Brazzaville is not typically the first name that surfaces in conversations about Africa’s luxury hospitality boom. But a new entrant on the banks of the Congo River is attempting to force a rethink.
Barely months after opening its doors in December 2025, Kempinski Hotel Brazzaville is positioning itself not just as a five-star address, but as a strategic gateway to a country and region long overlooked by global tourism circuits.
The ambition is clear and unusually explicit: reshape Brazzaville’s international image and pull it into the orbit of high-end business and leisure travel.
Set along the riverfront directly facing Kinshasa, the 197-room property leans heavily on location as both a visual and symbolic asset.
From private balconies overlooking one of the world’s most powerful rivers to interiors inspired by Congolese natural textures and materials, the hotel is designed to sell a narrative as much as a stay. Management frames it as an “interpreter” of the city’s cultural and historical identity, but the underlying play is economic anchoring Brazzaville as a viable destination for global capital and diplomacy.
This is not happening in a vacuum. Across Africa, luxury hotel groups are increasingly targeting underexposed capitals with political significance or untapped tourism potential.
Brazzaville, with its history as a diplomatic hub and its proximity to the vast Congo Basin, fits that profile. What has been missing is infrastructure capable of meeting international expectations. Kempinski appears intent on filling that gap.
The hotel’s culinary strategy signals part of that push. With five distinct restaurants and bars under the direction of Chef Michael Berthelot, the property is trying to establish itself as a social and gastronomic nucleus.
Concepts range from buffet-style dining at Mosaic to European-inspired cuisine at La Capitale, alongside a café-bar hybrid designed to transition from daytime meetings to evening nightlife.
A rooftop lounge, marketed as the city’s first of its kind, adds another layer to what is effectively a controlled ecosystem of experiences aimed at both international visitors and the local elite.
Beyond dining, the property is betting on scale and versatility.
An 870-square-metre event space, including a ballroom capable of hosting 600 guests, positions the hotel as a contender for regional conferences, diplomatic gatherings and state functions.
In a capital where international organisations and government institutions intersect, that capability is not incidental it is central to the business model.
The wellness and leisure offering follows a similar logic.
A large swimming pool, full-service fitness centre, kids’ club and curated activities such as aqua gym sessions and swimming lessons suggest an attempt to broaden appeal beyond transient business travellers.
The hotel is also actively marketing itself as a family destination, a relatively underdeveloped segment in Brazzaville’s hospitality sector.
Perhaps the most strategically significant feature, however, is the concierge service.
Framed as a bridge between guests and the country, it is designed to funnel visitors into curated cultural and ecological experiences from the Poto-Poto painting school and Bacongo’s rumba scene to excursions deeper into the Congo Basin’s national parks. This is where the hotel’s ambitions intersect with a larger narrative: positioning Congo not just as a stopover, but as an experiential destination rooted in biodiversity and culture.
That ambition comes with risks. Congo’s tourism infrastructure remains uneven, and security, accessibility and global perception continue to shape traveller decisions.
High-end hospitality alone cannot resolve those structural challenges.
But it can act as a signal one that suggests confidence in the market and attempts to attract the ecosystem that follows, from airlines to tour operators and investors.
Kempinski, which operates 75 properties across 33 countries, is no stranger to such calculated expansions.
Its entry into Brazzaville reflects a broader industry pattern: identifying locations with latent potential and moving early to define the standard. Whether that standard holds will depend not only on the hotel’s performance, but on how effectively the broader destination evolves around it.
For now, the message is unmistakable.
In a city better known for its cultural legacy than its luxury credentials, a global hospitality heavyweight is making a deliberate, high-visibility bet.
And in doing so, it is attempting to redraw the map of where luxury and influence can take root in Central Africa.
Getting a tattoo often feels like a permanent commitment to a meaningful symbol, memory, or design. However, life circumstances change, and what once seemed like a perfect idea may no longer fit who you are today. If you’re considering tattoo removal, you’re not alone. Millions of people decide to remove or fade their tattoos each year for various reasons. Understanding why others make this choice can help you feel more confident about your own decision.
Career Advancement and Professional Image
One of the most common reasons people seek tattoo removal is to improve their professional opportunities. While workplace attitudes toward body art have become more relaxed in recent years, certain industries still maintain conservative dress codes and appearance standards. Visible tattoos can sometimes create barriers in fields like law, finance, healthcare, and corporate management.
Many professionals find that removing tattoos from highly visible areas like hands, neck, or face opens doors to promotions and new job opportunities. Even in creative industries, some people prefer to present a blank canvas that allows their work to speak for itself rather than their body art. The decision to remove a tattoo for career reasons doesn’t diminish the original meaning it held, but rather reflects personal growth and evolving priorities.
Relationships and Life Changes
Tattoos commemorating former romantic relationships are among the most frequently removed designs. Whether it’s a partner’s name, matching symbols, or dates that no longer hold positive meaning, these permanent reminders can feel uncomfortable in new relationships. Moving forward emotionally often means wanting to move forward physically as well.
Beyond romantic relationships, some people remove tattoos that represented friendships or group affiliations that have since ended. Life transitions like divorce, changing social circles, or distancing from certain communities can make previously meaningful tattoos feel out of place. Columbus tattoo removalspecialists frequently work with clients who want to close chapters of their lives and start fresh.
Regret Over Design Quality or Style
Not all tattoos are created equal, and quality varies significantly between artists. Some people seek removal because their tattoo was poorly executed, with blurred lines, incorrect spelling, uneven shading, or colors that didn’t heal as expected. Amateur tattoos or those done in unprofessional settings often fall into this category.
Additionally, tattoo trends change over time. Designs that were popular years ago may now feel dated or no longer reflect your personal aesthetic. Tribal bands, certain fonts, or specific imagery that seemed perfect at eighteen might not align with your taste at thirty-five. Removing or fading these tattoos allows for either a clean slate or preparation for a cover-up with better artwork.
Personal Identity and Self-Expression
As we grow and evolve, our sense of identity naturally shifts. A tattoo that represented who you were at one point in life might not reflect who you’ve become. Some people remove tattoos associated with beliefs they no longer hold, phases they’ve outgrown, or interests that have changed.
This reason is particularly common among people who got tattoos during their youth or during significant life transitions. What felt rebellious, meaningful, or important at the time may now feel disconnected from your current values and self-image. Removing these tattoos isn’t about erasing the past but rather making space for who you are now.
Medical or Skin Health Concerns
Though less common, some people pursue tattoo removal for medical reasons. Certain tattoos can cause allergic reactions, particularly those with red or yellow ink. Persistent itching, raised skin, or ongoing irritation can make removal the healthiest option.
Additionally, some medical procedures like MRI scans can be complicated by certain tattoo inks. People with chronic skin conditions may also find that tattooed areas become problematic. In these cases, removal becomes a health priority rather than simply an aesthetic choice.
Social Stigma and Family Considerations
Despite increasing acceptance of tattoos, some people still face judgment or discomfort from family members or their communities. This is especially true for tattoos with religious, cultural, or controversial imagery that may offend others or create unwanted attention.
Parents sometimes choose removal to set different examples for their children or to avoid difficult conversations. Others remove tattoos before major life events like weddings, where they want the focus on the celebration rather than explaining their body art to extended family.
Making the Right Choice for You
Deciding to remove a tattoo is deeply personal and doesn’t require justification to anyone else. Whether your reason is professional, emotional, aesthetic, or practical, modern removal technology makes it possible to fade or eliminate unwanted ink safely and effectively. Take time to research qualified providers, understand the process, and feel confident that you’re making the right decision for your life today. Your body is your canvas, and you have every right to change the artwork as you see fit.
Botswana stands as one of Africa’s most spectacular destinations, offering pristine wilderness, incredible wildlife encounters, and unforgettable safari experiences. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore more of this remarkable country, making the most of your journey requires thoughtful preparation and smart choices. From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the vast salt pans of Makgadikgadi, Botswana promises adventures that will stay with you forever.
Choose the Right Season for Your Visit
Timing can make or break your Botswana adventure. The dry season from May to October offers excellent game viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources, making wildlife spotting easier and more predictable. The vegetation is also less dense during these months, improving visibility across the landscape.
However, the green season from November to April has its own unique appeal. This period brings dramatic thunderstorms, lush landscapes, and baby animals taking their first steps. Bird enthusiasts will find this time particularly rewarding, as migratory species arrive in spectacular numbers. Keep in mind that some remote camps close during the wettest months, so plan accordingly.
Explore Multiple Ecosystems
Botswana’s diverse landscapes each offer distinct experiences that showcase different aspects of African wilderness. The Okavango Delta transforms the Kalahari Desert into a watery paradise, where traditional mokoro canoe trips provide intimate encounters with nature. Meanwhile, Chobe National Park boasts one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, with river cruises offering front-row seats to their daily routines.
Don’t overlook the Makgadikgadi Pans, where endless white salt flats create an otherworldly landscape unlike anything else on the continent. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a more remote, rugged experience for those seeking solitude and authentic wilderness. Splitting your time between at least two or three different regions will give you a comprehensive understanding of Botswana’s natural wealth.
Invest in Quality Accommodations
Where you stay dramatically influences your overall experience in Botswana. The country specializes in low-impact, high-quality tourism, with many camps and lodges offering exceptional service and expert guides. These accommodations often include game drives, bush walks, and other activities in their rates, providing better value than budget options.
Consider mixing luxury lodges with mobile camping experiences for variety and adventure. Many top-rated Botswana excursionsoperate from well-established camps that have spent years perfecting their operations and building relationships with local communities. The guides at these facilities possess invaluable knowledge about animal behavior, bird identification, and ecological systems.
Embrace Walking Safaris
While game drives offer comfort and extensive coverage, walking safaris provide an entirely different perspective on the African bush. Moving quietly on foot heightens your senses and creates a more intimate connection with the environment. You’ll notice smaller details like tracks, insects, and plants that you’d miss from a vehicle.
Walking safaris also generate an exhilarating sense of vulnerability and awareness that makes every encounter more meaningful. Always choose experienced, licensed guides for these activities, as safety depends entirely on their expertise and judgment.
Respect Local Culture and Communities
Botswana’s people are as important to your journey as its wildlife. Take time to learn about local customs, support community-run enterprises, and engage respectfully with residents you encounter. Many areas offer cultural visits where you can learn traditional skills, hear ancient stories, and gain insight into life in rural Botswana.
Purchasing crafts directly from artisans and choosing lodges that employ local staff and contribute to community development ensures your tourism dollars make a positive impact. This approach enriches your experience while supporting sustainable tourism practices.
Pack Appropriately for Bush Life
Successful safaris require practical packing choices. Neutral-colored clothing helps you blend into the environment, while layers accommodate temperature fluctuations between cool mornings and hot afternoons. Good binoculars, a quality camera with extra batteries, and a detailed field guide will enhance your wildlife observations significantly.
Don’t forget sun protection, insect repellent, and any prescription medications, as remote areas have limited shopping options. Most camps provide laundry services, so you can pack lighter than you might think.
Allow Flexibility in Your Schedule
The bush operates on its own timeline, and rigid schedules can lead to disappointment. Build buffer days into your itinerary to account for weather delays, unexpected wildlife sightings, or simply the desire to spend an extra morning watching lions at a kill. The most memorable safari moments often happen when you’re not rushing to the next destination.
Botswana rewards those who approach it with patience, respect, and curiosity. By following these strategies, you’ll create a journey filled with extraordinary moments and lasting memories that capture the true essence of this magnificent country.
Travel rewards programs can be incredibly valuable, but they’re only useful if you actually remember to use them. Between airline miles, hotel points, credit card rewards, and cashback programs, keeping track of everything can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with the right strategies and tools, managing your travel rewards doesn’t have to be complicated.
Let’s explore practical ways to organize your rewards so you never miss out on free flights, hotel stays, or valuable perks again.
