At least three people have been killed when armed men in Haiti opened fire at journalists, police and medical staff during a briefing to announce the reopening of the country’s biggest public hospital. Many others injured were injured in Tuesday’s attack in the General Hospital in the capital Port-au-Prince. Pictures posted online appear to show several people injured or dead inside the building. The site had been recaptured by Haiti’s government in July, after being occupied and destroyed by violent gangs that control much of the city. Journalists were waiting for the arrival of Health Minister Lorthe Blema when the…
Author: David Wafula
The Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA) Association has filed a petition against the proposed Fisheries Management and Development (Aquaculture) Regulations, 2024, citing potential harm to the local aquaculture industry. In a statement by LVA Chairperson Ochieng Mbeo and Secretary Pete Ondeng, the association criticized the introduction of a Sh50,000 application fee and a 5% valorem tax on fish landed. They argued that these measures would stifle growth in the sector and disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “The proposed licensing fees are unsustainable and could force many out of business,” said Mbeo, highlighting the challenges of high input costs, limited…
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja yesterday flagged off 17 lorries loaded with food supplies to support less fortunate families across the county’s 17 sub-counties. Speaking at Lady Northey Grounds in Dagoretti North Sub-County during the event, Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of community sharing during the festive season. “I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and let’s share with others during this special time,” he said. The trucks were stocked with essential food items, including maize flour, wheat flour, cooking oil, and rice. Distribution efforts were organized to ensure fairness, allowing struggling families to receive their share of the Christmas gift…
Mozambique’s top court has declared election victory for the country’s ruling Frelimo Party and its 47-year-old presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, in an election process marred by widespread rigging that sparked nearly two months of violent protests, causing the deaths of more than 100 people and injuring several others. Frelimo has been in power for 49 years. After more than 55 days of waiting, the chairperson of the Constitutional Council, Lucia Ribeiro, on Monday acknowledged irregularities in the election but said this did not substantially influence the results, and that Daniel Chapo of the governing Frelimo Party won with 65.17% of…
A majority of Kenyans, 60%, will forgo traditional Christmas celebrations this year due to financial difficulties, according to an Infortrak Christmas Poll. Rising costs of living have cast a shadow over the festive season, traditionally a time for family gatherings, religious activities, and communal celebrations. The poll reveals that financial constraints are the main obstacle, with 86% of those surveyed citing lack of money as the primary reason for scaled-back festivities. This financial insecurity affects all demographics, highlighting widespread economic hardship. Nairobi and North Eastern regions are the hardest hit, with 100% and 91% respectively reporting financial difficulties, compared to…
The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has issued a 21-day deadline to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to publish details of complaints filed against judges and their outcomes. The directive, dated December 24, also requires the Judiciary to provide an analysis of the issues raised and their resolutions, submitting a compliance report within the stipulated time. This move follows concerns raised during a recent interview with Jacqueline Ingutiah, the Female Representative of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), on Spice FM. Ingutiah highlighted the high number of complaints against judges that reportedly go unaddressed. According to data referenced in the…
Principal Secretary for Interior Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Tuesday visited the Climate WorX site located near Lunga Lunga Police Station in Makadara Sub County. Officials said the visit underscores the Ministry’s commitment to fostering sustainable environmental practices and community resilience. During the visit, Dr. Omollo highlighted the critical role of Climate WorX, an innovative initiative aimed at addressing climate challenges through community-driven solutions. The initiative is anchored on enhancing climate resilience, promoting sustainability, and fostering partnerships for environmental restoration and livelihoods. The Viwandani Climate WorX site serves as a model for integrating environmental action with community engagement,…
A Bear woman who was reported missing last week after she didn’t show up to work for several days was found dismembered in a car over the weekend, Delaware and Maryland police said. The investigation into the whereabouts of 31-year-old Tracy Nyariki began Friday night, when New Castle County officers responded to her apartment complex in the 2700 block of Stone Place in Bear. Police suspect love triangle as the reason for the tragedy. They had received an earlier report from Nyariki’s employer that she hadn’t been to work for several days. When police entered Nyariki’s apartment, they “uncovered several…
Transport along Nyeri-Nyahururu highway was on Tuesday morning paralysed as residents of Biricha village in Kieni constituency, Nyeri County, protested against rampant insecurity in the area. They claimed the situation has been worse over the past month. The residents claimed that cattle theft has been on the rise, with over 20 heads of cattle and dozens of goats and sheep stolen, as the demand for meat increases during the festive season. They alleged that the suspects typically use Probox vehicles to transport the stolen animals to the market. The residents blamed police for their complacency regarding the issue. Police responded…
At least three French tourists were Tuesday injured a vehicle they were traveling in was involved in an accident along the Nairobi-Naivasha highway. Police said one of the tourists was seriously injured and the victims were rushed to Kijabe Mission Hospital. The accident happened at Magina area which has been notorious scene of such accidents. According to police, the group was driving from Nakuru direction to Nairobi when the accident happened at about 8am. The vehicles were detained at a local police station pending inspection and investigations, National police spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango said. “The victims are stable in hospital,”…
Parliament will begin the vetting process for newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries and other senior government officials on January 9, 2024. According to a notice from the Clerk of the National Assembly, the vetting sessions will take place at County Hall, Parliament Buildings. “Merry Christmas! Kindly note that the Committee on Appointments will conduct approval hearings for three nominees proposed by the President as Cabinet Secretaries on January 14, 2024,” the Clerk stated. Vetting Schedule The approval process will involve multiple committees, including the Committee on Appointments, the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, and the Departmental Committee on…
KTN news anchor Ali Manzu has been appointed chairperson of the Mombasa County Creative Economy Task Force. The announcement, made on Monday, December 23, aligns with Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir’s Mwanzo Mpya manifesto. In the appointment notice, Governor Nassir reiterated his administration’s commitment to nurturing Mombasa’s creative economy. “The County Government of Mombasa, under the Mwanzo Mpya manifesto, is dedicated to fostering innovation, talent, research, production, distribution, and the protection of intellectual property, including in audiovisual arts, performing arts, visual arts, design, and literary works,” the governor stated. The nine-member task force will offer advice and recommendations to enhance the…
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for the immediate release of two individuals, Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, who were allegedly abducted on December 21, 2024. LSK has demanded that the two either be freed unconditionally or presented in court to face any charges against them. In a statement issued on Monday, LSK President condemned the incident, describing it as part of a troubling trend of unlawful actions witnessed in 2024. “We demand that police officers abandon and desist from these absurd, repressive tactics that have characterized 2024. We call for the immediate, unconditional release of Billy Mwangi…
The Ministry of Health has issued a comprehensive safety advisory for Kenyans ahead of the festive season, emphasizing the importance of health, food hygiene, and road safety during the celebrations. In a statement on Monday, December 23, 2024, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni Muriuki urged citizens to adopt practices that safeguard their well-being throughout the holidays. The PS highlighted the need for strict hygiene during meal preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses. “To maintain food safety and hygiene, observe strict cleanliness when preparing meals. Wash hands frequently with soap and running water, cook all food thoroughly, and serve it…
A group of 23 leaders has criticized Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo for dismissing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claims that the government is facilitating alcoholism in the Mount Kenya region. In a statement issued on Monday, December 23, the leaders accused Omollo of trivializing serious concerns raised by Gachagua during his Sunday address and failing to respond to critical issues. The statement, signed by prominent Gachagua allies including Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, emphasized the need for transparency on the matter. “Today,…