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Paul Mackenzie’s trial reaches decisive phase as Shakahola Massacre judgment nears

By
Newton Ingui
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The judicial proceedings against self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his co-accused are set to reach a key turning point this September, as the prosecution prepares to finalize its core submissions in one of the most horrifying religious cult cases in East African history.

Mackenzie—the leader of the Good News International Ministries who allegedly orchestrated the mass starvation of over 420 followers in the remote Shakahola forest—faces a battery of severe charges, including murder, manslaughter, terrorism, kidnapping, and child abuse.

Investigators have exhumed more than 429 bodies from shallow mass graves in Kilifi County, with many victims being young children instructed to starve first.

Prosecution witnesses have delivered graphic court testimony detailing how Mackenzie deployed armed guards to ensure congregants could not abandon the fatal fasting doctrine.

High Courts in Mombasa and Shanzu are presiding over multiple streams of charges, spanning terrorism offenses to homicide.

State attorneys are expected to wrap up the primary witness testimonies, handing over critical forensic and digital evidence gathered during the multi-agency operation in Shakahola.

The presiding judge will evaluate the consolidated evidence to formally rule whether Mackenzie and his 94 co-defendants have a case to answer on all primary counts.

If found to have a case to answer, Mackenzie’s legal team will be directed to open their defense, signaling the final phase before a formal verdict is handed down.

Legal analysts note that the outcome of this month’s court rulings will determine whether Mackenzie faces potential life imprisonment, marking a definitive moment of accountability for the victims and survivors of the Shakahola tragedy.

Egyptian Tv presenter Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death in major synthetic drug trafficking case

By
Newton Ingui
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Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 co-defendants have been sentenced to death by hanging following their conviction in a major drug trafficking and manufacturing scheme.

The verdict was issued by a Cairo criminal court and confirmed following a mandatory, non-binding review by Egypt’s Grand Mufti.

Prosecutors proved that Khalifa, 39, along with 11 core members of a 28-defendant ring, operated a structured criminal network. Roles were split across importing raw chemical precursors, operating lab processing, and overseeing distribution.

Law enforcement seized over 750 kg (1,653 lbs) of synthetic narcotics and precursor materials, along with unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and two Cairo apartments converted into illegal laboratories.

The prosecution presented statements from 20 witnesses, alongside digital evidence including wiretapped messages, videos, and photographs.

Khalifa, best known for hosting the security-focused program Mission Impossible, denied all involvement. During trial testimony, she stated she had never seen narcotics before being photographed with them inside police custody.

Defense attorneys confirmed they will file an appeal with Egypt’s Court of Cassation. Under Egyptian criminal law, all capital punishment rulings remain subject to appeal.

Activist Eric Omondi arrested in Nairobi CBD during signature collection drive

By
Newton Ingui
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Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi was arrested by plainclothes police officers in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Monday morning. The arrest took place near the Kenya National Archives, where Omondi was leading a public signature collection drive for his “Punguza Mzigo” campaign.

The constitutional referendum initiative aims to reduce the number of Kenya’s counties from 47 down to 8 regional units, mirroring the country’s former provincial boundaries. Omondi argues that downsizing local administration and scrapping several political seats—including senators and Women Representatives—will cut government expenditure and free up funds for public services like education.

Prior to his arrest, Omondi urged the public via social media to support the cause, stating that his team intended to pitch camp at the Archives through Friday to reach their target of 1 million signatures. He claimed the campaign had already gathered over 430,000 signatures in regions across the country, including Kakamega, Meru, and Mombasa.

Video footage circulated on social media showed officers handcuffing Omondi amidst a crowd of onlookers before whisking him away. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement outlining the specific grounds for his detention.

Ngirici breaks silence on Kirinyaga DCP rally chaos

By
Newton Ingui
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Former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Wangui Ngirici has firmly dismissed accusations labeling her a “mole” and an instigator of violence, pushing back against internal rivalries threatening to tear apart the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Mt. Kenya.

Addressing the media following contentious party rallies in Kirinyaga, Ngirici refuted claims that she was sponsored by state operatives to sabotage the party from within. The fiery politician asserted her independence and reaffirmed her intent to stay in the party despite hostile treatment from factional leaders.

Ngirici categorically denied being an undercover operative sent to undermine the DCP leadership, asserting that the accusations are politically motivated smear tactics designed to stifle fair competition in the Kirinyaga gubernatorial race.

Blaming Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina for the friction, Ngirici accused party organizers of intentionally denying her the microphone at multiple rally stopovers to disenfranchise her supporters.

