Government Clears the Air on Election Law Allegations, Aberdares Logging, Eastleigh Collapse and Ebola
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 26 – The Government through the Spokesperson Mr. Charles Owino has issued a comprehensive statement addressing several major national issues, clearing up reports regarding the mandatory livestreaming of election results, tree felling in the Aberdares Forest, ongoing rescue efforts in Eastleigh, the Ebola situation, and the kickoff of national school assessments.
Election Results Livestreaming Remains Mandatory
Addressing widespread social media reports claiming that Parliament had removed mandatory livestreaming of election results from the Elections Act, Mr. Owino firmly debunked the allegations, clarifying that the framework governing electronic transmission of results remains fully intact.
The spokesperson explained that the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024 (Senate Bill No. 29 of 2024) originating from the Senate under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) recommendations was introduced in the National Assembly in February 2025.
During parliamentary deliberations, the High Court was petitioned to evaluate the constitutionality of Section 39 of the Elections Act, which mandates the management and livestreaming of election results by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
On September 22, 2026, the High Court upheld the constitutionality of Section 39, directing Parliament to align its final decision on the Bill with the court’s ruling.
Following this judicial directive, the National Assembly voted on Thursday, October 22, 2026, to delete Clause 22-the specific amendment that had proposed altering Section 39.
“The claim that Parliament has abolished the mandatory livestreaming of election results is false. Section 39 remains in force without the proposed changes. We urge the public and media to verify facts against official parliamentary records and court decisions before sharing unverified information,” stated Mr. Owino.
Logging in Aberdares Ecosystem Paused Amid Court Battle
Responding to public outcry over alleged deforestation in the Aberdare Forest Ecosystem (covering Nyandarua, Murang’a, and Kiambu counties), the government clarified that timber harvesting was restricted to mature commercial plantations experiencing structural decay.
According to the Forest Department, commercial cypress trees at Geta Forest Station (Compartment 8A) and Keriita Forest Station had reached rotation age, developing heart rot and heavy-weight imbalance that resulted in significant timber loss.
The trees were allocated to local sawmillers from the region via competitive online bidding under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
The state outlined plans to reforest the harvested zones during the current short rains through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS), allowing local communities to cultivate crops alongside young seedlings for three years.
However, following a petition filed by a local Member of Parliament at the Ol Kalou Law Courts, tree harvesting has been temporarily halted for two weeks pending judicial determination.
Eastleigh Collapse: Rescue Operations Past 50% Mark as DCI Investigates
Providing an update on the tragic building collapse at 9th Street, First Avenue in Eastleigh, Nairobi, the Government Spokesperson confirmed that search-and-rescue teams have cleared over 50% of the rubble.
So far, two survivors a male and a female have been pulled alive from the debris and are currently receiving medical care in hospital.
In response to mounting concerns over structural compliance and building approvals, the government has formally referred the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for criminal inquiry and potential prosecution of culpable parties.
Ebola Outbreak Contained at 9 Cases; 100% Contact Tracing Achieved
On public health, the Ministry reported that total confirmed Ebola cases remain at nine (9). The figure includes: ● Two fatalities: The index case who died on October 5, 2026, and a secondary case who succumbed on October 23, 2026.● Seven active cases.
Three family members and four healthcare workers undergoing treatment in specialized isolation centers, all of whom are reported to be responding well to care.
Health officials confirmed that all 135 contacts associated with the primary case have been successfully traced across local and international jurisdictions, demonstrating a 100% tracing completion rate.
Stern Warning Issued as KPSEA and KJSEA National Exams Kick Off
Marking the official commencement of the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) across the nation, the government extended encouragement to candidates while issuing a strict warning against academic dishonesty.
The State emphasized that law enforcement agencies are on high alert, warning candidates, teachers, center managers, and external actors that any attempts to compromise exam integrity will attract swift legal prosecution.
“Let us protect the integrity of our national education system and allow our children to succeed through their own honest efforts”.
