馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Kenya's DCI to launch new biometric system for police clearance certificates on July 20
via Tuko2 min read
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI in Kenya announced a major technology upgrade for processing Police Clearance Certificates, also known as Certificates of Good Conduct. The new Multi-Biometric Identification System MBIS-ABIS Version 5 is set to go live on Monday, July 20, 2026. The DCI stated that this platform will offer faster processing, smarter technology, and an improved experience for applicants, aiming to eliminate delays and enhance efficiency through advanced biometric technology. The agency assured the public of a smoother and more efficient application process, with more details to be released during the official launch.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The High Court in Kenya has dismissed a petition by the Rastafarian community that sought to decriminalize the use of bhang, also known as cannabis. Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the evidence presented by the petitioners, aiming to link bhang use to their religious beliefs, was inconsistent. The petition had challenged the constitutionality of laws criminalizing bhang, arguing they infringed on the community's right to freedom of religion and worship. However, the court was not persuaded that the legal threshold to invalidate existing laws had been met. This decision means bhang remains an illegal substance in Kenya under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, with possession, cultivation, trafficking, and consumption continuing to attract criminal penalties. The ruling is expected to influence future constitutional challenges regarding bhang use on religious grounds. The Rastafarian community has not yet indicated whether they will appeal the decision.
Bishop Hieronymus Emusugut Joya of Maralal has urged women to refrain from tempting priests into affairs, emphasizing that clergy are human and susceptible to temptation. This appeal follows the suspension of six priests accused of adultery, abuse of authority, negligence in administration, and mismanagement of church property, with one priest's actions reportedly leading to the closure of Wamba Hospital. Bishop Joya criticized priests involved in affairs and child support despite celibacy rules. In response, he issued strict new directives for priests, including a 7pm curfew, a ban on overnight stays by laypersons in presbyteries or convents without approval, and a prohibition on consuming alcohol in bars or church residences. Priests are also forbidden from presiding over or attending liturgical celebrations while intoxicated, owning private businesses unrelated to the Church, or acquiring property in relatives' names without legitimate accounting. Additionally, the bishop directed that no priest should cohabit with or engage in intimate relationships with any person, regardless of gender. This comes as a High Court recently ordered the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret to include a 23-year-old man in the inheritance of his biological father's estate, who was a deceased Catholic priest, highlighting broader discussions on priests fathering children.
Homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI have recovered the missing head of 25-year-old Nyeri businesswoman Joy Kanini. The breakthrough occurred after the prime suspect, John Ndiritu Muriithi, led investigators to the crime scene where Kanini's skull and neck were retrieved. This recovery followed Muriithi's appearance before Senior Resident Magistrate Mary Gituma at the Nyeri Law Courts, where he was remanded for 21 days at Kiganjo Police Station to allow for further investigation and a mental assessment. Kanini, a local entrepreneur, disappeared after visiting Muriithi at his residence in Nyeri town's Ngangarithi estate. Investigators allege Muriithi attacked and killed Kanini, then dismembered her body with a panga, which has been recovered. Previously, parts of Kanini's torso were found along the Nyeri-Karatina highway, and her limbs were retrieved from a septic tank at the rental property. Muriithi remains in custody as investigations continue.