Police in Nyeri are investigating an incident where five family members burnt to death after their house caught fire in Gaikuyu village, Mathira East.
The fire reportedly broke out at 2am killing a man, his wife, their two sons and a female relative who had visited them for Christmas.
Mathira East DCC Patrick Meso confirmed the incident, saying that police have launched investigations into the matter to ascertain the cause of the fire.
Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga’s elder daughter has announced that she has fully regained her eyesight after a two-year battle with partial blindness.
Rosemary made the announcement at St Peter’s ACK church in Bondo, Siaya County, on Wednesday 25, December where she had attended a Christmas Church Service.
She narrated her battle with blindness, stating that she felt alone and had to learn how to use sounds in identifying people around her.
“I felt alone and had to quickly learn to use sounds and movements of people to tell who was around me. Those were the most trying moments of my life,” she said.
She recalled how it was especially painful for her as a mother to not see her children.
“People would see me and think I was able to see because my eyes were ‘wide open’. I am grateful for your prayers and support during those difficult times,” she said
Her father, Raila, said his family was forced to move from one hospital to the another, locally and outside the country, in search of a remedy.
Read: Raila’s daughter opts out of Kibra Parliamentary race
“We got to a point where we nearly gave up as a family after unsuccessfully visiting many hospitals including in Germany, China and South Africa before she was finally healed in India,” he said as quoted by a local daily.
Nation reports that Raila said the healing was amongst the many milestones the family achieved this year and for which they are grateful.
Kenyans have flocked social media to celebrate Rosemary’s healing, terming it as a Christmas gift.
Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans.
Former Cabinet Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Dr Noah Wekesa is under attack by Kenyans on Twitter over his remarks on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s future political career after 2022.
In a video shared by senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Wekesa is heard saying that President Kenyatta will go nowhere after his term comes to an end in 2022.
Just like COTU boss Francis Atwoli, Wekesa says that President Kenyatta is too young to retire from politics.
He says the head of state will be 60 years in 2022.
According to him, he was a cabinet minister at 60 and at 83 years, he is still in active politics.
The former Kwanza Member of Parliament says that whether Kenyans like it or not, president Kenyatta will go nowhere after 2022.
“Uhuru will be 60 when he retires in 2022. That is a very young age. I was a cabinet minister when i was 60 and with 83 years, am still in politics. Mpende msipende Uhuru is going nowhere after 2022,” he remarks.
The remarks have angered Kenyans who have taken to social media to attack him.
Kicking off the debate, Ahmednasir while posting the video noted that people like Wekesa are the ones holding Kenya back.
“You ask yourself why Kenya is where it is today…the answer is… CHARLATANS like this 83 yrs old mzee calls the shots and shape our TRAJECTORY…very SAD,” he posted.
Kenyans were too quick to join him in trolling the ex-minister, with many expressing their disappointment in the 83 year old politician.
Some say Wekesa has done nothing to Kenya in his entire time in active politics.
From 2008 – 4th March 2013, Wekesa served as Member of Parliament for Kwanza constituency.
From 2005- 2007, he also served as Cabinet Minister of Science and Technology.
He also served as Cabinet Assistant Minister of Livestock and Fisheries between 2004 and 2005.
Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans.
Nation Media Group has suffered a blow after one of their top news anchors at NTV quit.
Doreen Majala, one of NTV’s prime time news anchors said that her Wednesday night news was the last broadcast she was doing at NTV.
She gracefully thanked her viewers as well as employers for giving her the platform to express her passion.
She left the station after 1 and a half years of hosting the Sunday prime time news.
“Good evening good people! It’s been an honor gracing your screens on NTV informing and educating you through the news. A big Thank you to the Nation Media Group management for the platform & to my colleagues, for the wonderful experience,” she stated.
Following the exits of popular anchors such as Trevor Ombija from the same station, Doreen´s Sunday bulletin rose to fame thus making her a household name.
Her fans have expressed their feelings following her exit, with many feeling heartbroken.
Here are various reactions from her fans.
