181 Kilograms of Narcotics Intercepted Along Webuye-Kitale

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March 9, 2026

National Police Service officers intercepted a motor vehicle along the Webuye–Kitale Highway in a targeted operation aimed at disrupting the transportation of illicit drugs.

The driver defied a lawful order to stop and instead sped off, prompting a high-speed pursuit by the officers.

He went on to abandon the vehicle at Malaha Junction after it developed mechanical problems and fled the scene on foot, evading immediate arrest.

A thorough search of the vehicle revealed that it was transporting substances suspected to be bhang, carefully packed in multiple bales.

The consignment comprised a total of 46 bales of the suspected narcotic substance, with a combined weight of 181 kilograms.

The motor vehicle has since been towed and detained at Webuye Police Station as investigations continue.

This successful interception underscores the continued vigilance and responsiveness of NPS officers in combating the trafficking of illegal drugs.

By Anthony Solly

Police intercept 181Kgs of suspected narcotics along Webuye–Kitale Highway

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Editor

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March 9, 2026

National Police Service (NPS) officers have intercepted a motor vehicle along the Webuye–Kitale Highway in a targeted operation aimed at disrupting the transportation of illicit drugs.

In a statement shared via its official social media accounts on Monday, March 9, 2026, the NPS noted that the driver of the vehicle defied a lawful order to stop and instead sped off, prompting a high-speed pursuit by the officers.

“National Police Service officers intercepted a motor vehicle along the Webuye–Kitale Highway in a targeted operation aimed at disrupting the transportation of illicit drugs. The driver defied a lawful order to stop and instead sped off, prompting a high-speed pursuit by the officers,” the NPS stated.

According to the police, the driver went on to abandon the vehicle at Malaha Junction after it developed mechanical problems and fled the scene on foot, evading immediate arrest.

Upon searching the vehicle, police say they discovered substances suspected to be bhang, which had been carefully packed in multiple bales.

The crime busters further revealed that the consignment comprised a total of 46 bales that weighed 181 kilograms.

“A thorough search of the vehicle revealed that it was transporting substances suspected to be bhang, carefully packed in multiple bales. The consignment comprised a total of 46 bales of the suspected narcotic substance, with a combined weight of 181 kilograms,” the statement read.

The motor vehicle has since been towed and detained at Webuye Police Station as investigations continue.

One Dead, Eight Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Valley Road

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March 9, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

One person has died and eight others were injured following a multi-vehicle road accident along Valley Road in Nairobi on Monday morning.

The crash occurred after the driver of a City Shuttle bus operating along the Kawangware route reportedly lost control of the vehicle while heading toward the Nairobi Central Business District.

According to preliminary reports, the bus rammed into several vehicles along the busy road after the driver allegedly experienced brake failure.

Passengers aboard the bus said the driver warned them about the brake problem moments before the crash occurred.

Authorities confirmed that a boda boda rider died at the scene, while the rider’s passenger sustained serious injuries in the collision.

Eight other individuals were also injured during the crash and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The driver of the bus reportedly fled the scene shortly after the accident, and police have launched efforts to trace and arrest him.

Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to conduct rescue operations and manage traffic, which was temporarily disrupted as emergency responders attended to the injured.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

Twelve Illegal Firearms Surrendered in Marich, West Pokot County

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March 9, 2026

Residents of Pokot Central Sub-County in West Pokot County have voluntarily surrendered twelve illegal firearms at Marich Police Station.

The firearms, comprising twelve AK-47 rifles, twelve magazines, and twenty-four rounds of ammunition, were handed over with the support of the National Government Administration Officers and community leadership. The firearms have been secured in safe custody pending further administrative action.

This voluntary surrender marks a significant step in the ongoing government-led disarmament initiative aimed at enhancing peace, stability, and security in the region through community cooperation.

The National Police Service commends members of the public and local leaders for their collaboration in supporting efforts to rid communities of illegal firearms.

Individuals who still possess illegal firearms are encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing disarmament efforts and surrender them to the nearest police station.

