Four Directors Linked to Kenya Hospital Association Charged Over Alleged Conflict of Interest and Financial Reporting Breaches

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March 16, 2026

By Peter John

Four individuals linked to the management of Kenya Hospital Association Limited, the entity that runs The Nairobi Hospital, have been charged before a Nairobi court over alleged conflict of interest, unlawful receipt of benefits and failure to comply with statutory financial reporting requirements.

Those charged are Chris Bichange Munga Nyamaratandi, Samson Mbuthia Kinyanjui, Dr. Job Lukuru Obwaka, and Valarie Akinyi Gaya, who are accused of offences under the Companies Act while serving as directors of Kenya Hospital Association Limited.

According to the charge sheet prepared by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the first count alleges conflict of interest by a director contrary to Section 146(1) as read with Section 146(12) of the Companies Act.

The prosecution states that Chris Bichange Munga Nyamaratandi, while serving as a director of Kenya Hospital Association Limited between November 10, 2023 and March 15, 2024, allegedly had a direct interest that conflicted with that of the company.

He is accused of receiving Ksh4.8 million from Meritorious Insurance Agency, a firm contracted by the association.

In an alternative charge, Samson Mbuthia Kinyanjui is accused of accepting a benefit from a third party contrary to Section 147(1)(a) as read with Section 147(5) of the Companies Act.

The prosecution alleges that between December 23, 2024 and March 17, 2025, while serving as a director of Kenya Hospital Association Limited, he unlawfully received Ksh3,999,969 in cash from Meritorious Insurance Agency, a company contracted by the association.

Investigators claim the payment was linked to his position as a director, thereby giving rise to a conflict of interest.

The four also face several counts related to failure to lodge financial statements with the Registrar of Companies as required by law.

In one of the counts, Chris Bichange Munga Nyamaratandi is accused of failing to file the association’s financial statements for the 2022 financial year by December 31, 2022.

Another count alleges that he again failed to file the company’s financial statements for the 2023 financial year by December 31, 2023.

In a separate charge, Chris Bichange Munga Nyamaratandi, Samson Mbuthia Kinyanjui, Dr. Job Lukuru Obwaka, and Valarie Akinyi Gaya are jointly accused of failing to lodge the association’s financial statements for the 2024 financial year with the Registrar by December 31, 2024, contrary to Section 683(1) as read with Section 692(1) of the Companies Act.

The prosecution states that the alleged offences occurred while the accused were serving as directors of Kenya Hospital Association Limited in Nairobi.

The complainant in the matter is listed as the Republic through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with Josias Mugendi Njagi among the witnesses expected to testify.

The case forms part of ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding governance and financial management within Kenya Hospital Association Limited, the organization responsible for managing operations at The Nairobi Hospital.

The matter will proceed before the court for further directions as the prosecution prepares to present its evidence against the accused persons.

Kenya, Russia agree on repatriation of Kenyans in Russian military and compensation for injured, dead -PCS Mudavadi

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March 16, 2026

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said Kenya and Russia have agreed on the safe repatriation of Kenyan citizens involved in Russia’s military operations, and on compensation for those injured and families of those who have died.

In a press statement issued in Moscow on March 16, 2026, Mudavadi said the issue was discussed during formal bilateral consultations with Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov.

He said the matter of Kenyans reportedly recruited to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war was a central topic of the talks.

Mudavadi said he asked Russia to halt recruitment of Kenyans into the military, arguing it is against Kenyan law for citizens to enlist in foreign military services.

He also urged for the disengagement of Kenyans currently in active service and their safe repatriation, “especially the injured, or deceased”.

The talks also focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in education, labour mobility, health, infrastructure and energy, with Kenya acknowledging Russia’s support through scholarships and fertiliser assistance.

Mudavadi said Kenya also raised the need to grow exports to Russia, including tea, coffee, flowers, avocado and other horticultural produce.

He said a review of trade data showed Kenya–Russia trade stood at about USD 638 million in 2024, but remained modest and Kenya’s export basket to Russia is still limited.

He said coffee, tea and spices accounted for more than 75 per cent of Kenya’s exports to Russia in 2024, consistent with trends over the past decade. Mudavadi added that Russia imports more than USD 1.5 billion worth of coffee and tea annually, yet Kenya’s exports to Russia in 2024 stood at USD 46 million, about 3.06 per cent of that market.

He said Kenya and Russia agreed there is room to grow export value through targeted marketing and improved trade facilitation, as Kenya seeks to diversify its offerings.