Recalling her 2022 decision to run as an independent after falling out with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership, Ngirici declared she has “matured politically” and will not quit the party.

Emphasizing that “DCP belongs to no single individual,” she maintained that party nominations—not endorsement declarations at rallies—will ultimately decide the gubernatorial candidate.

The fallout follows a tumultuous weekend rally where rival factions collided, leading to heckling, disruption, and accusations of goonism. Njeri Maina had earlier called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate Ngirici over allegations of bringing hired youths to disrupt party proceedings.

Party leader Rigathi Gachagua expressed strong displeasure over the chaos, warning that the party would not tolerate violence or individuals causing disunity. Despite visible hostility from rival camps on stage, chants for Ngirici from the crowd at several stops forced organizers to yield ground, highlighting the deep divide among voters ahead of the nomination battles.

“I am not anyone’s project or mole. DCP does not belong to any individual, and we will face each other right here inside the party. I am politically mature now; I will not be pushed out.”

Ngirici maintained that she will remain grounded in the party and urged investigative agencies to look into the real instigators of political intolerance in the region.

KMPDU secretary-general Dr. Davji Atellah sets sight on Lang’ata parliamentary seat ahead of 2027

By
Newton Ingui
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Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah has declared his intention to enter competitive politics, eyeing the Lang’ata constituency parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

The union leader’s political ambitions gained momentum following extensive engagements in the constituency, where over 1,000 local youths, artisans, and community members endorsed his potential candidacy. The move coincides with reports that the incumbent MP, Phelix Odiwuor (popularly known as Jalang’o), plans to transition from the constituency seat to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in 2027.

During meetings with youth groups and informal sector workers—including Jua Kali mechanics at Madaraka Garage—Dr. Atellah outlined a development blueprint centered on healthcare access, education reform, and economic empowerment:

Dr. Atellah advocated for restructured NG-CDF bursary distribution models, emphasizing that education remains an absolute right for every child in Lang’ata.

Drawing from his medical background, he proposed targeted healthcare support programs tailored for informal sector workers to prevent financial distress from workplace injuries or sudden illness.

His plan targets better working conditions, secure tenure for mechanics and artisans, and enhanced funding through SACCOs to acquire modern equipment.

Dr. Atellah’s political push follows his unopposed re-election in April 2026 for a second five-year term as Secretary-General of KMPDU. His tenure has been marked by high-profile advocacy on doctors’ welfare, salary arrears clearance, and public healthcare system improvements—experience his supporters argue positions him uniquely to address legislative and development challenges in Parliament.

Onyonka warns article 223 is prone to abuse, calls for tighter fiscal oversight

By
Newton Ingui
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Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has sounded the alarm over the continued exploitation of Article 223 of the Constitution of Kenya, warning that the provision has become a loophole for off-budget spending and fiscal indiscipline by the Executive.

Speaking on floor debates regarding supplementary budget allocations and public finance management, Onyonka highlighted that Article 223—which permits the government to spend money that has not been appropriated by Parliament under exceptional circumstances—is increasingly being abused to bypass legislative scrutiny.

“Article 223 was designed for urgent, unforeseen emergencies like natural disasters or critical national security needs,” Onyonka stated. “Instead, it has morphed into a routine avenue for Executive overspending, enabling ministries and state departments to commit public funds first and seek post-facto ratification from Parliament later.”

Spending vast sums before receiving legislative approval undermines Parliament’s constitutional mandate to control public purse strings.

The continuous reliance on supplementary appropriations distorts initial budget plans, exacerbating public debt and national deficit margins.

Regular use of ex-post spending approvals weakens transparency mechanisms, creating vulnerabilities for corruption and unaccounted public expenditure.

The lawmaker urged Parliament to establish a stricter regulatory framework governing pre-approvals under Article 223. He cautioned that unless strict limits are enforced, the article will remain a legal cover for fiscal impunity, compromising national budget integrity.

Kenya turning to Uganda for Milk as domestic crisis deepens

By
Newton Ingui
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Kenya has turned to neighboring Uganda to bridge a sharp milk deficit after local output tumbled, leaving retail shelves depleted and prices climbing across the country.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui confirmed the intervention, acknowledging that domestic processors can no longer satisfy consumer demand.


“Locally, we are not able to meet our demand, so we are actually importing from our neighboring countries like Uganda, and we believe that this is not where the country should be.”

The supply squeeze stems primarily from severe environmental factors affecting key dairy belts across the country.