A minister in governor Mike Sonko’s government is pleading with Kenyans to pray for the embattled county boss.
Sonko who is facing a total of 19 charges among them corruption, abuse of office and money laundering has hence been barred by court from accessing his office.
Nairobi County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Environment, Energy, Water and Sanitation Veska Kangogo says the county chief is not in good position and needs prayers.
“Let’s pray for Sonko because he is not in a good position and he is also facing a judicial process. We hope that he will overcome the trial he is facing,” she echoed.
Kangogo dispelled claims that the county’s services have been disrupted following Sonko’s arrest.
Read: Governor Sonko Arrested While Escaping Arrest at a Road Block in Voi
Sonko is accused of conspiring with rogue business people and senior County officials to misappropriate more than 380 million from the county coffers.
He is currently out on bond after the High Court sitting in Nairobi granted him a Sh15 million cash bail two weeks ago.
Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has bagged another international award.
This owes to his efforts to make the world a better place.
Sonko was given the prestigious World Peace Messenger award by the World Peace and Diplomacy Organization in Los Angeles, USA at a colorful event that also saw Kenyan Betty Adera awarded as a Humanitarian and Global icon.
The honorary position means that Sonko is now entitled to the confidence and trust of members of the US based organisation, and will join the rest of African appointees in similar position in spearheading peace and humanitarian initiatives across the continent.
Sonko was awarded for his efforts in reaching out to the poor in society and his commitment to reform youths associated with criminal groups.
The governor has himself confessed to be a reformed citizen, having spent time in prison for criminal related activities.
His transformation has seen him grow into an astute businessman, a political leader and a father of many adopted children.
While receiving the award, Sonko spoke of his pride in his achievements in life, especially on matters touching the needy and initiatives to reform criminal youth gangs. The award was picked on his behalf by Mrs Adera who also bagged the Humanitarian and Global Icon award.
“I am so humbled and gratified to have been recognised at such a high level but this can only make me proud of the bold steps l have made in my life,” he said.
He promised to continue with his humanitarian activities and the campaign to rehabilitate youths from the street life as well as encourage youths to shun criminal activities.
“Having had a past that is challenging, many youths doing some of these evils approach me for possible solutions on how they can be better citizens and we have helped them get the right counseling and rehabilitation and some have grown into reliable business men in society,” Sonko added.
He noted that all these contribute to a peaceful society that is good for all.
“Sometimes these efforts may not be recognised locally but we keep trying and helping where we can,” he noted.
Sonko was early last year appointed the Good Deeds Ambassador for Kenya and also received an International Police Award for his peace initiatives.
For the last two years as a governor, he has worked with the police in efforts to encourage armed youths in slum areas to surrender their weapons.
More than 1,000 youths have also been taken away from the street life to various rehabilitation centres in Nairobi.
County Secretary Leboo Morintant, CECs Vesca Kagongo, Allan Igambi, Chief of Staff Kamau Mugo,Lucia Mulwa, chief officers among others have congratulated the governor for the award and encouraged him to keep transforming more youths into better citizens.
Five people have been confirmed dead after their vehicle plunged into river Mwiwondwe along Mumias-Butere road in Kakamega county.
The Busia bound car they were in rolled at Mwiwondwe bridge on the Ekero-Buyangu road leaving five others injured.
A man and his wife are among five people killed in the Tuesday morning incident.
The ten were cramped in a Toyota Wish on their way to Busia for the festive season.
Mumias Sub-County Police Commander Peter Kattam has confirmed the incident.
Bodies of the deceased have since been transferred to the St. Marys Mumias Hospital mortuary.
The number of accidents in Kenya have been going up as per the latest report by NTSA in October.
A total of 2,591 people have lost their lives on the roads compared to 2,219 who died by September 25, 2019
The NTSA report showed that pedestrians accounted for the highest number of those killed, with 1,005 deaths, followed by passengers at 524, while motorcyclists were third, with drivers coming fourth at 245.
The number of those seriously injured went up from 3,309 in 2018 to 4,825 in 2019, a 45 percent increase.
