The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has opposed the release of an international drug trafficker, Jeam Emmanuel Morlon, also known as Lamarca J. Benjamin, claiming that he threatened a key witness with a picture of himself holding guns.
In an affidavit presented before the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Court, Sergeant Thomas Othoo stated that Morlon is a threat to national security, the complainant, and witnesses in a fraud case against him.
According to police, on January 25, 2025, after learning about the fraud charges, Morlon sent a WhatsApp message to the complainant, Didier Guillaume Gentil.
The message contained a photo of himself holding two pistols, with high-caliber firearms visible in the background, allegedly to intimidate Gentil into dropping the case.
Morlon also sent a picture of Gentil’s wife and seven-year-old daughter, threatening harm if the case proceeded.
Magistrate Njeri Thuku heard that Morlon is believed to be the leader of a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, violent robbery, extortion, and money laundering. Police argue that releasing him could threaten public safety and national security.
In the case, Morlon is accused of fraudulently obtaining over KSh 12 million from Mercuri Ferdinando G. on January 20, 2025.
It is alleged that as a director of Afrex Bridge Connections Limited, he falsely promised to transport 550 kilograms of a high-value but undisclosed cargo from Kenya to Dubai, a transaction that never materialized.
During his arrest, police found two pistols, over 90 rounds of ammunition, gun magazines, and forged mineral dealership certificates at his residences in Kileleshwa and a conservancy in Nanyuki.
However, his lawyer said that the allegations by the police were false, stating that the affidavit was based on fear and lacked supporting evidence.
The accused is currently being held at the Industrial Area Prison.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he is open to working with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga to form the next government.
Speaking during an interview with radio stations from the Kamba community, Gachagua noted that he has not closed his political doors to a possible partnership with Odinga, who recently teamed up with President William Ruto to establish a broad-based government setup.
“If our Gen Z children, who are not with him (Ruto), decide to turn out and vote, we will defeat him, even if he is with Raila. It will be upon him (Raila) to decide—if he chooses to stand with Kenyans, he will come so that we can have a sit-down and agree on some things,” Gachagua stated.
“If he wants to go ahead and cooperate with William Ruto, who has been abandoned by the people, then we have no problem with that. We have a plan, and we have listened to Kenyans who are looking up to us,” he added.
However, Gachagua stated that the option of working with the former Prime Minister was not conditional, as Odinga was free to choose which side of the political history books he wanted to be on.
Furthermore, he stated that if Odinga decided to collaborate with the President in advancing what he described as oppressive policies, it would be his personal choice.
“We are up to the task of bringing change and challenging Ruto, with or without Raila. It will be his personal decision to choose which side of history he wants to be on. If he wants his legacy to be marred by working with the oppressors, that is up to him,” Gachagua said.
“We can have a discussion and see what role he can play in the liberation of our country. Irrespective of the decision he makes, we are okay.”
Gachagua, who has seemingly been open to a coalition agreement with former Vice President and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, however, dismissed claims that Odinga teaming up with Ruto would diminish his chances.
Odinga himself, since losing the African Union Commission chairperson bid, has indicated that he would likely work with the government.
Additionally, during a press address at State House Mombasa on Monday, he assured the country and his support base that he would announce his political way forward after consultations.
Shortly after being hosted by Ruto in Mombasa, Odinga flew to Kisumu, where he met leaders from his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), including interim party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o and other grassroots leaders.
Meanwhile, the former Deputy President urged the Kamba community to team up with him and Kalonzo to take over the country’s leadership in the 2027 elections.
Additionally, he outlined his vision of leveraging his political numbers to win major elective seats in the country, including the gubernatorial posts for Nairobi and Mombasa counties.
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), in collaboration with the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), has announced the availability of 5,000 training slots for the March 2025 intake. This follows last month’s advertisement for vacancies in various medical colleges across the country.
The application portal, which initially opened on January 24 and closed on February 14, 2025, has now been reopened to fill 21 KMTC courses that still have available slots. The portal will remain accessible until March 4, 2025.
“All applicants who were not successful in the last application and others who would like to join KMTC in March 2025 are invited to apply,” KUCCPS stated in a notice. Applicants can access the portal via [https://students.kuccps.net](https://students.kuccps.net).
KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome explained that the new phased application process aims to streamline admissions for institutions with varying intake periods. “The placement service has for the first time adopted a phased application process starting with KMTC and TVET colleges to allow students enrolling for the March intake to apply on time,” she said.
