Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

IEBC appointees

Reactions are expected after the National Assembly approved President William Ruto’s appointees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the National Assembly unanimously approved the appointment of Erastus Ethekon as the chairperson of the IEBC and six other commissioners.

The approval on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, comes after the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) gave its approval for the IEBC chairperson and commissioners, and submitted their names for approval by the plenary.

“Taking into consideration the findings of the departmental committee for Justice and Legal Affairs in its report on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the IEBC, laid on the table on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 252 (b) of the constitution, the National Assembly approves the appointment of the following persons to the IEBC: Erastus Edung Ethekon- Chairperson, Anne Nderitu Njeri,  Moses Alutalala, Mary Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Aduol and Fahima Abdallah as members,” Wetang’ula stated.

The seven names had been presented to the parliamentary committee by President William Ruto on May 8, 2025, just two days after receiving two nominees for the position of chairperson of the IEBC and 9 nominees for the position of commissioners.

Muguka ban

Reactions are expected to trickle in following the decision by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya to withdraw a bill that sought to delist muguka (Catha edulis) from the list of cash crops in the country.

This came after the legislator, who is also the deputy majority leader in the National Assembly, met with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

“Following a request from elected leaders in Embu County, I met Hon. Owen Baya, sponsor of the private member’s bill that sought to delete Catha edulis (muguka) from the Schedule to the Crops Act. The Hon. Baya has graciously agreed to drop his legislative proposal,” Kindiki said.

The stimulant has been a bone of contention, especially in the coastal region, where leaders have called for its total ban, citing its health, reproductive and economic effects on the locals.

KAREN, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2025

Following the request from Embu County elected leaders, met the Hon Owen Baya, sponsor of the private member’s bill that sought to delete cathus edulis (Muguuka) from the Schedule to the Crops Act.

The Hon Baya has… pic.twitter.com/qm2DLJB0U0

— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) June 4, 2025

In 2024, Mombasa County banned the entry of the muguka, while Kilifi and Kwale counties imposed significant fees for the sale and distribution of the stimulant.