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Mustafa Juma

Talented and immensely creative journalist with a commitment to high-quality research and writing with over 5 years of professional experience. Dedication to sound investigative research methods and a strong desire to know the truth of the matter. Excellent reporting and interviewing skills and award-winning writing techniques. Experience writing and reporting across a variety of platforms, including Opera News Kenya, DailyActive.info, LitKenya.com, theexchange.africa and Scooper News

Latest News

UK Scholarships For International Students Available, Kenyans Highly Recommended

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The University of Derby, an ambitious, modern university in the heart of the UK is offering scholarships for undergraduate and post-graduate programs to students from Africa, with those from Kenya being highly recommended.

The University welcomes more than 1,700 international students from 100 countries studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, with award-winning support services. 

There is a growing African student community at the University of Derby.

As a student from Africa, you could be eligible for the university’s scholarships and discounts, which can be used together to offer a reduction in fees during your first year of study.

You can apply for some scholarships once you have an offer from the university and others will be applied automatically if you are eligible.

You must be applying for a full-time degree. Applications for postgraduate research, online studies, foundation and pre-sessional language programmes are not eligible for a discount or scholarship. Terms and conditions apply.

General requirements

Click on your country below to find the entry requirements. If you have specific questions about your qualifications you can contact the international recruitment officer.  You can also check the course page for any specific requirements.

Requirements for Kenyans

International Foundation Year

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Students with minimum grades of C in five subjects would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year.

UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required.

Undergraduate

Students with a minimum score of 60% in the University Diploma / Ordinary Diploma / Ordinary Technician Diploma can typically be considered for direct entrance to bachelor programmes.

Students who have successfully completed one year of a Kenyan degree programme can typically be considered for direct entrance to bachelor programmes.

Students with a minimum score of 60% in the Higher Diploma / Higher Technician Diploma can typically be considered for entrance to the final year of a Bachelor programme.

Postgraduate

We require a Bachelor degree from a NARIC or government recognised institution, a typical offer would be:

A score of 60% is considered comparable to a UK 2:1
A score of 50% is considered comparable to a UK 2:2

Degrees issued by private institutions must have national recognition from CHE. You can download the list of approved private degrees here.

English 

The following awards offer English language exemptions:

Undergraduate

KCSE with a grade C – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.0)
KCSE with a grade C – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.5)
KCSE with a grade B – (Equivalent to IELTS 7.0)

Postgraduate

Accept KCSE with a C for an IELTS equivalent of 6.0 or 6.5 for plus 3/4 years study at University taught in English
For IELTS 7 or above an IELTS is required

N.B. Some programmes will require IELTS with no exemptions.

International students applying to start in September 2021 now need to apply through an educational agent representative. Below is a list of agents in Kenya.

SI UK Nairobi

SI UK Mombasa 

Uniabroad – IDP Kenya

  • Soin Arcade, Mezzanine Floor Suite 22, Westlands Road, Westlands, P.O. Box 41086-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
  • Tel: 0707092287
  • Contact: Nimo (Stella Githaiga)
  • Email: nimo.uniabroad@idp.com

Unihub Consultants

Uniserv Ltd

Uniserv – Eldoret

Uniserv – Mombasa

UniConnect Ltd

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Alice Wahome
Politics

Alice Wahome Speaks On Fumbling While Explaining Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economy

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Days after fumbling while trying to explain Deputy President William Ruto’s bottom up economic model during an interview on Citizen TV, Kandara MP Alice Wahome has come out to explain what transpired.

Wahome who is one of Ruto’s strongest supporters and a supporter of his hustler movement last week caused a stir online after saying that the bottom up approach was about empowerment starting from the bottom going down.

This attracted criticism from Kenyans who said she did not understand the model she has been pushing alongside other MPs allied to DP Ruto.

Speaking on the gaffe for the very first time on Monday August 02, the lawmaker said that she just had a slip of the tongue.

“That was just a tongue-twister. I know that the bottom-up economic model discussion bothers the ‘Cerelac’ babies, Kieleweke team and the ODM party,” she told a leading local daily.

She noted thatr trending on social media because of a tongue twist is not bad.

