馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Ekuru Aukot calls for nationwide protests over rising fuel prices on April 21
via Tuko2 min read
Third Way Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot has voiced his support for a nationwide protest against increasing fuel prices, urging Kenyans to participate on Tuesday, April 21. Aukot's call comes amid growing public frustration following recent fuel price adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority EPRA. He used his X account on April 17 to rally Kenyans, linking their struggles with the high cost of living to soaring fuel prices. Aukot shared posters circulating online that advocate for protests under slogans like "Total Shutdown" and "Fixing the Nation," with hashtags such as #RejectFuelPrices. He sarcastically suggested that if Kenyans cannot afford fuel, they should be prepared to "consume" teargas during the demonstrations. This declaration follows an ultimatum issued by the United Opposition to President William Ruto, demanding action on the fuel situation. The opposition, in a statement read by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, called for the cancellation of the government-to-government G-to-G fuel import framework, removal of Value Added Tax VAT on fuel, suspension of the road maintenance levy, and a halt to other statutory deductions like the affordable housing levy and increased National Social Security Fund NSSF contributions. They argue these measures have worsened the cost-of-living crisis and also demanded accountability and prosecution of officials involved in a fuel scandal.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Raila Odinga Mausoleum project took place on Monday, July 20, at the Odinga family home in Bondo. Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya and Soipan Tuya led a government delegation to Kang'o Ka Jaramogi for the event. Oburu Oginga, elder brother of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, confirmed the mausoleum is targeted for completion within two months, ahead of Raila Odinga's anniversary in October. The ceremony was also attended by the Principal Secretary for Culture and Public Works and Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili. Oburu Oginga announced the event on his Facebook page, noting that the delegation was welcomed by himself, Raila Odinga Junior, his younger brother Isaac Odinga, and other family members. He described the occasion as historic, confirming the project is officially underway and scheduled for completion by October. The project is expected to be undertaken by the Kenya Defence Forces. The presence of two Cabinet Secretaries at the groundbreaking signals the national government's direct involvement. Oburu acknowledged the state's role, expressing gratitude for the commitment shown by government and political leaders to preserving what he described as a legacy that shaped the nation. The mausoleum at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, the ancestral home of the Odinga family in Siaya county, is intended to serve as a permanent memorial site for the former opposition leader.
Must ReadA CCTV technician, Aloni Okwako, testified as the first prosecution witness in the murder trial of former OCS Samson Talaam and five co-accused. Okwako informed the High Court that the Digital Video Recorder DVR at Central Police Station had been formatted, resulting in the deletion of footage. The Director of Public Prosecution DPP, Renson Ingonga, stated that the prosecution intends to prove that Albert Omondi Ojwang was brought into custody alive, assaulted to death, and that the killing was subsequently covered up. Okwako was dispatched to the station on June 9, 2025, after a report of a fault with the DVR. Upon arrival, officers from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA directed him to inspect the DVR in the OCS's office. He found the device disconnected and, after reconnecting it, discovered no recordings for June 6 and 7, 2025. Okwako concluded the DVR had been formatted, erasing crucial data. He also noted that internal components of the DVR had been removed before IPOA officers documented the device.
Must ReadThe Director of Public Prosecutions has informed the High Court that former Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and five co-accused officers deliberately beat Albert Ojwang to death and subsequently attempted to conceal the circumstances of his death. The prosecution delivered its opening statement on Monday, July 20, at the start of the murder trial, stating that Ojwang was brought to Central Police Station alive following his arrest but was found dead the next morning while in custody. The state plans to establish who was responsible for Ojwang's death, how the fatal assault was carried out, and how the accused allegedly worked to hide the killing. Medical evidence will be central to the prosecution's case, as Ojwang's injuries are reportedly inconsistent with the police's initial explanation that he died after hitting his head against a wall. The prosecution will also call CCTV analysts and forensic experts to reconstruct Ojwang's movements and address alleged interference with CCTV footage. The DPP emphasized that Ojwang's death was not accidental and that officers who breach their duty to protect those in custody must be held accountable. Talaam and the five co-accused have all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Ojwang's death sparked public outrage after it was revealed he died within hours of being arrested from Homa Bay and transferred to Nairobi's Central Police Station.