Maryam

Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa re-elected for a second term

Zimbabwean incumbent president Emmerson Mnangagwa has been re-elected for a second and final term in the country’s presidential elections on saturday as the final results were announced earlier than expected in a tense presidential contest. Within minutes of the results’ announcement, a representative for the main opposition party declared that they disagreed with the “hurriedly assembled” results. The Zimbabwe Election Commission said last night in the nation’s capital, Harare, that Mr. Mnangagwa received 52.6% of the vote. Nelson Chamisa, the head of the Citizens Coalition for Change Party’s opposition, received 44% of the vote, the commission reported. Election observers from

Zimbabwe elections do not meet international standards-US

The United States has openly  rejected Zimbabwe’s shambolic elections, saying they did not meet regional and international standards. Through its Harare embassy it said, “While the election days were predominantly peaceful, the electoral process thus far did not meet many regional and international standards.” The Embassy further commended the Zimbabwean people, some of whom faced significant obstacles and delays, as they exercised their right to vote on 23  and 24 August.  In their statement they said, We share the deep concerns expressed by SADC and other international electoral observation missions. SADC’s August 25 preliminary statement noted the elections “fell short

How Kenya Power inflates your electricity bill

Kenya Power has been inflating electricity bills, which has resulted in customers being overcharged by up to 20% for power they did not use. according to the Auditor General. In a startling admission before a parliamentary committee, Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu said a forensic review of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution revealed that bills do not correspond to actual consumption and that extra fees levied by the utility on customers are not traceable in the billing system. According to Ms. Gathungu, “nearly 20% of the bill to consumers cannot be matched to actual consumption, and the distribution company cannot attribute it

Kakamega County set to host National Secondary schools ball games

All is set for the secondary schools’ national ball games to kick off on 8 August 2023 in Kakamega town. Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association(KSSSA) National Chairman Kipchumba Maiyo said they are impressed with preparations and the games facilities to be used during the events. Speaking to Kurunzi News at Kakamega School, the chairman Maiyo applauded the hosts for their high standards for the upcoming event. ”We want to welcome everybody to Kakamega… these championship preparations are top notch  and everything is now ready.” Maiyo said referees and umpires in charge of the upcoming games are undergoing an intensive training

Taxpayers to face double hit as KRA backdates taxes

Employers are preparing for a double hit later this month when uncollected taxes are remitted after an earlier suspension by a court, leaving tax agents with a compliance nightmare as a result of the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) decision to backdate the new taxes to 1 July. Since the (KRA) decided to apply the taxes as of the implementation date under the Finance Act 2023, any taxes that are not deposited within the five-day timeframe are theoretically subject to penalties for non-compliance. According to the Tax Procedures Act of 2015, late tax payments are subject to a 1% penalty for

Understanding why Africa is susceptible to Cyberattacks

Africa’s digital economy is booming and offers many chances for expansion, but it also poses issues that need to be resolved if technology is to be used to its full potential. The absence of a digital security infrastructure is one of Africa’s biggest problems. While many African nations concentrate on establishing dependable electricity and internet networks, cybersecurity is not given the priority it deserves.  Recently,Kenya became a victim of cyberattack where the government’s digital service provider and other platforms came were breached. Following a cyber attack that prevented operations from running for hours, a number of service-oriented installations were offline. E-Citizen,

AFP sues Twitter over X copyright

AFP news agency filed a copyright case in France on Wednesday against social media giant Twitter, recently rebranded X, in a bid to persuade tech companies to pay for news. Media organizations have long contended that since their news and photographs add value to websites like X, Facebook, and Google, they should receive a portion of the revenue. Google and Facebook eventually agreed to pay some French media outlets after their cause was helped by a 2019 EU rule that permitted fees for distributing content under a system known as “neighboring rights.” AFP, meanwhile, has said that Elon Musk’s billionaire

Worldcoin operations within law – CS Owalo

Worldcoin, a new cryptocurrency initiative from American artificial intelligence company OpenAI, is reportedly operating lawfully in Kenya, according to Cabinet Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy Eliud Owalo. Thousands of Kenyans have flocked to shopping centers and other locations where registration is being held in Nairobi for the cryptocurrency initiative that was launched last week. Over 350,000 Kenyans, according to the business, had signed up for Worldcoin by Tuesday. Worldcoin is a process that involves scanning one’s eyeballs through an orb in exchange for a digital identification called World ID. We urge those who live close to the train line

