Chief Justice Martha Koome is embroiled in fresh controversy after lawyer Nelson Havi filed a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) seeking her removal from office over alleged misconduct in the assignment of judges to hear a case involving herself and other Supreme Court justices.
The complaint, filed last Friday, accuses Koome of improperly selecting High Court judges with relatively limited experience to determine a case in which she is personally involved as a petitioner against the JSC.
According to Havi, a former president of the Law Society of Kenya, the Chief Justice breached judicial protocol by assigning Justices Lawrence Mugambi and Bahati Mwamuye to an expanded three-judge bench tasked with hearing the case.
Both judges were appointed to the High Court relatively recently in 2022 and 2024 respectively raising questions about their appointment to such a complex constitutional matter.
“The gravity and weight of the claim in the petitions by judges of the Supreme Court required an expanded bench of experienced five or seven judges of diverse philosophies and manifesting the face of Kenya, not to forget gender balance,” Havi stated in his 17-page affidavit.
Lawyer Nelson Havi.
Havi further alleged that Justice Koome should have delegated the duty of selecting judges for the case given her direct involvement as a party in the litigation, citing precedent set by former Chief Justice David Maraga who delegated similar responsibilities when faced with a comparable situation in 2021.
The underlying case represents an extraordinary development in Kenya’s judicial history the entire seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice herself, moved to court in February to challenge potential disciplinary proceedings initiated by the JSC.
These proceedings stem from complaints filed last year by Havi and others regarding the Supreme Court’s controversial decision to ban prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi and advocates from his law firm from appearing before the apex court.
In her petition to the High Court, Justice Koome has argued that the potential removal of the entire Supreme Court bench could precipitate a constitutional crisis in Kenya.
In his complaint, Havi also raised concerns about potential ethnic bias, noting that Justice Koome assigned Justice Mugambi to hear the matter despite both being from the same ethnic group and county.
Havi drew parallels to the case of Derek Schofield, a former Kenyan High Court judge who was dismissed as Chief Justice of Gibraltar in the United Kingdom for allegedly instituting judicial review proceedings that he himself presided over.
“The conduct of Ms. Koome is similar in all aspects to that of Justice Schofield before her,” Havi asserted, adding that the High Court lacks jurisdiction to “intervene or inquire into proprietary of hiring or removal of a Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice.”
The JSC is now expected to consider and make a determination on Havi’s complaint.
If found to have merit, it could potentially lead to formal proceedings for the removal of the Chief Justice under Article 168 of the Kenyan Constitution.
This development comes as the latest twist in an ongoing power struggle between the JSC and the Supreme Court that has created significant tension within Kenya’s judicial system over the past several months.
Armed police officers raided Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale on Monday morning, prompting drama at the residence.
The officers were backing Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers from Nairobi who had arrived for a search.
Sources said they were armed with a warrant and wanted to search the house and interrogate Natembeya.
Armed police stay guard outside Natembeya’s home.
A crowd gathered outside the compound, prompting police to disperse them.
The raid came a day after a number of opposition leaders said they were aware of plans to arrest Natembeya.
Natembeya has been a top critic of the government, which many see as the motive behind the raid.
Details of the EACC probe were scanty, but officials said he is under investigation.
DAP-K party had earlier posted a message on its social media about the incident.
The party said they were aware of the planned raid.
“A heavy contingent of police officers in plain clothes, well-masked, have gained access to Governor George Natembeya’s Milimani home in Kitale. Such Moi tactics won’t work in current times. Stop using security apparatus to settle political scores,” the party stated.
It added that the weaponisation of independent offices to frustrate and humiliate those with alternative political stands shall be met with full resistance by the people.
“The plans to arrest DPL Governor George Natembeya over his people-centric stance under TAWE shall not be allowed,” the post added.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reportedly gone into hiding as police intensify their search for him in what government officials describe as a crackdown on incitement to violence, while opposition figures condemn the move as political intimidation.
According to sources close to the matter, Gachagua evaded a police dragnet in Murang’a County on Sunday evening before making his way to his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri. Law enforcement officers have since laid siege to both his Nyeri and Karen residences in Nairobi.
“To all media houses, kindly be informed that the DCI has taken hostage of all HE Rigathi Gachagua’s homes both at Karen and at Wamunyoro. They are currently man hunting him. We are yet to be informed of the reasons,” said Ndegwa Njiru, one of Gachagua’s lawyers.
The manhunt follows a series of stern warnings from top government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who have accused the former deputy president of making inflammatory statements that could destabilize the country.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
“We will put you in jail, and there’s nothing you’ll do about it,” Murkomen declared during a public event in Nandi County over the weekend. “We won’t allow anyone to burn it (the country) down.”
Deputy President Kindiki echoed these sentiments, comparing leaders who fan violent rhetoric to Al-Shabaab terrorists.
“Our country is not at risk of experiencing pre- or post-election violence similar to that witnessed in 2007/08. Those prophesying such occurrences are the real enemies of Kenyans and should be rejected at all costs,” said Kindiki during an interdenominational church service in Teso North.
Controversial statements
The confrontation stems from recent comments made by Gachagua regarding the 2027 general elections.
The former deputy president, who was impeached last October after serving for two years in the role, allegedly warned that Kenya could experience violence worse than the 2007/08 post-election crisis if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) mishandles the upcoming polls.
“If the IEBC tries to mess with the 2027 election there will be no country here, 2007 will look like a Christmas Party,” Gachagua reportedly stated in a recent media interview.
The 2007/08 post-election violence left more than 1,000 people dead and thousands displaced from their homes, marking one of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s political history.
