Monday, 12 October 2026NairobiLatest edition
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Global News Wire

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Nairobi Wire

Kituyi Claims Ruto Is Blackmailing Tata Chemicals for 2027 Campaign Cash

Former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi has alleged that President William Ruto is blackmailing Tata Chemicals in a supposed plot to secure campaign funds ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive, Kituyi stated that Ruto’s directive for Tata Chemicals Magadi to leave Kenya is not a genuine expulsion but rather a pressure tactic designed to force the corporation back to the negotiating table. “Ruto is not expelling Tata; Ruto is blackmailing a major international corporation because he wants easy money. He will get his Joho backstage to go, and we will renegotiate and show Tata that if you do not accept what we are offering, we are capable of this radical decision to throw you out of here,” he stated. Kituyi also challenged claims regarding the duration of the company’s operations in Kajiado, clarifying that Tata Chemicals itself has not operated in Magadi for a century. He explained that the Indian multinational acquired the assets of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) roughly a decade ago. “Tata has not been here for 100 years. About 10 years ago, Tata bought the interest of Imperial Chemical Industries, a company that had been a conglomerate. But when it was separating, the original company, which had come to Magadi more than 100 years ago sold its interests to Tata,” Ki...

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Nairobi Wire

‘No Retreat’: Shahbal Rejects Ruto’s Call to Quit Mombasa Governor Race

Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal has publicly rejected advice from President William Ruto to abandon his political ambitions, declaring that he will remain in the race for the Mombasa governorship in 2027. During the launch of a Shahbal-owned Special Economic Zone, President Ruto encouraged the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament to step back from elective politics and focus on entrepreneurship. “I told Shaban that I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa. And I told him I am against it. Forgive me, my brother, Shaban. You are a great entrepreneur. It’s not easy to come across people like you, who have the acumen, who have the capacity, who have the connection, who dare to do the kind of investments that are going on in this country,” Ruto said. The president argued that the prominent businessman can serve Kenya better by creating jobs and investing in business than by joining elective politics. “Look at what you are doing with this. It will get 10,000 people working. It is better than you going there and being troubled by MCAs, being shouted at, facing demonstrations, and being abused,” he said. Shahbal directly addressed the president’s comments, asserting that he remains fully committed to his gubernatorial bid. “Forgive me because I think Mombasa issues are more important than what you suggest,” Shahbal told Ruto. “Let me tell you in no u...

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Nairobi Wire

Oburu Odinga Speaks After Leaving Kenya for UK Medical Check-Up

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga said on Thursday, September 10, that he is currently in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up. He said the trip follows guidance from both his doctors and the party leadership. In a statement, Oburu added that the visit will also give him time to rest and recover as he undergoes a comprehensive assessment of his health. “I am currently in the United Kingdom (UK) to undergo a thorough, routine medical checkup. This visit follows the direct advice of both my doctors and the party leadership to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of my health, while allowing me a dedicated period of rest and rejuvenation,” he wrote. “As I attend these personal health routine checks that naturally come with advancing years, I view taking this step back as a deliberate, strategic moment for our movement,” Oburu added. Oburu Odinga assured ODM members and Kenyans that ODM operations would continue without interruption while he is away. He said the party’s leadership structures can manage day-to-day activities during his absence. Arati, Nassir to Oversee ODM Affairs He added that Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, working alongside the National Central Committee and the party secretariat, will oversee party affairs during his time out of the country. The Siaya Senator also urged ODM members and officials...

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Nairobi Wire

Ruai TikTok Trap: Three Arrested Over Alleged Gang-Rape Robbery Scheme

Detectives in Ruai have arrested three young men behind an anonymous TikTok account allegedly used to lure, rob, and gang-rape unsuspecting women. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers tracked down 21-year-old Emanuel Bosire Arisa, 17-year-old Ismail Ouru Arisa, and 21-year-old Brian Gatheru Nderitu at their hideout in the Benedicta area of Ruai. Preliminary investigations reveal that the trio used social media to build trust with their targets online. After arranging physical meetings, the suspects led the women to secluded locations to carry out violent attacks and robberies. During the assaults, the suspects stripped victims of their valuables, including mobile phones and other electronic devices. In several instances, they forced victims at gunpoint or under physical threat to transfer money to controlled M-Pesa accounts. Following intelligence leads, detectives raided the Benedicta hideout, arresting all three suspects and recovering six mobile phones along with two hooded jackets. The police operation quickly gained traction after five women, who had previously filed reports at Buruburu, Embakasi, and Ruai police stations, positively identified the trio in a lineup, significantly bolstering the case. Following the arrests, law enforcement issued a stern warning regarding the dangers of meeting online acquaintances in private or unfamiliar...

