Kenyan police officer killed after gang ambush, Haiti says

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March 27, 2025

A Kenyan police officer deployed in Haiti as part of the international security force has been killed after an attack by suspected gang members, the country’s transitional council says, after he was initially reported missing.

“This valiant policeman, committed to the side of the Haitian forces to fight against insecurity, has made the ultimate sacrifice for a better future,” read a statement from Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council (CPT).

The officer was identified as Benedict Kabiru. His mother spoke to local media, saying she was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I am a single mother. He was my only hope,” she said.

The CPT statement did not disclose whether the officer’s body had been retrieved.

The Kenyan authorities confirmed the officer was missing but are yet to comment on his reported killing.

There has been widespread opposition in Kenya to the deployment of police officers to Haiti to quell the violence in the gang-run Latin American country.

People have called on the officers to be returned home due to the dangers they face.

But in a phone call on Tuesday evening, President William Ruto and US State Secretary Marc Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to the mission.

The US is one of the main funders of the Kenya-led mission to help Haiti tackle its gang problem.

The CPT said those responsible were “either armed criminals or accomplices”, and that they would face justice.

It added that the authorities would continue to work with their national and international partners to “restore stability and build a Haiti where security and justice prevail”.

The attack happened on Tuesday during a patrol operation in the town of Pont-Sondé, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti said.

This is not the first Kenyan fatality among the roughly 800 police officers deployed to Haiti.

Last month, a 26-year-old police constable was fatally wounded during an operation in Ségur-Savien.

Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai’s body was flown back and he was laid to rest this month.

Kenya has deployed at least 800 police officers under the MSS mission to Haiti to help combat gangs.

The force was sent to Haiti in June last year to help restore order to the country, where gangs have seized control of almost the entire capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as many rural areas.

More than 5,500 people were killed in gang-related violence in Haiti in 2024 and more than a million people have fled their homes.

VP’s arrest ends South Sudan peace deal, his party says

By

John Mutiso

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March 27, 2025

The detention of South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar has effectively collapsed the 2018 peace deal that ended the country’s five-year civil war, his party has said.

An armed convoy led by top security officials, including the defence minister, entered Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba, and disarmed his bodyguards late on Wednesday, said the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM/IO).

Machar was detained alongside his wife Angelina Teny, who is the country’s interior minister, the party added.

“The arrest and detention of H.E Dr Riek Machar effectively brings the [peace] agreement to a collapse,” said SPLM/IO deputy leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino.

The government is yet to comment on Machar’s reported house-arrest.

Addressing religious leaders on Wednesday, President Salva Kiir said “he will never return the country to war”.

The UN has been warning that South Sudan is on the brink of a return to civil war following an escalation of conflict between Machar and the president that has been building for weeks.

The two leaders agreed in August 2018 to end the civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people. But over the last seven years their relationship has become increasingly strained amid ethnic tensions and sporadic violence.

In a press conference on Thursday, Pierino said Machar’s detention had “abrogated” – or breached – the fragile peace deal.

“The prospect for peace and stability in South Sudan has now been put into serious jeopardy,” he added.

A similar warning was issued by the UN Mission in South Sudan (Unmiss), saying the country’s leaders “stand on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict”.

Tension remains high in Juba with a heavy military presence reported around Machar’s home.

“There is a high chance of full-scale war but it will be more deadly and more violent because of [the need] for revenge,” one resident told the AFP news agency.

But Pierino called on SPLM/IO members and the public to remain calm as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the situation.

Reath Muoch Tang, chairman of the party’s foreign relations committee, said Machar was under house-arrest, but that security officials initially tried to take him away.

“An arrest warrant was delivered to him under unclear charges,” Tang said in a statement, calling the action a “blatant violation of the constitution and the Revitalized Peace Agreement”.

Unmiss warned that the world’s newest nation risked losing the “hard-won gains of the past seven years” if it returned to “a state of war”.

“Tonight, the country’s leaders stand on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict,” the mission said in a statement on Wednesday.

Violations of the 2018 peace deal “will not only devastate South Sudan but also affect the entire region,” it added.

The British and US embassies have scaled down their diplomatic staff and urged their citizens to leave the country while the Norwegian and German embassies have closed their operations in Juba.

The US has called on President Kiir to free his rival from the reported house-arrest, urging the two leaders to show commitment to peace.

“We urge President Kiir to reverse this action & prevent further escalation of the situation,” the US Bureau of African Affairs wrote on X.

