On the Radar: Maraga, Omtatah, Kigame to speak on Ruto’s new laws amid public debate

Former Chief Justice David Maraga, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and gospel singer and activist Reuben Kigame are expected to hold a press conference in Nairobi at noon.

The three will speak about eight recently enacted Bills signed into law by President William Ruto.

When signing the Bills, President Ruto said the new laws would “reinforce our collective commitment to address historical injustices, entrench equity and transparency, and accelerate our national development agenda.”

While the presidency presented the assents as steps toward efficiency and reform, some civil society groups and policy analysts have expressed concern that parts of the legislation could expand government authority and affect civic freedoms.

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, for instance, gives government agencies wider powers to access and limit online accounts linked to misinformation or cybersecurity risks.

Observers have cautioned that such provisions might impact free expression or journalism if not applied transparently.

The Privatisation Bill, 2025, another key law, allows the government to sell state-owned enterprises without new parliamentary approval, a change that some economists believe could reduce public scrutiny and oversight.

MPs to vet Michael Thoyah Kingi for SRC appointment

The National Assembly’s Labour Committee will conduct approval hearing of Michael Thoyah Kingi, nominee for appointment as a member of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

The vetting will be held in the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, Parliament Buildings, starting at 11:00 am

Kingi is a former Magarini Member of Parliament. He lost the seat in 2022 to Harrison Kombe of the Orange Democratic Movement, ODM.

Kombe won the seat after beating Stanley Kenga of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party. Kingi was third and vied on the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) Party.

However, in March 2023, the court nullified the election of Kombe over irregularities.

LEAP Africa to hold media roundtable in Nairobi

LEAP Africa, a pan-African organisation dedicated to the socio-economic empowerment of youth in Africa, will hold a media roundtable.

The session will be held at 8:30 am at the JW Marriott Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.

LEAP Africa is keen to engage in a meaningful, off-the-record dialogue with a select group of Kenya's most influential voices.

The organisation is seeking to understand the local landscape and tailor its programmes for maximum impact.

Established in 2002, LEAP Africa provides training and tools for youth, entrepreneurs, and educators through programmes focused on education, entrepreneurship, employability, active citizenship, and health and wellbeing.

LEAP Africa also publishes books and conducts research on leadership, governance, and ethics to inform its work