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Nairobi Wire

Key Witness Says She Doesn’t Know How Her Name Landed on Tuju’s Charge Sheet

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju appears at the Kibera Law Courts in Nairobi for plea taking over allegations of providing false information on April 8, 2026. The trial of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju over charges of giving false information regarding an alleged abduction took a dramatic turn in court after a key prosecution witness expressed fear over how her name ended up on the charge sheet. Testifying before Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo, Chief Inspector Purity Kobia, formerly attached to Karen Police Station, told the court that she was shocked to discover she was listed as the complainant. “I don’t know how my name came there. I didn’t write it, and even I got scared when I saw my name on the charge sheet,” Kobia testified. Kobia clarified that she was not the investigating officer in the case, noting that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) later took over the probe. She maintained that she did not author the charge sheet and insisted that Tuju never gave her false information. “There was no false information I was given. That one I would deny,” she told the court, adding, “I could not know whether it was false or true. I made the report as it was reported.” Recalling the events of March 21, 2026, Kobia explained that the OCPD had initially instructed her to visit local establishments, hotels, and malls to advise security managers to remain vi...

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Nairobi Wire

JOKER123 Mobile Access in 2026: A Smart User’s Guide to Checking Links, Security, and Site Authenticity

It is easy to find a mobile entertainment platform these days. But finding the right website can be much harder. As you look up information, you will encounter such things as outdated websites, false websites, pop-ups, clones, and even links that seem genuine. With a smartphone, you can browse to an unknown website within a single click. This is why you need to review a website prior to clicking on it. In case you search for Latest JOKER123 link (JOKER123 ลิงก์ล่าสุด) for 2026, you should not click the first website that pops up right away. You need to spend some time reviewing the website name, checking out the HTTPS padlock in the address bar, and going through the privacy statement. Watch for any download requests and support choices before you put your info on the page. The JOKER123 guide says you should look at the link and see if the page is safe. Do not trust a page only because it uses the JOKER123 name. “Why Latest Link Does Not Automatically Equal the Official Link” This is the first rule worth remembering. A page may say it is “latest,” “official,” or “secure,” but just using these words does not show these things are true. The name of a website can change. A page used for ads might copy the style of a famous brand. Individuals clicking on the search results may land on a website that was never intended by them. This requires you to confirm your users’ details before...

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Nairobi Wire

‘Better Believe Him’: Kuria Confirms Chirchir’s Promise on Rironi–Naivasha Highway Opening

Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria backed Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir’s commitment that motorists will start using the Rironi–Naivasha dual carriageway by October 30. Kuria shared a video in which Chirchir updates the public on the project, praising him as a person who keeps his word. “I have worked constantly with this man for the last 15 years, including in the Cabinet. Even Riggy G the other day confessed that Davis Chirchir is a very serious man,” Kuria said. “He does not play with politics; he does not know how to. When he says that from 30th October, 51 days from today, you will drive from Nairobi to Rironi on a dual carriageway, better believe him. He means what he says.” In the video, Chirchir said the Rironi–Naivasha section is expected to be completed by October 30 and will then be officially opened to motorists. The Rironi–Naivasha section forms part of the wider Rironi–Mau Summit Highway, a major road project designed to ease congestion and improve the flow of people and goods along the Nairobi–Nakuru corridor. Officials say the Rironi–Naivasha stretch is being upgraded into a dual carriageway to address persistent traffic jams, particularly during weekends and public holidays. Chirchir stated that the stretch would open ahead of the full completion of the entire Rironi–Mau Summit Highway. “By October 30, from Rironi to Naivasha, we will h...

