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84 bags of relief food recovered in Marsabit, six arrested

By
Paul Lekarikei
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Six people have been arrested in Marsabit Central Sub-County after security officers recovered bags of government relief food suspected to have been diverted from the intended beneficiaries.

The operation was conducted on Thursday afternoon at Majengo Sub-location, approximately six kilometres north of Marsabit town, following reports from members of the public regarding suspicious activities at a private compound in the area.

A security team led by the Marsabit Central Deputy County Commissioner raided the compound of a retired Assistant Education Officer (AEO), where they recovered 74 bags of rice and 10 bags of beans.

Each bag weighed 50 kilogrammes and bore the Government of Kenya markings indicating that the food was part of a relief consignment meant to support vulnerable residents.

“The officers recovered relief food bearing government markings from a private compound, alongside other items believed to be linked to the distribution of the supplies,” a security officer familiar with the operation said.

Investigators also recovered 135 empty bags marked with Government of Kenya symbols, as well as 84 empty bags from different rice brands stored in a nearby building.

The officers further impounded a white Isuzu NPR truck registration number KCF 123R, which was found inside the compound carrying part of the recovered food supplies.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers documented and secured evidence at the scene before transporting the food and the vehicle to Marsabit Police Station.

According to documents reviewed by investigators, the relief food had been allocated for distribution in Kachacha Sub-location, Saku Constituency.

The supplies are alleged to have been removed from an area under the administration of the Sagante/Jaldesa Deputy County Commissioner, as authorities continue investigations into how the consignment ended up in a private residence.

“The investigation is ongoing to establish how the relief supplies reached a private compound and whether other individuals were involved,” an officer handling the investigations said.

Those arrested have been identified as Sanke Abudo, 56; Chame Yasin Orge, 19; Kedir Ibrahim Yacho, 20; Guyo Jala Elama, 27; Hassan Guyo Mohamed, 32; and Sola Dida Huri, 22.

Police said the suspects are being held at Marsabit Police Station as investigations continue.

The matter has been handed over to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Marsabit Central Sub-County to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion of the government relief food.

“We are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable,” a source familiar with the investigations said.

Investigations are ongoing.

16 Kapenguria boys students under investigation over Sh7 million school fire

By
Kimani Karanja
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Detectives are investigating 16 students
from Kapenguria Boys High School following a fire that destroyed an
equipment store and damaged part of the school’s library, with losses
estimated at Sh7 million.

The fire broke out on the night of June 8, 2026, between 10 p.m. and
midnight while students were in their dormitories.

Security personnel stationed at the school were the first to spot smoke
billowing from the equipment store, which housed solar power equipment. The
flames later spread to a section of the library before emergency responders
contained the blaze.

The incident triggered a multi-agency investigation involving the County Fire
Department, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Crime
Scene Investigation Unit, which processed the scene to establish the cause of
the fire and assess the extent of the damage.

According to the Quality Assurance Department, the fire destroyed solar
equipment and damaged part of the library, with losses estimated at
approximately Sh7 million.

The school was temporarily closed to allow detectives to conduct
investigations before learning resumed.

However, before reopening, parents were instructed to clear outstanding
school fees and pay an additional Sh11,270 per student, a directive that
raised concerns among some parents who questioned the basis of the levy
before the full cost of the damage had been confirmed.

On the night of July 10, DCI detectives arrested 16 students suspected of
involvement in the fire. The students were later released to their parents as
investigations continued.

Kapenguria and Kipkomo Sub-County DCIO Bakari Ndzovu said the arrests
were intended to facilitate investigations, particularly the analysis of CCTV
footage captured by surveillance cameras installed around the school.

“We are analyzing all available evidence, including CCTV
footage and witness statements. Any person found
culpable will be arraigned in court in accordance with the
law,” Ndzovu said.

The DCIO disclosed that only one of the 16 students under investigation is
above the age of 18, while the remaining suspects are minors.

“Under Kenya’s legal framework, minors are not required to
remain in police cells during investigations,” he explained.

The incident has drawn public interest, with parents and education
stakeholders seeking clarity on the additional levy imposed on students and
the manner in which the investigations are being conducted.

