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459 Marsabit JSS Teachers Benefit from ICT Integration Training

By
Binti Wangila
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The government has launched a three-day Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration training programme for 459 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Marsabit County, aimed at strengthening their digital skills and improving the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE).

The training is being conducted at Marsabit Central, Moyale and Sololo centres to equip teachers with the skills needed to integrate technology into classroom instruction and support the government’s digital learning agenda.

Speaking during the training, Marsabit County Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Director Ali Hussein Abdi said the programme is equipping teachers with practical skills in digital content creation, online safety, lesson planning and the use of digital learning platforms such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams.

Abdi said the adoption of ICT and remote learning technologies will help address the impact of teacher shortages, particularly in remote areas, by improving access to and use of digital learning content.

He also commended the government for its continued investment in the education sector through increased teacher recruitment, promotions and improved remuneration, urging teachers to remain committed to improving learning outcomes.

Meanwhile, the ICT Integration Programme Coordinator in Marsabit County and Assistant ICT Officer at the ICT Authority, Clackson Cheruiyot, said the training is funded under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), with support from the World Bank.

Cheruiyot said every Junior Secondary School will receive a laptop and an interactive smart board under the project to enhance digital teaching and learning.

Teachers taking part in the programme have welcomed the initiative, saying it will improve their effectiveness in the classroom. Dennis Kilonzo, a Mathematics and Physics teacher at Chalbi Junior Secondary School, said the training has expanded his knowledge of ICT tools and their application in teaching.

Norman Kirema, a Mathematics and Science teacher at Turbi Junior Secondary School, said technology enables learners to connect classroom theory with real-life experiences, making lessons more practical, interactive and engaging.

The initiative is expected to strengthen teachers’ digital competencies, expand the integration of technology in teaching and learning, and improve the delivery of Competency-Based Education across schools in Marsabit County.

Kibera Court Orders Private Virtual Hearing for Utumishi Murder Case

By
Vincent Amara
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Legal proceedings in the Utumishi Girls School murder case are currently underway via virtual format, with the Kibera High Court issuing an order to exclude members of the media from the session. The eight suspects, who face murder charges connected to a catastrophic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Secondary School in Gilgil, are participating in the proceedings remotely from police custody and have not been physically produced in open court.

The juvenile suspects are currently being remanded at the Kabete Juvenile Remand Home. During the virtual session, defense counsel and the prosecution presented conflicting arguments regarding whether the accused students should undergo formal psychiatric and mental competency evaluations before the trial proceeds further.

The court is expected to issue definitive procedural directions on the matter as the trial continues. The eight students stand accused in connection with the devastating dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens of others injured at the institution in May.

Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that forensic evidence, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, and eyewitness statements directly link the suspects to the incident, which authorities maintain was an act of arson.

The high-profile case has drawn intense public scrutiny, subsequently reigniting a nationwide debate surrounding institutional safety standards, student unrest, and the adequacy of mental health support systems within learning institutions.

Kenya Denies Entry to Somalia’s Deputy PM Over Passport Dispute

By
Vincent Amara
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A new diplomatic row is brewing between Kenya and Somalia after Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister was reportedly denied entry into Kenya and deported over allegations of possessing fraudulently acquired Kenyan travel documents. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where the Somali Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, arrived aboard a Saacid Airlines flight from Mogadishu.

According to immigration sources, Haji presented a valid Somali diplomatic passport alongside an entry visa upon arrival. However, immigration officials reportedly flagged him after suspecting that he also possessed a Kenyan passport believed to have been acquired through fraudulent channels.

Sources familiar with the matter allege that the Somali official acknowledged ownership of the Kenyan passport but declined to surrender it to immigration authorities, insisting instead that the matter be adjudicated through a formal judicial process.

The standoff prompted senior immigration officials to detain Haji at the JKIA VIP Lounge while an investigation into his travel documents was conducted. He was subsequently escorted onto a Mogadishu-bound Daallo Airlines flight, effectively denying him entry into Kenya.

Neither the Kenyan nor the Somali government had issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of publication.

However, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deportation.

“He departed on 25/06/2026 at 0645hrs with no incident reported,” a police report on the incident indicates.

A senior government official familiar with the matter stated that authorities are increasingly concerned about the rising number of foreign nationals acquiring Kenyan passports illegally through corrupt networks.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged acquisition of the passport remain ongoing.

Netherlands finish top with win over Tunisia

By
Newton Ingui
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The Netherlands finished the World Cup group stage on top of Group F as they chalked up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City, avoiding a last 32 clash with Brazil to set up a meeting with Morocco instead.

Japan and Sweden booked their places in the knockout phase as they drew 1-1 in their final Group F clash in Dallas.

The point sends Japan through in second place behind the Netherlands with Sweden top of the third-place teams, dealing another blow to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the last 32.