“..the clip was taken out of context. I was attending a show for one and a half hours…I said several things but they chose to bring a seven-seconds clip to show that we don’t understand the model,” she said.

She said the other parties have no alternative model.

“..bring your model let us compete on ideas, not jokes. I will not be finished by a small tongue twist,” she added.

On Sunday, Ruto once again defended his bottom-up economic approach, saying it is a noble approach about helping others.

“People are confused about this bottom-up approach. It is about helping the weak. Christ himself has said blessed are those who help others,” Ruto said.

Ruto is rallying supporters around his hustler narrative, which he says is a “bottom-up-middle-out economic approach” that has been received with admiration and criticism in equal measure.

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Latest News

Brazil Announces Scholarship Opportunities For 2022 Academic Year

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Federal Republic of Brazil has informed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that under the Brazilian Educational Cooperation Programme (PEC-G), the Government of Brazil is offering scholarship opportunities for undergraduate studies for 2022 academic year. 

The programme will cater for TUITION FEES ONLY.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of Kenya.
  • Must have a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 23 years, preferably by 31st December, 2021.
  • Must present original and copy of the transcript with courses taken and grades obtained during all high school years.
  • A certificate of completion of high school with an average score of at least 60%, and a score of 60% in English.
  • A candidate who has not completed high school at the date of registration for PEC-G may apply but if selected must submit the Certificate of Completion of high school at enrollment in the Brazillian Institution of Higher Education.
  • Willingness to undertake a Preparatory Portuguese Course for foreigners in an Accredited Institution in Brazil, and take the examination in the second half of 2020. Candidates can only sit for the Celpe-Bras once, and in case they do not succeed, their participation in the PEC-G program will be discontinued.

Candidates must also submit:

  • A duly signed statement of financial responsibility and ability by parents or guardian to remit a minimum amount equivalent to US$ 600.00 (six hundred U.S. dollars) monthly to defray the cost of living in Brazil during the undergraduate studies; and should prove that they receive a minimum income three times the monthly amount to be able to sponsor the candidate.
  • A duly signed statement of commitment, affirming willingness to undertake and comply with the rules of PEC-G.
  • An original birth certificate of the applicant and his or her parents or guardians to be presented for verification by the PEC-G operator at the Embassy of Brazil after successful selection.
  • An original medical certificate for physical and mental health issued within no more than 90 days prior to submitting the application. 

NB:    Information concerning visa requirements will be shared by the Embassy to the successful candidates who will be notified by the Embassy after the selectAny queries on PEC-G can be forwarded to johnstone.katua@itamaraty.gov.br

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Business

Mama Ibado Charity Donates Sanitary Towels To Girls In Kakamega Schools

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mama Ibado Charity, a leading independent, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) has donated sanitary pads and under garments to more than 300 vulnerable girls in Kakamega County.

The organization made the donation on Saturday July 31, 2021 with an aim of keeping the vulnerable girls in school at the time parents are struggling with challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Charity organization, the donations are being made to reduce the rate of absenteeism among girls in schools which affects their studies.

Located in Kakamega and Isiolo counties, the organization through its Executive Vice President Mariam Ahmed said young girls have been victims of absenteeism and potential school drop outs, which Mama Ibado charity is committed to end.

“Most girls of school going age in the region come from poor homes. This is a major reason that contributes to a number of girls missing school for at least four days a month each month due to their menstrual cycle, thus leading to higher rates of girls’ drop out,” said Mariam Ahmed.

She further observed that poverty levels in the Western Kenya region has forced some of the girls to opt for other unhygienic options such as use of old newspapers,rags, tissue papers and pieces of clothes in managing their menstrual flow.

“We want to change this by ensuring we reach more girls from various schools in the country and change their wellbeing by giving them back their dignity,” said Ms. Ahmed.

Mama Ibado charity has partnered with Kakamega forest heritage foundation under “pads for success” project which has seen schools such as Holy Cross Injira, Lugala Primary and secondary benefit.

Each girl will receive one year supply of sanitary pads pack that contains a year’s supply of sanitary towels, 4 pairs of undergarments and a health education booklet.