Efforts by journalists to obtain a response from the school’s principal, Moses
Ndeda, were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
Ndzovu urged schools across the country to strengthen surveillance by
installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, saying the technology
has become an important tool in crime detection.

“CCTV cameras provide crucial evidence that helps
investigators establish what happened and who may have
been involved. Schools should consider investing in such
systems to enhance security,” he said.

He also appealed to parents to maintain open communication with their
children and encourage them to resolve grievances through lawful and
established channels.

“We urge learners to desist from acts of arson and
destruction of school property. Anyone found responsible
for criminal offences will face the full force of the law,”
Ndzovu warned.

Detectives say investigations are ongoing and that any further action,
including possible prosecutions, will be guided by forensic findings, CCTV
analysis, and other evidence collected during the probe.

Basketball opening doors to education and better futures for refugee girls in Kakuma

By
Festus Basabo
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For many girls living in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, basketball has become much more than a sport. It is creating opportunities for education, leadership, personal growth, and a brighter future.

Through the Refugee Basketball Initiative (RBI) programmes held at the Kakuma 1 Zone 5 basketball court, girls are provided with a safe and supportive environment where they can develop their basketball skills while building confidence and learning essential life skills. Beyond improving physical fitness, the programme also promotes mental well-being, teamwork, discipline, resilience, self-confidence, and sound decision-making.

Refugee Basketball Initiative (RBI) Founder and Executive Director, Lich Gatkoi Puok, said the organization’s mission is to use basketball as a platform to empower refugee girls and youth through education, talent development, mental health support, and access to academic opportunities both locally and internationally.

According to Puok, RBI has become a bridge to educational opportunities for many young people. Several players who have participated in the programme have earned scholarships to schools and universities abroad, thanks to their basketball talent and commitment both on and off the court. These success stories continue to inspire many young refugees to believe that sport can transform their lives.

“We believe every girl deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential without discrimination. Through basketball, we are nurturing confident young leaders who are equipped to create positive change within their communities,” said Puok.

Since its establishment in 2020, the Refugee Basketball Initiative has impacted thousands of refugee and host-community youth in Kakuma by providing sports training, leadership development, and life skills education. The organization has also built partnerships with international institutions to expand educational opportunities and create pathways for young people to pursue higher education and personal development.

For the girls of Kakuma, basketball is no longer just a game,it is a pathway to education, leadership, and hope. Through the work of RBI, dreams that once seemed out of reach are becoming reality, as a new generation of empowered young women is being shaped through the transformative power of sport.

Kenya-EU Relations enter new chapter as Nairobi bids farewell to five European envoys

By
Binti Wangila
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Kenya has officially bid farewell to five outgoing European ambassadors, marking the end of a significant diplomatic chapter as Kenya and the European Union (EU) deepen cooperation following the implementation of the landmark Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations.

The departing envoys are Austria’s Ambassador Christian Fellner, Belgium’s Ambassador Peter Maddens, Cyprus’ Ambassador Savvas Vladimirou, France’s Ambassador Arnaud Suquet, and the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger.

The EU Delegation in Kenya hosted a farewell ceremony in Nairobi on Thursday, honoring the diplomats for their contribution to strengthening Kenya-EU relations during a period marked by increased collaboration in trade, investment, governance, climate action, education, and regional peace and security.

Speaking during separate farewell meetings with the ambassadors, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi praised the outgoing diplomats for their role in advancing bilateral cooperation.

“Partnerships built on trust, shared values and a common vision continue to create new opportunities for Kenya and its people,” Mudavadi said while bidding farewell to EU Ambassador Henriette Geiger.

He noted that the operationalisation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement represents a major milestone that will enhance market access for Kenyan exports, create investment opportunities, and boost the country’s global competitiveness.

“The Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement provides a solid framework to expand opportunities for our exporters, manufacturers, farmers and investors while strengthening Kenya’s position in international trade,” Mudavadi added.

Among the departing diplomats, Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens leaves with a unique personal connection to Kenya.

Maddens attended St. Mary’s School, Nairobi, where he was a classmate of former President Uhuru Kenyatta during his childhood. His father, Pieter Maddens, served as Belgium’s ambassador to Kenya in the 1970s.

