The College of Cardinals has resolved to convene a conclave on May 7 to elect the successor to Pope Francis, following the late pontiff’s burial at the Basilica of St Mary Major on Saturday.
The decision was reached during the Fifth General Congregation of the Cardinals, held at the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City on Monday.
The gathering, attended by cardinals from around the world, agreed to observe a nine-day official mourning period — known as novemdiales — before beginning the solemn process of electing the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Under Church tradition, the conclave will be held behind closed doors, with all cardinal-electors under the age of 80 taking part in the vote.
The cardinals are expected to engage in prayer, reflection, and discussion in the days leading up to the conclave.
Pope Francis, who served as the 266th pope, passed away on Easter Monday after a 12-year papacy marked by significant reforms and a strong focus on social justice.
His death has left the global Catholic community mourning a leader celebrated for his humility, progressive views, and emphasis on mercy.
The upcoming conclave will be closely watched around the world, with many anticipating that the choice of Francis’ successor will signal the future direction of the Catholic Church amid complex global challenges.
Further details regarding the conclave preparations are expected to be announced by the Vatican’s Press Office in the coming days.
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Kalerwa Salasya has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of Kenya in the 2027 general election, positioning himself as a champion for industrial growth and youth empowerment.
In a bold announcement, the youthful parliamentarian said his decision came after “deep reflection and wide consultations” with various stakeholders across the country.
“Kenya today stands at a crossroads,” Salasya told journalists. “We cannot continue exporting our labor and talents abroad while our industries collapse and our youth languish in unemployment.”
The MP, who has gained popularity for his outspoken nature and grassroots approach to politics, revealed he would be running under a new political movement whose details will be unveiled later this year.
“I firmly believe that Kenya must manufacture, innovate, and industrialize to create sustainable jobs and unlock the full potential of our people,” Salasya said, outlining his vision for the country.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions across the political spectrum, with supporters praising his youthful energy and fresh perspective, while critics question his experience for the top job.
Salasya specifically called on youth, women, workers, and entrepreneurs to join his movement, which he described as embodying “the dreams and aspirations of a new Kenya.”
The 2027 presidential race is expected to attract several high-profile candidates as the country approaches another crucial democratic transition.
A new investigation by the BBC has linked Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers to acts of brutality during the anti-government protests on June 25 last year, where demonstrators stormed the Parliament Buildings.
Blood Parliament, the BBC documentary alleges that aside from police officers, there were other shooters, possibly drawn from KDF, particularly the Kenya Army, involved in the Gen Z protests.
The investigation, which runs for 37 minutes, is based on digital evidence showing the killing of dozens of youths.
One of the findings was that one shooter had a unique dress code, unlike the plainclothes police officers at the scene, raising doubts about whether he belonged to the police units.
“In the video of the officer shouting, ‘uaa!'(which means kill in English), the shooter’s back was to the camera. But the BBC compared his body armour, riot shield, and headgear with those of every police officer at the scene.
In his case, he had an upturned neck guard. We matched his distinctive uniform to an officer in a video recorded seconds later.
There, he made sure to hide his face before firing into the crowd. We do not know his name,” part of the BBC report stated.
It was also claimed that one of the shooters during the invasion of Parliament was linked to the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
However, when the BBC tried to trace the officer, the efforts failed, creating confusion about his actual station of assignment.
Efforts to get a comment from the National Police Service (NPS) and the police station where the officer was supposedly based were unsuccessful.
A BBC screengrab showing anti-government protestors accessing Parliament buildings on June 25, 2024.
The NPS said that only the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) can investigate police misconduct, adding that it cannot probe its own officers.
Claims dismissed
At the same time, the Kenya Defence Forces dismissed claims that its officers participated in the shooting, stating that it remains a neutral and professional service.
On the evening of June 25, then Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the deployment of KDF officers to help police handle the unrest.
In a gazette notice, Duale said the decision came after some demonstrators targeted critical infrastructure, posing a threat to national security.
“Under Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service,” read part of the gazette notice.
However, the deployment was announced after Parliament had already been invaded.
Following the week of protests, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that 39 people had died and 361 others were injured in different parts of the country.
The protests were triggered by the controversial Finance Bill that aimed to raise Sh346 billion in taxes, and which was later withdrawn.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula later revealed that property worth Sh94 million was destroyed during the protests at Parliament.
He said an insurance company assessed the damage, adding, “That is the damage we suffered. So the insurance firm has taken up the matter.”
He further explained that when the protestors broke into Parliament Buildings on June 25, they vandalised furniture, damaged the structures, smashed television screens, and tore flags.
Wetang’ula assured that taxpayers would not bear the cost as the insurance company would handle the repairs and replacements.
During the chaos on June 25, protestors opposed to the Finance Bill 2024 managed to break through Parliament’s security barricades.
Earlier that day, the Bill had passed with 195 MPs voting in favour and 106 against.
