Skype, the iconic internet chat and phone service owned by Microsoft, has announced it will be shutting down in May.
The company shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, marking the end of an era for a platform that started in 2003 and had long been a go-to service for both personal and professional communication.
“Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available,” the announcement read. “Over the coming days, you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts. Thank you for being part of Skype.”
The statement said with Teams, users will have access to the same core features they use in Skype such as one-on-one calls, and group calls, messaging, and file sharing.
A property developer has been ordered to fully refund the buyer of a shoddily built Nairobi apartment whose completion was delayed, putting the spotlight on contractual obligations between sellers and buyers.
High Court judge Alfred Mabeya said VK Construction Limited had breached a contractual obligation when it failed to hand over the apartment within the time and quality standards agreed with buyers Nizarali Pradhan Sumar and Shehnaz Nizarali Sumar.
“Since the plaintiffs fulfilled their contractual obligations, the defendant was equally bound to honour its commitments. By failing to do so, the defendant was in clear breach of the agreement,” the judge said.
The feud dates back to 2015, when the developer entered into an agreement with the purchasers of an apartment in a residential complex it was developing. The parties entered into a contract of sale dated April 23, 2015 for the purchase of the apartment, and it was agreed that the developer would expedite the construction of the estate project and the completion date would be 15 days after receipt of the architect’s certificate of completion.
The contract set the purchase price at Sh18,800,000, payable in instalments. At the time of signing the contract, the parties agreed to change the apartment from a four-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom apartment. The buyers paid a total of Sh18,860,000 and made plans to inspect the apartment.
Upon inspection, the buyers found that there were several defects and uncompleted works.
The buyers then spent Sh489,490 to complete the property.
Court documents showed that the developer’s agents had initially refused to allow the buyers access or possession of the apartment and when they finally did so, it was not in a habitable condition.
The buyers said that there were water leaks in every bedroom and that the finish was not good as the developer had done a shoddy job which had been covered up with cement.
The buyers issued a completion notice to the developer but did not receive a response, prompting the court action, which sought a full refund of the purchase price, the cost of valuation and the price of fixtures.
Judge Mbeya said the buyers had proved a case of breach of contract against the developer.
“Upon reviewing the agreement, it is evident that clause one imposed an obligation on the defendant to ensure the construction of the 32 flats was carried out expeditiously. The agreement also outlined the mode of payment, which the plaintiffs duly adhered to,” the judge said.
“Regarding completion, the agreement stipulated that the project would be considered complete either 15 days after the vendor’s architect issued a certificate confirming the completion of the development or by 30/4/2015, whichever was later,” Justice Mabeya added.
The court said that the developer had not given any justifiable reasons for refusing to hand over the apartment to the buyers.
“Furthermore, as per clause 11 of the agreement, upon failure to complete the development and hand over possession, the defendant was obligated to compensate the plaintiffs by refunding all monies paid toward the purchase price,” the judge said.
Kituo Cha Sheria Chairperson Justus Munyithya has come under fire for his alleged involvement in immoral activities, which are said to be contributing to the imminent collapse of the organization.
Kenyans and legal stakeholders have criticized Munyithya for his hypocritical stance on police brutality while being accused of engaging in unethical behavior himself.
Several individuals, including senior advocates, have condemned Munyithya for his role in the illegal dismissal of staff members and for practicing nepotism in the institution’s hiring processes.
Munyithya, who was recently featured on Citizen TV alongside former Chief Justice David Maraga, has been accused of using his position to promote corruption within the organization.
Furthermore, Munyithya has been accused of forcefully pushing for the appointment of John Mwariri, an allegedly unqualified individual, to the position of Chief Executive Officer within the organization to advance his own questionable agenda.
It has been revealed that Munyithya has repeatedly disregarded the laws and regulations governing Kituo Cha Sheria, leading to a significant breakdown in governance and accountability.
As the scandal continues to unfold, Kenyans are calling for Munyithya to be held accountable for his actions.
They are also urging former Chief Justice David Maraga to distance himself from the disgraced chairperson. The future of Kituo Cha Sheria now hangs in the balance as the organization grapples with the fallout from Munyithya’s alleged misconduct.
Speaking during the celebrations to mark 20 years of the ODM party in Busia, Raila avoided commenting about 2027, saying he will be traversing all regions to ensure the views of all Kenyans are captured.
“Wangapi wanasema baba aendelee kushauriana na watu kwanza nipate maoni?” he posed amid applause from the crowd.
“Tutashauriana na ninawahakikishia kwamba tutachukua msimamo ambao utalenga matakwa and haki ya wakenya wote,” he said.
A section of leaders led by Kisii Governor Simba Arati who spoke during the event, had suggested that Raila must be in the ballot.
He said the ODM party’s mission is to lead the country in 2027.
“As ODM party, we are prepared for 2027 by any means, either by ourselves or through coalition to ensure we clinch that seat,” he stated.
He also vowed action against some members he said are trying to wreck the party from within.
Arati had also thanked President William Ruto for supporting Raila in the failed AUC chairperson bid.
In his address, Raila also led the attendees in observing a moment of silence for lives lost in the Turkana ambush attack by suspected militia from the Ethiopian Dassanech community.
Detectives in Kilimani have apprehended two individuals accused of orchestrating a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that saw a Chinese national lose Ksh6.5 million.
In a statement on Friday, February 28, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects, Benson Macharia and Robinson Okwemo Nyandoro, posed as cryptocurrency exchange experts to swindle their victim.
“Kilimani hawkshaws have nabbed two cunning fraudsters who swindled a Chinese national Ksh6.5 million on February 20, 2025, at Rose Gardens in Kileleshwa.