The escalating tensions come amid renewed clashes between forces loyal to the two rivals in the northern town of Nasir in the oil-rich Upper Nile State.

Three Men Charged with Conspiring to Commit a Terrorist Act in Mandera

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Cyrus Kimanga

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March 27, 2025

Three men have been arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts on charges of conspiring to commit a terrorist act.

The court was informed that Isaq Cabdi Xasan, also known as Issack Mohammed, a Somali national, along with Kenyans Noor Yakub Ali and Yusuf Maalim, conspired with others—who were not present in court—to carry out an act of terrorism on or before February 18, 2025.

The alleged plot involved the kidnapping of a foreign national employed at the Sinohydro Corporation Limited Sewerage Construction site in Mandera town.

Additionally, the prosecution charged the three with being members of Al-Shabaab, a designated terrorist organization under Kenyan Gazette Notice No. 2326, dated April 7, 2015. According to the charges, they were found to be affiliated with the group on February 21, 2025.

The accused men appeared before Principal Magistrate Hon. Gideon Kiage and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In addition to the terrorism-related offenses, Noor and Yusuf were charged with assisting Isaq, a Somali national, in fraudulently applying for a Kenyan identity card. As a result of their alleged actions, an acknowledgment of registration card (S/No. 257117796) was issued to Isaq on July 3, 2024, in Mandera town. Both Noor and Yusuf denied the charge.

Isaq, however, faced a separate charge for attempting to acquire a Kenyan identity card under false pretenses by falsely claiming Kenyan nationality. He was also found to be in the country illegally. Isaq pleaded guilty and was convicted.

The prosecution urged the court to impose the maximum penalty for the offenses to which Isaq pleaded guilty. His sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2025.

Furthermore, Yusuf faced an additional charge of providing false information to a public servant.

The prosecution strongly opposed granting bail to the accused individuals. The court ordered the preparation of a pre-bail report and scheduled the bond ruling for April 4, 2025.

In the meantime, the accused have been remanded at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

Four Convicted in Kisumu for Heinous Murders, Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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March 27, 2025

Kisumu County witnessed a series of landmark rulings as Lady Justice Shariff Mwanaisha handed down long prison sentences to four individuals found guilty of separate brutal murders.

The convictions were secured following compelling evidence presented by the prosecution, led by Ms. Mercy Mutheu Muema and Ms. Elvin Mogoa.

Basil Omondi Otieno Sentenced to 30 Years for Fatal Stabbing

Basil Omondi Otieno, also known as Aboi, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of Ismael Salle Asman in Kombedu village.

Otieno attacked Asman during a confrontation, inflicting multiple chest wounds before fleeing the scene. He managed to evade capture for a year before finally being apprehended.

During the trial, the prosecution provided substantial evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic reports, confirming that Asman succumbed to severe internal bleeding caused by the deep stab wounds.

In her ruling, Justice Shariff condemned the brutal nature of the crime and imposed a 30-year custodial sentence, ensuring justice for Asman’s family.

Ouma Alfayo Marenya Jailed for 30 Years for Murder at Gudka Car Wash

Ouma Alfayo Marenya also received a 30-year prison term for the murder of Vincent Thomas Otieno, known as Chief, outside a butcher shop in Kisumu County. The altercation escalated when Marenya stabbed Otieno in the abdomen, causing severe internal injuries that led to his death.

The prosecution presented irrefutable evidence proving that the stab wound was fatal. Justice Shariff, acknowledging the gravity of the crime, sentenced Marenya to three decades behind bars.

Richard Akombo Gori Gets 35 Years for Premeditated Murder

In a particularly gruesome case, Richard Akombo Gori, alias Bahati, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the premeditated murder of Kevin Ohiambo Odinga. Gori and unidentified accomplices forcibly entered Odinga’s home, abducted him, and subjected him to a brutal assault before setting his body partially ablaze.

Forensic evidence and witness testimonies confirmed that Odinga died from severe injuries and burns inflicted by Gori and his associates. Justice Shariff emphasized the calculated nature of the crime, delivering one of the harshest sentences to reflect its severity.

Robert Kipyegon Korir and Geoffrey Kipyegon Mutai Each Sentenced to 20 Years

Robert Kipyegon Korir and Geoffrey Kipyegon Mutai were each sentenced to 20 years for the murder of Dennis Kiplangat Rono in Kadinda/Kambeje Village. The two men assaulted Rono following a dispute over Ksh 800, leaving him with severe head injuries. Tragically, Rono was left unattended overnight and succumbed to his wounds.

