Government Clarifies Election Results, Aberdare Tree Felling and Ebola Situation

Story by Violent Kerubo

The Government Spokesperson Mr Charles Owino today at Harambee Annex has dismissed claims that Parliament has abolished the mandatory live streaming of election results, insisting that the relevant provision of the Elections Act remains in force.
Speaking during a press briefing, Mr Owino said reports circulating on social media misrepresented Parliament’s consideration of the Elections Amendment (No. 2) Bill, 2024.
He also explained that on October 22, 2026, the National Assembly deleted Clause 22 of the Bill, which had proposed replacing Section 39 of the Elections Act.
This followed a High Court ruling delivered on September 22, 2026, which upheld the constitutionality of Section 39 and directed Parliament to consider the court’s interpretation before finalising the Bill.
Mr Owino has urged Kenyans and the media to verify information against official parliamentary records, court decisions and the applicable law before sharing it.
On concerns over excessive tree felling in the Aberdare ecosystem, the government has defended the harvesting of mature commercial cypress trees, saying the exercise targeted plantations that had reached their rotational harvesting age.
The affected areas include Getha Forest Station and Kerita Forest Station in Nyandarua and Kiambu counties, respectively.
He also said the harvesting was approved for qualified local sawmillers through an online application process in accordance with procurement requirements.
The government Spokesperson also announced plans to establish new plantations during the short rains under the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme, which allows local communities to grow crops as the trees mature.
However, the exercise has been temporarily paused for two weeks following a court case filed by a member of Parliament in Othaya, as the government awaits the court’s decision.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are continuing following the collapse of a building along 9th Street, Fast Avenue, in Eastleigh.
According to the government Spokesperson , rescuers have cleared approximately 50 per cent of the debris, with 54 people—both men and women—rescued alive and reported to be stable in hospital.
Questions surrounding the building’s approvals have been referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for further investigations and possible prosecution.
The government has thanked members of the public for their patience and support as rescue teams continue the operation.
On the Ebola outbreak, the government confirmed that the total number of cases remains at nine, including two deaths recorded on October 5 and October 13, 2026.
The seven patients undergoing treatment have been admitted to designated isolation facilities, with specialists continuing to provide care.
Authorities also reported that all identified contacts associated with the first case had been traced, including contacts within Kenya and abroad.
The government commended national and county contact-tracing teams, families, communities and development partners for supporting the response.
Meanwhile, national assessments for primary and junior school learners have officially commenced across the country.
The government has wished candidates sitting the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment success, while warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found attempting to compromise the integrity of the examinations.
Candidates, teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders have been urged to uphold examination rules and ensure that learners succeed through their own efforts.