In a remarkable family milestone, Peter Maddens presented his credentials to former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2021—almost five decades after his father presented his credentials to Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta in 1975.

During his tenure, Kenya and Belgium strengthened diplomatic and economic ties, culminating in President William Ruto’s visit to Brussels for bilateral engagements with King Philippe ofBelgium.

Maddens will now return to Brussels to serve as Director of the Africa Department.

The ambassadors’ departure comes during a symbolic year in Kenya-EU relations as both sides commemorate 50 years of diplomatic partnership since the establishment of the EU Delegation in Nairobi in 1976.

Over the past five decades, the relationship has evolved from traditional development cooperation into a broad strategic partnership covering trade, investment, climate action, education, governance, innovation, and regional security.

The implementation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement is expected to usher in a new phase of economic cooperation by enhancing duty-free access for Kenyan products into the European market while promoting sustainable investment and industrial growth.

As the outgoing ambassadors conclude their assignments, Kenyan officials expressed confidence that the strong diplomatic foundations laid over the years will continue to support closer cooperation between Kenya, individual EU member states, and the European Union in the years ahead.

Taita Taveta land crisis: MP Danson Mwashako slams government over eviction fears as he eyes governorship

By
Linda Akoth
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Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako

Land ownership remains a highly sensitive and unresolved issue in Taita Taveta County, with the government facing heavy criticism for failing to deliver a lasting solution despite decades of political promises.

Speaking in an interview with Sifa FM, Wundanyi Member of Parliament (MP) Danson Mwashako expressed deep concern over the persistent land tenure insecurity in the region. He noted that many residents continue to live in constant fear of eviction from their ancestral lands.

“We keep talking about people being issued with title deeds, but the truth on the ground is that our people are living in absolute fear of having their homes flattened,” Mwashako said. “We have witnessed forced demolitions in Taveta, Voi, and even Mwatate, which only proves that the government is not genuinely committed to resolving this historical crisis.”

The lawmaker raised a red flag over what he termed as an influx of outsiders entering the county armed with title deeds, allegedly with the intention of grabbing land belonging to local communities.

“It is deeply disheartening to see individuals traveling all the way from Nairobi, arriving here armed with ownership documents for parcels of land they cannot even physically locate on the ground,” Mwashako lamented.

However, Mwashako clarified that his stance is not anti-development, emphasizing that genuine investors who hold valid land documents, utilize their land productively, and create employment opportunities for locals will always be welcomed and supported.

“Anyone who holds valid ownership documents, runs a legitimate enterprise, and creates employment opportunities for our local youth is warmly welcomed to invest here. But if you are coming to Taita Taveta with the sole intention of stealing ancestral land, we will not tolerate it,” the MP warned.

The two-term legislator, who has officially declared his interest in the Taita Taveta gubernatorial seat in the next general election, pledged to make land protection a cornerstone of his leadership.

Mwashako vowed that, if elected governor, he would fiercely safeguard the county’s natural resources and ancestral lands, stating he would never be compromised into issuing land titles to outsiders or exploitative investors at the expense of locals.

“As a leader, I will never accept or be compromised to hand over ancestral land ownership to outsiders or malicious investors. Our priority must be protecting the rights of the Taita Taveta people,” Mwashako declared.

Mwashako’s remarks come barely a month after President William Ruto visited the Coast region and distributed over 33,000 title deeds to residents, including beneficiaries in Taita Taveta County.

During the launch, the Head of State characterized the mass issuance of titles as a critical step in the government’s broader plan to resolve historical land disputes and legally empower local landowners.

Among the areas targeted in the county was the Ronge Juu adjudication section, with the President pledging that the government would issue an additional 200,000 title deeds across the region in the near future to bring a permanent end to the squatter problem.

School bus crash kills 20 pupils, one adult in Eastern Uganda

By
Binti Wangila
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A school bus carrying pupils from an educational tour crashed in eastern Uganda on Thursday evening, killing 20 pupils and one adult, according to the Uganda Police Force.

The pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje, Kampala, were returning from a study tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District when the accident occurred at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, at around 8:00 p.m.

According to the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, preliminary investigations indicate that the Isuzu school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, developed a mechanical problem before the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus veered off the road, struck a large roadside rock and overturned.

Uganda Police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed that 21 people had died in the crash.

