Equity Bank Teller Charged with Stealing KSh 2.4 million

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September 19, 2025

By Joyce Nzomo

A bank teller has been arraigned in court for allegedly stealing over KSh 2.4 million from Equity Bank.

Debra Nyanduko was charged with stealing by servant, contrary to Section 281 of the Penal Code.

The charge sheet states that on diverse dates between April 6, 2023, and April 24, 2023, at Equity Bank Kenya Limited, Tom Mboya Branch in Nairobi County, Nyanduko, being an employee of the bank, stole KSh 2,410,000 belonging to the institution.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution said that, according to the investigating officer (IO), there are more suspects still at large who are expected to be arrested and arraigned in connection with the case.

The prosecution further noted that there is another related matter already pending before Court No. 5, which is coming up for hearing.

The court directed that the file be placed before Court No. 5 for directions, including the issue of bail or bond. Nyanduko remains in custody pending further orders.

Lamu Madrasa Teacher Charged with Defiling 4-Year-Old Girl, Remanded in Custody

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September 19, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

A 22-year-old madrasa teacher has been charged with defiling a four-year-old girl in Lamu, in a case that has triggered public outrage in the coastal county.

The suspect, Sharif Hussein, popularly known as Ustadhi, was arraigned before the Lamu Law Courts where he faced charges of defilement contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(4) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006. He also faces an alternative count of committing an indecent act with a child.

The court heard that the offence allegedly occurred earlier this month in Utukuni area, Mkomani Location, Lamu Island, where Hussein is accused of intentionally and unlawfully penetrating the minor an act the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) described as heinous and unacceptable.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate Hon. Peter Wasike, Hussein pleaded not guilty and, through his lawyer, requested reasonable bond terms.

However, Prosecution Counsel Idris Kipruto Tumno opposed the bail application, arguing that releasing the accused could jeopardize ongoing investigations, risk interference with witnesses including the minor complainant and potentially endanger the suspect’s own safety given the public anger surrounding the case.

The magistrate directed Probation and Aftercare Services to prepare a pre-bail report before ruling on the bond request. Hussein was remanded at Hindi G.K. Prison until the case is mentioned again on September 30, 2025.

DP Kindiki Lauds Launch of Government-Paid Health Insurance for 1.5 million Indigent Kenyans

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September 19, 2025

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hailed the launch of a programme through which the government will pay health insurance premiums for 1.5 million indigent Kenyans, calling it a historic milestone in the country’s healthcare journey.

The programme was officially unveiled on Friday by President William Ruto, marking a major boost for Taifa Care, Kenya’s most ambitious health insurance initiative.

“One step at a time, Taifa Care, Kenya’s boldest health insurance programme ever, is firming up,” Kindiki said. “With 26.4 million citizens already enrolled, our targets of 30 million by December 2025, 45 million by the end of 2026, and 55 million by the end of 2027 are clearly achievable.”

The Deputy President emphasized that the next focus will be strengthening healthcare infrastructure, including medical equipment, staffing, and the steady supply of drugs and medical commodities nationwide.

He credited Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for driving the programme’s success through door-to-door mobilization, enrollment campaigns, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Kindiki, who met 6,500 CHPs and grassroots health groups during the event, thanked them for their dedication and urged them to remain committed to transforming Kenya’s health sector.

He was joined by Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, as well as MPs Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga) and John Bwire (Taveta), who pledged their support for the initiative.

By Michelle Ndaga

President Ruto Launches SHA Sponsorship Programme to Provide Free Healthcare for 2.2 million Vulnerable Kenyans

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September 19, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

President William Ruto has unveiled a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Sponsorship Programme, which will provide free medical care to over 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans.

Speaking during the launch ceremony at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering UHC for all Kenyans regardless of their economic status.

“We made an irrevocable commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans,” the President said. “Through the new SHA Sponsorship Programme, more than 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans will now access medical carefree of charge.

We will continue identifying and bringing more of our most vulnerable citizens into this fold, ensuring they benefit from a healthcare system that is robust, responsive, and truly equitable.”

The SHA Sponsorship Programme is part of the government’s broader health reforms, which seek to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare. Officials say additional citizens will be progressively enrolled, particularly those from low-income households and marginalized areas.

Health experts and stakeholders have lauded the programme as a milestone in Kenya’s journey toward UHC, saying it will help reduce the financial burden on poor households while improving health outcomes nationwide.

Five Kidnappers Arrested, Victim Rescued in Dramatic Thindigua Operation

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September 19, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Detectives in Kiambu Sub-County have arrested five suspects believed to be behind a kidnapping incident in Ruaka and successfully rescued the victim in a meticulously coordinated operation.

The incident came to light after the victim’s girlfriend received a call from her boyfriend’s phone, only for an unknown voice to demand a ransom of Ksh 500,000 for his safe release.

Acting swiftly on intelligence leads, detectives tracked the suspects to Ithanga, where they found the victim with multiple visible injuries and a blood-stained shirt.

The operation led to the arrest of five suspects Sydney Ezra Achanda, John Louise Omondi, Enock Sum Cheruyot, Peter Kanini Mwangi, and Lucy Sara Muhonja near Quickmart Thindigua.

Police also impounded two vehicles used as getaway cars: a Suzuki Swift (KDD 841D) and a Mazda Demio (KDP 468Y).

A search of the vehicles uncovered a kitchen knife, ten assorted mobile phones, a tablet, and other items believed to be linked to the crime.

At the time of arrest, the gang had already received Ksh 68,000 in ransom payments. All five suspects remain in custody and are undergoing processing ahead of their court appearance.