By Anthony Solly

Shock in Kirinyaga as Worker’s Body Found in 140-Foot Well

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March 9, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Residents of Kiambwe village in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, were left in shock after the body of a man was retrieved from a 140-foot well, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.

The deceased was identified as 47 year old David Ngugi Irungu, a worker at a local homestead.

Authorities said the body had visible injuries to the leg and head, raising suspicions of foul play.

According to Kirinyaga-West Police Commander Luckyton Jos Mudavadi, the victim had earlier been reported missing on February 24, 2026, by the owner of the homestead where he worked, Stephen Muriuki, a Nairobi-based businessman.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the killing may have been carried out by a former employee who had previously been dismissed by Muriuki due to poor performance.

Police say the suspect, believed to be from Karatina in Mathira, Nyeri County, allegedly attacked Irungu after being allowed into the homestead to spend the night.

Detectives handling the case have since reviewed CCTV footage installed at the property, which reportedly helped uncover crucial evidence related to the incident.

The process of retrieving the body proved difficult due to the depth of the well.

Firefighters from the Kirinyaga County Government, led by Peter Muriithi, conducted the complex recovery operation.

Authorities said the well had to be filled with water to facilitate the retrieval of the body.

Meanwhile, residents of Kiambwe village, who were barred from accessing the homestead during the operation, expressed shock and concern over the incident.

“We want to understand what happened; the owner is our neighbour,” said Jane Wangu, a local resident.

Another resident, Eric Waweru, who knew the victim, also expressed disbelief at the incident.

“The owner is my friend; I used to fell his trees when he needed help,” he said.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, with Commander Mudavadi assuring residents that authorities are actively pursuing the individual.

“We are on him,” Mudavadi said.

The body of the deceased has been transported to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary as investigations continue

Gunfire Hits Rihanna’s Los Angeles Home as Suspect Arrested

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March 9, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Billionaire pop superstar Rihanna’s Los Angeles home was struck by gunfire on Sunday after a woman allegedly opened fire on the property while the singer was reportedly inside, according to U.S. media reports.

The incident occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time when a suspect fired approximately 10 rounds from a vehicle parked across the street from the residence in the Beverly Hills area, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing police sources.

At least one bullet pierced a wall of the home, where Rihanna lives with her partner A$AP Rocky and their children, local television station KTLA reported.

According to the reports, Rihanna was inside the residence at the time of the shooting. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Police said the suspected shooter, described as a woman in her 30s, fled the scene after the gunfire but was later arrested without incident a short time later.

Authorities also confirmed that a weapon was recovered during the arrest.

Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Rihanna, one of the world’s most influential music stars and business figures, has not publicly commented on the incident.

Police have not yet released further details about the suspect or whether the shooting specifically targeted the singer.

NTSA Introduces Automated Instant Fines System for Traffic Offences

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March 9, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out an automated Instant Fines Traffic Management System aimed at improving enforcement of traffic laws and reducing road offences across the country.

Under the new system, motorists who commit traffic violations will receive instant SMS notifications informing them of the offence and the corresponding penalty.

In a statement issued Monday, NTSA said the system has been designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in traffic enforcement.

“This process is fully automated and operates without human intervention, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in traffic enforcement,” the Authority said.

According to NTSA, motorists who receive the automated fines will be required to pay the penalties through the KCB Group branch network within seven days.

Failure to settle the fines within the stipulated period will attract additional interest charges, the Authority warned.

NTSA further stated that motorists with outstanding penalties will face restrictions on its digital services.

“The vehicle or the driver with pending fine will not be able to transact on NTSA service platforms until the fine is settled,” the Authority said.

The transport regulator urged drivers to comply with traffic rules and respond promptly to official notifications issued through the system.

NTSA said the introduction of the automated fines system forms part of ongoing government efforts to strengthen road safety and improve compliance with traffic regulations nationwide.

Iran launches missiles as Khamenei’s son takes charge

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March 9, 2026

Iran fired missiles at Israel and Gulf nations early Monday after the Islamic republic named Mojtaba Khamenei its new leader to succeed his late father despite threats by the United States and Israel to target him next.

