A Tunisian court has sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Larayedh to 34 years in prison over charges he facilitated the departure of fighters to Syria, which he strongly denies. Larayedh, a senior member of the opposition Ennahdha party, rejected the accusations, stating in court, “I was neither sympathetic, nor complicit, nor neutral, nor lenient towards violence, terrorism.” He also added, “This is not about justice, it’s about political retribution.” According to state news agency TAP, Larayedh’s conviction is part of a wider set of sentences handed down to eight individuals, with prison terms ranging from 18 to 36 years. The…
Author: Samuel Njihia
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential race, marking a dramatic return to Kenya’s political arena after a stint abroad. Speaking at a packed Gusii Stadium on Friday, Matiang’i received a thunderous welcome from thousands of supporters and a coalition of leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties. The event, styled as a homecoming, also served as the launchpad for his presidential ambitions. “For ten years, I worked tirelessly for this country. I am known to be a good worker, and if given the chance, I am ready to work…
A wave of tributes has continued to pour in after the shocking murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead on Wednesday night near City Mortuary along Ngong Road in Nairobi. The 51-year-old lawmaker had just left Parliament and was en route to Mbagathi when two assailants on a motorcycle approached his vehicle, shattered the driver’s window, and fired multiple shots at close range. He was rushed to Nairobi Hospital by bystanders but was pronounced dead on arrival. Leaders from across the political spectrum have paid glowing tribute to the fallen MP, describing him as…
Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead on Wednesday night in a chilling ambush near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road in Nairobi. The incident occurred around 7.30pm as Were was reportedly caught in a traffic jam while heading towards Mbagathi Road after leaving Parliament. According to eyewitnesses, two men on a motorbike had been trailing the legislator’s vehicle before launching their attack. One of the assailants dismounted and approached Were’s car, smashing a window before shooting him at close range. The MP’s driver escaped the harrowing ordeal unharmed. Tributes pour in for slain Kasipul MP…
In a dramatic move set to shake up Kenya’s political scene, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has confirmed that his new political party will be unveiled on May 15, with a full-scale launch scheduled days later. The party, already registered, aims to challenge President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the upcoming by-elections. The move marks Gachagua’s most overt political manoeuvre since falling out with President Ruto, with insiders suggesting the former DP is positioning himself as a counterforce ahead of the 2027 general election. According to his close allies, the new party will reveal its name, slogan, and…
Renowned Kenyan radio personality and popular host of Spice Drive on Standard Group’s Spice FM, Edward Kwach, has passed away after a battle with meningitis. He was 52. His family confirmed the news on Tuesday morning in a statement issued through their spokesperson, Michael Okwiri. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Carey,” the statement read. “He touched the lives of many through his voice and presence on the airwaves.” Kwach’s death, which came after weeks of medical care at a hospital in Nairobi, marks a painful moment for Kenya’s…
The Kenyan government has suspended all gambling advertisements across media platforms for 30 days, in response to growing concerns over the increasing spread of gambling in the country. In a statement issued on Monday, Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), explained that the decision was made after rising fears about the social and economic impact of gambling. “Some promoters are falsely marketing gambling as a shortcut to wealth, which has devastating effects on individuals, families, and society at large,” Makau said. The ban covers a wide range of gambling-related advertisements, including those promoting betting,…
The government has blocked the screening of a BBC Africa Eye documentary on the killings of protesters during June 2024’s anti-tax demonstrations. The documentary, Blood Parliament in Kenya, was due to be shown at a Nairobi restaurant-cinema on Monday, but the event was abruptly cancelled following government intervention. According to the BBC, authorities halted the screening at the last minute. “A screening of BBC Africa Eye’s Blood Parliament in Kenya was cancelled due to pressure from the authorities. We are very disappointed not to have been able to share the documentary and panel discussion as planned,” a spokesperson said. The…
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered TV and radio broadcasters to significantly reduce the amount of betting, lottery, and gambling content aired within 14 days, or face the potential revocation of their licences. In a statement from Director General David Mugonyi, the CA expressed concern over the increasing number of consumer complaints regarding the prevalence of betting-related programming on television and FM radio stations. The authority reminded broadcasters of their obligation under Sections 461(1) and (c) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, which require them to provide responsible content that serves the diverse needs of the…
The Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, has raised concerns about the growing impact of social media, particularly regarding the way young people are using these platforms to express their anger. Speaking on Sunday at the 60th annual COTU Labour Day prayer service at ACK St Stephen’s Church in Makadara, Nairobi, Atwoli warned that the unchecked use of social media could lead to chaos and division in the country. Atwoli stressed the need for stricter regulation, drawing attention to China’s stringent control over social media, including TikTok. “This thing called social media is controlled in…