Kirinyaga man crushed to death while lying on railway

A man was killed early on Wednesday morning when a train plowed over him as he was sleeping on the Nairobi-Nanyuki railway,in Thirigici Kirinyaga County. Family members claim that the mentally handicapped 38-year-old Alfred Migwi has frequently been discovered lying on the railroad tracks. Leah Mwangi, a family member, said, “He was crushed at around 3.00 am, and this is not the first time for him to lie along the railway line because he even cooks along the railway line at night.” Shocked residents who came all the way from the neighbouring Kibirigwi, Mururi-ini, Sagana and other parts of Ndia

Angus Cloud HBO hit series Euphoria star dead at 25

Angus Cloud, a star of the popular HBO series Euphoria, has passed away at the age of 25. According to a spokesperson, Cloud, who played drug dealer Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on the teen drama, passed away on Monday at his home in Oakland, California. In a statement, Cloud’s family said “it is with the heaviest heart that we must say goodbye to an incredible human today”. According to family, Cloud recently buried his father and was currently engaged in a “battle with mental health”. “The only consolation we have is knowing Angus is finally reunited with his dad, who was

Aquila East Africa admitted as APA member

Fast-growing marketing and communication agency, Aquila East Africa, has been admitted into the Advertising Practitioners Association (APA), Kenya’s premium advertising industry association. As a custodian of advertising in the country, APA not only enforces advertising standards through adherence to a code of conduct but also advocates for professionalism among its members. It also seeks to recognize the application of creative excellence in the way brands and businesses communicate. This is the latest milestone for Aquila East Africa after they received a certification from Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) in 2022. The award-winning agency with 10+ years of experience in strategic

Looming handshake: Ruto, Raila allies panic as talks shape up

Talks between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have drawn criticism from key members of the Kenya Kwanza cabinet. The big guns who were influential in helping President Ruto win the most recent presidential election warned against discussion with the opposition, saying that it would derail the Kenya Kwanza agenda. Since Raila has yet to recognize Ruto as president, suggested negotiations with the opposition have been deemed a waste of time, according to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his Senate colleague Amason Kingi. Wetang’ula stated on Sunday that carrying out their agenda would assist cut Kenyans’ cost of

Jubilee Party plans Azimio exit, claims Adan Keynan

The Jubilee party has made the decision to separate itself from the continuing anti-government demonstrations and is further attempting to cut ties with the Azimio la Umoja coalition stated Eldas MP Adan Keynan. Keynan stated this on Monday’s Citizen TV Daybreak program that the opposition’s ideas, which protests because it did not represent the interests of Kenyans during protests, are not shared by the party. Jubilee has rejected and would continue to reject participation in maandamano that are specifically designed to destroy Kenyans’ property and lives, he added. We were a part of the Azimio coalition during the election, but

Why Africa is hot target for cybercrime, how to stay safe

In the recent years, there has been a wave of indiscriminate cyber attacks targeting unsuspecting tech users across the African continent, from spam mails and other forms of malware on the digital space. Only this week, Kenya’s Information and Communications Technology Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, confirmed that the government central services portal had been hacked and they were in the process of restoring it. The confirmation followed unverified claims that the same hackers had also infiltrated the mobile money platform – MPESA, leading to national and international panic by users of the services in Kenya and in the diaspora. Kenya’s

EABL yearly profits drops by ksh.3b as kenyans drink less.

The high cost of living crisis in the country has affected kenyans’ drinking tradition of beer that is always considered immune to recession. East African Breweries Plc (EABL), which reported a 20.8% decline in profit for the fiscal year that ended in June to Ksh12.3 billion, has cut its dividend payout in half, to Ksh5.50 per share. In addition to the interim payout of Ksh3.75 per share, the company’s board of directors has proposed a final dividend of Ksh1.75 per share, bringing the total to Ksh5.5 per share. This payment is 50% less than the one from the previous year,

Senior police officer detained for soliciting ksh.10k bribe

Senior Police Inspector Zimmerman Police Post was detained by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Thursday for asking for a Ksh. 10,000 bribe. According to reports, Susan Wambui Muiruri wanted a bribe in April 2021. The complainant arrived at the precinct after learning that the police had taken his girlfriend into custody. “The arrested person, who was the complainant’s girlfriend, was working at his Wines and Spirits Shop located at Zimmerman with the accuser’s full consent and support,” a source at the EACC stated. “He received a phone call from a Zimmerman Police Post officer using his girlfriend’s number