Create a Centralized Tracking System
The first step to managing your travel rewards effectively is getting everything in one place. You might have points scattered across multiple airlines, hotel chains, and credit card programs, making it nearly impossible to remember what you have and where.
Start by making a simple spreadsheet that lists each rewards program, your account number, current point balance, and expiration dates. Update this document monthly or after significant purchases. This gives you a bird’s eye view of your entire rewards portfolio at a glance.
Alternatively, consider using a dedicated rewards tracking app. Many free and paid options exist that automatically sync with your accounts and provide real-time balance updates. These apps often send notifications about expiring points, special promotions, or opportunities to earn bonus rewards.
Set Up Account Alerts and Notifications
Most rewards programs offer email or push notifications for important account activity. Take a few minutes to enable these alerts for each of your programs. You’ll want notifications for point expirations, special earning opportunities, and account statements.
These automated reminders act as your personal assistant, ensuring you never lose points due to inactivity or miss limited-time bonus offers. Some programs also alert you when you’re close to reaching a redemption threshold, which can motivate you to earn just a few more points for that free flight or hotel night.
Consolidate Your Rewards Programs
While it’s tempting to join every rewards program you encounter, spreading yourself too thin can actually reduce the value you get. Instead, focus on a few programs that align with your travel patterns and spending habits.
Choose one or two airline alliances and one or two hotel chains where you’ll concentrate your loyalty. This strategy helps you accumulate meaningful point balances faster rather than having small, unusable amounts across dozens of programs. When you signup for My10x, you can maximize your rewards by strategically funneling your everyday spending through cards that earn transferable points to your preferred travel partners.
The same principle applies to credit cards. Having multiple cards can be beneficial, but make sure you understand the earning structure of each one and use them strategically for their bonus categories.
Schedule Regular Rewards Reviews
Set a recurring calendar reminder to review your rewards accounts quarterly. During these sessions, check for expiring points, evaluate whether your current strategy is working, and look for redemption opportunities.
This is also the perfect time to assess whether you’re still using the right credit cards or if newer options might serve you better. The travel rewards landscape changes frequently, with new cards launching and existing programs adjusting their benefits.
During your review, calculate the actual value you’re getting from your rewards. Are you earning points that you never use? Are you paying annual fees for cards that don’t deliver enough value? These quarterly check-ins help you course-correct before small inefficiencies become costly mistakes.
Take Advantage of Account Activity Requirements
Many rewards programs require some activity every 12 to 24 months to keep points from expiring. Don’t let inactivity cost you thousands of hard-earned points.
For programs you don’t use frequently, set annual reminders to make a small purchase, transfer points, or complete whatever action counts as qualifying activity. Sometimes something as simple as dining at a partner restaurant or shopping through an online portal is enough to reset the expiration clock.
Keep a list of easy, low-cost ways to maintain activity in each program. This might include subscribing to a magazine, making a small donation to charity through a rewards portal, or purchasing a small amount of points to trigger account activity.
Conclusion
Managing travel rewards doesn’t require hours of work each week. With a solid organizational system, strategic program selection, and regular maintenance, you can maximize the value of every point you earn. The key is creating sustainable habits that keep your rewards organized and accessible.
Start by implementing just one or two of these strategies today. As they become routine, add more techniques to your rewards management toolkit. Before long, you’ll have a streamlined system that ensures you’re always ready to redeem those points for your next adventure.
In the annals of Kenya’s judicial recruitment, few spectacles have been as simultaneously riveting and instructive as what unfolded on the morning of January 12, 2026, inside the JSC boardroom at CBK Pension Towers on Harambee Avenue.
Prof Migai Akech, constitutional law scholar, University of Nairobi lecturer, PhD holder from New York University, author of over 80 academic publications and the man widely regarded as one of the sharpest legal minds this country has produced, sat before the Judicial Service Commission. And within minutes, the panel wanted to talk about his tweets.
Akech had been selected as the very first candidate to face the JSC in the race for 15 Court of Appeal positions, chosen from a pool of 35 shortlisted applicants drawn from 95 who had applied by the July 2025 deadline.
That selection gave him pride of place in what Chief Justice Martha Koome’s commission had billed as a transparency-driven, publicly streamed process. What it also gave him was no warning of the ambush to come.
JSC public representative Caroline Nzilani told Akech during the interview that submissions from members of the public had flagged concerns about his conduct on social media platform X.
He was described as being “very vocal” on the platform, prone to “altercations with advocates” who disagreed with him, and condescending toward colleagues. The Chief Justice herself demanded to know how he would handle litigants and lawyers in court, given what she described as his “very strong expressions” online.
“In law and in administrative law, there’s something called the right to notice. It should never be an ambush.” — Prof Migai Akech
BLINDSIDED
Akech’s defence before the commission was that of a man who champions democracy through robust engagement, and who deploys humour as a tool of public discourse.
He told the commission he is an “active citizen” who believes democratic participation requires vigorous public conversation.
He acknowledged a single serious altercation with a fellow legal professional, an advocate who had once been his teacher, adding that he personally visited the man, apologised, and considered the matter closed.
He even offered a concession that in hindsight reads as almost poignant: he told the panel he would stop posting on X altogether if appointed to the bench. It was a promise of silence from a man who had built his public intellectual identity on loudness.
Prof. Aketch Migai
What stung him more deeply, he later revealed in an interview with Daily Nation’s on March 3, was that he had been given no prior notice of the specific posts that formed the basis of the commissioners’ concerns. “In law and in administrative law, there’s something called the right to notice.
It should never be an ambush,” he told the publication. “You should tell me in advance that, ‘The post that we have an issue with is this one. Please come prepared to talk to us about it.’ They didn’t do that.”
He also raised a separate grievance: that he was interrogated over the contents of a private email he had sent, which a recipient had leaked onto social media. “One of the people that received that e-mail made it public,” he said. “How do you side with the person that has done that? Then how do you then claim that is my social media post? I’m not responsible for it.”
THE ‘HOT AIR’ MOMENT
If the social media questions threatened to sink him, Akech did himself no particular favours with what became the most-quoted moment of an interview that was broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook.
Introducing himself to the panel, he declared that his academic record made him supremely qualified to serve on an appellate court that deals primarily with documents, adding that “words like hot air” would not find their way into his judgments.
The dig was unmistakeable. In the landmark 2022 Supreme Court presidential election ruling, Chief Justice Koome, sitting at the head of the very commission now interviewing him, had famously described opposition allegations of portal manipulation as “no more than hot air” for lack of credible evidence.
The remark drew laughter in the boardroom, including from Koome herself. But beyond the boardroom, it generated a storm of commentary online, much of it treating the quip as evidence of the very temperament problems that had already been raised.
Akech later dismissed the furore as a failure of national humour. “It was a joke,” he told Daily Nation.
“Kenyans don’t have a sense of humour at all. I was actually very surprised by the response to that remark, because it was just a joke. I’ve known the CJ for a very long time, and I respect her tremendously. It was not meant to be offensive in any way. It was just a light moment.”
He offered to stop posting on X altogether if appointed. It was a promise of silence from a man who had built his public intellectual identity on loudness.
THE VERDICT
He did not make the final cut. When the JSC released the names of 15 recommended Court of Appeal judges, Akech’s was not among them. Justices Issack Hassan, Katwa Kigen, Byram Ongaya, Hedwig Ong’udi and Chacha Mwita were among those picked and subsequently sworn in.
No reasons were published for any of the selections or rejections, a fact Akech found constitutionally objectionable.
He returned to X, the very platform that had partially undone him, to say so. Citing Article 47 of the Constitution, which requires the JSC to give reasons for its decisions, he argued that the entire process remained opaque and subjective behind a facade of public accountability. “The JSC gives the public a veneer of accountability, not real accountability,” he posted on February 26.
The irony is difficult to escape. A process that invited the public to submit “information of interest” about candidates effectively turned Akech’s digital footprint into an exhibit against him, wielded anonymously and without prior disclosure.
A man who built a career examining the relationship between law, democracy and power found himself on the receiving end of a process he now argues violates the very administrative law principles he has spent decades teaching.
THE SCHOLAR BEHIND THE SCREEN
Prof Akech is 54, Homa Bay-born, Starehe Boys-educated, and Cambridge and NYU-trained. He graduated from the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Law in 1995 as one of only three students in his class to achieve a first class honours under the 8-4-4 system.
He was admitted to the bar in 1998 and went on to complete a second master’s at New York University before earning his PhD there in 2004. He was appointed a full professor in 2023 and delivered his inaugural lecture in April 2024, becoming only the third person to do so in the Faculty of Law’s history since 1970.
He has taught an estimated 8,000 students over his career, among them Law Society of Kenya president-elect Charles Kanjama and former LSK president Nelson Havi.
He has 80 published works to his name, has consulted for governments across Africa including advising on Lesotho’s constitutional amendment process in 2022, and submitted the basic structure doctrine analysis that the Supreme Court accepted in the BBI case in 2021.
He chairs the Football Kenya Federation’s appeals committee and once ran its disciplinary committee. Four framed degrees hang on the wall of his law firm in Hurlingham, alongside two football trophies.
None of that, it turned out, was immune to the intervention of an anonymous public submission about his conduct on social media.
Akech insists the characterisation is unfair. “I think I’m very measured in my social media,” he told Daily Nation. “Which posts are these they were talking about?” He remains unrepentant and unsilenced. The tweets continue. The scholarship continues. And the question he has now raised in full public view, whether the JSC’s opaque selection criteria meet the constitutional standard, is one that he, of all people, is well-equipped to litigate.
In Kenya, where being overweight was once perceived as a sign of wealth and success, a drive to shed the pounds is now taking hold.
Surgical procedures and weight-loss drugs are growing in popularity, with some influencers detailing their own slimming journeys to both acclaim and criticism.
At her weight-loss clinic in the capital, Dr Lyudmila Shchukina has a fully booked schedule.
It has not always been this way for the Nairobi Bariatric Center, which she and her late husband – both from Ukraine – founded three decades ago.
When it started, the facility, which Shchukina proudly regards as a pioneer for weight-loss surgery in the country, was hardly receiving any clients.
But the clinic is now thriving, seeing 10 to 15 patients a day.
It’s a “boom”, the doctor tells the BBC one evening at the end of her shift.
Societal pressures may be one reason for the change.
Kenyans on social media are not known for holding back and many people, both men and women, have been insultingly told to, in the Kenyan phrase, “unfat!” after pictures of themselves have been posted online.
When political activist Francis Gaitho complained about being cyber-bullied over his weight, several people responded by telling him to “unfat”.
Shchukina says that concern over both physical and mental health linked to excess weight drives patients to her doors.
She sees patients who have high blood pressure, infertility issues, diabetes, joint and back pain, while others are concerned about the overall quality of their life.
Kenyans are now “discovering that obesity is not a sign of wealth, it’s about health”, Shchukina says.
Health officials here have become increasingly concerned about the issue. In urban areas just over half of women and a quarter of men were described as either overweight or obese in a 2022 survey. In rural areas the equivalent figures were 39% and 14%.
However, some of Shchukina’s patients are also seeking to enhance their appearance, besides their health concerns.
She says that at one time being a “big size” was considered fashionable but “now… the fashion is [to be] slim, tiny… You can see how it is changing.”
Beauty expert Yvonne Kanyi says that for women the “pressure” for the “hourglass [figure] and flat stomach” was always there, although access to medical procedures was not.
Kanyi, who runs a skincare and cosmetics business and frequently speaks about beauty and entrepreneurship, says that what has changed is the celebrity culture which has now amplified the trend, “normalising medical intervention as part of maintaining a certain image”.
Besides that, more women are now feeling empowered to make decisions about their body “without apology”, she tells the BBC.
One of those is Naomi Kuria, a popular content creator who has had medical procedures to lose weight and enhance her looks – and is proud of the outcome.
The 27-year-old’s efforts to lose excess weight began in 2024.
She started with gym workouts, but five months later, she realised she was not achieving the results she wanted. She had instead added more weight and was having “serious pain” in her knees.
