matters by Senator Chimera were misplaced since he was there to represent the interests of the people of Wajir County
Abdullahi said that he had not received a letter requiring him to provide the committee with a report on the status of its recommendations and that his administration had made a report and there was no requirement for him to bring the report to the house.

“I am requesting that when we come before this committee, we should be treated with some decorum, we responded within the timeline, in the letter I received, there was no requirement for me to bring that report before Senators, I could have gladly done that,” said Abdullahi.
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Osotsi urged the governor to submit comprehensive measures taken to address the issue of high non-revenue water currently at 82 percent within 60 days and work with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the issue of non-revenue water.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Download the Standard ePaper App!The committee urged the governor to take a keen interest in the management of the firm and to take charge of its operations to assess the possibility of illegal connections and corrupt practices that might be taking place.

“This committee has instructed the Wajir Water company to prepare all financial statements from the Financial year 2020-21 onwards and submit these statements for audit in compliance with the law,” said Osotsi.

He was also required to submit the human resource audit report and indicate measures taken to ensure that the water company has a lean and efficient staff and asked Abdullahi to finalise the reconstitution of the Board of Directors within 30 days from the date of the meeting.

Osotsi said that within 14 days from the date of the meeting, the Governor is to undertake asset mapping of all assets and liabilities of the water company and submit an updated asset register to the Committee.

The Committee asked the EACC to conduct investigations into the financial operations of the water company for Financial Years 2020-21 and 2021-22 and file a preliminary report with the Committee within 30 days from the date of the meeting.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi
Wajir Water and Sewerage Company Limited
Wajir Water and Sewerage Company Limited Mismanagement
Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee
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