Baby Sagini suspect sentenced 40 years in jail

Baby Sagini finally got justice after a court in Kisii handed sentences to the three accused who were found guilty of conspiring to cause harm by gouging out the eyes of the three-year-old boy late last year. The primary culprit, 27-year-old Alex Ochoga, will spend 40 years in prison for gouging out the infant’s eyes. Both the second accused, Pacifica Nyakerario, 51, the minor’s aunt, and the third accused, Rael Nyakerario, 80, the victim’s grandmother, will serve 10 and five years in prison, respectively. The three were accused of inflicting serious injury on Brighton Sagini, a three-year-old who has been

Russia to replace Ukrainian grain shipments to Africa-Putin

Following Moscow’s withdrawal from a contract allowing their secure shipment, President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that Russia would replace exports of grain from Ukraine to Africa.  Putin stated in a statement posted on the Kremlin website that “Russia will continue its energetic efforts to provide supplies of grain, food products, fertilizers, and other goods to Africa.”  “I want to reassure you that our nation is capable of replacing the grain from Ukraine both commercially and at no cost.” Up until a pact mediated by the UN and Turkey and reached in July 2022 allowed for the passage of crucial

KDF,Police bases attacked by Al-shabaab in Mandera.

In the early hours of Friday morning, suspected Al Shabaab terrorists allegedly launched simultaneous attacks on three separate Mandera County locations. In the initial assault, terrorists assaulted police officers guarding a Safaricom mast about 15 kilometers from Elwak Police Station in the Iresuki area. According to a police report seen by Citizen Digital, “At around 0130 hours National Police Reservist (NPR) Abdirahman Bashir, who was among those manning Iresuki Safaricom mast, reported via phone call that they had been overpowered by suspected Al Shabaab Militants and that the Safaricom mast was being destroyed.” Soon after, attempts to contact Bashir on the same phone number he had used to call for help were unsuccessful. The police report states that it was also impossible to call his coworkers. “We don’t know where they are right now. At the same time, Wargadud Police Station was reportedly under siege by Al-Shabaab insurgents,” said the police report. According to the police investigation, “in an effort to corroborate the facts, KDF stationed at Elwak also confirmed that at or near that same time, they were attacked at their camp by suspected Al Shabaab militants.” As a result, there is a network loss between the police stations in Wargadud and Elwak. The breadth of the attacks is currently being

‘Cure for AIDS’ still possible by year 2030, says United Nations

The United Nations asserted that “the cure for AIDS” is still attainable by 2030, but issued a warning that the opportunity to stop the world’s deadliest pandemic must be seized. The UNAIDS organization said that “AIDS can be ended” as a public health danger and provided a path that included funding, evidence-based prevention and treatment, empowering civil society, and addressing the disparities impeding progress. Ending the pandemic, according to UNAIDS, was mostly a political and budgetary decision. Executive director of the organization Winnie Byanyima stated that although “we are not yet on the path that ends AIDS,” “we can choose

