Home Blog Page 37

Gachagua’s Narok tour puts political security under spotlight

By
Binti Wangila
-
0

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s planned visit to Emurua Dikirr in Narok County on Friday is putting the spotlight on police preparedness as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    Gachagua has maintained that he will proceed with the visit despite claims of a plan to disrupt his rallies. He says he has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja seeking adequate security during his engagements.

    Speaking at a rally in Murang’a on Thursday, Gachagua questioned the ability of security agencies to distinguish between police officers and political goons.

    “Kenya has become a country of goons. You can’t tell the difference between goons and police. I’m coming to Emurua Dikirr. Your job is to put enough security,” Gachagua said.

    His concerns follow an incident on August 15 when his convoy was pelted with stones during a meet-the-people tour in Nakuru County.

    The incident has added to growing concerns over political violence, with opposition leaders, lawmakers and religious leaders calling on security agencies to take stronger action.

    The Church and Clergy Association of Kenya (CCAK) has warned that recent incidents could signal a dangerous political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.

    CCAK national chairman Bishop Hudson Ndeda criticised police over the violence witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay.

    “What we saw in Homa Bay: roads closed everywhere. Did the police see that? We saw on TV several kilometres of roads closed. That was a show of negligence,” Ndeda said.

    The clergy has urged police to take full responsibility for maintaining security at political gatherings and preventing political intolerance from escalating.

    The Emurua Dikirr visit is the first stop in a packed weekend schedule as Gachagua seeks to expand the opposition’s support base ahead of the 2027 contest.

    He is expected to travel to Embu on Saturday before heading to neighbouring Kirinyaga County on Sunday.

    His political caravan will then move to Kikuyu constituency next Wednesday, an area widely viewed as a stronghold of President William Ruto.

    Gachagua’s previous rally in Kikuyu in April ended in chaos after youths and suspected goons reportedly blocked roads and lit bonfires, disrupting traffic and transport before police intervened.

    The political tension has also triggered accusations between government and opposition leaders over the alleged use of goons at political rallies.

    Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah criticised opposition figures, accusing them of promoting what he described as a culture of “goonism”.

    “You’re planning goonism, then you point fingers at others,” Ichung’wah said, while calling for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the matter.

    Gachagua, however, says he is not intimidated by the threats.

    Speaking at his Wamunyoro home ahead of the Narok tour, he said residents of Emurua Dikirr had assured him they would protect him and prevent violence during his rallies.

    “Mniweke kwa maombi, lakini hatuogopi, hatutishwi. Wamenipigia wakaniambia tutakulinda. Kwa hivyo kesho nitakuwa Emurua Dikirr.”

    With political activity intensifying, all eyes will be on Emurua Dikirr to see how police handle the rally and whether the event passes without the violence that has increasingly characterised some political gatherings.

    Kenya, Jhpiego forge new partnership to cut maternal and newborn deaths

    By
    Vincent Amara
    -
    0

    Kenya is stepping up efforts to improve maternal and newborn health as the government deepens strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage and strengthening the delivery of quality healthcare services.

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held talks with Jhpiego President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Allyson Bear and her delegation to explore expanded collaboration under the Government’s Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) agenda.

    The discussions focused on addressing persistent challenges affecting women and newborns, including maternal hemorrhage, gaps in healthcare-worker skills and limited access to appropriate medical technologies.

    Duale called for stronger coordination between the government and development partners to ensure that external support is aligned with national health priorities and directed to areas where it can have the greatest impact.

    He reaffirmed the government’s One Plan, One Budget and One Accountability approach, stressing the need to minimize duplication of interventions while ensuring available resources are used efficiently.

    Under the planned collaboration, Jhpiego’s reproductive, maternal and newborn health programmes will be aligned with the EWENE agenda, with an initial focus on 18 priority counties identified by the government.

    The Ministry of Health has also welcomed planned Jhpiego support for newborn care in five counties. The government will guide the selection of the counties and health facilities considered to have the greatest need for additional support.

    Maternal and newborn health interventions will also be integrated with existing HIV and family-planning programmes to strengthen continuity of care for women from pregnancy through childbirth and the postnatal period.

    Workforce development is expected to form another major component of the partnership. Healthcare workers will receive mentorship, virtual learning opportunities and targeted capacity-building in line with Kenya’s national mentorship guidelines.