“Our goal is to ensure that Mama Ibado Charity plays a role in ending period poverty among the girl child. We need to live in a world that no girl misses school during her menses. I call upon like-minded individuals and organizations to join this movement of empowering the girl child, said MIC Founder, Ahmed Jibril.

MIC has donated sanitary towels to various schools in Kakamega County for the last 3 years.

Plans are underway to increase reach to other counties.
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Latest News

Government Issues New Direction On The Nationwide Curfew

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The government has announced new direction on the ongoing nationwide dusk to dawn curfew amid speculations among Kenyans.

The government through Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced that the curfew that is currently being observed from 10pm to 4am will continue for areas outside the Western region of Kenya, and 7pm to 4am for area in Western region of Kenya.

The government further announced that all public and personal meetings have been suspended countrywide. All government and intergovernmental meetings will also be virtual or postponed, according to the CS.

“We emphasize that all public gatherings and in person meetings of any kind are suspended country wide. The Curfew will continue across the country from 10pm-4am,” said CS Kagwe.

All forms of physical congregational meetings should be done under the guidelines of the interfaith council. In-person worship is to be limited to a third of the capacity of places of worship.  The CS urged congregants to maintain a physical distance of at least 1 metre while indoors.

All restaurants and eateries should observe the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

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Crime & Investigations

So Sad! Woman Killed By Lover In Kahawa West Shortly After Securing Job Abroad

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A 34-year-old woman is in Kahawa West alleged to have been killed by her lover just days after she had secured a job in Qatar.

According to reports, Joyce Wanjiru Nyambura was killed just three days before leaving the country to start her new job.

She is said to have differed with the lover over her leaving. Her family says she was scheduled to leave for the country in the Middle East on Friday, July 30 but she unfortunately met her death in the hands of the brutal lover.

The lover only identified as Golden Nyakundi is said to have fatally stabbed Wanjiru in the abdomen and mouth using a knife before going into hiding.

She also had bruises on the head an indication that she was assaulted before being murdered. The matter was reported at Kahawa West police station and police have now launched a manhunt for the killer.

The family is now calling on the authorities to expedite the probe and ensure Wanjiru gets justice.

Wanjiru’s sister, who is yet to come to terms with her sibling’s death, narrated that the deceased had attempted to secure a job in Kenya but in vain.

“My sister had really struggled to secure a job here in Kenya in vain until she got the chance to leave for Qatar and we were all happy as a family. However, the turn of events has left the family with so much pain,” she said.

On his part, Wanjiru’s brother posed, “all we want is justice as a family since we know my sister was kind and loving. Why was she killed just days before she left the country?”

The body of the deceased was moved to Kenyatta Memorial Funeral Home pending autopsy.

This comes just days after police arrested the main suspect in the killing of 23-year-old Christine Ambani.

The suspect was identified as Innocent Kalio Makokha, a 23-year-old student from the Mt Kenya University.

Makokha is said to have lured Ambani to her death under the guise of a date, with details confirmed that the two were involved in a romantic relationship.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives, Makokha is a repeat offender, accused of having murdered his own brother, sister-in law and their one-year-old child.

It had previously been believed that Ambani had been abducted by unknown persons who went on to ask for ransom from the family.

Makokha was arrested in Chokaa, Nairobi County where he was hiding out following the murder of Ambani.

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Entertainment

Aki Pesa Wewe! DJ Creme De La Creme’s Wife Dumps Him, Runs Away With Kids

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The wife to renown entertainer George Njuguna, popularly known as DJ Creme de la Creme has reportedly dumped him and taken off with his kids.

This is after the entertainer relocated from Nairobi to Kericho bearing to the Covid-19 pandemic that has greatly affected the entertainment industry.

Reports of DJ Creme’s wife taking off after being together for almost 15 years emerged after he took to his official social media handles on Thursday July 29, 2021 to label marriage as a scam.

DJ Creme de la Creme “Proposes to Denise, Wedding Preparations Done”
DJ Creme De La Creme with his wife Denise. Photo/Courtesy.