Government had no intelligence information on Shakahola-Kindiki

The government had no intelligence information on the happenings at Shakahola forest, which hosted mass graves for hundreds of bodies believed to belong to members of Pastor Paul Mackenzie’s cult. 350 dead have been found on the property thus far, and more are anticipated to be found now that 40 graves have been located. Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki said before the Senate Ad Hoc committee on Tuesday that Mackenziehas been on the government’s radar ever since he was arrested in 2017 but that it is still unclear how the burial place escaped the attention of the intelligence service. Kindiki stated that by thoroughly examining the situation, they are currently attempting to figure out the puzzle’s missing component.“These arrests were made possible by intelligence, but there was none for the decisive issue involving the forest. The investigation into why there was no intelligence, particularly in the really sensitive areas where our soldiers weredying, is coming to a close, he added. Kindiki also questioned Mackenzie’s release in light of the allegations against his church, Good News International, and his repeated court appearances. He said: “In my opinion, I don’t see the basis why in the first instance, a fellow was indoctrinating children entered into a plea bargain simply because we can’t as the prosecution question and then they set him free to cause more harm to society.” When authorities raided the Good News International church in October 2017, they were able to save roughly 93 children, which led to the arrest of Pastor Mackenzie and a few other church members. Later, he was taken to court and accused of encouraging radicalization and instructing kids in an unlicensed school in his church. On the grounds of indoctrinating people with bogus Christian beliefs, furious Bungale residents in Kilifi County, Magarini, demolished one of Pastor Makenzie’s churches later in 2018. Additionally, residents of Majengo ya Wakala village demolished the home of a pastor who assisted Pastor Makenzie at Good News International church for allegedly encouraging extremism. He was charged in April 2019 with possessing and distributing movies to the general public without a valid Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) license. He was also accused of running a filmmaking facility without a current KFCB license. Mackenzie was freed after posting a Ksh. 500,000 cash bond after contesting the allegations. After Mackenzie told churchgoers to starve themselves to “meet Jesus,” concerns weren’t raised until two children died while being cared for by their parents in 2023. Police detained him on 15 April after finding bodies of four followers who had allegedly starved themselves to “meet Jesus” at his command. Since then, Mackenzie has been held by police.

Cow ‘owner’ told to present death certificate in court

A Nakuru court has ordered a woman to produce the death certificate of one of  her two Fresian cows in a dispute between her and another woman. On 28 August, 2020 a DNA test was conducted on Ruma and Lelgina after Gloria Kandie and Ann Cherotich asserted ownership.  Ruma was eight years old and Lelgina was nine years old. Kandie, the person in charge of the two cows, told Senior Resident Magistrate Emmanuel Soita on Friday that Lelgina had passed away. But Soita noticed that the DNA story about the cows was popular in both mainstream media and social media, and that their ownership had turned into a matter of public concern. He decided that in order for the court to continue with the lawsuit, it was necessary to show that Lelgina passed away. He asked Kandie whether she had informed the police of the cow’s passing because he knew it was a delicate situation, but she said that she hadn’t. Kandie was given three weeks to present the cow’s death certificate as proof after Soita demanded it. He postponed the court hearing until the certificate was submitted. Those scheduled to testify included Kandie, Cherotich, a herder, Peter Ngugi, the Rongai Sub-County Veterinary Officer, and the OCS. Kandie reopened the case that Senior Principal Magistrate Charles Ndegwa had previously rejected. After being told to give up the cow on 22 September, 2020 at the Baraka Police Patrol Base in Ngata, Rongai Sub County in Nakuru, Kandie sued Cherotich in 2020. This came about when Cherotich’s ownership of the cows was determined by a DNA test. To estimate their age using DNA, the dentition, tail switch, and general body markers were examined. Police took down the women’s description of how the cows were dehorned, their observations of the skin patterns and teeth, and compared them to the veterinary report in an effort to determine ownership but were unsuccessful. In the findings, Ngugi claimed that Cherotich’s account of the cows matched the outcomes of the DNA test. But in her case, Kandie claimed she paid Sh215,000 from two people for the cows, which she named Ruma and Lelgina. She dismissed the results of the DNA test. On 31 July, the case will be brought up.

CBC model provides new promise for marginalized schools

The new school will operate on the new 2-6-6-3 educational system, as described by the education reform task force. If the proposed changes are included in the final report, a principal will be in charge of the Comprehensive School, which will be made up of the nursery, primary, and junior schools. A teacher who will be known as the deputy principal will oversee the parts of the nursery, primary, and junior schools. Currently, county governments are in charge of nursery schools. Additionally, the Teachers Service Commission will engage and pay the tutors if the draft plans are approved. These are

Saba Saba: Raila vehicle damaged during Nairobi demos

Friday’s running clashes between protestors and anti-riot police resulted in damage to Raila Odinga’s car, the head of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Party. At a demonstration he called at Kamukunji Grounds, Odinga gathered his supporters to launch an initiative he claims is meant to force President William Ruto and his administration from office. Odinga requested that his supporters march to Central Park in the Nairobi central business district where he would be giving another speech after speaking at the Kamukunji gathering. A heavily armed unit of anti-riot police officers, however, would meet the Odinga-led Azimio convoy with force

