Author: Andrew Walyaula

The Ministry of Interior has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his remarks accusing the government of deliberately targeting residents of the Mt. Kenya region with the distribution of illicit alcohol. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo dismissed the claims on Monday, December 23, labeling them as reckless, inflammatory, and politically motivated. “The State Department of Internal Security and National Administration condemns the reckless statements made by the impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service yesterday. He accused the government of targeting Mt. Kenya residents with illicit and counterfeit alcohol distribution—claims that are baseless and inflammatory,”…

The five-day strike against Starbucks reached nine states on Sunday, according to its union. The Starbucks Workers United said union workers in Missouri, New Jersey and New York began their strike Sunday after locations in Colorado, Ohio and Pennsylvania joined the strike Saturday. Workers United represents more than 10,000 workers at over 525 stores. A Starbucks Workers United spokesperson told CNN 30 stores nationwide were closed completely but it’s too early to know the total numbers for Sunday. The union has said the strike could reach “hundreds of stores” by Tuesday, a small portion of Starbucks’ more than 10,000 company-operated stores…

The hit Netflix series Stranger Things has officially wrapped production on its fifth and final season, marking the end of an era for the nostalgic sci-fi phenomenon. Cast and crew members shared heartfelt tributes on social media, reflecting on the show’s nearly decade-long journey. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers—the character first drawn into the sinister “Upside Down” in the series’ debut—took to Instagram to express his gratitude. Sharing photos from the early days of filming, Schnapp wrote, “As I close this chapter of my life, I can’t help but be forever grateful for the incredible people I’ve met and…

President William Ruto Sunday announced that the government will begin construction of a dual carriageway connecting Nairobi and Nakuru next year. This will among others open development and alleviate traffic congestion on the busy highway. Speaking at Kipkorgot AIC Church in Uasin Gishu on Sunday, Ruto stated that the project would eventually extend to Malaba, improving travel and trade along the corridor. The announcement comes after increased complaints from motorists, particularly during the holiday season, when heavy traffic caused hours-long delays. Many spend hours on the highway wasting many resources. The construction of the road has been postponed twice due…

Police are investigating a robbery incident where two passengers, a man and a woman, were robbed over Sh409,000 and other valuables by a dagger-wielding gang who purported to offer them a lift to Mombasa. According to police, the two were waiting for a Mombasa-bound bus at Mlolongo Saturday, when the driver of a private vehicle with seemingly three other passengers pulled over, offering to help given the transport challenges being experienced across the country on this Christmas Eve. But after boarding, the vehicle occupants turned to be robbers, who on reaching Simba Cement area of Athi River brandished daggers and…

President William Ruto has defended his recent Cabinet nominations, describing them as part of his administration’s efforts to unite the country and improve the lives of Kenyans. Speaking in Uasin Gishu on Sunday, December 22, 2024, Ruto urged critics to support his government’s agenda of enhancing service delivery, creating jobs, and promoting economic stability. “Our goal is to unite Kenyans, foster understanding, and focus on transforming the country—not to create competition between political leaders,” Ruto stated, emphasizing that the appointments reflect a deliberate strategy to promote inclusivity. The nominations, announced on Thursday, included notable figures such as former Health Cabinet…

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has assured Kenyans that there will be no textbook shortages in 2025, dismissing claims of a looming crisis. In a statement, KICD confirmed that learning materials for all grades, from Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) to Grade 9, are already in schools or accessible on the market. The government acknowledged minor delays in textbooks for rationalised subjects in Grade 7 and Grade 8, including Agriculture, Creative Arts & Sports, and Pre-Technical Studies. However, it assured the public that updated materials, revised in December 2024, would be distributed to schools and made available in the market…

A tragic accident on Sunday morning at Khunyangu along the Butula-Bumala road claimed the lives of two people, including a five-year-old child, and left one motorist injured. According to police reports, the collision occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. and involved a car and a motorcycle. The car, traveling towards Bumala, reportedly failed to negotiate a corner, lost control, and collided head-on with the motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the crash caused the motorcycle rider and a five-year-old passenger to die on the spot. The car driver sustained minor injuries, including chest pain and multiple cuts on…

