Author: KahawaTungu Reporter

Israeli airstrikes hit a densely populated refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 50 Palestinians and a Hamas commander, and medics struggled to treat the casualties in the enclave where food, fuel and basic supplies are running scarce. Israeli tanks have been active in Gaza for at least four days following weeks of air bombardments in retaliation for an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on southern Israeli towns on Oct. 7 and the taking of more than 200 hostages. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement said the strike by fighter jets on Jabalia, Gaza’s largest refugee camp, had…

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced Tuesday, three new cities have joined the Partnership for Healthy Cities network Nairobi, Kenya; New York City, United States and Osaka, Japan. This network, now comprising 73 cities, supports mayors implementing proven, high-impact interventions to reduce noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries – which are responsible for over 80 percent of all deaths globally – in their communities. NCDs include heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and cancer. This was in recognition of World Cities Day. Launched in 2017 as part of Michael R. Bloomberg’s role as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries,…

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has denied claims that a case against Pastor Ezekiel Odero has been closed. In a statement Tuesday, the ODPP said that the review of an inquiry file in respect to the suspect is ongoing. The prosecution explained that the Shanzu Magistrate’s Court earlier today closed the custodial file. According to the ODPP, the State had sought the detention of Odero for seven days to complete investigation. Odero is accused of jointly and by conspiracy, of committing murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud and money laundering.…

Protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza interrupted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a Senate hearing on Tuesday. Numerous people stood in the crowd and repeatedly yelled “Ceasefire now!” Secretary Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are testifying about the White House’s $106bn (£87.4bn) national security funding request. It includes $14.3bn to support Israel’s military efforts against Hamas. Standing up one by one, protesters waited for Mr Blinken to begin his testimony before shouting over him again. The Secretary of State paused and lawmakers were forced to suspend the hearing several times. Capitol Police quickly escorted the…

The Shanzu Magistrates Court has dismissed a case filed against New Life Prayer Centre pastor Ezekiel Odero. The prosecution on Tuesday told the court that investigative agencies could not find evidence linking the man of the cloth and his church to controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie. “The office is of the opinion that the file be closed at this stage as the investigations are now complete and recommendations are contained in respective police files which have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” said lead prosecutor Antony Musyoka. Read: Pastor Ezekiel Moves to Court Over Deregistration of Church…

Israel said Tuesday its forces battled Hamas inside Gaza overnight and struck 300 targets after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically ruled out a ceasefire as a “surrender” to the Palestinian militant group. “The soldiers killed terrorists and directed air forces to real-time strikes on targets and terror infrastructure,” the army said in a statement. In the fourth night of major ground operations inside the north of the Palestinian territory, it reported “several engagements” in which its forces came under anti-tank missile and machine gun fire. Air strikes hit about 300 targets including missile and rocket launch posts and “military compounds…

Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket has been grilled at the DCI Headquarters in Nakuru over alleged incitement to violence. Kamket was questioned alongside West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor and Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong over similar allegations. The three legislators were summoned by Rift Valley region coordinator Charles Kanyuira to appear for interrogation and statement recording. Read: MP William Kamket Detained for Two More Nights Pending Bail Ruling The trio presented themselves at the DCI offices accompanied by lawyer Kipkoech Ngetich, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, and West Pokot Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai. They are being investigated for incitement to violence contrary…

Rongai Police on Monday evening seized 26 bags of bhang, suspected stolen electronics and a slaughtered goat from a church. Members of the public ambushed the suspects as they prepared to cook the already slaughtered goat at the African B Church. It is then that the locals and some of the “congregants” got into a scuffle. The angry residents then attempted to bring down the church structure but their efforts were thwarted by the police. Kajiado North Deputy County Commissioner James Taari said they recovered 26 bags of bhang, each bag containing 40 ‘stones’ with an estimated street value of…

A wanted robbery with violence suspect was shot and killed in a shootout in Githurai area, Nairobi. Police said Samuel Karui alias Sammy Steppa was wanted for a series of robberies with violence and murder incidences within Kasarani and its environs. He was confronted in a house belonging to his girlfriend while in the company of his accomplice. Police said they shot and killed the suspect and recovered a revolver pistol from him. The weapon had a bullet. According to police, his accomplice managed to escape. During the incident, five members of the public were hit by stray bullets while…

Nairobi residents were warned of traffic disruptions following the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The King and Queen landed at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Monday night ready embark on a State Visit to Kenya at the invitation of President William Ruto. The visit comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence and will spotlight the strong and dynamic partnership between the UK and Kenya. Their Majesties’ programme will include events and engagements in Nairobi and Mombasa Counties reflecting the ways Kenya and the UK are working together across trade and investment, development, defence and…

Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi Monday won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for an eighth time. The 36-year-old was recognised at the ceremony in Paris after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year. England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best player aged under 21. Messi won his record-extending Ballon d’Or award ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. France forward Kylian Mbappe – who became just the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick in the 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Argentina – finished third.…

Canada has announced it will ban WeChat on government devices. The Chinese-owned app is sometimes referred to as the “everything app” – like WhatsApp, Facebook, Amazon and Tinder all in one. However Western governments have security concerns about it, mainly that the app could be used to spy on users. The BBC has reached out to Tencent, the company that owns WeChat, for comment but has not yet received a response. WeChat is one of the most used apps in the world. It is ubiquitous in China and also popular in Southeast Asia and within Chinese diaspora communities. Canada’s ban…

Kenyans can now access affordable locally assembled smartphones following the launch of the state-of-the-art East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited, located in Athi River. The device assembly factory was set up as a joint venture of local Mobile Network Operators and International device manufacturers. The devices which will be available countrywide at Faiba shops and dealer stores as well as Safaricom shops and Masoko online platform will retail from Sh7,499. The anchor mobile phone devices at launch will be the 4G-enabled Neon 5” “Smarta” and  6 ½” “Ultra”, with further devices diversifying the product range to be launched in the…

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition party has condemned the alleged police raid at Kisii Governor Simba Arati’s office. The opposition party through its Council Executive Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya asked the Kenya Kwanza government to cease and desist from harassing county chiefs. Oparanya said the incident was an act of abuse of power and office. The former Kakamega Governor further alleged that the Monday morning was meant to force Arati to support a particular side. “Even more baffling is the attempt by the police to command to brush off this bizarre incident with a mediocre explanation that only abuses…

Two members of the al shabaab terror group who had been acting as doctors were Monday killed in a raid by police in their camp in Fafi, Garissa County.  Police said the incident happened at a medical camp for the gang at Hagarso area. Police recovered medical supplies and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making materials. The team on the ground said the two slain Al Shabaab ‘doctors’ have been treating militants injured by security agencies. Read: Three Al Shabaab Militants Killed in an Ambush in Garissa The raid is the latest in a series that have been targeting hideouts run by…