Kenyan court backs Kiswahili translator in landmark case for businessman Enock Aura
via Tuko4 min read
A Nairobi businessman, Enock Aura, has secured a legal win in his petition to compel the judiciary to conduct court proceedings in Kiswahili. The constitutional court confirmed that a translator will be available during court proceedings in this case. Aura, through lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, sued Chief Justice Martha Koome and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor for allegedly failing to ensure courts use Kiswahili, despite its constitutional status as a national and official language. The petition, which is the first in judicial history to be fully drafted in Kiswahili, has garnered significant interest. Lawyer Kinyanjui made his submissions in Kiswahili and requested a court translator, arguing that respondents were unable to express themselves fluently in the language, and that a translator is necessary to uphold the petitioner's right to a fair hearing. Aura's amended petition also proposes that no advocate should receive a practicing certificate without three Continuous Legal Education points in Kiswahili training and seeks to compel advocates to undertake continuous legal education in Kiswahili. Additionally, Aura challenges the judiciary's move to online court proceedings, arguing that electronic platforms are foreign-owned and controlled, constituting digital neocolonialism. He seeks a declaration that online court rules are unconstitutional, as they were introduced unilaterally without public consultation. Aura wants all cases to default to open court proceedings unless a p
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Former Meru governor Peter Munya has indicated that the Ameru community is considering supporting former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for president in the 2027 General Election. Munya, who is the PNU party leader, stated that discussions are underway to position the community politically. He emphasized that any support for Matiang'i would be conditional, requiring a formal, written coalition agreement outlining clear benefits such as jobs and development for the Ameru community. Munya highlighted the importance of moving away from open-ended support, citing past experiences where political goodwill did not lead to tangible gains. He stressed that the PNU will serve as a platform for the Ameru community to organize and negotiate with potential partners, aiming to strengthen their bargaining power. Munya also criticized leaders from Meru aligned with the current government, claiming their support has not resulted in development for the community. Additionally, Munya dismissed rumors about his withdrawal from the Meru gubernatorial race, affirming his intention to contest for the seat in 2027.
A 52-year-old long-haul driver has been arrested following a road accident that exposed a massive drug smuggling operation. On Friday, April 24, the driver lost control of his trailer, causing it to plunge into River Kuja in Migori. Good Samaritans rescued him, and he was taken to Migori County Referral Hospital with severe injuries. On Sunday, April 26, law enforcement officers from Rongo Sub-County retrieved the trailer. Upon inspection at Kamagambo Police Station, officers discovered 1,137.8 kilograms of bhang, valued at approximately KSh34.1 million. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI stated that the driver has been placed under arrest and is under police watch at the hospital. Anti-Narcotics Officers from Isebania have taken charge of the investigation. The DCI confirmed that the driver will be charged once discharged from the hospital. While under arrest in the hospital, he retains his constitutional rights, including the right to legal counsel and family contact, and will remain under armed police guard until well enough to face charges.
Must ReadTwelve people have been killed in Tseikuru, Kitui, due to retaliatory attacks between the Somali and Kamba communities. The National Police Service has deployed a high-powered security team, led by the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Mr. Eliud Lagat, to investigate and restore peace. The incidents, which began on March 29, 2026, are attributed to tensions between local farmers and camel herders from neighboring counties seeking pasture and water, with residents alleging herders are armed and violent. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka noted that Tseikuru has experienced similar issues over the years, leading to school closures and displacement. Authorities are urging public cooperation with investigations and calling on community leaders to promote peace and reconciliation.
A symbolic run at Oloolua Forest marked the beginning of a structured conservation effort, officially flagged off by Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo. The initiative, spearheaded by Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, aims to restore, protect, and rethink conservation in Kenya, moving beyond tree planting to integrate sustainability, livelihoods, and long-term environmental protection. Senior government officials, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Festus Ng’eno Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abraham Sing’Oei Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Patrick Mariru Defence, joined the event. The program includes flagging off 10,000 tree seedlings for planting within Oloolua Forest and introducing a circular economy framework for waste management, with plans for waste segregation points and collaboration with recycling firms. It also extends to surrounding communities, providing clean energy solutions like solar lighting and energy-efficient cooking stoves to reduce reliance on firewood. Farmers in the Ngong area will receive support for climate-smart agriculture practices such as drip irrigation, agroforestry, and improved soil management. The initiative is projected to benefit approximately 1.5 million people, including around 300,000 households, through improved water access, air quality, stronger livelihoods, and expanded eco-tourism opportunities. Officials emphasize that sustained partnerships, active community participation, and con