The Dutch started at a red-hot pace in their game, taking just seven minutes to establish a 2-0 lead.

Ronald Koeman’s side went ahead in the third minute courtesy of an Ellyes Skhiri own goal, after he lashed out at a cross and inadvertently tipped the ball into the back of his own net.

Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage minutes later, turning home Virgil van Dijk’s headed knockdown from a free-kick.

The Netherlands looked comfortable holding onto their advantage, but were snapped awake early in the second half when a Tunisia corner found Hazem Mastouri, who duly headed it into the bottom-left corner.

The response from the Dutch was almost immediate, Jan Paul van Hecke restoring their advantage with a headed corner of his own.

Tunisia had some sporadic chances from there, but were ultimately unable to trouble the scoreline any further as they headed out without a point and the Dutch cruised into the last 32.

Dutch coach Ronald Koeman declared himself “happy”, saying: “I wanted first place in the group, and we finished that way.

USA blows it vs. Turkey, but still moves on to World Cup round of 32

By
Newton Ingui
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Turkey snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over the USA in Los Angeles thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Kaan Ayhan, ending the USMNT’s perfect group-stage run in this World Cup. Despite the defeat, the USA had already secured qualification, while Turkey were already eliminated before kick-off. In the parallel match, Australia held Paraguay to a draw, a result that seals both teams’ progression to the last 32.

The United States started strongly and opened the scoring early through Auston Trusty, capitalising on defensive hesitation inside the Turkish area. Their high pressing and intensity initially controlled the tempo, with Turkey struggling to settle.

Turkey gradually grew into the contest through Arda Güler and Orkun Kokcu, with the latter finishing a well-worked move to bring the visitors level. Güler once again stood out with his technical quality and creativity, helping Turkey gain a foothold in midfield.

The second half swung back and forth. Mark McKenzie briefly saw a goal ruled out for offside, before Kokcu struck again to put Turkey ahead. The USA responded through Sebastian Berhalter, who levelled with a powerful first-time strike from distance to make it 2-2.

Christian Pulisic, introduced to a loud reception at SoFi Stadium, came close to deciding the match but was twice denied by outstanding saves from Ugurcan Cakir. However, deep into stoppage time, Kaan Ayhan pounced on a rebound to score from close range and seal a 3-2 victory for Turkey.

Uganda Faces Sharp Criticism from Amnesty for Targeting Legal Teams

By
Vincent Amara
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The international human rights organization, Amnesty International, has strongly condemned the detention and subsequent deportation of prominent Kenyan human rights lawyer Martha Karua by Ugandan authorities, characterizing the incident as “unlawful and egregious.”

Karua, who serves on the legal team representing the detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, was reportedly apprehended on June 22 at Entebbe International Airport before being held in incommunicado detention and subsequently repatriated to Kenya.

In an official statement, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, asserted that the actions taken by Ugandan authorities violated regional legal protections and undermined judicial transparency.

“The detention and subsequent deportation of Martha Karua is entirely unlawful and deeply egregious,” Chagutah stated.

The human rights organization noted that Karua had traveled to Uganda to monitor legal proceedings involving prominent Ugandan lawyer Erias Lukwago, who is representing Besigye in an ongoing treason case.

According to Amnesty International, Karua was not informed of the reasons for her arrest and had her mobile phones confiscated during her detention.

The organization further argued that the incident reflected a broader pattern of intimidation targeting lawyers associated with Besigye’s defense team.

“This arrest points to a continuation of a long and disturbing pattern of arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill-treatment of Kizza Besigye’s legal team,” Chagutah added.

Amnesty International also renewed calls for the immediate release of both Besigye and Lukwago.

Lukwago was reportedly arrested, detained, and allegedly subjected to torture on June 15 before later being arraigned on treason-related offenses.

Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and long-standing critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has remained in custody for over 500 days following his alleged abduction in Kenya in November 2024 and his subsequent appearance before a military tribunal in Kampala.

The rights group further referenced the January 2025 arrest of attorney Eron Kiiza, who was assaulted and detained within court premises prior to being convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to a nine-month prison term.

Amnesty International maintains that the systematic targeting of opposition legal counsel exacerbates escalating concerns regarding fair trial guarantees, judicial independence, and the overarching protection of human rights in Uganda.

Venezuelans Continue Search for Survivors After Powerful Earthquakes

By
Newton Ingui
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Van, Turkey - October 25: Buildings destroyed after the earthquake of Van on October 25, 2011 in Van, Turkey. It is 604 killed and 4152 injured in Van-Ercis Earthquake.

Venezuelans are continuing their efforts to search for survivors in collapsed buildings on Thursday as rescue teams rush to northern areas hit by two major earthquakes.