    The initiative is intended to strengthen healthcare workers’ skills and improve the quality of maternal and newborn services delivered in health facilities.

    The partnership will further support the use of digital health technologies to strengthen decision-making and improve monitoring of health programmes.

    The Ministry is developing a health-sector command centre dashboard designed to consolidate critical health indicators, monitor performance, identify service-delivery gaps and facilitate timely interventions across maternal and newborn health, HIV, tuberculosis and other priority programmes.

    Jhpiego has supported Kenya’s health sector for 48 years through programmes covering family planning, reproductive health, malaria, HIV, and maternal and newborn health.

    According to the Ministry, Jhpiego’s current portfolio includes 13 projects, with approximately KSh5.2 billion invested across 22 counties and more than 1,800 health facilities over the past two years.

    The engagement also explored ways of translating commitments made at the Global Maternal Health Conference into practical interventions that can improve outcomes for women and newborns in Kenya.

    As the government continues to pursue sustainable approaches to healthcare financing and service delivery, the Ministry says technical partnerships will remain important in strengthening national implementation capacity.

    Duale emphasized that partnerships bringing technical expertise, innovation and financial resources must complement government efforts, strengthen national health systems and deliver measurable improvements to Kenyans.

    The Ministry of Health and Jhpiego reaffirmed their commitment to closing persistent gaps in maternal and newborn care, with the shared goal of ensuring that every woman and every newborn in Kenya have a better chance of surviving and thriving.

    Parliament allocates KSh100 million to support construction of modern public health laboratory

    By
    Vincent Amara
    -
    0

    The National Assembly has allocated KSh100 million towards the construction of a modern laboratory facility as the government moves to strengthen Kenya’s laboratory capacity and improve the country’s preparedness to respond to public health needs.

    The development follows concerns over infrastructure, staffing, equipment and administrative support affecting the laboratory, which has been operating from temporary space provided by the University of Nairobi.

    The challenges were brought into sharper focus during a visit by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, which gave legislators an opportunity to assess the institution’s operations and establish the gaps affecting its ability to deliver its mandate effectively.

    Among the challenges identified are inadequate staffing and shortages of essential laboratory equipment. The institution has also been facing gaps in key support functions, including procurement, accounting and internal audit, which are critical to the smooth and accountable operation of a public health facility.

    The KSh100 million allocation is expected to provide a foundation for the construction of a modern laboratory facility capable of supporting the country’s growing public health needs. However, the Ministry of Health says the intervention is not limited to putting up a new building.

    The broader objective is to establish a fully functional laboratory supported by adequate human resources, modern equipment and efficient operational systems. Additional support is therefore being sought to recruit and strengthen staffing and provide the specialized equipment required to enhance laboratory services.

    The planned investment is also expected to contribute to Kenya’s wider public health security by strengthening the country’s capacity to undertake laboratory testing, surveillance and other critical functions.

    According to the Ministry of Health, the long-term ambition is to develop a laboratory that can effectively serve Kenya while eventually contributing to meeting laboratory needs across the wider region.

    The development comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to strengthen its public health systems, including laboratory and surveillance capacity. The Kenya National Public Health Institute has previously highlighted the importance of mapping and strengthening laboratory and surveillance capabilities as part of efforts to improve national health security.

    The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health has also continued to assess health institutions and advocate for increased investment in infrastructure, research and innovation.

    In July 2026, the committee visited the Kenya Medical Research Institute to examine its contribution to health research and the challenges facing the institution.

    The Ministry maintains that the proposed laboratory investment should therefore be viewed as part of a broader effort to build sustainable health infrastructure, strengthen the health workforce and ensure that Kenya has the systems and technical capacity required to respond to current and emerging public health challenges.

    U.S. escalates economic pressure on Iran as oil prices surge

    By
    Binti Wangila
    -
    0

    The United States is preparing to impose what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, shifting Washington’s focus further toward economic pressure as it seeks to avoid another major military escalation. 

    Bessent said the new measures would form part of a broader campaign to isolate Iran economically. He is expected to provide details of the sanctions at a press conference on Monday.

    “It is a one-two punch. We have the blockade, and we are going to have the toughest sanctions in history,” Bessent said. 

    The announcement followed President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington was preparing “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale” against Iran and countries that provide it with financial or commercial support. 