As the protestors stormed Parliament, some were shot outside the building, while others set fire to a section housing parliamentary offices.
Gunfire could be heard as police officers struggled to control the crowd.
Several items were vandalised, including essential equipment used for parliamentary sessions, windows were smashed, and flags were destroyed.
Currently, only one police officer, linked to the Central Police Station, faces possible murder charges in connection with the killings.
His case was adjourned on March 10 after a key witness asked for more time to submit critical documents to the court.
The full extent of involvement by officers outside the police service remains unclear, even as human rights groups continue to demand accountability for the deaths and injuries recorded during the demonstrations.
President William Ruto’s unexpected attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome on Saturday has sparked a fresh wave of criticism, particularly after he had earlier nominated National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to represent Kenya at the event.
Wetangula had publicly confirmed on April 24 that he would attend the funeral on behalf of President Ruto, who had selected him for the diplomatic mission.
After concluding a state visit to China, President Ruto surprised Kenyans by redirecting his itinerary to Rome, becoming the only African head of state to attend the funeral in person.
Accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other officials, his decision raised questions about his commitment to cost-saving measures, as many Kenyans continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
While the Vatican extended invitations to global leaders for the funeral, the precise number of African heads of state invited remains unclear.
Notably, President Ruto, who is not Catholic and has previously clashed with Kenyan bishops over his generous contributions to churches, was among three African Heads of State who attended in person.
Others were Presidents Felix Tshisekedi (Democractic Republic of Congo), Brice Nguema (Gabon) and João Manuel Lourenço (Angola).
Senior officials, including vice presidents, ministers, and parliamentary leaders, represented the majority of other African countries.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized Ruto’s decision, accusing him of a “lack of trust” in others and contributing to wasteful spending of public funds.
“The President doesn’t trust anybody to handle anything. There was no reason for him to go personally, especially after appointing the Speaker,” Gachagua said during an interview on Weru TV on Sunday.
Since taking office in September 2022, Ruto has embarked on an extensive travel schedule, raising questions about the frequency of his international trips and their cost amid his government’s promises of fiscal responsibility.
President Ruto was scheduled to return to the country on Monday after completing his State Visit to China and the unexpected trip to Rome.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched a probe into three customs officers suspected of involvement in an illegal attempt to smuggle 50 kilograms of gold bars to Dubai without the knowledge or consent of the rightful owner.
According to a police source close to the ongoing investigations, the 50kg consignment was part of a larger 400kg batch of gold bars believed to have been smuggled into Kenya from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The gold was reportedly being kept at a bonded warehouse near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), awaiting processing and clearance commonly referred to in smuggling circles as “sanitization” before being officially shipped to Dubai.
The clandestine operation is said to have begun in January 2025.
Investigations reveal that a group linked to the syndicate attempted to divert 50kg of the gold through unofficial channels, bypassing legal procedures and allegedly without the knowledge of the gold’s rightful owner, identified only as Mr. Thomas.
The police source further disclosed that the 50kg consignment was scheduled to be secretly transported out of the country on the morning of Friday, April 25, but the plan was uncovered and halted before it could proceed.
The attempted shipment triggered immediate intervention where the three customs officers were arrested and the DCI officers immediately launched investigations into the matter.
Sources indicate that bribes were paid to facilitate the release of the gold from the bonded warehouse through unofficial means, as the rest of the 400kg awaited formal clearance.
The gold was allegedly being handled on behalf of a Dubai-based company owned by Indian nationals, who had financed the entire operation to “sanitize” the smuggled gold.
However, the plan unraveled when a whistleblower from within the syndicate leaked details of the illicit dealings to authorities.
The three customs officers, now under investigation are suspected of having received money to enable the illegal extraction and shipment of the 50kg consignment.
Patrick Muithi Muthangya appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Dolpina Alego at the Milimani Law Courts, where he was formally charged with the theft, which allegedly occurred over a five-year period from December 2016 to November 2021.
According to the prosecution, Muthangya, along with two other suspects who are already on trial, stole Ksh 55,649,000 from Afya Sacco Society Limited. The alleged theft took place at the society’s offices in Nairobi County on various dates between December 8, 2016, and November 1, 2021.
In addition to the theft charge, Muthangya was also accused of conspiring to steal the same amount from the Sacco.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a cash bail of Ksh 1 million pending the outcome of the trial.
Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary marathon runner, once again proved that class is permanent, pocketing millions in despite finishing sixth at the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
The two-time Olympic champion reportedly earned a hefty appearance fee of KSh 24 million (approximately $176,000), plus an additional KSh 1.2 million for his top-10 finish, according to CNN.
The 40-year-old marathon icon clocked 2:05:25 in the elite men’s race, finishing behind winner Sabastian Sawe, who took the title in an impressive 2:02:25.
