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NCIC launches peace and mental health initiative in Turkana ahead of elections

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Liban Guyo-NCIC Director Peace and Reconciliation

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), alongside the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) and the national government, has launched a critical peacebuilding initiative in Turkana West to strengthen local conflict resolution frameworks ahead of the next general election.

The three-day workshop brought together host community leaders, media practitioners, and key stakeholders from the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee hubs to proactively map out conflict patterns and mitigate political flashpoints, particularly hate speech.

NCIC Director of Peace and Reconciliation, Liban Guyo, emphasized the importance of early intervention. “We are focused on ensuring that communities are equipped with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and manage conflict before it escalates,” Guyo stated.

In a notable shift toward holistic peacebuilding, the forum placed heavy emphasis on mental health, linking rising stress levels within the refugee and host populations directly to community stability. Victoria Macharia of the RCK noted that addressing these underlying psychosocial pressures is vital to developing long-term, sustainable solutions for the region.

The initiative comes amid tightening security protocols. Thomas Siele, the Kakuma and Kalobeyei Refugee Camp Manager, issued a stern warning against unauthorized entry into the camps, citing that individuals bypassing legal registration channels are currently compromising regional safety.

Officials hope this multi-layered approach combining early conflict detection, mental health awareness, and stricter security enforcement will safeguard cohesion and provide a resilient blueprint for lasting stability in Turkana County.

High Court Finds CS Aden Duale guilty of contempt in Ebola quarantine facility case

By
Vincent Amara
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The High Court has found Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with a previous court order concerning the planned Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia.

In its ruling, the court said Duale deliberately failed to obey its directives, an act it deemed to be contempt of court. As a result, the court ordered him to appear in person on June 23 for mitigation before sentencing.

The finding follows a case filed by Katiba Institute through lawyer Malidzo Nyawa, who accused the respondents of willfully disregarding court orders. The court agreed that Duale’s conduct amounted to contempt and approved legal sanctions against him.

Duale is expected to appear before the court on June 23 for mitigation, after which the court will proceed with sentencing in the matter.

PWDs in Garissa Demand Fair Treatment in Political Party Nominations

By
Vincent Amara
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Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Garissa have urged political parties to end discrimination and give them equal opportunities during party nominations.

Speaking at an ORPP forum, Garissa PWD Chairman Adan Bille said loyal and qualified disabled members are often overlooked in favor of wealthier candidates.

“We want political parties to nominate qualified and loyal members, not people who join today and immediately receive nomination slots,” he said.

Bille also cited lack of funds as a major challenge for PWDs seeking elective positions.

Garissa Sub-County Administrator Shahia Hambe welcomed the forum, saying it would help promote inclusion.

“For a long time, persons with disabilities have felt left out of the electoral process,” she said.

Meanwhile, IEBC official Abdi Mohamed encouraged PWDs to contest elective seats.

“They have the same rights and opportunities as all other citizens,” he said.

Kenya Moves to Establish New National Cybersecurity Agency

By
Vincent Amara
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Hacker dark face using laptop in the dark room

The Kenyan government is set to create a new National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) after Parliament approved the National Cybersecurity Agency Order, 2026.

The agency will coordinate national efforts to combat cybercrime, protect critical digital infrastructure, and respond to growing cyber threats. It will work with government institutions, security agencies, private sector players, academic institutions, and international partners to strengthen cybersecurity.

Its key roles will include developing cybersecurity strategies, overseeing the protection of critical information systems, managing the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre, and coordinating responses to cyber incidents.

The move comes amid rising concerns over cybercrime, including ransomware attacks, online fraud, identity theft, data breaches, and malware. Between January and March 2026, Kenya’s KE-CIRT/CC detected 3.37 billion cyber threat events and issued 20.58 million cybersecurity advisories to help address emerging digital risks.

The new agency is expected to strengthen Kenya’s digital security and improve cyber resilience across public and private sectors.

Security concerns rise in Tana River amid renewed fears of ethnic clashes

By
Binti Wangila
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Security agencies in Tana River County have intensified operations in Bangale and Biyagadud areas following recent incidents that have reignited fears of renewed ethnic conflict in the region.

The latest tension emerged after hundreds of residents stormed Bangale Police Station and freed a suspect accused of inciting hostility between the Wardey and Degodia communities. Police are also investigating cash recovered from the suspect’s home, which they believe may be linked to alleged incitement activities.

In a separate incident, police engaged armed individuals in Biyagadud, where authorities suspect competition over water and grazing land may be fueling tensions.

Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno said a joint security operation involving various agencies is underway, with additional officers deployed to the area to maintain law and order and prevent further attacks.

The incidents have raised concerns among residents and leaders over the possible return of ethnic violence, with some linking the rising tensions to political preparations ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

Five Men Shot Dead in Madogo area, Tana River

By
Vincent Amara
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Police in Tana River County are investigating the shooting deaths of five men in Bangale Sub-County in a suspected execution-style attack.

The incident happened at about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday near a water point in the Biyagadud area, according to a police report filed at Madogo station.

A herder who had taken his camels to drink water reportedly witnessed the attack.

“A herder who had taken his camels to water reportedly heard gunshots and saw armed men shooting at people who were lying on the ground. Fearing for his safety, he fled to Biyagadud village where he alerted village elders,” the police report stated.

