There was nothing remarkable about the wall at a modest home in Emenwa village, Nyamache, Bobasi, Kisii County—until villagers began claiming they could see the unmistakable outline of a woman on it.Within hours, word had spread from one homestead to another, carried along village paths and amplified by mobile phones and social media.Hundreds of curious residents began streaming to the homestead, with some travelling from neighbouring areas to see the image for themselves.They stood before the wall, stared at the markings, moved closer and viewed them from different angles, trying to establish whether the pattern resembled the Virgin Mary.Days later, the home had become an unexpected attraction, drawing thousands of people, many of them Catholic believers.Joseph Motume was among those who said the image bore similarities to traditional depictions of the Virgin Mary.Others remained unconvinced, describing it as nothing more than an unusual pattern on a clay wall.Visitors have been taking photographs of the image on their phones, while groups of believers debate its possible religious significance.For three consecutive days, what started as a village rumour has spread across the internet, attracting the attention of believers from different Christian denominations as well as agnostics and sceptics.Lydia Nyaboke, a lifelong Catholic, travelled to Emenwa on Saturday to see the image.Nyaboke’s phone captured what appeared to be a faint, scrubby image on the clay wall.Mary Mokandu, another believer who visited the homestead, also vowed to make another trip.The phenomenon has revived an age-old question about faith and the possibility of extraordinary experiences occurring in ordinary surroundings.For devout Christians, the Virgin Mary occupies a revered place in the story of Jesus Christ. Reports of perceived images of Mary have emerged in different parts of the world, with believers claiming to have seen her likeness in clouds, trees, walls and other everyday objects.Scientists point to a phenomenon known as pareidolia, in which the human brain recognises familiar shapes—particularly faces—in random or ambiguous patterns.A stain can appear to have eyes. A crack can resemble a nose and mouth. Shadows and markings can combine to create what looks like a familiar figure.The explanation offers a possible reason why different people can look at an indistinct pattern and independently perceive a recognisable face.Yet in Emenwa, scientific explanations have done little to diminish the sense of wonder among visitors.The attraction lies precisely in the unresolved tension between faith and evidence, coincidence and belief.There has been no declaration by an established religious authority that the image is miraculous, while no scientific evidence has established that it represents a supernatural manifestation.For now, the image remains what it was when the first villager noticed it—a mysterious pattern on a wall that has captured the imagination of an entire community.The sudden influx of visitors has transformed Emenwa from a quiet rural village into an unlikely destination for the curious and the faithful.As evening falls and visitors begin leaving, the wall remains silent and unexplained.Is it really the face of the Virgin Mary—or simply a face that exists because people believe they can see it?As journalists prepared to leave the scene, police officers arrived amid concerns over the growing crowds and the possibility of a stampede.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing At dawn in Nyamesocho, Masaba South, the quiet of the countryside is increasingly broken by raised voices at the Rianyabicha water springs.For years, the springs have been a lifeline for families in the area. But as a prolonged dry spell tightens its grip, the precious commodity has become a source of tension — and, increasingly, confrontation.Two taps at the spring have already dried up, leaving residents to scramble for the little water that remains.The situation is similar at a spring in neighbouring Ikenye, Gesusu Ward, where women and young girls spend hours in long queues waiting for their turn to collect water.“It gets more insecure for our girls when night falls,” Jane Kerubo told KahawaTungu.The water shortage is also disrupting economic activities, with some construction work reportedly slowing down because of inadequate water supplies.At Nyamesocho, Assistant Chief Geoffrey Makori says the pressure on the remaining water sources has already triggered fights among residents.“We have already witnessed women fighting at some of the springs as they scramble for water. The situation is becoming serious,” Makori says.What was once an ordinary household chore has become a daily contest of patience and endurance.Women arrive early, carrying jerrycans and buckets, hoping to be among the first to draw water. As the queues grow longer and the springs yield less, tempers sometimes flare.In some areas, residents blame the planting of eucalyptus trees close to water sources for worsening the situation.Makori says the trees could be contributing to the declining water levels and has called for better protection of springs and their surroundings.“Some of these springs have been affected by eucalyptus trees planted near them. We need to rethink how we protect our water sources and the areas around them,” he says.Wells that have traditionally supplied water to households have also started drying up, forcing residents to look for increasingly expensive alternatives.For 92-year-old Moraa Obero, accessing water has become both physically and financially demanding.She says she spends about Sh300 paying a labourer to fetch water for her from the local spring — a source that is itself steadily drying up.Pasture has become scarce, water is harder to find and cows are producing less milk.For families that depend on milk sales to pay school fees, buy food and meet other household expenses, the decline in production is hitting hard.“Milk production has gone down because our cows have little pasture and water. What we are producing is not enough even for our families,” says Samson Keronche.With farmers producing less milk, traders say supplies have declined and prices have started rising, adding another burden to households already grappling with the rising cost of living.“We used to sell several litres of milk every day. Now production has dropped sharply, yet the cost of feeding the animals continues to rise,” says farmer John Nyabicha.Some shopkeepers say the situation has also affected supplies in the retail market, with milk becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in some outlets.A packet of milk now retails for between Sh70 and Sh80 in some shops, fuelling frustration among consumers.But perhaps the greatest concern for residents is what will happen if the rains continue to stay away.Farmers are caught between planting too early and risking their seeds, or waiting for the rains and possibly missing the planting season.“We do not know when to plant. If we plant and the rains fail, we will lose our seeds. But if we wait too long, we may also miss the planting season,” says farmer Joyce Omari.For a region where maize, beans, vegetables and livestock form the backbone of rural livelihoods, the uncertainty is unsettling.The dry conditions are threatening not only household water supplies but also food production, livestock health and incomes.And as the water sources shrink, so too does the margin for conflict-free access to the remaining supplies.It is about the queue at the spring, the empty jerrycan, the shrinking milk in the bucket and the farmer staring anxiously at a dry field.“If we do not protect the little water we have, the conflict will only become worse,” Makori says.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing For months, European intelligence agencies have been sounding the alarm about a resurgence of Russian state-sponsored assassination plots, sabotage, and hybrid warfare operations across the continent. Germany has emerged as the primary focal point of these covert activities. From hidden weapons caches in Berlin forests to explosive drones targeting airports, the evidence points to a systematic campaign aimed at destabilizing European allies and undermining support for Ukraine. This blog presents the verified facts currently available from official sources.In October 2025, German security services made a chilling discovery in a forest on the outskirts of Berlin. Hidden among the trees was a weapons cache containing two handguns and ammunition. German intelligence officials have since assessed that these weapons were intended for carrying out assassinations on behalf of Russian intelligence services. The cache was placed under surveillance after the weapons were disabled, but no one was seen approaching the site.Authorities later arrested a suspect in Romania in connection with the weapons. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the individual as a “low-level agent” who had no knowledge of the broader chain of command. The same suspect is also being held in connection with planned parcel bomb attacks in Romania. Reports indicate that potential targets included executives of defense industry companies, exiled Russian opposition activists, and prominent supporters of Ukraine.On the night of August 4–5, 2026, an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport. A second drone with explosives was later found on a nearby field. The incident prompted an immediate security lockdown and a high-level investigation. Germany’s federal government officially blamed Russia for the attack, describing it as a “dangerous” attempt to “cause great damage” to German infrastructure and its support for Ukraine. Investigators traced the attack to so-called “disposable agents” (Wegwerfagenten) operating under the direction of a Russian intelligence service.In 2024, a CNN report revealed that U.S. intelligence had successfully foiled a Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of Germany’s largest arms company, Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall is a key supplier of military equipment to Ukraine, including artillery shells, tanks, and armored vehicles. The plot was part of a broader campaign by Russia to target defense industry executives across Europe who were facilitating military aid to Kyiv. The foiling of this plot underscored the high stakes and the direct threat posed to individuals supporting Ukraine’s war effort.Top German officials have been explicit in their warnings. Sinan Selen, President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), warned that Russia could carry out attacks on defense industry executives, opposition figures in exile, and supporters of Ukraine. Martin Jäger, President of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), told lawmakers in October that Russia is prepared to test European borders and could escalate tensions into a “hot confrontation” at any time.German MP Roderich Kiesewetter, a former Bundeswehr colonel, warned the public: “We will probably see announcements about the killings of high representatives of our armaments industry. We will experience an increase of state terrorism on German soil.” His sentiments were echoed by former British Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood, who warned that a new “Novichok-style” poisoning or assassination attempt in the West is “only a matter of time.”European security officials describe a deliberate pattern of Russian “hybrid warfare”—hostile acts that fall short of direct military confrontation but are designed to destabilize and intimidate. Suspected Russian sabotage has targeted energy infrastructure, airports, defense facilities, and government IT systems across Germany and other European nations. A senior NATO official told the BBC that Russia is “engaging in aggressive covert operations across Europe—involving sabotage, arson and assassination plots—aimed at weakening public support for Ukraine.”According to intelligence reports, the GRU (Russian military intelligence) is actively recruiting disposable operatives, often referred to as “mules,” through Telegram channels. These operatives are paid in cryptocurrency to carry out low-level logistical tasks—such as hiding weapons, transporting materials, or scouting locations—while maintaining plausible deniability for the Russian state. This decentralized recruitment model makes it increasingly difficult for European law enforcement to trace operations back to their originators.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing What we know about the viral posts, the company’s response, and what remains unverified.On September 6, 2026, McDonald’s India’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account became the center of an unexpected online storm. A series of posts appeared on the official handle, written from the perspective of an individual claiming to be an intern at the company. The messages detailed a series of personal grievances, including alleged non-payment of wages, financial distress, and a plea for community support. The posts were swiftly deleted, but screenshots had already circulated widely across social media platforms, sparking intense speculation and debate.The individual in the posts introduced themselves as an intern working for McDonald’s India. They named their boss as Amit Joshi—a name that does not correspond to any known executive or franchisee in McDonald’s India’s actual leadership structure, which includes figures like Amit Jatia (West and South franchise partner) and Vikram Bakshi (former North and East partner). The intern claimed they had not received their salary since December 2025, and that the company owed them over ₹60,000 (approximately $650). In a later post, they mentioned not being paid since May, creating some internal inconsistency in the timeline.To cope with the financial strain, the poster alleged that they had taken on two additional jobs in customer support and delivery. They also claimed to manage several McDonald’s Asian accounts as part of their internship responsibilities. Perhaps most strikingly, they mentioned trading memecoins—highly volatile cryptocurrency assets—and losing money on them, which they said left them starving every day. The posts concluded with an appeal to the online community for help, framing the situation as a cry for justice against an employer who, they asserted, was withholding their rightful wages.“McD admin right now: If only our actual posts went this viral… #fakenews #memecoin”McDonald’s India did not remain silent for long. The company responded with a post of its own, sharing an image and a tongue-in-cheek caption that read: “McD admin right now: If only our actual posts went this viral…”—accompanied by the hashtags #fakenews and #memecoin. The reply was lighthearted in tone but clearly dismissed the preceding allegations as untrue or misleading. However, the company did not provide any further official explanation regarding how the posts appeared on its verified account, nor did it confirm or deny the specific claims about the intern, the unpaid wages, or the named manager.As of now, the origin and authenticity of the posts remain entirely unverified. Several possibilities have been floated by observers: a deliberate hack or compromise of the account, an internal prank gone wrong, or even a coordinated attempt to promote a memecoin or cryptocurrency scheme under the guise of a personal story. The presence of the memecoin reference in both the deleted posts and McDonald’s own hashtag response has led some to suspect a viral marketing stunt or a scam, though there is no concrete evidence to support any single theory.What is clear is that McDonald’s India has not issued a formal statement clarifying who posted the messages, whether the account was breached, or what steps have been taken to secure it. The company’s lighthearted dismissal, while effective in signaling that the claims were not endorsed by the brand, left many questions unanswered. For the public, the incident serves as a reminder of the speed at which unverified information can spread on social media—and how even verified accounts can become vectors for confusing, contradictory, or potentially fabricated narratives.Until McDonald’s India or the individual behind the posts provides further evidence or clarification, the story remains an open case of online ambiguity. The allegations of unpaid wages, the existence of the intern, and the role of “Amit Joshi” all remain unconfirmed. For now, the incident stands as a curious footnote in the brand’s digital history—a viral moment that generated more questions than answers.