Entertaiment

  Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has raised concerns over the absence of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and NIS Director General Noordin Haji during a critical time for national security. Musyoka emphasized that their whereabouts are unknown despite Kenya not being at war, calling it a matter of national and international importance. He urged the government to provide answers to restore public confidence in the country’s security leadership.  Read More 

  Police in Uasin Gishu County have arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of Kenya Power infrastructure, including 40 transformers valued at KSh 120 million over the past two months.
According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Benjamin Mwanthi, a joint operation by police officers and Kenya Power officials led to the arrest of two suspects who were transporting a vandalized transformer in a vehicle with a concealed number plate. The two suspects led authorities to a third individual believed to be a dealer based in Munyaka, Eldoret.
Ainabkoi Member of Parliament, Samuel Chepkonga, revealed that his constituency alone has lost at least 16 transformers to vandalism. Police investigations suggest that stolen materials, particularly copper, are trafficked to neighboring Uganda before being smuggled back into Kenya for resale.
Authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to curb the vandalism of critical power infrastructure.  Read More 

  Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa opened the newly constructed theatre and maternity wing at Makunga Level IV Hospital in Malaha-Isongo Ward, Mumias East Constituency. The state-of-the-art maternity unit, with a 24-bed capacity, is complemented by a 23-bed pediatric ward. The facility is fully stocked with essential drugs and non-pharmaceutical supplies to ensure it effectively meets patients’ needs. Both facilities are set to be commissioned later this month. Governor Barasa announced that his administration has increased the number of medical staff at the hospital to address the growing demand for quality healthcare services. He urged residents to visit public hospitals and enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA), commonly referred to as Taifa Care, highlighting its immense benefits in providing affordable medical assistance to residents. Present were MCA Peter Walunya and the County Executive, led by Acting CECMs Peninah Mukabane (Health and Medical Services), Mophat Mandela (Social Services and Youth), and other senior officers.  Read More 

  A prominent Nairobi-based advocate, Michael Otieno Owano, was arrested yesterday in connection with a fraudulent tender scam that swindled an American national and his companies of over Ksh 182 million. The arrest took place within the precincts of Milimani Law Courts, Nairobi, following a complaint made by the victim, who lost substantial sums after being lured into a fake tender scheme involving several law firms.Owano, who is listed as the face of *Owano Michael & Co. Advocates*, was taken into custody after attending a session for another criminal case. He was accused in the fake tender case alongside other accomplices. Investigations into the scam date back to 2022, when the complainant, the proprietor of Underground Pipeline Rehabilitation Company, was contacted by one Alvin Alexander, the supposed CEO of Orion AST Company. Alexander convinced the American business owner to fly to Kenya under the pretense of securing government tenders.During the visit, the complainant met with individuals posing as government officials, who presented three fake tenders for major government projects, including the supply and installation of control systems, information management systems, and automatic weather stations. The documents provided were fraudulent, but the victim, believing them to be legitimate, was instructed to make substantial payments to facilitate the tenders and work permits for foreign employees. A total of USD 1,617,200 (equivalent to Ksh 182,743,600) was transferred to several escrow accounts managed by four law firms, including Owano’s firm, *Owano Michael & Co. Advocates*, which received USD 90,000 for legal fees related to two contracts. The other law firms involved were Ollando Misare & Associates, Dennis Onyango & Company Associates, and Ouko Angado Co. Advocates, with payments made for work permits and bid bonds.However, after the payments were made, the complainant’s attempts to follow up were met with delays, evasions, and cancelled meetings. Ultimately, the victim grew suspicious and reported the fraud to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), prompting an investigation into the elaborate scam.Owano, who is no stranger to legal controversies, was taken into custody by detectives from the Operations Support Unit. He was processed for arraignment, but later released on cash bail pending the approval of charges by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement authorities are pursuing other members of the syndicate.The arrest of Owano highlights the growing concern over fraudulent activities within Kenya’s legal and business sectors, with authorities vowing to clamp down on individuals involved in such criminal enterprises.  Read More 