On his Instagram stories, De La Crème said: “Marriage is a scam. Don’t let anybody lie to you!” An hour later, on his feed, he posted a black and white photo while smoking and captioned, “Imma Be Aight.”

Speaking to one of the leading local dailies, a hesitant Creme said he was currently alone after his fiancée Denise took their two children and left.

“I don’t really want to talk about this but what I can tell you is that at the moment I am alone. My wife took the kids so I’m living one day at a time. You know as a man you just have to deal with life,” said Crème.

He added: “I am here (Kericho) where I am building a club and a restaurant…But I am easy, haina pressure. Every good thing comes to an end.”

Early this year, DJ Crème took to Instagram to announce he had finally proposed to his then-girlfriend after being together for 14 years.

Posting a photo of Denise’s hand with a ring on, the deejay admitted to putting his fiancée through a lot, adding that he wanted to love her forever.

“It took me 14 Years. 14 Loong Years to ask my Best Friend, My confidant, Mother to my kids, My Forever Person to Marry Me? I know I’ve stressed you out so many times @deekingsky, but My Heart and All I got belongs to you. I wanna Love you forever,” said Crème de la Crème.

However, a scroll through Crème’s Instagram feed shows he has deleted Denise’s photos, including the engagement one.

In 2020, Dj Crème relocated to Kericho with Denise and their children due to Covid-19 effects on his career and the entertainment industry. The deejay vowed never to return to Nairobi despite operating in the city for 17 years, saying life in the countryside was much better, cheaper, and more peaceful.

According to Crème, Denise had a hard time relocating to Kericho, having lived in the city her whole life.

DJ Creme’s break-up with wife comes barely months after gospel singer Daddy Owen had his wife Fridah Wambui walk out of their matrimonial home and got engaged to another man.

Reports indicated that Fridah had dumped Daddy Owen for a tycoon based in Gilgil.

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Politics

ODM Formally Exits NASA, Reveals Raila’s Next Move

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally exited the National Super Alliance (NASA).

The move comes just days after Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Movement formerly exited the coalition that was used by ODM leader Raila Odinga to contest for presidency during the 2017 general elections.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in a statement disclosed that the Orange party held a meeting on Thursday, July 29, and made the resolution to quit the NASA relationship.

ODM held a National Executive Committee meeting to deliberate on, among other things, the party’s 2022 presidential candidate.

According to Sifuna, ODM intends to embark on a programme to build new partnerships. The party will also extend the ongoing talks with its potential partners to the grassroots.

Sifuna added that the party deliberated on the future and its need to build new partnerships.

“To this end regional meetings and engagements have been planned with like-minded parties,” he concluded.

The coalition agreement between the partners indicates that NASA would cease to exist if at least three constituent parties formally exit. 

NASA coalition has faced challenges since 2018 due to mistrust among the parties and competing interests among; Wiper Democratic Movement, ODM, ANC and Ford Kenya parties.

Early this week, the former Prime Minister agreed to share political parties’ funds after four years of a standoff.

Despite all this, Kalonzo has ruled out playing second fiddle to anyone in the next year’s polls despite ODM unveiling the cash. 

At a press conference Monday, Kalonzo revealed that Raila had written a letter informing them of the decision to share the party’s millions.

Raila and Kalonzo have had an on-and-off relationship over the years since 2002.

They teamed up when the late President Daniel Moi endorsed Uhuru Kenyatta for the top seat and left Kanu to support retired President Mwai Kibaki under the Liberal Democratic Party, then an affiliate of Narc—the coalition that decisively defeated Kanu.

As the 2007 general election approached, the two went separate ways, with Raila seeking the presidency on the ODM ticket as Kalonzo flew the ODM Kenya’s flag. ODM Kenya rebranded into Wiper Democratic Party.

Election results were disputed leading to the formation of the Grand Coalition government, with Raila serving as Prime Minister and Kalonzo as Vice President.

The two did not see eye to eye for the better part of the coalition government.

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Crime & Investigations

So Sad! Caroline Kangogo Husband’s Painful Request At Her Burial

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Caroline Kangogo, the female police officer who allegedly shot herself after killing two of her colleagues was finally laid to rest on Thursday July 29, 2021.