“The duo, Benson Macharia and Robinson Okwemo Nyandoro masqueraded as cryptocurrency exchange experts, claiming that they were in a position to facilitate a cryptocurrency exchange,” the statement read.
According to the DCI, during the transaction, Nyandoro allegedly made a swift exit with the victim’s cash, escaping through a backdoor with a carrier bag.
Meanwhile, Macharia remained behind, reassuring the unsuspecting victim that the conversion was underway but delayed due to network issues.
As minutes turned into hours, the reality of the scam set in, prompting the Chinese national to report the incident at Kileleshwa Police Station.
“While converting the cash into cryptocurrency, Nyandoro made a dramatic exit with the money in a carrier bag, slipping through a backdoor. Left behind, the bewildered victim was still in the grip of Macharia, who posed as a trustworthy technician.
“With an air of confidence, Macharia reassured the victim that everything was on track, claiming the transfer was successful and merely delayed due to pesky network issues. But as minutes turned into hours, the victim’s unease grew into full-blown panic. Realizing he had been duped, he rushed to Kileleshwa Police Station to report the crime,” the statement added.
Upon receiving the report, detectives launched investigations, which led to the arrest of Macharia who was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kibera on February 25, where he pleaded not guilty.
He was released on a Ksh1 million bail with a surety of a similar amount.
Authorities continued their search for Nyandoro, who was later tracked down and arrested at the Hub Karen on February 27.
DCI said upon further interrogation, he led detectives to his residence at KMA Estate, Lang’ata, where Ksh500,000, believed to be part of the stolen cash, was recovered.
“Nyandoro was arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate’s Court Kibera where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He will be detained at industrial area prison pending determination of bond terms on March 4, 2025.
“Clever schemes may dazzle, but Detectives have proven they’re always a step ahead. Stay vigilant, and let this serve as a caution about the perils of blind trust in the murky world of cryptocurrency,” the statement concluded.
NAIROBI – A dramatic legal battle over fraudulently obtained shares worth Ksh 100 million came to an unexpected close at the Milimani Law Courts on Friday, as a Nairobi lawyer and a company director surrendered the disputed assets, prompting the withdrawal of criminal charges against them.
Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego officially terminated the case after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirmed that the matter had been settled out of court.
The accused, Philemon Morara Apiemi, an external lawyer for Global Apparels Kenya (EPZ) Limited, and Shahdadpuri Chanshyam Choithram, a director in the same company, had faced allegations of conspiring to defraud the heirs of the company’s late owners, Suresh Lakhiani and Narrain Choithram.
The prosecution claimed the duo falsified company resolutions, transfer deeds, and statutory declarations to siphon off 250,000 ordinary shares valued at Ksh 25 million and 75,000 preferential shares worth Ksh 75 million between October 16, 2016, and June 13, 2018.
State prosecutor James Gachoka told the court that the decision to withdraw the case under Section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code came after Choithram, the uncle of the heirs, and Morara agreed to return the shares to the rightful owners. “The matter has been settled out of court, and a resolution reached,” Gachoka submitted.
The complainant, Harish Suresh Lakhiani, one of the heirs, confirmed the settlement in court. When Magistrate Alego inquired, “Have you resolved this dispute?” Lakhiani replied, “Yes, the matter has been settled, and I wish the case be withdrawn against the two.” The magistrate, satisfied with the restitution and the complainant’s stance, marked the case as withdrawn and discharged the accused.
The prosecution had painted a meticulous scheme, alleging that on July 12, 2018, Morara and Choithram presented forged documents—including a written resolution, statutory declaration, and transfer deed—at the Registrar of Companies in Nairobi, falsely claiming them as genuine.
They were further accused of fabricating a statutory declaration dated October 14, 2016, purporting it to be sworn by Lakhiani himself, in a bid to legitimize their actions.
In a surprising twist, the accused expressed magnanimity following the withdrawal. “We unequivocally forgive the complainant despite the pain and suffering arising from this ill-advised criminal complaint,” their statement read, signaling an end to the family and legal feud.
Magistrate Alego capped the proceedings by ordering the refund of their cash bails—Ksh 300,000 for Morara and Ksh 500,000 for Choithram—bringing closure to a saga that had gripped the Export Processing Zone-based apparel firm.
Tensions have escalated after a provocative headline in Kenya’s The Standard newspaper. In response, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has threatened to organise a demonstration outside the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala.
The planned protest, scheduled for next Wednesday, comes in response to an article titled “Four-star brat,” which sharply criticized General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and a towering figure in the country’s military and political spheres.
The controversial headline.
The PLU, a vocal group of supporters rallying behind Gen. Kainerugaba, has condemned the Kenyan publication as an affront to their leader, who serves as the organization’s chairman.
PLU Secretary-General Daudi Kabanda minced no words in his reaction, accusing The Standard of crossing a line with its “insulting” portrayal.
“PLU is going to hold an energetic demonstration at the Kenyan High Commission next week on Wednesday,” Kabanda declared in a statement.
“They burnt our High Commission last year and we did not respond. Now, one of their newspapers has insulted our PLU Chairman. We will respond with full force!”
The Standard article in question took aim at Gen. Kainerugaba’s growing influence in Uganda, spotlighting his controversial social media activity, which it argued has previously stoked regional tensions.
Describing his behavior as “diplomatic missteps,” the piece painted a critical picture of the general, who commands significant loyalty among his supporters, including the PLU.
This is not the first time Kainerugaba has faced scrutiny; just weeks ago, the group staged a protest in Kampala against Ugandan lawmakers who criticized him for dodging a parliamentary summons over similar social media remarks.