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing This blog presents a verified account of the circumstances surrounding British-Nigerian businessman and social media influencer Igho Ubiribo, based on available reports from medical examiners, law enforcement, and court proceedings.Igho Ubiribo, also known by his initials R. Igho Ubiribo, was a 43-year-old British-Nigerian national. In social circles and online, he went by several nicknames, including “Tiny,” “Denisi,” and “Ego.”Professionally, Ubiribo operated as a businessman and maintained a significant presence as a social media influencer. At the time of his death, his Instagram account had accumulated approximately 185,000 followers, where he regularly posted content depicting a high-value lifestyle.Ubiribo was married to Danielle Simba Allen, a fashion designer and socialite. The couple held their wedding ceremony in Zimbabwe in 2022. Reports indicate the event was a lavish affair, with a reported cost of $473,000.Ubiribo’s disclosed assets included real estate in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He owned a residential property in the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles, valued at $1.1 million, and held an apartment in London valued at $600,000. In addition to his properties, his known possessions included luxury vehicles, yachts, and designer clothing.On March 6, 2026, Ubiribo was in Bangkok, Thailand. He attended an unnamed local clinic to undergo a penis enlargement procedure. The treatment administered involved the injection of 40 milliliters of a filler substance composed of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine.Following the procedure, Ubiribo went to a massage parlor in the company of his wife. During this time, he began to complain of chest pain and subsequently collapsed twice at the massage venue.Emergency services transported Ubiribo to Sukhumvit Hospital in Bangkok. At the hospital, attending physicians diagnosed him with a pulmonary embolism—a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in his lungs. Medical staff performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him for over 100 minutes. Despite these efforts, he could not be revived.A subsequent post-mortem examination conducted in the United Kingdom confirmed the presence of filler material within his lungs. Based on these findings, Coroner Jean Harkin officially ruled the cause of death as a pulmonary embolism resulting directly from the cosmetic procedure he underwent in Bangkok.Ubiribo’s funeral took place in London. The burial involved a gold coffin, which reports valued at more than $745,000. The funeral service was attended by a number of public figures, including Nigerian singer and superstar Davido.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing The US military says it has hit three Iran-linked oil tankers after ballistic missiles were launched towards two of its warships in the region.US Central Command (Centcom) said on Saturday it had “permanently disabled” a tanker near Kharg Island and another near the Strait of Hormuz, and “completely destroyed” a third in the Gulf of Oman. Centcom said it “successfully evaded” multiple attacks from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer. No American troops were harmed, it said in a statement.Iranian state media earlier reported that one of its tankers had been struck off the coast of Kharg Island.Admiral Brad Cooper, Centcom’s commander, said in a statement on Saturday: “Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost – taking out three of yours.”“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”Centcom, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, claimed that the three Iranian oil tankers were “part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies”.The strikes come nearly a week after renewed attacks between the US and Iran, which followed a period of relative calm between the warring sides.Earlier this week, US Vice-President JD Vance said the US military was investigating Iranian claims that American strikes killed at least four people including two children at a wedding in southern Iran. Humanitarian group the Iranian Red Crescent Society said shrapnel from a missile hit the ceremony at a home in Sirik on Tuesday, prompting Tehran to declare it a “war crime”.A 60-day ceasefire between the US and Iran formally expired last month, with little sign of a further diplomatic settlement on the horizon.Days after the ceasefire expired, US President Donald Trump said the US would launch tougher economic measures against Iran, as well as any country that helps or does business with it.The US and Israel first launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, with Iran responding by attacking Israel, US bases and allied states in the Gulf, and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to marine traffic.The conflict over the strait has raised energy prices globally. And, ahead of the US midterm elections in November, Trump is facing pressure over how much the war is costing American consumers.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing Nigeria’s Dangote Group is set to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its planned oil refinery in Lamu on September 30, marking a major expansion of the industrial conglomerate’s refining operations outside Nigeria.Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote announced the planned launch while speaking to investors and analysts in Botswana, saying the refinery would be developed in partnership with East African governments.The planned refinery on Kenya’s coast is expected to take up to three years to complete and will supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and neighbouring countries, helping reduce East Africa’s reliance on imported fuels.The project is expected to become Dangote Group’s biggest refining investment outside Nigeria and comes as the company pursues further expansion of its energy business across Africa.Dangote’s announcement came as he also revealed plans to list shares in the group’s Nigerian refinery through an initial public offering within the next 10 to 12 days.The company is seeking to raise about $5 billion through the IPO, which could become Africa’s largest public offering.Dangote also said the group plans to double the capacity of its Nigerian refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.The refinery reached its full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day in February and has since tested production at 700,000 barrels per day.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing There has been major disruption at the Port of Dover due to a large group of masked men holding a demonstration. Hundreds of protesters, dressed in black and wearing face coverings, blocked roads and were heard chanting “stop the boats”.Kent Police said it had been “engaging with protesters” and marched the crowd to Dover Priory railway station at about 11:30 BST. After that, people started to disperse.Traffic was initially stopped from going in and out of the port but officials said approach roads were now “free flowing”.Paul King, Reform UK councillor for Dover West, said he had been told it was a “stop the boats protest”.A government spokesperson said they condemned “the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused”.Demonstrators told the BBC they did not want to talk to the media, although one said “send them back” and another said “stop the boats” when approached.Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp said the incident, which started at about 07:00, caused “absolutely awful disruption” for residents.“My understanding is a number of individuals have travelled to the area, wearing black, wearing balaclavas, and have blocked a number of roads leading into the port area,” he said.Tapp added on Facebook: “I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption.“I bet if you asked any one of those ‘protesters’ they wouldn’t know small boat crossing are down by 40% and we are working hard to fix the mess.”Kent Police has not yet commented on who was behind the protest. P&O said it would get passengers on to the next available sailing if they had missed their scheduled crossing, as did ferry operator DFDS.The Port of Dover said operations had returned to normal and routes in and out of the town had all reopened. “We thank our customers and local community for their patience whilst the police managed the public order incident,” it said.Remco van Schellen arrived from the Netherlands at about 08:00 but when “we wanted to leave the ferry terminal with the car, we couldn’t go any further”.“There were people blocking the roads, the roundabout, just outside of the ferry terminal in Dover,” he said. “There were people in black clothing, their faces masked, so we couldn’t see who they were.”Lania Tkaczyk, from Cheshire, saw men dressed in black outside her hotel in Dover.She said she was unable to leave on time to see her two children take part in a Channel swimming relay at nearby Folkestone.“Because of the protest I’ve been delayed but I hope to get to Folkstone to see my children soon.”Demonstrations against immigration are common in Dover, as it is the location where migrants picked up from small boats in the English Channel are brought to shore.They are typically advertised in advance, however, and Saturday’s protest was on a larger scale.Chris Vinson, leader of the Conservative group on Dover District Council, said: “Overnight, clearly what appears to be several hundred masked men, wearing black clothing and balaclavas, seem to have co-ordinated and loaded into rental vans and then descended on roads leading in and out of Dover.”He said the protest appeared to be “illegal migration-related” but added that demonstrators did not appear to have placards or banners.People who worked night shifts at the port were “prevented from leaving for fears for their safety,” Vinson added.The full government statement read: “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy, but we condemn the behaviour in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused.“We appreciate the frustration of those who have been impacted today. Access to the port is now restored and traffic is flowing. Those travelling to the port are advised to allow for extra travel time and to follow guidance from providers.“We thank policing partners and travel providers who we continue to work with to ensure the safety of passengers and the wider community.”Dover is the UK’s busiest international ferry and passenger port, dealing with more than nine million passengers by road and two million freight vehicles in 2025, according to the port’s website.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing The Supreme Court on Friday endorsed a request from Republican campaign groups that want to buy discounted TV advertising for this year’s midterms, the latest in a series of emergency rulings from the high court benefiting the GOP.The decision effectively upholds guidance issued by the Federal Communications Commission in March that allowed the campaign arms of House and Senate Republicans to pay lower ad rates that were previously reserved only for candidates.The court’s order will primarily benefit Republicans, who generally raise more money through party committees than Democrats.Over the dissent of liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the court said that the challenge to the guidance was premature. The GOP groups had said that broadcasters were rescinding the cheaper ad rates based on a lower court’s decision blocking the guidance.“Current and future recissions will require the party committees to pay more for advertising space, thereby hampering their efforts to reach the electorate in the critical weeks leading up to the midterms,” the court wrote in an unsigned opinion. “That injury, which implicates their First Amendment rights to speak and coordinate their political activities freely, cannot be remedied after the fact through refunds or reimbursements.”Under federal law, candidates are entitled to deeply discounted ad rates in the run up to an election. Guidance this year from the FCC extended that benefit to other campaign entities, like the National Republican Senatorial Committee, that run TV ads on behalf of candidates across the country. Both Republicans and Democrats have long made use of those groups.The Republican groups told the Supreme Court in their emergency appeal that they had already budgeted “tens of millions of dollars” in advertising based on the FCC guidance. A divided 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the law clearly limited the lower rate benefit only to candidates. Those lower rates, according to court documents, are set to take effect on Friday.The Trump administration, eager to keep Republican control of Congress, supported the GOP groups at the Supreme Court. The Justice Department argued that the FCC guidance wouldn’t harm the Democratic candidates who sued because the rule is applied universally.Four Democratic candidates sued over the FCC’s decision: Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan, former Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, and former Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina. The campaign arm for House and Senate Republicans intervened to defend the FCC’s decision.The ad rates case is closely tied to another the Supreme Court decided this summer. In that case, the court’s 6-3 conservative majority rolled back longstanding limits on how much political parties may coordinate with federal candidates. Since the 1970s, political party committees were capped at how much money they could spend in coordination with a campaign. The court ruled that those caps violated the First Amendment.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has established a multi-agency working group to address the risk of terrorism financing through non-profit organisations.The team, officially known as the Multi-Agency Coordination Working Group on Non-Profit Organisations at Risk of Terrorism Financing, was established through a Gazette Notice dated September 4, 2026.According to the notice, the working group will comprise representatives from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, which will provide the chairperson.Other members will be drawn from the Office of the Attorney-General, Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority, Business Registration Service, Registrar of Societies, Directorate of Social Development, National Counter-Terrorism Centre and Financial Reporting Centre.Murkomen said the working group will provide a platform for consultation and cooperation on matters involving non-profit organisations considered to be at risk of terrorism financing.“The Working Group shall act as forum for consultation and cooperation on matters related to non-profit organisations at risk of terrorism financing,” Murkomen said.The team will coordinate the identification of non-profit organisations undertaking charitable activities that may be at risk of terrorism financing.It will also coordinate risk-based monitoring of non-profit organisations considered to be at higher risk of terrorism financing.The working group will further coordinate the sensitisation of non-profit organisations on terrorism financing risks and oversee the implementation of agreed actions and measures within the non-profit sector.It will also seek to harmonise approaches among government agencies on matters involving non-profit organisations at risk of terrorism financing.The team will consider issues raised by its members relating to terrorism financing risks in the sector and provide a platform for sharing and exchanging information.The working group will have powers to regulate its own procedures, including developing rules of procedure and work plans to facilitate the effective execution of its mandate.It may also hold meetings and consultations it considers necessary for its work.The team will be allowed to review reports, policies, legislation and other documents relevant to its mandate.It may also conduct or commission studies and research considered necessary to support its work.Murkomen said the working group may co-opt any relevant person or institution to assist in carrying out its mandate.The team will also be required to prepare and submit an annual report on its activities to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.“The Working Group shall prepare and submit to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, an annual report of its activities,” the notice stated.The Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority will provide secretariat services to the working group.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing A suspected child trafficker has been arrested in Kajiado County after a joint operation by officers from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).The suspect, identified as Enock Peterson Mwangi, alias Mwamburi, was arrested at Korompoi Trading Centre in Isinya Sub-County following investigations into suspected child trafficking.Four minors aged between one and 17 years were rescued during the operation from a bedsitter where the suspect was residing.According to the DCI, preliminary investigations indicate that Mwangi may have extended his activities to several other areas.Detectives are investigating alleged links to Mashuru in Kajiado County and parts of Nakuru County, among other areas.The DCI said its officers were pursuing additional leads to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and determine whether more children may have been affected by the suspected trafficking network.The investigation is also seeking to establish the circumstances under which the four minors were found.The circumstances surrounding the children’s rescue have raised concerns that they may have been subjected to other forms of abuse.The minors were taken to hospital for medical attention before being placed in safe custody.Relevant government agencies are now undertaking further interventions as detectives continue with investigations into the case.The authorities are expected to establish the relationship between the suspect and the children and how they came to be under his care.The suspect is currently being processed by detectives pending his arraignment in court.He is expected to face appropriate charges once investigations are completed and the relevant legal procedures are finalised.The DCI said the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in the trafficking and exploitation of children.The investigative agency warned individuals involved in child trafficking and other forms of child exploitation that they would be pursued.“The DCI would wish to remind all and sundry that Child trafficking is a grave crime that robs children of their innocence, safety and future,” the agency said.