Alternatives were suggested, including swimming or dieting. But she wanted speedier results.
“How long will I swim to lose a kg really?” she asks. “So I explored other quicker ways to lose weight and then I found out about Ozempic.” A fellow content creator talked to her about it and she sought medical advice.
Ozempic is one of several brands, including Mounjaro and Wegovy, that are now being prescribed for long-term weight management.
It contains semaglutide, which is used in the treatment of diabetes.
The medication, administered as an injection, targets hormones that determine how quickly the stomach empties and how full a person feels, helping to regulate appetite.
Kuria says the jab helped her get closer to her ideal weight, losing 11kg (1st 10lb) in about a month and a half.
In Kenya, Ozempic is officially only available on prescription. She says she spent 80,000 Kenyan shillings ($620; £465) on the drug.
Despite experiencing the side-effect of “throwing up like crazy”, she felt good afterwards “because every part of my body was really defined”.
However, Kuria wanted to go a step further and underwent a procedure, known as an airsculpt, which is a type of liposuction designed to shape the body. This involved removing fat from her stomach and transferring it to her “skinny” legs.
She has faced criticism from her audience for undergoing the procedure, which she feels stems from people “misjudging” her reasons.
Commenters asked her why she went through with it, saying that she already had the “perfect body”.
Naomi Kuria.
Others questioned why she had spent a total of 700,000 Kenyan shillings ($5,400; £4,000) to change her appearance.
“So you have decided to compete with God,” said one person.
But Kuria says these were her own “personal choices,” and she is happy with them, even if the barrage of “crazy reactions” did affect her at the beginning.
“I’m trending and everyone is talking about me and not even one person is making a positive comment.
“I got to a place where I was very angry, very angry with people. And I started replying to comments, and if you’re rude to me, I get rude to you,” she tells the BBC.
Ciru Muriuki, a 43-year-old content creator and journalist also shared her weight-loss experience.
To reduce her own weight, Muriuki first underwent a gastric balloon procedure, in which a silicone balloon is put in the stomach, to limit its capacity and create a feeling of fullness. The balloon is usually removed after six months.
Despite the procedure, her health “was all over the place” in early 2024 following the death of her fiancé.
She said she quickly lost a lot of weight “that wasn’t in a healthy way”, and then it started rising again.
It was then that she sought weight-loss jabs from a medical professional.
She said this was not about looking for a “series of shortcuts” to get what she wanted.
“It was never like that,” she said, fully aware of the criticism that is often directed at people who are seen as finding a quick way to lose weight.
Diet control and exercise have long been recommended as the best ways to manage weight.
Patients administer the weight-loss jabs themselves. Getty images
But Dr Alvin Mondoh, a Kenyan weight-management specialist, says “people still do need help” through medical intervention, as weight gain can be caused “by factors beyond your control”.
Yet he warns that there is a growing concern about the use of weight-loss jabs.
“Unfortunately, what we’ve seen in the recent past is a growing trend of people using it for vanity reasons,” he says.
There are risks, especially if someone tries to avoid the certified clinics and licensed medication and gets something cheaper in an unregulated market.
At the Nairobi Bariatric Center, which offers surgery, weight-loss drugs and counselling, packages can cost up to $7,000 (£5,000), a sum far beyond the reach of most Kenyans.
Kuria acknowledges that weight-loss procedures are “very costly” – she has spent about $6,000 on both the drugs and the airsculpt.
And she warns people to be aware of the consequences.
“You will [also] pay the cost of recovery, which is not easy. You will pay the cost of stigma, society stigma. It’s a shortcut that is never short,” she says.
However, she has no regrets.
Mondoh warns that some people’s desperation to lose weight can be exploited by scammers.
Last August, the drugs regulator, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, issued a public safety alert over the use of weight-loss medicines.
“Semaglutide is a prescription-only medicine and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health concerns,” it said.
One fitness influencer was warned to stop promoting places where his followers could buy the jabs at a cheaper price.
But given the rise in obesity levels in Kenya, the demand for quick ways to lose weight will not go away.
Samson Mutua has become the first Kenyan to receive the six-month HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against new infections.
The 27-year-old delivery rider from Kawangware received the jab during its official launch at Riruta Health Centre, Nairobi, on Thursday, in a ceremony led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Mutua was given two injections in the lower abdomen. To guarantee immediate protection, he also took two oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets on-site and will take two additional tablets on Friday.
After that, the injectable will provide sustained HIV prevention for six months, eliminating the need for daily PrEP pills. He will return for another dose at the end of the protection period.
Health officials described the launch as a turning point in Kenya’s HIV response, noting that the long-acting option is expected to significantly improve adherence, especially among young people and high-risk populations.
Samson Mutua receives the jab as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale looks on. (Photo: MoH)
With an estimated 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV and thousands of new infections reported annually, prevention remains a top priority for the Ministry of Health.
The drug has undergone clinical trials, and Kenya is among the first countries to roll out the injections, regulatory approvals and procurement procedures in line with national health guidelines.
Its safety and effectiveness were reviewed internationally and approved locally by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, with support from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
In the first phase of the rollout, Lenacapavir will be offered free of charge to eligible individuals in selected public facilities across priority counties. The phased implementation will be managed by trained healthcare professionals, supported by county coordinators and Community Health Promoters tasked with increasing awareness and promoting evidence-based information.
The event was attended by senior health officials and development partners, who expressed optimism that the twice-yearly injection could accelerate progress toward reducing new infections and advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
According to the Ministry of Health, an estimated 1.4 million Kenyans are currently living with HIV, with thousands of new infections recorded annually, according to the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP) report.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Medical experts are urging Kenyans to stop treating mukombero as a natural booster for stamina, energy or sexual performance, warning there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the widespread claims.
The root, locally known as mukombero and scientifically identified as Mondia whitei, grows mainly in Kakamega Forest and other parts of Western Kenya. It is traditionally chewed raw, brewed into tea or soaked in beverages by men who believe it improves blood flow, relaxes muscles, raises energy levels and acts as a gentler alternative to drugs like Viagra.
However, urologists say these beliefs are not backed by robust clinical research.
“There is no conclusive scientific evidence proving that mukombero treats erectile dysfunction,” said urologist Dr Edward Mugalo.
He explained that erectile dysfunction is usually caused by underlying medical or psychological issues — including diabetes, hypertension, low testosterone, stress, anxiety or depression — and requires proper diagnosis, not self-medication with unproven herbs.
Silvas Lisamula, a Luhya elder and former director of culture in the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, defended the root’s traditional role. He said mukombero has long been used during social gatherings and long cultural events to keep people alert, energised and confident.
“It was mainly used to keep people active and focused,” Lisamula told The Star at his home in Shinyalu, Kakamega County.
Botanist Dennis Omayo acknowledged that the root contains useful micronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin K. He described its effects as gradual and gentler than Viagra, but still cautioned: “It can perform like Viagra, but from a distance.”
Dr Mugalo stressed that while some men report feeling more energetic after using mukombero, this could be placebo effect or simply the result of the root’s mild stimulant properties — not proof it fixes sexual health problems.
He warned especially against its use by people with hypertension or other chronic conditions, saying unregulated herbal remedies can sometimes worsen existing health issues.
The experts are calling for better public education: men experiencing persistent fatigue, low energy or erection difficulties should visit a doctor for proper evaluation rather than depending on traditional roots alone.
Proven medications for erectile dysfunction are available and work within minutes when prescribed correctly, they added.
The caution comes as mukombero continues to gain popularity across the country, with some vendors even selling it in dried form or as packaged drinks.
While cultural leaders want the tree protected as part of Kenya’s heritage, medical professionals insist that respect for tradition must not override evidence-based health advice.
“If it gives you energy, then it gives you energy for everything,” one user said — but doctors say that feeling alone is not enough to recommend it as medicine.
Men are therefore advised: consult a qualified health professional first.
The government has moved swiftly to quash misinformation spreading on social media, confirming that Lenacapavir, the highly anticipated long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, will be provided completely free of charge to Kenyans at public health facilities in the first rollout counties.
The Ministry of Health, through its official account on X, formerly Twitter, directly rebutted a widely circulated claim suggesting that Kenyans would be required to pay KSh7,800 for the drug. The post, shared by Tuko.co.ke, was stamped FALSE by the Ministry, which stated: “Lenacapavir will be offered free of charge in health facilities in the select first priority counties for prevention purposes.”
Kenya received its first consignment of 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, making it the first country in East Africa and among nine nations globally selected for the drug’s early rollout. The initial supply was secured through a negotiated arrangement between the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and Gilead Sciences, the American pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug.
“The current batch has been funded through the Global Fund. Lenacapavir will be offered free of charge in health facilities in the select first priority counties.”
-Dr Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health
Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth confirmed the arrangement in a statement, saying the cost of the current batch has been fully covered by partners. “The supply of Lenacapavir has been made possible through partner support. The current batch has been funded through the Global Fund, following a negotiated arrangement with the manufacturer to support access at scale,” Dr Amoth said.
The confusion appears to stem from a Business Daily Africa report dated February 18, 2026, which cited the KSh7,800 figure as the cost of the branded supply under the Global Fund arrangement with Gilead Sciences. That cost is borne entirely by the Global Fund and partner organisations, not by patients.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also confirmed that the rollout, beginning in early March, will cover 15 high-burden counties: Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kiambu. A further 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to ensure those who start the injections experience no interruption, and the United States government has committed an additional 25,000 doses.
Lenacapavir is a breakthrough in HIV prevention that has generated global excitement for its once-every-six-months dosing schedule, making it far more convenient than daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets. It works by blocking critical stages of the HIV lifecycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body. It is intended strictly for HIV-negative individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection and is neither a vaccine nor a cure. People already living with HIV and on antiretroviral treatment must continue their therapy.
Clinical trial results were extraordinary. The PURPOSE 1 trial, conducted in South Africa and Uganda involving approximately 8,000 women, recorded 100 per cent effectiveness against HIV, while the PURPOSE 2 trial showed 96 per cent efficacy. Science magazine named Lenacapavir its “Breakthrough of the Year” for 2024. The drug received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration in June 2025, followed by a World Health Organisation endorsement in July 2025. Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board cleared it for national use in January 2026.
Kenya’s HIV burden underscores the urgency of the rollout. The country’s HIV prevalence stands at 3.7 per cent, with approximately 1.34 million people currently on antiretroviral treatment. The Ministry of Health notes that 41 per cent of new infections occur among people below the age of 24. The two-yearly injection format is also expected to improve adherence among populations who struggle with taking daily pills.
The rollout is planned in three phases ultimately covering all 47 counties. A cheaper generic version of Lenacapavir, manufactured by India’s Hetero Labs under a Gates Foundation-supported arrangement, is expected to become available from 2027 at an estimated cost of approximately KSh5,170 per person per year, again to be covered by supporting partners rather than patients.
Health officials urged Kenyans to seek information only from official government channels and verified health sources, warning that misinformation about the drug’s cost could deter high-risk individuals from coming forward for the injections, undermining the public health goals of the programme.
NAIROBI — Kenya has received its first shipment of the long-acting HIV prevention injectable Lenacapavir, positioning the country at the forefront of next-generation HIV prevention efforts in Africa as it moves to curb new infections among high-risk populations.
The initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses arrived in Nairobi this week through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund. Health officials confirmed that an additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April, while a further 25,000 doses supported by the United States Government will reinforce early implementation.
Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis, offers a significant shift from daily oral PrEP regimens that have struggled with adherence, particularly among adolescent girls, young women, and other populations at substantial risk of HIV acquisition.
Kenya’s Director General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, received the shipment alongside representatives from the U.S. Embassy and intergovernmental agencies. He said the country had completed all regulatory and scientific requirements ahead of the rollout.
The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and subsequently endorsed by the World Health Organization in July 2025 within updated global guidelines on long-acting HIV prevention.
In January 2026, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board registered both the oral and injectable formulations for national use following a comprehensive scientific review.