Hundreds of mourners turned up for the burial that was conducted at Nyawa village in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Her husband Ngeno, who is a police officer at Maritime Police Unit in Mombasa County attended the burial. During the burial service, the husband is said to have made one request, which he was granted.

Reliable sources at the burial event revealed that the late Kangogo’s husband who was in the company of his parents requested not to be allowed to speak.

He sat near his daughter and son, who also travelled to pay their last respect to their mother.

The officer sat in the same dais as Kangogo’s parents and maintained his cool and hid his emotions behind dark sunglasses.

Reports indicate that Kangogo’s husband declined to address the mourners owing to the controversy surrounding her death. The children too did not speak. 

Kangogo’s brother read the eulogy on the parent’s behalf, as they too requested not to speak.

Her parents are said to have refuted allegations that their relationship with Kangogo’s husband had turned sour.

In her suicide note that was recovered at the scene of her death, Kangogo claimed that her husband was the source of her woes.

In the message saved as a draft on her phone, the corporal reportedly wrote that she never found peace after the husband allegedly left her for another woman. 

The embattled couple were allegedly entangled in a messy divorce case.

Kangogo, who was accused of assassinating two individuals, police constable John Ogweno and security expert Peter Ndigwa, claimed that she spared the life of her husband.

The body of police constable Caroline Kangogo arrived at her parents’ Nyawa village home in Elgeyo Marakwet county on Thursday for burial.

The body was fitted with a wedding dress as per Kangogo’s request in a draft text message found after her death.

Her father Barnabas and mother Leah Kangogo led mourners in collecting the body from Iten County Refferal Hospital morgue.

Officers from Nakuru where Kangogo served were present at the burial, as well as hundreds of residents.

The body was ferried in a hearse and police were not involved in transporting it to the home.

Kangogo’s brother Mark said the family will give Caroline a decent burial.

Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor carried out a postmortem on Tuesday, which revealed Kangogo died from a single gunshot wound to the head that damaged her brain and skull.

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CAROLINE KANGOGO BURIAL
Crime & Investigations

PHOTOS: Anapendwa! Hundreds Of Mourners Turn Up For Caroline Kangogo’s Burial

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Hundreds of mourners on Thursday July 29, 2021 turned up for the burial of Caroline Kangogo in Elgeyo Marakwet.

Photos which were seen by dailytrends.co.ke showed a hearse carrying her remains being escorted by a couple of vehicles from Iten town to Anin village, Keiyo South.

Caroline’s body arrived at the home on Thursday morning from the Iten County Referral Hospital mortuary where it had been preserved.

Relatives and friends view the body of the late Caroline Chemutai Kangogo at Nyawa, Elgeyo Marakwet

Caroline Kangogo’s father Barnabas and her mother Leah Kangogo led the mourners to collect the body ahead of the burial.

Her body was cleared for burial on Tuesday, after an autopsy conducted by Chief government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor. 

According to sources at the event, ten of Kangogo’s colleagues attended the burial but did not give her full police honours as accorded to deceased officers.

Reports indicate that they were only acknowledged by being told to wave to those in attendance. They did not get a chance to issue any remarks. 

Caroline Kangogo's funeral

The autopsy conducted on the body of police constable Caroline Kangogo by government pathologist Johansen Oduor suggested that she died of a gunshot wound after a bullet went through her brain, head and skull.

The burial was scheduled for last Saturday but the autopsy had not been conducted and hence the family could not push through with the plan.

Caroline Kangogo’s parents at their daughter’s burial in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Caroline Kangogo’s parents during her burial. Photo/Courtesy.

“Caroline died as a result of a single gunshot wound which entered her body through the right chin exiting the left side of the head. The trajectory going through the spine via the brain,” said Oduor.

He confirmed that the gunshot wound means it was a contact entry, meaning that the gun was on the skin thus rupturing the skin.

He indicated he was not at the scene but from Investigative Officers it was reported to him that she died on the same scene meaning there was no body movement from elsewhere.