Also Read: Five Dead, 62 Injured as Two Modern Coast Buses Collide
4,618 others have so far sustained slight injuries in road accidents this year compared to 3,771 by September 25 last year.
Private vehicles were involved in the most road accidents, accounting for 650 death followed by commercial ones with 573 deaths this year.
A section of Nairobi MCAs have hatched a plot to save embattled governor Mike Sonko through a Dubai trip.
According to reports by one of the leading local dailies, 18 MCAs are set to leave for Dubai amid Sonko’s impeachment motion debate.
The date set for the trip is the same date ODM MCAs have called for speaker Beatrice Alachi to convene a special sitting to discuss Nairobi woes.
The 18 MCAs set to leave for Dubai are said to be trying to avoid the special sitting .
The ODM MCAs are said to have given Elachi a seven-day ultimatum to call for the special sitting.
Should the 18 legislators go for their tour, then, there would be no quorum to debate Sonko’s ouster.
Sonko is facing graft charges and has been barred from accessing office until his case is heard and determined.
His Kiambu counterpart Ferdinand Waititu was already ousted, and has written to the senate to demonstrate his ouster, arguing that there was no quorum.
He has also moved to supreme court to fight for his access to the office after Court of Appeal upheld Justice Ngugi’s ruling that barred him from accessing office.
Impeached Kiambu county governor Ferdinand Waititu on Monday moved to the Supreme Court to contest the decision to lock him out of office.
Waititu claims in the notice of appeal to the apex court that he is dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s decision last Friday to uphold his suspension, claiming that it amounted to removing him from office through the back door.
“Being dissatisfied with the entire decision of the Appellate Court, the applicant is seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention to enforce his rights as an elected governor and those of Kiambu people who stand to suffer if the decision is not overturned,” read the notice of appeal.
Appellate Judges Daniel Musinga, Agnes Murgor and Gatembu Kairu on Friday upheld a High Court decision, which suspended Waititu and Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal from office after they were charged with embezzling public funds.
Also Read: Blow to Governor Lenolkulal as DPP Demands Cancellation of His Bond
The governor was charged in July with conspiracy to steal Sh58 million from Kiambu County during the award of a Sh588 million tender for roads construction.
He was charged alongside his wife Susan Wangari Ndun’gu, former County Chief Officer for Roads Luka Mwangi, businessman Charles Chege and his wife Beth Wangeci as well as six county employees.
The trial magistrate then barred Waititu from accessing his office as a condition for being released on bail.
The ruling was upheld by High Court Judge Grace Ngenye who declared that the governor should not set foot in the county offices until the corruption case is concluded.
Judges Musinga, Murgor and Gatembu ruled that public interest outweighed the two governors’ individual rights to access their offices.
“We find nothing wrong with the lower court’s decision to bar the governors from accessing their offices. As much as it will be inconveniencing to them, we find that it is necessary to impose the conditions to safeguard public resources and the court’s integrity,” ruled the judges.
People Also Read; Revealed: Here is where Waititu was ‘hiding’ the whole of Saturday
According to the judges, it would be wrong to allow Waititu to set foot in the same offices he is accused of committing the crimes and interact with the same witnesses, who are his junior staff, scheduled to testify against him.
On the issue of a vacuum being witnessed at the counties due to the governors’ absence, the judges stated that the constitution already has a provision for deputy governors to take over functions of running county affairs in the absence of their bosses.
“There is absolutely no fear of vacuum in leadership in the absence of a governor. We have had instances where the governor is having ill-health and their deputies take over. The law provides that the deputies can run the affairs if the governor is absent,” ruled the judges.
Busia County has embarked on fostering unity among residents Owing to 2017 heated electoral process through sports.
Several local football clubs are now battling for a Ksh 250,000 cash price in the ongoing tournament.
Odiado Drones FC reembark on the search for their maiden trophy when they face Red Sharks in the Nangina ward soccer tournament final on Tuesday.
The sides both carry an unbeaten run into the final that will be staged at the Funyula Stadium in Busia County, and Drones who are aware of their opponents’ threat are determined to walk the talk.