Health authorities announced that Lenacapavir will be offered at an estimated annual cost of about Sh7,800 per patient.
Officials described this as a dramatic reduction from earlier global pricing estimates of approximately $42,000 per year during its initial commercial phase, a figure that had raised concerns about affordability in low- and middle-income countries.
The lower price reflects negotiated access arrangements and donor-backed procurement mechanisms aimed at accelerating uptake in high-burden settings.
Under the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the Ministry of Health will implement a phased rollout beginning in March 2026. Phase one will target 15 high-burden counties identified through epidemiological surveillance data.
Two subsequent phases will expand access nationwide, guided by health-system readiness, commodity security, and service integration capacity.
Kenya records tens of thousands of new HIV infections annually, with young women aged 15 to 24 disproportionately affected.
Public health experts say long-acting injectable prevention could be a decisive intervention in addressing structural barriers to daily pill adherence, including stigma, mobility, and inconsistent access to health facilities.
Unlike daily oral PrEP, which requires strict routine compliance, Lenacapavir is administered twice a year by a trained health professional.
Clinical trials have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition when delivered on schedule, strengthening confidence in its potential population-level impact.
The Ministry says the rollout will be integrated into broader HIV prevention services, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission and sexual and reproductive health programmes, aligning with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage reforms.
Authorities have emphasised that supply chain safeguards and pharmacovigilance systems are in place to monitor safety and ensure continuity of care.
Kenya becomes one of the first African countries to move from regulatory approval to structured public-sector deployment of the injectable PrEP, reflecting a strategy that links donor financing, regulatory preparedness and targeted epidemiological planning.
Public health analysts caution that successful scale-up will depend on sustained financing, community engagement and equitable distribution across urban and rural settings.
However, with initial stocks secured and additional consignments scheduled, Kenya’s health authorities say the country is transitioning from incremental prevention gains to a potentially transformative phase in HIV control.
In a rare spiritual convergence not witnessed in more than three decades, Muslims and Christians across the globe will begin their sacred seasons of fasting on the same day this Wednesday, February 18.
For Christians, the day marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and reflection leading up to Easter on April 5. Muslims will simultaneously start Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, based on the sighting of the new crescent moon anticipated on Monday, February 17.
This extraordinary alignment results from the overlap of lunar and solar calendars, with scholars noting that such a precise coincidence last occurred in the early 1990s. The next similar occurrence is not expected until the late 2050s.
Religious leaders from both faiths have embraced the convergence as a divine opportunity for interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding.
“Maybe it’s God’s plan for Muslims and Catholics to begin fasting together,” said Lillian Japanni, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Justice and Peace Department for the Archdiocese of Mombasa. “We should see this as a unique opportunity for interfaith dialogue and shared community reflection.”
Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before starting his ministry. For Catholics, the season includes fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as well as abstaining from meat on all Fridays of Lent. Adults aged 18 to 59 are obligated to fast, while those from 14 years should abstain from meat. The Church teaches that Lent is also a period for prayer, works of charity and spiritual conversion in preparation for Easter.
Ramadan, meanwhile, commemorates the month in which Prophet Muhammad received the Quranic revelations from the archangel Gabriel. The holy month is expected to run from February 18 to March 19 and involves daily fasting from dawn to sunset.
“Ramadan is one of the most important observances in Islam and one of the Five Pillars,” explained Muslim cleric Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa. “All Muslims, except the very young, very old, pregnant or travelling are required to fast daily, abstain from sex and avoid wrongdoing from sunrise to sunset.”
Sheikh Khalifa noted that the convergence of Lent and Ramadan this year is a reminder of shared humanity and a call for peace, empathy and understanding. He urged authorities to provide security, noting that prayers often take place late at night.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from all food, drink, smoking and sexual activity from dawn until sunset every day. Before dawn, believers eat suhoor, a pre-fast meal, and at sunset they break the fast with iftar, traditionally beginning with dates and water followed by a full meal.
In addition to fasting, Muslims intensify prayers and recitation of the Quran, seeking greater devotion and God consciousness. Special nightly prayers called taraweeh are held at mosques after the Isha prayer, often involving sequential recitation of the entire Quran over the month.
Charity is strongly emphasised during Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr is a required almsgiving given at the end of Ramadan to ensure all can celebrate the concluding festival, Eid al-Fitr, and Muslims are encouraged to give additional charity and help the needy throughout the month.
In the Philippines, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, chairman of the Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, described the convergence as a grace that invites believers to prayer, repentance and concrete action for peace, justice and care for the environment.
“Fasting opens our eyes to suffering and enlarges our compassion,” Bishop Bagaforo said. “Love of God is proven in love of neighbour, especially the poor and the forgotten. As Jesus teaches, what we do for the least, we do for God. The Prophet Muhammad likewise taught that the best among us are those who do good for others.”
Religious leaders across continents have called on their communities to use this rare moment to strengthen interfaith solidarity. In Nigeria, Christian and Muslim leaders urged believers to promote love, unity and tolerance, emphasising that both faiths share values of compassion, justice and peaceful coexistence.
In Kenya, preparations for Ramadan have been underway, with the National Treasury approving waivers on Import Declaration Fee and Railway Development Levy for dates imported for Ramadan, easing access for the Muslim community. The facilitation applies from February 12 to March 20.
In towns with large populations of both Muslim and Christian faithful, business is expected to slow, particularly in eateries. Some hotel owners are already seeking alternative ways to utilise the period.
“I will have to close down for a month for renovations since there will be no business,” said Albert Mwaghesha, a hotel owner in Tudor, Mombasa.
The convergence has also inspired educational institutions and interfaith organisations to organise panel discussions and joint events focused on the spiritual significance of fasting across traditions. Boston University’s Marsh Chapel and Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs hosted a panel discussion on fasting and spirituality, bringing together chaplains from both faiths to discuss the ritual of food restriction and its role in spiritual life.
Despite their different origins and practices, both Lent and Ramadan emphasise self-discipline, charity and empathy for those less fortunate. Religious scholars note that while Christian Lent is a time of penance, Ramadan is seen as a time of joyful worship of God, with every night after sunset marked by celebratory iftar meals.
The overlap has emerged as a powerful symbol in an era of geopolitical tensions and sectarian strife, with faith leaders urging believers to focus on shared values rather than differences.
“In a world marked by violence and division, this moment calls us not only to pray for peace but to live it and work for it,” Bishop Bagaforo said. “True peace is not built by weapons. It is built through trust, justice, dialogue and shared responsibility.”
As both communities embark on their spiritual journeys this Wednesday, the message from religious leaders across the globe is clear: this rare alignment offers a sacred moment to recognise shared humanity, deepen mutual understanding and work together for peace and justice in a divided world.
The corridors of Nyeri High Court have become an unlikely battleground for a man who once commanded Kenya’s entire military machinery. General Julius Waweru Karangi, the decorated former Chief of Defence Forces whose word was once law in the barracks, now finds himself at the mercy of debt collectors, angry suppliers, and a medical condition so devastating it has stripped him of the very memories that once guaranteed his business deals.
What began as whispers in Nyeri’s tight-knit business circles has exploded into a full-blown crisis. The General, sources close to the family reveal, is battling a prolonged illness that has not only confined him away from public view but has also resulted in significant memory loss. And in a cruel twist of fate, it is this very memory loss that has become the foundation upon which his once-mighty business empire is collapsing.
Court documents paint a picture of financial devastation. Multiple lawsuits have been filed by creditors, threatening to auction properties that were once symbols of his post-service success.
Among the most damaging is a case filed by Kogo Builders and Civil Engineering Ltd in the High Court of Kenya at Nyeri against Knightwood Ltd, with General Julius Waweru Karangi listed as a co-defendant alongside Kamatongu Technical Farm and Meadows Food Processors Ltd.
The suit alleges breach of contract and seeks damages over unpaid work on a construction project, claiming the defendants failed to settle over KShs 3.9 million owed for fabrication and installation of windows and doors.
But the legal assault doesn’t end there. Boiler Consortium Africa Ltd has also dragged the retired General to the High Court in Nyeri, with the lawsuit naming both Knightwood Ltd and Kamatongu Technical Farm as co-defendants.
The suit accuses the former military chief of breach of contract and unpaid sums related to supply of boiler equipment, with the company seeking over KShs 16.6 million in damages.
The irony is as bitter as it is tragic.
Here was a man who built his post-military business portfolio on the strength of his reputation, on handshakes sealed with the implicit understanding that a General’s word was his bond.
Those very handshakes, those commitments made in better times, are now the nooses around his neck because he can no longer remember making them.
“He is not the man he used to be,” a former aide who requested anonymity said, his voice heavy with the weight of witnessing a giant’s fall. “The discipline of the military does not always translate to the chaos of private business, especially when health fails you.”
Those who have encountered the General in recent months speak of a man whose sharp military mind has been dulled by illness.
The same officer who once coordinated complex defence operations, who navigated the treacherous waters of military politics to rise from a Kenya Air Force cadet in 1973 to the nation’s highest-ranking military officer in 2011, now struggles to recall basic business transactions.
The memory loss has proven particularly devastating in legal proceedings. How does one defend against accusations of unpaid debts when one cannot remember the agreements? How does one negotiate settlements when the very foundation of those negotiations, the original terms, have been erased from one’s mind?
Sources close to the family indicate that the General’s vast portfolio of real estate and business interests is crumbling under the weight of mismanagement and the high cost of his medical care.
Properties that were meant to secure his family’s future are now being eyed by auctioneers. The empire that took decades to build is being dismantled piece by piece, creditor by creditor, lawsuit by lawsuit.
The General’s business ventures, once thought to be as secure as the medals on his chest, are now revealed to have been built on a precarious foundation. Without the iron grip of military discipline, without the General’s personal oversight, and now without his memory to guide operations, the whole structure is imploding.
Medical experts familiar with such cases, though not directly involved in Karangi’s treatment, note that sudden memory loss in elderly patients can be caused by various conditions ranging from stroke to dementia or other neurological disorders.
The progression can be rapid, and the impact on someone managing complex business affairs can be catastrophic.
“When you lose your memory, you lose your ability to defend yourself in business disputes,” explains Dr. James Mwangi, a neurologist at a Nairobi hospital. “Contracts, verbal agreements, business relationships, they all exist in memory. When that’s gone, you’re essentially defenseless.”
For those who served under Karangi, the news of his predicament has been met with a mixture of shock and sadness.
General Karangi received the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the Order of the Burning Spear and the Legion of Merit. He was a man whose military career spanned over four decades, who commanded respect not through fear but through competence.
His rise through the ranks was the stuff of military legend.
He joined Kenya Air Force in 1973 and after Cadet training in UK, he was commissioned an officer in 1974.
After qualifying as a Flight Navigator in October,1975 in the Royal Air Force in England, he was posted to Flying Wing Kenya Air Force where he worked a Navigator.
By December 2000, he was Commandant Defence Staff College Karen, and by 2003, Commander Kenya Air Force. On 13th July 2011, he was promoted to the rank of General and appointed Chief of Defence Forces.
But the transition from military life to civilian business proved treacherous. The same networks that helped him rise in the military became double-edged swords in business.
Favours owed became debts called in. Handshakes made in good faith became legally binding contracts he can no longer recall.
The family now faces an impossible choice: fight legal battles the General can barely comprehend, or accept settlements that will strip the family of assets painstakingly accumulated over decades.
Each court appearance, sources say, is an ordeal. The General, when he does appear, cuts a diminished figure, a far cry from the commanding presence that once made subordinates stand at attention.
Neighbours in Nyeri, where the General maintains his rural home, speak in hushed tones about his condition. “We see him sometimes, but he’s not himself,” says one local elder who has known Karangi for years. “It’s painful to watch. This is a man who commanded armies, and now he can’t remember where he placed his keys.”
The business community in Central Kenya, meanwhile, watches the unfolding drama with a mixture of schadenfreude and fear. If it can happen to a General, they whisper, it can happen to anyone. The lesson is clear and brutal: in civilian life, there are no medals for past service. Only bills that must be paid.