On X, Gen. Kainerugaba himself has not directly addressed the article as of this writing, but his past posts offer insight into his defiance.
However he has posted cryptic statements carefully balanced not to escalate the situation.
He has also called for the arrest of The Standard journalists behind the story.
Following The Standard piece, Ugandan voices on X amplified the PLU’s outrage. Balaam Ateenyi, a prominent PLU member, posted, “The Standard newspaper’s publication of fake news has shown blatant disrespect towards our supreme leader, @mkainerugaba. We demand accountability… unless they’re willing to rectify their actions.” Others called for drastic measures, including a ban on the newspaper in Uganda.
The reaction has not been unanimous, however. Some Ugandans on X expressed skepticism about escalating the situation. One user, @UgCitizen256, wrote, “This is just a newspaper article. Why are we threatening embassies over words? Let’s focus on real issues.” Meanwhile, in Kenya, defenders of press freedom have pushed back. A Nairobi-based journalist, @KenyaVoiceKE, posted, “The Standard has every right to critique public figures. This is journalism, not an attack on Uganda. PLU should respect free speech.”
The brewing conflict revives memories of past friction between the two East African neighbors.
Kabanda’s reference to the burning of Uganda’s High Commission in Nairobi last year—a still-sensitive incident—underscores the potential for this dispute to spiral.
This latest episode follows a pattern of PLU mobilizing in defense of Kainerugaba, whose political ascent has stirred both admiration and controversy. His refusal to answer to Uganda’s Parliament last month sparked a similar outcry, with supporters marching to protest what they called “targeted political maneuvering” against him. Now, with the Kenyan High Commission in their sights, the PLU appears determined to send a message across borders.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday said Andrew and Tristan Tate, social media influencers facing human trafficking charges in Romania, were “not welcome” in the US state after they arrived in Fort Lauderdale.
DeSantis told a news conference that Florida had no involvement in the brothers’ return but added that the state had limited power to prevent their entry, according to NBC News.
“We have no involvement in that,” he said. “I read about it through the media.
“Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct,” he said.
The Tate brothers, dual citizens of the US and the UK, left Romania after authorities lifted a travel ban. They are under investigation for allegedly forming an organized criminal group involved in human trafficking, trafficking minors, engaging in sexual activity with a minor and money laundering. They deny any wrongdoing.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office was working with law enforcement to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the individuals.
“Florida has zero tolerance for human trafficking and violence against women. If any of these alleged crimes trigger Florida jurisdiction, we will hold them accountable.,” he wrote on X.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, former Attorney General Amos Wako, lawyers Ahmednasir Abdulahi and George Oraro are among the top lawyers who could be stripped of the coveted title of Senior Counsel if a petition filed by a Kenyan goes through.
In a petition filed against the Attorney General, Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the Committee on Senior Counsel, James Nyanyi Ong’amo wants names of about 34 senior lawyers conferred with the title during Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta’s reigns struck off the roll of honour on grounds that they were irregularly nominated.
Ong’amo wants a fresh list of names compiled and sent to LSK for conferment of the title to deservedly qualified persons.
“In the event prayers (a) and (b) are not granted, an order compelling the 3rd Respondent to forthwith and notices to members of the 2nd Respondent inviting applications from persons who qualify for conferment of the rank of Senior Counsel and process those applications within such time as may be determined by this honorable court,” he says. Ong’amo says 19 lawyers honoured during President Kibaki’s time and 15 others nominated to the prestigious roll of honour were unilaterally appointed in breach of the provisions of the Advocates Act and that the recommendations for appointment did not come from the Committee on Senior Counsel.
“The first cohort of Senior Counsel were unilaterally and unlawfully appointed by the President in breach of section 17(2) of the Advocates Act. The Secretary to the Cabinet was not authorized as was done in respect to the 2013 Notice (of the second cohort), to publish that notice as that duty is by Section 18(4) donated to the Chief Justice,” says the petitioner.
Revered class
In the first cohort of lawyers who were nominated to the revered class are Mutunga, Wako, Paul Muite, Fred Ojiambo, Gibson Kamau Kuria, Achroo Ram Kapila, Satish Gautama, Samuel Njoroge Waruhiu, Stewart Mackenzie Cook Thompson, Peter Le Pelley, Ramnik Shah, Simani Sangale, Lee Muthoga, Mutula Kilonzo, George Benedict Maina Kariuki, Joe Wandago Okwach, Paul Matheri Wamai and Nzamba Kitonga.
Those in the second lot include Ahmednasir Abdullahi, James Orengo (Siaya Governor), Prof Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator), Prof.Githu Muigai (former Attorney-General), Pheroze Nowroejee, Raychelle Omamo (former Defence Cabinet Minister), Okongo Omogeni (Nyamira senator), George Oraro, Prof Patricia Kameri-Mbote and Keriako Tobiko (former Cabinet Minister and Director of Public Prosecutions).
All the appointments were announced by former Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia in a Gazette Notice.
Through the advocates of Bryant’s Law Advocates, Ong’amo says the names should have been published in the Gazette Notice by the Chief Justice and not the Secretary to the Cabinet or the President.
Ong’amo wants the two appointments of the senior counsel declared illegal, null and void, and thereby inconsequential legally.
He says that the president could only lawfully confer the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel from a list of names submitted by the Committee on Senior Counsel and only the Chief Justice is authorised to publish in the Gazette the names of the advocates upon whom the rank of Senior Counsel is conferred
No proper evaluation
Since 2003 the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel has been conferred to 66 lawyers.
The third and fourth cohorts were announced in 2020 (24 advocates) by Chief Justice (retired) David Maraga and 2022 (eight advocates) by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
At the heart of the court case is alleged lack of transparency in the selection of lawyers to be conferred with prestigious titles.
