Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were paralysed on Tuesday night after aviation workers went on a go-slow. Long queues of stranded travellers characterized the scene after boarding and takeoff were delayed, sparking an outrage. The disruption was the result of a formal strike by aviation workers, something which had been building up for weeks now. This strike followed a notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on August 12, where it strongly opposed the proposed leasing of JKIA to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group. The KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema, in issuing the notice, had raised…
Author: Samuel Njihia
Mohamed Abduba Dida, the former teacher who ran for Kenya’s presidency in 2013 and 2017, is currently serving a seven-year sentence in a U.S. prison for stalking and intimidation. Dida, 50, popularly known as Mwalimu, has been detained at the Big Muddy Correctional Center in Illinois since November 18, 2022, after being found guilty of two charges. The offenses were committed in McLean County, Illinois. The former Lenana School teacher recently filed a complaint over the alleged violation of his constitutional rights, including the right to practice Islam and to observe the Islamic daily schedule of prayer. “Plaintiff claims that…
The High Court sitting in Nakuru has issued arrest orders for Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his former deputy John Barorot after they failed to appear in court. The two were expected to testify in a significant case involving a Sh1 billion scandal related to a Finland education scholarship programme. Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege, who issued the order, expressed frustration over the non-compliance of key figures in the case, which centres around allegations of embezzlement involving funds meant for a collaborative education project with Finland. In 2023, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) began investigating the scandal. The…
Eighteen pupils lost their lives in a tragic fire that broke out last night at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri, destroying one of the dormitories—an incident that has plunged the country into grief. According to National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango, 14 other students were injured during the blaze. “We have 16 pupils dead and 14 injured. We are investigating the cause and taking necessary action,” Onyango said. Sixteen victims were found dead at the scene, while one pupil died on his way to the hospital. There are fears that more bodies might be discovered as the site remains…
Actress Winnie Bwire Ndubi, widely recognised as ‘Dida’ from the Citizen TV series Sultana, has sadly passed away, her family has confirmed. Bwire died on Thursday, September 5, 2024, while undergoing treatment in Turkey for breast cancer. In a statement, her family expressed their profound grief: “It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle to cancer on 5th September 2024, while undergoing treatment in Turkey.” They extended their gratitude to supporters for their prayers and contributions, saying, “We will share more details in due course. God bless you…
Bobi Wine, the main opposition figure in Uganda, was shot in the leg on Tuesday amidst chaos as security forces clashed with him in Bulindo, a northern suburb of Kampala. The incident erupted as Wine, officially known as Robert Kyagulanyi, and his supporters faced off against police and military personnel in a violent scuffle. The chaos started when Wine’s team tried to force their way through a street that was blocked by security forces. Soon, the situation turned into a confrontation with shots and teargas flying around. In the commotion, Wine was hit by a bullet that caused him serious…
An advocate of the High Court of Kenya has filed a petition with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) seeking the removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome on grounds of incompetence. Christopher Rosana is calling for Koome’s ouster, arguing that her decision to ban Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi from appearing before the Supreme Court reflects severe incompetence. The petition, filed on Tuesday, September 3, relies on Article 168 of the Constitution, which outlines the grounds for removing a judge due to performance shortcomings. The motion centres on a highly controversial decision made by the Supreme Court on January 18, barring Abdullahi…
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, have discussed a bold new partnership framework at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, aiming to reshape their countries’ strategic relationship. The talks, held on Tuesday, September 3, ahead of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), marked a significant step in deepening bilateral relations between China and Kenya. Xi highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, which he credited with driving regional economic and social development in East Africa. “China and Kenya have shared a historic bond, built through our struggles for national…
Indian firm Adani Enterprises has intensified its bid to take over the management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi by establishing a new Kenyan subsidiary, despite growing opposition from local aviation workers. On Friday, the company advanced its plans by incorporating a new entity, Airports Infrastructure PLC (AIP), in Nairobi, according to a filing with the National Stock Exchange of India. This entity will manage operations in Kenya. “AIP is incorporated to take over, operate, maintain, develop, design, construct, upgrade, modernise, and manage the airports,” the filing stated. The establishment of AIP, fully owned by Adani through its…
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has called off its week-long strike following a series of intense negotiations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). However, the decision to suspend the strike appears to result from a more strategic move by the TSC. Last week, the TSC stopped collecting union dues directly from teachers’ salaries, a crucial funding source for Kuppet. This strategy, which effectively deprived the union of its primary financial support, put Kuppet in a difficult position and forced the union to reconsider its stance. “The suspension of the strike comes after significant discussions with the TSC…
