Solomon Islands Bars US, China, Taiwan From Key Pacific Political Summit.

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August 9, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has announced that 21 donor nations including the United States, China, and Taiwan will not be invited to the Pacific Islands’ top political meeting next month, in a move that follows reported pressure from Beijing to exclude Taipei.

The Solomon Islands, China’s closest security ally in the Pacific, will host the annual gathering of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in September. The decision affects major external partners that have long engaged with the bloc on issues ranging from climate change to development aid.

Three PIF members maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan rather than China, and had raised concerns that Taipei’s officials would be denied entry. Those fears deepened after the Solomon Islands, which switched recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, formally removed Taiwan from its list of countries eligible for concessional entry in April.

The exclusion of both Washington and Beijing from the summit marks a rare diplomatic turn in a region where global powers have been vying for influence. Analysts say it could signal the Manele government’s intent to keep the September meeting focused solely on intra-Pacific priorities though it risks further straining relations with key development partners.

Ruto Condoles with Families of Kisumu Accident Victims, Urges Swift Action Against Negligence

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August 9, 2025

President William Ruto has sent his condolences to the families of victims of Friday’s tragic road accident at Mamboleo on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, which has claimed 25 lives.

In a statement on X, the President expressed sympathy for those affected and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He urged traffic enforcement officers to act promptly against any acts of negligence that may have contributed to the crash.

“We ask traffic enforcers to act swiftly to bring to book those responsible for any acts of negligence leading to the accident and address all traffic violations to ensure road safety across the country,” Ruto said.

The accident initially claimed 21 lives, 10 men, 10 women, and a young girl, when a school bus from Kakamega, carrying mourners from the Sigoti Clan in Nyakach, veered off the road and plunged into a ditch near Coptic Church after the driver lost control.

The death toll later rose to 25 after four more victims succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Nyanza Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Peter Maina confirmed.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga said 32 survivors are admitted to JOOTRH’s Orthopaedic Trauma Ward, many with life-threatening injuries. He appealed for urgent blood donations, announcing a drive scheduled for today at Leresian Park within JOOTRH, organised by the hospital’s Blood Transfusion Unit to support the injured.

Written By Rodney Mbua

Ruto Brushes Off ‘One-Term’ Chants, Says 2027 Decision Lies With Kenyans

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August 9, 2025

Written by Were Kelly

President William Ruto has dismissed calls from his critics pushing for his exit after just one term in office, saying the ultimate verdict will be left to Kenyan voters during the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at State House during the Nairobi County Empowerment Programme, Ruto insisted that the so-called “one-term” narrative would not derail his administration’s plans.

“Wale majamaa wanajaribu kunitisha na one-term, nawaambia, we will not succumb to the blackmail, threats of one-term. We are committed to transforming our country,” the President said.

He urged Kenyans to judge all candidates on their track records when the time comes, adding that his focus remains on delivering on his manifesto.

The Head of State also took aim at those questioning the success of the Hustler Fund, accusing them of being out of touch with the realities of ordinary Kenyans.

He said the fund had so far disbursed over KSh 72 billion to 26 million Kenyans and mobilised more than KSh 5 billion in savings, proving its value as a tool for economic empowerment.

“Kuna wajuaji wengine walienda Serena wamelipwa pesa na NGO fulani… wanaenda pale wanasema KSh 500, KSh 1,000 haina maana kwa kuwa wanakunywa chai ya KSh 1,000. Hawajui ya kwamba hiyo pesa inaweza kumsaidia mtu kufanya biashara,” Ruto remarked.

He argued that the fund targets real struggles faced by citizens, unlike critics “lecturing from air-conditioned offices” without a grasp of grassroots challenges.

Ruto’s stance found unexpected support from opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who recently urged Kenyans to give the administration space to work.

Speaking at the burial of former MP Dr. Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay County, Raila dismissed the “one-term” chants, noting that it is the electorate—not politicians—who will determine Ruto’s fate in 2027.

