The suspects namely Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Evans Simotwo, Geoffrey Were Odondi, Allan Mutahi Kariuki, Purity Njeri Njamiu, Muniaro Jared Masinde, and Kororia Simatwa, were arrested on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, following a sting operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Operation Support Unit.

They were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi in Criminal Miscellaneous Application No. 1184 of 2026, where the DCI detectives sought orders to detain them for 14 days more days at Capitol Hill Police Station to allow investigators to complete their probe.

The DCI told the court the complainant, a foreigner whose identity was not disclosed, had been lured into believing he would secure a lucrative government contract to supply ambulances to Kenya.

The court heard that the suspects had impersonated senior government officials, convincing the complainant they had the authority to convene meetings and execute contracts on behalf of the State.

“Some of the offenders had presented themselves to the complainant as senior government officials with the capacity to convene meetings and enter into contractual agreements on behalf of the government with foreign investors and business people,” the application states.

The elaborate fraud began with a person claiming to be a Ugandan national using a Uganda-registered phone number, who then connected the victim to the local suspects.

In an affidavit filed in court by Inspector George Karanja say this detail points to possible links with an international criminal syndicate.

The court heard that the suspects were reportedly meeting the complainant inside Harambee House itself, a gazetted protected government installation that houses, among others, the office of the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.

“It is imperative for the Applicant to investigate the breach that resulted in the convening of meetings aimed at criminal purposes at a government premises that houses, among others, the office of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, and the Office of the President, and which is gazetted as a protected government installation,” the DCI’s application stated.

They were arrested there after one such meeting.

The revelation that suspected fraudsters were freely conducting criminal business inside one of Kenya’s most fortified government buildings, and doing so repeatedly, has raised pointed questions about whether they had inside help.

Investigators told the court that several other suspects, believed to be either government officials or individuals with privileged access to Harambee House, were yet to be apprehended.

Investigators further told the court that the security breach at Harambee House may run deeper than the seven arrested suspects.

“Several other persons, yet to be apprehended, whether government officials or otherwise, may have been involved, which advises even a more thorough investigation,” the DCI told the court.

The suspects face charges of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining by false pretences, and three counts linked to money laundering, acquisition, use, and possession of proceeds of crime, all under Kenya’s Penal Code and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The State urged the court to keep all seven in custody, warning they posed a significant flight risk.

“The fact that the offences under investigation were committed in a more derogatory manner, including breaching national security, would motivate the respondents to abscond from the country,” investigators argued in their application.

Investigators also warned the suspects could interfere with witnesses and may have access to international safe havens given the syndicate’s apparent cross-border reach.

The matter was placed before the magistrate shortly before 5 p.m., leaving little time for a substantive ruling.

“Due to lack of time, I will deliver my ruling tomorrow. The accused will remain remanded,” the magistrate said.

The seven suspects will remain in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station as the court prepares to rule on Thursday on whether investigators will be granted the requested 14-day detention period.

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Mokaya had been charged with publishing a photo of President Ruto in ceremonial uniform at a funeral procession, captioned: “President William Ruto leaving Lee Funeral Home with a casket covered with a Kenyan flag, escorted by a military officer.”

The post was allegedly published on his X account on November 13, 2024.

In a decision rendered at the Milimani Principal Magistrate Carolyne Nyaguthii Mugo cleared Mokaya of all criminal charges after finding that the prosecution had not only failed to establish a prima facie case but had also obtained key evidence in flagrant violation of his constitutional rights.

Nyaguthii ruled that the prosecution failed to link Mokaya to the publication and had relied on unlawfully obtained evidence, a combination she said fatally weakened the State’s case.

“Having excluded the unlawfully obtained evidence and finding no independent proof linking the accused person to the impugned publication, this court finds that the prosecution has failed to discharge the burden of proof beyond any reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the accused person is hereby acquitted,” Magistrate Mugo ruled.

The magistrate faulted the State for illegally acquiring evidence, including Safaricom mobile data, noting that the manner in which it was obtained violated established legal procedures and undermined the integrity of the investigation.

“The investigators disregarded the constitutional safeguards since the post in question involved the President of the Republic of Kenya,” Magistrate Nyaguthii stated pointedly in her ruling.

The court noted that Mokaya’s electronic gadgets were seized and examined forensically without a court order, a violation the magistrate said could not be overlooked.

“Even if the court were to accept the prosecution evidence, the accused person’s gadgets were seized and examined forensically without any court order,” the court observed.

Magistrate Nyaguthii invoked Articles 27 and 244 of the Constitution, which guarantee equal protection of the law and require the National Police Service to respect human rights in all its operations.

She was unequivocal that the President’s involvement in the subject matter of an alleged offence does not create a constitutional exception for investigators.