This approach accommodates the different admission timelines for universities and Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs), which typically admit students in the last quarter of the year, while KMTC and TVETs admit in January, February, and May.
KUCCPS also announced that previous Form Four leavers who sat for the KCSE between 2000 and 2024 are eligible to apply for placement in KMTC and TVETs. Students were advised to apply to institutions within their localities to reduce costs.
“Students applying for degrees and TTCs should exercise patience, as dates for their applications will follow thereafter and will be announced,” KUCCPS added.
For students retaking their exams in July, KUCCPS assured them of an opportunity to apply for the September intake with their improved grades.
The High Court has declined to lift orders quashing President William Ruto’s new university funding model following an appeal by the government describing it as unconstitutional and unfair.
In his ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita said that the scales of justice favored those who opposed the model, declaring that public interest is best served when all parties act within the law.
He criticized the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the Education Cabinet Secretary, and Attorney General for their contradictory actions noting that while they had moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to suspend his judgment, they simultaneously claimed their intention to comply with the orders.
Mwita reiterated that allowing the suspension would permit the continuation of the funding model, even though it had already been declared unconstitutional.
“In the circumstances, I am not persuaded that there is merit in granting the application. Public interest, in my respectful view, is better served when everyone acts within the law. Consequently, and for the above reasons, the application dated 27th January 2025 is declined and dismissed. I make no order on costs,” Mwita stated.
Justice Mwita ruled that the model was unconstitutional, lacked a legal framework, was discriminatory, and failed to meet the legal requirements for public participation.
The Universities Fund and HELB last month appealed the High Court judgment by Justice Chacha Mwita that declared the new university funding model unconstitutional.
The agencies argued that its consequences could halt learning in universities because of delays in disbursing funds for students continuing their studies.
They contended that Justice Mwita erred in both law and fact and that the judgement has made it impossible for them to disburse any funds to universities or students.
The High Court in December last year nullified the government’s new university education funding model, declaring it unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Justice Mwita ruled that the model violated students’ legitimate expectations and was implemented without adequate public participation, despite its significant impact on higher education.
“The government has a constitutional responsibility to fund public universities. Passing this burden onto parents is a violation of the Constitution,” said Mwita.
He added that the model should have undergone public consultation to incorporate citizens’ views before implementation.
“The changes in the funding model did not adhere to the necessary legal provisions in its creation,” he noted.
The petition was filed on October 13, 2023, by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Elimu Bora Working Group, Boaz Waruku, and a Students Caucus arguing that the new model locks thousands of students out of higher education, making it discriminatory and a breach of the right to education.
The model, dubbed the Variable Scholarship and Loan Funding (VSLF), was launched by President William Ruto in May 2023. It categorized students into five bands, with those from vulnerable and extremely needy households eligible for full funding, while less needy students could receive up to 90% funding.
The KenyaFencing Federation (KFF) have been rocked by claims of nepotism ahead of this week’s Africa Junior Championships in Angola.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says the team to the continental competition has been littered with sons and daughters of the federation officials.
“We have the secretary general…none of his children are involved in fencing. And then the treasurer, he has two daughters, one of them came back recently from South Africa with a fencing diploma, trained her other sister and now both of them are in the team. The president’s son, on the other hand, does not know anything about fencing,” the source says.
It added: “I’ve only heard of him (president’s son) this year and now he has been put into the team. Those of us who have been in this sport for long have been pushed to the side.”
The source also points a finger of accusation at Isaac Mburu, a professional fencing coach and national team player, for getting preferential treatment from the federation honchos.
“He is this guy that whenever there is anything fencing, he always comes first. When the ministry of Sports does not send enough funds and we need to trim the squad and drop others, he can never be dropped. The secretary general favours him,” the source further indicated.
In response, the federation’s secretary general Stephen Okalo denied claims of nepotism but said the team was selected by merit.
“We have our selection policy on how we select teams for international championships. This you can find on our website. So, if my son is a good fencer, I will put him in the team. All these other things are just hearsay that lacks no merit at all,” Okalo said.
The secretary general could not deny or confirm whether the team – consisting of eight players – is composed of sons and daughters of officials.
“The team is going to compete at the Africa Junior Championships and you will be able to see them. They are eight players but the information you have been fed with is not the correct one,” he insisted.
