Author: KahawaTungu Reporter

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear last-ditch legal arguments from TikTok as to why it should not be banned or sold in the US. The US government is taking action against the app because of what it says are its links to the Chinese state – links which TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have denied. The Supreme Court justices did not act on a request by TikTok for an emergency injunction against the law, but will instead allow TikTok and ByteDance to make their case on 10 January – nine days before the ban is due to…

A man who was disowned by his purported mother was arrested outside the Kahawa Law Court where he had appeared for a pre-trial hearing of criminal case he is facing.  Abdirizak Mohammed Hassan was arrested immediately after stepping out of the court. This is over a separate case where he is charged with obtaining registration by false pretences, giving false information to a person employed in public office and unlawfully present in Kenya. Abdirizak was charged with obtaining registration by false pretences where he registered an identity card using the details of an unsuspected couple pretending to be their son.…

Xiaomi Kenya has unveiled its global strategy “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem at Radisson Blu, Nairobi, in an event titled Xiaomi Universe – Human x Car x Home – Perfectly Synced. This visionary concept seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology to revolutionize everyday life by uniting personal devices, automotive advancements, and smart home ecosystems—redefining the boundaries of technology integration. Celebrating Xiaomi’s Legacy of Innovation Since its inception in 2010, Xiaomi has consistently pushed boundaries to become one of the world’s leading technology brands. As the third-largest global smartphone brand for 16 consecutive quarters, Xiaomi is poised to transform how humans…

A Nairobi businessman was Wednesday charged at the Milimani Law Courts with conspiring to defraud Impala Reel Company Limited of Sh50 million. Elius Kemboi Korir was also charged with receiving goods worth Sh8 million from Impala Reel Company Limited while pretending he had a genuine supply contract. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. Prosecution Counsel James Gachoka asked court not to grant him bail on grounds that he is a flight risk. The court will rule on bail application on December 23, 2024. The arraignment comes amid a chase between the accused and authorities for the past six month,…

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the transfer of all police officers from the Kaptagat Police Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County after slaughtering of a stolen cow. Kanja ordered the movement of the about 30 officers from the station and they be replaced by a new team pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into the saga. They were expected to leave by December 19. The move is part of efforts to calm tension in the area over the stealing and slaughtering of the cow. This followed a protest by the locals to the station to demand action on those…

A Kenyan woman was arrested at Chennai Airport in India after she was found in possession of cocaine valued at Sh10 million. The woman is said to have ingested the cocaine packed in capsules totalling a weight of 1.8 kilogrammes. In Kenya, a kilo of cocaine is estimated to be worth between Sh4 million and Sh5 million, whereas in the international market, its value can escalate to as much as Sh12 million, according to police. She had flown in from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and upon arrival at the Indian airport, the customs department grew suspicious of her demeanour and took…

The High Court Wednesday confirmed orders blocking her ouster. Justice Bahati Mwamuye sitting at the Milimani law Courts said Kawira has satisfied the court that the case will be rendered useless if the interim orders are not confirmed. Mwamuye in confirming and extending the ex parte orders he had issued on 21 August this year said the orders will be in place for a period of 120 days. “The respondent’s notice of motion is dismissed, ex-party orders are confirmed and extended for a period of 120 days and at that time she will continue to serve as the Governor.” “…in…

At least 172 illegal firearms have been recovered in ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.  The operation has also seen a significant drop in cattle rustling cases, the ministry of Interior said Wednesday. “The operation has led to a 62% reduction in number of cattle rustling occurrences, with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668—a decline of 39,386 heads of cattle.” “Notably, 172 illegal firearms were collected during mop- up exercises and 10,173 livestock have been recovered,” a statement said. During the same period, 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and prosecuted. Launched in February 2023, Operation…

Police are investigating the cause of a fierce fire that destroyed property of unknown value at the Modern Furniture Pacific shop in Ruiru, Kiambu County. Police and witnesses said the fire broke out on Wednesday, 18 December, at around 7 am inside the furniture store before spreading to other sections and burning several pieces of furniture. No injuries were reported, police said after the fire was contained. However, property worth millions of shillings were destroyed. Area residents joined a rescue operation to extinguish the fire as the building was engulfed in flames. Some watched from a distance as the fire…

A painter died after he fell from the third floor of a building he was working on in Thika town, Kiambu County. Police said Erick Okoth was among casual laborers working at the scene at Carta Oakhill School when he slid off and fell on his head. The incident happened on December 16 as he painted the wall of a classroom at the school, police said. His colleagues rushed him to Thika Level Five Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body was moved to General Kago morgue awaiting postmortem examination. Police said they are investigating the tragedy…

A college student died in hospital after he was assaulted by a suspect in an altercation Runda, Thika, Kiambu County. Police said Alvin Kirimi, 23 who was a student at Imperial College was assaulted on December 15 by a suspect known to him. He was taken to St. Matia Mulumba Hospital by good Samaritans where he succumbed to the injuries while undergoing treatment. The body was preserved at the same hospital morgue awaiting autopsy. The suspect behind the same murder is at large and efforts to trace him are ongoing, police said. Elsewhere in Mwamosioma village, Kisii County, a 21-year-old…

Kenya suffered a widespread power outage on Tuesday and Wednesday that affected most of the country, the leading power utility Kenya Power said.  The cause of the outage in East Africa’s largest economy, which was ongoing as of Gam, is the latest in a series of recurring power outages the country has faced over the past year. “We will provide an update on the progress of the power restoration process in due course,” Kenya Power said, adding that the cause of the outage is yet to be determined. Kenya Power supplies power to more than 9.6 million customers in Kenya,…

Luigi Mangione was charged with first-degree murder in the killing of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the New York district attorney said on Tuesday. Mr Mangione faces various charges, including first-degree murder, and two counts of second-degree murder, one of which describes the killing as an act of “terrorism”, Bragg said. “The intent was to sow terror,” New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, calling the shooting a “frightening, well-planned and targeted murder”. Mr Mangione is scheduled to appear for a court hearing on 19 December over whether he will be extradited to New York on the charges, though Bragg suggested…

Honda and Nissan are reportedly holding exploratory talks about a potential merger to help them compete against electric vehicle (EV) makers, particularly in China. In March, the two Japanese car makers agreed to explore a strategic partnership for EVs. Both firms responded to the BBC with identical statements, which said: “As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths.” It comes as many car brands grapple with growing competition as the industry shifts from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric, with production in China booming. Honda and Nissan…

The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against subsidiaries of the tech giant Apple, accusing it of using conflict minerals. Acting on behalf of the Congolese government, lawyers have argued that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups that control some of the mines in the east of DR Congo. Apple has said it “strongly disputes” the claims and that it is “deeply committed to responsible sourcing” of minerals. The authorities in France and Belgium will now look at whether there is enough evidence to take the legal action further. In a…