The court emphasised that a publication concerning the President does not suspend constitutional safeguards or justify investigative shortcuts.

It further warned that the criminal justice process must never be weaponised for expediency merely because a case is politically sensitive or involves a high-ranking public official.

The magistrate found that investigators bypassed mandatory legal safeguards due to the perceived gravity of the post.

On the question of criminal liability, the court drew a clear distinction between the existence of allegedly offensive online content and the responsibility for publishing it.

While acknowledging that questionable material may have appeared online, Nyaguthii stressed that liability under Section 22 attaches only to the actual publisher.

“In this case, the prosecution failed to bridge the evidentiary gap between the existence of the publication and the responsibility of the accused person,” she added.

With the exclusion of the contested evidence and no independent proof linking Mokaya to the social media account in question, the court consequently ruled that the prosecution’s case could not stand and acquitted him.

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Harrison Nyende Mumia, 47, who has been in custody for 20 days at Industrial Area Remand Prison made the new demands yesterday when he appeared before Milimani Magistrate Rose Ndombi.

Through his legal team led by lawyer Lempaa Soyianka, Mumia argues that since President Ruto is the main complainant in the matter, the court should compel him to provide a witness statement and testify in the case.

Soyianka further told the court that the defence cannot proceed with the hearing until the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions supplies President Ruto’s witness statement, urging the court to delay fixing a hearing date until the document is availed.

“We cannot meaningfully proceed with this matter without the complainant’s statement, and since the President is the main complainant, we urge the court to compel him to record and supply his witness statement before any hearing date is fixed. He should also be compelled to be called as witness in case,” Soyianka told the court.

The defense team also urged the court for a reduction of bail from Sh 500,000 imposed on Mumia to SH 50,000 claiming the accused is unable to raise the current bail terms.

Mumia’s lawyer Abner Mango told the court that his client has been languishing in custody since his initial appearance before Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego on January 5, 2026, when he was granted SH 500,000 cash bail or a Sh 1 million bond with surrender of his passport.

“Your honor, the accused appeared before Alego on January 5. Your honour he was released on punitive bail terms of Sh 500,000 cash bail and a bond of a Sh 1 Million with a surrender of his passport. He has not been able to raise the same and he remains incarcerated at Industrial area,” Mango submitted.

The defense is now seeking a drastic reduction of the bail terms from to Sh 50,000 an amount they say the family can afford.

Making his case for bail reduction, Mango argued that Mumia poses no flight risk, pointing out that police knew exactly where to find him when they conducted a raid at his Kangundo Road residence.

“Your honor the accused is not a flight risk he was arrested when the DCI raided his home in Kangundo road so the residence is well known by the IO. He is a respected person in this country and has no where to go. He will be attending this court when required,” Mango told the court.

The defense lawyer further challenged the very foundation of the charges, revealing that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act is currently under challenge at the Court of Appeal.

“Your honour the offences the accused is charged with computer misuse… the act is under challenge at the court of appeal. Your honour let it not escape the court that the charges against him are political,” Mango argued.

He pleaded with the court not to punish Mumia before he has been found guilty.

“Your honour is in that basis that we pray the accused is granted affordable bail terms so that he is not punished before a court of law finds him guilty. Your honour while incarcerated has been put in risk,” Mango submitted.

The prosecution, however, rejected the defense’s arguments, insisting that bail had already been granted and the accused’s inability to meet the terms was not the state’s responsibility.

“Your honour let it be known that bail was not denied it was granted. Failure for one to raise the bail can not be pinned against the prosecution,” the prosecution stated.

The state further pointed to inconsistencies in the defense’s position, citing an affidavit that indicated the real problem was the inability to locate Mumia’s ID and passport, not lack of funds.

“Your honour have been served with affidavit where indicate that sole issue that is hindering them is that they could not find the accused persons ID and passports. Your honour the said affidavit informs states that the visited the accused person in preparation to raise bail. They didn’t state they are unable to raise the amount but they say they couldn’t get his ID and passport,” the prosecution argued.

Magistrate Ndombi ordered that a pre-bail report be filed before making any orders on the reduction of bail. The court has detained Mumia until Thursday, when it will deliver its ruling on whether to reduce the Sh1 million bail terms.

In the case, Mumia faces four counts under Section 22(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018, all related to posts allegedly made on December 30, 2025.

According to the charge sheet, Mumia is alleged to have used a pseudo Facebook account under the name Robinson Kipruto Ngetich to publish images of President Ruto lying on a bed and falsely portraying him as deceased.

Another image allegedly depicted the President on a hospital bed in critical medical condition.

“On December 30, 2025 at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya knowingly published false information… by posting an image of President William Ruto lying on a bed and falsely portraying him as deceased, information you knew to be false,” the charge sheet reads in part.