Two bodies were found in a forest in a forest in Umande, Laikipia County in suspected murder, suicide incident. The victims seem to have traveled from Nairobi to the area for the mission and occultism is among the issues believed to have influenced the same, police said. Herders who were grazing animals in the Ngarendare forest sighted two female bodies with one lying on the ground and another hanging on a tree. Police rushed to the scene where one the bodies had an identity card bearing the name of Jane Muthoni Miano. The team also recovered two notebooks with one having…

university student was found dead after being tortured at a hotel in Homabay Town on Saturday. It is not clear what prompted the attack on Paul Sunday who is a student at the Tom Mboya University, police said even as they arrested seven suspects from Dalawa Hotel and Restaurant.. His body was found tied with ropes in the hands and legs with multiple injuries on metal bars of the hotel counter. This happened after a commotion at the facility. Officials from the County Government were informed of the incident and rushed there where they found the fourth year student motionless…

Actor and director Justin Baldoni has been dropped by his talent agency, WME, following allegations of sexual harassment made by his co-star Blake Lively. The agency announced its decision on Saturday, just a day after Lively filed a formal complaint against Baldoni, according to reports by Deadline. The complaint, which Lively filed as a precursor to a lawsuit, follows months of speculation about tensions on the set of their movie It Ends With Us. Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and causing her “severe emotional distress,” along with other claims. Despite the fallout, WME continues to represent Lively. In the…

Arsenal have returned to winning ways in the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace for the second time in a week. After drawing their last two league games – against Fulham and Everton – the Gunners arrived at Selhurst Park knowing they couldn’t afford to drop more points with title rivals Liverpool and Chelsea not in action until Sunday. Furthermore, the north London outfit had slipped a place in the table ahead of kick-off following Nottingham Forest’s impressive win away at Brentford. The big Arsenal team news was the inclusion of Gabriel Jesus. After the Brazilian scored a hat-trick against…

Party City filed for bankruptcy Saturday for the second time in less than two years. The filing comes after the retailer told employees Friday it would begin “winding down” operations. The nation’s largest party supply chain said in a statement that filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy would “maximize value” for its stakeholders and close in the “most efficient manner.” Party City employees received letters on Friday that stores would close on February 28. In the meantime, Party City said in a statement that its stores, of which there are about 700, will remain open with “going out of business” sales while…

At least three people died in Lanet in Bahati, Nakuru County after consuming illicit alcohol in the area on Friday. Police said they feared more people will be affected by the drink. Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent James Waweru has confirmed that two people aged 37 and 41 died while they were receiving treatment at the facility. One person was brought to the hospital morgue on Saturday morning. Officials said it remains unclear where the illicit brew was sourced from as one of the deceased persons brought the liquor and shared it with his friends. This is…

The Princess of Wales enlisted the help of recently-widowed Lady Gabriella Windsor in planning her Westminster Abbey carol service this year. Lady Gabriella, whose husband Thomas Kingston took his own life in February, helped select which musical performances featured at the annual Together at Christmas event. The second cousin of King Charles enjoyed her role in the service and was excited to take part after a difficult year. This year’s service on 6 December marked Catherine’s biggest return to royal duties after finishing chemotherapy. The event was dedicated to individuals who have shown love, kindness and empathy to their communities.…

The Ministry of Health has announced a series of measures to improve public healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the end of 2024. In an update shared on Saturday, December 21, 2024, the ministry outlined key actions, including the promotion of healthcare professionals, the settlement of outstanding stipends, and efforts to address pressing concerns in the medical sector. “The Ministry of Health is taking significant steps to support healthcare professionals in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and tackling public health issues,” read part of the statement. Among the highlighted changes is the promotion of over 500 healthcare professionals…