The prosecution’s case, supported by medical reports and witness statements, established that the injuries sustained from the assault directly led to Rono’s death. Justice Shariff denounced the negligence that prolonged Rono’s suffering before his demise and sentenced both offenders to two decades in prison.

Senator Maanzo warns MP Ruku after Ruto nominated him for CS position

By

John Mutiso

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March 27, 2025

Makueni County Senator Dan Maanzo has criticized President William Ruto’s decision to nominate Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku as the new Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes.

If Parliament gives the green light, Ruku will be stepping into the shoes of Justin Muturi, who was fired.

Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Maanzo expressed his reservations about the appointment, arguing that it was a political miscalculation by Ruto.

According to the senator, the nomination of Ruku could spell the end of his political career. Maanzo pointed out that Ruku was a protégé of Justin Muturi, who had played a role in his rise within the political sphere.

“President Ruto has destroyed Geoffrey Ruku’s political career. Ruku was a creation of Muturi and sponsored by his party. Now that he has become a cabinet secretary, I can assure you he will never be reelected because Ruto’s regime will soon come to an end,” Maanzo stated.

The senator further emphasized that Muturi was a seasoned leader who had significantly contributed to the country’s governance. Having served as the Speaker of the National Assembly for ten years, Muturi was a key figure in national politics. Maanzo noted that as the Attorney General, Muturi’s legal counsel was often disregarded by the executive, suggesting that his removal was politically motivated.

Mt. Kenya visit

Maanzo also dismissed President Ruto’s upcoming visit to the Mount Kenya region, arguing that it was a futile political exercise rather than a genuine effort to address development issues.

“President Ruto has made a serious blunder; his visit to the Mt. Kenya region is a waste of time and resources. All Ruto wants is to campaign for reelection in 2027, rather than prioritizing the country’s development,” he added.

Muturi’s dismissal from the cabinet comes in the wake of his public criticism of the government’s handling of abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters, including his son. This has fueled speculation that his removal was influenced by his outspoken stance against the administration’s approach to civil unrest.

Meanwhile, Ruku’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by President Ruto to consolidate his support in the Mount Kenya region, where discontent has been growing over unfulfilled government promises. A first-term MP and a staunch ally of the president, Ruku has been instrumental in rallying political support for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, effectively sidelining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

As President Ruto prepares for his first visit to the region since Gachagua’s impeachment, analysts suggest that Ruku’s appointment is meant to strengthen the president’s influence in Mount Kenya. The visit is expected to be a crucial moment for Ruto as he seeks to realign his political alliances and address grievances over stalled development projects.

Three people die following cholera outbreak in Kisumu

By

John Mutiso

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March 27, 2025

Kisumu County Government has officially confirmed a cholera outbreak claiming three lives as 15 patients recorded similar symptoms.

Public Health and Sanitation County Gregory Ganda says Nyando Sub County is the epicenter of the outbreak.

Ganda says initial investigations including tests at the referral facility in Kisumu identified multiple pathogens associated with the outbreak.

“I can say that there is an upsurge of acute watery diarrhea cases in the county particularly in Nyando,” he said.

He noted that posthumous testing on the three bodies confirmed cholera infection.

He says Ahero County Hospital has recorded 15 cases of acute watery diarrhea out of which 6 patients tested positive for cholera through rapid diagnostic tests, and one case confirmed via culture.

“Eleven patients have fully recovered and have been discharged, there is only one patient remaining in the hospital and is responding well to treatment” he said.

Addressing the press on Thursday at his Kisumu office, Ganda says the county immediately activated the emergency operation center to contain the spread of the outbreak.

He says the activation was necessary to coordinate response efforts across the country.

“Trained teams have been dispatched to the affected areas and healthcare workers are undergoing refresher training on cholera management,” he disclosed.

Ganda further noted that surveillance has been enhanced across the sub counties to ensure early detection and response to new cases.

For quick tests, the CECM says the county has expanded laboratory testing by distributing rapid diagnostic tests kits to facilitate timely pathogen identification.

He says the county has also intensified public awareness campaigns to educate residents on preventive measures and symptoms.

“Public health officers are ensuring compliance with proper water, sanitation and hygiene practices across the county,” he said.

Ganda also sounded a public advisory to the residents of Kisumu to take precautions to prevent further spread of the disease.

“Boil or treat drinking water, wash hands thoroughly after visiting toilets and wash fruits and vegetables before consumption,” he said.

