Social Protection Committee Continues to Strengthen GBV Response and Child Protection System Across the Country

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March 28, 2026

An indepth look into the realities facing vulnerable populations in Murang’a County has unfolded as the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Social Protection has undertaken a site inspection to assess and guide on efforts aimed at strengthening protection systems on the ground.

Chaired by Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), the Committee has engaged key stakeholders, fostering practical solutions to pressing social challenges.

At Murang’a County Referral Hospital, medical professionals outlined a coordinated response shaped by a 2023 county-led survey that revealed a rise in gender-based violence cases.

Since then, the county has intensified public awareness efforts, established technical working groups at sub-county level and strengthened clinical and forensic capacity. Community resource persons have also been trained to support survivors.

Despite these gains, the hospital continues to record an average of 12 child molestation cases monthly, with trends indicating spikes during school holidays and a concerning prevalence among persons living with disabilities.

At the County Children’s Office, the Committee engaged officers handling nearly 50 cases weekly, largely involving defilement and neglect. Persistent challenges, including understaffing, limited funding for rescue operations and a shortage of specialised professionals such as therapists, were brought to the fore, prompting legislators to guide stakeholders on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and resource prioritisation.

The Committee heard that Murang’a county government has waived medical fees for GBV survivors and facilitated free court attendance, easing access to justice. A coordinated approach between health and security agencies has also ensured expedited handling of cases, mindful of critical timelines for medical intervention.

At the Murang’a Children’s Remand Home, the Committee underscored the need for improved infrastructure and secure facilities.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to address these gaps, ensuring that protection systems are not only present, but truly responsive.

By Anthony Solly

DCI Gives Update on Investigations into South C Manzil Towers Collapse

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March 28, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a detailed update on the ongoing probe into the collapse of Manzil Towers in South C, Nairobi, which occurred on January 2, 2026, and claimed two lives.

According to DCI, the duplicate inquiry file was received from the Regional Criminal Investigations Office (RCIO) Nairobi Region on February 11, 2026 and was immediately subjected to a thorough review and evaluation at its headquarters.

On February 12, 2026, the agency issued a comprehensive directive to the RCIO Nairobi Region outlining additional investigative steps required to address identified gaps, while acknowledging the progress already made.

The directive was also shared with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to ensure transparency, coordination, and a unified approach in handling the high-profile case.

The DCI noted that the investigation involves complex elements, including reliance on reports and analyses from multiple government agencies. Investigators have been directed to examine the entire lifecycle of the project, from approvals and inspections to construction processes and the events leading to the collapse.

The probe will also include scrutiny of professional responsibilities, documentation, forensic audits, material testing, and inter-agency inputs to establish the exact cause of the incident.

The DCI reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough, evidence-based investigation, stating that all individuals found culpable will be held accountable, including on charges related to the loss of life.

Upon completion of the investigations, the updated file will be forwarded to the ODPP for further action.

The agency has assured the public that the investigation remains active and is being handled with urgency, emphasizing that no effort is being spared to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the collapse and ensure justice is served.

One Month Into Iran War, Trump’s Goals Remain Unmet as He Seeks to Exit Conflict

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March 28, 2026

WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump has listed five objectives the U.S. aims to achieve before ending its war with Iran. Now, one month into the conflict, he has suggested the U.S. may soon be “winding down” the operation—even as some of his key aims remain undefined or unfulfilled.

Trump last week outlined five goals for the massive air campaign, up from the four cited by his staff since the war began Feb. 28 (and up from the three generally enumerated by the Pentagon and Secretary of State Marco Rubio).

Though the Trump administration has insisted its objectives are clear and unchanging, the list has expanded and shifted as the war has taken a toll on the global economy, tested alliances, and raised unanswered questions about the conflict’s planning, justification, and aftermath.

By most accounts, U.S. and Israeli strikes have significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities and killed scores of senior leaders. But those tactical successes do not necessarily translate into achieving all of the president’s strategic aims.

Some of his objectives remain difficult to reach. If the U.S. walks away with unfinished goals and Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard still in power, Trump could face political fallout at home and global scrutiny over what was accomplished in a war of choice that upended the Middle East and roiled the global economy.

By James Kisoo

Russia Sending Upgraded Ukraine-War Drones to Iran, Officials Say

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March 28, 2026

LONDON

Russia is sending a shipment of drones to Iran, including upgraded versions of the same drone technology Tehran originally supplied to Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine, U.S. and European officials said this week.

For more than a month, Iran has been firing drone barrages at Israel, its Gulf neighbors, and U.S. bases across the Middle East following the U.S. and Israeli attack on the country.