Kipyegon Takes 5000m Title At World Champs Trials

Faith Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic winner in the 1500 meters, kept up her impressive form with a win in the women’s 5000 meters at the World Championships trials in Nyayo Stadium. After breaking the world records for the 1500 and 5000 meters in a week’s time, Kipyegon was competing for the first time. The two-time world champion won the 12-and-a-half-lap race in 14 minutes, 53.90 seconds, ahead of the national champion Lilian Kasait, who finished in second position in 14 minutes, 56.50. Margaret Chelimo, who won bronze in the 10,000 m world championships, finished third in 15:07.49 to clinch the

Browns Food apologizes, suspends senior officials

Following revelations that one of its supervisors forced female staff members to strip off in order to discover which one of them was on her period, the management of Brown’s Food Company suspended three senior employees. The strange episode was caused by the discovery of a used sanitary towel inside the incorrect trash can on the property of the company’s cheese plant. Brown’s top management said in a statement on Thursday that, despite the company’s reputation as being pro-women, they are outraged and dismayed to find that such an occurrence happened right in front of them. The statement states in

Three managers arrested after forcing female employees to undress after used sanitary pad found in bin

On Thursday, three senior managers from the BrownCheese Company Limited in Limuru were detained after forcing female employees to undress after used sanitary pad found in bin. In the horrifying event, a manager is alleged to have ordered female employees to strip naked because he wanted to find out who had put a sanitary pads in the wrong trash. The plant’s quality assurance manager, human resource manager, and HR assistant were all detained. On Friday, they will show up in court. Several female colleagues were made to strip off in the frightening incident on Tuesday after a dirty sanitary towel

Ghost workers: Migori County extends headcount amnesty

The Migori county government granted a one-day delay to more than 200 workers so they could clear their names and eliminate ghost workers who did not show up for a headcount. After a week-long exercise that was conducted earlier in the year, the deadline was extended by one day on 6 January, according to County Public Service Executive Caleb Opondi. The county provided around 3,000 personnel for a headcount for the week ending December 23, and the review is still in progress. “We also had others who claimed to be absent, ill, or to have never heard of the exercise.

12 African nations, including Kenya and Ghana, will get the first-ever malaria vaccine.

In a news release dated July 5, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, WHO, and UNICEF stated that Kenya is among the nations that had been delivering the vaccine through the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP) since 2019. Other nations include Malawi and Ghana. The initial 18 million dose allocation will allow nine additional nations, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, to introduce the vaccine into their routine immunization programs for the first time, according to the statement. Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi were also included in the list of recipients.

Reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border delayed

The reopening of Kenya’s border crossings with Somalia has been delayed amid security concerns according to the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki. Kindiki stressed that in order to effectively handle the recent spike in terrorism attacks and cross-border crime that has afflicted the region in recent months, the reopening of the border crossings must be delayed. While guaranteeing adherence to international responsibilities, the government seeks to offer its citizens better protection. Kindiki stressed the significance of prioritizing national security and safeguarding the interests of both refugees and host communities. “The government will delay the planned

Kingi says suspension of Finance Act against public interest

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi now wants the court to lift orders that suspended the Finance Act 2023, saying it’s against the public interest. Kingi claims that the consequence of the order granted is to suspend the government’s revenue raising measures and, as a result, bring the government to a standstill in his affidavit to the court challenging the act. According to the Speaker, the state faces serious disadvantages due to the money lost from uncollected taxes as a result of the suspension of the Finance Act 2023’s implementation. “The disputed tax is unlikely to be collected if the conservatory orders stay in place, and this will occasion a gap in the operations or governance structure that, if left unfilled, even for a short time, is likely to cause is likely to cause very grave consequences to the citizenry, “ court documents read. Kingi asserts that after consulting with the Speaker of the National Assembly, it was decided that the Bill should only be debated in the National Assembly in conformity with the Constitution because it has no bearing on county governments. He has also charged that Omtatah and the other petitioners in the case obtained a letter unlawfully and presented it in court. On the other hand, Omtatah has submitted a request to cross-examine Kingi over his affidavit. He contends that Kingis’s affidavit contained claims based on conjecture rather than actual events. According to court documents, “the timelines apparent in the affidavit conflict with what actually occurred as regards the consideration of the Finance Bill, 2023.” Senator Okiya Omtatah of Busia contested the law in this instance claiming that it did not go through the Senate as it should have, while Kingi has a different take. The lawmaker adds that the letter raises the issue of whether it is confidential, solely up to the two Speakers’ discretion, and whether it is deemed that both Houses have concurred. The case will be mentioned tomorrow for further directions.