Prolonged dry and cold weather spells have reduced pasture availability, putting intense pressure on fodder supplies.

According to data from the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), formal intake by dairy processors fell 3.7%—dropping from 84.4 million liters in June to 81.3 million liters in July, with preliminary August figures signaling further dips.

Supermarkets and estate kiosks report low stocks of pasteurized milk, with retail prices rising by Ksh 3 to Ksh 5 per 500ml packet. Extended Shelf-Life (ESL) and UHT milk remain marginally more available.

Uganda’s growing dairy sector has positioned it to absorb Kenya’s shortfall. Production in Uganda reached 5.4 billion liters, providing a reliable surplus of UHT milk and powder for export into regional markets. Trade between the two East African Community (EAC) neighbors is supported by recent cross-border frameworks aimed at streamlining commodity transit and inspection through border posts like Malaba.

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke assured the public that the shortage is temporary. To stabilize supply without fueling retail inflation, the Ministry is enacting immediate relief measures:

Co-coordinating with feed manufacturers to distribute emergency fodder stocks to smallholder dairy farmers via cooperatives.

Monitoring daily production and retail flow metrics to direct milk imports strictly where deficits are severe.

Incentivizing local dairy farmers to scale production to reduce long-term structural dependence on neighboring imports.

“Do not play with Kenya’s stability ahead of 2027 polls” Duale warns.

By
Newton Ingui
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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), cautioning the agency against mishandling preparations or breaching laws ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Garissa, Duale stated that the nation’s democratic values, security, and peaceful future rest squarely on how the electoral body manages the upcoming polls.

“The stability and security of this country are in your hands… Do not play around with the democratic values and stability of our country,”

Duale singled out the tendering process for election technology, directing IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and his team to strictly follow the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act and avoid shortcuts or irregular dealings.

The CS urged commissioners to tune out political noise, settle any internal friction, and focus solely on delivering a free, fair, and transparent election.

Reminding the commission of its constitutional weight, Duale emphasized that the IEBC chairperson is the primary officer accountable for presidential election outcomes—a responsibility that cannot be passed to any other institution.

Duale reiterated that adhering strictly to the law remains the only way the IEBC can build public trust and prevent post-election disputes in 2027.

MP Peter Kaluma projects supermajority win for President William Ruto

By
Newton Ingui
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0

Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has declared that President William Ruto is positioned to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming general election, projecting he will win up to 75% of the national vote.

The ODM lawmaker made a notable political statement given his party background, asserting that shifting political realignments and expanding support bases across the country will guarantee the Head of State a commanding landslide.

Kaluma downplayed the traditional reliance on regional voting blocs, emphasizing that support for the President is consolidating nationwide, including ambitious targets within the Nyanza region.

The lawmaker’s remarks come amid heightened early campaign activity and realignment among key political figures across the country.

Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui warns of visa-free rule misuse amid government crackdown on foreign hawkers

By
Newton Ingui
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0

Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has issued a clarification regarding Kenya’s border regulations, stating that the country’s visa-free policy does not grant foreign visitors authorization to engage in informal trade, local employment, or retail businesses without valid work permits.

The CS’s statement comes in the wake of a strict directive by President William Ruto ordering law enforcement and immigration authorities to crack down on foreign nationals illegally conducting small-scale hawking and informal retail operations in local markets across the country.

Addressing the government’s stance, CS Kinyanjui highlighted a growing pattern of non-compliance among foreign visitors who enter the country under short-term tourist or investor exemptions before transitioning into informal local trade sectors.


“Visa-free entry or exemption from Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements does not in itself confer the right to engage in employment, trade, or business in Kenya,” stated the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. “There has been deliberate misuse of visa applications by some visitors… leading to persons on investor or tourist status engaging in activities contrary to the provisions of the grant.”

While reassuring international investors that Kenya remains open to legitimate commerce, the Ministry outlined strict measures to ensure market regulation and protect domestic business ecosystems:

Foreign nationals found engaging in retail trade, hawking, or employment without the mandated documentation face immediate permit revocation and potential deportation in accordance with immigration laws.

Authorities are auditing retail markets to compel non-compliant foreign traders to regularize their documentation or exit micro-enterprise sectors.

The Ministry emphasized that while Kenya remains committed to the East African Community (EAC) protocols on the free movement of goods and persons, compliance with local business regulatory frameworks remains mandatory.

The CS assured that upcoming joint multi-agency compliance operations will be executed in a transparent and lawful manner to safeguard regulated trade and protect local livelihoods while maintaining regional diplomatic relations.

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