    Tehran has dismissed the new pressure campaign, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accusing Washington of relying on policies that have failed in the past.

    Araghchi also argued that the U.S. was using the campaign to divert attention from its own economic challenges, including high debt and rising interest costs.

    “Doubling down on failed policies will only bring further defeat and enmity of Iranians,” Araghchi said. 

    Iran has faced U.S. sanctions for decades, raising questions over how much additional pressure the new measures can exert on an economy already heavily restricted.

    The confrontation is also having an immediate impact beyond Iran and the United States. Oil prices climbed sharply following Washington’s announcement, with Brent crude reaching around $94.71 a barrel before settling near $93.80. 

    The rise reflects concerns over continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy route through which a significant share of the world’s oil normally passes. 

    The latest U.S. measures therefore put the spotlight not only on Iran’s economy, but also on the potential consequences for global energy prices, international trade and the wider Middle East conflict.

    With the details of the sanctions still to be announced, markets and U.S. allies will be watching closely to see whether Washington’s economic strategy can force Tehran toward an agreement—or further deepen the confrontation.

    Wetang’ula warns against political goonism ahead of 2027 elections

    By
    Binti Wangila
    -
    0

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Kenyan politicians and young people to reject political violence and embrace peaceful, issue-based campaigns as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

    Speaking in Ikolomani while conveying his condolences to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale following the death of his wife, Mama Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, Wetang’ula said political differences should never be allowed to destroy the bonds that unite Kenyans.

    “I plead again with our young people and, indeed, even with us as politicians, to endeavor to remain peaceful because, away from politics, we are all brothers and sisters. Politics must never divide us.”

    The Speaker warned that the emerging culture of political goonism could pose a serious threat to national security and undermine Kenyans’ right to participate peacefully in the political process.

    He urged political leaders to compete on the strength of ideas, policies and development agendas, rather than using intimidation, violence or groups of youths to confront political opponents.

    Wetang’ula’s remarks were echoed by other leaders, who stressed that maintaining peace will be critical to protecting Kenya’s economic progress and social cohesion as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.

    Ikolomani MP Innocent Mugabe called on residents to maintain peace during Mama Gloria’s final send-off and to give all leaders attending the ceremony a respectful reception regardless of their political affiliations.

    “As Ikolomani people, we are peace-loving Kenyans, and I ask that we demonstrate the same tomorrow during the final send-off,” Mugabe said.

    Kakamega County MP Elsie Muhanda also appealed for tolerance, describing the late Mama Gloria as an accommodating and hospitable person whose final ceremony should reflect the same spirit of unity and respect.

    Nandi Senator Samson Cherargey urged Kenyans not to mistake political disagreements for personal conflicts. He described Senator Khalwale as one of the Senate’s strong debaters and said differences in opinion should remain part of democratic debate rather than become a trigger for confrontation.

    As Kenya looks towards the 2027 polls, Wetang’ula’s message puts the focus on the kind of political contest the country should expect—one where leaders compete through ideas and policies without turning political differences into violence.

    Wetang’ula also conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences and goodwill to the bereaved Khalwale family.

    Aden Duale engages Eldama Ravine muslim leaders on healthcare, political participation and community development

    By
    Vincent Amara
    -
    0

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held consultations with Muslim community leaders from Eldama Ravine in Baringo County, focusing on the welfare, development and increased participation of the community in local leadership and decision-making.

    The meeting, led by Eldama Ravine Member of Parliament Musa Sirma and Sheikh Issa Aljab, brought together leaders from the Eldama Ravine Muslim community to deliberate on issues affecting residents and explore areas of collaboration for the community’s social and economic development.

    Duale said discussions centred on strengthening the participation of the Muslim community in local political leadership and decision-making, alongside other matters of mutual interest aimed at promoting the welfare of residents.

    The leaders also raised the need for improved facilities to serve the growing Muslim population in Eldama Ravine. Sheikh Maalim Hassan, Chairman of the Eldama Ravine Jamia Mosque, invited Duale to officiate an upcoming resource mobilisation drive aimed at supporting the construction of a modern mosque in the area.

    The proposed mosque is expected to provide an expanded place of worship and community facility for the growing Muslim population in Eldama Ravine.

    Healthcare was also a key focus of the engagement, with the Muslim leaders committing to sensitise residents on the importance of registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA).