“Those involved in the trafficking, exploitation or abuse of children, as well as those who facilitate such crimes, are hereby put on notice that law enforcement agencies will relentlessly pursue them and bring them to justice,” the DCI added.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a tax amnesty on interest, penalties and fines for eligible taxpayers with tax liabilities dating back to periods up to December 31, 2025.According to a public notice issued on September 4, 2026, the Tax Amnesty Programme took effect on July 1, 2026, and will run until December 31, 2026.The programme is aimed at taxpayers who meet the conditions set out under the law and covers interest, penalties and fines relating to qualifying tax liabilities.KRA said taxpayers with outstanding principal tax relating to periods up to December 31, 2025, will qualify for the amnesty if they fully settle the qualifying principal tax on or before December 31, 2026.Taxpayers who cannot settle the principal tax in a single payment can apply for an Automatic Payment Plan through the iTax system.However, KRA said the entire outstanding principal tax must be fully paid by December 31, 2026, for the taxpayer to benefit from the amnesty.The authority has also included taxpayers with unfiled tax returns among those eligible for the programme.Such taxpayers are required to file all outstanding returns for periods up to December 31, 2025, during the amnesty period.Those who file returns without outstanding principal tax, commonly referred to as nil returns, will automatically qualify for an amnesty on late filing penalties.For taxpayers who file returns showing outstanding principal tax, the amnesty will apply once the principal tax has been fully paid by December 31, 2026.KRA said taxpayers who have no outstanding principal tax for periods up to December 31, 2025, but have outstanding interest, penalties or fines, will automatically qualify for the amnesty.“Once all the qualifying conditions are met, the amnesty will be automatically granted, the taxpayer ledger updated and the Amnesty Certificate and notification will be availed through the iTax system,” KRA said.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing The University of Nairobi is set to establish the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy (ROCD) in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his long-standing contribution to Kenya’s democratic struggle. The centre is envisioned as a hub for public dialogue, research and innovation on democracy and governance. It will be anchored in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, through the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. The establishment of the centre was discussed during a courtesy visit by Mama Ida Odinga and her daughter, Winnie Odinga, to University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Prof Ayub Gitau. The meeting focused on plans to establish and operationalise the centre, which the university says will preserve and advance the democratic values associated with Raila Odinga’s public life. The Vice-Chancellor said the institution would go beyond simply commemorating Raila Odinga. “We will not merely commemorate a life; we will launch an enduring University institution dedicated to advancing the democratic values, scholarship and public dialogue associated with his contribution,” Prof Gitau said. The university said the centre will provide a platform for scholars, students, policymakers and members of the public to engage in discussions on democracy and governance. Mama Ida Odinga welcomed...
Read briefing Drivers in the US are paying more than ever for diesel at the pump as the US-Israel war with Iran continues to hit Americans’ wallets.In the US, diesel is mostly used by commercial vehicles, such as trucks, trains, boats, buses, farming vehicles and construction vehicles.The average price for one gallon of diesel in the US has hit $5.85, compared to an average of $3.71 a year ago and above the previous high following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).Fuel prices have soared since the Iran conflict began at the end of February, reflecting the surge in wholesale oil prices.In response to rising fuel costs, US President Donald Trump recently pledged to “substantially lower Gas Prices for all Americans” through an oil deal with Venezuela.In January, the former leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, was seized by US special forces following a raid authorised by President Trump.The latest agreement, announced on Saturday, calls for the development of 17 strategic oil fields with a proven potential of 65 billion barrels, as well as “an investment of more than $100bn (£73.9bn) and more than $209bn in taxes” for Venezuela, according to Interim Venuzuela President Delcy Rodríguez.The US government will retain 55% control of a joint venture with an “experienced private operator in Venezuela”, a US official told the BBC’s US partner CBS News.But some analysts have reacted with scepticism, including questioning whether the deal would address long-running obstacles that have deterred investment in Venezuela’s oil industry.Oil is a key ingredient in car fuel and supplies have been limited by Iran responding to the war by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway south of the country through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported.Rocketing pump prices have angered US voters ahead of the crucial midterm elections in November.According to recent Reuters/Ipsos polling, Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, with just 31% of Americans approving of the conflict.However, not all Americans face the same level of price rises. According to the AAA’s data, those in the Western states pay much more than those elsewhere, due to tax differences and distance from US oil producers.For example, in Washington, average diesel prices are $6.81 a gallon, compared to $5.03 a gallon a year ago.As well as high diesel prices, Americans also face historically high petrol costs, with the average price per gallon reaching $4.15 compared to $3.20 a year ago.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing Born on 20 August 1992 in Cape Town, Pieter-Steph du Toit grew up on the historic Kloovenburg estate in Riebeek Kasteel, where his family farmed in the picturesque Swartland region. He is the latest in a long line of Pieter Stephanus du Toits, a naming tradition stretching back to the 1820s, and rugby runs deep in his veins. His grandfather, Piet “Spiere” du Toit, was a Springbok prop who earned 14 Test caps between 1958 and 1962. Du Toit’s rugby journey began at Laerskool Riebeek Kasteel before he moved to Hoërskool Swartland, where he played primarily as a second-row forward. His professional career started with the Sharks in 2012, and he later moved to the Stormers in 2016, becoming a cornerstone of their forward pack. Currently, he plays for Toyota Verblitz in Japan’s Rugby League One. Internationally, du Toit made his Springbok debut against Wales on 9 November 2013. He transitioned from lock to flank in 2015, a move that unlocked his true potential and transformed him into one of the game’s most devastating blindside flankers. Siblings Du Toit is one of four brothers. The sibling who shares the closest rugby bond with him is his younger brother, Johan du Toit, who is also a professional rugby player. Johan plays as a back-row or lock for the Stormers, and the brothers have enjoyed the privilege of being teammates at both the Sharks and the Stormers over the years. Pieter-...
Read briefing The man behind the novelty pop act Jive Bunny and The Mastermixers has died aged 84, the company he founded has confirmed. John Pickles formed Jive Bunny in Rotherham in 1989 and the act went on to have three UK number ones with Swing The Mood, That’s What I Like and Let’s Party. Jive Bunny records typically used synthesisers and sampling to combine contemporary pop music with hits from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. A statement from the Mastermix company described Pickles as “a true pioneer in the music industry”, adding that he was “a leader, an entrepreneur, a businessman and an incredibly talented songwriter”. His “creativity, vision and passion for music touched the lives and careers of so many people around the world, and for the most fortunate of us, he was dad,” the statement said. ‘People’s success story’ Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers were made up of Pickles, his son Andrew, who also worked as a director for Mastermix, along with Doncaster DJ and producer Les Hemstock. The group also had a UK top 10 album in Jive Bunny The Album and scored five UK top 10 hits, including their number ones. The Jive Bunny album covers and music videos featured a cartoon rabbit, with costumed actors also making promotional appearances as the character. Steve White, a DJ who knew Pickles personally, told BBC Radio Sheffield the group’s chart success had been “a people’s success story”. “It...