“The work of a pathologist is to establish cause of death, manner of death we confirm through many parameters which will be shared after the conclusion of the ongoing investigations,” he added.

According to him, there are three manner of death which are confirmed from lab reports. They include; suicide, accident and natural, for Caroline’s case it will be informed correctly through the lab results which is ongoing. Apart from the gunshot injury, Dr. Oduor confirmed the body had no other injuries.

In her last dying wish, Caroline stipulated that he body be cremated and that she be dressed in a pristine white wedding dress that is super expensive.

“To my parents, I am requesting my body be cremated to end your suffering. Remember to take care of my children. For the thing in Kasarani hire movers for safe delivery, here nothing belongs to (Name withheld) for I started from scratch after leaving us,” she wrote.

And to her fans she wrote, “To my people, it’s my wedding day dress me in a white gown that (name withheld) didn’t afford.”

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Latest News

CS Amina Mohamed’s Husband Is Dead

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed’s husband Khalid Ahmed is dead.

According to the family, Khalid died on Thursday morning at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi after a short illness.

The family said Khalid, a father of two died at about 5am.

In March 2021,CS Amina lost her brother Esmael Mohammed Jibril, a prominent city businessman, while receiving treatment in India.

Plans for her husband’s burial are underway, given that he is a muslim.

More details to follow……

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Police officer commits suicide
Crime & Investigations

“Give It To My Son!” Another Police Officer Commits Suicide, Leaves Painful Note

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Another police officer has committed suicide at his home.

According to police reports, constable Donfan Wanyaga who is attached to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport reportedly committed suicide at his home in Kagio, Kirinyaga county on Tuesday.

Confirming the incident, Mwea-West sub-county police commander Stephen Okal hang himself in his house.

The deceased officer’s family has confirmed that had left a suicide note asking his wife to give out his phone to his son.

Reports by neighbors indicate that the officer’s wife had called them claiming that her husband wanted to commit suicide, but they unfortunately arrived when he had already done it.

The body of the deceased was removed to the Kibugi Funeral home pending an autopsy.

This comes barely two weeks after fugitive policewoman Carolin Kangogo committed suicide to escape arrest over the murder of two people-both her boyfriends.

According to police, Kangogo had been in hiding until when she was reported to have gone to her parents’ house in Elgeyo Marakwet where she locked herself up in the toilet and blew her head off.

Early this month, another officer attached to Gigiri Police Station reportedly committed suicide while on duty. He was said to have shot himself.

The officer who was identified as Police Constable David Machwa Mbatia (No 233456) used an AK 47 Riffle to take his life while on guard duties at the Amisom offices located behind the United States of America Embassy, four kilometres from his station.

In April this year, a General Service Unit officer attached to the Interior Ministry headquarters’ VIP Protection shot his wife dead before committing suicide.

He was among the bodyguards assigned to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi.

The officer identified by police as Hudson Wakise is said to have opened fire on his wife after a quarrel over domestic issues at the woman’s house, just outside the GSU camp in Ruaraka.

It is understood that they were living together in the camp until recently when she moved out and rented her own house following a fall-out over family issues.

In January this year, a police officer shot himself dead in Garissa just hours after a prison warder committed suicide in Mwea after killing a police officer in a bitter love triangle.

The two incidents followed another incident in Nairobi’s Kamukunji Police Station where a police officer shot a female colleague dead and injured another during an argument before he fled the station while wielding an AK47 rifle.

He was later hunted down and shot dead by colleagues, even though police claimed he shot himself dead as they tried to arrest him after shooting him on the leg.

The incidents raised serious concerns, prompting action from the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) which announced that it had established what its Chairman Eliud Kinuthia described as a “tailor-made psychosocial and relationship support of police officers which remain our first priority.”

Experts have identified psychological challenges as a major contributor of increased suicide cases among police officers.

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Norman Magaya and Kalonzo
Politics

Kalonzo Hires Raila’s 2017 Key Political Strategist

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

ODM leader Raila Odinga’s key strategist in the 2017 general election Norman Magaya has joined Wiper movement as Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2022 strategist.

