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Friday, May 8, 2026
Home Blog Page 283

Woman held over gunshots fired at Rihanna’s LA mansion

A woman alleged to have fired an assault rifle at the luxury Los Angeles home of Rihanna — while the pop superstar was inside — was being held by police on Monday.

Officers in the city said shots were fired towards the mansion in the middle of day on Sunday by a suspect driving a white Tesla, which had stopped across the street.

Aerial footage after the attack showed bullet holes in a gate at the sprawling property, which Rihanna shares with rapper A$AP Rocky and their three children.

The Los Angeles Police Department said Ivanna Lisette Ortiz was arrested at a shopping complex half an hour after the incident.

Captain Mike Bland told reporters the weapon used was an AR-15-style rifle.

Ortiz was booked on suspicion of attempted murder with bail set at $10.225 million.

Rihanna, one of the world’s most popular pop stars, has not publicly commented on the shooting.

KRA to Introduce Body Worn Cameras for Customs and Border Officers

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to roll out body-worn cameras for its customs and border control officers in a move aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and professionalism at the country’s entry points.

The initiative marks a significant step in modernizing customs operations, with the tax authority saying the cameras will help ensure every traveler receives a fair, professional, and consistent experience when interacting with officers at airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

Customs officers are among the most public-facing government officials, interacting daily with thousands of travelers, importers, and traders. These encounters often shape perceptions of Kenya’s governance, efficiency, and fairness in trade and travel facilitation.

According to KRA, the body-worn cameras will create verifiable records of interactions between officers and the public, helping eliminate disputes that previously relied on conflicting accounts. In the past, complaints or misunderstandings could take weeks to investigate due to a lack of clear evidence.

With recorded footage, authorities say such disputes will be resolved faster and more objectively.

The cameras are also expected to serve as a deterrent against corruption by promoting higher standards of professionalism during inspections and other enforcement activities. When interactions are documented, both officers and travelers are more likely to adhere to proper procedures.

KRA noted that the technology will also improve service delivery by helping the institution identify operational gaps, strengthen training programs, and refine processes within the customs department.

For travelers and traders, the move is expected to lead to more structured and consistent engagements at border points, reducing anxiety and delays during inspections.

Beyond accountability, the recorded footage will support compliance and security operations by ensuring inspections and enforcement actions are properly documented, protecting both officers and the public.

Globally, the use of body-worn cameras has become standard among several customs and border agencies, including the UK Border Force and authorities across Europe and Asia. Kenya’s adoption of the technology signals its intention to align with international best practices in border management.

KRA says the initiative reflects its broader commitment to integrity and public trust, emphasizing that transparency in customs operations is critical for facilitating trade, attracting investment, and improving Kenya’s global competitiveness.

Once implemented, travelers, importers, and other stakeholders can expect more transparent and accountable interactions at Kenya’s borders as the authority works to strengthen confidence in its services.

Gov’t Clarifies Construction of Petrol Station at JKIA’s Flight Path

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has addressed public concerns regarding the construction of a petrol station along the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) flight path. 

In a statement on Monday, March 9, the authority explained that the development was subjected to the necessary evaluation processes and was approved in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

“Attention has been drawn via social media to an ongoing construction of a petrol station at JKIA’s flight path. The development referenced near JKIA along Mombasa Road has undergone the required review and analysis and has been granted approval as required by the Regulations,” the statement read.

KCAA noted that any proposed project within or around an airport’s operational environment must pass through strict safety checks and regulatory procedures before approval can be issued.

“It should be noted that all project/development proposals at or in the vicinity of the aerodrome are subjected to due process and established aviation safety protocols by KCAA,” the statement added.

File image of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

This comes months after the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) clarified a viral video showing a convoy of SUVs accessing the restricted airside area at JKIA.

In a statement on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the agency said the access occurred on October 8, 2025, for the official motorcade of the Prime Minister of an African country.

According to KAA, the dignitary arrived at 1707 hours to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi, and was received by a Cabinet Secretary.