  Busia Governor, H.E. Dr. Paul Otuoma, has called for urgent relief measures for fish cage farmers in Busia County who have suffered significant losses due to lake upwelling, which resulted in the death of over 50 tonnes of caged fish at Mulukoba and adjacent beaches in Budalangi. The governor expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Ali Joho, and other key stakeholders.
Governor Otuoma emphasized the importance of the blue economy as a priority sector for both the national and county governments, stating that there is a need for swift action to address the challenges faced by the sector. “The blue economy is a new frontier that is yet to be fully exploited, and it is crucial that we move quickly to mitigate threats affecting this vital sector,” he said.
Speaking to the press at the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy headquarters in Nairobi, Dr. Otuoma highlighted that the national and county governments are committed to working together to find solutions to the challenges facing fish cage farming. He revealed that, in collaboration with CS Joho and his team, researchers will work closely with counties engaged in fish cage farming to address emerging threats. The governor also promised to allocate sufficient resources towards this initiative.
In a bid to support the affected farmers, Governor Otuoma announced a commitment of Ksh 7 million towards the regeneration of the lost fish stocks, alongside the Ministry’s provision of 500,000 fingerlings to affected farmers. He also disclosed that partners have mobilized Ksh 2.5 million worth of fish feeds and negotiated discounted prices for fish feeds to help mitigate the financial burden on farmers.
Dr. Otuoma also commended the Busia fisher community for their resilience and proactive approach in diversifying their fishing activities to address issues of insecurity on the lake and improve their livelihoods. As Vice-Chairman of the Council of Governors’ Committee on Blue Economy, Governor Otuoma assured that the Council is focused on addressing similar challenges faced by lakes and inland fishing communities across the country.
The efforts to support the fisher community in Busia come as part of a broader initiative to safeguard the blue economy and ensure the sustainability of fish farming as a livelihood for thousands of families in the region. The collaboration between national and county governments, as well as other stakeholders, is seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing the fishing industry in Busia and ensuring its long-term growth.  Read More 

   By Grace Waithaka During a powerful crossover service at Maximum Miracle Center Church in Nairobi,Bishop Dr. Pius Muiru expressed unwavering optimism for Kenya’s future as 2025 begins. Bishop Muiru led thousands of congregants in a night of prayer, praise, dance and prophetic declarations, marking the start of a year filled with hope and renewed energy.In that event there was anointing of believers with the “Oil of Terror,” which the bishop described as a divine weapon against life’s challenges. He assured the congregation that this sacred oil is an armor designed to combat poverty, disease, hopelessness, and other adversities, breathing new vigor and strength into their lives for the year ahead.“The oil arms a believer with the Grace of Dominion – Neema ya Kutawala,” Bishop Dr. Muiru proclaimed, encouraging attendees to embrace their authority and claim victory in every aspect of their lives. He led the congregation in fervent prayers, declaring, “The spirit of death is bound and cast down under our feet in Jesus’ Name. I believe we shall all see January 2026!”The atmosphere was electric as worshippers celebrated the promise of divine favor and dominion. Bishop Dr. Muiru’s message resonated deeply with the faithful, inspiring hope and determination to overcome obstacles in the new year.As Kenyans step into 2025, the “Oil of Terror” serves as a symbol of faith and empowerment, reminding believers of their capacity to triumph over life’s challenges and claim the blessings promised in their spiritual journey.  Read More 

   By Grace Waithaka  Managing Director and CEOComfort Homes Dr. Hezekiah Kariuki, has introduced a new challenge aimed at recognizing the resilience of gospel artists in Kenya. Dr. Kariuki revealed that he awarded Ksh 100,000 to Stivo Simple Boy for being the most resilient artist of the year 2024.Out of the success of this initiative, Dr. Kariuki is now extending the same reward to the best gospel artist of the year, being voted by the public. He said“I am offering Ksh 100,000 to the gospel artist that you, the fans, will vote for. Tag your favorite artist in the comments, and whoever garners the most likes will receive the Ksh 100,000 prize on Thursday next week,”In order to participate, Dr. Kariuki emphasized the importance of tagging either Comfort Homes or Together As One PLC in your timeline, ensuring that only those who follow the necessary steps will qualify for the challenge.The competition is now live and Kariuki encourages fans to rally behind their favorite gospel artists, as the challenge is expected to be a game-changer in recognizing and rewarding talent in the gospel music scene.  Read More 