He is also accused of publishing similar false images on his Instagram account, @harrisonmumia, showing the President lying on a bed in critical medical condition, falsely suggesting severe illness or death.

Making his case for bail reduction, Mango argued that Mumia poses no flight risk, pointing out that police knew exactly where to find him when they conducted a raid at his Kangundo Road residence.

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In a statement issued by the Office of the Governor, Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o described the move as a historical act and a deeply fitting tribute to a leader whose life was dedicated to the fight for democracy, justice, and the soul of Kenya.

The soon-to-be-completed stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000, will now be known as Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, ensuring that Odinga’s “story, sacrifice, and values are immortalized into the consciousness of every future generation of Kenyans,” the Governor noted.

Governor Nyong’o highlighted Raila Odinga’s lifelong advocacy, saying:

“The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s struggle for the Second Liberation, the 2010 Constitution, and his lifelong advocacy for devolution are foundational pillars of modern Kenya.”

Describing the symbolic importance of the stadium, the Governor said: “A stadium is a place of aspiration, unity, and national pride. By attaching the name of ‘Baba’ to this colossal structure, we are sending a powerful message that the spirit of struggle for human rights and political tolerance are central to the Kenyan identity.”

The stadium, according to the statement, will not only serve as a venue for sports but also as a perpetual monument to a Prime Minister who always put country before self.

It is intended to inspire both athletes and artists, reminding them of the heights one can reach through tenacity and belief in the people.

Governor Nyong’o concluded by urging Kenyans to celebrate the historic gesture:

“I urge all Kenyans to embrace this historic decision in the spirit of togetherness and national cohesion.”

The official opening of the Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium is eagerly anticipated, with celebrations expected to highlight the spirit of national pride and unity.

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Speaking during his state address on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, President Ruto revealed that over 27 million Kenyans are now registered, with daily enrollments exceeding 30,000.

“The Health Authority is now the engine of universal health coverage. More than 27 million Kenyans have registered with daily enrollment exceeding 30,000,” he said.

President Ruto explained that SHA brings together several critical components of the health ecosystem, including the Primary Health Care Fund, the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, and the Contributory Social Health Insurance Fund.

“SHAR brings together the Primary Health Care Fund, Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund and the Contributory Social Health Insurance Fund, including what we have brought together under the health ecosystem, including one piece of legislation that we are still waiting for passage in Parliament,” he noted.

In terms of funding, the President highlighted government allocations for the current financial year: Ksh 13 billion to the Primary Health Fund and Ksh 8 billion to the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, supplemented by county revenues and other sources.

“In the current financial year, we have allocated 13 billion shillings to the Primary Health Fund and 8 billion shillings to the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, supplemented by county revenues and other sources,” he said.

He also emphasized efforts to improve access to safe and affordable medical products through reforms at the Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA), now repositioned as the National Procurement, Warehousing and Distribution Agency.

“We have allocated 1.5 billion shillings to capitalise KEMSA and established a Kenya shillings 10 billion line of credit, targeting a 90% order fill rate and reliable availability of essential medicines and commodities nationwide by the end of this year,” President Ruto explained.

The President praised county governments and highlighted the role of legislation in solidifying reforms:

“To solidify reforms, we enacted four transformative pieces of legislation and I am very proud that this is giving us a very sound footing on how to deliver universal health. I am confident that they will continue in that spirit as the quality of care and patient safety bill is now under consideration in Parliament.”

President Ruto emphasized that primary health services in all SHA-accredited facilities, including public, private, and faith-based institutions, are now funded by the Government of Kenya, underscoring strong partnerships, especially with the World Health Organization (WHO), as critical to the country’s health agenda.

“With strong partnerships, especially with WHO, Kenya is firmly on the path to achieving universal health coverage. Professor Janabi, once again, and your team at WHO, I thank you for your partnership and steadfast commitment to health of not just Kenya, but also our region,” he said.

President Ruto concluded that with SHA at the helm, Universal Health Coverage is now a reality for more Kenyans than ever, signaling a new era of accessible, quality healthcare across the country.

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In a landmark judgment delivered virtually from the Milimani Law Courts, Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the order, which sought to regulate the management and terms of service for staff and board members of state corporations, illegally usurps the PSC’s constitutional mandate and undermines the principle of separation of powers enshrined in kenya’s 2010 Constitution.

The Executive Order, issued in May 2024 through Gazette Notice No. 6265, directed all boards of state corporations and Cabinet Secretaries to implement new guidelines on management and terms of service.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which filed the petition, argued that the order encroached on the PSC’s exclusive constitutional role and violated the Statutory Instruments Act by being promulgated without public participation or Parliamentary approval.