“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) would like to address recent online reactions concerning a video showing a convoy of SUVs accessing the restricted airside area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) tarmac.

“This access, which occurred on 8 October 2025, was for the official motorcade of the Prime Minister of an African Country who arrived at 1707 hours to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi. The summit was attended by several Heads of State and other senior leaders from COMESA member states. The dignitary was received by a Cabinet Secretary,” the statement read.

KAA confirmed that all airside access followed established security procedures and regulations reserved for state and diplomatic dignitaries.

“KAA confirms that all airside access for this VIP protocol strictly followed established security procedures and regulations, reserved for state and diplomatic dignitaries. 

“Such protocols are standard at JKIA for international summits and comply fully with aviation security standards, prioritizing both operational integrity and dignitary safety,” the statement added.

Muturi reveals why Ruto picked Gachagua over Kindiki ahead of 2022 elections

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has revealed how President William Ruto settled on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate during the 2022 presidential election.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 10, he said the discussion took place on the eve of the running mate announcement when Ruto called him for a late-night meeting.

Muturi said Ruto explained that senior leaders within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had already agreed that the running mate had to come from both the party and the Mt. Kenya region.

“On the night before the running mate was picked in 2022, I was in Mombasa when William Ruto called me and asked that we meet in Karen. When I got there, he explained that leaders within UDA had taken the position that the running mate had to come from UDA and from the Mt. Kenya region,” he said.

Muturi added that Ruto also explained why he could not be considered for the role despite earlier discussions about the possibility.

“He also told me that the reason he could not pick me was because I belonged to another party, the Democratic Party, and I could not join UDA. Because of that, the promise he had earlier made to me could not be fulfilled,” he added.

Muturi said he accepted the explanation and assured Ruto that he understood the situation.

However, he said the debate over the running mate had not been fully settled within the campaign team at the time, particularly regarding the suitability of Kithure Kindiki.

He explained that although Kindiki had initially received the majority vote among the team, Ruto had concerns about his political appeal in the Mt. Kenya region.

“However, there was still a stalemate within the team. He explained that although the majority had initially voted for Kindiki, he felt that Kindiki did not seem to understand politics well enough. He even remarked that people in the Mt. Kenya region were even asking whether Kindiki was Maasai because he could hardly speak Kikuyu,” he continued.

Muturi said Ruto eventually concluded that selecting Kindiki would weaken the ticket politically and risk losing support in the region.

“Eventually, he told me he had made up his mind that Rigathi Gachagua would be the running mate because picking Kindiki would have been political suicide. It would have cost us votes,” he further said.

According to Muturi, the decision was based on Gachagua’s strong political base and his ability to mobilize voters across the Mt. Kenya region.

“At the time, I agreed with that assessment. The logical choice was Rigathi Gachagua because he had the political base and the ability to mobilize votes from the Mt. Kenya region. And indeed, that is exactly what happened, Gachagua delivered the votes,” he explained.

Muturi maintained that the political dynamics in the region have remained largely the same since the 2022 election.

“And that reality has not changed to date. William Ruto himself knows that Kindiki does not have the kind of political influence in the Mt. Kenya region that can sway the vote,” he concluded.

EACC Arrests Former High Court Judge Joseph Mutava, Lawyer Over Sh10.4mn Bribery Allegations

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Monday arrested former High Court judge Joseph Mutava and advocate Kimani Wachira over an alleged bribery scheme linked to a commercial dispute currently before the High Court of Kenya.

Officials at the anti-graft agency confirmed that Mutava, Wachira and two other suspects were arrested following investigations into claims that they demanded a bribe of USD80,000 (approximately Sh10.4 million).

According to the EACC, the money was allegedly solicited to influence the outcome of a commercial case involving a former Cabinet minister, which is currently pending before the High Court.

The four suspects were held at the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station in Nairobi as investigators finalize processing ahead of their expected arraignment on Tuesday.

The commission said the arrests follow increasing public and media inquiries regarding the matter, adding that investigations are ongoing.

EACC reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary, warning that individuals found culpable will face the full force of the law.

