Author: Journalist Benedict
Kenyan-based journalist, blogger, and podcaster James Murua is appealing to both the Kenyan government and the African Union to intervene after his wife, celebrated South African author Zukiswa Wanner, was reportedly abducted by Israeli forces. Murua says Wanner was part of a South African humanitarian delegation delivering food and medical supplies to Gaza when the incident took place. According to his statement, she was among over 450 international activists traveling on more than 40 Global Sumud Flotilla vessels that were intercepted on Thursday, October 2. The flotilla was attempting to take aid to Gaza by sea when the Israeli military…
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have issued a strong warning to the public after receiving a rising number of complaints about fraudsters posing as military officials and asking for bribes in exchange for recruitment slots. In its weekly bulletin released on Friday, October 3, KDF revealed that scammers are targeting jobseekers through hotlines and social media, pretending to be insiders who can influence the upcoming recruitment exercise. According to the military, these con artists claim they can secure positions for applicants if they pay a certain amount of money. “The Ministry of Defence and KDF have received numerous reports via…
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved criminal charges against seven individuals accused of defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) through false claims amounting to Ksh2 million. In a statement released on Saturday, October 4, the DPP confirmed that the suspects were employees at a medical clinic in Kilifi County. They are believed to have coordinated the fraudulent activity from within the facility. The approved charges include: Among the accused are two directors of the clinic and five staff members, all of whom will face prosecution over their alleged involvement in filing fake claims. According to…
Two people have lost their lives in separate elephant attacks in Isiolo and Kwale counties, raising fresh concern over increasing human-wildlife conflict. In Kwale County, a community scout was killed by an elephant in the Samburu area along Mackinnon Road. The incident reportedly occurred within a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) premises as the man was heading to the kitchen. Witnesses indicated that the elephant had been roaming around the area for some time before launching the attack. The victim died on the spot, and the elephant fled immediately after. Police and KWS officials visited the location soon after. The body…
The government has announced that Kenyans will start receiving free emergency services through the Social Health Authority (SHA), in a move expected to transform access to urgent medical care. SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi revealed that the services will be available to all Kenyans—whether or not they are registered with SHA. Under the new arrangement, SHA will cater for evacuation costs of up to Ksh 4,500 within a 25-kilometre radius. In addition, the Authority will fully cover the first 24 hours of emergency treatment for any Kenyan in need. To strengthen emergency response, Mwangangi also announced plans to establish…
The National Police Service (NPS) has strongly criticised the Standard Media Group, accusing the outlet of misleading Kenyans about payments to police officers who were deployed during the recently concluded African Nations Championships (CHAN). In a statement issued on Saturday, October 4, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned the Standard over its headline, “Lagat’s Fresh Storm”, which claimed that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat was facing backlash from within the service over alleged missing allowances running into millions. According to the newspaper, junior officers were unhappy after money meant to compensate them for CHAN duties allegedly disappeared under Lagat’s…
A well-known aspirant in the Mbeere North by-election appears to be shifting allegiance to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after the Jubilee Party refused to hand him a nomination certificate. Jacob Ireri Mbao, a prominent contender in the race, suffered a major setback this week when Jubilee, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, informed him that the party would not present any candidate in the by-election. Shortly after this disappointment, reports surfaced that Mbao held a meeting with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku. The CS is closely associated with UDA and holds strong political influence in the region. News…
Thousands of Kenyans working in the textile and apparel industry have received welcome news after the United States government agreed to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by another year. AGOA is a major trade pact between the U.S. and several Sub-Saharan African nations. It allows 32 African countries to export goods to the United States without paying import duty, making it easier and cheaper for their products to compete in the American market. While speaking to residents in Vihiga County on Saturday, October 4, President William Ruto confirmed that the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump…
Fresh tensions are brewing inside the United Opposition after a fallout involving two of its most influential figures — former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and ex–Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. The disagreement centres on how the coalition should pick its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, a position both men are eyeing. On Friday, October 3, Gachagua took a swipe at Matiang’i, accusing him of seeking endorsement in closed-door hotel talks and private meetings. He insisted that leadership cannot be negotiated behind curtains but earned through public engagement. According to Gachagua, the only credible way to choose a flagbearer…
A senior enforcement official in Siaya County has been suspended after a violent incident in which striking nurses were attacked and injured by unidentified assailants outside Governor James Orengo’s office. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 30, when more than 20 nurses participating in a peaceful protest were allegedly beaten by unknown gangs, sparking national outrage. County Orders 30-Day Leave for Enforcement Officers In response to the public backlash, the Siaya County Government announced on Thursday, October 2, that the Head of the County Enforcement Unit, along with all officers who were on duty that day, had been placed on…