Mudavadi said the two governments also discussed finalising an agreement to establish an Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which he said will provide a structured framework for advancing the bilateral economic partnership

Traders decry losses as fire razes stalls at Toi Market

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March 16, 2026

Traders at Toi Market, Kibra constituency, are counting losses after fire razed down stalls on Monday morning.

The inferno that started at around 7.00 am on Monday is said to have been caused by an electricity fault.

According to traders, the fire started near Toi Primary school and spread to other stalls in the market.

A police report from the Nairobi West sub-region indicated that the fire destroyed approximately 250 stalls, and all merchandise within those stalls was completely burnt.

It is estimated that about 600 traders were affected.

“I have not even gone to see my stalls because there is nowhere I can pass, I cannot pass. I urge the government to help us. I have lost so much. I have lost goods worth half a million,” George, a trader at the market, told the media.

Another trader, Elizabeth Atieno, said her business was burnt down after taking a loan of Ksh.20,000.

“I have incurred a great loss, and now I don’t have anything. As you can see, my friend has been helped, whereas I haven’t gotten anything here, and I pray that the government aids me. The source of the fire is electricity fault,” said Atieno.

Officers from the Nairobi County fire brigade arrived at the scene on Monday morning to put off the fire.

No casualties were reported in the inferno.

Bruno Mars Responds to Claims He Liked Tweet Calling Taylor Swift ‘Talentless’

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March 16, 2026

Did Bruno Mars throw shade at Taylor Swift?

The “I Just Might” singer, 40, caused a stir on Friday, March 13, after he appeared to like a tweet slamming Swift, 36, and calling the pop superstar “talentless,” according to Pop Faction.

The tweet featured a clip of Swift performing onstage during her recording-breaking Eras Tour alongside the caption, “Genuinely how did she get famous? White privilege is crazy because imagine if an Asian was as talentless as her.” The singer allegedly later removed his like from the tweet, per Pop Faction.

On Sunday, March 15, Mars responded to the report of him liking the tweet on X, writing beneath a post about it, “Taylor has always been supportive and kind to me. Only love over here. ❤️”

The “Risk It All” musician added in another tweet, “Spread Love on these apps! 🌹”

The tweet criticizing Swift was falsely credited to BTS’s official X account. It is unknown where the tweet was originally posted.

Mars’ allegedly liking the tweet comes after he and his Silk Sonic band member Anderson.Paak joked about Swift beating them in the album charts after they secured the number two spot in November 2021.

“Looks like I linked up with the wrong pop star!” .Paak, 40, wrote on X at the time. “Hey @taylorswift13 is your number still the same!? Lmk if you need help with 1989, I’m available! #ShakeItOff.”

2 People Dead, 11 Others ‘Seriously Ill’ amid University Outbreak of Still-Unidentified Virus Strain

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March 16, 2026

Two people are dead, and 11 more are “seriously ill,” as a result of an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease at a university in Canterbury, England.

From Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, 13 different cases of individuals with “signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia” at the University of Kent were reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the organization said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

As of Sunday, two of the individuals have died. One of them was a student, a university spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.

Along with the U.K.’s National Health Service, the UKHSA said it is arranging antibiotics “for some students in the Canterbury area of Kent following a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease.”

Meningococcal disease “is an uncommon but very serious infection” whose two most common syndromes are meningitis and septicemia, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The specific strain has not been identified as of Sunday, according to the UKHSA.

The agency said that it, along with the University of Kent, is “issuing advice to staff and students,” and UKHSA specialists are currently “interviewing affected individuals and their families to help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread.”

The outbreak is thought to be linked to a party held in Canterbury that some of the students who became sick attended, according to the BBC.

A spokesperson for the University of Kent told PEOPLE on Sunday, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.”

The spokesperson continued, “The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our community informed.”

Meningitis is “the swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord,” according to the Meningitis Research Foundation, while septicemia “is blood poisoning caused by the same germs as meningitis and is life-threatening.”

Septicemia occurs “when bacteria enters the bloodstream, causing blood poisoning which triggers sepsis. Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death,” the foundation’s website states. “Both meningitis and sepsis can kill in hours.”

In a statement, Trish Mannes, UKHSA’s Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said meningococcal disease “can progress rapidly,” so it is important to be alert to signs and symptoms, which “can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.”

“Septicemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass,” Mannes added.

The UKHSA regional director also said that college students “are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.”

“That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them,” Mannes instructed. “This could save their life.”

“Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999,” the UKHSA echoed in a statement. “Early treatment can be lifesaving.”