Read briefing Fifa has accused Uefa of a “smear campaign against it and its leadership” in a challenge to litigation over president Gianni Infantino’s scrapped plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.Last week European football’s governing body filed legal papers in the US requesting disclosure of evidence and documents from Fifa as part of potential criminal claims in Switzerland.In a dramatic escalation of the controversy, Uefa accused Infantino of “criminal mismanagement” and “a fraudulently off-market price promoted by [him] for his own benefit” over the now-shelved Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.However, world governing body Fifa has now responded with court filings lodged in the US – and seen by the BBC – requesting that a court “oppose” the application by the end of the month.Fifa claims Uefa’s argument “suffers from a fundamental defect” and “legal deficiencies”.“Uefa seeks discovery in aid of a foreign criminal proceeding that does not exist and that Uefa admittedly lacks the authority to initiate. Despite that threshold problem, Uefa asks this court to authorise sweeping discovery about the FFE.”It said it had “made clear” that the creation of FFE was “only a proposal”, adding that it could have only proceeded on the condition that the majority of member associations supported it and “the relevant approvals of the Fifa Council”.“Rather than participate in that democratic process, Uefa issued a press release – the beginning of a weeks-long smear campaign against Fifa and its leadership,” it wrote in the court filing.It also claimed that Uefa’s “economic motivation” was to prevent smaller countries from having the “financial strength to compete with the European elite”.“If soccer is strengthened in the developing world, global competition increases, which ultimately reduces Uefa’s market power and provides more competition for its flagship tournaments,” Fifa said.“By raising funds to allow some of Fifa’s smaller member associations to better develop soccer, FFE would lead to more players from those nations choosing to represent their countries of origin and playing in their home leagues rather than playing abroad.”Uefa has declined to comment, although BBC Sport has been told insiders believe that if Fifa has nothing to hide, it should disclose the documents and speed up the legal process. It has led the rebellion against the Fifa president, who is facing calls to stand down from three confederations.Uefa has also asked a court in New York to approve a legal document ordering testimony and documents from venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who was set to be the lead investor in FFE, and his company Thrive Eternal.Thrive had held talks with Infantino about heading up a $4.2bn (£3.1bn) investment in 20% of a new Fifa commercial subsidiary, before the idea was abandoned days after it was revealed in July amid a huge backlash.At the time, Fifa claimed FFE would have increased the funding distributed to each national association for the 2027-2030 cycle from £5.9m to £14.7m.On Sunday, Kushner expressed regret over FFE, saying: “While we stand behind the motivations of FFE, we failed to appreciate the political dynamics of global football, and the lengths some would go to… had we known what this would devolve into, we would not have gotten involved.”Uefa has also asked for the disclosure of documents from American financier Greg Maffei, who was a key adviser on the deal.While Uefa says neither Kushner nor Maffei are anticipated defendants in any legal proceedings, it claims the pair first discussed the FFE concept in July 2025 and that Infantino had “been discussing the underlying concept with Kushner for nearly a year before the terms sheet was ultimately signed”.Its lawyers also argue the World Cup was deliberately undervalued at about £15bn, which it says is “a figure that was neither the product of an open, competitive auction, nor tested by any independent valuer”. Uefa claims Infantino failed to consult Fifa’s hierarchy over the plan.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing Canada has unveiled a new $20 banknote featuring a portrait of King Charles III, the first new monarch to appear on a Canadian banknote in more than 70 years, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.The banknote was revealed at a Bank of Canada event on Thursday – a “very special day”, central bank governor Tiff Macklem said.A unique feature of the banknote is its vertical orientation. The back shows an image of the Vimy Ridge memorial in France to commemorate Canada’s role in World War II.The Commonwealth nations of New Zealand and Australia have displayed the King on their coins, though Australia has said it will not feature him on banknotes.Instead, Australia said it will work on releasing a new $5 banknote that pays tribute to “the culture and history” of Indigenous Australians to replace the current design featuring Queen Elizabeth II.Canada is the first Commonwealth country to put the King on its banknotes outside of Britain since his ascension to the throne.In addition, it also depicts a floral and leafy tapestry “inspired by the King’s lifetime dedication to the environment”, according to the Bank of Canada.Wayne Long, a Liberal MP and secretary of state for the Canada Revenue Agency, said at the unveiling that the symbols on the banknote “serve as a powerful reminder of who we are as a nation and what we value.”Some elements of it were chosen in consultation with an Indigenous advisory council, the central bank added.It is the second vertical banknote issued in Canada. The first is the $10 bill, depicting Black civil rights advocate Viola Desmond. Its design went on to be selected as best in the world in 2018 by the International Bank Note Society.Polling suggests that many Canadians believe the country should end its formal ties to the British monarchy, particularly in the French-speaking province of Quebec.But the monarchy’s popularity received a small bump as tensions rose between Canada and the US, including the ongoing US-Canada trade war and US President Donald Trump’s comments about making Canada the “51st state”.Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the King to open Canada’s parliament in May – a visit that Carney at the time said “clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country”.The King is Canada’s head of state and is represented in Canada by its Governor General Mary Simon.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing Spain’s Enric Mas extended his overall lead in the Vuelta a Espana with a late attack as Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel won stage 12 to Calar Alto.Omrzel, 20, secured his first Grand Tour stage victory in imperious fashion, riding clear of his remaining breakaway companions on the 17km final climb to finish nearly two minutes clear of Urko Berrade, with Colombia’s Santiago Buitrago in third.In the process Omrzel moved within 30 seconds of Oscar Onley in the best young rider’s classification after a difficult day for the Briton.The Netcompany Ineos rider suffered an early crash and was then dropped by his main rivals early on the final climb, eventually finishing over two minutes behind Mas and slipping a place to fifth in the GC.Movistar rider Mas broke from a small pack including four-time champion Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall with about 13km of the mountainous 166.6km course left.Slovenian Roglic and Austrian Gall, who sit second and third in the general classification, could not respond as Mas increased his advantage by a further 27 seconds on a day of searing heat on a mountainous course that featured five categorised climbs.Mas finished sixth, just under three minutes adrift of Ormzel, but extended his overall lead to one minute 56 seconds.Tadej Pogacar had been leading the Vuelta by almost four minutes but crashed out on stage eight, breaking his collarbone in what may be a season-ending injury.The race ends in Andalusia on Sunday, 13 September with stages to come in the mountains and hills around Malaga and Granada’s Sierra Nevada.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing Lewis Hamilton says an upgraded Ferrari engine for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix is a “step forward but not the whole amount we need”.Ferrari are taking the opportunity of their home grand prix to introduce the second of the two upgrades they are permitted this year in the hope it will improve their chances of a win on the historic Monza track.Ferrari have the fastest car in the corners on balance, but have been lagging on the straights so far this year.“Every little helps. Until this point of the year, even last race, we were losing 0.4secs a lap (on the straights). We have carried that deficit,” Hamilton said.