The accusations are the latest in a long line of controversies that have riddled the federation in recent years.
They have been embroiled in a back-and-forth with German-born fencer Alexandra Ndolo who has in the past accused them of lack of support in registering her for competitions and funding her preparations.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called out the Standard Media Group after his scheduled interview on Spice FM was abruptly canceled.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, February 25, Duale expressed his frustration, suggesting that the media house’s actions reflect a broader pattern in their editorial decisions.
“My sincere apologies to the listeners of Spice FM. The station’s owners have abruptly canceled my interview for reasons best known to them. This move speaks volumes, and now you can clearly see the pattern behind the Standard Newspaper’s recent headlines,” he stated.
Duale further pointed out what he perceived as biased media coverage, noting that just a day earlier former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was given an open platform on KTN News.
He alleged that the former DP dominated the interview show and spread falsehoods.
“Just yesterday, the impeached Rigathi Gachagua was given an open stage on KTN News to peddle falsehoods and wild imaginations,” he claimed.
“The platform was his, and he used it as expected. But let it be known; I did not seek this interview. They reached out to me. I was ready. Ipo Siku!”
Kenyans have since expressed mixed reactions following Aden Duale’s post, with many taking to social media to share their opinions on the matter.
Some users criticized the Environment Cabinet Secretary for prioritizing media appearances over his official duties, while others defended him, arguing that government officials should have a platform to communicate with the public.
A former general manager with Printing Services Limited was yesterday charged with stealing over Sh 254.4 million from his employer.
Cheekati Narsimha Rao, who appeared before Caroline Nyaguthii, is also charged with forging the signature of Indian-Kenyan author and publisher Malkiat Singh Dhillon in an attempt to falsely promote himself as a production manager at a printing company.
The charge sheet states that Rao, on various dates between January 1, 2016, and August 31, 2024, within Nairobi City County, jointly with others not before the court, being a servant of Printing Services Ltd., stole Sh 254,461,768, the property of Printing Services, which came into his possession by virtue of his employment.
He is accused of forging Malkiat Singh Dhillon’s signature on an appointment letter that falsely promoted him to the position of Production Manager at Printing Services Limited.
The letter was purportedly signed by Dhillon, who is also the Managing Director of the company.
After pleading not guilty, he requested the court to grant him reasonable bail terms, stating that he had been unemployed since April 2024 and had been unwell. He further argued that he is not a flight risk.
However, Lawyer Kimani Wachira, representing the complainant Malkiat Singh Dhillon, requested that the court compel Rao to also deposit his passport, citing previous attempts by the accused to leave the country.
The magistrate ordered the accused to be released on a bond of Sh 10 million or a cash bail of Sh 3 million pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Rao was also ordered to deposit his passport with the court and not to leave the country without prior permission.
The case will be mentioned on March 12, 2025, for further directions.
Constable Samuel Kaetuai, who died during a security operation in Haiti on Sunday, had always assured his family that he would be safe in the Caribbean nation, and looked forward to returning home after a successful mission.
The slain officer was the sole breadwinner, being the only employed child among his eleven siblings, has been described as an officer who always put the interest of others first. Back home, he was a role model to his siblings on matters of discipline and hard work.
The deceased’s father, Kaetwai Lesaru Salaash, said the death of his beloved son has been exacerbated by the fact that it happened over 12,000 kilometres from their Kajiado home.
The teary father could not hide his pain and anguish, saying nothing ever prepared them for the loss of his son who was a beacon of hope.
“When he went to Haiti six months ago, he was optimistic of a successful mission and coming back home. I remember he told me not to fear,” the father said, falling short of words to express his feelings.
Lesaru recalled his son’s best moment was when he secured the chance to train with the National Police Service (NPS).
“ He wanted to be a police officer and he pursued the same with passion and zeal. His patriotism was evident and he would do anything possible to guard and represent his country when called upon,” he said.
The family of the 28-year-old officer has also appealed to the government to expedite the transfer of the body to Kenya for burial rites.
“I want to accord him a decent burial and it hurts me more that his body is far away. I appeal to the government to ensure that they bring my son, who died a hero while representing my country, back home,” the devastated father said.
Shocking news
The death of the officer was officially announced to the family on Monday by a contingent of police officers who turned up at their home in Naserian village Kajiado East, around 9am.
