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Showing posts from November, 2024

Ruto congratulates Tanzania for taking lead in trading sector in East Africa

 President William Ruto has praised Tanzania for its leadership in trading goods and services within the East African Community (EAC). Speaking at the EAC Heads of State Summit in Tanzania, Ruto highlighted the significant growth in intra-regional trade, noting that Tanzania has now surpassed Kenya as the leading trading country in East Africa. He emphasized that this shift reflects the overall expansion of trade among EAC member states, with countries exchanging a diverse range of goods and services within the common market. "Today, in intra-regional trade, Kenya used to lead in trading goods and services within East Africa. Now, Tanzania has overtaken Kenya, and I commend Tanzania for their progress. The increasing trade numbers show that countries are exchanging more varied products and services," Ruto stated. The president stressed the importance of continued cooperation among EAC member states, pointing out that their shared interests require unity. He argued that a lar...

Human remains found in kiminini farm

 A man reported missing in Kiminini, Bungoma, was found dead, his body dumped in a maize plantation. Calistus Pamba’s body was discovered wrapped in a blanket secured with barbed wire and covered with maize stalks. According to a police report, the body showed visible injuries. It has been transferred to the Kitale Hospital morgue for an autopsy. A similar incident occurred on November 27, 2024, in Khwisero, Kakamega County, where the body of a middle-aged woman was found along Khwisero Emahene Road. Joyce Amutala, a 23-year-old from Sawa location, was discovered lying in a shallow ditch with a fresh facial wound and neck bruises. Police noted no signs of a struggle at the scene, indicating she may have been killed elsewhere and dumped there. Her body was taken to the Sonak Community Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. In another case in Makueni County, a man died by suicide on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Mathew Mutinda, 35, was found hanging from a mango tree on his ...

More Security in Kangemi over planned Demos

 Police have intensified security along Waiyaki Way following reports of planned protests by Kangemi residents and traders. On Tuesday morning, heavily armed anti-riot police officers were seen patrolling the area and surrounding the market. Some traders opted not to open their businesses, fearing potential losses or damage to their property. Market vendor Kanini criticized the heavy police presence, suggesting it might provoke unrest. “Polisi hapa ndio watachochea vijana kuandamana. Mimi hata leo sikua nifungue biashara lakini hatutaki fujo (The police presence might incite protests. I wasn’t planning to open my shop today, but we don’t want chaos),” she said. She also expressed frustration over the delayed completion of the Rironi-Waiyaki Way access route. “We rely on this slip lane to transport perishable goods to the Harambee markets. What happens if our customers from Loresho and other parts of Waiyaki Way can’t access the road?” she questioned. Victor Juma, a boda boda ride...

Mbadi defends Raila on his stance to Adani

National Treasury and Economic Planning CS John Mbadi on Saturday defended Azimio leader Raila Odinga over his past support for the controversial Adani Group. In mid-October, Raila, the former prime minister, praised the Indian conglomerate for its strong reputation and proven capabilities, stating: “Adani is a credible partner. They have proven their capabilities in projects that surpass what we have seen in East Africa.” His comments were in reference to the government's earlier decision to award lucrative contracts to the group. Defending Raila's remarks, Mbadi explained that the AUC chairmanship candidate was merely acknowledging the impressive work the Adani Group has accomplished in other countries. He emphasized the difficulty of verifying how the group secured deals abroad without living in those regions. "I think what Raila said is that Adani has completed notable projects that are visible, like an excellent airport in Mumbai. Whether corruption was involved ther...

SHA says its not part of ADANI deal

 The Social Health Authority (SHA) has clarified that it does not have any contract with service providers for digitizing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) software. SHA Board Chair Abdi Mohammed explained that the existing contract, which SHA inherited, was originally between the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the providers of their system, known as HICS. "The digitization contract in question involves the Ministry of Health and companies such as Safaricom PLC, Apeiro Ltd, and Konvergenz Network Solutions," Mohammed stated. Healthcare digitization is a crucial part of implementing UHC, as it boosts efficiency, improves data accessibility, and reduces fraud. Mohammed emphasized that SHA is just one part of a broader health digitization strategy, which includes organizations like the Kenya Medical Supply Agency (KEMSA), 17 regulatory bodies (such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, and Nursing Council), he...

Kizza Besiigye speaks after abduction

 Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has finally broken his silence after reports emerged about his alleged abduction and detention in a military facility. According to the reports, Besigye was abducted in Nairobi on Saturday, November 16, and subsequently taken to Uganda, where he was detained. Speaking in court for the first time, Besigye revealed he had been held in complete isolation since his arrest. “I was only informed about coming to court just minutes ago,” he told the court. “I have had no contact with anyone since we were taken from Nairobi, so I haven’t been able to meet with my lawyers.” While he expressed his intent to work with his legal team, Besigye admitted he hasn’t yet briefed them due to the circumstances of his detention. “I’ve made it clear I will have my own lawyers, but I haven’t been able to coordinate with them,” he added, declining government-provided legal representation. Besigye’s ordeal began on November 16 when he was last seen being dropped ...

Biden allows Ukraine to use its weapons against Russia

 US President Joe Biden has decided it’s time to let Ukraine play with the "big kids’ toys," giving the green light for Kyiv to use long-range missiles against Russia. This major policy shift, confirmed by a US official to CBS, comes after months of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleading, “Come on, just one more missile, pleeease!” The missiles in question, known as ATACMS, are capable of reaching up to 300km (186 miles). Zelensky, clearly channeling his inner James Bond, cryptically commented, “Missiles speak for themselves.” Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who once warned that such a move would be like poking NATO with a very long stick, has yet to comment. However, his Kremlin comrades have already called it a “serious escalation.” (Translation: “We’re not mad, just deeply concerned… and maybe a little mad.”) Washington’s official line is that the ATACMS will be used defensively, specifically in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine recently surprised ...