“This is a step forward. It is not the whole amount we need but we knew that was the case. I strongly believe we have what it takes to win.”Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc have both won one race this season, with the Briton 59 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.“To win this weekend, the whole collective has to come together. Everything has to flow from the beginning,” said Hamilton.“There is a first ahead of me, in the sense of if I was to win I go into new territory winning for the first time in Ferrari at Monza. It would be phenomenal.“The pressure’s high. You want to do it for the team. Many of them will come to this race. The tifosi come out in huge numbers with a passion that’s unmatched.“And my mum’s here. I don’t think she’s been to Monza, and certainly not (while I was) with Ferrari. I wanted her to experience this and bring any lucky dust she can bring.”Ferrari’s hopes of a home victory are boosted by the fact that Italian Antonelli will have a grid penalty for exceeding his permitted number of engine parts and is likely to start at the back.Hamilton said: “There is big gap between the top teams and the rest. Kimi will start from the back but with the power he has, and the performance he has, he should slide through that pack pretty easy and it’s probably why they chose this race to do that.“So achieving eighth or sixth should be relatively easy. We have to focus on maximising our weekend and try and take the energy from the tifosi to hopefully push us to the front.”Antonelli’s grid penalty was inevitable at some point after reliability problems earlier in the year meant they would need to exceed his allowance of four engines for the season.They chose this weekend because they calculated it was the most optimal race to do it, both in terms of the effect of a new engine on a track dominated by straights, and managing their engine pool through the rest of the year.Team-mate George Russell will also have an engine penalty, most likely in Azerbaijan in two races’ time.Antonelli said: “I am very much looking forward to this weekend despite starting from the back. I will be able to enjoy it more than I did previously and hopefully we will still be able to have a good race.“In some ways it helps to release pressure, although I would very much rather fight for pole and start at the front.“It makes me a bit more relaxed going into the weekend. I think this track can be very good for us but we have to take into account that McLaren, Ferrari, even Red Bull can be good this weekend.“There are other tracks where it is possible to overtake but this one is very energy starved and there are a lot of places where you can race differently and it gives us the best chance to climb through the field.”Antonelli referred to energy starvation because the hybrid engines will be without their battery power for a higher percentage of the lap in Monza than at most races this year, because of the long straights and the lack of opportunity for recovery.Drivers are expecting a difficult and frustrating weekend, and for slipstreaming, which saves energy by reducing drag, to become a major feature in qualifying and the grand prix.Antonelli said he expected speed would flat-line on the straights but not drop significantly, and that the situation would be “better than many expected”.Hamilton arrived at Monza for media day on Thursday in his new Ferrari F40, an iconic 1980s supercar, which he described as “a dream car of mine”.He explained why the particular model he chose was so important to him, and a surprise resonance he discovered to his race number, which is 44.The seven-time champion said: “I have been looking for one for a while. I wanted one with low mileage and a story behind it. Lots have come up at auction but not particularly special. Or the paint’s been redone. I wanted to find the most authentic one.“I found this one that a guy bought it and drove it 69km from Maranello to his home and parked it and never drove it again.“Then the decision is, ‘Do you keep it as an art piece, all dusty, or clean it up?’ That took a while to decide.“I might be wrong but none of the Ferrari drivers in history have ever arrived in the coolest car in history.“When they were taking the car apart… it has 44 stamped on the engine. I couldn’t believe it. So it feels very much fate.”
Read briefing It sounds like the plot of an outback thriller, but for a property owner outside Blackall in rural Queensland, it is a very real and costly nightmare. Between February and May 2026, thieves made off with approximately 5,500 Dorper sheep from a farm on the Blackall-Isisford Road, leaving police and the local farming community stunned by the sheer scale of the heist.The stolen flock consisted of both ewes and rams, a distinctive breed known for their white bodies and black heads. Despite having a built-in tracking feature—the sheep are fitted with white National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags designed to trace livestock through the supply chain—the perpetrators managed to pull off the theft without immediate detection. The financial hit is staggering, with police estimating the stolen animals are worth more than $1.7 million, with some local reports putting the figure closer to $2 million.The targeted property sits roughly 830 kilometers west of Brisbane, deep in sheep country. While the theft occurred over a period spanning from February to May, it remains unclear exactly how the animals were taken. Authorities suspect the operation involved significant logistics, likely requiring several trucks to transport such a massive herd, or perhaps the sheep were mustered over time to avoid raising alarm.The investigation is being handled by the Queensland Police Rural and Stock Crime Squad, who are now appealing to the public for help. Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot stressed the severity of the crime, noting that livestock theft “can result in substantial financial losses and place additional pressure on farming businesses already facing challenging conditions.” Police are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious stock movements, unusual livestock transport activity, or other odd behavior in the Blackall area during those months to come forward.Local leaders and agricultural groups have expressed their shock at the audacity of the theft. Shane McCarthy, general president of the farming organization AgForce, described it as “a concerning amount of sheep” and noted that an operation of this scale would have required serious planning, time, and more than one person. Meanwhile, Blackall-Tambo mayor Andrew Martin offered a theory on how it might have gone unnoticed, suggesting the herd was probably not all taken in one night. Instead, he suspects “a number of smaller hits” occurred over time, with the animals possibly being sneaked off to abattoirs in batches.As the Rural and Stock Crime Squad continues its investigation, the case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing remote farming communities. For now, the mystery remains—who stole the flock, and where are 5,500 Dorper sheep hiding?Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing If you are in Lagos, Abuja, or any other Nigerian city where Uber was a household name, you might have opened the app this morning and found something missing. As of today, September 2, 2026, Uber has officially shut down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria. The company also pulled out of Uganda on the same day, marking a significant retreat from two African markets where it had been a dominant player for years.This was not a sudden move. Uber announced its intention to wind down operations in both countries ahead of today’s date, citing a strategic review of its business priorities and investment focus across the continent. But the decision still lands like a thunderclap for the thousands of drivers who relied on the platform and the millions of passengers who used it daily since the service first launched in Nigeria back in 2014.So, what is actually happening? Uber is ceasing all ride-hailing services in Nigeria and Uganda effective September 2, 2026. The company’s leadership described the move as part of a broader effort to streamline its global operations and focus on markets with stronger growth potential. That global restructuring effort was underscored by the fact that, on the very same day the exit was announced, Uber’s CEO confirmed the company would cut 10 percent of its global workforce—roughly 3,300 jobs.For Nigeria, this exit closes a 12-year chapter that began when Uber first arrived in 2014 and quickly transformed urban transport in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. But the ride was not always smooth. In recent years, drivers staged repeated protests over what they described as