The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the use of force by police officers during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival held at Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru. The probe follows complaints that students, teachers, journalists, and members of the public were subjected to police violence, including the use of tear gas, during the event. IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the Authority deployed its officers to Lions Primary School, Nakuru, where the national festival was taking place. He noted that IPOA’s presence was prompted by reports indicating the need for urgent oversight, especially because minors…
Author: David Wafula
The Talanta Sports Complex is expected to be completed by February 28, 2026, according to Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya. Tuya told the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture that construction is currently 37 per cent complete, and the government has already paid Sh2 billion to the Chinese firm undertaking the project. The government had previously projected the completion of the stadium to be December 2025. The stadium is part of the country’s preparations to host major continental football tournaments. “The new stadium is at 37 per cent complete and is expected to be fully done by February 28,…
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the temporary closure of a section of Thika Highway on Friday, April 11, 2025. The closure is part of ongoing maintenance works along the highway. KeNHA Director General Ndungu confirmed that the closure will affect a section of the Thika Superhighway (S1) at Kihunguro, from Friday, April 11, 2025, to Monday, April 14, 2025, between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. “Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) would like to inform the public of a temporary traffic disruption following closure of section of Thika Superhigways (S1) Road at Kihunguro, from Friday Aprill 11, 2025…
Police have launched an investigation into the attacks on journalists during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru. The incident occurred when police stormed the venue, tear-gassing schoolgirls, journalists, and members of the public during a performance. Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Communication at the National Police Service (NPS), expressed deep concern over the reports circulating on social media and mainstream media that police officers interfered with journalists while they were carrying out their duties. In a statement released on Thursday, Nyaga emphasized that the NPS recognizes attacks on journalists as criminal acts that violate…
Former Attorney General Justine Muturi has condemned the violent actions taken by police officers during the chaos at the Butere Girls Drama Festival in Nakuru, describing the incident as a dark and shameful moment in the nation’s history. Taking on X, Muturi questioned the threat posed by the group of schoolgirls who were tear-gassed while performing a play at the festival. He pointed out that if the government trembles at the sight of a group of uniformed girls, it must reconsider its actions. “What threat does a group of uniformed girls pose to the mighty State?” Muturi asked, adding that…
Two suspects have been arrested in Kabaa Village, Makueni County, after officers recovered a large quantity of bhang and drug-related items during a raid on Thursday. The operation, led by NACADA Enforcement Officers and coordinated by Senior Superintendent of Police Nicholas Kosgei, was carried out following a tip-off from members of the public. During the raid, authorities seized 20 brooms and 87 rolls of bhang, along with items believed to be used in drug trafficking, including Rizla rolling papers, scissors, and cash suspected to be proceeds from the illegal trade. The suspects were arraigned in court on Friday to face…
The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has strongly condemned police officers for violently disrupting the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival held at Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru, where schoolgirls, journalists, and members of the public were tear-gassed during a performance. The chaos erupted during the staging of Echoes of War, a play by Butere Girls High School, when police stormed the venue, assaulted journalists, and fired teargas into a crowd that included children and educators. The incident has drawn national outrage, with rights groups accusing the government of violating fundamental freedoms and endangering lives. In a statement…
Former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala was Thursday released from police custody without a charge. He had been arrested in a drama outside a school he was seeking to visit Butere Girls High School in Kakamega County who were rehearsing for “Echoes of War” play. His arrest is linked to the scripting of “Echoes of War” play, police said. The production ignited controversy, with critics alleging that it challenges the current political regime. Malala was arrested and driven to Nakuru Central police station before being moved to Eldama Ravine where he spent the night. Speaking outside Eldama Ravine Police Station on…
Amnesty International Kenya has strongly condemned the violent police disruption of Echoes of War, a school play by Butere Girls High School, during the National Drama Festivals held in Nakuru on April 9 and 10, 2025. According to the human rights group, police officers stormed the performance venue, blocked journalists from entering, and used teargas against students and the audience. Amnesty International described the actions as a violation of free expression, press freedom, and the right to associate. “What unfolded was not just a shameful abuse of police authority, but a direct assault on constitutional freedoms,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive…
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly criticized the government for allegedly mistreating Butere Girls High School students over their play Echoes of War, which was seen as critical of the current administration. In a statement issued on Thursday, April 10, 2025, ODM Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna said the country has been watching “with disbelief” the events unfolding at the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru, where the school was reportedly blocked from performing its play. “Of all the evidence we already have of the lack of focus of this regime, it has shot itself in the foot by harassing…
The National Police Service (NPS) has taken significant steps in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by establishing gender desks in several police stations across the country. This move aims to streamline the reporting and documentation of GBV cases in a manner that is sensitive and supportive to survivors. In a memorandum on GBV, including femicide, presented to the Chairperson of the Technical Working Group on GBV on April 9, 2025, alarming statistics were revealed. Over the past three years, 1,639 women have been victims of murder, with 526 killed in 2022, 534 in 2023, and 579 in 2024. “The period between…
The government has received nearly 11,000 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) Mpox vaccine to help control the spread of the virus in the country. In a press statement released on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the vaccines were secured through joint efforts by the Government of Kenya with support from Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. “The arrival of the vaccines marks a significant milestone in the national response to interrupt the chain of transmission and limit further spread of Mpox in the community,” said Duale. The vaccines will…
Bruce Willis, a name synonymous with action-packed blockbusters and unforgettable one-liners, boasts a net worth of $250 million. Over the span of four decades, Willis carved a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry, transforming from a television star into one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors. Though he officially retired from acting in 2022, his financial footprint remains firmly intact, thanks to landmark film deals, savvy business moves, and a career that repeatedly placed him among the highest-paid actors in the world. Bruce Willis Net Worth $250 Date of Birth March 19, 1955 Place of Birth Idar-Oberstein Nationality American Profession Actor,…
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has assured Kenyans that there is no tree harvesting taking place in Kamuruana Hill Forest, Kirinyaga County. Speaking before the Senate on Wednesday, Dr. Barasa responded to questions from Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, who had raised concerns about alleged deforestation in the area. She said recent satellite images and photos showed no logging activities were underway. “There is no tree harvesting currently being undertaken on Kamuruana Hill. This has been verified through the latest satellite imagery and photographs provided,” she said. Kamuruana Hill, also known as Karaini Forest, is part…
Lawmakers sitting on the National Assembly Education Committee have raised concern over the high cost of placement and examinations for students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Kenya. During an inspection visit to Ollessos National Polytechnic on Wednesday, the Members of Parliament promised to intervene and push for measures that will ease the financial burden on students. The MPs pointed out that each student is required to pay Sh1,500 during application to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), and another Sh1,500 for actual placement—bringing the total to Sh3,000. This amount excludes the additional…