The move comes just days after the wiper leader announced that his party had officially exited the National Super Alliance (NASA), in which Magaya acted as the CEO during the last elections.

According to reports from reliable sources, the Nasa CEO will be Kalonzo’s political adviser and will be tasked with writing press releases as well as being in charge of the party leader’s political strategies.

He will also be crucial in advising Kalonzo on coalition building and management ahead of the 2022 general election.

The Nasa CEO was unveiled on the day Wiper unanimously resolved to leave the opposition coalition for One Kenya Alliance.

Kalonzo who has maintained that he will not act as anyone’s number 2 in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta also named Justine Kyambi as the new Wiper executive director.

Kyambi takes over from university don Dr Jared Maaka Siso.

Siso is venturing into politics and will be contesting the Borabu parliamentary seat on a Wiper ticket during next year’s polls.

The current Borabu MP Ben Momanyi who was also elected on Wiper ticket has announced he will be contesting the Nyamira governor seat.

The Nasa CEO was unveiled on the day Wiper unanimously resolved to leave the opposition coalition for One Kenya Alliance.

Magaya, an advocate of the High Court, served as the national returning officer for Nasa in the August 2017 election at the Bomas of Kenya.

He collapsed at the Bomas of Kenya in August 2017 during the tabulation of presidential votes in the 2017 general election and was admitted to Nairobi Hospital before being flown to India for specialised medical treatment after a heart attack.

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Christine Ambani
Crime & Investigations

Prime Suspect In Kidnapping, Murder Of Varsity Student Christine Ambani Arrested

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder of University student Christine Ambani.

The suspect identified as Kalio Makokha who is said to have been the boyfriend of the slain student was arrested Monday night.

Special Service detectives stormed a room that he had rented in Chokaa area within Kayole and arrested him at 2am.

Christine Ambani was a student at Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology. Her lifeless body was found sprawled on a bed at a guest room in Githurai.

The 23-year-old third year student who was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration was found murdered on July 13, 2021, with her neck bearing deep stab wounds.

On the fateful day of her murder, Christine had left the Mwihoko based University in the morning, to meet her boyfriend in Githurai town, 15 kilometres away.

May be an image of 1 person
Kalio Makokha, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of Christine Ambani.

Immediately after the duo met in Githurai town, they booked themselves into a guest room in an arrangement that according to the management would only last for a few hours.

According to DCI, the arrangement was because the semester’s Continuous Assessment Tests were being administered at the university and Christine was due to sit for a paper that afternoon.

Makokha is said to have emerged from the room later and topped up the earlier paid amount, to last them for the entire night.

DCI through a detailed statement posted on social media said that it is during this night that the boyfriend turned killer, brutally murdered Christine by stabbing her on the neck savagely and left her bleeding to her last breath.

Makokha, a 23-year-old university student at Mt. Kenya University is said to have taken over Christine’s phone and logged into Christine’s family WhatsApp group.

Posing as Christine, he sent a message asking family members to send her Sh87,000 claiming that she wanted to refund her boyfriend (Makokha) the money he had spent to help her settle in the college.

Makokha was also discovered by detectives to have been a dangerous criminal, previously arrested by detectives and set free under unclear circumstances.

On February 2, 2021, Makokha currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Specialist Needs Education was identified as the culprit behind the murder of his brother, his brother’s wife and their one year-old baby.

Makokha in unclear circumstances killed the three by setting their house ablaze while they were inside. The matter was investigated by Mumias based detectives under reference number DCI/CR/NO925/36/2021 and the case file forwarded to the DPP for further action.

The DPP advised that a public inquest into the matter be conducted. Even before the inquest was conducted and his kin buried, Makokha attacked the grieving family by disrupting the burial planning meetings that were ongoing, and destroyed the family’s property.

He was arrested, charged and remanded at Kakamega G.K Prison. However, the case was withdrawn under unclear circumstances and the suspect set free.

The suspect will be arraigned in court to answer to murder charges.

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Crime & Investigations

How Rigathi Gachagua Raised Kshs.12 Million In Just 3 Hours To Secure Release

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua on Monday July 26, 2021 secured his release from police custody after managing to raise the hefty cash bail that he was granted after spending the weekend behind bars.