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Nairobi Wire

Motorists Warned as NTSA Launches Nationwide Traffic Compliance Drive

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has told motorists to ensure that their driving licenses, vehicle insurance, and other required documents remain valid as it launches a nationwide road safety crackdown. NTSA issued the directive on Thursday, September 10, when it began joint compliance inspections with the National Police Service in Turkana County. The inspections target drivers operating vehicles with expired documents, including invalid driving licenses and vehicle insurance, as well as cases involving defective speed governors and other traffic violations. After the NTSA-led inspection in Turkana, authorities arrested some motorists, produced them in court, and fined them. Others walked free after renewing their expired licenses and insurance documents. NTSA official Benard Boni said the joint exercise aims to reduce road crashes and fatalities tied to mechanical defects and non-compliance with traffic laws. Speaking to the press, Boni said NTSA and the National Police Service will work together across Turkana through joint compliance inspections to curb accidents caused by vehicle defects. He added that defective speed governors have emerged as a major challenge during the inspections. He also said enforcement teams found that several vehicles operate without valid insurance, particularly private vehicles. “We have noticed several challenges, especially de...

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Nairobi Wire

Kenya Eyes 10,000MW as Ruto Courts Billions in Private Investment

Kenya is targeting an expansion of its electricity generation capacity toward 10,000 megawatts over the next seven years. The strategy aims to expand national energy supply and attract international capital into high-growth sectors. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Business Summit, President William Ruto outlined the country’s energy roadmap, noting that the planned capacity boost will unlock vast opportunities across geothermal energy, electricity transmission, battery storage, industrial power, green hydrogen, and electric mobility. “In the energy sector, we are expanding national generation capacity towards 10,000 MW over the next seven years,” Ruto said Calling on Private Capital for Economic Transformation Addressing global corporate leaders, President Ruto framed private enterprise as a core pillar of Kenya’s national development strategy. He noted that state resources alone cannot drive full-scale economic growth without commercial investments. “Government cannot deliver economic transformation alone. Our responsibility is to provide infrastructure, uphold predictable rules and create an enabling environment,” he said. “The private sector turns those foundations into factories, technologies, exports and jobs.” Ruto added that collaboration with the business community forms an indispensable part of Kenya’s long-term economic trajectory. “That is why o...

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Nairobi Wire

US Praises Ruto’s Investment Reforms, Names Kenya Africa’s Top Trade Gateway

The United States has praised President William Ruto’s investment strategy as “bold” and progressive, with Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia declaring that Kenya is rapidly emerging as the primary commercial gateway to Africa’s expanding market. Speaking at the 5th American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya Business Summit in Nairobi, Garcia announced that Washington is executing a fundamental policy shift across the continent, transitioning away from traditional aid dependencies toward high-value trade, strategic investment, and commercial partnerships. “Let me be direct: this is not a room for talk. This is a room built on deals,” Garcia told government leaders and corporate executives. He commended President Ruto’s administration for enacting key structural reforms to sharpen Kenya’s competitive edge, highlighting revised transfer pricing regulations, progress toward joining the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, and the Strategic Goods Control Bill currently in Parliament. Moving Beyond Aid: A New Paradigm for U.S.-Africa Relations Garcia stressed that Africa sits at a “strategic inflection point” and possesses all the necessary elements – human talent, natural resources, and entrepreneurial energy – to serve as a global economic powerhouse. Under the Trump administration, U.S. foreign policy toward sub-Saharan Africa prioritizes commercial deal...

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Nairobi Wire

Young Girl Leaves Ruto in Tears With Emotional Bomet Poem and Plea

An emotional scene unfolded in Bomet County when President William Ruto was overcome with emotion during a public engagement. A young girl shared her family’s economic hardships directly with the Head of State, prompting a tearful exchange. The moment took place during President Ruto’s four-day development tour of Bomet and Kericho counties, where he is inspecting and launching several state projects while holding public rallies across the South Rift region. An Emotional Exchange on the Campaign Vehicle During a rally stop in Bomet, onlookers assisted the young girl in climbing onto the vehicle where President Ruto was addressing the crowd. She initially recited a poem in Kalenjin dedicated to the president and his leadership before opening up about the personal challenges facing her home. In the poem, the girl urged Ruto to stay resilient in the face of criticism and political insults, telling him not to feel intimidated, threatened, or shaken. She encouraged him to hold his ground by drawing a comparison to the biblical King David, and she invoked God’s promise that his path would lead toward prosperity and hope. The girl also referenced the names and chants directed at the president, including “Kasongo” and “Ruto must go”, before advising him to listen but allow the criticism to pass. The poem read: “Babu William, before I offer you a gift, let me recite for you a poem. Babu...