Mother of Kenyan police officer reported missing in Haiti breaks silence

By

John Mutiso

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March 27, 2025

The mother of Benedict Kabiru, a Kenyan police officer deployed to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) who has been reported missing following a gang attack, has issued an urgent appeal to the government for swift action and detailed information regarding her son’s whereabouts.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, March 27, 2025, the officer’s mother, Jacinta Wanjiru Kabiru, expressed her distress over the lack of information, stating that since receiving the initial report from the Kikuyu sub-county commander about her son’s disappearance, no further updates have been provided.

She emphasised the urgency of the situation, noting that more than 24 hours had passed without any news.

“My request is for the government to act as quickly as possible. Since yesterday morning at 6:30 am, the report I received from the Kikuyu sub-county commander was that my son had gone missing. I have not received any other update,” she stated.

“When I call, they just tell me that my son is missing and is being searched for. Now, it has been more than 24 hours, yet when I call, they still say he is being searched for, but I have no official report. I am asking the government to give me back my son, just as I handed him over—alive and in good health.”

The officer’s mother appealed to the government, requesting the safe return of her son, whom she described as the sole provider and hope for her family.

“Now, I am pleading with the government—I want my child back, just as I handed him over, alive and in good health. He is my only source of support; he is the only hope for my family. I want my son, and I need a report as soon as possible,” she appealed.

Kabiru’s disappearance

According to MSSM spokesperson Jack Ombaka, Kabiru disappeared on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at around 4:30 pm during a patrol operation along the Carrefour Paye-Savien Main Supply Route in the Pont-Sonde area, Artibonite Department.

In a statement, Ombaka said that Ombaka, Kabiru, was in an armoured vehicle belonging to the Haitian National Police (HNP) when it got trapped in a ditch, which is suspected to have been deliberately dug by gangs.

Ombaka added that two MSS Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were sent from Pont-Sonde to help retrieve the stranded armoured vehicle.

“Unfortunately, during the recovery efforts, one of the MRAPs also got stuck, while the other developed a mechanical issue. As the rescue teams attempted to resolve the situation, suspected gang members who were lying in wait launched an attack,” Ombaka stated.

The attack created a chaotic situation, and one Kenyan contingent officer was reported missing. Ombaka stated that specialised search teams have since been deployed to find the officer and establish his whereabouts.

“As a result of the incident, one MSS Kenyan contingent officer remains unaccounted for. Specialised teams have been deployed to conduct a search and determine his whereabouts,” Ombaka added.

Ombaka assured that a comprehensive briefing will be provided as investigations continue.

TikToker Maria “Rish” Kamunge arraigned in court over alleged job scam

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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March 27, 2025

Popular TikToker Maria Rish Kamunge has been arraigned in a Nairobi Court where the prosecution requested court to grant them 7 days custodial order to conclude investigations against Kamunge before making decision to charge her.

In a miscellaneous application filed before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, the prosecution informed court that police are investigating Kamunge for the offence of obtaining money by false pretences.

According to the prosecution, Kamunge was arrested by protesting members of the public after various complaints were lodged against her.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Kamunge who has frequently been travelling outside the country, operates an agency under the name Trustpin Verified Agent Ltd, allegedly swindling money from unsuspecting job seekers with fake promises of job opportunities abroad.

The agency allegedly required each job seeker to pay a facilitation fee of between Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 300,000.

However, complainants in the case told police that immediately after Kamunge received the money, she failed to honor her promises and disappeared into thin air for two months until she was mysterious traced at Nairobi CBD in one of her offices on March 26, 2025.

Prosecution urged the court to allow police detain Kamunge for the seven days to conclude the investigations as releasing her at this stage of the case would put her life in danger since angry members of the public might harm her should the court release her on bond.

In objecting to the said application, Kamunge, through her lawyer, told court that she was actually attacked while undertaking her normal duties in her workplace.

She told court that the application seeking her detention does not reveal any compelling reason to stand before any court.

She asked the court to grant her reasonable cash bail.

She will be detained at Capitol Hill Police station until March 28, 2025, for a ruling on the seven days custodial order application.

Gachagua to launch his political party in May, reveals positions it will contest in 2027

By

John Mutiso

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March 27, 2025

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured the people of Kajiado that they will be at the forefront of his political agenda once his soon-to-be-launched party begins allocating leadership positions across the country.