Shocked and heartbroken friends, relatives and neighbours camped at the family home as they struggled to absorb the shocking news of the loss.
His younger brother, Amos Kaetuai, also described him as a shining star.
Kaetuai who served at the Border Patrol Unit in Mandera in 2021 has left a widow and two children.
The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) Force Commander Godfrey Otunge said the constable was injured during an operation in the Artibonite region, north of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The Kenyan officers immediately pursued and killed the gang member who shot Constable Kitwai.
“One of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in Segur-Savien, in the Artibonite department.
The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries,” he said in a statement. The Kenya police officers, in honour of the fallen officer, remained unbowed and vowed to pursue the gangs to the last man to ensure a safe and secure Haiti.
“This is the price our courageous officer paid, he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti,” the mission’s spokesperson Jack Ombaka said in a statement.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)has projected that it needs a Sh61.7 billion budget for the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Obadiah Keitany during a presentation to Parliament on Tuesday, highlighting several key financial requirements that the amount will cover.
This includes a Sh7 billion allocated for boundary delimitation, pending a court advisory.
The IEBC also anticipates registering an additional 5.7 million voters, bringing the total to 28 million by 2027.
Additionally, fourteen pending by-elections are projected to cost approximately Shh480 million.
“The Commission projects an additional 5.7 million new voters to have a total of 28 million in the 2027 General Election,” he said.
“We have the budget for boundary delimitation of Sh7 billion but we are still waiting for the Court advisory.”
Likewise, IEBC plans to replace 45,352 Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, excluding the 14,000 units purchased in 2022.
In total, 59,352 kits are required, with the replacement expected to cost Sh7 billion, considering each kit is priced at Sh65,000.
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Keitany noted that the IEBC has outstanding bills amounting to Sh3.8 billion.
Finance Director Osman Ibrahim noted that KIEMS kits become obsolete after ten years, necessitating their replacement to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.
The commission has faced challenges in continuous voter registration since 2022 due to budget constraints and the absence of appointed commissioners.
According to the electoral body, Kenya’s 2022 general elections involved 22,120,258 voters and were among the most expensive globally, costing approximately Sh44.6 billion.
The IEBC emphasizes the importance of timely and adequate funding to facilitate comprehensive preparedness for the upcoming elections, including technological upgrades, voter education, and the execution of pending electoral activities.
A 42-year-old Kenyan man was arrested after allegedly shooting his 37-year-old wife multiple times at their home in Killeen, Texas.
John Gitau Mwangi was arrested following the fatal shooting of his 37-year-old wife, Esther Gitau, on Friday, 21 February, police said.
Police responded to a welfare check at the couple’s residence at around 7:15 pm, where they found Esther with multiple gunshot wounds.
Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene at 9:29 pm.
Authorities believe the killing was linked to domestic violence but have assured the public there is no ongoing threat.
Two young children were inside the house at the time but were found unharmed and appeared unaware of what had happened.
Following investigations, detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Unit obtained a warrant for Mwangi’s arrest. He was located at Fort Cavazos, where he was stationed, and taken into custody.
Mwangi is now being held at the Killeen City Jail, where he faces charges that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty under Texas law.
The simmering feud between Nairobi City County, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) reached a boiling point today as county officials severed unauthorized fiber optic cables linked to internet services at Stima Plaza, KPLC’s headquarters.
The dramatic escalation disrupted critical online services, intensifying a bitter financial dispute over unpaid debts and wayleave fees amounting to billions of shillings.
The operation kicked off Tuesday morning along Argwings Kodhek Road, where county workers, under the supervision of Nairobi County Revenue Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge, dismantled internet cables mounted on KPLC power poles.
City Hall claims these installations, operated by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), lack county permits and have dodged mandatory wayleave fees—charges for the use of public land. The move effectively cut off internet access to Stima Plaza, paralyzing operations at the utility’s nerve center.
“We’ve been clear: these fiber lines are illegal,” Njoroge declared during the exercise. “ISPs have ignored our calls to pay for hosting cables on these poles and secure county approval. We’ve given them enough time, and now we’re acting.” He emphasized that the county relies on such revenue to deliver essential services to Nairobi residents.
The crackdown is the latest salvo in an ongoing war of attrition between City Hall and KPLC. At the heart of the conflict is a disputed KSh 4.8 billion debt that Nairobi County insists KPLC owes in unpaid wayleave fees. County Secretary Godfrey Akumali doubled down on this claim yesterday, accusing KPLC of stonewalling despite raking in profits.