Israeli forces kill Palestinian couple and two of their children in occupied West Bank

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March 16, 2026

BBC -A Palestinian husband and wife, and two of their young children, have been shot and killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.

The Bani Odeh family were travelling in their car in the town of Tammum, in the northern West Bank, when Israeli forces opened fire.

Two of their other children were injured but survived.

Israeli authorities said a joint operation by the army and Israel’s paramilitary border police had been taking place in the town at time. They claim the car accelerated towards Israeli forces, who felt endangered and responded by shooting.

“As a result, four Palestinians in the vehicle were killed,” a statement from the Israeli military and police said, adding that the circumstances of the incident were being investigated.

The Palestinian health ministry said that four of the family members – parents Ali and Waad, and two of their children, five-year-old Mohammed and seven-year-old Othman – were killed.

They all arrived at the hospital with gunshot wounds to the face and head, the ministry said.

Two older children, aged eight and 11, who had also been travelling in the car and witnessed the deaths of their family, survived with minor injuries from shrapnel.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said in a statement that Israeli forces had initially prevented their crews from reaching the injured inside the car and ordered them to leave the area.

The UN says much of the occupied West Bank has remained under heightened movement restrictions since the outbreak of the war between the US, Israel and Iran on 28 February.

Violent attacks have also continued, according to Palestinian authorities and the UN.

More broadly, violence there has risen sharply since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, which triggered the war in Gaza.

Between 7 October 2023 and 8 March 2026, the UN’s humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said 1,064 Palestinians were killed in the occupied West Bank, including at least 231 children.

Governor Sakaja orders 48-hour flood response plan to map out rehabilitation procedure

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March 16, 2026

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the preparation of a 48-hour action plan to address flooding, drainage failures, and infrastructure damage across the city following an urgent meeting with national government agencies at City Hall.

The meeting, attended by several Principal Secretaries and representatives from key national agencies, focused on the worsening flooding situation caused by ongoing heavy rains, which started on March 6.

Sakaja has directed officials to prepare a report mapping drainage hotspots, identifying damaged roads and infrastructure, outlining the work required, the responsible agencies, and the cost so that repairs can begin immediately.

He recommended that the task should be done with help from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).

“Look at the assessment already done by the County engineers. Get that validated by KURA, incorporate KeNHA and KeRRA to do some roads in the city. Let us look at what Google and ESRI can assist with,” he said.

The committee also agreed to prioritize the repair and recarpeting of roads damaged by floods and discussed the installation of new street lighting across informal settlements, highways, and residential estates.

The implementation committee is expected to reconvene on Thursday to review the report and approve immediate interventions.

This comes after the Ministry of Interior flagged 37 neighbourhoods in the city as flood-prone areas, noting that a mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme established that the areas are along major river corridors and locations vulnerable to flooding.

This includes areas that lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries, those situated upstream and midstream sections of the river network and those along where the river passes.

President William Ruto has also assured Kenyans of a swift government response to emergencies after the heavy downpour left Nairobi City flooded.

In a statement on Sunday, the President said a multi-agency response team consisting of emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments is coordinating efforts and managing the situation effectively in Nairobi and across the country.

So far, the national death toll was reported to have risen to 66 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, researchers at Google have developed a flash flood forecast tool which would help in predicting the risk of flash floods in urban areas up to 24 hours in advance.

According to the technology company, the tool available on Flood Hub uses satellite data to produce Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images that its algorithms use to calculate the flooded area.

Google adopted an AI-driven approach, combining Google Maps and Gemini capabilities to estimate the affected areas where flooding occurs and provide rapid flood maps.

However, Google cautions that the accuracy of the Flood Hub is prone to error due to the lack of clarity from the satellite imagery relied upon, adding that necessary updates are being made.

Civil Rights Group Raises Concerns Over Treatment of Raphael Tuju

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March 16, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

A human rights group has raised concerns over the treatment of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, calling for fairness, due process and respect for human dignity in the handling of legal disputes involving the former politician.

In a statement released by Mtetezi – the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement, the group said that while legal disputes must be resolved in accordance with the law, the process should not appear punitive or designed to destroy a person’s economic livelihood.

The organization expressed concern over developments surrounding Tuju, including the auctioning of property and the loss of businesses associated with him.

According to the group, such actions raise questions about proportionality, fairness and the broader principles of justice within a constitutional democracy.

“Watching someone’s property auctioned and long-standing sources of income taken away, including businesses they built over years, raises serious questions about fairness, due process and proportionality,” the statement said.