The elders later proceeded to the scene and discovered the bodies of five men. Reports indicate that the victims’ hands had been tied together in pairs.

Officers from the National Police Service who visited the area identified the victims as members of the Degodia community. The deceased were named as Abdi Kullow, 33, Osman Abdi Ibrahim, 35, Mohamed Adow, 25, Siyat Jele, 40, and Saha Adan.

Police said the crime scene was processed and documented as investigations into the killings continue.

“The scene was visited and processed by police officers, and investigations into the murders are ongoing,” police said.

Efforts by officers to transfer the bodies to Garissa Level 5 Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations were, however, opposed by local residents. The community opted to bury the victims in accordance with Islamic rites.

Authorities have not yet established the motive behind the killings or identified those responsible for the attack. Investigations remain ongoing.

Kenya to Host Global Military AI Conference in 2027

By
Vincent Amara
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Kenya will host a global military AI conference in Nairobi in April 2027, placing the country at the centre of global discussions on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence in defence and security.

The conference comes as governments around the world increasingly adopt AI technologies in military operations, intelligence gathering and autonomous systems, raising concerns about accountability and oversight.

“Kenya will host the 4th REAIM Conference in Nairobi in April 2027,” President William Ruto’s Special Envoy on Technology, Philip Thigo, announced during the AI, Security and Ethics Summit in Geneva.

“The conference will focus on practical implementation of responsible AI through capacity building, institutional readiness, international cooperation and partnerships between governments, defence institutions, industry, academia and global organisations,” he said.

The REAIM initiative brings together governments, military institutions, technology firms and researchers to promote responsible use of AI in military settings. Recent discussions have focused on maintaining human control over critical decisions and managing risks associated with autonomous systems.

Kenya’s selection as host reflects its growing role in global technology policy discussions. The conference is expected to bring together government officials, defence experts, technology companies and international organisations to discuss practical approaches to AI governance in the military sector.

Experts say major debates remain over the regulation of military AI, particularly autonomous weapons and the level of human oversight required in critical operations. These issues are expected to feature prominently when delegates meet in Nairobi in 2027.

Woman Arrested Over Deaths of Three Family Members in Machakos

By
Vincent Amara
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Police have arrested a 50-year-old woman in connection with the deaths of three family members whose bodies were found in a forest in Kathiani, Machakos County.

The woman was arrested following investigations into the discovery of the bodies on June 14 in Kavalo Village. Police said she told detectives that she had travelled to Makueni County, leaving her son, his wife and their two children at home.

“The suspect stated that her son claimed his wife had left to join another man after becoming pregnant and never returned,” police said.

During a search, detectives recovered blood-stained items, including a bedsheet, clothing, a machete and an axe, which have been preserved for forensic examination.

Police are also searching for the woman’s son, who reportedly disappeared on June 14 and is wanted for questioning.

“Recovered items have been preserved for forensic examination,” police said.

Investigators said two female bodies were found in the forest, one of them with a fetus. The bodies were badly decomposed, and investigations into the killings are ongoing.

SHA Cancer Treatment Coverage Doubled to KSh800,000, Says Senator Mungatana

By
Vincent Amara
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Cancer patients in Kenya are set to benefit from increased medical coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA) after Parliament approved amendments raising the treatment limit from KSh400,000 to KSh800,000.

Tana River Senator Dr. Danson Mungatana said the changes were approved after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appeared before the Committee on Delegated Legislation, where he serves as Vice Chairperson.

According to the senator, the proposed amendments were made following a directive from President William Ruto aimed at strengthening SHA’s legal mandate to provide greater support for cancer patients.

“We approved the proposed regulations after receiving assurances that Kenyans will not be required to pay higher SHA contributions,” said Dr. Mungatana.

He noted that the new limit will significantly ease the financial burden faced by many families seeking cancer treatment and improve access to healthcare services for affected patients across the country.

The approval paves the way for SHA to cover cancer treatment costs of up to KSh800,000, double the previous limit of KSh400,000.

Police Launch Manhunt for Kuresoi North MP After Nakuru Clashes

By
Vincent Amara
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Police have launched a search for Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai after clashes between rival political supporters in Kuresoi that left three people injured by gunfire.

The National Police Service said the violence broke out during a youth empowerment event at Sirikwa Umoja Grounds attended by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Bahati MP Irene Njoki.

According to police, the confrontation involved individuals believed to be supporters of Mutai and Governor Kihika.

“Several people sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” said NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

The unrest also saw a bus carrying tents and chairs to the venue set ablaze by unknown individuals.

Police have identified Mutai as the main suspect and say he is currently on the run.

“Police are pursuing the principal suspect, Hon. Alfred Mutai, who is currently at large. Officers have launched an operation to arrest him and other individuals linked to the incident,” Nyaga said.

The NPS urged the MP to surrender to the nearest police station and assist investigators.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over political intolerance and violence in parts of the country. Police warned that anyone involved in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters, or disrupting lawful gatherings will face legal action.

“No one, regardless of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law,” the police spokesperson added.

Police also called on political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and maintain peace, warning against the use of violence to settle political differences.

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