“Let it be very clear—KPLC owes us Sh4.8 billion. They announce their earnings publicly, yet they refuse to settle their dues,” Akumali said in a fiery media briefing.
KPLC, meanwhile, has countered that Nairobi County owes it Sh3 billion in unpaid electricity bills—a figure that reportedly ballooned by Sh1.3 billion over the past two years.
The utility has dismissed the county’s claims, citing the Energy Act of 2019, which prohibits public bodies from levying fees on energy infrastructure without approval from the Cabinet Secretary.
On Monday, KPLC flexed its muscles by disconnecting power to City Hall, plunging the county headquarters into darkness and forcing officials to rely on generators.
Not to be outdone, Governor Sakaja’s administration retaliated with Tuesday’s operation, targeting KPLC’s lucrative side hustle: leasing its power poles to ISPs for fiber optic installations.
Finance CEC Charles Kerich accused KPLC of profiting off public infrastructure while dodging its financial obligations. “Those green and red cables you see on their poles? That’s internet. KPLC is making money hosting optic cables, yet they won’t pay us. If they don’t pay, who are we supposed to pay?” Kerich quipped.
Njoroge went further, alleging that KPLC has facilitated a network of non-compliant ISPs, allowing them to bypass county regulations, business permits, and even oversight from the Communications Authority of Kenya.
“It’s unacceptable that KPLC is aiding these companies to evade accountability while starving the county of revenue,” he said.
The fallout was immediate. By mid-morning, Stima Plaza was offline, disrupting KPLC’s customer service portals, billing systems, and internal operations.
Businesses and residents relying on internet services in the vicinity reported outages, amplifying the chaos. Social media buzzed with reactions, with some Nairobians hailing Sakaja’s bold move while others decried the tit-for-tat tactics as petty governance.
The dispute, which dates back to 2007 when KPLC first challenged the county’s authority to impose wayleave fees, shows no signs of resolution. Yesterday, county workers upped the ante by clamping KPLC vehicles and dumping garbage outside Stima Plaza—a symbolic jab at the utility’s refusal to pay up. Today’s internet blackout marks a new low in the saga, with both sides digging in their heels.
As Nairobi’s power and internet woes deepen, residents are left caught in the crossfire of a high-stakes standoff.
With billions of shillings and control of critical infrasructure on the line, the question remains: who will blink first—City Hall or KPLC? For now, the capital’s services hang in the balance as this drama unfolds.
Ugandan police have launched an investigation into the tragic death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, who fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampalaon Monday, according to AFP.
The 29-year-old striker, who played for Ugandan Premier League side Vipers SC, reportedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in the early hours of the morning.
According to police, Lawal had been visiting a Tanzanian friend who resides in an apartment within the shopping mall complex. The friend informed authorities that she had left him alone shortly before the fall.
Authorities are retrieving CCTV footage from the shopping mall and conducting interrogations to determine the circumstances leading to Lawal’s fall.
“The police are conducting a thorough investigation to establish the exact details of the incident,” officials stated.
Lawal’s club, Vipers SC, confirmed his sudden passing in a heartfelt statement.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” it added.
Lawal joined Vipers SC in July 2022 after a two-year stint with AS Kigali in Rwanda. He had been an integral part of the squad, contributing to the team’s attack.
The football community in Uganda, Nigeria, and beyond has been left shocked and devastated by the striker’s tragic demise.
A man suspected to be a fake gold scammer was on Monday arraigned before a Milimani court, charged with fraudulently obtaining over Ksh 208 million (equivalent to $1.3 million) from a foreigner.
Ronald Osonga Khejeri appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina and denied the charge.
It is alleged that between March 31 and May 30, 2024, he conspired with others—some already charged and others still at large—to defraud an investor, Tanner Caldwell Cook.
The court heard that Khejeri and his associates falsely claimed they could facilitate the sale of 3,370 kilograms of gold, convincing Cook to part with a total of $1,388,262.76 (approximately Ksh 208 million).
Khejeri denied the charges and was granted release on a cash bail of Ksh 400,000.
The case is scheduled for mention on March 12, 2025.
Former leader of majority at the County Assembly of Kakamega was today charged at Kakamega Law Courts for tax evasion amounting to Kshs.5.2 million.
