Author: Francis Muli

Social media platform, Twitter, has suspended some of its functions in Ethiopia over threats of physical harm. Twitter announced that it had temporarily disabled the trends section in the war-torn country and was now monitoring the situation. “Inciting violence or dehumanizing people is against our rules… Given the imminent threat of physical harm, we’ve also temporarily disabled Trends in Ethiopia,” it said. We’re monitoring the situation in Ethiopia and are focused on protecting the safety of the conversation on Twitter. Inciting violence or dehumanizing people is against our rules. If you see something violating our hateful conduct policy, report it…

Former first lady of Machakos Lillian Ng’ang’a has opened up on her relationship with governor Alfred Mutua, terming him as a pleasant person who is easy to talk to. In an interview with Nation Africa, Lilian opened up on meeting the then government spokesperson in a Mombasa-bound flight. By then, she was working as a flight attendant with Kenya Airways. Lilian said a friendship developed between her and Mutua, before he asked her out and started courting her. “I knew he was the government spokesperson but we would meet many people in the line of duty. He was very easy…

Parents of students from Buruburu High School will be expected to pay Sh2.2 million as compensation for damages incurred during a fire last week. The 1,466 students who have been recalled to school are expected to arrive next week. Each student will be required to pay Sh1,500 At least 63 students were rushed to the hospital last week after the fire erupted at the school. They were treated with minor injuries at the Metropolitan and Jamaa hospitals before being discharged. The students were then sent home pending investigations into the source of the inferno. Read: 59 Students Hospitalised as Dormitory…

Five senior government officials in the coastal region have sued a blogger who accused them of corruption in a Whistleblower website in Taita Taveta. Edward Mwakisima, Bigvai Mwailemi, Wilfred Mwalimo, Mathia Madeda and Mathew Njoroge accused Mwashere Shuma of publishing defamatory articles in his website, Kwaela News Network. The suit comes days after the court issued a temporary injunction and interim orders barring Shuma and his associates from allegedly publishing libelous and defamatory statements or articles against the government officials. “The plaintiff is granted leave to effect service of court summons or any other process through the minister for the…

Netflix has launched its first games on android smartphones for users worldwide. The video-streaming app announced early this year that it would be venturing into the gaming subscription market. Five games will be available for starters, with plans to add more in the near future. Netflix says the games will not have adverts and in-app purchases as is common with with mobile games currently in the market. “While this is just the beginning of a long journey, we’re excited to provide a gaming experience that is differentiated from what is available today – exclusive mobile games with no ads, no…

Facebook has confirmed that it removed a post by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister for inciting violence. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed posted on the social media platform on Sunday, urging citizens to take up arms and “bury” the rival forced allied to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). “The obligation to die for Ethiopia belongs to all of us,” Abiy said in the now-deleted post that called on citizens to mobilize “by holding any weapon or capacity.” According to a spokesperson from Facebook, which recently rebranded to Meta, the post was removed as soon as they were alerted. “We were made aware…

A family in Mumias, Kakamega County, spent the night in the cold after their landlady set their house ablaze, over a disagreement on payment of house rent. Caroline Mukolwe, the owner of the property had approached the tenant last evening demanding for house rent amounting to Sh800. However, the tenant 40-year-old Teresia Ayeng, could not raise the total amount at the moment. Instead, she offered the landlady Sh400 pledging to clear the balance in a few days. But the seemingly impatient landlady who would hear none of her pleas for more time to raise the rest of the money, rushed…

Netflix recently rolled out a free plan for users in Kenya, with an aim of enticing more users to sign up for their subscription plans. The free plan, which features popular movies and TV shows such as dramas “Money Heist” and “Bridgerton” and African series “Blood & Water,” is limited to android users. To sign up, Download the Netflix app on your android smartphone You will then be expected to sign up by entering your email address, phone number and your desired password. You also need to confirm that you are 18 years and above. No payment information is required…

Facebook has unveiled a series of tools to better manage groups. The social media platform has also introduced subgroups, subscription-based paid groups and support for community fundraisers. Admins are also getting new updates and tools to help them develop the group’s culture and real-time chat for moderators. The admins will also be able to customize their online groups with a greeting message as well as the look and feel of the group. This will help users differentiate one group from another, and help set the tone and culture for the group’s interactions. Group admins will be able to to use…

Thousands of Kenyans have been locked out of the Judiciary’s career portal as they scrambled for 563 jobs announced last month. In a statement, Chief Justice Martha Koome however assured Kenyans that the portal would remain open for another five days to allow more Kenyans to apply. However, a spot-check by Kahawa Tungu found that the portal was closed with no option for application of the vacancies. “Consequently, the Commission has resolved to extend the application window to mitigate against these challenges and to give every Kenyan a fair opportunity to be considered for these positions,” said Justice Koome. The…

Owning a car is one of the biggest dreams for most people, especially in a country where public transport is disorganised and chaotic. However, the dream might just remain a dream for them, with the current trend where the prices of used cars are increasing every day. In just six months, the prices of secondhand cars have increased by at least 33 percent, following reduced production by vehicle manufacturers due to shortages of semiconductors that are used in electronic devices. The prices for cars in the yards have shot up by between Ksh200,000 and Ksh500,000, with no hope of ever…

Cyber criminals have been put on notice following the launch of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Co-ordination committee. The committee, which was launched Thursday, will operate under the the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018. “As we approach the general elections, our challenge number one is the misuse and abuse of social media,” Matiang’i said. According to Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, investing into the cybersecurity industry which is worth Sh13 billion will help put Kenya at par with other countries in the world in terms of cyber security. “Nations around the world are pumping resources into research on cybersecurity… Our…

Kenya Power has, with immediate effect, suspended the top leadership of the Supply Chain Division comprising 59 members of staff to pave way for the forensic audit. In the interim, the Company has appointed a team in an acting capacity to ensure business continuity. This follows recommendations made by the Presidential Taskforce on the Review of Power Purchase Agreements was formed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in March 2021. The Taskforce was formed to address the cost of electricity, as well as streamline and strengthen the business, and the sector. Read: Lifestyle Audit For Over 10,000 Kenya Power Employees Creates Tension The…

Interior Cabinet Minister Dr Fred Matiang’i has commissioned the newly-built Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre at the Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika Main Campus. The facility, which will be open to both the students and the public, was constructed by MKU and named in honour of retired President Mwai Kibaki. “Such enterprises supplement much-needed funds for scientific research in institutions of higher learning and as government, we will continue to support private investment in education as it is key to expand opportunities in the country,” said Dr Matiang’i. The three-storey building features has seminar halls with a seating capacity of 2,000…

Comedian Eric Omondi has opened up about the ugly scenes that engulfed the burial of his brother Jacob Omondi in 2018 after villagers tried to block the interment ceremony on customary grounds. Speaking to blogger Robert Alai on The Audit Show, Omondi revealed that he was forced to call police on alleged relatives and villagers, who tried to block the burial. Jacob died on Monday, June 19, 2018, after what Eric termed the use of hard drugs such as cocaine. He revealed that he wanted the burial to happen as soon as possible, following plans by relatives and friends to…