As the lawsuits pile up and the creditors sharpen their knives, the question that haunts those who knew the General in his prime is simple: How did it come to this? How does a man who managed billions in defence budgets end up unable to manage his own affairs?
The answer, tragic and simple, lies in the fragility of the human mind. Memory, it turns out, is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Business empires, reputations, legacies, they all rest on the ability to remember.
Without it, even the mightiest general becomes just another debtor in court, fighting battles with weapons he can no longer recall how to use.
The uniform is off, the salutes have stopped, and General Karangi is learning the hardest lesson of all: in the civilian world, past glory is not legal tender.
For Julius Waweru Karangi, born on April 28, 1951, who gave his nation over 40 years of military service, the sunset years were supposed to be different. They were supposed to be golden, filled with the respect earned through decades of sacrifice. Instead, they are filled with court dates, debt collectors, and the cruel erasure of memory.
The General’s war is not over. But this time, he’s fighting on unfamiliar terrain, with weapons he doesn’t remember how to use, against enemies who show no mercy for past glory. And unlike the battles of his military career, this is one where victory seems increasingly impossible.
In the end, General Julius Karangi’s story serves as a sobering reminder: power is temporary, memory is fragile, and the empire you build in health can crumble overnight when illness strikes. The only question that remains is whether there will be anything left standing when the dust finally settles.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 21 – Kenya generated an unprecedented 93.1 billion potential online impressions in just three days after American streaming sensation iShowSpeed turned his January 2026 visit into what Ipsos calls “the most successful stop” of his Africa tour.
According to the Ipsos Audience Measurement report, the visit between January 10 and 13 transformed Kenya into “the epicentre of global digital culture,” outperforming every other African country on the 28-day “Speed Does Africa” tour.
The report states that iShowSpeed’s Kenya stop peaked at “8.5 million livestream viewers, the highest of any African stop,” while delivering “360,000 new subscribers to his channel in a single day.”
From a celebrity visit to a digital explosion
Ipsos notes that what began as a routine tour stop quickly escalated into “a perfect storm of virality,” fuelled by spontaneous street-level excitement, mainstream media amplification and official recognition.
Fans tracking the streamer’s movements discovered his arrival in real time, triggering scenes that saw his convoy mobbed in Nairobi’s CBD and along Lang’ata Road, forcing traffic to halt as crowds chased his vehicle — moments that Ipsos says were captured in hundreds of videos that “went instantly viral.”
President William Ruto’s public welcome on X elevated the visit to a national moment, with Ipsos noting that it was “not ceremonial politeness; it was strategic nation branding.”
Authentic chaos beat polished tours
Ipsos attributes Kenya’s dominance to authenticity rather than control. “Unlike polished celebrity tours, Speed’s visit was messy, spontaneous, and human,” the report says, adding: “These moments weren’t staged. They were real, and audiences could tell.”
The streamer’s unscripted experiences — riding matatus, eating ugali, interacting with street vendors and later visiting Maasai Mara — created what Ipsos describes as a “cross-platform content cascade,” where livestream clips were endlessly remixed across TikTok, YouTube and X, extending the lifespan of the story far beyond the live broadcast.
One dramatic moment, when Speed performed a backflip near resting lions, was livestreamed to more than 200,000 viewers and later generated millions of views on TikTok alone, amplifying Kenya’s global visibility.
Pride, criticism and a warning
The Ipsos report records strong positive sentiment driven by national pride, record-breaking numbers and cultural validation, quoting online reactions such as: “Kenya broke his record. We’re not just watching the world — we’re leading it.”
However, the report also flags serious concerns. While approval outweighed criticism, Ipsos notes backlash over “overwhelming crowds, city shutdowns and safety risks,” including an incident in which a crew member sustained a spinal injury and Speed himself expressed feeling unsafe.
More than hype — a digital turning point
Ipsos concludes that the visit was “not just a viral moment; it was a proof of concept,” demonstrating that Kenya can compete globally for attention and influence in the digital economy.
“The digital economy is here,” the report states, warning that stakeholders who fail to invest in creators, infrastructure and safety “will be left behind.”
While iShowSpeed has since left the country, Ipsos argues the deeper impact remains: Kenya has positioned itself as a young, energetic, digitally native nation capable of shaping global culture — not merely consuming it.
Worldwide, 44 million deaths — that is the sad toll of HIV/AIDS since it was first detected in 1981; it was officially discovered in 1983. AIDS is considered one of the worst epidemics in human history.
The number of AIDS-related deaths has steadily decreased over the years, thanks to awareness campaigns, education and prevention, but people are still dying.
The new discovery of an antibody against HIV by the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, has raised hopes that another weapon in the fight against the virus may be on the horizon.
More than 800 antibodies tested against HIV
The research team, led by Florian Klein, Director of the Institute of Virology in Cologne, examined blood samples from 32 people. They were all infected with HIV, but had developed a particularly strong and broadly effective antibody response against the virus, on their own — without any medical intervention.
The researchers tested more than 800 different antibodies from these blood samples for their ability to neutralize HIV.
One of them, named 04_A06, stood out. The antibody blocks a site where the virus binds to cells when it infects a person. It therefore prevents HIV from entering the body’s cells. When the virus enters a cell, it reprograms the cell to reproduce the virus, and that weakens the immune system in the long-term.
Antibodies in the human immune system are produced by B lymphocytes, or B cells.
When B cells detect pathogens, they become plasma cells that release antibodies, such as the 04_A06 antibody discovered by the Cologne researchers.
The researchers decoded this process, or “blueprint,” for the 04_A06 antibody in the hope that they could reproduced it.
“You use the genetic blueprint of the antibody, transfer it to a cell line in the laboratory and use another cell and tell it: Please produce this antibody,” Klein told DW.
Antibody 04_A06: HIV treatment and prevention
In experiments with mice that had been infected with HIV, the 04_A06 antibody was seen to neutralize most HIV infections.
In total, the researchers ran experiments with almost 340 variants of HIV, including those that were resistant to other antibodies.
“HIV has a high genetic diversity, the viruses are all quite different,” said Klein. “That’s what makes HIV so difficult to treat.”
But the 04_A06 antibody neutralized 98% of the HIV variants they tested.
The researchers said the 04_A06 antibody may be able to help people who are already infected with HIV — because it blocks the virus’ access to cells.
“It attaches itself to the envelope protein of the virus, so the virus can no longer infect the target cell,” said Klein. In addition, viruses blocked by 04_A06 were better recognized and actively eliminated by the body’s immune system.
The researchers hope that 04_A06 could also prevent HIV infections.
“The antibody intercepts viruses before they can infect cells and multiply in the body,” said Klein.
So, the newly discovered antibody could act as a passive immunization. An active immunization would be a vaccine that enables the body to produce antibodies itself. But there is no HIV vaccine as yet.
The state of HIV vaccine development and medication
Studies into an HIV vaccine based on mRNA technology are ongoing. Researchers aim to stimulate an immune response with a protein taken from the HIV envelope. That is the virus’ outer coat, which, like the one of the virus that causes COVID-19, has protein spikes embedded in it that enable the virus to attach itself to cells and infect them. However, this method has so far only been tested for one HIV variant.
Klein said it will be a challenge to induce the body’s own production of potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies with an active vaccine.
HIV prevention with “depot” function: Lenacapavir is now also approved in the EUImage: Nardus Engelbrecht/AP/picture alliance
Various medicines are offered as pills or injections as a prophylactic measure against HIV infection. And they are very successful. However, the tablets usually have to be taken daily.
There are long-acting, injectable prophylaxis drugs, such as lenacapavir or cabotegravir, that create a “depot” function in the body. The depot allows the body to release the active ingredient slowly. And that means you only need two injections per year.
Klein said the idea behind antibody prophylaxis with 04_A06 was, “that you [could] do without tablets, because you would have a more than 90% chance of preventing an infection.” An antibody prophylaxis using 04_A06 would have to be taken approximately every six months, much like lenacapavir.
Alternatives to the 04_A06 antibody
Researchers have found other broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
However, Alexandra Trkola, Director of the Institute of Medical Virology at the University of Zurich said, “04_A06 is definitely an extraordinarily potent representative of this group.”
The antibody’s potency determines how many — or how few — of the antibodies are needed to create a strong effect. This is important if the Cologne discovery is to become a drug that is administered by injection, for example.
Potency also determines how often you would need an injection.
“Theoretically, 04_A06 alone achieves an efficacy that is otherwise only achieved in antibody combinations,” said Trkola, who was not part of the research in Cologne.
But it will probably be a while before 04_A06 becomes a drug, said Christoph Spinner, Head of Infectiology at the Klinikum rechts der Isar at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
The Cologne study has so far only involved laboratory data, said Spinner, who was also not involved in the research. “So, the effectiveness cannot be directly transferred to real life.”
Further studies on the dosage, people’s tolerance to it and its efficacy would need to follow, he said.
Trkola agreed it was not yet possible to predict whether the antibody would prove its efficacy in clinical use but added that the signs were “definitely promising.”
NAIROBI, Kenya — A bombshell investigation has thrust Swiss food giant Nestlé back into the spotlight, accusing the company of peddling baby cereals laced with excessive added sugars across Africa, with Kenya bearing the brunt of the highest concentrations.
The report, released last week by Swiss watchdog Public Eye, labels Nestlé’s flagship Cerelac product as potentially “toxic” for infants due to its sugar content, which far exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and mirrors formulations banned in Europe.
At the heart of the scandal is Cerelac, Nestlé’s infant cereal marketed as a nutrient-packed essential for growing babies.
In Kenya, where Cerelac commands the lion’s share of the baby food market and is the top-selling product, lab tests revealed a staggering 7.5 grams of added sugar per serving, equivalent to nearly two sugar cubes, in one variant.
That’s more than the entire daily recommended sugar intake for children under two, according to WHO standards, which call for a complete ban on added sugars in foods for babies and toddlers up to age three.
Public Eye’s probe analyzed over 100 Cerelac samples from 20 African countries, finding that more than 90 per cent contained added sugars like sucrose, glucose-fructose syrup, and maltodextrin.
In stark contrast, equivalent products sold in Nestlé’s home market of Switzerland, as well as in Germany, France, and the UK, boast zero added sugars.
The discrepancy has fuelled outrage, with critics branding it a “double standard” that prioritizes profits over the health of vulnerable African infants.
“This isn’t just about taste. It’s about engineering addiction from the cradle,” said Dr. Susan Goldstein, associate professor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s SAMRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science in South Africa.
In an interview, Goldstein, who has long tracked multinational food practices, warned that early exposure to added sugars predisposes babies to lifelong sweet tooths, skyrocketing risks for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.
In South Africa alone, childhood obesity rates hover at 13 per cent, double the global average of 6.1 per cent, a trend mirrored across the continent where overweight children under five have surged 23 per cent since 2000.
Kenya’s predicament is particularly acute.
As Africa’s largest economy and a hub for Nestlé’s operations, the country sees Cerelac flying off shelves in supermarkets and pharmacies, often promoted as “little bodies need big support” with claims of 12 essential vitamins and minerals.
Yet, the product’s high sugar load undermines these promises, experts say. “Babies eat small portions, so every gram of food must be nutrient-dense, not calorie-dense from empty sugars,” Goldstein added.
The Public Eye report estimates that Nestlé’s added sugars contribute to widespread malnutrition paradoxes in Africa, where undernutrition coexists with rising obesity.
Nestlé, which controls about 20 per cent of the $70 billion global baby food market, vehemently denies the allegations.
In a statement to Al Jazeera, a company spokesperson insisted: “We do not have double standards. Nestlé is committed to treating all children equally, irrespective of where they live.”
The firm claims its formulations comply with local regulations and that sugars in Cerelac are “naturally occurring” from ingredients like milk and fruits, though independent lab results contradict this, detecting free added sugars in most samples.
