A catastrophic fire tore through the Laini Saba area of Kibra, Nairobi’s largest slum, on Wednesday evening, leaving more than 200 families homeless and causing extensive property damage. The blaze, reported at approximately 7:00 p.m., rapidly engulfed several houses, destroying personal belongings — including electronics and furniture — as residents scrambled to safety. No fatalities or injuries have been officially reported, but the emotional and economic toll on the community is profound. According to posts, the fire razed approximately 50 homes, though local estimates suggest the number could be higher due to the densely packed nature of the settlement. Residents…
Author: Special Correspondent
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday at the Nairobi Funeral Home revealed that Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, died from severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple bodily injuries consistent with assault. The autopsy, delayed from Monday after Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor stepped aside due to a familial connection to the deceased, painted a grim picture. Pathologist Dr Midia, who led the procedure, stated: “The cause of death is very clear — a head injury, neck compression, and other injuries pointing toward assault.” He noted signs of struggle, with specimens collected for further analysis to…
Ten police officers from Nakuru West Police Station were taken into custody on Monday night after a civilian named Dan was shot and killed during a failed drug raid in London Estate, Nakuru West. The incident, which also left one officer injured, has triggered public outrage, sparked protests, and prompted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the officers’ conduct. During a routine patrol, the officers acted on information from a suspected drug mule and targeted a house in London Estate believed to be a hub for marijuana trafficking. According to Nakuru County Police Commander Michael Mwaura, the officers…
The sudden death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 32-year-old teacher and popular X influencer from Homa Bay County, has ignited a firestorm of grief, anger, and demands for justice across Kenya. Ojwang, known for his bold social media commentary, died under unclear circumstances while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on Sunday, 8 June 2025, just hours after his arrest. His ordeal began on Saturday, 7 June, when plainclothes officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrived at his family home in Kakot village, Kabondo-Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County. According to his father, Meshack Ojwang Opiyo, the…
The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), demanding urgent dialogue to address the recent ban on influencers and content creators promoting gambling activities. This move follows the BCLB’s stringent new regulations announced on May 29, 2025, which prohibit celebrities, influencers, and content creators from endorsing or promoting gambling—a decision that has sparked significant backlash from Kenya’s digital content creation community. The BCLB’s updated framework, introduced after a 30-day suspension of all gambling advertisements that began on April 29, 2025, aims to promote responsible gambling and protect…
In a significant move to strengthen the nation’s judicial system, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), has announced the recruitment of 45 new judges across three key courts. The decision, detailed in a Gazette Notice published on June 3, marks a reversal of last year’s hiring freeze prompted by government budget cuts. This development is seen as a critical step toward addressing the judiciary’s staffing shortages and enhancing access to justice in Kenya. The vacancies include 15 positions in the Court of Appeal, 20 in the High Court, and 10 in the Environment and Land…
In one of Kenya’s boldest financial crimes in recent history, city lawyer Esther Bitutu Kadiki stands accused of playing a central role in a staggering Sh1.49 billion scandal that rocked Equity Bank and shook the country’s banking sector. Bitutu, an advocate of the High Court, was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on May 6. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sought more time to detain her as they continued with investigations into what has been described as “a highly sophisticated bank heist”. Her arrest on May 5 followed months of surveillance and mounting evidence implicating her in…
The arrest of 35-year-old Kenyan software developer and civic activist Rose Njeri has ignited widespread condemnation and protests, with activists, lawyers, and public figures demanding her immediate release. Njeri, a single mother of two, was detained on Friday, 30 May 2025, in Nairobi’s South B estate for creating Civic Email, an online platform designed to streamline public objections to the controversial Finance Bill 2025. Her continued detention at Pangani Police Station without formal charges or bail has raised serious concerns about democratic freedoms in Kenya. Njeri’s Civic Email platform allowed Kenyans to submit feedback on the Finance Bill 2025 with…
Chelsea Football Club etched their name into the history books Wednesday night, completing a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final at Wroclaw Stadium. The victory marks Chelsea as the first club to win all five major UEFA men’s club competitions, adding the Conference League to their illustrious trophy cabinet alongside the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Enzo Maresca, in his first season at the helm, Chelsea delivered a performance that showcased resilience, flair, and the brilliance of Cole Palmer,…
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern directive to all matatu operators across Kenya, ordering the immediate removal of graffiti and tinted windows from public service vehicles (PSVs). The authority has warned that non-compliance will result in severe penalties, including vehicle impoundment and restricted access to NTSA services. In a statement released on Tuesday, NTSA Director-General George Njao emphasized that the move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and ensure uniformity in the public transport sector. “Graffiti and tinted windows on matatus pose significant safety risks, including reduced visibility for drivers and challenges…