    The initiative is expected to complement the Government’s efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

    Duale welcomed the commitment, noting that community leaders have an important role to play in creating awareness and encouraging residents to take advantage of government programmes designed to improve access to essential services.

    The meeting was attended by members of the Jamia Mosque Eldama Ravine Muslim leadership, including Organising Secretary Abdul Malik, Secretary Suleiman Omar, Mosque Trustee Shafii Abdalla and Mosque Patron Abdulqadir Ahmad.

    The engagement comes as the Government continues to work with community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen access to healthcare while addressing broader social, economic and development needs at the grassroots level.

    SAMBURU: DNA tests to identify seven victims of Mt Ololokwe helicopter crash

    By
    Binti Wangila
    -
    0

    SAMBURU — The bodies of seven people who died in the Mt Ololokwe helicopter crash will undergo DNA testing after recovery teams retrieved all the remains from the wreckage on Thursday.

    Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi said some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, prompting authorities to send samples to Nairobi for identification.

    “They were burnt beyond recognition. We have taken samples of those bodies to Nairobi for further examination,” Nkoroi said.

    He added that the crash site had been handed over to aircraft accident investigators, who will continue examining the wreckage and other evidence to establish what caused the fatal accident.

    The seven bodies have been taken to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi as authorities await identification through DNA analysis.

    The recovery operation began at about 9am on Thursday, when a multi-agency team travelled to Mt Ololokwe to retrieve three bodies that had remained trapped inside the wreckage.

    The helicopter was extensively destroyed on impact, leaving pieces of the aircraft and passengers’ personal belongings scattered around the crash site.

    Investigators have since taken over the scene and are also searching for the helicopter’s black box, which could provide crucial flight data and cockpit recordings from the moments before the crash.

    The helicopter crashed on Wednesday while carrying six tourists and Kenyan pilot Josh Outram.

    The tourists had travelled from Suiyan in Loisaba Conservancy, Laikipia County, to Mt Ololokwe, one of Samburu’s well-known tourist attractions.

    The visitors were reportedly taking photographs and recording videos from the helicopter while viewing the mountain and surrounding Samburu landscape.

    Among those killed were Michele Sensi-Contugi, Ecuador’s intelligence chief, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan Yeaza, who held Ecuadorian and American citizenship.

    Ecuadorian media reported that Sensi-Contugi served as the country’s Minister of the Interior between April and August 2024 before becoming director of the National Intelligence Centre. He was also reported to have been a close confidant of President Daniel Noboa.

    The other victims were Roger Edward Duarte, José Alberto Suárez, Adam Hlavaty and Henry Parra.

    Local tour guides and porters who witnessed the final moments of the flight said the helicopter circled the rocky summit several times before landing at a spot frequently visited by tourists.

    The aircraft was operated by Lady Lori, a chartered helicopter company. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority identified it as a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM.

    Tour guides operating in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy said Mt Ololokwe attracts visitors seeking sunrise and sunset views as well as panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

    The wider Samburu region is also known for its high-end tourism facilities and remote luxury lodges that attract visitors from around the world.

    The aircraft accident investigation team will now continue examining the wreckage and other evidence as authorities work to establish the circumstances and cause of the crash.

    Gachagua demands police security assurance ahead of Emurua Dikirr visit

    By
    Vincent Amara
    -
    0

    Former Deputy President and Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has formally requested Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to guarantee his security, alongside that of his supporters and local residents, ahead of his scheduled visit to Emurua Dikirr in Narok County on Friday, August 21, 2026.

    In a letter dated August 20, Gachagua outlined his plans to attend a political thanksgiving ceremony in the constituency following an invitation from DCP candidate Vincent Rotich and other party officials.

    However, he disclosed receiving explicit threats regarding the trip. These threats, which reportedly circulated on social media and featured in mainstream media coverage, warned him and his convoy against entering the area.

    Citing his constitutional rights as a Kenyan citizen to travel freely and engage in political activities anywhere in the country, he urged the National Police Service to deploy sufficient security personnel to secure his entourage and protect the local population.

    Drawing attention to recent political instability, Gachagua pointed to the violence witnessed on August 16 in Homa Bay, where a convoy linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement encountered organized blockades and hostility while touring the county. Describing that incident as a deeply regrettable moment in Kenya’s post-independence history, he emphasized the police service’s duty to prevent similar disruptions and protect lives and property.