Authorities have commended the swift action of detectives and urged the public to report suspicious activities promptly to help combat rising cases of abductions and organized crime.

Kenya Revives Ksh 340 billion High Grand Falls Dam Project to Boost Power Supply

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September 19, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

The government has revived plans to construct the 700-megawatt High Grand Falls Dam in Eastern Kenya at a projected cost of Ksh 340 billion, positioning the project as one of Africa’s largest hydroelectric developments.

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira confirmed on Friday that a technical committee has been formed to oversee the project, which is expected to take five years to complete. The dam will be built across the Tana River near Kibuka Falls, straddling the Kitui and Tharaka-Nithi county borders.

Once operational, the dam is expected to generate enough electricity to significantly reduce Kenya’s reliance on power imports and help meet rapidly rising demand. Peak national electricity demand hit a record 2,392 MW in August, underscoring the need for additional capacity.

The project will also involve upgrading key transmission lines, including those from Olkaria to Nairobi, to ensure the grid can handle the increased power load.

Although the High Grand Falls project was previously terminated by the National Treasury in July 2025 over feasibility concerns, the government now says it is re-evaluating and moving forward under a revised plan.

Officials say the dam will play a central role in strengthening Kenya’s energy security, stabilizing electricity costs, and supporting industrial growth. Development partners are expected to back the project financially

Police Arrest Two, Recover Stolen Vehicle in Makadara, Nairobi

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September 19, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Police have arrested two suspects and recovered a stolen vehicle in a targeted operation against motor vehicle theft in Makadara, Nairobi.

The operation, conducted yesterday, led to the arrest of a suspect found in possession of a Toyota Axio that had been reported stolen at Mutuya Police Station.

The car had been fitted with false number plates, but its chassis number matched the details of the stolen vehicle.

Following interrogation, the suspect provided information that helped officers track down a second suspect linked to the theft. Both individuals are now in custody and will be processed and arraigned in court.

The National Police Service (NPS) reaffirmed its commitment to combating all forms of crime and called on the public to continue sharing timely information to support law enforcement efforts.

Cardi B Drops ‘Am I the Drama?’ After Seven-Year Wait, Tops Charts Instantly

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September 19, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Hip-hop superstar Cardi B has finally released her long-awaited sophomore album, Am I the Drama? seven years after her debut project Invasion of Privacy.

The album dropped on September 19, 2025, through Atlantic Records and immediately shot to No. 1 on the US iTunes albums chart within 30 minutes of release.

The 23-track project features high-profile collaborations with Selena Gomez, Janet Jackson, and Megan Thee Stallion. Critics have praised the album’s boldness, with Rolling Stone awarding it 4.5 stars for its raw energy, sharp lyricism, and polished production.

Alongside the album, Cardi dropped a visually striking video for “Safe” featuring Kehlani and announced a global Am I the Drama? tour set for 2026.

In a personal reveal, the Grammy-winning rapper also confirmed she is expecting her fourth child, marking another milestone in her life as she reclaims the spotlight.

KNEC Issues Directive on Placement of Grade 9 Learners into Arts and Sports Science Pathway

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September 19, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a directive requiring all primary and junior secondary schools to nominate Grade 9 learners with proven ability in the arts and sports for placement into the new Arts and Sports Science pathway in senior schools.

The move aligns with the phased implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which from January 2026 will offer learners three pathways: Arts & Sports Science, Social Sciences, and STEM.

According to a circular published by KNEC, the nomination process will rely on evidence of learners’ performance in areas such as Visual Arts; Music; Dance; Theatre; and Sports Science. Schools are expected to submit supporting documentation including records of performances, awards and exhibitions via KNEC’s online nomination platform.

The circular underscores that pathway selection must be based on aptitude and demonstrated talent, rather than simply learner preference.

The deadline for schools to submit nominations is October 17, 2025. Once nominations are submitted, selected learners will undergo additional assessment through the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) for creative arts and sports components, which will further inform final placements.

This process forms part of the national effort to manage placements of approximately 1.2 million Grade 9 learners through the automated senior school placement system.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the directive, citing it as a step forward in aligning education with learners’ skills and interests. However, officials caution on the need for vigilant oversight, transparency and authenticity of submitted evidence to ensure fairness.

The Ministry of Education already maintains a Grade-10 Pathway Selection portal to guide schools and parents on available pathways, subject combinations, and how to indicate preferred senior schools.

This directive reflects Kenya’s ongoing education reform under CBC, aimed at tailoring secondary school education to meet learner talents and national development goals.

Police Arrest Four Suspected ‘Panga Boys’ Gang Members in Kilifi County

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September 19, 2025

Police in Kilifi County have arrested four suspected members of the notorious “Panga Boys” gang in a targeted operation aimed at curbing violent crime in Mtwapa.

The intelligence-led operation, conducted yesterday around 7 p.m. by officers from Mtwapa Police Station under the leadership of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), targeted the Labour–Mtomondoni area on the outskirts of Mtwapa Township.

According to police, officers stormed a makeshift structure believed to be the gang’s hideout, where they arrested four suspects and recovered several weapons, including three pangas and a small slasher. The weapons were secured as exhibits.

The suspects were taken to Mtwapa Police Station, where they are being held in custody pending their arraignment.

The National Police Service (NPS) said the operation highlights its commitment to dismantling organised gangs that threaten public safety. The service pledged to intensify surveillance and mount similar targeted operations, not only within the Coast region but across the country, to eliminate criminal groups and enhance community security.

By Michelle Ndaga

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