By Natasha Tisminieszky In February, a tailings dam at a Chinese-owned copper mine collapsed. According to an independent audit by Drizit Zambia Ltd., nearly 1.5 million tonnes of contaminated waste was released into the Kafue River system and surrounding land; about 30 times more than the amount the firm involved, Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, initially stated. High volumes of lead, arsenic, cyanide and heavy metals have been discovered at dangerous levels in a release of toxins that has covered the ecosystems on which over half of Zambians rely. These pollutants have devastated the environment, decimated farmlands, and continue to pose significant health risks to communities across…
Author: Special Correspondent
Former Harvard president Larry Summers has said he will step back from public commitments after his emails with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were made public. “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognise the pain they have caused,” he said in a statement to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner. “I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr Epstein.” Emails released by Congress last week show Summers, a former US treasury secretary, communicated with Epstein until the day before the paedophile’s 2019 arrest for sex trafficking minors. On Tuesday, House members are expected to…
A consortium of Mombasa women’s groups has mobilized Sh10 million in under three weeks to support medical care for women and children in war-ravaged Gaza. The women have urged other well-wishers to assist the destitute people of Gaza, emphasizing that humanity transcends religion, race, and borders. Ahmed Shariff, Chairman of Voice for Palestine, said Gaza is engulfed by deaths, destruction, and grief, noting that more than 30,000 children have been orphaned and at least 165,000 people are injured. “Most of the people are civilians; they need support in health and medical treatment. Children have lost their parents, mothers have lost…
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo is battling his removal from office through impeachment for the third time, following the approval of an order paper for a special sitting scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025. The order paper from the fourth session of the third Assembly of the Nyamira County Assembly gives notice of a motion for the removal of Governor Nyaribo from office by way of impeachment on grounds of gross violation of the Constitution of Kenya, abuse of office, and breach of other laws. The notice of motion has been moved by Julius Matwere, the Member of the County Assembly…
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga to immediately present himself at Integrity Centre in Nairobi for processing and arraignment over allegations of forgery, fraud, and abuse of office. In a statement issued Thursday, EACC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdi Mohamud said the Commission had secured approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to charge Wanga with multiple offences arising from investigations into his conduct while serving as City Manager. According to the Commission, Wanga is accused of using forged academic certificates to fraudulently secure his appointment. Investigators also allege that he…
Party members, leaders and supporters from across the country are trickling into the Port City of Mombasa for the 20th anniversary of the Orange Democratic Movement. The hallmark of the celebration, dubbed ODM@20, will be tomorrow (Saturday) at the Mama Ngina Waterfront, where members will be reflecting on the late party leader Raila Odinga’s legacy and vision for Kenya’s future. On Thursday, during the National Governing Council meeting, new ODM leaders were sworn in, led by Dr Oburu Oginga as the ODM Party Leader, followed by three Deputy Party Leaders: Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Senator Godfrey Osostsi from Vihiga county…
The FIA World Rally Championship might lose some excitement with departures of stars like Ott Tänak and Kalle Rovanperä. Sébastien Ogier might also retire if he equals namesake Sébastien Loeb’s record of nine WRC titles in the season-closing Saudi Arabia desert challenge. Thierry Neuville’s status for 2027 is uncertain, with Hyundai’s future in the championship also hanging in the balance. The 2027 rule changes, aiming to reduce costs and increase sustainability, might make the cars slower and less exciting. Reigning world champion Neuville has expressed concerns that the proposed technical regulations for 2027 will make the top-level cars too similar…
A memorial service for the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga is set to be held in Homa Bay town on Wednesday. ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the special memorial service will take place at the Raila Odinga Stadium on Wednesday to give residents who did not travel to Bondo an opportunity to pay their respects to the late former Prime Minister. However, residents have expressed mixed reactions to the event, with some terming it unnecessary while others welcomed it as a moment for healing. Politician Odiyo Owidi criticised the event, calling it a waste…
The United Opposition has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that he has no worthy opponent to challenge him in the 2027 general election. Speaking after a meeting held at Kalonzo Musyoka’s command center on November 3, 2025, the opposition leaders said the process of selecting a single presidential candidate is in its final stages. “The formula for getting a single presidential candidate to face William Ruto is on course. For those who have been in doubt, what is happening in these by-elections is an advance rehearsal of the formula and mechanism to get one candidate to face Ruto,” said Rigathi…
The State Department for Immigration has requested Sh4.2 billion from Parliament to process and issue six million national identification cards (IDs) ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, producing each ID card costs approximately Sh700. “The card itself costs about Sh400. When you include other expenses, the total goes up to around Sh700,” he explained. “We plan to produce three million cards initially and then replace another three million, bringing the total projected expenditure to Sh4.2 billion.” Dr. Kipsang defended the high number of expected applications, citing historical trends…