    Reminding Kanja of his constitutional oath, Gachagua recalled a prior meeting on January 30, 2026, at the Inspector General’s office in Nairobi, during which he submitted evidence regarding 24 previous targeted attacks against him.

    Directing three core questions to the police chief, Gachagua demanded public assurances that the police are fully prepared, that adequate security measures have been deployed, and that he, his convoy, and the residents of Emurua Dikirr will remain safe throughout the visit.

    Ruto hails strengthened Kenya-Austria ties as 100 Kenyan nurses secure jobs in Austria

    By
    Vincent Amara
    -
    0

    President William Ruto has said Kenya is deepening its diplomatic and trade relations with Austria through expanded cooperation in overseas employment, renewable energy, agriculture and technology.

    Ruto said the strengthened partnership is opening up new opportunities for Kenyans while creating avenues for greater economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.

    The President made the remarks at State House, Nairobi, where he bid farewell to Austrian Ambassador to Kenya Christian Fellner following the completion of his eight-year tour of duty in the country.

    Ruto expressed appreciation to Austria for recruiting 100 Kenyan nurses, describing the initiative as an important step in expanding employment opportunities for skilled Kenyan professionals abroad.

    He said Kenya plans to increase the number of healthcare professionals accessing employment opportunities in Austria by strengthening the teaching of foreign languages at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) centers.

    The move is expected to enhance the ability of Kenyan healthcare professionals to meet language requirements and compete for opportunities in Austria and other international labor markets.

    Beyond labor mobility, Ruto said Kenya and Austria are working to deepen bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including renewable energy generation, agriculture and technology.

    He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships that deliver tangible economic opportunities for citizens while advancing Kenya’s broader development agenda.

    The President also commended Ambassador Fellner for his eight years of service in Kenya, noting his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.

    Ruto said Kenya values its longstanding partnership with Austria and remains committed to expanding bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

    UoN to pay former student Sh3m over last-minute graduation block

    By
    Binti Wangila
    -
    0

    NAIROBI — A graduation ceremony that was supposed to mark the culmination of Merceline Murono’s university journey instead became the centre of a legal battle after the University of Nairobi removed her name from the list of graduands on the morning of the event.

    The High Court has now ordered the University of Nairobi to pay Murono Sh3 million after finding that the institution violated her constitutional rights by preventing her from graduating at the last minute.

    Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that Murono had been given sufficient reason to believe she had been cleared for graduation.

    She had already collected her graduation gown and attended the official rehearsal, where she had been allocated a seat ahead of the university’s 70th graduation ceremony on December 15, 2023.

    But on the morning of the ceremony, Murono discovered through her class WhatsApp group that her name was missing from the official graduation booklet.

    According to the court, the university should have notified her of any outstanding issues and given her an opportunity to respond before removing her name from the graduation list.

    The university had argued that Murono had failed to complete some clearance requirements, including allegedly using the wrong clearance form and making a payment under an incorrect reference number.

    The court, however, found that the claims were not supported by the evidence presented.

    Justice Mugambi noted that Murono had contacted a university finance officer on November 22, 2023, and provided her registration details while attempting to resolve the payment issue.

    The judge criticised the university for attempting to shift responsibility to Murono, describing its conduct as a “deliberate distortion of truth designed to mislead the court.”

    The court further found that the last-minute decision caused Murono significant emotional distress, disappointment, shame and embarrassment, particularly because she had invited family, friends and colleagues to attend and celebrate her graduation.

    Justice Mugambi ruled that the university violated Murono’s rights to human dignity and protection from psychological torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under Articles 28 and 29 of the Constitution.

    In addition to the Sh3 million compensation, the university has been ordered to issue Murono with an unqualified apology within 30 days.

    Failure to issue the apology within that period will result in an additional Sh1 million penalty, potentially raising the total compensation to Sh4 million.

    The university must also pay Sh24,000 in special damages, as well as the costs of the case and interest.

    Lawyer Collins Omondi had sought a 45-day stay of execution to allow the university to pursue an appeal.

    The judge instead granted a 30-day stay.

    The ruling highlights the importance of due process in universities and other public institutions, particularly where administrative decisions can have a direct impact on students’ academic progression and dignity.

    1...363738...117Page 37 of 117