“Sharks are a very good side. They are sharp and able to cause harm any time. But that does not matter. We are going for it, we are going for them, I believe in my boys,” Drones FC head coach Asudi Mooka oozed with optimism during Monday’s light training session at Odiado Primary playing ground.
Drones held their nerve to beat Malanga FC 4-2 in penalty shootout on Saturday, after the game ended in a barren draw, Evans Willy, Dennis Opondo and Cyrus Ogana all slotting home from the spot.
Mooka believes the success in the dramatic semifinal has all but raised the mood in his camp.
“It was nervy shootout. You know they(Malanga) have a good goalkeeper and they even boasted of it as the shootouts loomed. But these young kept their cool, rose to the occasion and saved the day,” he opined.
According to the organizer, Nangina ward MCA John Obwogo, the annual event will go a long way in ensuring the region’s cohesiveness and HIV/AIDS awareness.
“This tourney serves to foster unity among residents owing to the 2017 heated electoral process. We also aim at raising HIV/AIDS as we keep the youths occupied, as well as empowering them through talent exposure and cash prizes,” said Obwogo.
The winner of the tournament takes home KES 250,000 as the runners up settle for KES 200,000. Losing semifinalists Malanga FC and Sigulu FC will battle it out for third place place in an early kick off match, the winner pocketing KES 100,000 and the other KES 50,000.
The grand final will be graced by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Ugenya MP David Ochieng, former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma, Nangina ward MCA John Obwogo among others.
Just a few days after Kirinyaga governor dropped her bid to sue Kenyan rapper King Kaka, another artist has yet again hit out at her in another controversial song dubbed Wajinga sisi.
Francis Hamisi popularly known as Frasha has released the song hitting out at politicians that were left out by King Kaka.
In the song, Frasha asks King Kaka about Waiguru’s bid to sue him before reiterating the message in controversial Wajinga nyinyi song.
He starts by telling King kaka that he was in solidarity with him, accusing Waiguru of stealing millions from National Youth Service during her tenure in the devolution ministry.
Also mentioned is deputy president Dr William Ruto over his alleged involvement in land grabbing cases.
Migori governor Okoth Obado has also been hit hard over the murder case following him over the death of Rongo University Student Sharon Otieno.
Frashas song comes just days after another poet Tear Drops released Wajinga Nyinyi part 2, which also hits hard at the failed government system.
On Friday Governor Waiguru dismissed the King Kaka as a ‘confused attention-seeking young man.’
decision comes exactly four days after the governor threatened to sue the artiste for defaming her in the song.
“Having watched the antics of King Kaka in the last couple of days with reports of fake assassination attempts and DCI summons, I recognise that he’s a confused attention-seeking young man. I have therefore made the decision not to proceed with the King Kaka suit,” she posted on Facebook.
Governor Waiguru said that it is unfortunate that talented youth have accepted to be used by a clique of politicians to settle scores.
Earlier on, before Waiguru made the announcement, Nairobi lawyer Nelson Havi had released a statement on behalf of the musician, saying the song is not in any way defamatory.
The lawyer further stated that the four demands set out in Waiguru’s letter will not be met.
King Kaka released the hard-hitting song a week ago evoking loud applause and sharp criticism in equal measures, which has been getting support from other artists.
Below is Frasha’s latest Wajinga sisi hit.
Detectives from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Sunday night arrested wanted fraud suspect who had just arrived from the United States.
The arrest happened at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following orders issued by DCI Headquarters on 22nd July 2019.
The suspect, Jackson Njau Kinyanjui is wanted for a fraud offence regarding the Arror and Kimwarer dams scandal.
” JACKSON Njau KINYANJUI; a WANTED FRAUD SUSPECT was last night arrested upon his arrival from USA, at the JKIA following orders issued by DCI HQRs on 22nd July 2019.The SUSPECT, wanted for the offence of FRAUD regarding the ARROR/KIMWARER DAMS Scandal,” tweeted DCI.
He was stopped by immigration officers before being handed over to DCI detectives.