Rashid Rocky Omwendo was charged with three counts of tax fraud amounting to Kshs. 3,422,006/- million that resulted from failure to declare income of Kshs.11.7 million on his personal KRA PIN.
The politician was also separately charged jointly with Jackline Mary Ambetsa, Nambalah Enterprise Limited with twelve counts of tax fraud amounting to Kshs.1.8 million. Omwendo and Ambetsa are both directors of the company.
The charges comprise of counts of fraud in relation to tax, failure to submit tax returns and failure to pay tax by due date as required by law. The tax fraud offences were committed between 2018 and 2022.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges before Chief Magistrate Philip Mutua and were granted bond of Kshs.200, 000/-. The case will be mentioned on 8th May, 2025.
If convicted, the accused persons will be liable to a fine of Kshs.10 million or double the tax evaded, whichever is higher or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years as per the provisions of the Tax Procedures Act, 2015.
A Joint Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) reported significant progress in efforts to restore peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
M23 rebels have taken control of the region following clashes the DRC troops.
The summit, co-chaired by Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and SADC Chairperson, and William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and EAC Chairperson, was held in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025.
The meeting was critical in addressing the escalating security challenges in the eastern DRC, and the participants discussed their recent progress toward a solution.
During the summit, the two leaders, along with other SADC and EAC heads of state, agreed to appoint three distinguished facilitators to lead the peace process.
The newly appointed facilitators are former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe.
These appointments will bring together the previously separate Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, demonstrating a concerted effort to promote stability in the volatile eastern DRC region.
Preparatory meetings between the EAC Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) were held in Nairobi on February 21, 2025, in accordance with Joint Summit directives.
Similarly, SADC CDFs met in Dar es Salaam to discuss regional security concerns.
These meetings followed extensive discussions by the EAC Defense Experts Working Group, which met for two days prior to the CDF meeting.
The discussions were guided by a series of critical directives aimed at improving the security and humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC, such as an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, the reopening of key supply routes, and a focus on securing Goma and its surroundings.
A joint meeting of the EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces was scheduled for February 24, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
This meeting will precede a Joint Ministerial Meeting slated for February 28, 2025, where further actions regarding the ceasefire and security measures will be addressed.
The meetings will play a crucial role in implementing the key directives from the summit, and the peace process is expected to gain additional momentum as discussions on the ceasefire details continue.
In light of the developments, all parties involved, including the M23 and other armed groups, are urged to follow the cease-fire agreement announced at the EAC-SADC Summit.
The ongoing fighting in the area has left many dead and others displaced.
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative firebrand, is now the FBI’s deputy director—a surprising pick for a role typically held by career agents.
Known for his fierce loyalty to Donald Trump and his no-holds-barred media presence, Bongino built a massive following through his podcast and outspoken political commentary.
His appointment signals a major shift in FBI leadership, sparking both praise and controversy.
Will he bring a fresh perspective or deepen political divides? Here’s a closer look at the man now shaping America’s top law enforcement agency.
Introducing Dan Bongino: Podcaster Appointed as FBI Deputy Director
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino is Trump’s choice for FBI deputy director. Bongino, now a conservative commentator, strongly supports Trump.
His views have earned him a huge following but also got him banned from YouTube for spreading misinformation.
Bongino, 50, hosts The Dan Bongino Show, a popular radio and podcast program. In January, industry analyst PodTrac ranked it the 7th most-listened-to podcast in the U.S.
Trump said Bongino is “willing and prepared” to leave his show for the FBI role.
The deputy director oversees domestic and international operations, a position usually held by career FBI agents.
Bongino has never worked for the FBI, though he previously served in the New York police department.
Early Life
Daniel John Bongino was born on December 4, 1974, in Queens, New York City. He is of Italian descent.
Bongino is an American conservative commentator, radio host, author, and former law enforcement officer.
Since 2025, he has served as the deputy director of the FBI. He currently hosts The Dan Bongino Show on Rumble. Previously, he hosted Unfiltered with Dan Bongino on Fox News until April 2023.
He started his career as a New York City police officer from 1995 to 1999. He then joined the U.S. Secret Service, serving from 1999 to 2011.
Bongino later ran for Congress three times as a Republican but lost each time. On February 23, 2025, President Donald Trump announced Bongino as the next FBI deputy director.