While Iran maintains its own stocks of Shahed drones, Russia has made improvements to the design during the war in Ukraine, including enhanced navigation capabilities.

Russian and Iranian officials have had “very active” discussions this month regarding transferring drones from Russia to Iran, a European intelligence official said

. A U.S. defense official said it remains unclear whether the shipment is a one-time delivery or part of a broader series. Neither official could say how significant the delivery is or how many drones were sent.

Another European official noted that a small number of drones would not have a major impact on the outcome of the war. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

By James Kisoo

Trump Signs Order to Pay TSA Workers as DHS Funding Stalls in Congress

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March 28, 2026

WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump on Friday signed a promised executive action to pay Transportation Security Administration employees after a bid to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security abruptly collapsed in Congress.

Trump signed the measure with an eye toward easing long security lines at many of the nation’s busiest airports.

“America’s air travel system has reached its breaking point,” Trump said in the memo authorizing the payments. “I have determined that these circumstances constitute an emergency situation compromising the Nation’s security.”

Trump said his administration would use “funds that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations” for the payments. In a statement Friday, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said TSA workers “should begin seeing paychecks as early as Monday.”

While Trump’s action could help ease the plight of air travelers, it does little to resolve the broader DHS shutdown that has jammed airports and imposed financial hardship on thousands of federal workers.

The House and Senate ended the week by passing vastly different funding bills, creating a new impasse as lawmakers left Washington for a two-week recess.

The shutdown of Homeland Security will reach 44 days on Sunday, eclipsing the record 43-day shutdown last fall that affected all of the federal government.

By James Kisoo

ANC Declares Musalia Mudavadi No Longer Member

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March 28, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The Amani National Congress (ANC) has clarified that its founding party leader Musalia Mudavadi is no longer a member of the party, stating that he and his team formally exited and joined other political formations.

In a statement, the party said it had already invited Mudavadi and his allies to reconsider their positions and rejoin ANC, but indicated it would respect their decision should they choose to remain in their current political affiliations.

“Should they choose otherwise, given that many now hold office-bearer positions elsewhere, we respect their decision and wish them well,” the party stated.

ANC emphasized that its identity remains intact despite the departure of its founding leadership, underscoring that political parties are sustained by their members rather than individual leaders.

“For the record: Parties belong to their members, not to their leaders. The party endures,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid ongoing political realignments, with Mudavadi having joined the Kenya Kwanza coalition, where he currently serves in government.

The development signals ANC’s attempt to reaffirm its independence and continuity as a political entity following the exit of its founding leadership.

Lusaka Leads Western Kenya in Welcoming DCP Defectors to UDA Fold

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March 28, 2026

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka today spearheaded a major political realignment in Western Kenya, leading pro-government leaders in receiving hundreds of defectors from the DCP party linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The event held in Kakamega saw a large number of defectors many allied to former Senator Cleophas Malala ditch the opposition and pledge allegiance to President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

Lusaka welcomed the move, terming it a sign that the region was aligning with the country’s political direction.

“I am happy you have seen the light and understood where the wind is blowing. As Western Kenya, we must vote as one bloc,” he said.

The governor took a swipe at opposition leaders, accusing them of lacking a clear development agenda for the Mulembe nation, and predicted more defections in the coming days.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar also criticized the opposition, alleging it lacked credibility and was being influenced by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula expressed confidence that the region would overwhelmingly back UDA in the next elections, declaring that “the entire Mulembe nation will be painted yellow.”

Several MPs, including Mary Emase, Beatrice Adagala, and Fred Ikana, were among leaders present at the event.

By Anthony Solly

Council Charles Kanjama Takes Over as LSK President

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March 28, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has officially assumed office as President of the Law Society of Kenya, succeeding Faith Odhiambo following a formal handover during the Society’s 2026 Annual General Meeting held in Machakos.

The ceremony marked the end of Odhiambo’s tenure as the 51st President, with Kanjama and the incoming 2026–2028 Council sworn in before she formally relinquished the instruments of power, making him the 52nd President of the Society.

In an appreciation message to members ahead of the handover, Odhiambo described her time in office as “my life’s greatest honour,” reflecting on a two-year term she said was defined by commitment to reform and defence of the rule of law.

She recalled how, upon seeking the mandate in 2024, members overwhelmingly backed her PSP Agenda, anchored on three key pillars: restoring the dignity of the legal profession, positioning the Society as a firm voice for the rule of law, and ensuring stability within the organisation.

“Two rapid years later, I can report with confidence that I have been faithful to these guiding beacons,” she said.

Odhiambo expressed deep gratitude to members, noting that their support extended beyond the ballot to tangible contributions that strengthened the Society’s work under Section 4 of the LSK Act.

She highlighted what she termed as three defining privileges of her presidency, including strong and outspoken support from members during a period she described as turbulent for Kenya’s rule of law.

“The defiant courage required to do this would not be possible without the safety of having a 20,000-strong membership, firmly behind the work we do and ready to defend us against all adversity that came our way,” she noted.

She also praised members for their sacrifice and unity, saying their willingness to set aside personal interests enabled the Society to overcome numerous challenges and achieve its goals.

Odhiambo further commended the legal fraternity for offering wise counsel throughout her tenure, describing it as a source of innovation, strategy, and resilience that guided the Society through difficult moments.

Reflecting on her legacy, she said the Law Society now stands more united, with a clear path towards growth and shared ambition. She urged members to preserve that unity and support the incoming leadership.

“It has been my life’s greatest honour to serve you… I thank you all for what we have achieved, the lessons we have learnt, the time we have shared, and most importantly, the relationships we have built,” she said.

Kanjama takes over leadership after securing 3,728 votes in the February 2026 elections, in a closely contested race that drew significant attention within the legal fraternity.

His tenure is expected to build on the gains made by his predecessor while steering the Society through the next phase of its mandate.

Houthis Claim First Missile Attack on Israel as Mideast Conflict Widens

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March 28, 2026

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed a missile launch toward Israel early Saturday, their first since the war in the Middle East began. The Israeli military said it intercepted the projectile.

The war, now marking its one-month anniversary, erupted after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, which retaliated with strikes against Israel and neighboring Gulf Arab states.

The conflict has upended global air travel, disrupted oil exports, and sent fuel prices soaring. Iran’s stranglehold on the strategic Strait of Hormuz has further exacerbated the economic fallout.

Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities hours after threatening to “escalate and expand” its campaign against Tehran on Friday.

Iran vowed retaliation and struck a base in Saudi Arabia, wounding more than a dozen U.S. service members and damaging aircraft.

Before Saturday’s attack, there appeared to be a breakthrough as Tehran agreed to allow humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the strait.

By James Kisoo

North Coast Counties Hold Annual Joint Thanksgiving Service for Uniformed and Disciplined Officers and their Families in Malindi

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March 28, 2026

The North Coast counties of Lamu, Tana River, and Kilifi today, 27th March 2026, held their annual joint prayers and thanksgiving service for uniformed and disciplined officers and their families at St Anthony Catholic Church in Malindi.

The event, themed “Be strong and steadfast, for the Lord your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9), brought together personnel from various security agencies across the region, including the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Youth Service (NYS), and Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

The service was presided over by Bishop Willybard Kitogho Lagho of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi. In his sermon, Bishop Lagho commended officers for their selfless service and dedication to duty, urging them to shun corruption at all levels, which he noted remains a major setback to national progress. He further encouraged officers to apply reason in their day-to-day duties, embrace humility, remain prayerful, trust in God, and always strive to follow His will.

Malindi Deputy County Commissioner, Ms.Irene Munyoki, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, echoed the Bishop’s sentiments by applauding officers for their daily sacrifices in the face of unpredictable dangers and uncertainties. She noted that the thanksgiving service provided an opportunity for officers to renew their commitment to service spiritually and to express gratitude to God for protection and the gift of life.

The Deputy County Commissioner also urged officers to uphold discipline, integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while treating members of the public with fairness and respect. She emphasised the importance of reflecting humanity in their actions as they continued to embrace community policing.

Also present were Bishop Rev. Dr.Reuben Katite of the ACK Diocese of Malindi; the National Chairman of the Organising Committee for Uniformed and Disciplined Service Officers, Dr.Clement Ng’oriareng, PSDCC; Director of Chaplaincy, Kenya Prisons Service, Rev. Fr J.B. Macharia; Lamu CCIO, Mr.Peter Kiboro, CP; the Head of Chaplaincy, Kenya Forest Service, Bishop Amos Ololdapash; Malindi Sub-County Police Commander, Mr.Moses Kosgei, SSP; Mr.Rodgers Gathuku, SP, from the NPS Directorate of Corporate Communications; Kilifi North Sub-County Police Commander, Mr.Stanley Tanui, ASP; SCCIO Malindi, Mr.Walter Marunga, ASP; Rev.Fr.Jeremy Mwenda (KPS); Rev. Fr.Lucas Gatero (APS); Rev. Fr. Eric Otieno (DCI); Rev. Fr. Josphat Njenga (NYS); Rev. Fr. Josphat Njogu (Kenya Prisons Service); and Rev. Mark Masai (DCI), among others.

By Anthony Solly

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