Gachagua appeared before Milimani chief magistrate Lawrence Mugambi on Monday secured his release after paying Sh12 million bail granted by an anti-corruption court in a Sh7.4 billion graft case.

The lawmaker is said to have fraudulently received a sum of Sh7 billion through three different bank accounts in his name at Rafiki Micro-finance Bank. He received the property between 2013 and 2020 in Nairobi while knowing that it formed part of the proceeds of crimes.

Gachagua was arrested at 3am in his Nyeri home on Friday, and faced six counts of economic crimes, including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, money laundering, and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

After being released, the lawmaker took to his official social media accounts to reveal how he managed to raise the hefty cash bail in just three hours. He  expressed gratitude to his friends who helped him raise the cash.

“I thank God that I am finally at home with my family after facing trumped up charges by the DCI on orders from State House… I thank all the friends who helped me raise the hefty cash bail in a record three hours,” Rigathi stated.

In addition, Rigathi expressed gratitude to his wife and children, his lawyers and Deputy President William Ruto for the support they accorded him.

Rigathi stated that police officers at the DCI headquarters and Gigiri Police Station had treated him with respect and dignity and were professional in discharging their duties.

During his appearance in court, Gachagua was flanked by members of the Tangatanga wing of the ruling Jubilee Party, among them Kimani Ichung’wa, Irungu Kang’ata, Alice Wahome, Kipchumba Murkomen, Nixon Korir, Aaron Cheruiyot and Gladys Boss Shollei.

Gachagua is accused alongside William Wahome, Anne Ruo, Julianne Makaa, Samuel Ireri, Grace Wambui, Lawrence Kimaru, Irene Wambui, David Nyangi and M/S Rapid Medical Supplies Limited.

They are accused of conspiring to defraud the Nyeri county government of Sh27 million between May 2015 and December 2016. His co-accused persons were, however, not present in court. Gachagua denied any wrongdoing.

In respect of the fraudulent acquisition of public property, it is alleged Gachagua, Nyangi, and Rapid Supplies Ltd fraudulently acquired public property at Sh6 million. The money was part of a payment purportedly for the supply of dialysis machines to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital.

Gachagua further faced two counts of money laundering. He denied indirectly receiving Sh104 million from Bungoma county government and engaging in transactions to conceal the movement of the cash even with the knowledge that it was proceeds of crime.

He also allegedly indirectly received Sh7.5 million from the Kwale government between September 2015 and September 2016 in Nairobi with others not before court.

The court ordered the accused persons to appear before the court on August 3, 2021. A pre-trial was also scheduled for August 9.

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Crime & Investigations

Rigathi Gachagua Released On Kshs.12 Million Cash Bail In Graft Case

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua was on Monday July 26, 2021 released on a Kshs.12 million cash bail in a graft case facing him, with an alternative Sh25 million bond or a surety of the similar amount.

Gachagua is facing six counts, including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, fraudulent acquisition of property and money laundering.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi at the Milimani Law Courts, Gachagua denied the graft charges read out to him.

He to deposit his passport with the court and not to contact or interfere with witnesses.

Gachagua who spent the weekend behind bars after being arrested on Friday was represented by lawyers Kioko Kilukumi, Alice Wahome, GladysSholei, Kipchumba Murkomen, Sylvanus Osoro, Irungu Kangata, Gibson Kimani, Wyclife Nyabuto, Amos Kisiwi and Paul Gacheru.

The lawmaker is being accused together with William Mwangi, Anne Ruo, Julianne Makaa, Samuel Ireri, Grace Kariuki, Lawrence Kimaru, Irene Ndigiriri, David Nguru and M/S Rapid Medical Supplies Ltd.

Earlier, Kilukumi asked that Rigathi be admitted to reasonable bail terms, adding that the values quoted in the charge sheet are not determinate on the bail the court should consider.

He also asked the court to consider the accused was arrested on Friday at 3am at his rural home in Nyeri.

Kilukumi urged the court to discourage the aspect of citizens being arrested on a Friday. The case will be mentioned on August 9.

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