Education and Career Beginnings
Bongino graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School, a Catholic all-male school in Jamaica, Queens, in 1992.
He then attended Queens College, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology. He later earned an MBA from Pennsylvania State University.
From 1995 to 1999, Bongino worked as a police officer for the New York City Police Department.
In 1999, he joined the U.S. Secret Service as a special agent. In 2002, he left the New York Field Office to teach at the Secret Service Training Academy in Beltsville, Maryland.
In 2006, he joined the Presidential Protection Division during George W. Bush’s second term.
He continued serving under President Barack Obama until May 2011, when he left to run for the U.S. Senate.
Media Career
After his failed congressional run in 2015, Bongino started a podcast in his basement called The Renegade Republican, later renamed The Dan Bongino Show.
By 2016, his episodes—covering topics like media bias and liberal policies—were reaching millions.
In 2018, his bold style landed him a contract with NRATV, the National Rifle Association’s short-lived online channel.
That year, he declared, “My entire life right now is about owning the libs.” Trump took notice, often sharing Bongino’s comments on social media.
According to the Daily Beast, Trump once told a confidant, “He’s so right, he’s just so right about it all.”
In 2019, Bongino launched Bongino Report, a right-wing news aggregator meant as a pro-Trump alternative to Drudge Report.
His Facebook page soon gained more engagement than The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN combined, according to a 2020 New York Times report.
In 2021, Cumulus Media chose Bongino to replace the late Rush Limbaugh’s talk radio slot.
He also began hosting Unfiltered with Dan Bongino on Fox News and a five-part Fox Nation series on cancel culture called Canceled in the USA.
He left Fox News in April 2023 after failed contract negotiations.
Bongino still hosts his podcast and radio show, though Trump announced that Bongino is “willing and prepared” to leave them for his new role as FBI deputy director.
Personal Life
Bongino is married to Paula Andrea Martínez, who was born in Colombia. They have two daughters.
In 2012, he and his wife ran three home-based businesses. They sold martial arts apparel, designed websites, and provided security and risk management consulting.
While campaigning in 2016, Bongino avoided discussing his businesses. He claimed that he and his wife had already shut them down.
He lived in Severna Park, Maryland, from 2002 until 2015. That year, he moved to Palm City, Florida.
In June 2020, Bongino announced that he had bought an ownership stake in Parler, a social media platform. However, he did not reveal how much he invested.
Was Dan Bongino diagnosed with cancer?
On September 23, 2020, Bongino announced that doctors had found a seven-centimeter tumor in his throat.
He did not know if it was cancerous or benign but planned to fly to New York on September 25 for more tests.
On October 2, he shared that he had received bad news from his doctors and would undergo surgery on October 7.
After the surgery, he tweeted that doctors had removed the entire tumor but suspected he had lymphoma. He said he would need further treatment.
On October 16, Bongino confirmed he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and would continue treatment with his doctors.
In a July 2021 interview, he announced that he had “beaten” cancer.
Former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati passed away from advanced brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in April 2023.
Family spokesperson Eric Nyongesa revealed that Chebukati underwent two successful surgeries in Germany to remove brain tumors.
However, his condition worsened in December 2024 when a third tumor recurred. During treatment, he suffered a cardiac arrest, and resuscitation attempts failed.
Chebukati, who retired in January 2023 after overseeing the 2022 General Election, will be laid to rest on March 8 at his farm in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County.
He will be buried on March 8 at his Kitale farm following an announcement by his family while outlining plans for his funeral.
Speaking during a press conference, Nyongesa stated that he suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday night.
“In April 2024, it was discovered that the tumour had recurred and because of that he went to Germany for a second operation. He was there until August 2024. In December 2024, it was discovered that the tumour had recurred again and he was in hospital until early January,” Nyongesa said.
He added that Chebukati had gone to hospital for his routine checkup on February 12.
He explained that doctors then put him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he died while receiving treatment.
“He went to hospital on February 12, 2024 and the doctors were of the view that he needed to be admitted. He had some problems with his chest,” said Nyongesa.
Former KTN News anchor Njoroge Mwaura has passed away after developing complications during surgery at a Nairobi hospital, his family has confirmed.
His wife Lucy Njoroge says he passed in the wee hours of Sunday morning, hours after undergoing a surgery at Karen Hospital.
