By Waweru Njoroge Kenya, and Africa more broadly, are witnessing the rise of a new phenomenon; editorial ventriloquism masked as pan-African analysis. Well-placed voices — once seen as truth-tellers — have come under scrutiny for pushing narratives that look increasingly synchronised with foreign State interests. By far the most active and aggressive international public relations and media marketing campaign is undeniably emanating from China. Over the past decade, Beijing’s soft-power playbook has evolved from billboards and bridges to bylines and blogs. Are these initiatives illegal? Not at all. Are they unethical? That depends. But are they part of a broader…
Author: Special Correspondent
By Martin Minns A recent incident in the Red Sea, during which a Chinese vessel allegedly targeted a Germany aircraft with a laser point, marked a disturbing development for Djibouti and indeed Africa. While China continues to expand its military and political influence on the world stage, it is vital that African leaders recognise the trade-offs that further support for Chinese objectives can have on their countries and citizens. Not too long ago, the German Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador in Germany, seeking an explanation for what happened during the Red Sea incident. According to the German Defence Ministry,…
The opening match between Kenya and Uganda that was due to take place on Monday July 21, was cancelled after Harambee Stars’ sudden withdrawal from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament. Through a statement, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said that this decision came following recommendations and advice by the team’s technical bench. They also stated that after a thorough assessment, prevailing conditions were deemed unsuitable for the team’s preparation. “This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable…
Kennedy Kalombotole, suspected in two throat-slashing murders inside Kenyatta National Hospital, has been arrested following the latest killing in Ward 7B on Thursday. Kalombotole, now in police custody, is accused of murdering Edward Maingi Ndegwa, who was found dead in his hospital bed with a slit throat. The brutal killing turned Ward 7B into a crime scene, prompting a swift investigation by homicide detectives. In a statement posted on X, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) outlined a timeline of events leading up to the discovery of the body. “According to initial reports, the ward nurse had checked on the…
Kenyan U20 football sensation Aldrine Kibet has signed a four-year deal with Spanish La Liga side RC Celta Vigo, the club has confirmed. In a transfer reportedly worth €6 million (Sh900 million), the attacking midfielder will initially join Celta Fortuna, the club’s ambitious reserve team, as part of a development pathway aimed at fast-tracking him to the senior squad. Kibet’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. He first captured national attention in the 2023 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) finals, where he captained St. Anthony’s Boys High School to the national title, finishing the tournament as both the Most Valuable…
Eight suspects linked to the torching of Mawego Police Station in Rachuonyo North Sub-County on July 3 have been formally charged with terrorism-related offences. The suspects—Kennedy Oluoch, Nicholas Otieno, Tofiq Owiti Mohamed, Michael Omondi, David Otieno, Robert Ouko, Samuel Ouma, and Erick Obunga—had initially been detained under custodial orders issued by the Oyugis Law Court. They were later re-arrested on July 14 following the closure of the miscellaneous application and transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) headquarters in Nairobi. On Tuesday, they were arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts under the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012,…
A 43-year-old Kenyan woman has been arrested in Mumbai after allegedly smuggling cocaine-filled capsules inside her body, Indian authorities said. Florence Indangasi was intercepted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport upon arrival from Nairobi, following a tip-off received by India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Although no drugs were found in her luggage or clothing, she allegedly confessed during interrogation to having swallowed six capsules containing narcotics. She was taken to JJ Hospital after the Esplanade Court granted permission for medical examination. Doctors retrieved six pellet-shaped capsules from her stomach. Tests later confirmed the pellets contained 665.5 grams of cocaine.…
Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who has died age 82 in a London clinic, was a former military ruler and self-styled converted democrat who returned to power through elections but struggled to convince Nigerians he could deliver on the change he promised. Never a natural politician, he was seen as aloof and austere. But he retained a reputation for personal honesty – a rare feat for a politician in Nigeria. After three failed attempts, Buhari achieved a historic victory in 2015, becoming the country’s first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent. In 2019, he was re-elected for another four-year term.…
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), in partnership with Betika, has named Kenya Police FC head tactician Etienne Ndayiragije as the Coach of the Month for June 2025. The event, which was held at the Police Sacco Stadium on Thursday, saw the attendance of James Waindi, SJAK President; Chris Oguyo, CEO of Kenya Police FC; and Japhet Akhulia, Betika Marketing Manager. The Burundian tactician was recognised for his remarkable achievement in guiding Kenya Police FC to their maiden Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title. Ndayiragije faced stiff competition from Nairobi United’s coach Nicholas Muyoti, with the selection process…
A megachurch project reported to cost Sh1.2 billion is underway within State House grounds, triggering fierce public debate and a legal petition seeking to stop its construction. While critics accuse President William Ruto of misusing public resources, supporters—especially religious leaders—have defended the initiative as a spiritual investment. On Thursday, members of the media were allowed into the State House compound, where it was revealed that two churches and a mosque currently serve staff working at the premises. Addressing journalists on July 10, State House Chaplain Benard Njagi defended the project and said President Ruto had taken a personal interest in…