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo claimed second place in a remarkable marathon debut, followed by defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao in third, Olympic silver medalist Abdi Nageeye in fourth, and Paris 2024 gold medalist Tamirat Tola in fifth.
Under clear skies with temperatures reaching 21°C, over 56,000 runners participated in the iconic race from Greenwich Park to The Mall. Kipchoge’s participation, his first in London since 2020, was a major draw for the event, one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors.
His substantial appearance fee reflects the value organizers place on his global appeal, even as younger athletes challenge his dominance.
The London Marathon offered a total prize purse of $308,000 (£243,000), with the winner earning $55,000.
Prize money decreases with finishing position, making Kipchoge’s reported KSh 1.2 million for sixth place consistent with estimated earnings for top-10 finishers.
However, it’s the KSh 24 million appearance fee that highlights the financial clout of a runner with 11 World Marathon Major victories and an unparalleled career.
Kipchoge’s performance comes after a challenging period, including a rare DNF at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a back injury.
Yet, his sixth-place finish at age 40 demonstrates remarkable resilience, and his earnings reaffirm his status as marathon royalty.
“Eliud remains a legend,” said race director Hugh Brasher. “His presence elevates the event, inspiring runners of all levels.”
The 2025 London Marathon also celebrated its charitable impact, with participants raising funds toward a cumulative £1 billion since the event’s inception.
For Kipchoge, the race was less about the podium and more about legacy—and a lucrative reminder that his name still commands millions.
In a shocking development that has rocked the quiet neighborhood of Kitengela, a woman lost her life shortly after an intimate encounter with her boyfriend, a Kenya Defence Forces officer stationed at Kahawa Garrison.
The incident occurred late Saturday night at Mary Hill Apartments in Kitengela, where the couple had retreated for what should have been a private evening together.
According to police reports, the military officer, identified as Fredrick Mwazughwa Mwalungwa, and his girlfriend checked into the apartment around 10 PM.
They made love and approximately one hour later, tragedy struck when the woman suddenly became unconscious and developed breathing difficulties.
Witnesses report that Mwalungwa raised an alarm, prompting the building’s caretaker to respond to the emergency.
In a desperate attempt to save her life, a neighbor offered their vehicle to transport the unresponsive woman to St. Paul’s Hospital Kitengela.
Despite these efforts, medical personnel pronounced her dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Following the incident, Mwalungwa reportedly fled to Kahawa Garrison where he surrendered himself to Military Police.
He was subsequently detained in the guardroom before being escorted to the Kitengela Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) office for questioning.
The suspect remains in police custody as he assists with investigations. Crime scene investigators have already processed the Mary Hill apartment where the incident occurred.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s sudden death.
The investigation continues under the jurisdiction of the DCI Kitengela office.
In a scathing political rebuke that has intensified the ongoing power struggle over Kenya’s youth agenda, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of opportunistically using young people’s challenges to attack the current administration.
“You were the president just the other day… But suddenly you’ve become very clever… Now you are the one giving us lectures,” Murkomen declared, taking direct aim at Kenyatta’s recent activism on youth issues since leaving office in 2022.
Speaking during a visit to Ukambani region, CS Murkomen suggested the former president’s newfound advocacy for youth empowerment was politically motivated rather than genuine concern.
“This exploitation of our young people is not right,” Murkomen insisted. “This is an issue that we must, all of us, act responsibly. Because the youth bulge is not a question of today. It’s been happening. But tomorrow also it’s going to be worse.”
The Cabinet Secretary’s comments follow Kenyatta’s recent fiery address at Makerere University in Uganda, where the former president urged young people across East Africa to demand better governance and resist political manipulation – remarks widely interpreted as criticism of President Ruto’s administration.
Murkomen’s Ukambani visit also revealed the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s continued courtship of opposition figures.
He extended a direct invitation to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join President Ruto’s broad-based government, pointedly noting that ODM leaders who accepted government positions “were now reaping the benefits.”
“We can work together as Kenyans today as we plan elections tomorrow,” Murkomen stated. “This is a broad-based government and it’s as broad as possible… it can accommodate even the Wiper Party.”
The heated exchange highlights the intensifying battle for youth support in Kenya’s political landscape. Since the 2022 election that saw President Ruto defeat the Azimio coalition backed by Kenyatta, the country has witnessed growing youth activism culminating in protests that eventually led Ruto to form a more inclusive government incorporating some opposition members.
As Kenya’s “Gen Z movement” continues gaining political influence, both the ruling coalition and opposition figures appear determined to position themselves as the authentic champions of youth interests ahead of future electoral contests.
In global diplomacy, the Pope’s dual role as both spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and head of state of Vatican City creates unique responsibilities and relationships with nations worldwide. Recent controversy surrounding diplomatic protocols highlights how this duality is often misunderstood.
The Vatican’s Sovereign Status
The Pope serves as the sovereign of Vatican City State, a position formalized by the 1929 Lateran Treaty with Italy that established Vatican City as an independent state. This 109-acre territory, the world’s smallest sovereign state, operates with all the diplomatic functions of larger nations.