“This is, without any hesitation, a direct infringement of the Constitution and is therefore unconstitutional,” Justice Mugambi emphasized.

The judge further explained that the President’s executive powers cannot override the Constitution:

“The fact that these guidelines were issued as an Executive Order under the hand of the President cannot cure their unconstitutionality. Even in exercise of executive functions, the President must act in line with the Constitution or as authorized by national legislation,” he ruled.

The court highlighted that Sections 5(3) and 27(c) of the State Corporations Act, relied upon to justify the Executive Order, conflict with Article 234(2) of the Constitution, which vests the PSC with authority over the establishment, appointment, and terms of service for public officers.

Justice Mugambi warned that allowing such provisions to operate would erode the independence of constitutional commissions and weaken the merit, professionalism, and impartiality of public service.

“Permitting nibbling of its constitutionally protected mandate will increasingly weaken the Public Service Commission and leave it exposed to external interference,” he stated.

“The framers of the Constitution intended the PSC to operate as a bulwark protecting merit, professionalism, and impartiality in public service.”

The  Court issued a series of declarations and orders, including quashing Executive Order No. 3 of 2024 and the accompanying Guidelines on Management and Terms of Service.

It also declared Sections 5(3) and 27(c) of the State Corporations Act unconstitutional, affirmed that State Corporations and Public Universities are subject to the PSC’s constitutional mandate, and ruled that the National Treasury and other bodies cannot exercise powers vested in the Salaries and Remuneration Commission under Article 230 of the Constitution.

“This being a public interest litigation, I make no orders as to costs,” Justice Mugambi added.

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Speaking during a Sunday service at St Mary’s African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Kathelwa in Igembe Central, Meru County, Dr Ruto encouraged young people to take charge of their destiny through the ballot, but warned them against falling prey to divisive and unproductive politics.

“Our young people must register as voters so that they can influence the leadership and the future of this country,” Ruto said.

“But be vigilant against politicians who want to engage you in endless, unhelpful politics.”

The Head of State on Sunday noted that the next polls are still two years away, and his administration remains focused on delivering services and transforming lives rather than politicking.

“The elections are in 2027, not now,” he said.

“We will be elected based on the work we will have done. No one will be elected based on how they look, their faith, or the community they come from.”

Ruto, who was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, and several MPs and MCAs, said the government will continue implementing policies and projects that improve livelihoods across the country.

The President took a swipe at his political rivals, accusing them of misleading Kenyans with “empty rhetoric and sloganeering” instead of offering tangible solutions to the country’s challenges.

“When you listen to them, they do not speak about development. Our country has been left behind because of leaders who have specialised in empty rhetoric,” he said.

He called on both leaders and citizens to shun divisive and retrogressive politics marked by tribalism, hatred, and the blind pursuit of power.

“We must rise above politics of hatred, division and short-sightedness. Leadership should be about service and development, not just power for the sake of it,” Ruto said.

Ruto said that in the past three years, his administration has laid a strong foundation for the country’s transformation and is now focused on completing major projects.

He highlighted the creation of the Infrastructure Fund, which he said will support the construction of up to 30 mega dams and the generation of at least 10,000 megawatts of energy from diverse sources including wind, solar, hydro and nuclear.

On health, Ruto continued to push for the registration of Kenyans under the Social Health Authority (SHA), assuring that registered members will access free outpatient services in public, private and faith-based facilities.

“If you are seeking outpatient services and someone asks you for money, tell them the government has already paid for the services and call the police,” the President stated.

In Meru County, the President announced a series of development initiatives, including a Sh7 billion redesign and reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge, which has claimed many lives over the past two decades.

“We want to straighten Nithi Bridge so that it stops being a trap where citizens lose lives,” Ruto said.

He added that the government has allocated Sh2 billion to connect 26,000 households in Meru to electricity and Sh11 billion for affordable housing, fresh produce markets, and student hostels. An additional Sh12 billion will be set aside for the same initiatives.

“Apart from building affordable housing and 17 modern markets, we are also putting up hostels for 6,000 students in Meru County,” the President said.

Ruto also revealed that Sh1 billion will be used to upgrade Meru County Referral Hospital to a Level 6 national referral facility.

“We want to ensure residents do not travel to Nairobi in search of quality treatment; it will be available locally,” he added.

DP Kindiki said Mt Kenya and the rest of the country are united in supporting President Ruto’s national transformation agenda and will evaluate his performance based on development results.

“Forget the naysayers who have been selling fear, division and ethnicity,” Kindiki said. “We will give Dr Ruto a second term based on his record.”

Governor Mutuma echoed the call for youth voter registration and encouraged residents to enroll under the SHA to enjoy government-funded health services.

“I appeal to all who have not registered with SHA to register so that we can all have a medical cover,” Mutuma said.

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