Odinga criticizes Ruto governance, urges protests

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has declared that the opposition is ready to hit the street to protest and find a solution to the problems plaguing the nation. According to Raila, the Kwanza government in Kenya is rife with corruption and the misuse of public monies, and Azimio will not let up on their pursuit of justice for Kenyans. Yesterday, he continued gaining support for the planned demonstrations that are set to begin on July 7 by speaking at a public baraza in Ugunja. He claimed that President William Ruto’s administration had failed Kenyans. Raila is eager to mobilize his fan

Families in Nairobi substitute meat for eggs amid high cost of living

Families in Nairobi and its surroundings are substituting meat for eggs in their diet amid high cost of living claiming it is more tolerable for them. Some city residents have chosen the delicacy because a crate of eggs costs between Ksh. 430 and Ksh. 560. “At least once or twice a week, my family used to enjoy some Nyama. However, we were compelled to reduce our spending, according to Miriam Mokua. A crate of eggs costs less to purchase for Mokua, a resident of Donholm Estate, than a kilogram of beef does. “My family can survive on a crate of eggs

Shock as man kills wife for selling beans

A man from Gichonjo village has left villagers in shock after stabbing his wife to death over the selling of beans without first consulting him. Residents claimed that after working together to harvest the beans, the guy went home and began fighting with his wife, killed her, and then turned himself in at the Kianyaga police station where he is being detained. Residents were baying for his blood after the killing, which caused a major outcry. Locals claimed they discovered the dead in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor, which was an obvious sign that she had been

Fuel price surge hikes transportation costs as schools resume

Parents must dig deeper into their wallets as a result of an increase in fare on the majority of routes as schools resume their academic programs after half-term break. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviewed fuel prices higher on Friday, which resulted in passengers paying more as public transportation providers raised their fares to cover operating costs. Following an increase in fuel prices of Sh13 for Petrol and Sh11 for Diesel, boda boda operators and public service vehicles on particular routes have altered fares to enable them to continue operating. The fare for some operators on the Eldoret-Kapsabet

Man beaten to death by police in Kakamega

Alex Omuhaka 26 years old, who is a bodaboda operator at Shiatsala market got into an argument with his grandfather at around 8.00pm, a situation which made the police officers who are neighbours to the homestead to arrive and started beating him as they took him to the police station. The wife of the deceased Dorcas Akinyi stated that she heard her husband crying in pain throughout the night from the beating of the police officers. The residents condemned the incident claiming that the deceased was a kind person and were surprised to learn of his death. The incident has

Kenyans have lost trust in Ruto-Kigame

“The real problem that you have is that kenyans have lost trust in you, they do not believe you. They have lost trust in the government and I know you have friends around you who are telling you that everything is okay, I want to tell you it is not” Kigame remarked. He went on to say that a westernized approach to key issues will bring down his government. Mr. Kigame proposed a survival strategy to the president. He recommended austerity measures aimed at reducing government spending. The gospel singer and evangelist went on to say that the 2023 Finance

Khasoko Boys in Bungoma closed after student dies

Khasoko Boys Schools in Bumula constituency was yesterday closed following the untimely death of a student due to an unknown illness. The student died while receiving treatment at Montgomery referral hospital. Bungoma county health executive Dr. Andrew Malwa says that the post mortem revealed that the student died from perforation in his stomach that led to inflammation of the abdomen. The county has sent a team to the school to take food and water samples for further testing to determine the cause of infection in the school. The school joins the list of some schools that have had health concerns

One and a half year old infant defiled, murdered in Dudi, Kwisero

By Herbert Mbayi A sombre mood has engulfed Dudi village, Kwisero Kakamega county  after a one and a half year old girl was defiled and murdered  by an unknown person. The mother of the deceased left the girl at home and went to the shamba but did not find her upon return until after two days  when the body was found on the roof of the toilet. Francisca Atieno who is a next door neighbour of the deceased said  she was shocked to see the body on the roof of her toilet as she was going to answer a call