“To the naysayers, give us space and judge us in 2027. If you’re saying one term, one term… so what? It’s Kenyans who will decide the term,” Odinga said.

Both leaders have signaled that the political debate over 2027 will intensify in the coming years, but for now, the President says his focus is firmly on fulfilling campaign promises.

KeNHA, Stakeholders Discuss Road Reserve Protection and Safety on Athi River–Namanga Highway

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August 9, 2025

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Corridor A Management, led by Eng. Stephen Muli, has held a stakeholder meeting to address road reserve protection and safety along the Athi River–Isinya–Namanga (A2) Road.

The forum, attended by Kajiado East MP Kakuta Ole Maimai and other government officials, focused on the challenges posed by rapid urban growth and uncoordinated planning in towns such as Kitengela and Isinya. Stakeholders raised concerns that encroachment on road reserves was threatening traffic flow, safety, and future infrastructure expansion.

MP Ole Maimai underscored the need to improve access, enhance safety, and streamline traffic along the busy corridor. He called for stronger collaboration between road agencies and local leadership to ensure sustainable urban development that safeguards transport infrastructure.

KeNHA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to protect road reserves and implement safety measures to accommodate the region’s growing population and economic activity.

Written By Rodney Mbua

Police Arrest Four in Mtwapa Mugging and Pickpocket Crackdown

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August 9, 2025

Police in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, have arrested four suspects in an intelligence-led operation targeting muggers and pickpockets in Maweni and Kipapuro areas of Mtwapa Township.

The Thursday evening operation, conducted by officers from Mtwapa Police Station, focused on criminal gangs believed to be behind a spate of theft incidents in the area. The four male suspects, aged between 18 and 40, were taken into custody for processing and will be arraigned in court.

In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) reiterated its commitment to safeguarding residents and tourists through high-visibility patrols and targeted crackdowns on criminal activities.

The NPS further urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, post, or camp, or through its toll-free numbers, 999, 911, and 112, as well as the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline (0800 722 203) or WhatsApp line (0709 570 000) for immediate assistance.

Written By Rodney Mbua

India Says It Shot Down Six Pakistani Military Aircraft in May Clashes.

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August 9, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga.

India destroyed six Pakistani military aircraft during fierce clashes in May, the country’s air force chief confirmed on Saturday marking the first official account of the incident months after the neighbours’ worst military confrontation in decades.

Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said five of the downed aircraft were Pakistani fighter jets, while the sixth was another type of military plane. He said most were brought down by India’s Russian made S-400 surface to air missile system, with electronic tracking data used to verify the strikes.

The disclosure sheds new light on the scale of the May fighting, which flared amid already heightened tensions between the nuclear armed rivals. While both countries have previously traded accusations over aerial and ground skirmishes, New Delhi had until now avoided publicly detailing its claimed battlefield successes.

Pakistan has not yet responded to Singh’s remarks, but has previously disputed Indian claims of similar military victories. The two sides have fought multiple wars and frequently exchange fire along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region, with periodic flare ups raising fears of broader conflict.

Busia Leaders Push for Unity Candidate to Challenge Governor Otuoma in 2027

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August 9, 2025

Busia County leaders have intensified calls for a united opposition to unseat Governor Paul Otuoma in the 2027 general elections, urging two key gubernatorial aspirants to strike a deal and present a single candidate.

Speaking during the burial of Mzee Ayub Nyongesa Odikor in Kooli village, Amagoro, the leaders appealed to Presidential Principal Administrative Secretary Arthur Osiya and former County Executive Engineer Vincent Sidai to agree on a joint ticket.

They argued that the current county administration had failed in governance, citing last month’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raid that led to the arrest of six senior officials over the alleged embezzlement of Ksh1.4 billion meant for development projects.

Angurai North MCA Isaac Wamalwa further alleged that the Auditor-General’s report showed Ksh5 billion in county funds was unaccounted for, urging EACC to probe the whereabouts of the remaining Ksh3.6 billion.

Former Governor Sospeter Ojaamong hinted at convening talks between Osiya and Sidai to produce a single community-backed challenger.

