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Nation

Ruto’s UN pitch: Africa wants investment, not aid

The disagreement played out on Wednesday during the Senate’s Mashinani sitting in Kilifi.Nairobi Senator rallies his troops to closed-door retreat in Kiambu plot his next move.Union leaders strongly rejected an emerging government plan to shift national CBA funding to individual universities.

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Nation

New twist as DCI links lawyer Mbobu murder to Dr Mutiso shooting, officer arrested

From left: The late Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, Rose Mbithe Mulwa and the late Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.More than a year after lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu was gunned down while driving home from work, detectives have arrested a serving police officer suspected of being the gunman and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the killing.The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now says the murder of Mbobu is linked to the July 29, 2026 killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.Detectives have identified another police officer as an alleged coordinator of the operation, linking him to Rose Mbithe, who is in custody over Dr Mutiso's murder.Mr Mbobu had represented Dr Mutiso's husband, Prof David Ndetei, in a legal matter.The lawyer was killed almost 11 months before Dr Mutiso was shot dead in Upper Hill, Nairobi, turning what initially appeared to be two separate targeted killings into an investigation that detectives now say has a common thread.DCI Director Mohamed Amin had previously confirmed that investigators were looking into whether suspects in Dr Mutiso's murder were also connected to the shooting of Mbobu.“Some of the suspects involved in this incident may also be linked to the tragic drive-by shooting” of the lawyer, Amin said during a briefing on August 7.In a statement issued on Thursday, the DCI said Police Constable Julius Cheruiyot had been arrested and was suspected of being the gunman who killed Mr Mbobu on September 9, 2025“Following an intensive and painstaking investigation over the past year, detectives have identified and arrested Police Constable Julius Cheruiyot, suspected of being the gunman who fatally shot the lawyer,” the DCI said.Detectives subsequently recovered a Ceska pistol that had been issued to Cheruiyot at the time of the killing. Prominent Nairobi lawyer, Mathew Kyalo Mbobu was shot and killed in his car by an assailant on a motorbike on Magadi Road in Karen.The weapon was subjected to ballistic examination, producing what investigators described as a major forensic breakthrough.“Ballistic examination has since confirmed that the firearm was indeed used in the shooting that claimed the life of Lawyer Mbobu,” the DCI said.The DCI says detectives have also established that Inspector Kenneth Sang, who is currently at large, allegedly coordinated Mr Mbobu’s assassination with Rose Mbithe, who is already in custody in connection with Dr Mutiso's murder.Investigators say Cheruiyot was working under Sang's supervision and was the hired gunman in Mr Mbobu's killing.The developments come as the DCI widens its investigation into Dr Mutiso's murder, with detectives examining movements and communications that they believe could shed light on how the killing was planned.One of the revelations is the journey to Uganda made by Pius Mbugua weeks before Dr Mutiso was killed.Read: 'Let there be no peace': Slain lawyer Kyalo Mbobu's family demands answersPolice say Mbugua travelled to Uganda on June 18 and remained there for six days before returning to Kenya. While there, he allegedly made several calls back home, including to police officer Bett Kiplagat, who has since been arrested in Uganda in connection with the case.Investigators believe the journey may have been part of preparations for a possible hideout after the planned attack, although the precise purpose of the trip remains subject to investigation.The movements have taken on greater significance because some suspects later fled to Uganda after Dr Mutiso was killed on July 29.Police say two of those being pursued travelled to Jinja, where they allegedly interacted with another suspect linked to the murder.Detectives from the DCI's Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau have been using call-data records to trace the movements of suspects and identify their possible hiding places.Dr Victoria Mutiso, a clinical psychologist who was gunned down in Nairobi. Preliminary findings indicate that she may have been followed from her home.At a hotel where some of the suspects were eventually arrested, detectives recovered several SIM cards.Police believe the SIM cards were used to communicate with friends and relatives in Kenya after the suspects crossed the border.The communications are now being analysed as investigators attempt to reconstruct the movements of the suspects before and after Dr Mutiso's killing.The cross-border investigation has also extended to Tanzania, where DCI investigators working with Interpol are searching for Inspector Sang. Police say some suspects fled to neighbouring countries after the killing, complicating efforts to bring all those wanted in the case before the courts.The investigation into Dr Mutiso's murder has meanwhile continued to produce arrests.Maritim Kimutai was arrested Wednesday and is expected to face murder charges alongside Rose Mbithe, her daughter Angela Mulwa, her son Chris Mulwa and Police Constable Elijah Kibelion Kimoi.Rose Mbithe Mulwa, a suspect in the fatal shooting of clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Mutiso, at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on July 31, 2026.