Officials in Venezuela have stated that the death toll has reached 255 people, and more than 4,300 have been injured. The number of dead and injured is expected to rise, with thousands reported missing after two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck on Wednesday evening. These are among the most powerful earthquakes witnessed in Venezuela in over a century. Thousands of people remain unaccounted for, and residents have been evacuated from buildings.

In a move to assist with the disaster, the U.S. Department of the Treasury decided on Thursday to lift several sanctions until October 23 to allow transactions related to disaster relief efforts in Venezuela that would otherwise be prohibited.

Meanwhile, in towns across northern Venezuela, panicked residents poured into the streets to search for the missing amid the rubble. The injured were pulled from the debris covered in dust and blood, including children and animals.

Regional Commissioner assures improved security in Garissa.

By
Binti Wangila
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The Regional Commissioner for the North Eastern Region, John Odhiambo Otieno, has assured residents that the security situation in Garissa County has significantly improved.

Speaking during a meeting that brought together chiefs and their deputies, the County Commissioner of Garissa and his team, as well as Deputy County Commissioners from all nine sub-counties of Garissa, Mr. Otieno said that security officers have put in place strong measures to deal with youth gangs that have been using machetes and knives to terrorize residents of the county.

He noted that these gangs have been involved in the theft of mobile phones and have even been responsible for the deaths of some residents.

Furthermore, Mr. Otieno stated that following a security operation conducted last week, law enforcement officers successfully arrested 140 youths suspected of being members of a gang that has been troubling residents of Garissa. He added that all the suspects have already been arraigned before a court in Garissa.

In addition, Mr. Otieno issued a stern warning to individuals who exploit members of the public in national identification card registration and issuance offices by demanding bribes in exchange for faster services.

He emphasized that anyone found soliciting or receiving money for such services will face legal action without exception.

Mr. Otieno also urged parents to be more vigilant regarding the safety of their children following the emergence of child abduction cases in the region.

He further revealed that one suspect linked to child abduction incidents in the North Eastern region has already been arrested in Nairobi, while efforts to track down another suspect are still ongoing.

No Official Notice Received for Planned Nairobi Protests, Police Warn Against Lawlessness

By
Vincent Amara
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NAIROBI, Kenya June 24 –The Nairobi Regional Police Commander, Issa Mohamoud, has confirmed that law enforcement authorities have not received any formal notification regarding the anticipated commemorative events or protests scheduled to take place in the capital tomorrow. Consequently, the police chief stated that authorities are currently treating the city as having no officially sanctioned public gatherings planned for the day.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Commander Mohamoud emphasized that legal protocols strictly dictate that any individual or group organizing a public demonstration must provide a formal notification to the police at least three days prior to the event. He clarified that such notices should not be forwarded directly to the Inspector General of Police, but should instead be submitted to the police station nearest to the intended venue.

“As of now, we have not received any official notification regarding what has been termed as a memorial or protests expected to take place tomorrow in Nairobi,” Commander Mohamoud stated. “Due to that, we have no record of any planned gathering in the city.”

The commander reminded organizers of the strict legal framework governing public assemblies:

“According to the law, anyone planning a protest or public gathering must notify the police at least three days before the event. These notifications are not submitted directly to the Inspector General of Police, but are instead taken to the police station closest to the respective area.”

Despite the lack of formal notification, Commander Mohamoud assured the public that security agencies are actively monitoring the situation on the ground to maintain peace and ensure that the safety of all citizens is upheld.

While acknowledging that citizens possess the constitutional right to expression, he issued a stern warning against using the platform to perpetrate criminal activities, stating that the police would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness.

“While citizens have the right to express themselves, the police will not tolerate any criminal acts that may arise during these protests,” he warned. “Anyone found engaging in looting, property destruction, or violence will face the full force of the law.”

Matatu Operators Assure Uninterrupted Transport During Gen Z Memorial Protests

By
Vincent Amara
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Kenyans who rely on public transport have been assured of uninterrupted services during the planned Gen Z memorial protests on Thursday, after Matatu Owners Association Chairman Albert Karakacha urged Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to continue operating normally.

Speaking ahead of the demonstrations, Karakacha said the matatu sector remains committed to serving commuters and maintaining stability despite concerns over possible disruptions.

“We are calling on all PSV operators to continue working as usual and serve the public without interruption,” Karakacha said.

The protests are being organized to commemorate young Kenyans who lost their lives during last year’s anti-government demonstrations. The events, largely mobilized through social media, are expected to attract thousands of youths calling for accountability, justice for victims of police brutality, and broader governance reforms.

Concerns had emerged over possible transport disruptions in major towns including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret. However, Karakacha dismissed fears of a transport shutdown, emphasizing the importance of keeping services running for workers, students, and businesses.

The association also urged both operators and passengers to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies during the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, security agencies have heightened surveillance in key urban areas, while human rights groups have called for restraint from both protesters and police to prevent a repeat of the violent clashes witnessed during previous demonstrations.

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