Upon interrogation he alleged that he had been cleared to travel on securing his passport from Milimani Law Courts after previous arrest.
He will remain in police custody as further investigations ensue.
Police in Kirinyaga County on Sunday recovered bhang worth Ksh 700,000 after raiding Jubilee lawmaker’s shop.
According to a local daily, Kabare Ward MCA Chomba Nyaga who won the seat in 2017 on a Jubilee ticket had his shop raided with police recovering bhang rolling papers commonly referred to as rizla in two cartons estimated to be worth Sh700,000.
The region’s OCPD Anthony Mbogo confirmed the incident adding that investigations had been launched into the matter.
“The illegal rolling papers are known as rizla and Kabare ward MCA Chomba Nyaga has recorded statement at Kutus patrol base,” the OCPD was quoted by the local daily.
The police authorities are currently pursuing one suspect after the MCA confessed that the consignment was left in his shop by a customer.
The officers believe there is a link between the two that would aid in the investigations.
“A customer left the cartons to my worker but after staying long I informed the police officers,” said Nyaga.
Nyaga won his MCA seat in 2017 under the Jubilee ticket.
Machakos County Governor Dr Alfred Mutua has insisted that Deputy President Dr William Ruto should be questioned by police.
On December 16, Mutua filed a report at Kilimani Police Station claiming that DP Ruto threatened him on November 25, when Mutua, Ruto, among other State officials, had gone to State House-Nairobi to witness President Uhuru Kenyatta receiving the BBI report.
Speaking on Sunday evening during K24’s punchline show, Mutua said he read hostility in Ruto’s gaze, firm handshake and statement that Ruto “will deal with him”.
The DCI would later say that Mutua never provided witnesses to corroborate his allegations.
But the governor believes police are taking his claims “seriously” and he “hopes they question the Deputy President”.
He also insisted that Garissa township Member of Parliament Aden Duale should be investigated on his claims that he can deal with over 50,000 Kambas in Garissa.
Mutua also want Duale out of office since he said Kambas should not be in his constituency, arguing that if it was in the US he should have stepped aside.
Detectives from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday arrested an Administration Police constable for stealing a solar panel belonging to a resident of Oloosirikona.
Constable Francis Wafula who is attached to Lafey in Mandera County was arrested in Isinya, Kajiado County.
The detectives were acting on an alarm raised by the victim that an unknown man had stormed into his compound and made away with the property .
They rushed to his residence whereupon they arrested the Suspect and recovered the said Solar Panel from him.
The suspect will remain in Police custody awaiting arraignment for the offense of stealing.
“@APSKenya Constable Francis WAFULA attached to Lafey, Mandera County, was yesterday arrested in Isinya, Kajiado County for stealing a Solar Panel belonging to a resident of Oloosirikona. Acting on an alarm raised by the victim that an unknown man had stormed into his compound and made away with the property, @DCI_Kenya Detectives rushed to his residence whereupon they arrested the Suspect and recovered the said Solar Panel from him. He remains in Police custody awaiting arraignment for the offense of stealing,” tweeted DCI.
Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi has plans of forming an alliance with President Uhuru Kenyatta before 2022, Lugari MP Ayub Savula has revealed.
Savula who was addressing media in Kakameg on Saturday said Mudavadi is ready to work with the Head of State as he plans to rise to power in 2022.
He said the party has plans to convene a meeting where the matter will be discussed in detail.
Savula claimed Uhuru and Mudavadi have met on several occasions, adding that something is brewing up between the duo, as the debate on the next president of Kenya gains momentum.
“We are going to convene a party NEC meeting soon to review the relationship between the two,” he said.
“When President Kenyatta asked his Mt. Kenya backyard to stop following other politicians seeking to succeed him and wait for a surprise candidate he was referring to Mudavadi,” he said.
Savula said that the two leaders have been holding frequent meetings and more will follow in the near future.
The lawmaker said that the former Vice-president cannot deputize Deputy President William Ruto in 2022.
He said that the law already bars the DP from serving in the same position for more than ten years and can therefore not deputize Mudavadi.