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Kenyans.co.ke

Ministry Intervenes Amid Standoff with Harambee Stars Players Over Allowances

The Ministry of Sports has confirmed the payment of Harambee Stars players' allowance after the players reportedly boycotted training ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifier match against Eritrea.In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the Ministry has consistently supported Harambee Stars and other national teams by facilitating preparations, travel, accommodation, allowances and technical support during international assignments.According to the Ministry, it had honoured its financial commitments relating to previous Harambee Stars assignments, including allowances linked to the team's engagements in Zambia, South Africa, and Turkey, as well as the Under-20 CECAFA assignment held in Tanzania."We wish to clarify that, as of today, the Ministry has honored its financial commitments relating to previous assignments, including allowances for Harambee Stars engagements in Zambia, South Africa, Turkey, the Under-20 CECAFA assignment in Tanzania," the Ministry stated.The Government has also settled outstanding salaries for members of the Harambee Stars technical bench, with payments made both through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and directly to respective members of the national team.However, the Ministry clarified that payments relating to subsequent assignments may still be pending."Any payments relating to subsequent assignments that may still be pending are undergoing the requisite administrative processes in consultation with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF)," it added.The clarification comes amid reports that the Harambee Stars players have boycotted training over unpaid allowances and other grievances.On Wednesday, FKF said it was in communication with the ministry to ensure that all the players' grievances, especially those relating to allowances, are addressed effectively."FKF is in regular communication with the Ministry and continues to work closely with the relevant offices to have these matters addressed," FKF said.However, despite the payments, the players have reportedly refused to train, claiming that the money they received is significantly lower than what they are owed.The players received Ksh62,400 for last November’s assignment in Turkey and a similar amount for the June assignment against Lesotho in South Africa. They, however, claimed that the amount is lower than the six-figure allowances they are accustomed to receiving for national team assignments.Kenya is expected to play against Eritrea in an opening Group D match for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers on Saturday, September 26, at Nyayo Stadium at 4 pm.Despite the fixture being 72 hours away, Harambee Stars players reportedly failed to train for a third day in a row on Thursday, September 24. The AFCON tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from July 2027.

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KBC

Moi International Airport bags three awards at ACI Africa Awards

Moi International Airport, Mombasa, has earned continental recognition for passenger facilitation and operational readiness, securing three runner-up honours at the 2026 ACI Africa Passenger Facilitation & Readiness Excellence Awards. The awards were presented during the ACI Africa Conference Gala Dinner in Abuja, Nigeria. The airport was recognised in Governance, Stakeholders Integration and Processes, competing in the category for airports handling fewer than two million passengers annually. Together, the honours acknowledge the leadership, partnerships and operational practices that support an efficient passenger journey. Organised by Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), the awards involve jury evaluation of airport submissions across defined areas of passenger facilitation and readiness. Recognition is organised by annual passenger traffic bands, placing airports alongside facilities of comparable size. The Governance recognition highlights clear leadership, defined responsibilities and effective oversight. Stakeholders Integration acknowledges coordination among airlines, government agencies, ground handlers and service providers, while Processes recognises well-designed passenger journeys, sound procedures and continuous improvement. For us, these achievements reflect the collective effort of the Moi International Airport team and its partners. Their work c...

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KBC

Environmental pollution case against British Petroleum kicks off

A landmark environmental pollution case pitting British Petroleum Plc against 299 petitioners from Kargi, Kalacha and other affected areas of Marsabit County was up for mention on Thusday the Isiolo Environment and Lands Court. The petition by Asumptah Galgitele who is the whistleblower and 298 others alleges that oil exploration work carried out in the 1980s by Amoco Corporation – later acquired by British Petroleum (BP) PLC in 1998 involved the drilling of several dry wells near Kargi and Kalacha in the Chalbi Desert. The petitioners allege that hazardous and radio-active contaminants from those operations were improperly discharged into the environment, contaminating ground water and causing illness and death among hundreds of residents and livestock in the surrounding communities. During today’s mention that was conducted virtually before Justice Joseph Oguttu Mboya, the advocate for the petitioners Kelvin Kubai expressed dismay following a bizarre request by the Foreign Commission and development Office (FCDO) to have the pleadings by the petitioners translated to English before they could be served to the accused company (BP PLC). Kubai noted that all the pleadings by the petitioners were prepared in English, arguing that it beats logic for FCDO to request for a translation from English to English and termed the request as a tactic to further delay the proceedings. He not...

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KBC

Kindiki directs agencies to fast-track flood mitigation works ahead of El Niño

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed government agencies to speed up flood mitigation works in Nairobi as the city prepares for the expected El Niño rains. Kindiki, who chaired a meeting with heads of roads, energy and waterway agencies, said Nairobi requires specific preparedness measures because of its population, infrastructure and other urban dynamics. The meeting brought together heads of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Power and the Nairobi Rivers Commission, alongside representatives of the State Departments for Energy, Roads and Urban Development and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The agencies agreed to expedite ongoing dredging works, drainage opening and clearing, inspection of power transmission lines and other measures intended to reduce the impact of heavy rains. Residents living in areas considered unsafe have also been urged to comply with relocation directives and move to higher and safer ground where instructed. The Deputy President said safe grounds have been identified and that any relocation will be temporary, orderly and carried out humanely. “Residents of Nairobi are assured of the Government’s commitment to mitigate loss or damage and to adhere to public safety directives. Food, non-food and medical support will be provided for any affected persons, an...

