GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES ELECTIONS LIVESTREAMING CLAIMS, DEFENDS ABERDARES TREE HARVESTING AND ISSUES UPDATES ON EASTLEIGH COLLAPSE, EBOLA
By Jeff Kizzilah | Digital Editor
LiveNation254 Media – Epaper Online
Date: 26 October 2026
The Government, through Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o, MBS, has issued clarifications on claims surrounding election-results livestreaming, tree harvesting in the Aberdares Ecosystem, the Eastleigh building collapse, the Ebola situation and the commencement of national assessments.
1. Government says election-results livestreaming provision remains intact
The Government has dismissed social media reports claiming that Parliament abolished mandatory livestreaming of election results through amendments to the Elections Act.
According to the Government Spokesperson, the reports misrepresent Parliament’s consideration of the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which originated in the Senate and was introduced in the National Assembly on 13 February 2025.
The clarification follows a High Court decision delivered on 22 September 2026, which upheld the constitutionality of Section 39 of the Elections Act and directed Parliament to consider the Court’s interpretation when finalising the Bill.
On 22 October 2026, the National Assembly deleted Clause 22, which had proposed replacing Section 39, before passing the Bill. Consequently, the proposed changes to the section were not adopted, and the existing provision remains in force.
The Government has urged Kenyans and media organisations to verify information through official parliamentary records, court decisions and applicable legislation before sharing it.
2. Government defends mature-tree harvesting in the Aberdare
The Government has defended the harvesting of mature commercial trees in parts of the Aberdares Ecosystem following public complaints about excessive tree felling.
The affected areas include Geta Forest Station, compartment 8A, and Keriita Forest Station, spanning areas in Nyandarua and Kiambu counties.
According to the Government, the harvested cypress trees had reached maturity and their commercial rotation age. Officials further stated that some trees had developed heart rot and become vulnerable to falling, resulting in commercial losses.
The harvesting was reportedly authorised through applications by qualified sawmillers in accordance with applicable procurement procedures. The Government says the three successful sawmillers are local operators from counties within the Central region.
Plans are also underway to establish new plantations during the short rains under the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS). The programme allows participating local communities to grow crops for household consumption and sale for up to three years while the trees establish themselves.
However, the matter is now before a court in Ol Kalou following a petition by a Member of Parliament. The process has reportedly been suspended for two weeks as the court considers the case.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to complying with the rule of law.
3. Eastleigh building collapse: Rescue operations continue
Rescue operations are continuing following the collapse of a building on 9th Street, First Avenue, in Eastleigh.
The Government reports that rescue teams have worked through approximately 50 per cent of the debris. Two people, a man and a woman, have been rescued alive and taken to hospital for treatment.
Questions surrounding whether the necessary building approvals were issued have been referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for investigation and possible prosecution.
The Government has thanked members of the Eastleigh community for their patience and support as emergency teams continue searching the site.
4. Ebola update: Nine confirmed cases and two deaths reported
The Government has reported that the total number of confirmed Ebola cases remains nine, including two deaths.
The first patient died on 5 October 2026, while the second death was reported on 23 October 2026.
Seven patients are undergoing treatment at designated isolation facilities. According to the Government, the patients are responding well to care provided by infectious disease specialists.
Authorities have also reported that all 135 contacts associated with the first case have been traced, including contacts at home and abroad.
The Government has commended national and county contact-tracing teams, affected families, communities and development partners for their cooperation.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow official Ministry of Health guidance and promptly report any suspected symptoms or exposure through designated health channels.
5. KPSEA and KJSEA assessments begin nationwide
National assessments for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) have officially commenced across the country.
The Government has wished all candidates success and encouraged them to approach the assessments with confidence, discipline and honesty.
At the same time, authorities have issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, saying legal action will be taken against anyone found attempting to compromise the integrity of the assessments.
The warning applies to candidates, teachers, school administrators and other individuals who may attempt to facilitate cheating or interfere with the examination process.
The Government has called on parents, schools and communities to support learners and safeguard the credibility of Kenya’s national education system.
CONCLUSION
The Government has called on Kenyans to rely on verified information, respect ongoing legal processes, support emergency response efforts, follow public-health guidance and protect the integrity of national examinations.
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