Koome's woes; e-Citizen chaos; hospital shutdown

Dear reader,

Today we are covering a legal showdown as Havi cites Gachagua's case in CJ Koome's battle, MPs demand answers over e-Citizen's management, and hospitals threaten to cut SHA services over billions in unpaid bills. The stakes are high and the pressure is on.

Kenfrey Kiberenge,

Newsletters Editor

Feedback: [email protected]

THE BIG TAKE

?

Why Gachagua ruling might haunt CJ Koome

Lawyer Nelson Havi argues that an earlier ruling in the case of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sets a precedent that could overturn orders to stop the removal of Supreme Court judges. The court had ruled that stopping a constitutional process is unlawful. Havi wants similar reasoning applied to allow the Judicial Service Commission to proceed. ?

MPs grill Treasury over e-Citizen?

Lawmakers are demanding answers as to why a private company is still running e-Citizen, despite government claims of full control. The Treasury says the vendors are on contract while the systems are migrated. MPs are also questioning Treasury oversight and contract terms. The committee now wants a full report on the contract next week. ?

600 hospitals to stop SHA services Monday?

More than 600 private hospitals will stop providing services to the Social Health Authority on February 24 over unpaid fees. They claim the government owes them Sh30 billion. The hospitals also object to the SHA's outpatient reimbursement model, which they say is unsustainable. The government is reviewing the claims, but the hospitals insist that urgent action is needed to avoid collapse.

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'MPs’ fury over secret Sh73bn in Mbadi budget'. Business Daily leads with 'Why you will pay to use major Nairobi, Mombasa highways'?Taifa Leo leads with 'RAILA NJOO UTUSAIDIE'

Quick hits

• Health:?Ruto roadside directives on health facilities to cost Sh1bn, MPs told.

• News:?Ruto receives names of PS candidates for appointment.

• Lifestyle:?Women speak: 'This is the moment I knew I wanted a divorce'.

• Lifestyle: Gavin Kendo, artist who’s famous abroad but little known in Kenya.

• Crime:?Tortured during festive season: Bernard Kavuli's horror abduction tales.

• Sports: Rejected by football, rising star Gregory Kiprono makes a name in volleyball.

• Politics:?Kalonzo to Raila: Join our alliance against Ruto.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Certified urgent: Lobby seeks public inquest into Brian Odhiambo's whereabouts
2. Mandera chief arrested over illegal processing of Kenyan IDs
3. Fresh concern in Embu, Meru over 40,000 children working in Sh40bn miraa, muguka trade
4. Two Kakamega brothers, ugali, and a deadly fight that ended life of one
5. Death, disappearance and the business of Lake Nakuru's toxic fish

Cartoon of the day

WATCH & GO! with KenyaBuzz

Movie: Captain America: Brave New World

Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan.?Buy the movie tickets here. Get the full KenyaBuzz movie schedule here.

Romance In The Key

Let the soul-stirring power of the piano transport you through a breathtaking journey of passion, melody, and emotion.?Buy event tickets here. Get the full?KenyaBuzz events schedule here.

Symphony Orchestra In Concert

Lose yourself in a powerful orchestral performance, where timeless melodies and dynamic compositions come to life.?Buy event tickets here. Get the full?KenyaBuzz events schedule here.

5th Nation Digital Summit

See more here.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Drama as Juja MP George Koimburi flees court fearing imminent re-arrest after bail