unfair commission structures, low fares, and soaring operating costs. The economic environment in Nigeria only made things harder. The removal of the country’s long-standing fuel subsidy in 2023 sent petrol prices through the roof, sharply increasing the cost of running a car and squeezing margins for drivers who were already struggling to make ends meet.Who is affected by this departure? The list is long. Active Uber drivers in Nigeria and Uganda are losing their primary source of income, though the company has pledged a one-off goodwill payment to support them during the transition. Uber employees in both countries are also being let go, and the company says it is offering support packages to those impacted. For passengers, the immediate effect is the loss of a convenient, familiar ride option, leaving them to turn to competitors like Bolt, inDrive, and a growing number of local ride-hailing startups that are already stepping in to fill the gap.What happens to your pending trips, refunds, or unresolved issues? Uber has said its help centre will remain fully operational in Nigeria and Uganda until September 23, 2026. That gives users a three-week window to sort out any outstanding matters before the support lines go dark.It is worth noting that this is not a total withdrawal from Africa. Uber will continue to operate in a handful of other markets, including Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. But for Nigeria—Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies—the departure of a global brand like Uber is a major event that signals just how tough the operating environment has become for foreign tech companies.For now, Nigerian riders and drivers are left to adapt. Bolt and inDrive are already running promotions to lure displaced drivers onto their platforms, and local startups see this as their moment to scale. But for the thousands of people who woke up this morning to a greyed-out Uber app, the message is clear: the ride, as they knew it, is over.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing After more than nine months without stepping foot on solid ground, the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln finally got what they have been waiting for. The aircraft carrier pulled into Laem Chabang port in eastern Thailand on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, marking the first real rest and recreation stop for roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines since they left California back in November 2025.Here is the headline number that puts this deployment into perspective: 286 days at sea. That is the total time the carrier has been away from port. Even more striking is the 208 consecutive days the ship spent continuously underway, with no break in between. For comparison, most carrier deployments average around six to seven months, with several port calls sprinkled in. This crew went more than double that time without a single proper liberty port.The stop is happening in Chonburi province, about a half-hour drive from the beachside city of Pattaya. That is where most of the 5,000 personnel are expected to head for some well-earned downtime. The visit is scheduled to last until Sunday, September 6, giving the crew a five-day window to decompress, catch up on sleep, and enjoy something other than shipboard meals and steel decks.To understand why this stop matters so much, you have to look at where the ship has been. The Abraham Lincoln did not spend those 286 days on a training cruise. It spent 200 of those days in an active combat zone, supporting U.S. military operations that included combat missions and a naval blockade against Iran. That is a grueling pace by any standard, and it explains why the Navy made a point of routing the carrier to Thailand for a proper break rather than just a quick logistics stop.The carrier is not alone, either. Two other warships from the same strike group pulled into nearby Thai ports on the same day. The guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked in Sriracha, while the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls arrived at Map Ta Phut. All three ships are now giving their crews simultaneous shore leave, a coordinated effort that speaks to the scale of this homecoming-away-from-home.Roughly 5,000 U.S. Navy sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are finally getting their first real port call and rest break after an extraordinarily long deployment. They arrived at Laem Chabang port, near Pattaya, Thailand, on September 2, 2026, and are scheduled to stay through September 6. The stop is a critical morale and welfare break because the crew had been at sea for 286 days total, including 208 consecutive days underway and 200 days spent operating in a combat zone.For the crew, the wait is finally over. For the local businesses in Pattaya and surrounding areas, a wave of 5,000 thirsty, tired, and cash-carrying sailors is about to walk through their doors. After nine months of nothing but horizon, that first step onto Thai soil is going to feel like a new world.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire in Canada for a social media post that appears to mock members of the country’s cadet youth programme. Hegseth posted the image, taken from the social media account for a local training branch, showing a young cadet receiving an award from her instructor. He added a Canadian flag emoji and the caption “this is real” – an apparent attempt at disparaging Canada’s military by making fun of the pair’s appearance.Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said on Tuesday that Hegseth’s post was “below the dignity of the office”.The US and Canada are in the middle of a trade dispute that has often descended into a war of words, and the Trump administration has long accused their northern neighbour of relying on American military might for its defence.Asked about the post and other recent jibes from Trump administration officials, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that any trade discussions would only begin again “when the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade, stop trying to be tough and start being serious about having those discussions”.The national cadet programme is overseen by the military and offers leadership and skills training to youth aged 12 to 18In a statement, the Army Cadet League of Canada, a civilian organisation that supports the programme, said it strongly condemns “any online harassment, or mockery of cadets’ achievements”. “Directing derogatory commentary toward youth who are actively working to better themselves and serve their communities is unacceptable,” the organisation said.Speaking to broadcaster CBC, Canada’s top military commander, General Jennie Carignan, said they are in contact with the cadets involved and any response they may have.“We are consulting with them on how they want to go about doing this,” she said.Other officials weighed in, including Scott Anderson, a Conservative member of parliament for the Canadian city of Vernon and a former military reservist, who in a post directed at Hegseth accused him not living up to the “responsibility and decorum” that comes with his title.“You have chosen to set both aside and insult two female Canadian non-combatants, and to intentionally shame them before millions. You should be ashamed,” he said.“Our economies, our continental defence and our cultures are irretrievably intertwined and yet we are two distinct nations. Canadians and Americans should have no problem with each other, but I have a problem with you,” Anderson added.A number of pundits and some Canadians accused the defence secretary of “body-shaming” with his post. Trade talks broke down between Canada and the US last month, with both sides accusing the other of last-minute demands that torpedoed a tentative agreement.The US immediately imposed 50% tariffs on some $20bn (C$28bn) of Canadian imports, and Canada plans to bring in matching countermeasures next week.Both sides have traded insults, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford calling Trump a “loser”, the US president seeking to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America, and transportation secretary Sean Duffy accusing Canada of being a country that “doesn’t have a military”.Still, the two counties have long been defence partners and allies, including when Canada backed the US in the war in Afghanistan.Canada has also significantly ramped up defence spending in recent months after years of lagging behind Nato targets.Hegseth, a veteran, is himself under pressure at home following a string of recent high-profile military leaders leaving the Pentagon and questions about the US handling of the Iran war.He has also long focused on the appearance and physical fitness of US troops and on what he calls the “warrior ethos”.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefing 