Two Arrested After Police Bust Secret Narcotics Lab in Diani

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August 4, 2025

Two suspects have been arrested in Diani, Kwale County, following the discovery of a clandestine drug manufacturing facility by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In a coordinated raid led by the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) and Kenya Police, officers stormed a one-acre compound in Mwabungo Village, Ukunda, uncovering a well-equipped narcotics laboratory believed to have been in operation for an extended period.

The suspects, 37-year-old Italian national Gianardi Giuliano and his Kenyan accomplice Moses Nanoka Egadwa, were arrested at the scene after a period of discreet surveillance and intelligence gathering by the security agencies.

During the operation, officers recovered laboratory equipment, an assortment of chemicals used in drug production, and packaging materials bearing labels of known narcotics. Further inspection revealed parts of the compound had been used to cultivate cannabis, suggesting a long-running drug operation.

“The National Police Service remains resolute in dismantling drug networks and safeguarding Kenyan communities from the dangers of narcotics and illegal drug activities,” the DCI stated in a release.

The two suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be formally charged in court in the coming days. Investigations are ongoing to identify any additional accomplices and trace the distribution network linked to the lab.

Written By Rodney Mbua

“Tupatie nyumba pia!” – Harambee Stars Ask Ruto for Affordable Housing After CHAN Win

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Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

Fresh off their 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the opening match of CHAN 2024, Harambee Stars players had a special request for President William Ruto during his surprise visit to the locker room: a share in the government’s affordable housing programme.

The jubilant team, already guaranteed Ksh1 million each for their win, seized the moment to ask the Head of State for an even more lasting reward, homes under his flagship affordable housing project.

“Sisi rais tuko na ombi moja.. zile Nyumba unajenga… Tupatie nyumba pia, Rais!” a player shouted amid laughter and cheers.

President Ruto, visibly amused by the bold request, responded with a grin and a promise.

“Si nilisema tutawajali? Mumeona milioni imekuja. Nyumba pia tutaongea,” he told the team, drawing applause and laughter from the squad.

The locker room exchange, captured on mobile footage circulating on social media, has drawn widespread public interest, with many Kenyans applauding the players not only for their performance but also for their push to secure long-term benefits beyond match bonuses.

Ruto’s administration has heavily promoted the affordable housing program as a pillar of his bottom-up economic plan.

Offering homes to national team players would mark a symbolic and practical gesture of state recognition. on top of their Ksh 600 Million cash promise, and Mike Sonko’s Ksh 400 Million pledge.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the team throughout the tournament. “We’re building a winning culture. You play for the country, and the country will take care of you.”

Kenya next faces Angola in a highly anticipated Group A clash.

Kalonzo: Ruto Govt Using Anti-Terror Laws to Silence Youth

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Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

FIPA party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has sharply criticised the government’s alleged misuse of anti-terrorism legislation to clamp down on political dissent and civic activism.

Speaking during a church service at Buach Tabernacle Ministries in Nairobi, Kalonzo said the growing trend of using terrorism prevention laws to target opposition voices is “unconstitutional and dangerous.”

“This is not counterterrorism—it is state-sponsored intimidation. It criminalizes civic action and undermines our hard-won democratic freedoms,” he told the congregation.

The former Vice President warned that invoking the Prevention of Terrorism Act against critics erodes public trust in security institutions and threatens the very liberties the laws were intended to protect.

Kalonzo’s remarks come amid mounting concern from civil society over what they describe as an escalating crackdown on human rights defenders, journalists, and activists. Several high-profile arrests in recent weeks have sparked outrage, with some individuals reportedly charged under anti-terrorism laws for organising protests or criticising government policy.

He called on the state to uphold the rule of law and respect the right to free expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation. “Our constitution is clear—dissent is not treason,” Kalonzo added. “It is a vital part of democracy.”

The government has yet to respond to the claims, but officials have previously defended the use of security laws as necessary to maintain public order and protect national security.

The debate is expected to intensify as political tensions rise ahead of the next parliamentary session.

Over 50 Kidnapped in Nigeria’s Zamfara as Bandit Attacks Escalate

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Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

More than 50 people have been kidnapped in northwest Nigeria in the latest mass abduction by armed gangs, a private conflict monitoring report created for the United Nations has revealed.

The attack took place Friday in the village of Sabon Garin Damri in Zamfara State’s Bakura district, according to the report seen by AFP. Labelled “armed bandits,” the assailants are part of a wider network of criminal gangs that have plagued Nigeria’s northwest for years.

“This is the first mass capture in Bakura this year, but it signals a worrying trend,” the report notes, citing a shift toward larger-scale abductions and village raids across northern Zamfara. Local police have not yet issued a statement on the incident.

The northwest region has become a hotspot of organised banditry—once rooted in farmer-herder tensions but now driven by kidnapping, extortion, and looting. Bandit groups levy taxes on villagers, farmers, and miners, exploiting the region’s lack of formal governance and security.

The violence has contributed to a worsening food crisis. As attacks force farmers off their land, malnutrition has surged, especially among children. Aid agencies say the situation is being exacerbated by climate change and reduced international funding.

Last month, 33 kidnap victims were killed by bandits despite a ransom payment, highlighting the brutality of these groups. The emergence of jihadist factions like Lakurawa in the region has further complicated security efforts.

Teachers’ Union Demands Full Capitation, Urgent Recruitment Ahead of Term Three

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Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is urging Parliament to allocate full capitation funds for schools, warning that underfunding risks derailing the academic calendar and worsening the country’s teacher crisis.

Speaking in Nairobi, KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori called on the National Assembly to maintain the current capitation rate of KSh 22,244 per learner and ensure the immediate disbursement of funds for the 2025 academic year.

“Schools are struggling to meet basic operational costs. The Ministry of Finance must release the entire capitation without delay so that institutions can prepare adequately for term three,” Misori said.

He also highlighted long-standing structural issues in the education sector, particularly the controversial placement of junior secondary schools within primary school compounds. According to Misori, this policy has strained facilities and blurred educational mandates.

KUPPET further called on the government to honor President Ruto’s Labour Day pledge to hire 20,000 new teachers. The union says the move is vital to ease classroom overcrowding and reduce the workload for current teaching staff.

Recent data from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reveals a staggering national teacher deficit of 1.66 million, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing the education sector.

KUPPET is calling for a national dialogue to address what it terms a looming education crisis and warned that failure to act could see further disruptions in schools across the country.

Church Leaders Back Proposal to Raise Legal Drinking Age to 21

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Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

Church leaders in Kenya have welcomed new government proposals to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, saying the move could help stem the tide of drug and alcohol abuse plaguing families across the country.

The Kenya Council of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCAM) praised the proposals, which were unveiled by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

The plans also include banning alcohol sales in supermarkets, restaurants, and on public transport.

“This is a bold and long-overdue step,” said Bishop Geoffrey Njuguna. “Alcohol has become dangerously normalized among adolescents, and we are now seeing the consequences in broken families, rising cases of depression, and economic decline.”

Religious leaders are calling for full implementation of the proposals and further action to limit demand for alcohol. They warn that unless the deeper societal drivers of addiction are addressed, restrictions could push alcohol sales underground and fuel the growth of illicit brews, which are often more dangerous.

KCCAM urged the government to involve faith groups, community leaders, and legitimate business owners in designing and enforcing the new regulations.

“This must be a national effort,” said Bishop Hudson Ndeda. “If we’re serious about tackling substance abuse, we need a united front that prioritizes the safety of our youth while safeguarding livelihoods.”

The proposals sparked fierce debate among Kenyans and the alcohol franchises who said the regulations will impact many employees and farmers.

Strathmore Leos Reign Supreme at Rain-Soaked Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru

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Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

Strathmore Leos braved a drenched Nakuru Athletics Club to claim the second leg of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, outclassing Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) 24-7 in a thrilling final.

The Leos dominated early, taking a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime—enough to secure the cup despite a challenging pitch.

In the semi-finals, Strathmore cruised past Catholic Monks with a 40-0 demolition, while KCB narrowly edged Menengai Oilers 10-5 in a tense battle.

Earlier in the quarterfinals, Leos dismantled Kenya Harlequins 33-0, while Catholic Monks edged Mwamba RFC 12-7. Menengai Oilers flexed local muscle against rivals Nakuru RFC, scraping through 7-0 thanks to Fortune Aturo’s try converted by Dennis Abukuse.

In the women’s category, Mwamba RFC took the crown after edging Kenya Harlequins 15-10 in a tight final. Edith Naliaka starred with a hat-trick of tries, earning her side the KSh 100,000 prize.

Kenya Harlequins had earlier denied Northern Suburbs a finals spot with a 17-12 semi-final win.

With two rounds done, the 2024 National 7s Circuit promises an electric showdown as teams gear up for the third leg. But in Nakuru, it was Leos who reigned, swift, clinical, and unshaken by the storm.

Kindiki: Rironi-Mau Summit Highway Works Begin This Month

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Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that construction of the long-awaited Rironi–Mau Summit dual carriageway will officially begin before the end of August.

Speaking during the Nakuru Town East Economic Empowerment event on Sunday, the DP said the highway would be a “game-changer” for transport and trade between Nairobi and Western Kenya.

“The construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway beginning this August will be a game-changer in the movement of people and transportation of goods in a safer, faster, and effective way,” Kindiki said, adding that the road would accelerate development in the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions.

He further emphasised the highway’s regional significance as part of the Northern Corridor and the Trans African Highway, key to connecting Kenya with East African neighbors.

Turning to energy, Kindiki revealed a sharp rise in electrification, noting that connections had grown from 2.7 million to 10.6 million homes since 2022. He pledged universal access within the next four years.

“In another 3 to 4 years, every home in the Republic of Kenya will be connected to electricity,” he said.

On health and housing, the Deputy President said the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) now covers 25 million Kenyans, up from 8 million, while the government is expanding access to decent housing.

The NYOTA programme, he said, will support small businesses with KSh 50,000 grants to 70 businesses in every ward across the country.

Kindiki also hailed the return of international football to Kenyan soil through the CHAN 2024 tournament. “When a team plays, no one asks what tribe the player is from. When they win, Kenya wins,” he remarked.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sports-led unity and infrastructure-driven development.

Omollo: Nyanza Will Reap Big in 2032 if Ruto Is Re-elected

By

Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo has urged the Luo Nyanza region to throw its political weight behind President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, saying it would pave the way for the region to take power in 2032.

Speaking during a church service at Osakwe SDA in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, Omollo argued that continued support for Ruto would strategically position the Nyanza bloc to form the next government after his second term.

“If we walk with President Ruto now, we will be in a better place to take over leadership in 2032,” said the PS.

Omollo assured residents that leaders from the region were already benefitting from what he described as a “broad-based government”, and that meaningful development was reaching areas previously marginalised due to opposition politics.

“We are leveraging the current administration to open up our region and bring in resources,” he added.

He dismissed growing criticism of the working arrangement between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying those calling for its termination were out of touch and lacked any meaningful agenda for national progress.

“Those making noise are the same ones who offer no solutions. We must focus on development and inclusivity,” he said.

The comments come amid political tensions within the opposition ranks, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna recently threatening to leave ODM if the party supports Ruto’s 2027 campaign.

Ruto’s administration has been courting leaders from traditional opposition strongholds, promising greater development in exchange for political cooperation.

The Great Wealth Migration: UAE Set to Recieve 9,800 Millionaires in 2025

By

Gerald Gekara

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August 3, 2025

The world’s wealthiest are on the move, and in 2025 they are heading to destinations promising stability, tax advantages and a high quality of life.

According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025, a record-breaking 142,000 high net worth individuals (HNWIs) are expected to relocate globally this year, bringing billions in investable capital with them.

The United Arab Emirates leads the list, projected to gain a net 9,800 millionaires, followed by the United States with 7,500 and Italy with 3,600.

The UAE’s rise as a global wealth hub is no accident. With zero income tax, world class infrastructure, political stability and one of the most flexible residency by investment programs in the world, the Gulf state has evolved from a regional commercial center to a magnet for global wealth. Its Golden Visa program, launched in 2019 and refined in 2022, offers five and ten year residency options tied to property and business investments.

In the US, opportunity remains the prime draw despite political divisions and economic uncertainty. Florida continues to attract retirees and entrepreneurs alike, while Silicon Valley maintains its dominance in the tech sector. Italy, traditionally overlooked in the wealth migration race, is benefiting from relatively low estate taxes and lifestyle appeal, particularly among millionaires from France, the UK and Switzerland.

Other countries in the top 10 include Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Portugal, Greece, Canada and Australia, each offering a distinct blend of tax incentives, lifestyle perks and investment opportunities.

While some nations are seeing record inflows, others are experiencing historic outflows. The UK leads the world in net millionaire departures, with 16,500 expected to leave this year. China and India follow with projected outflows of 7,800 and 3,500 respectively. Analysts link the UK’s decline to political uncertainty, rising taxes and a perceived erosion of opportunity.

Why does this migration matter? HNWIs are more than just wealthy residents, they are often founders, investors and capital drivers. According to New World Wealth, 15 percent of migrating millionaires are entrepreneurs, while over 60 percent of centi millionaires and billionaires moving abroad are business leaders. Their relocation can reshape property markets, accelerate job creation and boost innovation in their new host countries.

“The trajectory of this great wealth migration will be shaped by how effectively nations balance tax competitiveness, political stability and quality of life,” said Dominic Volek, head of private clients at Henley & Partners. “Those that get it right will not only attract global wealth, they will retain it.”

If current trends hold, 2025 could mark a turning point in the global economic map, with Southern Europe and the Gulf emerging as the new centers of gravity for the world’s elite.

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