Those backing the unity push include Busia Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu, MCAs Dalmas Ekilejo (Chakol North), Bonface Mamai (Malaba South), Patrick Omanyala (Malaba North), and Wamalwa (Angurai North), alongside former Woman Representative Florence Mutua, former Deputy Speakers Moses Ote and Lawrence Okaale, and several former MCAs.

The leaders urged residents to elect leaders based on competence rather than party loyalty, stressing the need for a governor who can unite the county.

However, both Osiya and Sidai dismissed calls to drop their bids. Osiya accused Otuoma’s administration of corruption, poor service delivery, delayed salaries, lack of farm inputs, and non-remittance of statutory deductions, vowing to form a new team to “salvage Busia from maladministration.”

Sidai maintained that the county needs a leader with proven credentials to restore integrity, stating the governorship should not be dictated by ethnicity but by merit.

Written By Rodney Mbua

Nagasaki Mayor Warns of Nuclear War on 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing

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August 9, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga.

Thousands gathered in solemn remembrance on Saturday, August 9, as Nagasaki marked 80 years since its devastation by an atomic bomb, with the city’s mayor warning that escalating global conflicts risk pushing the world toward nuclear war.

The ceremony, attended by survivors, officials, and international guests, included a moment of silence at 11:02 a.m., the exact time in 1945 when the United States dropped the 10,000-pound plutonium 239 bomb, nicknamed “Fat Man”. The explosion instantly killed an estimated 27,000 people from the city’s population of around 200,000.

By the end of 1945, the death toll had risen to about 70,000 due to acute radiation exposure, burns, and injuries. The bombing came just three days after Hiroshima suffered a similar attack, events that hastened Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.

Nagasaki Mayor urged world leaders to remember the human cost of nuclear weapons and take concrete steps toward disarmament, stressing that the lessons of 1945 must guide today’s policy decisions to prevent another nuclear catastrophe.

Security Agencies Urged to Curb Rising Electricity Vandalism

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August 9, 2025

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira has called on security agencies to intensify efforts in tackling the growing menace of electricity vandalism, warning that it is sabotaging the economy, disrupting essential services, and endangering communities.

Speaking at Kandutura Village in Laikipia North Constituency during the commissioning of a rural electrification project by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), Mr. Wachira stressed the need to protect critical infrastructure, especially power transformers, from criminal elements. He was accompanied by Tourism PS Sylvia Museiya and area MP Sarah Korere.

The Energy PS also revealed that the government is considering reviving a stalled high-voltage power transmission and substation development project, which was halted following the cancellation of a $736.6 million (Ksh.95 billion) deal between Adani Energy Solutions and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco). The project had been designed to boost the reliability of Kenya’s electricity supply and address persistent power outages.

Wachira said the government plans to reinitiate the transmission project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure its completion. He further announced plans to generate geothermal power from Menengai in Nakuru County and to construct new substations in Ol-Kalou, Nyandarua County, and Rumuruti, Laikipia County, to enhance electricity supply in the region.

The PS reiterated that safeguarding power infrastructure was essential for the success of these initiatives and the country’s overall economic stability.

Written By Rodney Mbua

Syria Declines to Join Paris Talks with Kurdish-Led SDF

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August 9, 2025

Syria will not participate in planned meetings with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Paris, state television reported on Saturday, casting uncertainty over an integration agreement signed between the two sides in March.

A government source, quoted by the state news agency, confirmed Damascus’ withdrawal from the talks but did not elaborate on the reasons. The development raises questions about the future of the deal, which aimed to formalise cooperation between the Syrian government and the SDF in governance and security arrangements.

The SDF, backed by the United States, served as the main fighting force against the Islamic State group in Syria, playing a pivotal role in the 2019 campaign that dismantled the militants’ self-proclaimed caliphate across Syria and Iraq.

The decision to skip the Paris meetings underscores the ongoing political rift between Damascus and the SDF, particularly over issues of autonomy and foreign alliances, and comes amid renewed regional tensions in northern Syria.

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