Mutava was removed from office in 2016 following findings of gross misconduct and corruption, which were later upheld by the Supreme Court.

A tribunal chaired by David Maraga established he improperly handled cases, including a dispute involving businessman Kamlesh Pattni.

President Ruto Presides Over Listing of KPC on Nairobi Stock Exchange

President William Ruto on Tuesday, March 10, rang the bell at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to mark the official listing of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) on the bourse.

Speaking during the bell-ringing ceremony, President Ruto noted that KPC is the first privatized entity to be listed in NSE in nearly 20 years.

The Head of State mentioned that the previous listing was Safaricom PLC, which joined the bourse in 2008.

“The Kenya Pipeline Company IPO is the first privatization listing in nearly two decades at this bourse, the previous one being Safaricom, which was listed in June 2008,” said Ruto.

The President said the proceeds of the KPC IPO will provide the capital base for the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF).

File image of Kenya Pipeline Company depot. 

“Unlike previous privatization proceeds that were absorbed in the general government budget, the proceeds of this IPO, as well as future privatization, will provide capital to the National Infrastructure Fund, which I signed into law yesterday,” he stated.

President Ruto noted that the KPC IPO attracted over 70,000 Kenyan investors, with the governments of Uganda and Rwanda also participating.

“I am particularly encouraged by several milestones achieved through this IPO. This has been Kenya’s first fully electronic public offering with all applications submitted digitally, making it a truly paperless and modern IPO,” said the President.

Further, Ruto said his government is planning to bring the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) saucerization bonds to NSE.

The KPC IPO, which ran from January 19, 2026, to February 24, 2026, raised Ksh106 billion.

The government offered 65 percent of the KPC shares to the public while retaining 35 percent.

The Kenya Pipeline IPO was priced at Ksh9.00 per offer share, with a par value of Ksh0.02 per share.

Speaking on Monday at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said that Ksh20 billion from the proceeds of the privatization of KPC will be channeled to the expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under NIF.

“We just announced the contract for the expansion of JKIA, and between Ksh15 and Ksh 20 billion from the proceeds of the Kenya Pipeline IPO will go to financing the seed money for the expansion of JKIA,” said the President.

DCI Detectives Arrest Man After Viral Video Showing Him Mutilating Kenyan Currency Notes

Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU) have arrested a man who recorded himself mutilating Kenyan currency notes.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 10, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect, identified as Maximilian Motara, posted the video on TikTok.

The investigative agency said the suspect is in police custody and is being processed before being arraigned in court.

“Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU) detectives have arrested Maximilian Motara, who was wanted for allegedly mutilating Kenyan currency notes and flaunting the acts on TikTok.

“He is currently in custody and is being processed for arraignment in court,” DCI stated.

Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes.

Any person who willfully defaces, mutilates, or in any way impairs any currency note issued by a lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code.

This comes weeks after the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) warned businessmen involved in the trade of money bouquets over the mishandling of the Kenyan currency notes.

In a notice on February 2, CBK noted that the mechanism of creating the bouquets could damage the notes and render them unusable.

“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash counting machines, and sorting equipment.

“This results in increased rejection of banknotes during processing and leads to the premature withdrawal and replacement of currency, at an avoidable cost to the public and the Bank,” the statement read in part.

CBK maintained that while it does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes.

TSC announces 170 senior administrative jobs: How to apply

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced 170 job vacancies in the commission.

In a notice on Tuesday, March 10, TSC invited interested and qualified candidates to apply for the positions.

“The Commission invites applications from qualified, result-oriented and highly motivated Kenyans to fill the positions below,” TSC stated.

The vacancies in the commission include: Senior Deputy Director – Human Resource Management and Development (1), Senior Deputy Director – Internal Audit (1), Deputy Director – Human Resource Management (2), Deputy Director – Human Resource Development (1), and Deputy Director – Internal Audit, Information System (1).