Uhuru Gachagua and Ruto meets in a Church function

 Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday attended the consecration and installation ceremony of Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani as the Bishop of the Embu Diocese, an event marked by the presence of high-profile political figures. Leading the delegation was President William Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as well as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who attended alongside his allies from the Mount Kenya region. This public gathering marked the first time Uhuru and Ruto appeared together since Gachagua’s removal as Deputy President. It also provided a rare opportunity for Gachagua to meet Ruto face-to-face following his ouster. The former Deputy President arrived early for the ceremony, accompanied by his Mount Kenya allies, while Ruto and Kindiki arrived later. Uhuru, who has largely avoided public events since leaving office, arrived at the venue shortly after. The ceremony, held in Embu, attracted hundreds of Catholic faithful and several local leader...

A boy dies in a river after drowning

 Police are investigating the death of a 15-year-old Form One student who drowned while swimming with friends in a river in Nyeri Central. The boy's body was recovered by police with the assistance of local divers and has been transferred to Nyeri Hospital mortuary for an autopsy. In a separate incident, local residents in the Uriri area recovered the body of a seven-year-old girl from a river. Police reported that there were no visible injuries on her body, which was taken to Migori Level 5 Hospital for preservation and autopsy. Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, 60 camels were stolen from a herder in Isiolo by armed assailants. Siyad Ali, a resident of the Safi area, reported that his homestead was raided on Tuesday by a group of men with firearms who made off with his camels. Police responded quickly and are currently pursuing the bandits to recover the stolen animals. In another theft case in Kajiado County, Pereru ole Tago, a resident of Ilturot village, reported noticing that 1...

How religion is leading to an increase in crime

 A recent report reveals that some fringe religious groups in Kenya are engaging in criminal activities, including exploiting their followers’ vulnerabilities, financial misconduct, and creating false hope. The report, titled Religion and Crime in Kenya, describes fringe churches as Christian denominations practicing beliefs or rituals largely dismissed by mainstream Christianity. The report, authored by Kenneth Bundi Mbaya and Phyllis Muriuki, highlights that these religious groups are not only financially exploiting followers but are also involved in child exploitation, killings, torture, forced isolation from families, and denial of healthcare access. They enforce secrecy in worship, discourage civic participation, and sometimes engage in activities that threaten public order. The study describes how some churches impose demanding prayer routines on followers as a supposed cure-all for personal problems, mirroring the intensity of Islamic prayer but without structured timing. I...

Kasmuel McOure joins Odm party

 Political activist Kasmuel McOure has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, aiming to strengthen youth and student involvement nationwide. On Sunday, McOure announced his new affiliation after a meeting with ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. He emphasized ODM’s commitment to pro-people values, calling it the only party in East and Central Africa dedicated to representing citizens' interests. McOure urged young Kenyans to become part of ODM, advocating for a vision of Kenya where everyone can live with dignity. "If you're ready to join a substantial political movement for a fair and democratic Kenya, consider @TheODMparty – the largest pro-people party in East and Central Africa," McOure shared. "We're revitalizing the Youth and Student Leagues, calling on passionate young Kenyans to help shape our future. Stand with us! Thank you, party chair @gladyswanga, for your trust and support this weekend." As part of his...

The state of Moi University makes Mps astonished

 The Parliamentary Committee on Education expressed "shock" at the deteriorated state of Moi University, following a visit led by Committee Chairman Julius Melly. On Friday, Melly emphasized the urgent need for a caretaker council and new management to address ongoing issues at the institution, where a worker's strike has disrupted operations for over three months. Melly stated that the committee would recommend measures to restore operations swiftly, describing the university's facilities as neglected and in poor condition. Following a crisis meeting with university management, faculty, and worker union representatives, the committee directed university leadership to negotiate a return-to-work agreement with unions by the end of Saturday and submit a report. The committee’s visit was met by hundreds of university lecturers and staff calling for a management overhaul. However, Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgey attributed the university's challenges to significant outst...

The Autopsy Behind Tabitha Gatwiris Death

 An autopsy report has revealed that popular content creator and influencer Tabitha Gatwiri died due to suffocation, specifically from positional asphyxia, which also led to brain swelling. The autopsy, conducted at Kenyatta University Funeral Home, concluded that Gatwiri's body position had obstructed her breathing, ultimately causing her death. Positional asphyxia, sometimes referred to as the "jack-knife position," occurs when an individual's body is positioned in a way that restricts airflow, potentially leading to unconsciousness or death. Gatwiri’s death was made public on October 31, and friends shared that she had felt unwell two days before her passing but was still in good spirits. Screenshots of text messages posted by close friends highlighted her positive outlook in spite of her condition. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined the entertainment industry in mourning her loss, expressing that Gatwiri was "a young woman determined to change the worl...

Bostwanas ruling party looses elections after 58 years in power

 In a major shift for Botswana, voters have turned away from the long-standing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), ending its political dominance since independence in 1966. Preliminary election results as of early Friday reveal that the BDP has secured only a single parliamentary seat, while the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, has won 20 seats so far. With projections suggesting the UDC is on track to secure the 31-seat majority required in parliament, it appears poised to form the next government. In Botswana's system, the president is elected by parliament, positioning Boko as the likely next head of state once the newly elected parliament convenes. This marks Boko’s third presidential bid, and he has called on his supporters to remain vigilant and disciplined as the transition unfolds. The decline in BDP’s popularity is attributed to the country’s recent economic struggles, with slow growth and high unemployment dampening public support....