Nestlé dismissed the report as “misleading,” arguing it ignores regional nutritional needs, such as combating micronutrient deficiencies in low-income settings.
This isn’t Nestlé’s first brush with controversy in Africa. Back in April 2024, a similar exposé revealed added sugars and honey in infant milks sold in South Africa, the Philippines, and Thailand, absent from European versions.
Historical scandals, including the 1970s formula marketing push that contributed to infant deaths from contaminated water, have long stained the company’s reputation.
Civil society groups, including those in Kenya, are now demanding accountability. “Nestlé must stop this predatory practice regardless of skin colour or nationality,” reads an open letter from African consumer protection advocates, urging boycotts and regulatory crackdowns.
Health experts and activists are calling for urgent action from African governments.
South Africa has salt limits but needs caps on added sugars and oils in baby foods, alongside taxes on sugary products akin to those on fizzy drinks.
Front-of-pack warning labels, like those proposed by South Africa’s Department of Health, could empower parents to spot hidden sugars in seemingly healthy yoghurts and cereals.
In Kenya, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) faces scrutiny for lax oversight, with social media erupting in calls like, “Why do we pay you?” amid fears that weak enforcement lets multinationals off the hook.
The WHO has amplified the alarm, highlighting how inappropriate baby foods exacerbate Africa’s dual burden of malnutrition.
As obesity rates climb, projected to affect one in five African children by 2030, the onus falls on regulators to level the playing field.
“The world is watching,” one Kenyan mother told AJ+ in a viral video. “Do the right thing, Nestlé, for our babies.”
For now, parents in Kenya and beyond are urged to scrutinize labels and prioritize breastfeeding or unsweetened alternatives.
But as Goldstein puts it, “Multinationals like Nestlé benefit from addictive formulations that hook consumers young. It’s time Africa says no more.“
Nairobi County has overtaken traditional hotspots to record the highest number of new HIV infections in Kenya, raising fresh concerns about the epidemic’s evolving dynamics in urban centres.
The capital city registered 3,045 new infections in 2024, surpassing counties in the Lake Victoria region that have historically borne the heaviest burden of the disease.
The revelation comes as Kenya grapples with a 19 per cent increase in new HIV infections nationally, with cases rising from 16,752 in 2023 to 19,991 in 2024, according to the latest Kenya HIV Estimates report released by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council on Sunday.
Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga described the situation as a wake-up call for the country’s HIV response strategy.
“Nairobi’s position as the leading source of new infections underscores the need for urgent, differentiated interventions that address the unique risks present in urban settings,” Dr Oluga said during the report’s launch.
The data reveals a troubling concentration of new infections, with ten counties accounting for 60 per cent of all new HIV cases nationally.
Behind Nairobi, Migori County recorded 1,572 new infections while Kisumu registered 1,341.
The traditional hotspots of Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kakamega, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Bungoma complete the list of high-burden counties.
Health experts attribute Nairobi’s leading position to a confluence of factors unique to the capital’s dense urban environment.
The city’s large mobile population, active commercial sex trade, numerous entertainment venues, and influx of economic migrants create conditions that fuel HIV transmission.
Research has shown that urban centres with high population density and economic migration often experience increased sexual network turnover and higher transmission risks.
Young people aged 15 to 34 continue to bear the brunt of new infections, forming the majority of cases.
Women remain disproportionately affected, with the national HIV prevalence standing at 4.0 per cent among females compared to 2.0 per cent among males. Overall, Kenya’s HIV prevalence stands at 3.0 per cent.
The report further reveals that 1,326,336 Kenyans were living with HIV as of 2024, including 62,798 children. Alarmingly, AIDS-related deaths increased to 21,007 in 2024 from 18,473 the previous year, representing a rise that health officials say reflects gaps in early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and retention in care.
“AIDS-related deaths, recorded at 21,007 in 2024, remind us of the need for renewed focus on early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and retention in care,” Dr Oluga emphasised.
The concentration of infections in Nairobi presents unique challenges for prevention efforts.
Informal settlements, which house a significant proportion of the city’s population, are particularly vulnerable.
Studies have shown that poverty, limited access to healthcare, high rates of transactional sex, and barriers to education combine to create heightened HIV risk in these areas.
Among adolescent girls and young women living in urban informal settlements, factors such as early pregnancy, inability to complete secondary education, and engagement in transactional sex to meet basic needs significantly increase vulnerability to HIV infection.
Young women in cities are nearly twice as likely to acquire HIV as their male counterparts.
Key populations including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs face additional layers of risk compounded by stigma, discrimination, and criminalization that limit their access to prevention and treatment services.
Despite the troubling increase in new infections in the high-burden counties, the report noted encouraging progress in other regions.
Twelve counties, including Elgeyo-Marakwet, Wajir, Mandera, Kisii, Machakos, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bomet, Baringo, Trans-Nzoia and Laikipia, recorded a 75 per cent drop in new infections.
Nationally, Kenya has achieved a 52 per cent decrease in new HIV infections since 2013, demonstrating the impact of sustained prevention efforts including voluntary medical male circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis programmes, and expanded access to antiretroviral therapy.
The NSDCC emphasised that the persistent regional disparities highlighted by the data call for differentiated, county-led interventions tailored to local epidemic dynamics.
For Nairobi, this means addressing the specific drivers of urban transmission including improving access to HIV testing and prevention services in informal settlements, scaling up targeted interventions for key populations, and strengthening sexual and reproductive health services for young people.
Health officials stress that achieving equitable epidemic control will require sustained commitment, increased investment in prevention programmes, and innovative approaches that reach the most vulnerable populations where they live and work.
The findings come as Kenya works toward meeting global targets to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, a goal that will require dramatically reducing new infections while ensuring universal access to treatment for those already living with the virus.
The Odinga family has chosen to lay Beryl Lilian Achieng Mungwari Odinga to rest at the historic Kang’o ka Jaramogi homestead in Bondo, Siaya County, bringing her final journey full circle to the land where generations of Kenya’s most prominent political dynasty rest.
The decision, announced by Raila Odinga Junior on Saturday, was made with the blessing of Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, who returned to Kenya from Dubai on November 28 to oversee the funeral arrangements for his sister.
Beryl, who died on November 25 at a Nairobi hospital aged 78, will join her father, Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and her brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was buried at the same homestead in October following his death in India.
The choice of Kang’o ka Jaramogi as Beryl’s final resting place speaks to the deep family bonds that have held the Odingas together through decades of political struggle and personal loss.
The homestead, whose name derives from the hard kang’o trees that once grew abundantly in the area, has become a sacred ground for the family, housing more than ten graves of Odinga family members.
Among those already buried there are Raila’s mother, Mary Adhiambo, and his son Fidel Castro Odinga, who died in 2015.
The homestead’s layout follows traditional Luo customs, with the houses of Jaramogi’s four wives arranged in a specific order that reflects cultural practices passed down through generations.
The decision to bring Beryl home to Kang’o ka Jaramogi is particularly poignant given her life of quiet dignity away from the political spotlight that defined much of her family’s existence.
While her brothers Oburu and Raila dominated Kenya’s political landscape for decades, Beryl carved out her own distinguished path in law and public administration.
Raila Odinga Junior (centre) with family members after picking the late Beryl Lilian Achieng Mungwari Odinga resting spot at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo/HANDOUT
She broke barriers as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare in Zimbabwe and later served as Company Secretary of the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe. Back in Kenya, she chaired the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, a position she held until her death.
Beryl was the fourth born in the Odinga family, coming after Oburu, Raila, the late Ngire Omuodo Agola, and Dr Akinyi Wenwa. Her marriage to the late Otieno Ambala, who briefly served as Member of Parliament for Gem before his death in 1985, tied her even more deeply to the political fabric of Nyanza region.
The family’s gathering at Kang’o ka Jaramogi to select Beryl’s burial spot included Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who has been actively supporting the funeral arrangements. Raila Junior posted on social media that they sat down with Jakawuor to make the final decision, honouring the traditions that govern such solemn family matters.
Oburu’s return from Dubai, where he had gone for rest and reflection following the emotionally draining period after Raila’s death and the Orange Democratic Movement’s 20th anniversary celebrations, underscores the significance of Beryl’s burial. Upon landing, he went directly to Lee Funeral Home to view his sister’s body, accompanied by party members in a procession that reflected the sombre mood within ODM.
The historic homestead has been open to the public since Raila’s burial, with thousands of Kenyans visiting to pay their respects. The graves of Raila and Jaramogi stand slightly apart from the main family graveyard, about 100 metres away, with a mausoleum over Jaramogi’s grave and plans for one to be built over Raila’s.
For the people of Nyamira village, where Kang’o ka Jaramogi is located, the homestead represents more than just a burial ground. It is a living monument to a family that shaped Kenya’s democratic journey, from Jaramogi’s fight for independence to Raila’s decades-long struggle for constitutional reforms and multiparty democracy.
Local residents recall how Jaramogi settled the area after families migrated from the shores of Lake Victoria due to tsetse fly infestation. With government help, they cleared the bushes and established homes where Jaramogi raised his children with his four wives, instilling in them the values of education and service that would define the family’s legacy.
Beryl’s homecoming to Kang’o ka Jaramogi thus represents not just a burial decision, but a reaffirmation of family unity and the enduring pull of ancestral land. Despite her long illness and years spent in and out of hospital, she will return to rest among the kang’o trees that gave the homestead its name, surrounded by the family members who went before her.
The funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, but the choice of burial site has already been made. Beryl Odinga will lie at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where the soil holds the bones of Kenya’s political aristocracy and where the family’s story continues to unfold, one generation at a time.
Luxury vs. Legacy: The Battle for Maasai Mara’s Soul
When the first wildebeest herds arrive at the Sand River crossing each year, they carry with them the weight of millions of years of evolution. The migration between Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti represents nature’s most spectacular choreography, a movement so vast it can be seen from space.
But this year, the ancient rhythms of survival are colliding with something decidedly modern: a controversy over whether one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands belongs in the middle of it all.
The storm began brewing long before August 2025, when the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp welcomed its first guests. According to documents from the Seventh Stakeholders Forum of the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, held just months earlier in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the very type of development now standing on the Sand River’s banks had already been identified as a critical threat to the region’s survival.
Between March 28 and 30, 2025, scientists, conservation professionals, and government representatives from both Kenya and Tanzania gathered under the auspices of the Greater Serengeti-Mara Conservation Society.
Their mission was urgent: assess the state of one of Africa’s most important ecosystems and chart a path forward. What they concluded should have sent shockwaves through every planning office in Narok County.
According to the forum’s official summary, current tourism pressure in the Maasai Mara has reached unsustainable levels.
The scientists didn’t mince words, stating plainly that mass tourism is actively impairing the wildebeest migration and compromising the ecological integrity of the entire system.
Among their recommendations was a stark directive: prohibit the establishment of new lodges and camps in designated wilderness areas, and withdraw licenses for facilities located in sensitive zones.
The forum went further, specifically calling out the need to avoid tourism infrastructure construction in locations that negatively affect protected areas or block wildlife corridors.
They identified the Sand River area as a dry season refuge, a technical designation that carries enormous ecological significance. When water becomes scarce across the vast plains, these refuges become concentration points where animals gather to survive. Building permanent structures in such locations doesn’t just inconvenience wildlife. It threatens their survival.
Yet five months after this forum concluded, Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu of Narok County stood alongside Marriott International executives at the grand opening of the Ritz-Carlton camp.
Photographs from that August 15 ceremony show the governor smiling beneath an inaugural plaque, celebrating a development that operates under a franchise agreement between the Kenyan company Lazizi Mara Limited and the American hospitality giant.
The same governor whose signature appears on the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan 2023-2032, a document that explicitly placed a moratorium on new lodges and camps through 2033.
Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp
How did a luxury hotel brand secure permission to build in a location that planning documents were designed to protect? The answer lies in a single letter from Felix K. Koskei, chief of staff to President William Ruto.