Govt set to implement policies against firearms

Ministry of Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has said the government is set to implement policies set aside against small arms and light weapons as the country nears completion of marking of firearms and ammunition. Omollo in a speech read on his behalf by Secretary in charge of Internal Security Wilson Njenga during a Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) workshop in Nairobi added if the policies are implemented they will enhance and promote peace and help curb illegal transfer and reduce illicit trade. “It is our pleasure as the Government to see a number of member

President Ruto sends home Kemsa CEO,board and Public health CS in graft scandal

President William Ruto has sent home the entire board of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority including the principal secretary, dissolving the board and suspending the chief executive officer. Dr Josephine Mburu, the principal secretary state department for public health and professional standard, became the first high-ranking government official to be purged, barely a few months after being sworn into office. She was sent packing alongside the entire Kemsa board led by Daniel Rono, while CEO Terry Ramadhani and eight other officers were suspended over Sh3.7 billion mosquito nets tender. The president immediately reconvened the board, appointing politician Irungu Nyakera as chair

Raila and Ruto Dalliance?

President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga  have spent the last 48 hours in each others’ company something that has left Kenyans with expectations of a political deal on the cards. Ruto and Raila shared a podium during the funeral of Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua County, later attended the finals of Kip Keino Classic at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday and were on Sunday seen together during a match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium. The two leaders who were close allies during the 2007 elections and later fell out have never worked together ever

Kenya to reopen three Somalia border posts shut over Shabaab attacks

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has today unveiled a plan to reopen the official border crossings between Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, which have been partially or fully closed in recent years due to security issues. CS Kindiki who made the sentiments during a press conference with Somalia’s Minister of Security at the steps of Harambee House said the project will improve socio-economic development between the two countries. Kindiki further said the project which will commence in the next 90 days from today aims to find a lasting solution to the perennial insecurity and instability in the Horn of Africa

Aaron brown wins 200m men’s race

Absa Kip keino classic-The chase for glory

The Moi International Sports Centre, a multi-purpose stadium in Kasarani, a residential neighborhood in Nairobi, hosts the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classic, the third leg of the World Athletics Tour Gold, on Saturday, 13 May. Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce is set to return to Nairobi for her first 100 metres race of the season. The Jamaican super star clocked 10.67 in last year’s edition of the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi setting the fastest-ever women’s 100 metres season opener. This result was the start of a phenomenal 2022 season In which she broke the 10.70 barrier a record seven

Mwangi reigns supreme in shot-put battle at Kip Keino Classic

Three-time national shot-put champion Peter Kamau Mwangi continued his hot streak in 2023 when he threw 16.25 metres to win the men’s competition at the fourth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Gold Tour at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Saturday.  The national event is the first of a delicious menu of entertainment for the day, which includes the core and discretionary categories of competition. The 39-year-old took top honours ahead of his closest rival, former national champion Benson Maina, who threw 15.86m as Fredrick Kiprop Chumba took third place with a throw of 15.30m. Mwangi’s

Jackie Maribe: I learnt of monica death while reading the news

Former television news anchor Jackie Maribe, who is standing trial in the murder of Monica Kimani, disclosed to a Nairobi court Thursday that she learned of the businesswoman’s death while reading the news bulletin on TV. She told trial judge Grace Nzioka that on the night of 19 September, 2018, which is when Monica was suspected to have been brutally murdered, she was at Royal Media Services’ studios doing interviews up to around midnight. She then left the company’s premises with her guests who were Juliet Julie alias Juju, Chelangat Ruto and Anita Thumbi. The group went out and was

MPs banned from speaking at Stephen Maloba funeral

Hundreds of mourners and leaders from different communities attended the burial to give their last respects. The family lead by his wife Rael Andeso Maloba mourned him painfully as he was a strong pillar who cared for many people. In addition they have asked the government to ensure that they get justice. Angry ward representatives opposed the MPs from speaking at the event attacking Mumias East MP Peter Salasya who had been given a microphone to speak, a situation that led  Kakamega County MP Elsi Muhanda intervening and calming the situation. They further complained of being isolated and wanted the

Autopsy reveals ‘some of shakahola cult victims have missing body organs’

Some of the victims of the Shakahola massacre have been found with missing body organs. Fresh documents filed in court indicate that the victims may have had their organs harvested before they were buried in mass graves. “Post-mortem reports have established missing organs in some of the bodies of the victims so far exhumed,” Chief Inspector Martin Munene said in an application. Police are seeking to link alleged cult leader Paul Mackenzie to human organ harvesting and trafficking. Mr Munene said many of Mr Mackenzie’s followers are missing and are suspected to have died mysteriously. “Both pastors [Mr Mackenzie and

