Author: Mercy Auma

African Union (AU) High Representative for Infrastructure Development Raila Odinga has called for unity of African countries amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Speaking during a morning interview with SABC, Odinga called for the formation of Africa’s ministers for Health, Agriculture, so that decisions taken at AU summits don’t have to wait till the next Summit. According to the ODM leader, Africa should emulate the move by Korea and China to unite and deal with issues facing their citizens together. “They should be implemented by Africa ministers. We have seen Africans now becoming inventors rather than copiers of other people’s technologies. Economies…

Devolution PS Nelson Marwa is under fire regarding the Sh1.3 billion beneficiary list meant to cushion the poor amid the Coronavirus menace in the country. Star reports that concerns were raised by Members of Parliament after the Labour Ministry failed to produce the list of the beneficiaries who were to benefit from billions of shillings that were raised to aid the poor people in the four counties that were under lockdown. Marwa held a virtual meeting with the committee yesterday, May 5, 2020. Apparently, upon questioning, MPs learnt that Devolution PS Nelson Marwa was not the custodian of the beneficiaries…

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has defended himself and his Sh500 million Upper Hill property stating he obtained it legally. Earlier, this desk had reported that the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) was after Sonko’s multi-million property located along Matumbato Road, right behind the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel. The embattled county boss has come out guns blazing linking his recent woes to Nairobi politics adding that the probe by the EACC has been necessitated by his stand on terminating the deed of transfer of functions to the National Government. Read: Sonko Woes Deepen As EACC Goes After Sh500 Million Upper Hill…

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has refuted claims of intended changes in party leadership positions in Homa Bay county. In a statement to newsrooms, the Party’s Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna stated that there were no changes that had been made regarding the County secretary position as it had been purported on social media. Further, he called on all members of the party to ignore the alleged changes adding that they had not been sanctioned by any organ at the party. Read: Kenyans Send ODM Leader Raila Warm Wishes As He Celebrates 75th Birthday “We wish to remind everyone that positions in the…

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the murder of Hassan Mohammed Marjan a radio journalist at Pamoja FM in Kibra. According to K24, the police are also pursuing a woman who is suspected to have hosted a six-member gang in relation to the murder. “We still have a lot to do and we cannot disclose more details. We are, however, optimistic that all the people responsible for the killing will be brought to book,” Kilimani OCPD Lucas Ogara said. Read: Suspect In Pamoja FM Journalist Hassan Mohammed Mirjian’s Murder Lynched Further, Ogara added that the police authorities would…

Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s woes have heightened as the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) is after his Sh500 million property in Upper Hill. According to Star, the property which was a deal between the Kenya railways Pension scheme and the Governor has exposed antics of corruption. The publication cites that the property which is located along Matumbato Road, right behind the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel is purchased by Sonko family at Sh498.5 million. The contract is reported to have been inked last year, April 30, where embattled Sonko made the payment of Sh144.6 million in just one week.…

Health workers have issued a 14-day strike notice to the government demanding better workplace protection amid Coronavirus menace in the country. The health worker include nurses, medical lab technicians, clinical officers, nutritionists, pharmacy technicians among others who have indicated that they would start their strike on May 18 if the government fails to meet their requirements. Also joining in the strike incase their grievances fall on deaf ears are the Leaders of Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers and Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists. Read: Health Workers…

Benjamin Sugut, a National Intelligence Officer (NIS) and Edwin Cheruiyot, a landlord have died from stab wounds inflicted while trying to rescue a woman from an abusive husband. The NIS officer aged 58-years-old  was based in Kisumu and together with the landlord succumbed to injuries inflicted by stab wounds at Mosoriot hospital. According to K24, the attack was premeditated as the suspect,(Identified as Elkana) was armed with a knife when he visited his wife Joyline Jelagat. Further, police reports indicate that the suspect had appeared at his wife’s shop at Kapkeringon shopping center in Nandi County before an argument arose…

Hassan Mohammed Mirjian a radio journalist at Pamoja FM in Kibra was killed on Monday morning on his way home from work under unclear circumstances. According to Citizen, he met his untimely death near Kibera Law Courts at dawn after hosting a Ramadhan Special show. Further, the publication cites that Kibra residents were irked by his brutal murder thus launched a manhunt for the murder suspects. One suspect who was linked to the murder was lynched to death with residents alleging that together with a group of rowdy youths they have been terrorizing people especially during the dusk till dawn…

A ferry transporting an unknown number of passengers has capsized in Lake Victoria rescue mission is underway. According to reports, the incident happened when the boat locally referred to as Water Bus was plying on the Mageta Island—Usenge beach route in Siaya County. Further reports indicate that the boat might have been affected by the bad weather leading to increased water levels as well as the strong winds. Rescue operations are already underway organized by the beach management. Read: One Police Officer Dead, 7 Others Missing Following Flash Floods In Baringo The last couple of days have been filled with heavy…

Kenya has recorded 24 new Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the last 24 hours total now stands at 435. This was confirmed by Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi through the daily COVID-19 briefings adding that 1195 samples have been tested in the last 24 hours. Out of the 24 new cases, 14 are female while 10 are male. Two more people have recovered bringing the total of recoveries to 152. Further, one more patient has succumbed to the deadly virus bringing the total fatalities to 22. Read: Kenya’s COVID-19 Cases Jump To 411 After 15 Persons Tested Positive The fatality is a 51-year-old…

Brand Kenya Manager Samwel Rutto is among the victims who died in the West Pokot floods. Reports indicate that Rutto died on April 28, 2020 following the floods that swept through Chesogon along West Pokot-Elgeiyo Marakwet border. According to the Star, a relative disclosed that prior to the COVID-19 partial lockdown, Rutto took a leave from work and opted to travel upcountry in Kamatira location, West Pokot County. Apparently he was in the company of his family before the tragedy struck. Read: One Police Officer Dead, 7 Others Missing Following Flash Floods In Baringo “The incident happened on Tuesday evening as…

Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju has finally made changes in the party’s top leadership despite protests from the Deputy President William Ruto and his allies. Through a notice published in the local dailies today, May 2, 2020, the appointments of Lucy Nyawira Macharia, Walter Nyambati, Jane Nampaso, Marete Marangu and James Waweru were made official as the new members of the jubilee Party Management Committee (NMC). These changes come barely a month after Deputy President William Ruto made claims that fraudsters were trying to make changes in the party’s top leadership. Read: Fraudsters Are Trying To Change Jubilee Party Officials –…

Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have threatened to re-introduce the impeachment motion against Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko should he withdraw the transfer of key county functions to the National Government. This is following the escalation of wrangles between the Governor and the newly appointed Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) leadership. The MCAs from both sides of the house apparently want the governor to consult them before going to court with respect to the Deed of Transfer. Dandora III MCA Charles Thuo on Friday, May 1, 2020 announced that the embattled governor had to consult the assembly first. Read: Sonko Impeachment To…

New details emerging indicate escalated wrangles at Mediamax regarding the 50 percent pay cuts. According to a local blog, Mediamax management has threatened to fire journalists who sued the media house over the slashing of their salaries on the basis that they were not consulted before the matter was taken to court. “Irrespective of the court order, all the 200 people who went to court, you are enemies of the company. If you sign or you don’t sign the contract, washakumaki (they have already marked you),” reads a message quoted by the blog. Read: Betty Kyallo Among 36 Mediamax Staffers Who’ve Obtained Court…