According to lawyer Ong’amo, the process has “largely been arbitrary, opaque, and unlawful.”
“There has been no proper evaluation of those appointed against the basic statutory criterion of the rendition of exemplary service to the legal and public service in Kenya,” says Ong’amo.
In a heated exchange on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head, Kimani Ichung’wah, Kenya’s Majority Leader in the National Assembly and a staunch ally of President William Ruto, dismissed allegations of state-sponsored abductions and enforced disappearances as a “conspiracy” aimed at tarnishing the government’s image.
The interview, hosted by Mehdi Hasan at London’s Conway Hall, saw Ichung’wah face tough questions about Kenya’s human rights record under Ruto’s administration, particularly in light of violent crackdowns on protesters during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
“I do not believe there are enforced disappearances perpetuated by the state in Kenya,” Ichung’wah asserted, addressing claims that Kenyan police and security services have been involved in the kidnapping and disappearance of activists.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reports that since Ruto assumed office in 2022, at least 63 civilians have been killed, 65 individuals have been forcibly disappeared, and over 1,400 protesters have faced unlawful detention.
These figures have fueled widespread outrage, particularly among Kenya’s youth, who spearheaded the June 2024 protests against the controversial Finance Bill.
Host Mehdi Hasan pressed Ichung’wah on specific cases, including the alleged abduction of the son of former Attorney General Justin Muturi, now the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development.
Muturi has publicly stated that his son was taken by National Security Services after joining the 2024 protests and was only released following President Ruto’s intervention.
Ichung’wah, however, was quick to discredit Muturi’s account. “I tell you emphatically he has reasons to lie,” he said, accusing Muturi of “playing politics with a very unfortunate incident.”
In a striking aside, Ichung’wah hinted at Muturi’s precarious position in the cabinet, stating, “Justin Muturi knows he’s probably on his way out. He definitely knows it.”
The interview, which aired recently and is available on YouTube, sparked a flurry of reactions online and among Kenyan political circles.
Critics of the Ruto administration seized on Ichung’wah’s remarks as evidence of a government in denial.
“To call documented abductions a conspiracy is an insult to the families still searching for their loved ones,” tweeted prominent activist Boniface Mwangi.
Meanwhile, supporters of Ichung’wah praised his defiance, with one X user writing, “Kimani stood his ground against biased questioning. Kenya’s progress won’t be derailed by lies.”
Beyond the abduction controversy, Hasan also grilled Ichung’wah on his personal wealth, a sensitive topic amid growing public frustration with Kenyan MPs flaunting lavish lifestyles.
When asked about Minority Leader Junet Mohamed’s quip that Ichung’wah was worth 5 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $38 million USD), the Majority Leader chuckled before clarifying, “Not 5 billion. Probably about close to 1 billion.”
His candid admission drew gasps from the live audience and reignited debates about the disconnect between Kenya’s political elite and its struggling populace.
Ichung’wah acknowledged the criticism, calling it “rather unfortunate” for MPs to flaunt their wealth online.
“Members of parliament in my party in the House who I see flaunting things that are not palatable with Kenyans, I tell them, ‘Hey bro, this is not good,’” he said.
Yet, his comments did little to quell the backlash, with many Kenyans on X pointing to his own admission of a near-billion-shilling net worth as hypocritical.
The Al Jazeera interview comes at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya, with Ruto’s administration facing mounting scrutiny over its handling of dissent.
The 2024 protests, initially sparked by the Finance Bill, evolved into a broader movement against government overreach, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
Human rights groups have accused the state of employing heavy-handed tactics, including extrajudicial killings and abductions, to silence critics—a charge Ichung’wah vehemently rejected during the interview.
Public reaction to the Head to Head episode has been polarized. On X, some hailed Hasan’s rigorous questioning, with one user posting, “Mehdi didn’t let Ichung’wah off the hook—finally someone holding these leaders accountable.”
Others, however, accused the host of pushing a “Western agenda” against Kenya’s government, with a pro-Ruto commenter writing, “Mehdi Hasan tried to ambush Kimani, but he showed the world Kenya won’t bow to foreign pressure.”
As the debate over Kenya’s political climate intensifies, Ichung’wah’s remarks on Al Jazeera are likely to fuel further controversy, both at home and abroad.
For now, the allegations of state-sponsored abductions remain a contentious issue, with critics demanding concrete answers and the government steadfastly denying any involvement.
NARC-Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has rebranded her party to People’s Liberation Party at an event attended by Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and Rigathi Gachagua.
During the launch, Karua emphasized the need for unity of purpose to ensure prosperity and for elected leaders to prioritize service delivery.
“The call for unity is the foundation of the liberation movement and our commitment today is to do just that,” she stated.
During the ceremony, Musyoka stated that the party will join an action-oriented unity movement.
“We are going to unite under an idea, under an agenda. It cannot just be unity for the sake of removing an individual because of misrule,” he said.
On his part, Gachagua urged the youth to register as voters ahead of the 2027 general elections and not just fight for liberation on social media.
“The real transformation of this country will happen on the ballot, Gen-Z, register as voters and on the election day wake up early and go vote to elect the leaders you want. We will support you,” he said.
PLP has new colors including purple, lilac, and white, moving away from red, white, and green of the NARC-Kenya party.
In addition to the new name, the party’s slogan will henceforth be “Unite” and “Liberate,” replacing the old one, “One Kenya, One Nation, One People.”
The party’s symbol has also changed from a red rose to a purple rose.
According to Karua, the change in the colour of the petals does not signify a shift away from the party’s original mission, which was established in 2006.
