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Pressure Mounts on Government to Reveal Details of JKIA Expansion Contract

By
Binti Wangila
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Pressure is mounting on the government to provide clarity and transparency over the tendering process for the planned expansion and modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a multi-billion-shilling infrastructure project.

Civil society groups, political leaders and legal experts have questioned the secrecy surrounding the contract, warning that they may move to court to compel the government to disclose all details regarding the agreement, including the successful bidder and the terms of the deal.

Reports indicate that Chinese firms China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Sinohydro submitted bids for the project, with CRBC reportedly emerging as the leading contender for the contract.

The expansion project is estimated to cost between KSh 150 billion and KSh 180 billion, depending on exchange rate variations and final project requirements.

Critics argue that due to the enormous amount of public resources involved, Kenyans have a right to understand the financing arrangements, contractual obligations and the expected benefits of the airport modernization programme.

The JKIA expansion is expected to improve passenger capacity, enhance airport facilities and strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub.

Ol Kalou By-Election Becomes a Political Battle for Influence in Mt Kenya

By
Binti Wangila
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The upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16 has emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The race is largely viewed as a contest between supporters of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, highlighting the growing political rivalry over influence in the region.

The main contest is expected to be between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Muchina Nyaga and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Kamau Ngotho, who has received backing from Gachagua’s political camp.

Political analysts say the by-election has shifted from a local leadership contest to a symbolic battle that could determine which political side holds greater influence in the Mt Kenya region.

However, some residents have expressed concern that national political rivalries are overshadowing local development issues, urging candidates to focus on unemployment, infrastructure and economic challenges affecting the people of Ol Kalou.

The outcome of the election is expected to shape political strategies as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.

Maraga Criticizes Government for Compensating Victims Without Prosecuting Police Officers

By
Binti Wangila
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Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized the government’s decision to compensate victims of police brutality without taking criminal action against officers accused of carrying out the violations.

Speaking during an interview, Maraga said that while compensating victims and their families is an important step, true justice requires those responsible for unlawful actions to be investigated, prosecuted and held accountable in court.

He warned that failing to prosecute officers implicated in human rights abuses could weaken public confidence in the justice system and create a culture of impunity among law enforcement officers.

Maraga also emphasized that police officers are only allowed to use firearms as a last resort when their lives or the lives of others are in immediate danger, questioning whether that standard was met in the cases under review.

His remarks come amid growing concerns from victims’ families and human rights organizations over the lack of prosecutions, even as the government prepares to begin issuing financial compensation to those affected by police-related abuses during demonstrations.

Wajir to Benefit from Sh4.5 Billion Road Project

By
Vincent Amara
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Residents of Wajir are set to benefit from improved infrastructure after the government secured approximately KSh4.5 billion in funding for the construction and upgrading of urban roads.

The project, funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development and implemented by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), aims to upgrade 31 roads covering a total of 65 kilometres to bitumen standards.

The roads are expected to enhance transportation, improve road safety, increase access to essential services, and stimulate economic activities within Wajir town.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan welcomed the project, saying, “The government’s plan to improve Wajir’s roads is bringing significant transformation and demonstrates a commitment to building a modern town that supports economic and social development.”

Keynan said the 65-kilometre project, which residents had waited for more than two decades, marks a major step in the transformation of Wajir town.

He also commended President William Ruto for continuing to implement development projects in Northern Kenya.

The project comes just weeks after Wajir hosted the Madaraka Day celebrations, during which several road and drainage projects were undertaken, helping to transform the town’s landscape.

US and Iran Sign Historic Accord to Ease Middle East Tensions.

By
Newton Ingui
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US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed an agreement aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.

Under the accord, Iran has agreed to reduce its uranium enrichment levels in exchange for being allowed to resume oil exports.

President Trump signed the agreement document during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Versailles Palace, following the G7 summit.

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baqaei, was quoted by the state news agency IRNA stating that the agreement document has been officially finalized after being signed by the respective presidents.

Under the deal, the United States has promised to ease certain sanctions and support the establishment of a $300 billion fund for the reconstruction of Iran.