Others are: Deputy Director – Risk Management (1), Assistant Director Teacher Management, Field (132), Principal Officer Teacher Professional Management (20), Principal Officer Staffing (8), and Principal Officer Teacher Discipline Management (3).

Screengrab image of jobs at TSC. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates are required to visit the TSC website www.tsc.go.ke under the careers section to apply for the vacancies.

The deadline for submitting the applications is Monday, March 23, at 11:59 PM.

The commission warned applicants against presenting fake certificates, documents, and including incorrect information in their applications.

TSC also said it does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment.

“TSC does not charge any application, processing, interviewing, or any other fee at any stage of the recruitment process,” TSC stated.

Further, the commission noted that only shortlisted and successful applicants will be contacted.

Speaker Wetang’ula Urges Leaders to Serve with Integrity as Justice Mohamed Ibrahim’s Judicial File is Closed

National Assembly Speaker Rt Hon (Dr) Moses Wetang’ula has urged leaders across the three arms of government to serve with integrity, lead with humility and act with courage as they uphold the rule of law.

Speaking on Monday during the formal closing of the judicial file of the late Supreme Court judge Mohamed Ibrahim, the Speaker praised the jurist’s enduring contribution to Kenya’s jurisprudence and constitutional development.

The ceremony, attended by Chief Justice Martha Koome, Supreme Court judges and members of the Bar, marked the honorary conclusion of Justice Ibrahim’s service to the Bench following his death after a long illness.

In his remarks, Dr. Wetang’ula described the late judge as a guardian of the Constitution and a man whose quiet strength and principled courage shaped Kenya’s justice system.

“His total devotion to justice and human dignity made him a towering presence in Kenya’s constitutional journey,” the Speaker said.

Justice Ibrahim was widely respected for championing social justice, advancing the rights of minority communities and mentoring young lawyers.

Speaker Wetang’ula noted that the judge believed deeply in dialogue and respect for human dignity.

Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., the Speaker reminded leaders that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” urging institutions to ensure the law remains a shield for the weak and the vulnerable.

He said Justice Ibrahim viewed the Constitution as a living document meant to reflect the aspirations of Kenyans.

“His judgments spoke to fairness, equality and compassion, reminding us that justice must be felt in the daily lives of Kenyans, from the streets of Nairobi to the villages of Turkana,” he said.

Hon. Wetang’ula also highlighted the judge’s historic achievement as the first member of Kenya’s Somali community admitted as an Advocate of the High Court in 1983.

“Today, as we close his judicial file, let us not see it as an ending but a continuation of the journey he began, a journey of justice, integrity and service,” the Speaker said.

He called on the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to strengthen cooperation and uphold the rule of law as the foundation of Kenya’s democracy.

Nine Suspects Arrested in Nakuru Operation Targeting Mobile Phone Snatchers

Incidents of petty crime, such as phone snatching, often carry consequences that extend beyond the immediate loss. For many victims, the impact is not limited to the financial cost of replacing a device; it disrupts communication, compromises personal data, and creates a sense of insecurity in spaces that should otherwise feel safe.

Accordingly, law enforcement remains on high alert to counter these crimes. Following reports indicating the presence of individuals dealing in stolen mobile phones, police officers in Nakuru County yesterday conducted an intelligence-led operation at Shoppers Paradise and in the Sokoni area of Kaptembwa.

The operation targeted criminals involved in the theft of mobile phones, as well as individuals suspected of selling or facilitating the distribution of stolen devices.

Nine suspects were arrested with several assorted mobile phones and electronic equipment in their possession, believed to be used for flashing and altering mobile phone IMEI numbers. The seized items included flashing cables, specialised software devices, and other accessories suspected to facilitate the illegal alteration of mobile phone identification details.

Additionally, officers recovered a total of sixteen rolls of bhang from the suspects.

The operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement to disrupt networks that profit from petty crime and to safeguard members of the public from its consequences.

Through continued intelligence gathering, coordinated enforcement efforts, and community cooperation, the National Police Service remains focused on preventing such crimes and ensuring that those who engage in them are brought to book.

By Anthony Solly

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