As head of state, the Pope:
– Receives and sends ambassadors (currently maintains diplomatic relations with over 180 countries)
– Signs international treaties and agreements
– Issues passports and postage
– Maintains observer status at the United Nations
Diplomatic Protocols and Responsibilities
When a pope dies, it’s customary for world leaders to send condolences regardless of religious differences, acknowledging the diplomatic relationship between their nation and the Holy See. These messages reflect standard diplomatic protocol between states rather than religious affiliation.
Historical Context: Christianity’s Jewish Roots
The historical and geographical connections between Judaism and Christianity are well-documented. Christianity emerged from Jewish traditions in what is now Israel:
– Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, both in present-day Israel
– The first apostles, including Peter (considered the first Pope by Catholic tradition), were Jewish and from the Galilee region
– Early Christian communities developed from Jewish communities throughout the Mediterranean
Understanding the Confusion
The confusion about the Pope’s status as a head of state likely stems from the unique nature of the Vatican’s governance structure. Unlike most nations, Vatican City’s leadership is determined not through general elections but through the Papal conclave, where Cardinals elect the new Pope.
This intersection of religious and political authority creates a distinctive diplomatic entity that doesn’t fit neatly into conventional categories of governance, sometimes leading to misconceptions about appropriate diplomatic protocols.
AAR Hospital in Kiambu is under scrutiny following allegations of medical negligence in the death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve, according to County Assembly officials.
During a press conference at the County Assembly on Friday, lawyer Biko Ashioya claimed the hospital failed to detect a critical blood clot that ultimately proved fatal for the respected local politician.
“The clot had been there for a long time. It travelled from his leg to his heart, and the hospital failed to detect it. They should have noticed and acted before it became fatal,” Ashioya told reporters.
According to County Assembly pathologist Dr. David Atandi, who accompanied Ashioya at the briefing, post-mortem results conducted by both independent and government pathologists determined that Munuve died from a massive pulmonary embolism—a large blood clot that blocked the main artery to his lungs.
“We concluded the cause of death was a large clot in the pulmonary trunk,” Dr. Atandi explained.
“His external appearance was normal, but internally, his left lung had collapsed and a major blood vessel to the heart was completely blocked.”
The examination reportedly revealed a significant clot in the back of Munuve’s leg that is believed to have developed over time before breaking loose and causing the fatal blockage.
Medical experts involved in the investigation also noted that Munuve’s heart was mildly enlarged.
Ashioya has emphasized that proper medical attention could have prevented the tragedy.
“This is something that could have been stopped. The hospital should have seen the magnitude of the issue, but unfortunately, they did not,” he stated.
While the pathologists ruled out foul play, they characterized the failure to detect the developing clot as a “serious lapse in medical care.”
The County Assembly has reportedly tasked officials with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Munuve’s death.
Ashioya has called for a formal inquiry to determine whether negligence contributed to the MCA’s passing.
Munuve’s sudden death has deeply affected the Makueni County community, where he was known for his dedication to public service.
When contacted for comment, AAR Hospital representatives declined to address the specific allegations, stating that they cannot discuss patient details due to confidentiality policies, but expressed condolences to the family and affirmed their commitment to high standards of medical care.
Health experts note that pulmonary embolisms can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms sometimes mimic other conditions, but proper screening protocols for at-risk patients are considered standard medical practice.
The case raises important questions about diagnostic protocols and patient care standards in local healthcare facilities.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe put in a masterclass run to win the men’s race at the London Marathon on Sunday.
Sawe clocked 02:02:27 to cut the tape, having broken away from the leading pack after 30km.
Ugandan legend Jacob Kiplimo finished second after timing 02:03:37, in what was his marathon debut, as immediate former defending champion, Alexander Mutiso Munyao, took third after clocking 02:04:20.
It was yet another disappointing outing for two-time world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who finished sixth after timing 02:05:25.
It took some time for the race to take shape but when it did it was Sawe who was featuring on the lips of the commentators.
The Valencia Marathon champion had been part of a 10-man leading pack that also included Kipchoge, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, Kiplimo, Munyao, Dutchman Abdi Nageeye.
After 15km, it was the evergreen Kipchoge at the head of the pack, with his younger compatriots following closely behind.
However, at the 30km mark, Sawe showed others a clean pair of heels, creating daylight between himself and the others as he broke away.
Kiplimo made the next move to break away, attempting to catch up with the Kenyan who seemed to be running short on his energy reserves with about 5km to go.
Nonetheless, boasting an average time of 14:47, Sawe was able to solidify his lead and romp home to his first ever World Marathon Majors victory.
Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is facing a major internal revolt after serious allegations emerged against its Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau.
Sources within the Board claim that Rev. Mwikali blocked an urgent move by CEO Peter Mbugi to crack down on crash gambling games like Aviator, whose rapid-fire betting model has devastated countless Kenyan families.
