Kenya today, Thursday, 15 October 2026, marks the first anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential politicians. Odinga passed away on 15 October 2025 in Kerala, India, at the age of 80, while receiving medical treatment. His death triggered shockwaves across Kenya and around the world, as world and local leaders, political allies and opponents, and ordinary citizens expressed their condolences over the loss of a man who had been at the centre of Kenya’s political scene for several decades. The main commemorations in honour of the former Prime Minister will…
Author: Special Correspondent
Kenya’s Supreme Court has begun hearing a high-stakes appeal by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) challenging a taxable car allowance of up to Sh10 million granted to judges every four years. The hearing opened on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with the SRC seeking the recusal of Chief Justice Martha Koome and Justice Mohammed Warsame over alleged concerns about their impartiality. However, the two judges declined to step aside and remained on the seven-member panel. The commission argued that the allowances were unconstitutional because they had not been approved by the SRC. The dispute centres on a benefit that the…
By Getulio Moreira The densely forested interior and vast coastlines of West Africa have emerged as a primary global frontier in the production and movement of methamphetamine. Or, as it is commonly known, Crystal Meth. Production and usage of the highly destructive drug has spiked in West Africa in recent years. As a result, governments, lawmakers and security organisations are grappling with new ways to disrupt its supply lines. Importantly, recent large busts in Nigeria have highlighted the growing role that Mexican meth ‘cooks’ play in the production of the drug. These experts are provided and sent to West Africa…
Kenyans have until Tuesday, 13 October 2026, to submit their views on a proposed law seeking to retain Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products at 8 per cent. In a notice dated Friday, 9 October 2026, the National Assembly announced that the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, had been introduced in Parliament. The Bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, proposes amendments to the Value Added Tax Act and the Excise Duty Act. The main proposal seeks to maintain VAT on petroleum products at 8 per cent, below the standard rate of 16 per cent. The reduced rate is…
In the shadow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s legacy, a family drama is unfolding, highlighting the delicate politics of succession. On one side of the argument is Winnie Odinga, who was crowned as the daughter of her late father at a function in Bondo, Siaya County, on Monday. The event, attended by her mother Ida Odinga, representatives of the Luo Council of Elders and family members, marked her out as a potential successor to the late leader, reflecting tensions around titles, community and the pressures of a political crown. Meanwhile, Raila Odinga Junior marked the day by visiting former…
A 23-year-old man accused of killing Form Four student Joy Wangui will remain in police custody for 21 days after a Molo court granted police more time to complete investigations. Walter Kipkoech appeared before Molo Resident Magistrate Christine Mugo on Tuesday as police sought more time to complete investigations. Police said they needed additional time to conduct DNA tests on evidence collected from the scene, carry out a post-mortem examination on Wangui’s body and conduct a mental health assessment of the suspect. In their application, officers also opposed the release of Kipkoech on bail or bond, citing concerns for his…
Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has pledged to remain within the opposition fold and support whoever emerges as its joint presidential candidate for 2027, even if he himself does not secure the ticket, a day after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned the coalition’s candidate-selection process could end with one of its principals walking away. Speaking on Sunday, September 27, during a political tour of Narok alongside a number of opposition leaders, Matiang’i said individual ambitions should not be allowed to derail efforts to build a single, broad political movement ahead of the 2027 General Election. “Even if we do…
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has warned health facilities that have not migrated from the old provider portal to certified Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) that they risk losing their contracts after the current extension period ends. SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi noted that the transition applies to all providers, whether or not they are contracted by SHA. She said no facility had been caught off guard, noting that the transition process began six months ago and involved extensive sensitisation and training of registered facilities. The warning comes as the government assures Kenyans that no one will be denied hospital…
A 20-minute trip to the shop ended in anguish for a Kiambaa brother who returned to find his sister’s body in the kitchen and a message written in blood on the corridor wall. The body of 18-year-old Joy Wangui was found in a pool of blood at her family home in Moto Village, Molo Sub-County, Nakuru County, on Sunday evening. Her head was discovered along a corridor near the bathroom. Their neighbour, Charles Njenga, said Wangui’s younger brother had left her alone at the house while he went to the family shop, a few metres away. When he returned, he…
Kenya is bracing for wetter-than-normal short rains, with the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) warning of heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides in several parts of the country. KMSA Acting Head Edward Muriuki said rain has already started in parts of 24 counties in the Coast, western Kenya and the Rift Valley, and will spread progressively to other parts of the country in the coming days. Turkana and Samburu counties are expected to be the last to record the onset of the short rains season in the third or fourth week of October. The counties that are already experiencing the rains…