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Nairobi Wire

IPOA Reveals New Leads in Alex Kiprotich Abduction Probe

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has secured CCTV footage and motor vehicle records as investigations continue into the abduction of Standard Group Editor Alex Kiprotich. IPOA Vice-Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi said investigators have identified footage that may be relevant to the case and obtained records relating to a vehicle of interest. The update comes as IPOA works to determine the circumstances behind Kiprotich’s reported abduction along the Nakuru-Gilgil highway on September 1. Kiprotich was later found near Masinga Dam hours after he was reportedly intercepted by armed men. Mwangi said IPOA has already taken several steps in the probe, including processing scenes tied to the incident. “The investigation team has visited and processed the identified primary and secondary scenes,” she said. The investigation team has also recorded statements from Kiprotich and a key witness as it works to reconstruct what happened before, during, and after the alleged abduction. Mwangi said IPOA has engaged several institutions and individuals that may hold relevant information, including the Standard Media Group, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). She added that IPOA has secured material that may help investigators trace the movements of vehicles linked to the incident. “IPOA has also identified pote...

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Nairobi Wire

Mukhisa Kituyi’s Linda Mwananchi Move Gives Sifuna a Boost

Former Trade Minister and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi has officially joined the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi political outfit, marking a major shift in opposition realignments ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna welcomed Kituyi during a Wednesday morning meeting at his office, accompanied by fellow senators Boni Khalwale and Godfrey Osotsi. Sifuna framed the veteran diplomat’s entry as a major boost for the movement as it builds a nationwide political presence. “Humbled to receive Hon Mukhisa Kituyi at the office this morning in the company of my Senate colleagues Sen Khalwale and Osotsi. Hon Kituyi will be a great addition to the Linda Mwananchi team! Karibu Omwami,” Sifuna said. A Veteran Diplomat Reinforces the Movement Kituyi’s arrival injects extensive national governance and international diplomacy into Linda Mwananchi as Sifuna and his allies expand their footprint across the country. The former Kimilili MP has taken a prominent role in opposition politics over recent months, working to consolidate rival political groups. In August, he assumed the role of spokesperson for the United Opposition, calling on leaders to unite and present a clear alternative vision for the nation. Kituyi brings a decades-long career across research, public policy, and global leadership. Befor...

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Nairobi Wire

TIFA Survey Reveals What Kenyans Want Done About School Fires

A majority of Kenyans oppose proposals to scrap boarding schools or add more school breaks as a way to curb student-led fires. Instead, many respondents back improved dialogue and stronger accountability for those found responsible. A new survey by TIFA Research found that improving dialogue and conflict resolution between students, teachers, and parents ranked as the most preferred intervention, with 36% of respondents supporting it. Harsher punishment for students deemed responsible for starting fires came in second, attracting 23% support. Together, the two proposals accounted for 59% of all responses, making them the most widely backed among the 33 measures presented in the survey. Only 13% of respondents supported eliminating boarding schools as a measure to reduce fires. Nine percent instead backed increasing funding for food, activities, and equipment in schools. Providing counselling services had support from 3% of respondents, while 2% called for tighter supervision and security. Another 2% said schools should limit student numbers, and 1% urged the government to reduce academic workload and pressure. A separate 1% supported increasing government or Ministry of Education oversight. Only 1% also backed allowing more rest and school breaks, while another 1% favored civic, moral, and spiritual education and support. The findings come against the backdrop of a wave of scho...

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Nairobi Wire

DCI Arrests Four Over Alleged Sh500,000 Extortion of Foreign Traders in Nyamakima

Four people have been arrested in Nairobi after allegedly posing as members of the “Nyamakima Business Community” to demand money from foreign-owned businesses under the threat of forced closure. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects formed part of a 30-person group that descended on commercial premises in Nyamakima on September 7, 2026, targeting traders through intimidation and extortion. Demands for Cash and Document Inspections Led by alleged ringleader Runnalice Nyambura Nganga, the group confronted business owners and demanded to inspect corporate documentation, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) compliance certificates, business permits, and directors’ details. After claiming that one enterprise lacked proper licensing, the group ordered the immediate closure of the premises and demanded Sh300,000 to allow continued operations. The group then moved to a nearby electrical appliances shop, demanding a further Sh200,000 under similar threats. The affected traders reported the extortion attempts to the police, prompting a swift intervention by detectives. Suspects Detained Pending Court Appearance Police arrested alleged ringleader Runnalice Nyambura Nganga alongside Peter Macharia Gatene, Lawrence Ireri Karani, and Josephat Mburu Kamau. The four remain in custody as officers process them before presenting them in court. Detectives...

