Father John Maina of Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu was murdered in what may have been a targeted attack over a donation made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed. According to the DCI, on May 15, 2025, Fr. Maina was found along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway by a motorcycle rider near a bus stage, with bruises on the left side of his head. He told the rider that he had been abducted from Nyahururu. “It has been established that Fr. Maina was being trailed by some individuals who were demanding a share of…
Author: Special Correspondent
Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu issued a stern warning to Kenyan activists on Monday 19, 2025, vowing to protect her nation from external interferences as tension escalates over the deportation of Kenyan nationals who had arrived to observe a high profile treason trial against Tanzanian opposition leader Tundi Lissu. The warning followed the detention and expulsion of a Kenyan delegation, including former Chief justice Willy Mutunga. Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid and activist Haniffa Adam, who were held at the Julius Nyerere International Airport for 12 hours before being deported to Nairobi. Their detention coincided with the opening of Mr…
A Catholic priest from Nyandarua has been found dead under suspicious circumstances, sending shockwaves across the nation. Law enforcement agencies are now pursuing leads to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding his tragic death. Father John Maina Ndegwa, who was serving at Igwamiti Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Nyahururu, was discovered on May 15, 2025, by the roadside in Kikopey, Gilgil. According to Gilgil Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) chief Rahamad Wasilwa, the priest’s body appeared to have been dumped at the location, raising suspicions that he could have been killed elsewhere. “It is possible that the Catholic priest…
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been charged with two counts of conflict of interest and one count of unlawful acquisition of public property. Natembeya appeared before Magistrate Charles Ondieki at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. According to the charge sheet filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Natembeya is accused of receiving indirect benefits from companies that traded with the county government between January 2023 and April 2025. In the first count, it is alleged that between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, Natembeya acquired an indirect…
A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, May 29, in the Mathare B slums of Nairobi, claiming the lives of five people — including two children — injuring four others, and displacing dozens of families. The blaze reportedly started at around 2:00 am. According to Nairobi Police Commander George Sedah, the flames quickly engulfed and destroyed eight houses and two churches. Firefighters and local volunteers battled the inferno, but narrow footpaths in the informal settlement hindered access for both city council and military fire engines. “We understand the victims were asleep when the fire broke out,…
Kenya’s population has been growing steadily over the past few decades, driven by natural increase, urbanisation, and internal migration. Understanding these shifts at the county level is vital for effective planning and service delivery. The table below compares the 2019 census figures with 2023 population projections for each county. These estimates reflect trends in birth rates, migration, and development, highlighting counties with the fastest growth and emerging demographic pressures. County 2019 (Actual) Population 2023 (Projected) Population Nairobi City 4,397,073 4,750,056 Kiambu 2,417,735 2,652,880 Nakuru 2,162,202 2,347,849 Kakamega 1,867,579 2,002,435 Bungoma 1,670,570 1,786,973 Meru 1,545,714 1,625,982 Kilifi 1,453,787 1,577,335 Machakos 1,421,932…
A growing online movement is calling for the retirement of Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), after 24 years in office. An online petition titled ‘Request Francis Atwoli to Retire from COTU’, launched on May 11, 2025, by activist Elvis Kimanga on Change.org, has garnered over 13,000 signatures within just 48 hours — a sign of widespread demand for generational leadership renewal. The calls gained momentum following Atwoli’s remarks on Labour Day (May 1), where he hinted at a potential retirement. However, the COTU Executive Board has rallied behind him, stating it…
President William Ruto has confirmed that all abducted individuals have been reunited with their families, but his comments have drawn sharp criticism from former Chief Justice David Maraga and rights advocates. Speaking during a joint press briefing with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is on a two-day state visit, President Ruto responded to a journalist’s question about recent reports of enforced disappearances in Kenya. “All the people who disappeared or were abducted have been brought back to their families and their homes. I have given clarity and firm instructions that nothing of that kind will happen again,” Ruto said. The…
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki had an altercation with the Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku over what he claimed to be inciting the public on May 11. This happened in Embu where the CS made an appeal to the Deputy President asking him to prioritize the tarmacking of roads in the constituency of Siakago. His request seemed to annoy the Deputy President, who did not hide his vexation with the CS. This took place during a meeting with over 5,000 elders from Embu. Kindiki said, “My younger brother, Ruku, that flag is not just a piece of cloth—it’s a…
A man suspected of being the shooter in the murder of Kasipul MP Ongondo Were was arrested on Sunday by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The suspect, identified as Isaac Kuria, alias Kush, was apprehended in Isebania, near the Kenya-Tanzania border, while allegedly planning to flee the country. He was arrested at a local lodging in the town as he prepared for his escape. Kuria is believed to have travelled to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), where he trailed MP Were with the intention of assassinating him on the same day. He reportedly cornered the MP at…