Mbugi had reportedly drawn up a tough enforcement plan to suspend Aviator and similar crash games, alarmed by a sharp rise in addiction-related suicides and financial ruin among young Kenyans.
However, just as the crackdown was about to launch, Rev. Mwikali allegedly intervened, weakening the response.
Instead of suspending the games, she instructed operators merely to resubmit compliance documents — a gesture insiders view as cosmetic and ineffective.
Further compounding the controversy are claims that games like Aviator were never properly vetted before being licensed.
Their underlying algorithms, which dictate player wins and losses, remain largely unexamined, raising fears of manipulation, fraud, and unchecked exploitation.
The consequences are becoming tragically clear. Reports of suicides tied to Aviator losses have surged, fueling nationwide outrage.
Meanwhile, operators continue to profit massively, bolstered by a regulatory system that critics say is riddled with conflicts of interest.
Blame is now spilling into political circles, with some officials accusing the former Uhuru Kenyatta administration of recklessly opening the door to crash gambling without sufficient oversight.
Adding to the scandal are accusations that Rev. Mwikali held secret meetings with major betting figures, including media mogul SK Macharia, who allegedly offered bribes to block serious reforms.
These explosive allegations have left the BCLB deeply fractured, crippled by internal distrust, and increasingly seen as beholden to the gambling industry it was meant to police.
A March 25 memo issued after Mwikali’s interference reflected this new, softer stance — calling only for procedural resubmissions rather than the decisive shutdown that had been planned.
Critics say this was a deliberate tactic to stall any real change, protect gambling operators, and suffocate public demands for action.
Amid growing fury, calls are intensifying to dissolve the BCLB entirely, prosecute those accused of undermining reform efforts, and immediately outlaw Aviator and other crash games before more lives are lost.
Police were Sunday looking for a Homa Bay Member of County Assembly (MCA) after he claimed he had been shot and injured while in Nairobi.
West Kasipul MCA Vickins Bondo was in Nairobi for unknown mission when the incident happened Saturday April 26 night.
It is not clear where if any, the shooting happened, police said.
He went to Coptic Hospital on Ngong Road in the city with an injury in the head saying he had been shot.
Doctors who attended to him said the injury was not severe and that he was discharged after being attended to.
They advised him to make a report to the police.
The MCA however had not reported the matter by Sunday morning as news of the same spread out through his friends.
A team of detectives visited the hospital to get more information on the victim and nature of the injury.
Police authorities said they had not received more and concrete information on the said shooting incident.
“We do not know if it was a shooting incident and where it happened. There is a team on the ground pursuing the matter for more information,” said a police officer aware of the issue.
His mobile phone was switched off.
The team wanted to confirm the claims and trace the scene of the said shooting.
They also wanted to take the weapon used in the shooting for ballistic tests.
Meanwhile, suspected thugs wearing jungle uniforms and armed with rifles broke into a scrap metal workshop and stole Sh30,000 and other assorted items in Athi River, Machakos County.
Police who visited the scene established that the robbers gained entry by breaking the two padlocks of the main door.
They managed to steal therein the cash and assorted items of unknown value.
It was further established that two of the robbers were in police jungle uniforms and armed with firearms.
They also injured four workers who were on duty.
The injured victims were rushed to Shalom Community Hospital for medical treatment.
Police are investigating the incident.
President William Ruto has recruited former Lands Cabinet Secretary Farida Karoney to join his expanding communications apparatus, a move that has intensified scrutiny over what critics describe as a “bloated” and increasingly expensive government media operation.
Karoney, who previously served in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, has been tapped to provide strategic communication services across all ministries, according to sources familiar with the appointment.
This addition comes as questions mount about duplication of roles and ballooning costs within the Executive Office of the President.
“The President is creating an unprecedented communications empire at taxpayers’ expense,” said Prof. Gitile Naituli of Multimedia University, a governance expert who criticized the structure as “inherently flawed” with “no clear hierarchy, no unified messaging strategy, and often, overlapping mandates.”
Karoney joins an already crowded field of government communicators that includes State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura and his deputy Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Presidential Communication Service head Munyori Buku, and the National Communication Centre led by former police spokesperson Charles Owino.
The appointment represents yet another broken promise from President Ruto, who pledged in early 2024 to reduce the number of advisors in government by at least 50 percent as part of austerity measures.
Instead, he has consistently expanded his team of advisors and communicators.
When contacted, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura defended the growing communications infrastructure, arguing that modern governance requires specialized teams to navigate today’s complex media landscape.
“We are no longer in the era of a single story as this space has been democratized,” Mwaura told reporters.
“Communication is now individualized and personalized, necessitating the specialization of communication teams to help the government disseminate information more effectively.”
However, Ruto’s administration has faced persistent criticism for its messaging failures.