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Nairobi Wire

50 Years or KSh50 Million for Woman Found With Marijuana Worth KSh16K

A Kakamega court has sentenced Rachael Akinyi Juma to 50 years in prison or, alternatively, ordered her to pay a fine of KSh 50 million after finding her guilty of trafficking five kilograms of cannabis sativa, commonly known as bhang. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed the conviction, which stems from a law enforcement operation executed at her rented residence in Kakamega Central Sub-County. Raid and Evidence Recovery The case dates back to June 12, 2019, when police officers conducted a targeted raid on a house located in the Murram area of Kakamega Central Sub-County following tips provided by members of the public. During the search, law enforcement officers recovered 22 brooms used to conceal 5 kilograms of bhang. State prosecutors valued the seized narcotics at approximately KSh 16,600. Following the recovery, officers arrested Juma and charged her under Section 4(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, No. 4 of 1994. Prosecution and Judicial Ruling Led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Lazarus Sirtuy and Prosecution Counsel Stephanie Akinyi, the prosecution team presented evidence connecting the accused to the narcotics, establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt. After evaluating the evidence submitted during the trial, Magistrate D. K. Wambua convicted Juma of drug trafficking and handed down the 5...

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Nairobi Wire

President Ruto Announces New Sh10 Electricity Rate for Manufacturers

President William Ruto has announced a new preferential electricity rate of Ksh10 per kilowatt-hour for investors operating within Kenya’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), aiming to sharpen the country’s industrial competitiveness. The head of state confirmed the subsidized tariff at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, September 8, during the signing ceremony for a private development agreement on the Mombasa Special Economic Zone. The measure directly targets energy overheads, positioning Kenya as a more attractive destination for regional and global manufacturing investments. “The government will support this industrial ambition with the infrastructure required to make it competitive. This includes a preferential electricity tariff of Ksh10/kWh for special economic zones investors,” Ruto said. “Our objective is straightforward: to lower the cost of production so that goods made in Kenya can compete successfully in the region and the global market,” he added. Lowering Overhead Costs for Manufacturers Power costs represent one of the heaviest operational expenses for energy-intensive manufacturing and industrial enterprises in Kenya. By guaranteeing a capped Ksh10/kWh rate within SEZs, the government seeks to cushion major producers against wider utility price shifts. The move offers targeted relief to industrial hubs at a time when standard household and commercial electricity bil...

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Nairobi Wire

Ruto Gives Foreign Traders 90 Days as Kenya Moves to Reserve Businesses

In response to growing concerns from local traders over foreign involvement in the informal sector, President William Ruto has directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025, be expanded to regulate participation in small-scale trade and enterprise. State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated that the directive follows representations made by Kenyan business owners regarding the impact of foreign operators on micro and small enterprises. The enhanced legislative framework will identify specific economic activities to be reserved exclusively for Kenyan citizens while continuing to protect foreign nationals lawfully working, investing, or doing business in the country. The government simultaneously announced a 90-day regularization period during which all foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya must ensure full compliance with immigration, work permit, registration, and licensing requirements. The expanded Local Content Bill, 2025, will designate specific informal and small-scale business sectors to be reserved solely for Kenyan citizens. To support this transition, relevant government agencies will coordinate a structured, non-discriminatory 90-day regularization exercise alongside foreign embassies to help foreign traders align with local legal requirements. Once this grace period ends, immigration rules, work permits, and business licensing regulations will be strictly...