According to reporting by The New York Times, Koskei granted Marriott what he termed a one-time exemption from the moratorium, justifying it as part of the government’s commitment to cultivating a favorable business environment for domestic and foreign investment.
That exemption effectively nullified years of collaborative conservation planning. The management plan, developed through joint scientific assessments between national and county governments, became subordinate to political expediency with the stroke of a pen. For conservation advocates, the message was unmistakable: no protection is permanent when political connections and commercial interests align.
The scientific case against the location appears formidable. According to The New York Times, Grant Hopcraft, an ecologist who has been tracking wildebeest movement since 1996, wrote directly to Kenya’s Environment and Land Court stating that the proposed lodge sits directly on a major wildlife corridor between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
Joseph Ogutu, a Kenyan researcher at the University of Hohenheim in Germany with over three decades of migration research in the Mara, supported this assessment, telling the Times that five decades of data consistently indicate the river location is critical for wildlife.
The Kenya Wildlife Service tells a different story. In a statement issued in late November, the agency asserted that GPS collar data collected from more than 60 migratory wildebeest between 1999 and 2022 demonstrates the Sand River site does not fall within a migration corridor.
The agency explained that each GPS collar represents herds numbering between 2,000 and 100,000 animals, suggesting their dataset captures comprehensive movement patterns across decades.
This fundamental disagreement over data interpretation sits at the heart of the controversy. Both sides claim scientific rigor, yet reach diametrically opposed conclusions about whether the location poses risks to migration routes. For observers trying to assess the competing claims, the context matters enormously.
The forum summary document notes that wildebeest migration on the Mara-Loita Plains has collapsed dramatically, with populations declining from 140,000 to fewer than 15,000 animals.
This isn’t theoretical concern about future impacts. It’s documentation of migration collapse that has already occurred elsewhere in the ecosystem. The animals didn’t die. They simply stopped migrating when their traditional routes became compromised.
According to the forum findings, the broader ecosystem faces multiple compounding pressures. Tourism infrastructure has expanded dramatically, with expert estimates cited in The New York Times indicating growth from 95 camps in 2012 to 175 by 2024.
Each new development brings increased vehicle traffic, with The Times reporting that safari cars often drive off-road, disturbing animals and damaging vegetation. Light pollution and noise from lodges affect wildlife behavior patterns, while wastewater from facilities flows into the Mara and Sand river systems.
The forum scientists warned that some rivers formerly flowing year-round are becoming seasonal due to vegetation loss. They calculated that a drought lasting merely ten days during dry season could result in mass mortality of up to 300,000 migratory wildebeest. Against this backdrop, constructing a facility requiring substantial water consumption in an area identified as a dry season refuge raises profound questions about long-term sustainability.
Dr. Meitamei Olol Dapash, a Maasai elder who directs the Institute for Maasai Education, Research and Conservation, filed suit against Marriott International, Ritz-Carlton, Lazizi Mara Limited, and local authorities on the same day the camp opened.
According to The New York Times, his lawsuit alleges the camp was built in the middle of a corridor used by wildebeest during the Great Migration, which occurs primarily between July and September. His demands are uncompromising: dismantle the camp, restore the landscape, and plant native trees before next year’s migration begins.
Court-issued gag orders have since silenced Dr. Dapash from speaking publicly about his case, according to the Daily Nation. The legal mechanism prevents him from discussing the matter while courts consider the merits, effectively removing the most prominent critic from public debate during the crucial period when attention might generate political pressure for change.
The procedural irregularities alleged around community consultation raise disturbing questions about environmental governance. According to The New York Times, Julius Manchau Liaram, a Maasai herder, discovered his name and signature on documents indicating community approval for the project.
Liaram told the Times he never attended any meeting about the Ritz-Carlton and would not have approved it had he been consulted. He reported the matter to police immediately, suspecting that whoever used his name assumed he would never discover the forgery.
The National Environment Management Authority maintains it conducted proper community consultation and received consent. But when community members claim they never participated in meetings and their signatures were forged, the integrity of the entire approval process comes into question.
These aren’t minor administrative irregularities. They strike at the fundamental legitimacy of development decisions affecting ancestral lands and communal resources.
Justin Landry, the Ritz-Carlton camp’s general manager, told The New York Times that an environmental impact assessment was conducted in April 2024 and the development received proper approval.
He emphasized that 90 percent of the camp’s team comes from Kenya, with 40 percent drawn from local communities, and that the company supports inclusive growth and community connection.
Yet the employment statistics don’t address the core environmental concerns or the procedural questions about how approval was obtained.
As Dominic Kasoe, a 30-year-old local resident, told The Times, he wants tourism in the Mara and recognizes its benefits, but not at the expense of wildlife or local rights. His description of multinational companies operating without regard for communities was blunt: parasites.
The analytical document examining whether Maasai Mara needs a Ritz-Carlton raises pointed questions about political ethics and environmental governance.
It notes that several individuals with direct ties to Governor Ole Ntutu attended the March forum, including Samuel Leposo Ndorko, Stephen Minis, and Jackson Mpario.
These officials heard firsthand the scientific warnings about unsustainable tourism pressure and recommendations to prohibit new developments in sensitive zones. Their subsequent participation in approving and celebrating the Ritz-Carlton opening cannot be attributed to ignorance of scientific consensus.
The document describes this as a conscious choice to prioritize mass development over scientific recommendations crucial for ecosystem survival. It frames the decision as demonstrating negligence or disregard for scientific norms, while also contravening what it characterizes as the values and culture of the Maasai people.
The controversy extends beyond the Ritz-Carlton. The analytical document identifies another lodge under construction by a prominent Kenyan senator from Narok County, allegedly located within the Olkinyei Forest near the Olare Orok River in the heart of the reserve’s principal protection zone.
When elected officials responsible for representing communities and ensuring legal compliance are themselves allegedly violating conservation regulations, it suggests systemic rather than isolated problems.
The document poses a series of probing questions: How was a construction license granted for this location? Was proper environmental assessment conducted? What technical justification supported approval? Who signed the authorization? How does a senator elected to represent the Maasai people and ensure legal compliance fit within the approval process for new lodge construction that management plans explicitly restrict?
These aren’t rhetorical questions. They demand answers that could reveal whether environmental protections serve genuine conservation purposes or merely provide bureaucratic theater that political connections can easily bypass.
The forum scientists emphasized that effective conservation requires institutional integrity, administrative transparency, and unwavering respect for regulations.
Without these foundations, environmental protection becomes hollowed out, subordinated to what the analytical document describes as power devoid of morality and profit without restraint.
The scientists proposed developing a joint work plan between Kenya and Tanzania for transboundary conservation, building on existing frameworks like the East Africa Community Climate Finance Strategy and the Lusaka Agreement on Illegal Wildlife Trade. Large-scale infrastructure developments along reserve borders run counter to the coordinated management approach designed to reduce cross-border environmental stress.
The Kenya Wildlife Service statement addressing the controversy dismisses much criticism as outdated material from 2018 and 2020, suggesting that images and narratives circulating online may reflect competing commercial interests. The agency notes that five permanent safari camps and over two seasonal camps already exist along the Sand River, none attracting similar opposition. It argues this demonstrates the location doesn’t obstruct migration corridors.
But this reasoning misunderstands how ecosystems reach tipping points. Ecological systems don’t collapse linearly. They absorb pressure incrementally until suddenly they can’t, and then change becomes catastrophic and often irreversible. The question isn’t whether previous developments caused problems. It’s whether cumulative pressure has reached levels where additional development triggers systemic failure.
Emmanuel Sananka, a 26-year-old software engineer who grew up in the Mara and lives near the reserve, articulated the precedent concern to The New York Times.
If Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are permitted to remain despite the moratorium, it establishes that anyone with sufficient resources and connections can operate similarly, disregarding people and wildlife. The community needs assurance that their voice matters even when confronting powerful corporations.
Tilal Ole Sairowa, a 71-year-old Maasai elder and livestock keeper, told The Times that two generations of Maasai children have attended schools built by tourism revenue, received healthcare from tourist-funded hospitals, and benefited from tourist-supported scholarships. The community doesn’t oppose tourism. They want it managed better by local government and park authorities.
This distinction deserves emphasis. The controversy isn’t driven by anti-tourism sentiment or opposition to economic development. It’s driven by recognition that tourism infrastructure expansion has outpaced the ecosystem’s capacity to sustain it, and that political processes have failed to enforce the protections that management plans establish.
The Kenya Wildlife Service cites government commitment to corridor protection, pointing to Cabinet approval for securing the Nairobi National Park to Athi-Kapiti wildlife corridor.
The agency notes that the wildebeest migration has received international recognition from the World Book of Records and World Tourism Market as the world’s greatest annual terrestrial wildlife migration and leading African tourism destination.
These achievements are genuine and worth celebrating. But they don’t resolve the fundamental question: if corridors are being protected in some locations while exceptions are granted in others, what determines which areas receive genuine protection and which become available for luxury development? The answer appears to be political connections rather than scientific criteria.
Marriott International has plans for additional East African expansion, with The New York Times reporting that a JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve and a JW Marriott luxury safari lodge in Serengeti National Park are scheduled to open in early 2026.
The Serengeti property will operate within a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, raising questions about whether similar controversies will emerge there.
Jonathan Koshal, a 39-year-old Maasai guide who owns Eye of Masai tour company, told The Times that the dirt and grass wall surrounding the Ritz-Carlton camp clearly demonstrates the company’s intention to separate guests from everyone else. The wall doesn’t keep wildlife out, however. The Times reported that tracks appear every few feet along the perimeter where animals have attempted to climb over or walk through.
This physical barrier epitomizes the broader separation between luxury tourism and conservation reality. Tourists paying premium rates for exclusive experiences remain disconnected from the environmental pressures their presence creates and the community impacts their isolated accommodations generate.
Sarah Dusek, co-founder and chief executive of Few & Far, an ecolodge company operating in South Africa’s Limpopo region, told The Times that sustainability must mean more than avoiding harm. Companies need to actively drive positive change and environmental restoration.
Her Luvhondo ecolodge limits capacity to six tented suites while rewilding and restoring approximately 247,000 acres.
This model represents the alternative approach that conservationists advocate: smaller footprints, temporary rather than permanent structures, genuine community partnerships, and commitment to landscape restoration that exceeds the area directly occupied.
It demonstrates that luxury tourism and environmental stewardship aren’t inherently incompatible, but achieving both requires prioritizing conservation over capacity.
The analytical document concludes that the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp and the senator’s lodge directly contravene the forum findings and recommendations while breaching mandatory provisions in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan 2023-2032.
It characterizes these developments as epitomizing unsustainable tourism models that the scientific and conservation community has worked for decades to restrain, recognizing the inextricable links between ecological integrity and Maasai cultural survival.
The document’s final assessment is unequivocal: Maasai Mara does not need a Ritz-Carlton. The reserve requires environmental conservation supported by responsible, high-quality tourism rather than luxury infrastructure that exceeds ecological limits and compromises cultural and spiritual values in pursuit of immediate profit.
Whether this conclusion prevails depends on factors beyond scientific evidence or community preference. It depends on whether courts uphold environmental regulations or defer to presidential exemptions. Whether media attention generates political pressure for accountability.
Whether international consumers choosing safari destinations consider environmental governance alongside thread counts and infinity pool views. Whether the community voices that forged signatures attempted to silence ultimately prove stronger than the corporate and political power aligned against them.
The wildebeest will return to the Sand River when seasonal patterns dictate. They’ve made this journey for longer than human civilization has existed. The question confronting Kenya isn’t whether animals can adapt to obstacles in their path. Ecological research demonstrates that when critical routes become compromised, migrations don’t adjust, they collapse.
The question is whether a nation that has built substantial economic prosperity on wildlife tourism will enforce the protections its own management plans establish, or whether those protections evaporate whenever political connections and commercial interests demand exceptions.
The answer will determine not just the fate of one luxury camp, but the credibility of environmental governance across Kenya’s protected areas.