Talking to the media, Lucy said that they had moved from Nairobi and had been living in Naivasha, though they had been coming to Nairobi for medical checkups.
She explained that Njoroge was scheduled to undergo surgery, but after the procedure, he did not respond well.
She added that he was taken back to the ICU and passed away on Saturday night, which she noted was very early Sunday morning.
Mwaura’s career in journalism spanned several years, during which he became a household name in broadcast journalism.
He was widely recognized for his articulate news presentation and in-depth reporting on key national and international issues.
His tenure at KTN News saw him cover major political and socio-economic stories, earning him respect among peers and audiences alike.
According to family sources, Mwaura underwent a medical procedure whose complications ultimately led to his demise.
The specific details regarding the surgery and subsequent complications were not immediately disclosed.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and the broader media fraternity.
The veteran journalist retired from the media in 2013, having hosted the successful show Njoroge’s Notebook for over a decade.
A standoff erupted at Stima Plaza on Monday after Nairobi County Government staff dumped garbage at the entrances and clamped vehicles in protest over power cuts at City Hall due to Sh3 billion in unpaid electricity bills.
Kenya Power General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales, Rosemary Oduor, stated that the power disconnection was due to City Hall’s arrears. However, she noted that power was restored after negotiations.
The standoff follows Kenya Power’s decision to cut electricity at several Nairobi County offices over an outstanding Sh3.1 billion bill. In retaliation, the county government disconnected water supply to all Kenya Power offices in Nairobi and blocked their sewer lines.
“This morning, we were going about our work when County Government trucks suddenly arrived. One of them dumped garbage right in front of our offices at Stima Plaza, while several others remained on standby around the building,” Oduor said.
She emphasised that Kenya Power has had ongoing discussions with the county over the bills for the past two years, during which Nairobi County committed to making payments.
“We are surprised by this move, especially since power at City Hall was restored on Friday,” she added.
Kenya suffered its first casualty after one police officer was on Sunday February 23 shot and killed in a clash with criminal gangs in Seguin in Pont-Sonde, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti commander Godfrey Otunge said the victim was among a team that had embarked on a mission to crush a gang operating in the area when he was shot and seriously injured.
He was airlifted to Level Two Aspen hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.
His colleagues responded and killed dozens of the criminals, officials said.
It marked the first casualty on the Kenyan team since they arrived there on June 25, 2024 to help the Caribbean nation contain criminal gangs.
Kenya has about 800 officers of the 1,000 needed.
Officials explained that over the past week, Kenyan police officers have been conducting continuous security operations in Artibonite, successfully neutralizing several gangs.
In response, the residents of Seguin in Pont-Sonde began calling for similar action in their area.
“Hearing their pleas, the brave Kenyan police officers answered the call.
This is the price our courageous officer paid—he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti. His fellow officers, unwilling to accept the loss, pursued the gang member responsible and immediately neutralized him,” spokesman Jack Ombaka explained.
The El Salvador Causality Evacuation (CASEVAC) team who responded in a record time and the doctors at the hospital did all they could do to save the officer’s life in vain.
Haiti gang leader ‘Barbecue’
The Kenyan team is part of the group of a UN-approved international force that will be made up of 2,500 officers from various countries.
There are however concerns that even if the team manages to dislodge the bandits from this stronghold, the absence of an immediate and lasting occupation by the police or the army will allow them to return quickly.
But even 1,000 security personnel or the mission’s targeted goal of 2,500 is insufficient, security experts say.
There are around nearly 900 police and troops from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala and Belize.
Chronic instability, dictatorships and natural disasters in recent decades have left Haiti the poorest nation in the Americas.
Last year, Haiti saw a record number of neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas fall to armed gangs, despite the presence of foreign forces and a new U.S.-backed transition government.
As the gangs took over neighborhoods and carried out some of the worst massacres in recent memory, they also deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands more Haitians were forced to flee their homes.
The United Nations said more than 5,600 people were killed by gang violence last year, an increase over the previous two years, and over 1 million Haitians are now displaced.
The international security mission, while approved by the U.N. Security Council, is not a United Nations operation and currently relies on voluntary contributions.
Two weeks ago, the US delivered at least 600 assorted guns to the mission boosting ongoing operations against criminal gangs in the Caribbean nation.
The donation made on February 10 also included nine pickups, two trucks, two excavators, two armored loaders and tens of bullets.