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Nairobi Wire

Muite Family’s Ordeal in Zanzibar Sparks Sh3 Million Claim Against KQ

Senior Counsel Paul Muite has issued a seven-day legal demand to Kenya Airways (KQ), seeking over Sh3 million in refunds and general damages following a flight cancellation in Zanzibar that left his family stranded. The incident, which occurred on August 31 during an aviation workers’ strike, forced the veteran lawyer, his wife Dr Edith Muite, their two daughters, and two grandchildren to charter a private flight back to Nairobi after waiting over five hours at the airport without clear communication or basic assistance from the airline. Hours of Uncertainty and Lack of Communication According to the demand letter, the family had purchased return tickets totaling Sh596,450 and were scheduled to board Flight KQ491 from Zanzibar to Nairobi at 10:10 am. Despite checking in and completing immigration procedures after official channels indicated the flight would operate on time, the passengers were left waiting in the terminal for hours. Muite noted that Kenya Airways staff failed to provide direct updates. Instead, a Zanzibar Airport employee informed the travellers around 3:45 pm that the flight was cancelled. The letter highlights that despite the presence of young children, including Muite’s three-year-old grandchild, the airline provided no basic refreshments, drinking water, accommodation vouchers, or immediate rebooking options. “No meaningful explanation was provided as to t...

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Nairobi Wire

“Jobs, Investment, Better Healthcare”: Mudavadi on New Kenya-US Employment Deal

Kenya and the United States have signed a new diplomatic agreement that opens formal employment pathways for eligible dependents of government officials posted in either country. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia finalized the “Employment of Dependents of Official Employees” arrangement in Nairobi following bilateral discussions. Under the new framework, qualifying spouses and eligible family members accompanying diplomats or government staff on official assignments in the United States or Kenya can legally enter the host country’s labor market. Resolving a Longstanding Diplomatic Challenge The bilateral agreement resolves a persistent challenge for families on foreign postings, who previously faced strict legal restrictions that barred dependents from securing employment abroad. Diplomatic authorities clarified that the arrangement applies strictly to eligible family members of government staff serving on official duties, rather than functioning as a general work visa program for the wider public. Speaking after the signing, Mudavadi highlighted the practical impact of diplomatic ties on everyday lives. “The Kenya-United States partnership matters most when it translates into jobs, investment, better healthcare, and greater security for our people,” said Mudavadi. “This shaped my engagement...

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Nairobi Wire

Babu Owino Warns ‘Goons’ Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Nairobi Rally

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has issued a strict warning against the deployment of hired individuals to disrupt the upcoming Linda Mwananchi movement rally scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Nairobi. Speaking via a video message shared on his social media platforms on Monday, September 7, 2026, Owino urged attendees to maintain order while cautioning political operatives against instigating violence at the event. He noted that despite ongoing threats and intimidation, the movement remains focused on its agenda, adding that he intends to publicly name specific Nairobi lawmakers accused of organizing political disruptions during the gathering. “I know there are attempts to bring goons to this rally. Goons, please keep off. If you come, just listen and do not bring violence. We have been threatened and intimidated by goons, but we have not backed down. The government has also deployed goons to steal from people, and we are warning you.” Rally Preparations and Event Itinerary Preparations for the Nairobi gathering are gathering momentum, with promotional materials already visible across parts of the city. The upcoming event forms part of a broader nation-wide tour organized by the political outfit led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. The main gathering will culminate at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East, with specific procession route details expected to be released on Fr...

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Nairobi Wire

Gachagua: I’d Run Back to Ruto If These 3 Join My Side

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned presidential hopefuls to examine the track records of key political figures backing their candidacies. Speaking during a diaspora town hall engagement with Kenyans in Spokane, Washington State, Gachagua singled out National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, COTU-K Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, and political analyst Prof. Makau Mutua as political figures whose endorsements historically precede election losses. Gachagua pointed to Suna East MP Junet Mohammed’s long-standing support for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arguing that key figures who backed those presidential bids repeatedly failed to secure power. He extended that critique to Atwoli and Mutua, asserting that any contender aligning with the trio faces an uphill task. “Who would want to work with Junet Mohammed? Anyone he has ever backed for president ends up losing. He supported Baba five times, and Baba lost. If Atwoli backs you, you will lose. If Prof. Makau Mutua supports you, you will lose. “If I hear that Junet, Atwoli, and Mutua have left Kasongo and come to our side, I will immediately switch back to Kasongo because Kasongo will win once these people leave him,” Gachagua said. Gachagua’s comments come as the named figures actively align with President William Ruto’s broad-based administration. The political partnership brings togethe...

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