The one-time Presidential candidate in 2013 explained that the broader strategy of PLP aims to resonate more with the Generation Z demographic, who are expected to play a pivotal role in the 2027 General Election.
The rebrand comes after Eugene Wamalwa opened the new Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) headquarters in a ceremony which was also attend by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
It also comes as impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been on the lookout putting together a coalition of the willing, which so far has involved Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), and Karua, signaling their willingness to work together.
The second edition of Trace Awards and Festival which took place in Zanzibar, from February 24-26, with a celebration of Africa’s leading artists and the cultural narratives that inspire their craft.
Sauti Sol’s Bien was recognized as Best East African Artist.
The 2025 event featured 28 categories, honoring the continent’s most popular music genres and talents, with live broadcasts in over 200 countries in English, French, and Portuguese.
The awarding ceremony held on February 26, brought together the biggest stars in the industry to celebrate the incredible achievements of African artists, producers, and performers. Rwandan artists The Ben, Bruce Melodie and Element Eleeeh were present at the awarding ceremony.
The event, however, experienced setbacks before kickoff with strong winds which made it to be pushed to 8pm GMT for the ceremony and 6:30pm GMT for the red carpet.
The livestream also faced technical issues which left virtual viewers disappointed as all Trace broadcast channels couldn’t broadcast the awards live as earlier planned.
The winners
From Afrobeat to dancehall, Hip-Hop, Amapiano, and Bongo Flava, the awards spotlighted outstanding achievements across Africa’s diverse music scene.
Bruce Melodie joined Tanzania’s singer Harmonize on stage to perform ‘Zanzibar’, a song they released a year ago.
South African duo Titom & Yuppe took home the coveted Song of the Year Award for their smash Amapiano hit ‘Tshwala Bam’, beating Diamond Platnumz for his hit single Komasawa, Burna Boy’s Higher, Rema and Shallipopi’s Benin Boys, Tems’ Love Me Jeje, and Coup du Marteau by Team Paiya and Tamsir, Tyla’s Jump, Mnike by Tyler ICU and Active by Asake and Travis Scott.
Nigerian superstar Rema continued his meteoric rise, winning Album of the Year for Heis, a project that seamlessly blends Afrobeats with international sounds, further cementing his place as one of Africa’s most dynamic artists. He also took home the Best Male Artist award.
Diamond Platnumz continued his global domination, winning Best Global African Artist, while Ivorian rapper Didi Bi stood out in the Best Hip Hop Artist category with his sharp flow and undeniable talent.
Chelsea Dinorath of Angola stood out as Best Portuguese-Speaking Artist for her undeniable talent. Representing Tanzania, Nandy was honoured as Best Tanzanian Artist for her remarkable contributions to the industry.
Regional winners included Ivorian singer Josey, who was crowned Best French-Speaking Artist, and Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr, who continues to dominate West Africa with her powerful voice and hit songs. In Southern Africa, Tyler ICU secured the award, affirming his place as a key player in the region’s music scene.
South Africa’s Tyla was named Best Female Artist, a well-deserved recognition for her originality and unique style that won hearts and ears of listeners worldwide.
Over the past four years, Afro-centric music has surged to global prominence, with genres like Afrobeats, amapiano, dancehall, Afropop, zouk, kizomba, genge, coupé décalé, bongo flava, gospel, hip-hop, kompa, R&B, and rumba dominating charts worldwide.
The Trace Awards and Festival aim to elevate Afro-urban music to even greater heights, seamlessly blending music promotion with collaborations in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector to boost tourism in host destinations.
Star-studded Performances
The awarding ceremony featured a line-up of performers from across the continent and its diaspora, including Nigerian artists Rema and Yemi Alade, Tanzanian musicians Diamond Platnumz, alikiba, Zuch, Marioo, and Nandy, as well as Congolese sensations Fally Ipupa, Innoss’ B, and Gaz Mawete. South African amapiano duo Titom & Yuppe, Kenyan artist Bien, and Senegal’s Wally Seck also took the stage.
Other performers included Ivory Coast’s Did N, Josey, Tasmir, KS Bloom, Team Paiya, and HIMRA, along with King Promise, Qing Madi, and producer P Priime from Nigeria.
Tanzania, as the host country, was strongly represented, with multiple homegrown artists’ performances.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dismissed reports that the government has reintroduced cut-off points for university admission.
In a statement, Ogamba said all 246,391 students who attained a C+ and above in the 2024 KCSE exams qualify for university admission under the existing criteria.
“The government has not reintroduced cut-off points for university admission. The minimum requirement, which applies to the 2024 KCSE cohort, is a mean grade of C+,” Ogamba stated.
The CS also addressed concerns about funding stating that only Ksh25.85 billion will be required to support the university education of the 2024 KCSE cohort and not Ksh100 billion as speculated.
He explained that the Ksh100 billion projection accounts for the total cost over four years.
Ogamba further disclosed that the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) will open the university placement portal for the September 2025 intake in March.
Meanwhile, applications for Kenya Medical Training College, Teacher Training Colleges, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions have been ongoing since January 24.
“We remain committed to providing quality, relevant, and inclusive education that is accessible and equitable. We will continue working with all stakeholders to achieve this goal,” the CS affirmed.
An Islamic Bank of Dubai employee has been charged in Nairobi Court for allegedly conspiracy to steal Sh 5 M from GTB bank.
Colin Wanyonyi Bukamo was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina where he denied the charge of conspiring to steal.
It was alleged that while working at Islamic Bank of Dubai he conspired to steal Sh 5 million from Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya Limited where he was working at the time of the offense.
According to the prosecution, on June 19, 2024, he conspired to steal Sh 5,090,099 the property of the said bank.
He was released him on a Sh 500,000 bond with an alternative cash bail of Sh 300,000.
is a big win for the former Speaker of Kisumu County Assembly after the Court of Appeal declared that his impeachment unlawful.
A three-judge Bench Wednesday ruled that Onyango Oloo’s ouster violated his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair hearing.
Justices Festus Asike-Makhandia, Hellen Omondi and Luka Kimaru also ordered the Kisumu County Assembly to pay Oloo six-month salary and outstanding allowances.
The judges found that Oloo had not been given sufficient time to prepare his defence, and that the impeachment proceedings had been rushed and unjust.
The court also determined that the process had not adhered to the necessary legal procedures, including the provisions of the County Assembly Standing Orders.
The decision overturns a previous ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which had upheld the impeachment.
Oloo was kicked out after allegations of misconduct, abuse of office and failure to perform his duties effectively. His impeachment was also based on allegations that he was facing corruption charges regarding the Sh4.1 billion Lake Basin Mall scandal at a Miliamani Court
The ouster Motion was presented to the Clerk on September 17, 2019, and was swiftly approved and scheduled for debate the next day. Oloo was served with an impeachment notice via WhatsApp on the debate day.
The notice, sent at 1.26pm, invited Oloo to defend himself before the Assembly at 3.00pm.
The former Speaker argued that this short notice did not give him a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present his case, thus violating his rights.
“I was only given a mere one-and-a-half hours to prepare a defense against serious charges. This clearly goes against the principles of natural justice, which guarantee fair hearing and administrative fairness,” said his petition.
Through his legal team led by Prof Tom Ojienda, Oloo further claimed that he was barred from accessing the assembly to present his case, with hired goons obstructing his entry.
Despite attempts to appear and request an adjournment, MCAs proceeded with the Motion, resulting in a vote of 42 members, constituting 75 per cent of the members, in favour of his impeachment.
The Court of Appeal agreed, noting that this was a breach of his right to a fair trial, which is a fundamental aspect of the Constitution, according to the court.
“The notice for the impeachment hearing was sent to him only hours before the session, leaving him with insufficient time to prepare a defense.”
The court also criticised MCAs for failing to follow procedures during the impeachment process.
“The Kisumu County Assembly did not comply with its own rules of procedure, and as such, the impeachment process was tainted and unconstitutional,” the judges ruled.
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has stated he is yet to retire and is looking for offers on the table before deciding what his next career step will be.
Wanyama has not joined any club since he left Major League Soccer (MLS) CF Montreal of Canada in December 2024. Although he has been linked with the Championship side, Queens Park Rangers (QPR), he has expressly said he does not wish to return to England to play.
“I will still be playing football and actively looking at everything on offer. Staying in England is an option, but I am more inclined to experience a new environment, as I’ve played in England for a while,” Wanyama told a local publication.
Wanyama spent his time in the Premier League with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, and he has explained why his time in North London remains very memorable.
“Yeah, I would say that was a great time in North London. I joined a big team that always pushed for Champions League qualification, and it was a huge challenge. I played some of my best football there.
“We had such a good team, and to this day, it’s unbelievable that we didn’t win the Premier League or any trophies with that group. The talent and chemistry were unmatched,” he stated.
Partnership
In a recent interview, he recalled his time at Spurs and specifically talked about his partnership with Mousa Dembélé.
“Me and Mousa, we enjoyed what we were doing; we complemented each other very well. You miss those moments. We had a good group, and we always wanted to improve each game.
“Every weekend when we went out, we wanted to prove to ourselves that we could stay at the top; that’s how it should be, competing every weekend and making sure the club is at the top. It was fun. The most important thing that we had was fun, you know, going out there and having fun, and then the rest would just follow.
“Unfortunately, there was one thing that we would love to do for the club, to win a trophy, but we didn’t do it with our group. You know what? I believe this group will do something special one day,” he said.
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja is a man in deep trouble, and he has himself and the men around him to blame for the miscalculated dumping of waste and disruption of sewer lines at the Kenya Power and Lighting premises.
The move, which has already caused service disruptions at the top utility company in the city—with workers forced to work from home due to unbearable conditions in their offices—has since seen the governor and his administration sued in court. On Wednesday, he was summoned to State House, where he was forced to apologize for what many have described as imbecilic conduct.
However, Sakaja’s troubles run deeper. The Director of Public Prosecutions ordered an investigation into the matter on Wednesday.
In a letter to the Director of Criminal Investigations dated February 26, deputy DPP Jecinta Nyamosi said the occurrence has caused apprehension among the public and is therefore, a matter of legitimate public interest.
“Left unchecked the issue may snowball into a serious health hazard that might have multiple repercussions not only to the area of concern but the capital as a whole.”
“It is therefore, prudent that investigations are commenced into the genesis of this matter for a viable solution to be achieved,” she said.
She told police to liaise with all relevant stakeholders in the public health, environment and water and sanitation in respect to the alleged matter and submit the resultant inquiry file within seven days upon receipt of this letter.
Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei (right) with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a consultative meeting between the Ministry of Energy and Nairobi City County following the recent service disruptions between Kenya Power and the county.
This came hours after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula ordered the summoning of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to shed light on the dumping of garbage outside Stima Plaza on Monday.
Wetangula on Wednesday directed Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Gabriel Koshal Tongoyo to summon IG Kanja after MPs condemned the actions by the Nairobi County Government, terming them as “criminality and abuse of the law”.
The Speaker faulted the police boss for remaining coy on the issue, which he warned that if not addressed, it would reduce the country to a “wild-waste and publicized criminal behaviour” where goons can be allowed to act outside the law.
“Ole Tongoyo, we shall not allow this country to be reduced to a wild-waste behaviour where you disagree with somebody and you send goons and hooligans to go and sort out your mess.
That is not Kenya, and you must stop it.
I direct you to summon the IG to find out why no action has been taken against this publicized criminal behaviour by the City Government of Nairobi,” said Wetangula.
“There are criminal offences committed under the Environmental Law, Health Act, Pinal Code and several other acts of Parliament.”
Tongoyo in his response said the IG would be required to appear before the House on Thursday next week.
“I am well guided and we are going to have the IG summoned and appear before the Committee next week on Thursday.”
The motion to summon the IG came after Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and his Majority counterpart Kimani Ichung’wa called out Nairobi County and the police boss for overseeing the trashing of garbage and swill at the heart of the Central Business District (CBD).
Junet slammed the County for its “intimidating” conflict-resolution methods, arguing that the County ought to have pursued other ways of settling its debt instead of dumping the waste outside one of its creditors.
He called out the county for “uncouth and primitive” acts, adding that if the irresponsible behaviour was not addressed, nothing would stop the county government from dumping waste outside homes in the name of unpaid water bills.
“KPLC is a very important institution in our country and is a publicly listed company that is also oversight in this House.
Many people have defaulted in paying their bills, and it is not only Nairobi County, if you can’t afford to pay your bills, you negotiate with the person you owe money.
You don’t use other means to intimidate them to let go of the debt. I condemn that matter because it is an uncouth, primitive and irresponsible way of dealing with an issue,” he said.
Ichung’wa echoed Junet’s sentiments censuring the County officials for the act.
He wondered why the police did not intervene to stop the unlawful incident, further condemning the governor and county leadership for the acts.
According to the MP, the incident not only violates major acts of integrity and ethics but is also an abuse of power and public resources which were used to dump and later clean the affected area.
“What we have seen around Stima Plaza is a criminal act.
Where are the police that should be ensuring that there is law and order everywhere?
The IG must take decisive action and it must begin with the drivers who drove those trucks there.
From drivers to the people who instructed them, up to the governor,” he said.
“Under the EACC Act and NEMA Act, these are not only criminal acts but acts that go beyond integrity and ethics.
They are touching on economic crimes because you are dumping garbage deliberately on a road, you will expend public resources to dump and later clean up. It is an abuse of public funds.
You can imagine if such governors had policemen on their command, they would be trampling on anyone!
Ensure action is taken against those people who dumped garbage outside Stima Plaza.”
Ichung’wa consequently called for the IG and those responsible to be held accountable as he also urged businesspeople affected by the standoff to instigate legal proceedings against the County.
“What if everyone decides to take the law into their hands and do whatever they want, are we going to have a country?
The City Council of Nairobi owes businessmen and women in this country money in pending bills which tunes to hundreds of billions.
What if the people owed by the county decide to dump their garbage outside City Hall, how would the governor take that?” He stated.
“Business people who have been lamenting that their businesses were affected should take civil action against the Nairobi County for compensation for loss in businesses. KPLC are tenants of Stima Plaza, it is owned by pensioners.”
He added, “You should direct the chair of the Security Council to summon the Police IG and explain to the committee and this House how can they be watching when criminality takes root unchecked and nobody is doing anything about it.”
Mashemeji Derby match between Gor Mahia & AFC Leopards that was set for this Sunday postponed for the second time due lack of suitable venue.
However, Nyayo, which is almost done, also harbors a risk with debris laying around the stadium following the renovations that have been ongoing for the last two years.
The rescheduled high-risk match was initially slated for November 24 last year but couldn’t kick off due to a lack of suitable venue.
The fixture has previously seen the 30,000-seater stadium Nyayo national stadium fill to the rafters, followed by running battles between irate fans allegedly triggered by poor officiating or misunderstanding between KO’gallo and Ingwe fans.
According to fixtures released by the Football Kenya Federations Leagues and Competitions department, the match is set for Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
However, things on the ground are different, with the canopy at Kasarani being mounted, and will it not be done by Sunday.
According to hosts AFC Leopards, their management is in talks with the Sports Stadia Management Board to revert the match to Nyayo.
AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda, while speaking to Nation in an interview on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, expressed his frustration over the lack of an appropriate venue but insisted that playing at unsuitable grounds is not an option.
“We may not play at Kasarani, and I can’t accept that the fixture be staged at Dandora or Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos because these venues cannot stage such a big fixture,” Shikanda said.
Shikanda’s states the 60,000-seater Kasarani Stadium would have been the ideal choice but remains under renovation, rendering it unfit for the derby.
Nyayo Stadium is also unavailable as it is subject to approval by the CHAN Local Organizing Committee.
“How would you move the canopy at Kasarani, which is a construction site? Let FKF plan so that we can play in Tanzania or Uganda, where Harambee Stars staged their matches,” added Shikanda.
While the clubs and federation are sweating to find a venue, both sides are in camp doing final touches ahead of the massive duel.
New Gor Mahia tactician Sinisa Mihic and his Leopards counterpart Fred Ambani will both be in charge of the derby for the first time, with three points, pride, and bragging rights at stake.
KO’gallo who completed a double over Ingwe last season, have dominated the fixture in the last nine years, losing only once.
After both sides have played 21 matches, Gor are currently at position three with 36 points, while Ingwe are fifth with 34 points.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has shed light on his net worth dismissing speculation about his source of wealth.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera on February 27, 2025, Ichung’wah refuted claims that he was worth Ksh5 billion, stating that his net worth is closer to Ksh1 billion.
“Not Ksh5 billion definitely, Probably about close to Ksh1 billion,” Ichung’wah stated.
