GOVERNMENT DISMISSES CLAIMS ON ELECTION RESULTS LIVESTREAMING, ISSUES UPDATES ON ABERDARES, EASTLEIGH COLLAPSE AND EBOLA

The Government has dismissed claims that Parliament abolished the mandatory livestreaming of election results, clarified concerns over tree harvesting in the Aberdares Forest and issued updates on the Eastleigh building collapse, the Ebola situation and national examinations.

Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee House Annex on Monday, October 26, 2026, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o said reports circulating on social media that the National Assembly had removed the livestreaming requirement were false.

Wahong’o explained that the National Assembly, on October 22, 2026, deleted Clause 22 of the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which had proposed changes to Section 39 of the Elections Act. The decision followed a High Court ruling delivered on September 22, 2026, which upheld the constitutionality of the provision and directed Parliament to consider the court’s interpretation before finalising the Bill.

He maintained that Section 39 of the Elections Act remains in force without the proposed amendments, urging Kenyans and the media to verify information through official parliamentary records, court decisions and applicable laws before sharing it.

Government defends tree harvesting in Aberdares

On concerns over alleged excessive tree felling in the Aberdares Ecosystem, the Government said the harvesting involved mature commercial cypress trees that had reached their rotation age.

Wahong’o said the Forest Department had authorised harvesting at Geta Forest Station, compartment 8A, and Keriita Forest Station in Kiambu and Nyandarua counties, respectively.

He explained that some trees had developed excessive weight and heart rot, increasing the risk of falling and resulting in commercial losses. The harvesting, he said, was undertaken through online applications by qualified sawmillers in accordance with procurement procedures.

The Government further announced plans to establish new plantations during the short rains through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).

The programme allows local communities to grow crops for household consumption and sale for three years as newly planted trees mature and develop a full canopy.

However, Wahong’o acknowledged that the matter had been taken to court by a Member of Parliament in Ol Kalou, resulting in a two-week pause in the process as the court considers the case. He said the Government would comply with the rule of law.

Eastleigh building collapse rescue operation continues

The Government also provided an update on the building that collapsed along 9th Street, First Avenue, in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area.

According to Wahong’o, rescue teams had cleared approximately 50 per cent of the debris, with two people—a man and a woman—rescued alive and receiving treatment in hospital.

He said questions surrounding the building’s approvals had been referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for investigation and possible prosecution.

The Government thanked residents of Eastleigh for their patience and support as rescue operations continued.

Ebola cases remain at nine

On the Ebola situation, Wahong’o confirmed that the number of cases remained at nine, including two fatalities recorded on October 5 and October 23, 2026.

He said the seven patients undergoing treatment in designated isolation facilities were responding well to care provided by infectious disease specialists.

The seven patients include three family members and four healthcare workers who attended to the first case, according to the statement.

Wahong’o added that all 135 contacts associated with the first case had been traced, representing a 100 per cent contact-tracing rate. He said contacts had been traced both locally and abroad.

The Government commended national and county contact-tracing teams, families, communities and development partners for supporting efforts to contain the outbreak.

Government warns against examination malpractice

Meanwhile, the Government has issued a stern warning against examination malpractice as the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) officially commenced across the country.

Wahong’o wished candidates success in the national assessments while emphasising that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found attempting to compromise their integrity.

He warned that candidates, school administrators, teachers and outsiders would face the consequences of violating examination regulations.

The Government urged all stakeholders to safeguard the credibility of the national education system and allow learners to demonstrate their abilities through honest effort.

The briefing addressed several issues of public concern, with the Government calling for responsible information sharing, compliance with the law, continued cooperation in emergency response and the protection of the integrity of national examinations.