Speaking in Kiserian town on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Gachagua thanked the county and its residents for continuously supporting him and declared that he was orchestrating rewards for them as he charged himself up to take over the country’s leadership.

According to him, Kajiado will secure the lion’s share of seats within the party, including the coveted position of national chairman—a gesture he described as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.

“Now, we are forming our own political party, and this party will be led by the people of Kajiado. In our new party, elections will be held in May, and the national chairman of our new party will come from Kajiado,” he said.

Adding further, Gachagua also clarified that his party, come the 2027 polls, will command the most seats in the Mt Kenya region as it will be the one with the president, the majority of governors, the majority of MPs, the majority of women representatives, and the majority of MCAs.

“And as for Mt Kenya, we will field candidates for the presidency, governor, senator, MP, women representative, and MCA—are you ready? I want to tell you here in Kiserian and this entire Kajiado,” he added.

Gachagua, who now hails himself as the kingpin of the Mt Kenya region, then went ahead to express his joy, stating that the majority of elected leaders from Kajiado are currently backing him.

He listed the county’s senator, Ole Seki, who had also accompanied him during the tour, and touted him as his most trusted liutenant at present, while saying that he had proven himself to be a real man who cannot be swayed by President William Ruto’s corrupt dealings.

According to Gachagua, Ole Seki has not loosened his grip in faulting President William Ruto and his regime and has endured a lot, including an instance where Ruto attempted to bribe him into backing him using hefty sums of money.

“And I have very important leaders here in Kajiado, and I want to thank you for electing Senator Ole Seki because he is a significant leader; this man is a real man—he was summoned by Kasongo, he was threatened, he refused, he was offered money, and he rejected it.”

For that, he declared that he was going to hold onto him with zeal while remarking that he would support him in whichever way he wished, hinting that he could reward him with any seat of his choice.

Gachagua, who was speaking amid heated jubilations from hundreds who had turned up to witness him, then also thanked Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, who had also accompanied him, saying he had shown him unwavering support and that he was also going to stand by him.

“However he wants me to support him, I will stand by him; let us honour Ole Seki with great respect. I hold great respect for our MP from Kajiado, Onesmus Ngogoyo; he is an important leader, and I will support him too. My people, are you here? Let me tell you, do not worry—we now have our own vehicle, and we say this county of Kajiado and here in Kiserian.”

True to form, Gachagua seized the opportunity to launch a blistering attack on his former boss, President William Ruto, accusing him of having masqueraded as a humble servant of the people in the run-up to the 2022 elections, only to reveal his true colours once in power.

He implored the people of Kajiado to forgive him, admitting that he had unknowingly championed Ruto’s bid for the presidency, never anticipating the betrayal that would follow.

According to Gachagua, Ruto lured voters with grand promises of economic relief, vowing to put money in their pockets, only to do the exact opposite—plunging them into deeper financial hardship and stripping them of what little they already had.

“That man lied to us—he told us he would put money in our pockets, but he turned around and took away even the little he had given. Every community will come here to Kajiado, and I ask that you live in peace and do business together and that our elders lead with harmony. I myself came here and begged you to help elect William Ruto, and I want to sincerely apologise, people of Kiserian; we elected him, and he betrayed us and turned out to be a liar—Kasongo must go!” he added.

Ruto Holds Conversation with Salva Kiir, Museveni, Abiy Ahmed After Detention of VP Riek Machar

By

John Mutiso

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March 27, 2025

President William Ruto has initiated diplomatic efforts to address the arrest and detention of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar.

In a statement on Thursday, March 27, Ruto confirmed that he had a phone conversation with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir regarding the circumstances surrounding Machar’s arrest.

The Head of State further noted that he had consulted with regional leaders to find a resolution to the crisis.

“I had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of First Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan.

“After consultations with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, I am sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try to de-escalate the situation, and brief us back on the progress made,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi expressed concern over Machar’s detention.

In a press release, he called for restraint and the full implementation of the peace agreements in South Sudan.

Mudavadi urged the involved parties to allow space for peace agreements under the framework of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

“The Kenyan government calls on all parties in South Sudan to prioritize peace in the country by giving room to the ongoing peace agreements under the auspices of IGAD’s Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” the statement read.

Mudavadi also urged South Sudanese leaders to exercise restraint and work towards lasting peace in the interest of citizens affected by the ongoing political tensions.

“We urge all the leaders in South Sudan to exercise utmost restraint, cease hostilities, and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement in the best interests of millions of their people,” he concluded.

Mt. Kenya visit

Kabiru’s disappearance

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