Source of wealth
He emphasized that his wealth did not primarily come from his salary as a legislator but from years of business and work outside politics.
“My wealth is largely not from my salary. I’m just about a billion shillings. Don’t look at what someone is earning today. I wasn’t born an MP. I just arrived in the public scene having had another life in other organizations other than in politics, done business over the years,” he said.
He further criticized the notion that public servants should only possess wealth derived from their government salaries.
“Therefore, the perception that people who are in public service should not own or have any other thing other than what they earn from public service stops,” he explained.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah during an interview on Al Jazeera on February 27, 2025. PHOTO/Screengrab by K24 Digital/YouTube
Defending his net worth, Ichung’wah maintained that he has not engaged in flaunting his wealth.
“I have never had to flaunt anything because I have nothing to flaunt, but it’s so unfortunate and nobody should do that. A number of those who have done that have regretted what they had to show the public,” Ichung’wah stated.
He further stated that he had cautioned other members of parliament from flaunting their wealth on social media.
“Members of my party who I see flaunting things that are not palatable with Kenyans I tell them ‘Hey, Bro this is not good,’” he said.
Focused on work
Ichung’wah went on to dismiss assertions that the Kenya Kwanza administration is targeting its online critics, arguing that despite being labelled on social media as President William Ruto’s wife, he remains focused on his work.
“I am less concerned with what people say online or on social media. I have been called William Ruto’s wife because I work closely with him, and I take it in my stride. But I will have to do my work and do it to the best of my ability. That’s my concern, and I believe everyone within the Kenya Kwanza administration is less bothered by what people say online,” Ichung’wah stated.
With Kenya’s political landscape shifting like quicksand beneath our feet, the rumored 2025 cabinet reshuffle has sent a jolt of panic through the ranks of Principal Secretaries (PSs).
These technocrats, once cloaked in the quiet dignity of bureaucratic competence, have morphed into frenzied spin doctors, scrambling to paint themselves as indispensable in the eyes of President William Ruto.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) recently forwarded a list of freshly interviewed candidates for PS slots, and while the president’s final picks are pending, the smart money says political horse-trading—not merit—will tip the scales.
In this high-stakes game, competence is just a footnote; visibility is the golden ticket.
And oh, how the PSs are clawing for it. It’s a silent tug-of-war, a gladiatorial showdown of egos where outshining one’s peers is the name of the game.
Social media has become their Colosseum, with carefully curated campaigns flooding our feeds—each post a calculated plea to catch the president’s eye.
Then there are the media blitzes, the strategic leaks, and those oh-so-convenient opinion polls. You know the ones—cooked up by pollsters who’d sell their grandmothers for a fat envelope, churning out rankings so skewed they’d make a funhouse mirror blush. It’s an open secret in Nairobi’s corridors of power: these polls aren’t data; they’re propaganda, bought and paid for by the very officials they crown.
As the reshuffle clock ticks down, desperation has kicked into overdrive. Some PSs are subtle, dropping breadcrumbs of “hard work” with the finesse of seasoned chess players. Others? They’re swinging sledgehammers, smashing decorum to bits in their quest to be noticed. And then there’s the queen of this cringe-inducing circus:Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni —whose antics have crossed from desperate to downright insufferable.
Let’s not mince words: Muthoni’s behavior is a masterclass in how to alienate everyone while clutching at relevance.
Her ministry’s track record is a dumpster fire—stumbling through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and Social Health Authority (SHA) rollout like a drunk toddler on a tricycle.
Private Hospitals have stopped offering services to teachers, police and other civil servants over unpaid bills amounting to billions. And that’s not even touching the Mpox outbreak she supposedly “contained” with “robust strategies”—a claim so hollow it echoes louder than her incessant X posts.
There are also there threats of looming strikes by doctors across the country.
Laughable poll rankings
Yet, somehow, amidst this parade of flops, Muthoni’s name keeps popping up in dubious polls—Politrack Africa’s February 2025 survey had her at a laughable 76.2% approval rating.
Really? For what—perfecting the art of tweeting through a crisis? These plastic rankings scream sponsorship, and Kenyans aren’t buying it.
But Muthoni doesn’t stop there. Oh no. She’s taken her desperation to a new low, turning X into her personal spam factory.
Her posts—promoted to the point of absurdity—stalk every comment section, every thread, like a digital rash you can’t scratch off. It’s bot-like, it’s blatant, and it’s backfired spectacularly.
Users are calling her out—“Hiyo account ya Mary Muthoni nimemute,” one wrote recently, echoing a growing chorus fed up with her propaganda flood.
This isn’t leadership; it’s a tantrum. Muthoni’s spamming isn’t about showcasing work—it’s about drowning out the silence of her own mediocrity.
If her achievements were half as loud as her social media noise, maybe we’d see a functioning SHA or a health system that doesn’t leave cancer patients in limbo.
Instead, she’s betting on algorithms and paid bots to scream “I’m working!” louder than the evidence ever could.
Speculation swirls that she’s gunning for Ruto’s favor, perhaps angling to dodge the reshuffle axe—or, dare we say, snag a bigger role. But here’s the rub: true competence doesn’t need a megaphone. It shines through results, not retweets.
Kenyans aren’t fools. The calls for mass blocking are rising, and the backlash is palpable. Muthoni’s become the poster child for everything wrong with this pre-reshuffle frenzy—a desperate climber who’d rather spam than serve.
If she wants the president’s attention, here’s a wild idea: fix the damn health system.
Stop flooding our timelines and start delivering something—anything—worth a damn. Because right now, the only thing she’s catching is the collective eye-roll of a nation tired of her irritating, agenda-driven charade.