“We wish to confirm that a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead. The crash involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, belonging to King David Junior School, Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala. The driver has not yet been identified,” Kananura said.

Several other occupants sustained injuries and were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Police said the identities of some of the survivors are yet to be established.

The bodies of the victims were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary, where they await identification by relatives and postmortem examinations.

Police said investigators are working to establish the exact cause of the crash, including the reported mechanical failure and other possible contributing factors.

“The Uganda Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School and all those affected by this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a quick and full recovery,” the police said in a statement.

The crash has renewed concerns over road safety involving school transport in Uganda, with authorities expected to determine whether the bus was mechanically sound before embarking on the journey.

Over 14,000 Cancer cases recorded in Kenya in 2024 as government strengthens research

By
Binti Wangila
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More than 14,000 cancer cases were recorded in Kenya in 2024, with breast, cervical, oesophageal, prostate and colorectal cancers emerging as the country’s most common types, according to the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K).

The figures were unveiled during the launch of the Kenya Cancer Statistics Dashboard, the country’s first comprehensive hospital-based cancer data platform, developed using locally generated data from 79 health facilities.

Head of the National Cancer Registry, Gladys Onyango, said the dashboard will provide policymakers with critical data on cancer trends by county, age, gender and treatment, enabling evidence-based interventions.

“This dashboard is more than charts and figures. It provides the evidence needed to make informed policy decisions that ultimately improve care for cancer patients,” Onyango said.

The statistics were released during the launch of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya’s Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee, a move expected to strengthen locally generated cancer research and enhance ethical oversight of scientific studies.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government is committed to ensuring healthcare policies and investments are guided by credible scientific evidence.

“We must rely on proven scientific evidence rather than guesswork because every decision we make in the health sector affects patients,” Duale said.

He noted that cancer remains one of Kenya’s leading public health challenges, claiming about 80 lives every day, and called for increased investment in early diagnosis, routine screening and public awareness campaigns.

“We should not wait until patients present themselves in hospitals with advanced disease. Early screening, early detection and community awareness are critical if we are to reduce the burden of cancer,” he added.

Duale also challenged the National Cancer Institute of Kenya to position the country as a regional centre for cancer research and clinical trials, saying the newly accredited ethics committee will help attract international collaborations while ensuring high standards in research.

National Cancer Institute of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly described the committee as a major milestone, saying it will accelerate locally generated research and support the Ministry of Health’s vision of evidence-driven healthcare.

“Our goal is to generate quality evidence that informs policy and improves patient outcomes because the cancer patient remains at the centre of everything we do,” Melly said.

Representing the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Harriet Kinya presented the institute with its accreditation certificate, saying the committee will safeguard research participants while promoting scientific integrity, accountability and professionalism.

The government expects recent investments in radiotherapy infrastructure, coupled with stronger research and better data collection, to improve access to quality cancer care across the country.

Kenya to publish world-first ‘state of openness’ report, says president Ruto

By
Vincent Amara
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President William Ruto has officially launched public and institutional consultations to pave the way for Kenya’s inaugural “State of Openness” report. The Head of State hailed the initiative as a major milestone in bolstering transparency, fostering public accountability, and rebuilding citizen trust in government institutions.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto stated that the upcoming report will establish a definitive national benchmark to measure transparency, evaluate institutional performance, and hold public officials accountable.

He emphasized that the findings will help identify critical structural gaps, ultimately guiding reforms to improve public service delivery.

To reinforce this commitment, the President highlighted the government’s aggressive digital transformation. Since 2022, digitized public services have scaled dramatically from a mere 350 to over 26,000. According to President Ruto, this massive transition has substantially streamlined bureaucratic efficiency, simplified access to services, and heightened administrative oversight.

The President further outlined a series of robust anti-corruption and governance reforms. These include the implementation of a unified digital payment system designed to curb revenue leakages, an electronic procurement (e-procurement) platform to ensure fiscal transparency, and a transition to highly competitive, merit-based hiring practices across all state corporations.

He also pointed to the recently enacted Conflict of Interest Act as a legislative cornerstone for restoring integrity in public leadership.