The movement emphasized that justice must be administered in a manner that is transparent and consistent with the rule of law.

It argued that legal disputes involving debts, commercial disagreements or other claims should be resolved through clear legal procedures that respect the rights of all parties involved.

“Justice must never look like persecution,” the statement added.

Mtetezi further stated that the rule of law in a constitutional democracy must guarantee equal protection for every citizen regardless of political affiliation.

“Today it is Tuju; tomorrow it could be anyone else. Disagreements, debts or legal disputes should be resolved through transparent and fair legal processes,” the group said.

The organization also stressed that human rights protections apply to all individuals, including those with whom members of the public may politically disagree.

“The true test of a society governed by law is how it treats individuals when they are most vulnerable,” the statement noted.

The group concluded by urging authorities and stakeholders to ensure that justice remains both firm and fair in the handling of legal disputes involving any Kenyan citizen.

The statement was issued by officials of the organization including Francis Awino (National Convenor), Mc’Olonde Charles (Research and Policy), Sifuna Misenya (Communication), Joshua Nyanjom (Coordination) and Paul Victor (Operations and Logistics).

N.J. company’s oil tanker attacked, crew member dies amid U.S. war with Iran

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March 16, 2026

A New Jersey-based global shipping company owns a cargo ship that was attacked in the Persian Gulf this week, leading to one crew member’s death, company officials said.

Safesea Group, which is headquartered in Piscataway, confirmed it owns the MT Safesea Vishnu, a cargo ship that was carrying petroleum products when it was attacked just before midnight Wednesday near Khor Al Zubair, Iraq.

The vessel was struck by an “unmanned craft” on its port side, creating a fire that quickly spread across the ship, the company said.

A crew member, whose name was not released, died after jumping from the ship to flee the raging fire, the company said in a statement. The sailor was one of 28 crew members aboard at the time. The remaining crew members were rescued by boat.

No other injuries were reported.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our deceased colleague, and we stand firmly behind them at this hour of grief,” Safesea Group said in a statement. “We commend our crew, who showed courage, professionalism and seamanship in the face of extreme adversity.”

The strike comes as Iran continues to retaliate after the U.S. attacked the country in a war that has caused oil prices to rise as the conflict disrupts tanker shipping.

The ship’s port of registry was not immediately known.

The company owns a fleet of tankers and container ships that sail in regions across the world, according to its website.

Safesea Group did not immediately respond to a request from NJ.com for comment.

In an interview with the New York Post, S.V. Anchan, the company’s chairman, condemned the attack.

“These men and women are not soldiers,” Anchan told the outlet. “They are not part of any military campaign. They are professionals who keep global trade moving — transporting the energy, food, and goods that sustain economies and societies around the world.”

Oscars red carpet: Stars and fashion in pictures

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March 16, 2026

If the Oscars gave out an award for best dressed, it would be the most hotly contested prize of the night.

Hollywood’s biggest stars turned on the style as they walked the red carpet for the glittering ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.

They included One Battle After Another’s Chase Infiniti (below), who has announced herself as both a major actress and a fashion icon this year, and who wore a lavender custom Louis Vuitton gown.

Rose Byrne, who was nominated for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, wore a black custom Dior dress embroidered with an intricate floral pattern.

Hamnet star Jessie Buckley capped off an awards campaign for the ages in red and pink – a change from her usually subdued colour palette.

British actress Wunmi Mosaku, nominated for best supporting actress for Sinners, cradled her baby bump in a glittering gown with a cut-out shoulder.

Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, nominated for Sentimental Value, has favoured Louis Vuitton throughout her awards season campaign. For the Oscars, she wore a simple yet striking custom red Louis Vuitton dress by Nicolas Ghesquiere.

Demi Moore, last year nominated for her daring comeback role in The Substance, went full-on in feathers in a Gucci creation.

Best actress nominee Emma Stone arrived in a shimmering oyster Louis Vuitton gown.

Kate Hudson, who was nominated for best actress for Song Sung Blue, arrived with her mum Goldie Hawn – 56 years after she won an Oscar for Cactus Flower.

Teyana Taylor, as notable in awards season for her fashion choices as her performance in One Battle After Another, wore black-and-white custom Chanel.

One Battle After Another star Leonardo DiCaprio opted for a traditional black tuxedo, while fellow best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Marty Supreme, went for all white.

Sinners star Michael B Jordan ended up beating them both to the best actor award.

Pedro Pascal‘s oversized white floral brooch was so large he had no room for his bow tie or tuxedo.

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