Ruto Calls for Fairer Global Partnerships with Africa

By
Vincent Amara
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President William Ruto wants the G7 nations and other international partners to work with Africa in a way. He thinks they should help Africa make things and create jobs of just taking Africas raw materials.

President William Ruto said this when he was talking about how to make the economy grow and make sure everyone has a life. He said Africa does not want to work with people who only care about themselves and do not help Africa.

President William Ruto said “Africa is no longer interested in partnerships that benefitothers while leaving value on the continent.”

He thinks it is very important to have partnerships where everyone gets something out of it.

President William Ruto also said that by the year 2050 Africa will have a lot of people working 40 percent of all the workers in the world. This shows how important Africa is going to be for the worlds economy.

President William Ruto talked about all the minerals Africa has that people need to make electric cars, clean energy and new technology. He wants people from countries to come and work with Africa to make these things in Africa so Africa can have more jobs and be stronger.

President William Ruto thinks that if Africas economy is strong it will be good for everyone in the world. There will be places to sell things more chances to invest and the economy will grow in a good way.

President William Ruto said “The future of Africa must be built on partnerships that create shared prosperity, for Africa and its global partners.”

Portugal held to shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo

By
Newton Ingui
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Portugal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Joao Neves gave Portugal a dream start in the 6th minute when he rose highest to head home Pedro Neto’s cross from the left. The early goal looked to have set the tone for a comfortable evening, but DR Congo grew into the game and found a deserved equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time. Arthur Masuaku delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Yoane Wissa rose unmarked to glance a header past Diogo Costa.

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a difficult night and was largely kept quiet by DR Congo’s organised defence. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner saw very little of the ball inside the box and failed to test the goalkeeper with the limited opportunities that came his way.

Portugal tried to regain control in the second half and introduced fresh attacking options, including Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leão, and Gonçalo Ramos. However, they struggled to break down a resilient DR Congo side. A spectacular overhead kick from Joao Cancelo was disallowed for offside, while late efforts from Ronaldo and others failed to find the target.

The result leaves Portugal with work to do in their remaining group matches, while DR Congo will take immense confidence from holding one of the tournament favourites.

28 Prisoners Released from Moyale GK Prison to Decout Jails

By
Newton Ingui
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Twenty-eight prisoners have been released from Moyale GK Prison following a special judicial exercise aimed at reducing prison congestion.

Speaking at the Marsabit Law Courts, Senior Principal Magistrate Christine Mulongo stated that 33 inmates were evaluated during the exercise.

28 gained their freedom. 4 were permitted to serve the remainder of their sentences under the supervision of the Probation Department was one unsuccessful in their petition and will remain in prison.

“This exercise is part of the judiciary’s annual initiative to decongest prisons and ensure inmates receive timely justice.” — Senior Principal Magistrate Christine Mulongo

Mulongo added that inmates who demonstrate positive behavioral transformation while serving their time can be considered for reduced sentences or early release in accordance with the law.

Former Taita Taveta county official arraigned over 12 million shilling fraud

By
Newton Ingui
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The former director of political affairs for Taita Taveta County, Geoffrey Kimonge Mbogo, has been arraigned in court over allegations of fraudulently obtaining public funds and failing to account for more than 12 million shillings during his tenure.

According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), investigations revealed that Mbogo claimed funds for activities that never took place, thereby causing a financial loss to the county government.

The court released him on a cash bail of 1 million shillings or a bond of 2 million shillings. He was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without the court’s permission.

The case is scheduled for mention on July 1st this year for further directions before the main hearing begins.

Mandera County Hands Over Site for New 10,000-Capacity Stadium

By
Newton Ingui
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The construction of a modern 10,000-capacity sports stadium in Mandera is set to begin following the official handover of the project site by the county government to the Ministry of Defence.

The project, which was promised by President William Ruto, aims to boost the sports sector and nurture youth talent within the county.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mandera County Secretary Billow Issack highlighted that the project would open up more opportunities for the youth, promote sports talent, and contribute significantly to the economic development of the region.

County officials expressed confidence that the stadium will position Mandera as a premier sports hub in the North Eastern region. The county government has pledged its full cooperation to ensure the project is completed on time.

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