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CIO Africa

Latitude59 Opens Applications For 2026 Kenya Pitch Competition

Startup and technology event Latitude59 is returning to Kenya for the fourth consecutive year, with applications now open for its 2026 Kenya Pitch Competition. The competition is open to early-stage startups from Kenya and other African countries, with selected finalists set to compete for non-equity funding, partner prizes and a place on the main stage of Latitude59 Kenya Edition in Nairobi.The event will take place on December 3–4 in Nairobi. December 3 will focus on investor activities and side events, while the main conference and pitch competition will be held on December 4. Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org said the event’s return to Kenya reflects its efforts to connect African startups with investors and ecosystem participants from other regions.“Rooted in Estonia, Latitude59 has established a strong international presence and built strong connections across Africa. Our events in Kenya and South Africa have shown that our commitment to building bridges between Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Nordic countries creates new opportunities for startups, investors, partners, and the global ecosystem. We are now returning to Kenya for the fourth year in a row and inviting founders from across Africa to apply for the opportunity to present their startups on the Latitude59 Pitch Competition stage in Nairobi this December,” said Org.Last year’s Kenya edition attracted around 2,000 participants, according to the organisers. A similar turnout is expected this year, including about 600 investors from Africa, Europe, the Nordic countries and Asia.Latitude59 is also planning two pre-events in Uganda and Zambia this year, marking the first time the event will hold activities in the two countries. The Kenya Pitch Competition will be held on the main stage on December 4. Startups will be assessed based on factors including their technology component, scalability, product development and traction.According to Latitude59 Head of Investor-Startup Relations Krista Meinarde, the competition is open to startups across sectors, although applicants are expected to demonstrate a viable technology-driven business and potential for growth.“Last year, the Latitude59 Pitch Competition attracted over 600 startup participants, and we expect similar interest this year. I’m very excited to return to Kenya and look forward to working with this year’s candidates. We do not restrict applicants to specific sectors, but a strong technological component and a clearly scalable business model are important. Ideally, we are looking for startups with a functioning MVP, clear traction, and teams that are actively fundraising,” explained Meinarde.Ten startups will be selected from the applicants to receive pitch training and mentoring before competing in the final competition. The finalists will compete for a pool of non-equity funding and prizes provided by Latitude59 partners. One of the finalists will also receive a fast-track invitation to attend Latitude59 2027 in Tallinn, Estonia, with the organisers covering round-trip travel costs.The competition provides an opportunity for early-stage startups seeking investment to present their businesses to investors and other participants attending the Nairobi event.

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Ghafla Kenya

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki Warns Of Forced Evacuations In Nairobi El Nino Flood Hotspots

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a warning that residents living in flood-prone areas of Nairobi may face temporary evacuations to designated holding grounds if upcoming heavy rains pose a direct threat to safety and property. Speaking during a multi-agency disaster preparedness meeting in Karen, Nairobi, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Kindiki confirmed that national […]

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CIO Africa

Africa’s Place In Global AI Governance

Africa must stop importing its technology and instead co-own and co-design it, Ambassador Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah told the African AI Governance Summit, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.Ambassador Kah, who is The Gambia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the World Trade Organization and other international organisations, delivered the keynote at a session convened by Lawyers Hub delivered the keynote on 22 September. The summit was held in New York with virtual participation.It follows the inaugural summit Lawyers Hub convened in Geneva in July, which the governments of The Gambia and Kenya, and their permanent missions in Geneva, supported. Ambassador Kah located the continent’s leverage in two assets: the minerals that power the global digital transition, and more than 2,000 languages capable of supporting inclusive and representative artificial intelligence systems. “For Africa, this time we must not import,” he said. “We must co-own, co-design, and own our own data.”The frameworks now being written. Kah’s call to write the rules lands while those rules are taking shape. The first Global Dialogue on AI Governance met in Geneva on 6 and 7 July, where the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, created by the General Assembly in August 2025, presented its first report.Africa already has a seat in that process. Linda Bonyo, founder and chief executive of Lawyers Hub, co-chaired the Dialogue’s breakout cluster on human rights alongside Spain’s minister for digital transformation and the civil service. At home, the African Union adopted a Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2024, and national strategies have followed in several member states, including Kenya’s National AI Strategy 2025–2030.  She said multilateralism remains the continent’s main force multiplier. “Africa is not a bystander, she is a stakeholder,” she said. “But alignment is a choice, never assume it.”

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