In response to the threats of arrest, Gachagua has defended his statements, insisting that he was not inciting violence but merely warning about potential consequences.
“I did not order anyone to arms. I abhor violence and instability. I am only warning IEBC that our politics are fluid. It is my civic duty to caution. The situation we are in now won’t stomach electoral monkey business in 2027,” Gachagua said on Sunday.
The former deputy president further accused the current administration of hypocrisy, claiming that it is the government that has been “on a spree of unleashing goons in burials, weddings, worship centers.”
He specifically pointed to recent disruptions during the launch of his new political party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the government’s actions against Gachagua, terming them as intimidation.
“This intimidation of the Opposition must stop. Mr. Ruto, if you want to arrest Deputy President @rigathi, do it the right way; follow the law. We are prepared to produce DP Gachagua before the @DCI_Kenya. Please stop abducting Kenyans and their leaders. Abductions are primitive and cowardly,” Musyoka stated.
The confrontation highlights the growing political tensions in Kenya as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Gachagua, who recently launched his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has positioned himself as a key opposition figure against President William Ruto’s administration, his former ally.
Government officials maintain that their actions are aimed at preventing incitement and preserving peace, while opposition figures view the moves as attempts to suppress political dissent.
As the manhunt continues, the political landscape remains tense, with both sides digging in on their positions.
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — In a dramatic escalation of tensions surrounding the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and two prominent activists were detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport upon their arrival in Dar es Salaam.
The incident occurred as armed men simultaneously raided the hotel room of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi in the city.
Mutunga, accompanied by activists Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, had traveled to observe Lissu’s treason trial, which stems from the opposition leader’s calls for electoral reforms ahead of Tanzania’s October 2025 general elections.
The trial, scheduled to begin Monday, carries potential death penalty charges.
“We have been detained at Julius Nyerere Airport, and they have not given us any reasons for this action,” a representative of Mutunga stated via social media shortly after the detention.
The former Chief Justice, a respected figure in East African legal circles, was part of a solidarity mission with Tanzanian lawyers and human rights defenders.
Their detention without explanation has raised serious concerns about the fairness of Lissu’s trial and Tanzania’s political climate.
This incident follows the deportation of Martha Karua, a leading Kenyan lawyer, former Justice Minister, and potential 2027 presidential candidate, earlier on Sunday.
Karua, who had intended to observe Lissu’s trial, was detained for three hours at Dar es Salaam airport before being put on a flight back to Nairobi. She had previously been allowed entry in April, highlighting what critics describe as inconsistent and selective treatment of international observers.
“We were detained for no offense, for merely seeking to go and stand in solidarity and to observe the trial of Tundu Lissu,” Karua stated upon her return to Nairobi airport on Sunday.
Lissu’s party, CHADEMA, has been disqualified from the upcoming presidential and legislative elections scheduled for October. The party reportedly refused to sign an electoral code of conduct, having demanded electoral reforms and accused President Hassan of returning to the repressive tactics of past rulers.
Karua’s People’s Liberation Party denounced her treatment in a statement, calling it “not only an affront to their personal dignity and fundamental freedoms but also a blatant violation of the principles of the East African Community (EAC), of which both Kenya and Tanzania are founding members.”
Human rights organizations have responded swiftly to these developments.
“The arbitrary detention of high-profile figures like Mutunga and the intimidation of activists like Mwangi are deeply worrying signs of the deteriorating situation in Tanzania,” said Sarah Jackson, Deputy Regional Director for East Africa at Amnesty International. The organization has called on Tanzanian authorities to respect human rights and halt what they describe as a crackdown on civic space.
These events unfold against a backdrop of growing political tension in Tanzania.
Recent reports indicate that over 100 members of CHADEMA, Tanzania’s main opposition party, were arrested in the Iringa region alone as part of what critics view as a broader strategy to suppress dissent ahead of the elections.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has faced accusations of intensifying restrictions on political opposition—claims the government denies.
The detention of Mutunga and his colleagues, coupled with the raid on Mwangi’s hotel, has raised concerns about cross-border political interference and the safety of activists throughout the East African Community.
As Lissu’s trial proceeds, international observers remain vigilant, advocating for transparency and fairness in Tanzania’s judicial process.
The detention of prominent legal figures and intimidation of activists highlight concerns about democracy and human rights in the region, prompting renewed calls for accountability and respect for the rule of law.
After many months in play, the Serie A is coming to an end. There has been a lot of excitement on the pitch during this competition, especially in the recently concluded Napoli and Empoli match. This article will offer more insight into that game and introduce soccer enthusiasts in Kenya to Linebet, the best platform for wagering on sports.
Betting on the Serie A in Kenya
Serie A is the highest level of Italian football and the playground for top clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan. In the current season, defending champions Inter Milan sit at the top of the Serie A table with 71 points. Following them closely is Napoli with 71 points. In third and fourth place are Atalanta and Bologna, with 64 and 60 points, respectively. The three clubs in the relegation zone are Monza, Empoli, and Venezia.
Football fans in Kenya can place their stakes on this Italian tournament using Linebet. To use our services, you must open an account with us and this is an easy process. After that, log into your account and fund it. Afterward you can visit the sports section, select this league, and place your wagers on any event. If you want to bet from your phone, you can download the Linebet app to your device.
Napoli vs. Empoli match
These two teams clashed on April 14, with Napoli seeking league title points, while Empoli wanted out of the relegation zone. In terms of gameplay, Napoli favors stability and tactical organization, while Empoli focuses on game control and defensive play.
Coming down to the last five matches in the league, Empoli doesn’t have a single win, while Napoli has won three matches. In the end, the Serie A predictions were stacked in the favor of Napoli, and for good reason, as they triumphed 3-0.
Advantages of using the Linebet betting platform
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Political tensions escalated in Kenya today as former Vice President and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned what he termed “intimidation of the Opposition,” amid reports that security forces are pursuing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Musyoka in his post on X has directly addressed President William Ruto, “this intimidation of the Opposition must stop. Mr Ruto, if you want to arrest Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, do it the right way; follow the law.”
Musyoka further stated that opposition leaders are “prepared to produce DP Gachagua before the police,” while condemning what he described as abductions.
“Please stop abducting Kenyans and their leaders. Abductions are primitive and cowardly,” he wrote.
DPC party leader also confirmed the incident claiming the police occupied his homes.
The development comes as lawyer Moses Tula Chelanga questioned the tactics reportedly being employed by authorities.
“Riggy G has known address, offices and business establishments. Grounded and politically exposed people like him are rarely a flight risk,” Chelanga noted on X.
“Why deploy lots of resources to hunt him…just summon him to DCI. These Uhuru regime tactics shouldn’t spill over…”
His lawyer claim security agencies have surrounded Gachagua’s residences in Karen and Wamunyoro in Nyeri.
The former deputy president, who was impeached in October 2024, has recently increased his political activities, including launching the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) on May 15, positioning himself as a vocal government critic.
Gachagua’s lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has reportedly expressed concern about his client’s safety.
The whereabouts of Gachagua is unknown as of the time of publication.
The DCI and National Police Service had not issued official statements regarding any operation targeting the former deputy president as of press time.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to political leaders engaging in incitement and violence, declaring that no one is “untouchable” regardless of their political stature or former government positions.
The warning comes just days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made controversial statements regarding the 2027 elections, suggesting potential violence if the IEBC “forces” President William Ruto on Kenyans.
Speaking at Nuru Africa Inland Church in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County on Sunday, CS Murkomen directed county security teams to crack down on politicians who engage in “goonism, violence and ethnic division.”
“We are committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure nation for all and will not be threatened by anyone thinking we will spare them because of their position,” Murkomen stated.
“Under my watch, we will not condone anyone who seeks to burn down our nation. We will do everything under the sun to keep our country safe.”
While not mentioning Gachagua by name, Murkomen’s comments appear to address recent statements from political figures who have made threatening remarks about Kenya’s political stability.
“There are those threatening our peace, thinking they are untouchable, thinking they are above the law because of their former senior positions in government,” the Interior CS said, in what observers view as a veiled reference to the former Deputy President.
Gachagua’s warning
Rigathi Gachagua.
Just two days earlier, on Friday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned the incoming Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners about the 2027 general elections during an interview at his Wamunyoro home.
“I want to implore those commissioners to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work, and the people of Kenya will not accept it,” Gachagua said.
In a statement that has raised concerns about potential instability, Gachagua added, “the mood in the country is that if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there would be no country here; 2007 would look like a Christmas party.”
The former Deputy President, who recently launched his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), also spoke about the “Gen Z wave” as an “unstoppable movement” that would ensure Ruto becomes a one-term president.
President’s call
Ruto during the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed new Narok International Airport.
President William Ruto has urged his opponents to focus on delivering their promises to Kenyans rather than engaging in early politicking.
During a development tour at the coast on Friday, the President stated, “When the time for campaigns begins, all of you will determine because you are the masters of voting.
People shall be voted in or out based on the work they have done for you and not the number of insults spewed.”
As political tensions appear to rise well ahead of the 2027 elections, the government has made it clear that it will not tolerate politically instigated violence or ethnic incitement, regardless of who is behind it.
Police officers and Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) officials raided and shut down a container freight station linked to former Baringo Senator and KANU Chairman Gideon Moi on Friday, alleging illegal occupation of railway land.
Kencont Container Freight Station (CFS), a subsidiary of the Siginon Group associated with the son of former President Daniel arap Moi, remained under heavy police guard and private security as of Sunday, following the sudden operation that halted all business activities at the facility.
According to Eva Odongo, Kencont’s legal officer, the raid was conducted without prior notice, with authorities forcefully entering the premises on claims that the land was illegally acquired.
“They had no proof to support their malicious allegations,” Odongo stated.
“The truth of the matter is that the land occupied by Kencont CFS is leased from landlords. Kencont CFS are tenants. Our landlords have genuine title deeds with up-to-date payments.”
The freight station, which has operated since receiving its license in 2002, houses various government agencies involved in cargo clearance, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), customs officials, and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) representatives.
Kenya Railway Corporation Officers outside the Kencont Container Freight Station (CFS) Premises in Mombasa, which was raided by KRC and Police Officers. The company linked to Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi.
Kencont CFS is part of the larger Siginon Group, a logistics empire that handles global logistics, ground handling, air cargo operations, and container freight services.
According to previous reports by the Daily Nation, the company is among several high-value assets, including the Standard Group media house and several educational institutions, that former President Moi transferred to his son Gideon before his death.
The company has condemned what it termed a “heinous incident” with potentially severe consequences, including job losses for numerous Kenyans employed at the facility.
“We strongly detest the harassment and intimidation by the Kenya Railways Corporation and the police,” Odongo added, calling for quick resolution of the matter. “Our operations are and have always been above board.”
A senior Mombasa police officer confirmed the raid but indicated that the operation was entirely under the command of Kenya Railways Police. Attempts to reach Gideon Moi for comment were unsuccessful as his known phone numbers were unreachable.
The confrontation comes amid increasing scrutiny of land ownership in Kenya, particularly properties near strategic infrastructure such as railways.
The government has recently intensified efforts to reclaim allegedly grabbed public lands, targeting properties owned by politically connected individuals.
As the standoff continues, the freight station remains non-operational, potentially disrupting supply chains for importers who depend on the facility for cargo clearance.
Newly appointed Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, has sparked controversy just weeks into his role after erecting a billboard celebrating his own appointment.
The billboard, which publicly thanks President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, has drawn fierce criticism on social media platforms for what many describe as self-promotion at the taxpayer’s expense.
The controversial billboard, prominently featured on Jacobs’ official Facebook page, displays the message, “Congratulations Fikirini Jacobs for your appointment as Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy. Thank you H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. Raila Odinga for the appointment.”
Jacobs captioned the accompanying video, “Many thanks my dear comrades of the Ruthless Focus. This is for God and Country!”
The public response has been swift and largely negative, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where users condemned the display as inappropriate and wasteful.
“Welcome to Kenya, where politicians erect ‘thank you billboards’ after being appointed,” wrote @DukeOfOthaya, capturing the sentiment of many critics.
User @SirJamesKE called the billboard “absolutely diabolical and a slap on the face of young people,” arguing that it undermines Jacobs’ opportunity to demonstrate effective youth leadership.
Questions about the funding source for the billboard have also emerged. @WatuSaba suggested, “You’ll be surprised that public money was used to put it up,” while @HChiruka criticized the expenditure, stating, “Spending money on a billboard to pass a message that can be done through a text or a lunch meeting at most is diabolical.”
The controversy reflects growing public intolerance for perceived extravagance by government officials during challenging economic times.
A recent commentary by @KenyaWatchdog noted, “Kenyans are tired of leaders who prioritize personal branding over service delivery. Public funds must be scrutinized.”
Reaction has been more favorable on Facebook, however, where supporters have praised Jacobs’ achievement.
“You have inspired us as youths. One can become anything, so long as one puts their trust in the Lord and works hard,” commented Mwarogo Chidari.
Another supporter, Alice Masudi, added, “Comrade, you have a bright future… keep the focus.”
Jacobs brings significant credentials to his new role. Before his appointment, he served as a county executive for youth development and chaired the National Youth Council.
His career has been marked by advocacy for youth inclusion in governance and skillful navigation between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The controversy emerges as the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy faces mounting pressure to create jobs and economic opportunities for Kenya’s youth, who constitute over 35% of the population.
Critics argue that Jacobs’ billboard detracts from these urgent priorities.
“We need PS Jacobs to focus on policies that empower young entrepreneurs, not billboards that glorify appointments,” posted @YouthKE, encapsulating widespread sentiment.
The PS has pulled down the controversial post but yet to address the criticism.
The incident raises important questions about the appropriate use of resources and the standards to which Kenya’s youth leaders are held.
Meanwhile, the billboard continues to draw scrutiny, testing public confidence in a leader charged with advancing the interests of Kenya’s younger generation.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has suspended the construction of a controversial eco-camp facility in Ngong Road Forest’s Sanctuary block pending further consultations with stakeholders.
This decision follows concerns raised by environmental groups about potential forest encroachment.
According to a press statement released on May 17, 2025, KFS has halted all activities related to the development of the bush eco-camp, which had been described as a “posh camping facility” in earlier reports.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) had demanded immediate answers from KFS regarding the development, asking for the developer’s identity, details of the approval process, and a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
In its response, KFS defended the initial approval, stating that the facility was being constructed in a designated ecotourism zone according to the Ngong Road Forest green master plan.
The service emphasized that the site is a natural glade—an opening within the forest containing only bushes and grass—and that no trees have been cleared for the project.
“The project to develop a bush eco-camp was approved procedurally, having been assessed, and no extreme negative environmental impacts were identified,” KFS stated.
However, KFS also suggested that the controversy may have been instigated by a member of the Ngong Road Forest Association who was previously denied permission to construct a Green Kids Museum Project on the same site.
According to KFS, this individual collaborated with members of “a known Civil Society” to spread misinformation about the eco-camp.
This isn’t the first development controversy in Ngong Forest.
Just months earlier, KFS and NEMA suspended licenses for a planned golf course and restaurant in the same forest following public outcry.
Then Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed a fresh review of the entire process.
To address the current situation, KFS announced it will convene a roundtable discussion with all stakeholders to address concerns about the eco-camp development.
The Ngong Road Forest is co-managed by KFS and the Ngong Road Forest Association under Kenya’s Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, which provides for certain non-extractive uses of natural forests through Special Use Licenses.
Iran’s Supreme Court has confirmed the death sentence against popular pop singer Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, known by his stage name Tataloo, on charges of blasphemy, according to a judiciary spokesman on Saturday.
Tataloo, who was extradited from Turkey to Iran in December 2023, was originally sentenced to five years in prison by Tehran’s Criminal Court for blasphemy. However, the Supreme Court later overturned this verdict, referring the case to another court, which imposed the death penalty.
Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said the ruling “has now been confirmed and is ready for execution.” He also noted that the singer’s lawyer has submitted two requests—a retrial and a plea for clemency—that are currently under formal review, with a decision expected in due course.
Tataloo was also handed a 10-year prison sentence for “promoting corruption and prostitution” and spreading “propaganda” against the Islamic Republic, charges for which he is currently serving time.
Known for his heavily tattooed appearance and outspoken style, the singer has been a controversial figure in Iran’s music scene. Despite his clashes with authorities, he had received support from conservative politicians, including the late president Ebrahim Raisi, who sought to connect with younger Iranians. In 2015, under then-President Hassan Rouhani, Tataloo released a pro-nuclear deal anthem that was promoted by state media.
Before his arrest and extradition, Tataloo had been living in Istanbul since 2018.
A 44-year-old Kenyan businessman faces possible life imprisonment in the United States following his arrest in Morocco over allegations of facilitating arms trafficking for one of Mexico’s most dangerous drug cartels.
Elisha Odhiambo Asumo was apprehended on April 8, 2025, in his Marrakesh hotel room after Moroccan authorities received an urgent Interpol “wanted man” diffusion document from the US government just a day earlier.
US authorities have connected Asumo to the notorious Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which was designated as a terrorist organization by President Donald Trump in February.
The US intends to prosecute Asumo on two grave charges “conspiracy to aid and abet unlawful importation of narcotics” and “conspiracy to aid and abet possession of firearms in furtherance of drug importation conspiracy.”
Each charge carries a potential life sentence if proven.
US authorities allege that between September 2022 and December 2024, Asumo “conspired with others to provide firearms, including machineguns and destructive devices, to Mexico-based drug cartels for the purpose of protecting cocaine shipments into the US.”
Asumo allegedly created fraudulent end-user certificates (EUCs) to facilitate weapons purchases from Bulgaria destined for the Mexican cartel.
An EUC is a document provided by an arms purchaser to a seller, affirming that weapons purchased are for the buyer’s sole use and not intended for transfer to another party.
In October 2022, Asumo reportedly received $5,000 after preparing a fraudulent EUC supposedly from Tanzania that was used to facilitate a “test” shipment of 50 AK-47 rifles intended for the CJNG cartel.
Multinational operations
The investigation uncovered that Asumo participated in meetings with cartel representatives, including one in South Africa on March 27, 2023, where discussions centered on establishing a weapons business in Central America and using East Africa as a transshipment point for cocaine.
Following the success of the initial “test” shipment, Asumo and his co-conspirators allegedly began coordinating a massive arms deal valued at over 104 million Euros, which included AK-47M rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, anti-personnel mines, sniper rifles, anti-tank weapons, an anti-aircraft weapons system, ammunition, and several drones.
US authorities intercepted the initial shipment of 50 AK-47 rifles in Greece in July 2024, though Asumo and his associates were reportedly unaware of the seizure and continued planning the larger operation.
At the time of his arrest, Asumo had in his possession an iPhone and various currencies totaling 70 UAE dirhams, 32 US dollars, and 20 Swiss francs.
Police also found four ATM cards in his wallet, including two from a Kenyan bank and another from a Kenyan microfinance institution.
Kenyan honorary consul to Morocco, Ali Bajaber, was promptly informed of the arrest.
Asumo did not oppose extradition to the United States, where he will face trial in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Gikomba traders are counting their losses once again after an early morning fire razed their stalls destroying property worth millions of shillings.
According to witnesses, the fire began at around 3.00am and quickly spread through the footwear section adjacent to Lamu Road in Pumwani, Majengo.
Videos circulating on social media show fierce flames engulfing stalls, sending thick yellow smoke into the air as goods worth millions went up in flames.
Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan confirmed the incident, stating that county firefighters and local volunteers responded swiftly to combat the fire.
“We appreciate the quick action by emergency services, but we must address the root causes of these recurring fires,” he stated.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but the frequency of such incidents has raised suspicion and frustration among traders.
Hassan confirmed that firefighters, with the support of local volunteers, worked to contain the flames.
“A massive fire erupted in the footwear section of Gikomba Market, adjacent to Lamu Road in Majengo in Pumwani at around 3am. The county fire engine has arrived, and firefighters and local volunteers are battling to squash the inferno,” Yusuf said.
Police said there were no casualties or injuries directly caused by the incident.
This is not the first time the popular market has gone up in flames.
The congested layout and persistent fire hazards have made the area highly susceptible to such disasters.
The most recent incident occurred on April 1 when yet another fire broke out at approximately 3:00 am in the Kwa Mbao section of the market.
The blaze devastated the entire area and spread to the nearby bus station.
Traders who lost their stock in the fire suspected that faulty electrical wiring may have been the cause.
The April blaze occurred exactly a month after a similar incident on March 1, also in Kwa Mbao area.
Traders have frequently alleged that the fires are intentionally started by rivals seeking to eliminate competition.
On April 9, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directed the police and other investigative agencies to look into the recurring market fires in hotspots such as Gikomba and Toi Market.
“The government has instructed relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the frequent infernos in markets within Nairobi City County, including Gikomba and Toi Market, and to provide comprehensive, long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences,” read a statement from the Deputy President’s office.
NAIROBI, Kenya — A viral moment on Saturday, when Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano posted photos of herself in yoga pants during a fitness event, inadvertently highlighted a growing tourism rivalry in East Africa.
Kenyan social media erupted with mixed reactions.
Amidst the incident, comparisons were drawn to Rwanda’s successful tourism campaigns, showcasing impeccably dressed officials like State Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
Behind this superficial contrast lies a deeper narrative: Rwanda’s strategic tourism approach is producing remarkable results while Kenya, despite its natural advantages, faces mounting challenges in keeping pace.
Tourism numbers
While Kenya remains East Africa’s traditional tourism powerhouse with projections of 2.5 million visitors in 2024, Rwanda’s premium-focused strategy is yielding impressive returns.
Rwanda’s tourism revenue surged an astonishing 171.3% from USD 164 million in 2021 to USD 620 million in 2023, despite hosting fewer visitors at 1.4 million.
This revenue acceleration outpaces Kenya’s growth rate significantly, even as Kenya generated approximately USD 1.11 billion in the first half of 2024 alone.
“Rwanda has masterfully executed its high-value, low-volume tourism model,” explains tourism analyst Grace Wanjiru.
“While Kenya still attracts more visitors overall, Rwanda’s strategic focus on luxury experiences like gorilla trekking with permits priced at USD 1,500—ensures each visitor contributes substantially more to the economy.”
American tourists to Rwanda spend an average of USD 12,000 per trip, creating a revenue-per-visitor ratio that Kenya struggles to match.
Kenya’s dependence on mass tourism makes it vulnerable to external shocks, as evidenced by recent dips in arrivals during political protests.
Rwanda’s exclusive positioning has insulated it from such fluctuations, creating a more stable tourism economy.
Strategic focus
Rwanda’s tourism success stems from a laser-focused strategy dating back to 2002.
What began as gorilla conservation has evolved into a comprehensive vision encompassing luxury ecotourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Kigali has leapfrogged to become Africa’s second most popular meetings destination, with MICE revenues exploding from a mere USD 15 million in 2008 to USD 132 million in 2019—an increase of nearly 780%.
Kenya’s approach, while broader, lacks the same strategic clarity.
CS Miano’s recent initiatives to attract digital nomads and transit travelers reveal a reactive rather than proactive stance.
The Kenya Tourism Board’s promotion of lesser-known destinations, though commendable, appears more as damage control for overtourism than part of a cohesive long-term vision.
Industry observers say Rwanda operates with Swiss-like precision in executing its tourism blueprint and that Kenya has tremendous potential but suffers from policy inconsistency and implementation challenges that have hampered its competitiveness.
International branding
Rwanda’s global tourism promotion demonstrates remarkable ambition for a small nation.
Its partnerships with premier football clubs like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern München have positioned “Visit Rwanda” as a premium brand in international markets.
These high-profile sponsorships have directly contributed to an 8% increase in tourism numbers, delivering tangible returns on investment.
Kenya’s “Magical Kenya” campaign, while established, has relied on conventional tourism marketing that struggles to differentiate the country from other safari destinations.
The recent Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system implementation has further complicated visitor entry, with tourists reporting frustration over its complexity compared to Rwanda’s streamlined visa processes.
Rwanda’s visa-free access for all Africans sends a powerful message of continental openness, while Kenya’s more restrictive approach undermines its regional leadership position.
Rwanda’s embrace of the East African Community (EAC) tourist visa also demonstrates its commitment to regional integration.
Visitor experience
Rwanda has cultivated an unmatched reputation for cleanliness, safety, and efficiency.
Its pristine streets, zero-tolerance plastic bag policy, and well-maintained infrastructure create a seamless experience for high-end travelers.
The country’s small size allows visitors to experience diverse attractions without lengthy journeys, maximizing vacation time.
“Rwanda feels like Switzerland in Africa—orderly, clean, and precise,” said Emily Carter, an American who visited both countries in 2024 told Travels Digest in a February edition. “Kenya has magnificent wildlife and landscapes, but the experience is often marred by infrastructure gaps, security concerns, and inconsistent service standards.”
Kenya’s tourism offering, while diverse, suffers from uneven quality.
Miano.
World-class safari lodges sit alongside struggling establishments, creating an unpredictable visitor experience.
Human-wildlife conflicts and occasional security incidents further undermine Kenya’s tourism brand, despite the government’s efforts through initiatives like the Tourism Police Unit.
The yoga pants moment
CS Miano’s yoga pants photos inadvertently became symbolic of the contrasting approaches to tourism between the two nations.
While intended to promote wellness tourism, the casual nature of the images stood in stark contrast to the carefully curated appearances of Rwanda’s tourism officials, who project a consistent image of professionalism and sophistication at global events.
“The reaction to Miano’s photos reflects a growing recognition that tourism branding extends beyond natural assets to encompass how a country presents itself to the world,” explained social media analyst Aisha Mwangi.
“Rwanda has built a brand around precision and excellence, while Kenya continues to struggle with defining its unique value proposition beyond its traditional safari and beach offerings.”
Can Kenya close the gap?
As Rwanda continues its ascent in the global tourism hierarchy, Kenya faces critical choices.
Its natural advantages—unparalleled wildlife diversity, beautiful coastlines, and established tourism infrastructure—provide a foundation that Rwanda cannot match.
However, transforming these assets into a competitive modern tourism product requires addressing systemic challenges in service quality, infrastructure, and brand positioning.
For now, Rwanda’s tourism star shines increasingly bright, driven by strategic vision and flawless execution.
The yoga pants episode, while seemingly trivial, exposed deeper truths about each country’s tourism trajectory—Kenya’s struggle to evolve beyond its traditional model, and Rwanda’s emergence as Africa’s premium destination through methodical brand building and unwavering quality standards.
For East African tourism, the competition ultimately benefits the region.
Whether Kenya can recalibrate its approach to match Rwanda’s momentum remains one of the most compelling questions in African tourism development.
Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua was denied entry into Tanzania and detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam on Sunday morning, sparking concerns about freedom of movement within the East African Community (EAC).
Karua documented the incident on social media platform X, reporting that immigration officials referred her passport to a supervisor who kept her waiting for over an hour while consulting higher authorities.
“I am concerned that as a citizen of @jumuiya, my access within @jumuiya country appears inexplicably restricted,” Karua posted early in the morning.
The situation escalated when officials informed Karua’s group that their entry had been denied without explanation.
Two other individuals—Gloria Kimani and Ngugi Lynn—were also detained alongside her. All three were traveling as guests of the East African Law Society.
“The common thread that binds us is that we are all guests of @ealawsociety,” Karua noted in her post, tagging regional legal organizations including the Law Society of Kenya.
The detention has drawn sharp criticism from observers across East Africa.
Several social media users expressed outrage at the treatment of a prominent legal figure, with one calling the incident “very embarrassing” and asserting that “a senior counsel of your caliber should be treated with respect.”
Some speculate the denial may be connected to a scheduled court hearing for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, set for Monday.
Lissu, chairperson of Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema, was charged with treason in April 2025, a case that Karua’s Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network has publicly condemned as politically motivated.
The incident raises questions about Tanzania’s adherence to EAC principles, which guarantee citizens of member states the right to travel freely across borders for visits of up to seven days without additional fees.
As Karua noted in a previous statement regarding Lissu’s arrest, “Tanzania is bound by foundational commitments to uphold the rule of law, democracy, and human dignity” through its membership in multiple regional organizations.
Tanzanian authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
The incident could potentially strain relations between Kenya and Tanzania, two key EAC members, as Tanzania approaches its general elections later this year.
This is a developing story with updates expected as the situation unfolds.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh and scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of amassing massive personal wealth through alleged corruption during his two-year tenure at the helm of government.
Speaking during an interview with Obinna Online TV on Friday night, Gachagua claimed that President Ruto has accumulated a staggering Sh3 to 4 trillion in personal wealth since assuming office in September 2022.
“In my estimation, in the last two years, he (Ruto) must have made between Ksh3 to 4 trillion. He is filthy rich. I think that was his dream. I do not think he cares about this country,” Gachagua said during the explosive interview.
The former deputy president alleged that Ruto’s main concern since taking power has not been leadership or delivering on campaign promises, but self-enrichment.
He accused the Head of State of prioritizing personal gain over the interests of the nation and claimed that public resources were being diverted into secretive and questionable financial schemes.
Housing Levy funds allegedly redirected
Rigathi when he appeared on the Obinna TV Show.
In a shocking allegation, Gachagua claimed that Ruto had acquired a commercial bank and was using it to siphon excess funds from the controversial Housing Fund Levy.
“He has bought a bank where the excess Housing Levy is being channeled to. The bank has taken all government businesses from other banks such as Equity and Co-operative,” he alleged.
While Gachagua did not name the bank in question, his comments suggest a deliberate re-routing of public funds from established financial institutions into a private entity allegedly linked to the President.
The Housing Fund Levy, introduced under the Kenya Kwanza administration, has been the subject of intense public debate, with critics accusing the government of imposing a burdensome tax without clear accountability mechanisms.
Gachagua’s claim that the excess levy is being funneled into a bank controlled by the President is likely to further fuel demands for transparency and accountability.
Betrayal
Despite their former alliance, Gachagua spoke bitterly about his broken relationship with Ruto. He revealed that although they are now politically estranged, he still keeps pictures of the President in his home — a constant reminder, he said, of betrayal.
“I still have his photos in my house. They remind me of betrayal,” he said during the interview, suggesting deep personal hurt over their political fallout.
Gachagua has in recent months been positioning himself as a vocal critic of the Ruto administration. On Thursday, 14 May, he announced the formation of a new political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). The party, which he insists is a grassroots movement rather than a personal vehicle, has reportedly gained significant traction.
“This is a peoples’ party. It is not my party. I will not fund it…I even don’t have the resources to fund it. So far, we have received over Sh100 million as support from different Kenyans,” he disclosed.
The revelation of the party’s fundraising success appears to be an attempt by Gachagua to distance himself from the elite-driven politics he accuses Ruto of embodying. He framed the contributions as a sign of ordinary Kenyans’ desire for change and resistance to what he described as an administration driven by greed and impunity.
A political confrontation has erupted between President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Adviser Moses Kuria and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with Kuria warning Gachagua against starting a political war he “cannot win.”
The exchange began when Gachagua, addressing supporters in Kangema, Murang’a County on Saturday, claimed that Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party was among several political outfits allegedly controlled by President Ruto, whom he referred to as “Kasongo.”
“Kasongo has planned to launch many parties, Moses Kuria’s party is his, that of Kiunjuri is also his, and that of William Kabogo. He is further planning to start two new parties here in Murang’a,” Gachagua told his supporters.
The remarks prompted a swift and stern response from Kuria, who took to social media to defend his party’s independence and remind Gachagua of their political history.
“I formed Chama Cha Kazi in August 2021. We have elected MCAs in several counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyandarua and Embu,” Kuria stated, emphasizing that CCK is a legitimate national outfit with elected officials across multiple counties.
In his pointed rebuke, Kuria recalled how he had attempted to convince Gachagua before the 2022 elections that they should approach Ruto with their own political parties, similar to the strategy employed by Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula, Alfred Mutua, and Amason Kingi.
“You refused and on Live TV you called my party a briefcase party. You said we should trust William Ruto unconditionally,” Kuria wrote, suggesting that Gachagua had undermined him and other CCK candidates during that period.
The tension between the two Mt. Kenya leaders appears to stem from their differing approaches to regional politics, with Kuria accusing Gachagua of trying to “vandalize parties we have nurtured for 4 years when you were blindly in love with William Ruto.”
Kuria concluded his statement with a warning that has now become the talk of political circles: “Do not start a war you cannot win. Focus on your political age mates like Kimani Ichungwa. I am your political senior my friend. Respect your elders.”
The exchange shows growing divisions within the Mt. Kenya political landscape, where various leaders are positioning themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has ordered the immediate closure of Scion Hospital’s maternity ward following allegations of negligence in its maternity services.
In an official statement released Saturday, the regulatory body announced it has “initiated a formal inquiry in line with its regulatory mandate” after being alerted to an incident involving the hospital’s maternity services.
The investigation follows a complaint of medical negligence that reportedly resulted in a stillbirth.
A woman has claimed her daughter died at birth due to staff negligence at the facility.
“As investigations are underway, the maternity ward at Scion Hospital has been ordered closed with immediate effect to ensure patient safety and preserve the integrity of the ongoing review,” the Council stated.
The regulatory body emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of healthcare, stating it “remains committed to upholding the highest standards of medical care and will take all necessary actions based on the outcomes of the investigation.”
KPMDC have not provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation or potential reopening of the maternity services.
Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has reopened the online application system for Revision of Choices for placement of students to universities and colleges for the 2025/2026 Placement Cycle.
KUCCPS said applicants who did not secure a course in the application that ended on April 30, 2025, have been invited to log in again and choose remaining courses as listed on the portal.
Form Four Leavers who attained a mean grade in their respective KCSE examinations but are yet to make an application for placement have also been invited.
To access the portal, visit the KUCCPS website http://kuccps.ac.ke and click the tab Student Portal.
The revision will run from May 18 to May 27, 2025.
In the April announcement for applications, KUCCPS noted that there were 40 public universities, 29 private universities, and one Open University of Kenya available learning institutions to apply.
The group is also eligible for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
A further 263 public colleges were available and eligible for government scholarships and HELB loans, with an additional 141 public colleges (KMTC and colleges in other ministries) and university TVET available for applications.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had announced in February the intention to open the portal in March for students who were seeking university placement for the September 2025 intake.
“In keeping with the annual placement calendar, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) will open the placement portal for the September 2025 university intake in March 2025,” Ogamba said.
KUCCPS was established in 2014 to coordinate the selection of students for enrolment in universities, teacher training colleges, national polytechnics, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutes and other training institutions.
The agency also develops career guidance programs for the benefit of students, collects and retains data relating to student placement to universities and colleges and advises the government on matters relating to student placement.
Every May 17th, social media in Kenya transforms into a collective memorial of heartbreak as thousands commemorate the day that allegedly inspired one of the country’s most beloved ballads.
The trending hashtags #Stella and #FreshleyMwamburi mark the anniversary of a fateful airport reunion that, according to the songwriter, shattered his heart but birthed a timeless classic.
“Stella Wangu,” released in 1992, continues to resonate across generations of Kenyans as the ultimate anthem of betrayal and lost love.
Behind this musical masterpiece stands Freshley Mwamburi, the Taita musician who claims the song chronicles his personal heartbreak.
According to Mwamburi, now living quietly in Mumbuni, Machakos County with his wife Dorcas Nduku and their children, the song isn’t fiction but painful autobiography.
“I was in love. I believed she’d return and we’d start our life together,” Mwamburi recalled in a recent interview.
The musician says the romance began in 1991 after a performance at Garden Hotel in Machakos, where he met Stella, then a student at the University of Nairobi.
Their relationship flourished until she received an opportunity to further her studies in Japan the following year.
Determined to support her dreams, Mwamburi made extraordinary sacrifices.
“I gave everything to that relationship—even sold my old car, land, and livestock just to make her life abroad comfortable,” he remembered.
“We were in touch the whole time, and I was sure she was still mine. She was such a beautiful Kamba girl, you know.”
The airport betrayal
What happened next has become Kenyan musical folklore.
On May 17, 1992, Mwamburi arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, eagerly awaiting his beloved’s return. But the reunion he envisioned never materialized.
Instead, Stella emerged from the plane with a Japanese man “barely four feet tall” and their child—a devastating revelation that Mwamburi had not been privy to during their long-distance relationship.
From this moment of crushing betrayal emerged the song that would define his career and cement his place in Kenyan music history.
Freshley Mwamburi.
Not everyone accepts Mwamburi’s account of events. Abdul Muyonga, who once led the Everest Kings band where Mwamburi performed, has publicly challenged the story’s authenticity.
“I was surprised when I later saw interviews where Freshley claimed Stella was real,” Muyonga told the Saturday Standard.
“We never intended it that way, and as a band, we’ve often discussed how to clarify this to our fans.”
According to Muyonga, the name “Stella” was simply invented to reflect a relatable social theme rather than a specific person or experience.
Despite these contradictions, Mwamburi stands firm that his lyrics emerged from genuine personal pain and experience.
The phenomenal success of “Stella Wangu” has not been without complications in Mwamburi’s personal life.
His wife Dorcas initially struggled with her husband’s continued association with a song about a former love.
“At first, she wasn’t at ease. What woman wants her husband talking about a former lover all the time?” Mwamburi has admitted. “But she came to understand. Today, we’re happy.”
Whether Stella was flesh and blood or artistic invention remains contested.
But what’s undeniable is the song’s emotional resonance with listeners across decades.
Each year, as May 17th arrives, Kenyans collectively remember a betrayal that—real or imagined—created musical gold.
For Freshley Mwamburi, the annual commemoration serves as both reminder of past pain and testament to how art can transform personal tragedy into enduring cultural touchstones.
In that sense, perhaps the truth behind Stella matters less than the universal truths about love and loss that the song continues to express.
