Author: Journalist Benedict

Legendary Kenyan actress Mary Khavere, famously known as Mama Kayai, has been celebrated in the United States with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Performing Arts. The award ceremony took place in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she was recognized for her decades-long contribution to East African television and comedy. Mama Kayai, a household name in Kenya, gained fame through the beloved sitcom Vitimbi and became a cultural icon through her roles in other hit shows like Vioja Mahakamani and Jungu Kuu. Her ability to stay relevant through the years, coupled with her humility and dedication, has earned her immense respect both…

Teachers across Kenya are in for a major pay boost following the signing of a new salary agreement between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET). The new 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is valued at Ksh33 billion and will benefit thousands of educators. According to the new agreement, teachers in the highest job group, D5, will now take home up to Ksh167,415 per month, reflecting a 5% rise in their salaries. This salary adjustment follows intense negotiations held on Friday, July 18,…

Involving Directline AssuranceRoyal Credit Firm Strongly Denies Selling Any Shares in Directline Kenyans, investors, and other key stakeholders are being warned to stay alert about a new scam that falsely claims shares of Directline Assurance are up for sale. The alert follows reports that Royal Credit Limited, a company associated with business mogul Dr. S.K. Macharia, is allegedly selling 90% of its stake in Directline — a claim the company has now firmly denied. In a formal statement released by Royal Credit Limited, the company made it clear that Directline Assurance is a privately held firm, and none of its…

Nairobi’s central business district came to a dramatic halt as George Ruto — the son of President William Ruto — officially launched his ultra-luxurious Ksh14 million matatu, nicknamed “Mood.” The highly-anticipated unveiling, held on Friday night at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), turned into a massive youth-driven celebration of Kenya’s vibrant matatu culture. The launch kicked off with a short prayer session and the symbolic anointing of the matatu, before transitioning into a fully-fledged concert-style party that featured live entertainment and pulsating music aimed at engaging the city’s youth. Hundreds of young Kenyans flocked to the KICC grounds…

Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire have taken legal action against the government of Tanzania, accusing it of serious human rights abuses. The two filed a case at the East African Court of Justice on Friday, July 18, demanding justice after allegedly being kidnapped, tortured, and sexually assaulted by individuals believed to be Tanzanian authorities. In their petition, Mwangi and Atuhaire are asking for compensation of at least $1 million each, which is approximately Ksh129 million per person. They also want a public apology from the Tanzanian government for the pain and humiliation they suffered during a…

CS Alfred Mutua Orders DCI Investigation Into Illegal Labour Recruiters Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has officially directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to begin an in-depth investigation into companies illegally recruiting Kenyans for fake jobs abroad. The directive follows increasing reports that many of the companies deceiving job seekers are travel agencies. Mutua confirmed this in a press statement issued on Friday, July 18, as part of a wider crackdown on dishonest agents and unlawful employment practices targeting vulnerable Kenyans. According to the Cabinet Secretary, a review of formal complaints revealed that out of 62 companies flagged by…

Exploring Deep Chinese Roots in Kenya Centuries Before British Colonisation Kenya and China have always shared a friendly relationship built on culture, language, and trade over the years. But now, new information suggests that this connection may have started much earlier—possibly even before the British ever set foot in the country. The British officially took control of Kenya in 1895 when they declared it the East Africa Protectorate, marking the beginning of formal colonial rule. This later evolved into the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya in 1920 and lasted until Kenya gained independence in 1963. However, a fascinating video shared…

A group of concerned residents from North Imenti Constituency in Meru County has officially launched a campaign to recall their long-serving Member of Parliament, Rahim Dawood, who is currently in his third consecutive term. The residents have begun collecting signatures to initiate the legal process of removing him from office, citing several grievances. The group has put forward four key reasons for their move. First and foremost is Dawood’s controversial vote in favor of the 2024 Finance Bill, a decision that, according to the group, went against the will and interests of the people of North Imenti. Many constituents had…

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued strict new guidelines to police officers regarding the use of force, especially during public protests. In his latest directive, Murkomen emphasized the need for police restraint and clarified when officers are legally allowed to use firearms or any form of force. The directive, titled Policy Directive No. 1 of 2025 on the Use of Force and Firearms, was introduced as part of efforts to ensure policing remains lawful, proportionate, and in line with human rights standards. Murkomen directed all police officers to act within the law, adhere to standing orders, and follow established…

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has taken a hard stance against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting ethnic division during his recent trip to the United States. Speaking on Friday, July 18, during a women’s empowerment event at Busende Primary School, Wetang’ula openly condemned Gachagua’s actions while abroad, claiming that he met exclusively with people from his own ethnic group. “Gachagua was wrong to export tribal politics to the diaspora by only engaging members of his ethnic community during his visit to the US,” Wetang’ula stated. He further warned that such behavior risks deepening divisions among Kenyans…