In courts: Three judge bench to deliver judgement over Ruto’s IEBC nominees

A three-judge bench is set to deliver its final verdict today in the high-stakes case concerning President William Ruto’s seven nominees to the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The lawsuit by petitioners Kelvin Roy Omondi and activist Boniface Mwangi challenges the constitutionality of the appointments, focusing on alleged procedural flaws such as a lack of public participation, regional imbalance, and eligibility concerns for the individuals.

Earlier, Justice Lawrence Mugambi permitted parliamentary vetting to proceed but stopped the nominations' gazettment and swearing-in until the court resolves key constitutional questions.

The bench, consisting of Justices Lawrence Mugambi, John Chigiti, and Roselyne Aburili, also declined to hold President Ruto or his officials in contempt in late June after his gazettement despite existing conservatory orders, citing the absence of due process in oral submissions.

Today’s ruling at 2 pm will determine whether the nominees move forward or if the process will restart, an outcome that could significantly reshape Kenya’s electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 polls.

Legality of terrorism charges against protesters and Gachagua allies

A Kahawa court is expected to deliver a ruling on the legality of terrorism charges facing dozens of individuals believed to have been protesters, including DCP youth officials Wanjiku Thiga and Peter Kinyanjui alias Kawanjiru.

The demonstrations descended into violence, with some incidents involving the destruction of government and public property.

Defence lawyers argue the charges are fundamentally defective and amount to weaponisation of the law against youthful dissenters.

The prosecution maintains that the destruction of key government buildings during the protests warranted the terrorism charges.

The ruling by Magistrate Gideon Kiage will determine whether or not the case proceeds to full trial.

On a separate note, the case against Manyatta MP John Mukunji, Inooro TV journalist James Mbochi, and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthia resumes today in the same court.

The three are also being held over similar terrorism-related allegations tied to the Saba Saba protests.

The defence had on Wednesday mounted a challenge, including seeking to grill the investigating officer on how the suspects were linked to the alleged terrorist acts.

The move triggered sharp exchanges in the courtroom, with the prosecution opposing the cross-examination and defending the legality of the arrests and charges.

Magistrate Richard Koech, however, ruled in favor of the cross-examination.

The prosecution is seeking to detain them for a further 14 days as investigations continue.

Officers Barasa, Kiprono back in court over hawker Boniface Kariuki shooting case

Elsewhere, the case involving the shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki Mwangi resumes at the Milimani Law Courts.

Police officers Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, who are under investigation over the incident, are expected back in court as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) updates the court on the progress of inquiries.

The two were detained for an additional seven days to conclude investigations after Kariuki was shot during the June 17 protests.

He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.