news and current affairs.
8 Escape Taita Taveta Jail Wardens Scramble
8 Suspects Escape from Wundanyi Main Prison, Manhunt Underway. TAITA TAVETA, Kenya - Eight suspects staged a daring escape from the Wundanyi Main Prison in Taita Taveta County on Sunday morning. They cut through the prison cell's roof to flee undetected. Police and prison officials said the suspects used the roof opening to escape silently. Wardens discovered the breach hours later during a routine check. The suspects were in remand awaiting hearings for various cases. When the alarm was raised, senior police officers rushed to the scene. Authorities recorded statements from personnel on duty to establish the circumstances surrounding the escape. A local operation to find the suspects proved unsuccessful. Prison officials have...
Kabogo Slams Mt. Kenya Critics Over Ruto Govt
Kabogo Defends Role in Ruto's Cabinet, Urges Mt Kenya Critics to Allow Government to Serve. RUIRU, Kenya - ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has criticized leaders from the Mt Kenya region who oppose his role in President William Ruto's administration. He spoke after attending a church service at PCEA Mukuyu Parish in Ruiru on Sunday. Kabogo insisted that the government exists to serve all Kenyans. He questioned why his critics did not advise him before he accepted the Cabinet position. "We should allow the government to serve us," Kabogo said. "You cannot tell us not to work with the government. What will we eat?" The Cabinet Secretary noted that some people seek services from the same administration they...
Ruto's 9 Member IEBC Panel Ignites Tension
Ruto Appoints IEBC Selection Panel to Recruit New Commissioners. NAIROBI - President William Ruto has named a nine-member panel to select the next chair and commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The panel members will be sworn in at 9 am Monday at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Martha Koome will preside over the ceremony. Ruto announced the appointments in a gazette notice dated Monday, January 27. The members are Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, Fatuma Saman. The panel will recruit nominees for appointment as the IEBC chairperson and commissioners. Their selection will...
Pay in 11 currencies with KCB Mastercard
KCB and Mastercard Launch Multi-Currency Prepaid Card in Kenya. NAIROBI, Kenya - KCB Kenya and Mastercard have partnered to introduce Kenya's only multi-currency prepaid card. The card supports 11 hard currencies, simplifying international transactions for customers. The card allows seamless spending across various destinations. It supports the Kenyan Shilling, US Dollar, British Pound Sterling, Euro, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, South African Rand, and Chinese Yuan. The card caters to students, athletes, online shoppers, businesses, and corporates. It offers a cost-effective way to manage international transactions by reducing high fees and enhancing convenience for frequent travelers...
M23 Takeover Sparks Ruto's Urgent Peace Call
Ruto Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Eastern DR Congo. NAIROBI, Kenya - President William Ruto has demanded an immediate and unconditional end to fighting in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity in the region. In a statement on Monday, Ruto said ongoing military actions are worsening the humanitarian crisis. The closure of the Goma airport has hindered aid efforts. "I call for an immediate ceasefire and emphasize the obligation to facilitate humanitarian access," Ruto said. He urged both sides to seek peaceful solutions to the tragic conflict. As the East African Commission (EAC) chairperson, Ruto called on Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of...
Sakaja's 3500 Cleaners Rock Nairobi Estates
Sakaja: Green Army to Extend Cleanup to Nairobi Estates. NAIROBI - The Green Army will move its cleanup efforts from the CBD to residential areas, Governor Johnson Sakaja announced Sunday. This follows weeks of successful cleanups in the city center. Sakaja addressed the 3,500-member team as they braved evening rains to complete their work. He assured them the cleanup would continue. "You've done an exceptional job," Sakaja said. "We will now clean estates one by one." The Governor revealed plans to offer the Green Army permanent, pensionable jobs within the county. However, this depends on implementing the necessary systems. "Employment will be based on merit and hard work," Sakaja said. He also outlined plans for the Green...
Ruto's Big Sugar Move Sparks Uproar
President Ruto Revives Sugar Industry, Boosting Re-Election Hopes. NAIROBI - Kenya's sugar industry has experienced a rebirth under President William Ruto. This follows decades of decline marked by factory closures, job losses, and farmer desperation. Atiang' Atyang', national chairman of the Kenya Association of Sugarcane and Allied Products (KASPA), credits Ruto for the turnaround. He cites the revival of the Kenya Sugar Board, debt write-offs, and fertilizer subsidies as key factors. "The sector is thriving. There is a future for the industry," Atiang' told the Star. Ruto's focus on sugar has political implications. Western Kenya, the heart of the sugar belt, is crucial for his 2027 re-election bid. This is especially true after...
Keynan Rages Over Dying House Debates
Keynan Reflects on Parliament's Evolution and Challenges. NAIROBI—Adan Keynan, the "Father of Parliament," has been an MP for 28 years. He was first elected in 1997. In an interview with the Star, Keynan discussed how Parliament has changed. He said debate quality has declined due to more MPs and constitutional reforms. These changes removed key leaders from Parliament. They included the Vice President, who led government business, and Ministers. However, MPs can now freely sponsor motions and bills. The House also has more independence institutionally and financially. Keynan shared insights on maintaining his constituency, the Gen Z invasion last year, and advice for young MPs. In his twenties, he joined politics to fight...
Kalonzo Vows - Opposition Still Strong and Fighting
Kalonzo: Opposition Remains Strong, Will Fight for Kenyans. NAIROBI - Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka declared the opposition's resilience on Sunday. He addressed residents in Nairobi's Dagoretti area. "We will not let the country go astray," Kalonzo said. "The opposition stands firm." Kalonzo hopes former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will win the African Union Commission chairmanship. If Odinga succeeds, the remaining Azimio leaders will vie for the presidency next election. Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders joined Kalonzo. They vowed to defend Kenyans' rights. In 2024, Kalonzo said Azimio remnants would demand better governance and side with the people as the "loyal opposition." Sifuna warns ODM members against defecting...
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