Police officers taking positions as youths storm parliament buildings during June 25, 2024 protests.
During the Gen Z protests in June 2024, the President himself acknowledged communication shortcomings when explaining the widespread opposition to his proposed Finance Bill.
“We did not explain ourselves better, I am sure my communication team failed, and our communication architecture did not deliver,” Ruto admitted after being forced to withdraw the unpopular legislation.
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy has since drafted a Government Communication Strategy for 2024-2027, aimed at implementing a “One Government, One Voice” approach to improve messaging coherence.
Opposition figures have seized on the communications challenges as evidence of broader governance issues.
During a recent public event, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna confronted President Ruto directly, saying: “Working with you is very difficult Mr President. Some of your people in government commit blunders every day.”
Political analysts suggest Karoney’s appointment represents more than just an attempt to fix communication problems.
The move follows a pattern of providing positions to political allies, including former Cabinet secretaries like Eliud Owalo and Moses Kuria, who now serve as presidential advisors.
“The inflation of state functions is not for efficiency, but for patronage,” Prof. Naituli argued. “Each new appointment serves a political purpose—rewarding loyalty, balancing ethnic or regional interests, or managing internal party dynamics—rather than solving an actual communication gap.”
As Kenya faces economic challenges that have necessitated tax increases and service cuts, the irony of an expanding presidential staff has not been lost on citizens.
Social media commentators have noted that while ordinary Kenyans are being asked to tighten their belts, the government continues to create new positions for political insiders.
Ms. Karoney has yet to provide details about her specific role, reportedly promising to share more information in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Kenyans continue to watch as the President’s office grows in size and expense, despite earlier promises of fiscal restraint.
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has launched a scathing attack on Nairobi County’s digital development approval system, claiming it has been “purposely made to fail” to facilitate corruption and bribery.
In a strongly-worded statement released yesterday, the engineering body alleges that Governor Johnson Sakaja’s much-touted Nairobi Planning & Development Management System (NPDMS) has become a tool for extracting millions from developers and engineers.
The IEK, representing over 12,000 engineers nationwide, claims that despite the establishment of the online platform, development applications face deliberate delays unless applicants pay bribes or make physical visits to county offices.
“The corrupt system is designed to manufacture desperation inducing the need to bribe to get the approvals and save face,” said Eng. Shammah Kiteme, President of IEK, in the statement.
According to engineers who spoke on condition of anonymity, approvals that should take weeks are deliberately stretched to as long as a year, forcing desperate professionals to pay bribes to move their projects forward.
“Our clients think engineers are incompetent and the credibility dent is a career threat to our members,” the IEK statement reads, highlighting how the situation is damaging the professional reputation of engineers.
The engineering body outlined specific failings of the digital system that they claim are not accidental but deliberately engineered to defeat the purpose of digitalization:
– Delayed or missing payment confirmations
– Unclear workflows and feedback channels
– Excessive manual interventions despite digital submissions
– Lack of integration with other key institutions
The IEK statement comes at a critical time when Nairobi is experiencing a construction boom, with ambitious infrastructure projects planned across the city. Engineers warn that corruption in the approval process not only slows development but potentially compromises public safety by allowing substandard projects to proceed through bribery.
The situation has reached a crisis point where the IEK is calling for intervention from multiple oversight agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
They’ve demanded a thorough audit of the approval process and accountability for those involved in corruption.
When contacted, Nairobi County officials declined to comment directly on the allegations but stated that they are “continuously working to improve service delivery across all departments.”
Urban planning experts note that inefficiencies in the development approval process have wider economic implications, driving up the cost of construction and housing in a city already struggling with affordability issues.
“Every day of delay costs developers money through financing charges, delayed returns, and inflation of construction materials,” said Dr. Jane Muthoni, an urban planning specialist. “These costs are ultimately passed on to Nairobi residents.”
The IEK has offered to work with the county to create a truly transparent and efficient approval system, emphasizing that public interest must be placed above individual gain.
As pressure mounts on Governor Sakaja’s administration to address these allegations, questions remain about how deeply the corruption extends within the county government and whether the digital system was compromised from its inception.
In a shocking development that threatens to devastate Niger’s already fragile economy, the military junta that seized power in July 2023 has turned to one of Africa’s most notorious financial criminals to manage the country’s precious mineral resources.
Kamlesh Pattni, the architect of Kenya’s catastrophic Goldenberg scandal that siphoned away nearly 10% of the nation’s GDP in the 1990s, has now descended on Niger with promises of “unlocking mineral wealth” for the sanctions-hit West African nation.
Images recently surfaced showing Pattni—who has been sanctioned by both the US and UK for alleged gold smuggling and money laundering—signing a minerals deal with Niger’s military government.
Pattni Inks deal with Niger military government.
The agreement puts Pattni in position to control the country’s uranium and gold exports, despite his history of massive financial crimes.