Minor raped in Khwisero police cell

By Herbert Mbayi A family in Khwisero, Kakamega County is seeking justice after a minor was defiled in the hands of the police. It is alleged that a constable officer at Khwisero police station raped a form two girl who was in a police cell at night. The father of the 16-year-old victim, has claimed that the suspect found his daughter at night and performed that hineous act, and called on the police department to take strict legal action against him. The mother of the victim also said that she had gone through similar ordeals in the cells of Khwisero

Mukami,widow of Dedan Kimathi dies in Nairobi

The widow of freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi is dead. Mukami Kimathi died last night at a Nairobi hospital, her family said. Her daughter Nyawira Kimathi, who lived with her mother at their Komarok home in Nairobi, said Mukami developed breathing problems and was rushed to the hospital on Thursday night where she died shortly after. “On arrival at the hospital, she was received by the doctors but after several tests, they informed us that she wouldn’t make it, she died a few minutes later and we took her body to Lee Funeral Home. We are waiting for President Ruto to

Government to support only vulnerable students in public universities

Government announces new university funding model

Kenya to withdraw its troops from Somalia in 2024

By Ericson Mangoli President William Ruto has announced that Kenya will begin withdrawing Kenya Defence Forces from Somalia in 2024. This move will enable Somalia to stabilise, with a planned reduction in the number of troops in the country. The KDF was previously deployed to Somalia on 16 October, 2011 with Kenya joining other nations in pursuing the insurgency group known as Al Shabaab. Under the new plan, nations are working together in order to support Somalia before the troops are fully withdrawn. President Ruto made this announcement during the launching of the State of Migration in East and Horn of

Kenya receives Ksh.400 Billion to support bottom-up Agenda

Kenya has received a Ksh.400 billion financing programme from the African Export-Import Bank to support the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda. The three-year programme was signed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u and AfriExim President Benedict Oramah, in the presence of President William Ruto. According to Prof. Oramah, the financing programme is designed to help the government with its priorities in enhancing the capacity of commodities, supporting agriculture and water harvesting, and to construct industrial parks and invest in the digital superhighway. It will also strengthen the capacity of the Kenya National Trading Corporation to import affordable basic necessities such

Sudan Crisis: 100,000 civilians flee war in sudan

More than 100,000 people have fled Sudan since heavy fighting broke out between rival forces on 15 April, the UN has said. Officials warned of a “full-blown catastrophe” if fighting does not end. A further 334,000 people have been displaced within Sudan. Fighting is continuing in the capital, Khartoum, between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), despite a ceasefire due to be in force. More than 500 people have been killed and more than 4,000 have been wounded in the fighting, according to Sudan’s health ministry. A series of temporary ceasefires have failed to hold, with the

US Senator goes viral after shirtless Zoom meeting

A lawmaker in Minnesota has gone viral on social media for briefly appearing shirtless while casting a vote on a Zoom call. As he voted “yes” during a legislative session, senator Calvin Bahr appeared to be in bed with a photo of a children’s cartoon as his background. The Monday meeting was live streamed on YouTube. A clip of Mr Bahr’s Zoom mishap was then shared widely, gaining millions of views. The Minnesota lawmaker has not yet commented on the incident. As he cast his vote laying down in bed, his Zoom background featured a picture from I’m Just a

Jubilee Party turmoil: Uhuru ‘kicked out’ as rebels appoint Sabina Chege new Party Leader

The Rise and Fall of Kenya’s Pastor Ezekiel Odero

By Ericson Mangoli For decades, Kenyan televangelist Ezekiel Ombok Odero has been revered as a gifted spiritual leader and healer, with followers across the East African region. However, allegations of fraud, mass killing, and exploiting the poor recently emerged, leading to his fall from grace. Born in the island of Lake Victoria in poverty, Pastor Ezekiel was unable to complete schooling and spent his early adulthood as a fisherman. Feeling he was called by God to spread a Bible-based gospel, he began preaching in churches around the country, eventually moving to a prominent televangelist’s megachurch in Mombasa. Having had no