  Marakwet East Member of Parliament Kangogo Bowen has expressed his excitement ahead of the President’s upcoming visit to the region on Thursday, 9th January 2025. The President will officially open three key institutions: Litein Girls, Kerio Valley Technical Institute, and the KMTC Kerio Valley Campus, marking a significant milestone in the area’s educational and economic development.
The opening of these institutions is expected to create new opportunities for the residents of Marakwet East and the wider Kerio Valley region. Litein Girls and the Kerio Valley Technical Institute will provide critical educational infrastructure, while the KMTC Kerio Valley Campus will enhance access to healthcare training, equipping local youth with the skills necessary to contribute to the region’s growth.
“This is a historic day for Marakwet East. The opening of these institutions reflects the commitment of the national government to improve access to quality education and vocational training in our region,” said MP Kangogo Bowen. “These institutions will play a key role in empowering our youth, improving local livelihoods, and contributing to the overall development of Marakwet East and the Kerio Valley.”
The visit by President William Ruto underscores the government’s focus on enhancing educational opportunities, particularly in underserved areas, to foster inclusive growth. Local leaders and residents are eagerly anticipating the event, as it marks a new era of development and progress for the community.
MP Bowen thanked the national government for its continued support and collaboration with the local community to bring these transformative projects to fruition. He also urged residents to come out in large numbers to welcome the President and celebrate these achievements.  Read More 

  A new pack house at Kombabelio in Kapchemutwa Ward is set to transform the way horticultural farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet market their produce, addressing longstanding challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the region. The pack house, a 15-tonne facility equipped with a cold room, was officially launched in partnership with Farm Africa, a leading charity that works with smallholder farmers to improve agricultural productivity and market access.
For years, farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet have struggled with poor handling and storage of their crops, leading to high post-harvest losses. They also faced exploitation by middlemen, who would often control the market prices. The new pack house aims to address these issues by offering farmers a reliable facility to store and package their produce before it reaches the market.
The facility will primarily serve farmers who grow snowpeas, sugar snaps, French beans, and other high-value crops. The pack house will reduce reliance on refrigerated lorries for transport, ensuring that produce is handled and packaged efficiently and remains fresh for longer periods. In addition, the pack house features a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) centre, which will help ensure that all produce meets international market standards, opening new export opportunities for local farmers.
The project was launched with the support of key stakeholders, including Farm Africa’s Country Programmes Manager, Mr. George Ochuodo. During the opening, County Commissioner John Korir, Kapchemutwa Ward MCA Steve Cheruiyot, and Dickson Kimathi from Kenya Horticultural Exporters, as well as Agriculture Department staff, all expressed their support for the initiative.
“We are excited about the Kombabelio Pack House because it provides our farmers with the opportunity to store and package their produce in a professional manner, which will ultimately increase their competitiveness in both local and international markets,” said MCA Steve Cheruiyot.
The pack house project is a significant step forward in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet by reducing post-harvest losses, increasing packaging efficiency, and providing access to better markets. The collaboration between the county government, Farm Africa, and other stakeholders marks a positive move toward addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in the region.
Farmers are optimistic that the new facility will not only increase their profits but also allow them to scale up production and reach new markets with greater ease.  Read More 

   Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii today hosted the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Muriithi Muuga, ahead of tomorrow’s highly anticipated visit by President William Ruto to the region. The visit focuses on water access and irrigation initiatives aimed at transforming Uasin Gishu’s agricultural landscape and improving the lives of its residents.
During the meeting, Governor Bii highlighted the importance of collaboration between the county and the national government in addressing water shortages, which are crucial for both household consumption and agricultural productivity. “In partnership with the national government, my administration is committed to desilting over 300 colonial-era dams across Uasin Gishu County. This effort will ensure that our communities have a steady supply of water for both domestic use and irrigation, contributing significantly to improved food security and livelihoods,” Governor Bii stated.
The county government has prioritized water and irrigation projects as part of its broader vision to enhance agricultural productivity and address climate-related challenges that affect water availability. Governor Bii emphasized that these initiatives will also create employment opportunities for the youth and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Muriithi Muuga acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the national and county governments and assured continued support for the desilting project. He also lauded Governor Bii’s leadership in advancing water access and sanitation initiatives for the people of Uasin Gishu.
As the region prepares for President Ruto’s visit tomorrow, both the governor and the Cabinet Secretary expressed confidence that these projects will significantly improve water management and transform Uasin Gishu into a model for sustainable agriculture and water access in Kenya.  Read More