“It is a structural revolution because, from now on, Niger’s gold will no longer just be extracted, it will be processed here for the benefit of Nigeriens,” declared Col. Ousmane Abarchi, Niger’s minister in charge of minerals, seemingly oblivious to Pattni’s destructive history.
A PATTERN OF PREDATION
Security experts familiar with Pattni’s operations describe a chilling pattern: identify vulnerable nations in crisis, exploit their desperation, and vanish with billions in stolen wealth. The FBI reportedly describes him as a “virus that infects economies and mutates to survive.”
The scheme exploited government export compensation schemes with non-existent gold and diamond exports, ultimately stealing an estimated 158 billion Kenyan shillings (then $1.5 billion)—funds that fueled hyperinflation and economic collapse.
The Justice Samuel Bosire Commission that investigated the scandal branded Pattni “a thief and a cheat.”
Yet, he escaped serious punishment and continued his operations in Zimbabwe, where he allegedly orchestrated another gold smuggling operation under the guise of religious exports.
THE DESPERATION EQUATION
Niger’s military rulers, desperate to circumvent sanctions imposed by ECOWAS and Western powers, appear to be following the same self-destructive path as previous Pattni victims.
“The junta is part of a textbook Pattni operation,” said a West African financial intelligence source.
“When governments find themselves isolated and desperate for funds, Pattni appears with promises of quick riches—but his only true skill is extraction of wealth for himself.”
The similarities to Kenya’s situation in 1992 are striking.
Then, President Daniel arap Moi faced intense pressure as Kenya transitioned to multi-party democracy.
Needing funds to maintain power, Moi’s government embraced Pattni’s schemes—with devastating consequences for ordinary Kenyans.
INTERNATIONAL FUGITIVE
While Niger’s junta celebrates their new partnership, international law enforcement agencies tell a different story.
Pattni remains under Interpol’s red notice as a “high-risk financial operative” with substantial hidden assets in the UAE and Switzerland.
Both the FBI and British authorities list him as a fugitive wanted for fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigations’ 2024 transnational crime alert specifically warns that Pattni’s operations “exploit vulnerable states for personal gain.”
COUNTDOWN TO CATASTROPHE?
For Niger, the consequences could be catastrophic. Minerals represent the country’s most valuable resources, particularly its uranium deposits, which are among the world’s largest.
“Niger’s junta has essentially handed the keys to their treasury to a man who has repeatedly proven he will steal everything not bolted down—and then come back with tools for the rest,” said an international financial crimes expert who has tracked Pattni’s operations.
As Pattni positions himself as a “financial consultant” to help the sanctions-hit nation, history suggests the only person likely to be enriched is Pattni himself.
For a country already facing insurgencies and international isolation, the economic devastation that follows could push Niger to the breaking point.
With Western powers and ECOWAS watching closely, Niger’s deal with a known financial predator may have sealed its economic fate before the ink on the agreement has even dried.
In a dramatic escalation of what began as salacious rumors, Homa Bay County Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga now faces serious legal action regarding the dismissal and mysterious whereabouts of her former Chief of Staff, Charles Odhiambo.
According to documents obtained by Kenya Insights, Seko Minayo & Company Advocates LLP has filed a formal request for information under Article 35 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Access to Information Act on behalf of former UDA strategist Hon. Kennedy Ondiek.
The legal demand comes after Odhiambo was abruptly dismissed on March 28, 2025, followed by a controversial reassignment of his duties to Hon. Roselynn Omollah, CECM for Governance, Administration, Communication, and Devolution.
Mysterious Disappearance Fuels Speculation
The demand letter, dated April 22, 2025, pointedly requests “the current status and whereabouts of Mr. Charles Odhiambo,” suggesting that the former Chief of Staff’s location is currently unknown.
This development has intensified earlier rumors that circulated in March claiming Odhiambo had been allegedly attacked and hospitalized.
Those claims, which the Governor had previously dismissed as “politically motivated propaganda” suggested that the Governor’s husband had orchestrated an assault on Odhiambo over suspicions of an inappropriate relationship between the Governor and her Chief of Staff.
Constitutional Violations Alleged
The law firm argues that Odhiambo’s dismissal and subsequent reassignment of duties “exceeds the constitutional and statutory powers of the County Secretary under Sections 44 and 45 of the County Governments Act, 2012.”
The firm further contend that these actions have “created a cloud of uncertainty and administrative instability within the County Executive.”
In the termination letter signed by Governor Wanga herself, she cited “gross misconduct, unethical conduct and/or insubordination” as grounds for dismissal, claiming Odhiambo’s actions had “brought disrepute and dishonour not only to your office, but most regrettably to the County Government of Homa Bay.”
Seven-Day Ultimatum
The legal team has given Governor Wanga seven days to provide detailed information on:
– Odhiambo’s current status and whereabouts
– Specific reasons for his dismissal
– Whether due process was followed
– Compliance with county employment policies
– Authentication of the dismissal letter
– Legality of reassigning Chief of Staff duties
– Measures to ensure continuity and stability
Failure to respond adequately could result in legal proceedings “at your risk as to costs and other consequences ensuing therefrom,” the letter warns.