In addition to digital reforms, the President noted that transparency measures have been deeply integrated into the management of the National Infrastructure Trust Fund, backed by regulatory frameworks designed to enhance institutional autonomy.

To ensure the success of the evaluation, President Ruto directed all ministries, state departments, government agencies, constitutional commissions, and county governments to cooperate fully with the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) by submitting accurate, comprehensive, and timely data.

The ground-breaking “State of Openness” report is scheduled for release later this year. Once published, it is anticipated to be the first comprehensive national transparency index of its kind globally.

Kalonzo Celebrates Ol Kalou Win, Condemns State Intimidation

By
Vincent Amara
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Wiper Democratic Movement leader and opposition co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has extended his congratulations to Sammy Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) following his victory in the highly contested Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

In a strongly worded statement, the veteran politician praised the resilience of the local electorate, characterizing the win as a decisive triumph of the people’s will over institutional pressure. According to Musyoka, the election outcome represents a clear and resounding rejection of state-sponsored intimidation and electoral malpractice.

The opposition leader did not mince his words regarding the conduct of government agencies during the polling period, accusing the state of deploying heavy-handed tactics in a coordinated attempt to sway the vote in favor of the ruling coalition.

Specifically, he claimed that the National Police Service had placed Ol Kalou constituency and the wider Nyandarua County under a virtual security siege. He noted that masked security officers were deployed to instill fear among voters, while widespread bribery was allegedly utilized on an unprecedented scale.

Despite what he described as a highly compromised voting environment, Musyoka lauded the residents of Ol Kalou for their bravery. He commended their determination to stand firm, resist voter bribery, and protect their democratic rights at the ballot box. The victory of DCP’s Sammy Kamau Ngotho is now being viewed by political analysts as a significant litmus test for the region’s shifting political dynamics and a major statement against the use of state machinery in local elections.

Musyoka further asserted that the by-election outcome serves as a direct message to President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 general election.

Emphasizing that the victory goes beyond a single parliamentary seat, he warned the current regime that state machinery and financial influence would not succeed in suppressing the ultimate will and conscience of the Kenyan people.

Kenya Security Summit: Nairobi Mp implicated as police launch crackdown on criminal groups

By
Vincent Amara
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In a decisive response to a worrying surge in organized crime, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has summoned the country’s top police commanders to Nairobi for an urgent strategy meeting.

The high-level summit, convened to address the rising threat of criminal gangs, comes amid mounting public concern over politically connected groups terrorizing residents across the country.

While a handful of suspected gang members have been arrested and prosecuted in recent weeks, the majority of these networks remain at large, posing a severe threat to national stability.

Addressing senior officers during the security summit at the National Police Leadership Academy, Kanja issued a stern warning against operational negligence and declared a zero-tolerance approach to laxity in law enforcement. “If we let them continue with their activities, we are losing it. Let us act now,” Kanja warned, ordering an immediate and intensified nationwide crackdown on all active criminal groups.

The Inspector-General directed commanders to maximize their available resources and adopt adaptive, intelligence-led policing strategies to safeguard lives, properties, and the country’s economic interests.

The high-profile security meeting brought together the elite leadership of Kenya’s security apparatus, including the Kenya Police Service, the Administration Police Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Kanja was flanked by Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, and DCI Director Mohamed Amin.

A host of specialized unit commandants also attended, including representatives from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Border Patrol Unit (BPU), the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), and the forensic and community policing directorates.

The urgency of the security crisis was highlighted by a brazen attack on June 12, 2026, when an armed gang raided a public meeting at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, robbing attendees of cash and valuables. The meeting had been convened by civic groups to discuss the proposed National Budget.

Thus far, police have arrested five suspects in connection with the church raid. Strikingly, court details reveal that those in custody have implicated a prominent Nairobi Member of Parliament as the mastermind who allegedly hired them to disrupt the budget discussions.

The Cathedral raid has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society and religious leaders, amplifying fears that politically mobilized goons are increasingly being weaponized ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Addressing these growing anxieties, Kanja strongly disowned the trend and vehemently denied allegations that security agencies are protecting politically aligned criminal elements.

The police chief urged his commanders to discharge their duties with absolute professionalism and neutrality, emphasizing that a secure environment is non-negotiable for Kenya’s democratic and socio-economic progress.

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