If presidential exemptions can override decade-long moratoria, if community consultation can be satisfied through forged signatures, if scientific consensus can be dismissed when contradicted by government agencies defending politically connected developments, then no ecosystem is actually protected. Management plans become suggestions rather than requirements, binding only on those lacking sufficient political influence to obtain exemptions.
The Maasai elders, conservation scientists, and local guides leading opposition to the Ritz-Carlton aren’t fighting against tourism or economic development.
They’re fighting for the principle that some places remain too ecologically and culturally significant to sacrifice for luxury accommodations, regardless of how much revenue they might generate or how many jobs they might create.
They’re fighting for the idea that environmental protections mean something beyond words in planning documents that political power can erase.
Whether they succeed will reveal whether Kenya’s commitment to conservation extends beyond international marketing campaigns to actual enforcement when protecting ecosystems conflicts with commercial opportunity.
The world is watching. So are the wildebeest, though they don’t yet know that their ancient pathways have become a courtroom battleground where their survival hangs on legal arguments about GPS data, presidential prerogatives, and whether profit should triumph over preservation.
VATICAN CITY, Nov 25 (Reuters) – Happily ever after doesn’t require any complicated maths, the Vatican said on Tuesday — for Catholics, one spouse is enough.
In a new decree approved by Pope Leo, the Vatican’s top doctrinal office told the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics they should seek to marry one spouse for life and should not have multiple sexual relationships.
Criticizing the practice of polygamy in Africa, including among members of the Church, the Vatican reiterated that it believes marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman.
Members of the clergy attend a Mass for the Jubilee of Choirs celebrated by Pope Leo XIV, in Saint Peter’s Square, at the Vatican. REUTERS
The decree, which did not discuss same-sex relationships, focused on what it called the “richness and fruitfulness” of traditional marriage. It encouraged Catholics to find one spouse and become committed to them.
MARRIAGE ‘DEMANDS EXCLUSIVITY’
“Every authentic marriage is a unity composed of two individuals, which requires such an intimate and totalising relationship that it cannot be shared with others,” said the decree.
“Since (marriage) is a union between two people who have exactly the same dignity and the same rights, it demands exclusivity,” it said.
The question of how to better enforce the Church’s teachings on marriage was debated at two Vatican summits in 2023 and 2024, which the late Pope Francis hosted to discuss the future of Catholicism with hundreds of cardinals and bishops.
Polygamy in Africa, where many Catholics take part in long-standing cultural practices of maintaining more than one committed relationship, was a topic of heated discussion at those summits.
Also discussed was the rise of polyamorous relationship structures, where individuals date multiple people at the same time, in some Western countries.
“Polygamy, adultery, or polyamory are based on the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in a succession of faces,” the new decree said.
The document does not discuss divorce, which the Church does not recognise as it views marriage as a lifelong commitment.
The Church however has an annulment process, which evaluates whether marriages were properly contracted, and stresses that partners are not expected to stay in abusive relationships.
The nightmare scenario doctors have been dreading is unfolding right before our eyes. Gonorrhoea, one of humanity’s oldest enemies, is mutating into an unstoppable superbug that laughs in the face of our most powerful antibiotics.
The World Health Organization dropped a bombshell this week that should send shivers down the spine of every sexually active person on the planet.
Fresh data from twelve countries across five continents reveals an absolutely terrifying trend: the sexually transmitted infection that infects 82 million people annually is rapidly developing resistance to the last line of antibiotics we have left to fight it.
Just think about that for a moment. We’re running out of weapons in this war.
The numbers paint a chilling picture.
Between 2022 and 2024, resistance to ceftriaxone, the injectable antibiotic doctors have relied upon as their final trump card, skyrocketed from a mere 0.8% to 5%.
That’s more than a sixfold increase in just two years. Even more alarming, resistance to cefixime, another critical treatment option, exploded from 1.7% to a staggering 11%.
These resistant strains aren’t confined to one region anymore.
They’re spreading like wildfire across borders, detected in an ever-growing number of countries.
Cambodia and Vietnam are already experiencing the worst of it, reporting the highest resistance rates globally.
But make no mistake, this is not a distant problem confined to Southeast Asia.
When it comes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, what happens in one corner of the world inevitably reaches every other corner.
Decreased condom use, increased urbanization, international travel, and poor detection rates are creating the perfect storm for this superbug to spread unchecked.
Here’s where it gets even more frightening.
Ciprofloxacin, once a go-to antibiotic for gonorrhoea, is now virtually useless, with resistance levels hitting a jaw-dropping 95%.
Ninety-five percent.
That means for almost every person infected, this drug is nothing more than an expensive placebo. The bacteria have evolved to shrug it off like water off a duck’s back.
Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs, didn’t mince words.
This global effort to track and contain drug-resistant gonorrhoea is essential to protecting public health worldwide, she emphasized, calling on all countries to integrate gonorrhoea surveillance into their national STI programmes.
The urgency in her message is palpable. This isn’t a drill.
This is a full-blown crisis unfolding in real time.
The data from 2024 tells us that over half of all symptomatic gonorrhoea cases in men came from countries in the Western Pacific Region alone.
The Philippines led the pack with 28% of cases, followed by Vietnam at 12%, Cambodia at 9%, and Indonesia at 3%. African countries accounted for 28% of cases, with Thailand representing 13% of the South-East Asia Region.
These aren’t just statistics on a page.
These are real people whose lives are being upended, whose fertility is at risk, whose bodies are hosting infections that might soon become completely untreatable.
The median age of infected patients is just 27 years old, though cases have been recorded in people ranging from 12 to 94 years.
Twenty percent were men who have sex with men, and a disturbing 42% reported having multiple sexual partners within the past 30 days.
Eight percent had recently used antibiotics, potentially contributing to the resistance problem, while 19% had traveled recently, likely helping to spread resistant strains across geographical boundaries.
What makes this situation particularly insidious is that gonorrhoea often operates in stealth mode.
Up to 80% of women and 15% of men infected with the disease show no obvious symptoms.
No burning sensation, no discharge, no pain. Nothing.
They go about their lives completely unaware that they’re carrying a ticking time bomb and potentially spreading it to their partners.
By the time symptoms appear, if they ever do, significant damage may already be done.
And if left untreated, or worse, if it becomes truly untreatable, the consequences are nothing short of catastrophic.
Women face pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain that can last a lifetime, abscesses in the pelvis, ectopic pregnancies that can be fatal, and infertility that shatters dreams of having children.
Men aren’t spared either, with risks including prostate inflammation, scarred and narrowed urethras, testicular and scrotal pain, and their own fertility problems.
Pregnant women with untreated gonorrhoea can pass the infection to their newborns during childbirth, potentially causing blindness in the baby.
In rare but terrifying cases, gonorrhoea spreads through the bloodstream, causing disseminated gonococcal infection, a life-threatening condition that can affect joints, skin, and vital organs.
The disease also dramatically increases HIV transmission rates because it creates the perfect conditions for that virus to spread more easily.
We’re talking about a five-fold increase in HIV transmission when gonorrhoea is present.
The financial burden alone should make governments sit up and pay attention.
The cost of treating complications from drug-resistant gonorrhoea is astronomical.
Prolonged infections mean more hospital visits, more expensive treatments, more days off work, more surgeries to repair damage, and more long-term care for those left with chronic conditions.
Low and middle-income countries, whose health systems are already stretched beyond breaking point, will be hit hardest.
But make no mistake, wealthy nations aren’t immune either.
There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, though it’s far from certain.
New antibiotics like zoliflodacin and gepotidacin are being studied and show promise in early trials.
Zoliflodacin represents the first new class of antibiotics for gonorrhoea in 25 years and could potentially reach the market soon.
But here’s the catch: even if these new drugs are approved and distributed, history tells us that the crafty Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria will eventually develop resistance to them too.
This pathogen has demonstrated an almost supernatural ability to outsmart every single antibiotic we’ve thrown at it since antibiotics were first discovered.
Penicillin, tetracycline, sulphonamides, ciprofloxacin, all of them have fallen like dominoes.
Scientists are desperately working to understand the genetic mutations that give this bacteria its resistance powers.
Research shows that throat infections play a particularly sinister role in the development of resistant strains because antibiotics don’t penetrate throat tissue as well, and the throat harbors other Neisseria bacteria that can share genetic material with the gonorrhoea bacteria, essentially teaching it new tricks for survival.
The WHO has been tracking this nightmare through its Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme since 2015, and in 2024 alone, nearly 3,000 samples were sequenced from eight countries.
The programme expanded to include Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Qatar last year, with India set to begin reporting in 2025.
But despite this progress, the programme faces serious challenges: limited funding, incomplete reporting, and massive gaps in data from women and extragenital infection sites.
What’s most frustrating is that many of the most affected countries, those bearing the heaviest burden of gonorrhoea cases, have little to no surveillance capacity.
The data we have from wealthier nations showing treatment failures and resistance might just be the tip of an absolutely massive iceberg.
If rich countries with sophisticated healthcare systems are struggling, imagine what’s happening in places where testing and treatment infrastructure barely exists.
The solution requires a multi-pronged approach that most experts agree must include better prevention, widespread access to quality diagnostics, proper antibiotic stewardship to prevent misuse, robust international surveillance systems, equitable access to new treatments when they become available, and ultimately, a vaccine.
Yes, a vaccine.
Because the way things are going, a vaccine might be our only hope of bringing this superbug to heel.
But developing a vaccine takes years, maybe decades, and billions of dollars in research investment.
Pharmaceutical companies have little financial incentive to pour money into developing new antibiotics because they know resistance will eventually render their products obsolete.
That’s where public funding and global cooperation become absolutely critical.
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking.
Every day that passes, more people become infected. Every time someone takes antibiotics inappropriately, or fails to complete a full course of treatment, or self-medicates with substandard drugs bought from dubious sources, they’re potentially creating the next generation of super-resistant bacteria.
Every unprotected sexual encounter is a roll of the dice.
The WHO’s message is crystal clear: act now or face a future where a once easily treatable infection becomes a life-altering nightmare.
Countries need to strengthen their surveillance systems, invest in their healthcare infrastructure, ensure access to quality testing and treatment, promote safe sex practices, and support research into new treatments.
Young people need to be educated about the risks, about the importance of protection, about getting tested regularly, and about completing treatment if infected.
This isn’t about moral judgment or pointing fingers.
This is about public health, about protecting human fertility, about preventing unnecessary suffering, about ensuring that a stupid mistake or a momentary lapse in judgment doesn’t result in lifelong consequences.
This is about preserving our ability to treat infections that have been curable for nearly a century.
The superbug gonorrhoea story is a stark reminder of a fundamental truth we keep forgetting: we’re in an evolutionary arms race with bacteria, and they’re winning.
They reproduce faster, mutate faster, and adapt faster than we can develop new weapons to fight them.
For every move we make, they have a countermove. And right now, we’re running out of moves.
So what can individuals do?
The advice hasn’t changed: use condoms consistently and correctly, limit sexual partners, get tested regularly especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners, complete the full course of antibiotics if diagnosed, and never share antibiotics or use leftover antibiotics from previous infections.
If you experience any symptoms like unusual discharge, burning during urination, or pain, get tested immediately.
Don’t wait.
Don’t hope it goes away on its own.
And perhaps most importantly, we need to eliminate the stigma around sexually transmitted infections that prevents people from seeking testing and treatment.
This stigma, this shame, this silence, it’s literally helping the bacteria spread.
When people are too embarrassed to get tested, too afraid of judgment to seek treatment, they remain infectious for longer and the bacteria get more opportunities to develop resistance.
The WHO has issued its warning.
The data is clear and terrifying.
The question now is whether we’ll heed the alarm and act decisively, or whether we’ll sleepwalk into a future where gonorrhoea joins the ranks of truly untreatable diseases.
The choice, frankly, is ours. But the window for action is closing fast, and once it slams shut, we might find ourselves back in the pre-antibiotic era when infections like this were simply endured because there was nothing medicine could do.
That’s not a future any of us should want to live in.