From Radio Personality to Political Controversy
Sources indicate that Odhiambo, a former presenter at Ramogi Radio under Royal Media Services, was personally recruited by Governor Wanga to serve as her Chief of Staff.
His sudden dismissal and subsequent disappearance from public view have fueled intense speculation throughout the county.
When contacted, the Governor’s office declined to comment on “ongoing legal matters,” but an insider speaking on condition of anonymity described the situation as “politically motivated character assassination designed to undermine the first female governor of Homa Bay County.”
The affair has left county residents divided, with some questioning the administration’s transparency and others defending the Governor against what they see as gendered attacks on female leadership.
As the seven-day deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the Governor’s office, with many wondering whether this will merely add another chapter to Kenya’s rich political drama or signal a genuine constitutional crisis for Homa Bay County.
Employees at Kessbet Kenya, a company operating from Daykio Plaza in Nairobi, are allegedly enduring severe labor violations including excessive work hours, unsafe conditions, and harassment, according to multiple sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Workers claim they are required to work 11-hour shifts six days a week while receiving a basic salary of Ksh 18,000, reportedly lower than contractually promised. They must reportedly convince at least 170 clients daily to make Ksh 49 deposits or face consequences.
“Missing targets means facing constant harassment and threats,” said one former employee who recently left the company. “The workplace has become unbearable, especially for women.”
Multiple sources described a particularly troubling environment for female employees, with allegations that a male supervisor frequently harasses women who reject his advances.
Workers who speak out about these conditions are allegedly terminated without due process.
Health and safety concerns are also significant, with over 100 employees reportedly crowded into a single poorly-ventilated room at Daykio Plaza.
Sources described inadequate and unsanitary toilet facilities and no proper areas for washing dishes, raising concerns about disease transmission.
“We’re packed like sardines with barely enough space to breathe,” another current employee stated. “With diseases like TB still around, we worry about our health every day.”
The difficult conditions have allegedly driven some desperate employees to request money directly from customers.
Meanwhile, customers are reportedly misled about bonuses and unable to withdraw their deposits once made.
When contacted, Kessbet Kenya management did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has been alerted to the situation, though no official investigation has been announced.
Labor rights advocates are calling for immediate inspection of the premises and a thorough review of the company’s employment practices.
Senior Official of NILEPET Accused of Embezzlement Amid Company’s Financial Crisis
South Sudan’s national oil company, NILEPET, is facing serious allegations of financial mismanagement while employees reportedly go unpaid for months, according to information received by this publication.
Sources familiar with the situation claim that the company’s current director, Eng. Ayuel Ngor Ayuel Kacgor, is at the center of allegations involving the misappropriation of company funds while the state-owned enterprise struggles to meet its payroll obligations.
According to multiple sources who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, NILEPET staff have not received their salaries for approximately four months, creating significant hardship for employees and their families.
The allegations come at a critical time for South Sudan’s oil sector, which accounts for nearly all of the country’s export revenue and is vital to its struggling economy.
Property Acquisitions Raise Questions
The most serious allegations involve claims of unexplained wealth, including the reported purchase of high-value real estate in Nairobi, Kenya.
Sources allege that a property worth approximately $2 million USD was recently acquired in Karen, an affluent suburb of Nairobi, allegedly linked to the NILEPET official but registered under a family member’s name.
This publication has not independently verified these property claims, and efforts to reach Eng. Kacgor for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication.
South Sudan’s Oil Industry Challenges
NILEPET (Nile Petroleum Corporation) was established as South Sudan’s national oil company following the country’s independence in 2011. The company holds significant stakes in various oil exploration and production ventures alongside international partners.
South Sudan’s petroleum sector has faced numerous challenges since independence, including civil conflict, fluctuating global oil prices, and governance issues. Oil production, which peaked at around 350,000 barrels per day before South Sudan’s independence, has significantly decreased due to conflict and infrastructure challenges.
Economic experts have long expressed concerns about transparency and accountability in South Sudan’s oil sector, with several international organizations calling for stronger governance frameworks.
Regional Pattern of Investment
The allegations, if substantiated, would follow what anti-corruption advocates describe as a concerning pattern of public officials from several East African nations investing questionable funds in real estate in neighboring countries, particularly in Kenya’s capital.
Kenya’s Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) has in recent years stepped up efforts to investigate suspicious property acquisitions by foreign nationals, particularly those holding public office in their home countries.
Kenya Insights will continue to investigate these allegations and has reached out to Kenya’s Assets Recovery Agency and South Sudan government officials for comment.
Financial transparency experts emphasize that addressing corruption in natural resource management is critical for South Sudan’s development and the wellbeing of its citizens.
