Justice Katwa Kigen addresses concerns over impartiality if appointed to Supreme Court
via Tuko1 min read
Court of Appeal Justice Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, a shortlisted candidate for the Supreme Court, addressed the Judicial Service Commission regarding his past professional relationship with President William Ruto. Justice Fatuma Sichale presented concerns from Kenyans that Kigen might not be impartial in a potential 2027 presidential election petition due to this history. Kigen acknowledged having previously represented President Ruto but affirmed his commitment to objectivity and neutrality in his judicial duties. He argued that denying him the position based on a past client would be unfair and discriminatory, urging the commission to evaluate him based on his professional record and commitment to impartiality rather than his previous ties to the head of state.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Police at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA intercepted two consignments of suspected methamphetamine valued at KSh 22 million during a multi-agency verification exercise on Wednesday, April 27. The operation involved officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit ANU and other stakeholders at a cargo shed. The first shipment, valued at KSh 13.8 million, originated from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and was destined for the Philippines, having been declared as car piston samples. A second consignment, weighing 1,020 grams and valued at KSh 8 million, originated from Juba and was also destined for the Philippines. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the drug trafficking syndicate.
Must ReadFormer nominated senator Millicent Omanga has condemned the death of 22-year-old Murang'a University student Constance Githinji, who died after falling from the sixth floor of a Kileleshwa apartment. Githinji, also known as "Connie," reportedly met Tony Odhiambo via a dating site before her death on Sunday, April 26. Omanga expressed concern over the increasing number of women dying under unsettling circumstances and urged detectives to conduct a swift and transparent investigation. She warned against any cover-up attempts, emphasizing that women deserve to feel safe. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has been granted additional time to detain the main suspect as investigations continue.
Must ReadPresident William Ruto has addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier comments about Nigerian English accents, stating that his remarks were misrepresented. Speaking at the Mining Investment Conference and Expo in Nairobi, Ruto clarified his position after facing criticism for statements made to Kenyans in Italy, where he suggested that Nigerian English could be difficult to understand and that Kenyans spoke "the best English in the world." Critics, particularly from Nigeria and other African nations, viewed his initial comments as reinforcing colonial-era notions linking English proficiency to intelligence. Ruto, referring to Nigerians as "my in-laws" due to his daughter's marriage, asked a government official to convey his regards to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people. He explained that his comments were part of a private conversation that became public and was taken out of context. Ruto emphasized that his intention was to highlight the strength of English proficiency across African countries, not to demean Nigeria, and that variations in accents reflect linguistic richness.
The Kenya Meteorological Department KMD has issued a warning regarding increased rainfall across the country from April 28 to May 4. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Rift Valley region, the Coast, and Northeastern Kenya. Potential risks include flooding, flash floods, reduced visibility, rising river levels, and an increased risk of landslides in hilly areas like the Aberdare Ranges and Mt. Kenya. KMD advises residents to avoid walking or driving through moving water, sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms, and to exercise caution in landslide-prone and low-lying areas. Counties in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, including Nandi, Kakamega, and Kisumu, are expected to experience morning rains and night showers, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Northwestern Kenya, specifically Turkana and Samburu counties, will see morning, afternoon, and night showers. The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, covering Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Nairobi, will have morning rains, afternoon showers, and thunderstorms, with occasional night showers. Northeastern Kenya, including Marsabit, Mandera, and Garissa, will receive morning, afternoon, and night showers and thunderstorms. Southeastern lowlands, such as parts of Tana River, Machakos, and Kitui, are likely to have morning, afternoon, and night showers and thunderstorms. Coastal counties like Mombasa, Kil