Nine days after US-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunged the Middle East into war, Iranian clerics picked the country’s third supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Israel launched a new wave of strikes, this time targeting infrastructure in central Iran, as the expanding war sent stocks plunging and crude prices surging 30 percent on supply disruption fears.

Saudi Arabia intercepted drones headed for an eastern oil field, while the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait reported missile attacks and Bahrain said sirens were activated.

Khamenei’s appointment was announced on Iranian state television, with the presenter solemnly reading a statement from the 88-member Assembly of Experts next to a picture of the new 56-year-old leader.

Khamenei “is appointed and introduced as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the decisive vote of the respected representatives of the Assembly of Experts”, the statement said.

It said the clerical body “did not hesitate for a minute” in choosing a new leader despite “the brutal aggression of the criminal America and the evil Zionist regime”.

State media then showed a projectile said to be launched at Israel bearing the slogan, “At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba”, using an Islamic honorific.

The war came weeks after Iranian security forces crushed nationwide protests against the government, killing thousands. The younger Khamenei is considered a fellow hardliner who will pursue his father’s rejection of dissent.

US President Donald Trump had previously dismissed the Mojtaba Khamenei as a “lightweight”, and insisted again Sunday that he should have a say in appointing a new leader.

“If he doesn’t get approval from us he’s not going to last long,” he told ABC News before the announcement was made.

Israel’s defence minister has warned last week that the new supreme leader would become “a target”, while the military vowed to go after any successor.

Oil price spikes

As Iran retaliates against its oil-rich Gulf Arab neighbours, the benchmark price for a barrel of crude soared beyond $100 for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

Trump dismissed the price spike, a politically sensitive issue in the United States, as a “small price to pay” for removing the alleged threat of Iran’s nuclear programme.

But markets across Asia, where key economies Japan and South Korea are heavily dependent on energy imports, plunged on Monday.

In a sign that the United States does not expect a quick end to the war, the State Department ordered non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia, days after a drone hit the US embassy.

As questions swirl over the length of the war, Trump told the Times of Israel that any decision on when to end hostilities will be a joint one with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I think it’s mutual… a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account,” Trump said, in response to a question on whether he alone will decide.

Few expect major changes under the younger Khamenei, a trained cleric close to Iran’s powerful military force the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Guards quickly pledged support for the new leader, who comes into the role with far less experience than his father — a former president under the first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The Guards said in a statement they were “ready for complete obedience and self-sacrifice in carrying out the divine commands” of the new leader.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the naming of the new leader will “guarantee national sovereignty and territorial integrity” as he led Iranian diplomats in declaring “our allegiance” to Khamenei.

Fierce clashes

The multi-front war intensified in Lebanon on Monday, with Iran-backed militants Hezbollah saying they were engaging Israeli forces who landed in eastern Lebanon on 15 helicopters across the Syrian border.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah said its fighters “engaged the helicopters and the infiltrating force with appropriate weapons, and the confrontation” was ongoing.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency earlier reported “fierce clashes” around the town of Nabi Sheet, where an Israeli operation over the weekend killed 41 people.

Israel had struck a hotel in central Beirut on Sunday, targeting five commanders of the Revolutionary Guards’ international Qods Force, the patron of Hezbollah, as they met at a Beirut hotel.

Lebanon’s health ministry said four people died and 10 others were injured in the Beirut strike.

Lebanon’s health minister said Israeli strikes have killed at least 394 people since the start of the war, including 83 children and 42 women.

In Bahrain, the health ministry reported 32 people wounded overnight by an Iranian drone attack on the island of Sitra.

The wounded include a 17-year-old girl who suffered severe head and eye injuries, and a two-month-old baby, according to the ministry.

Saudi Arabia said Sunday that two people were killed and 12 wounded as a projectile landed in Al-Kharj province.

Iran’s health ministry said Sunday that at least 1,200 civilians had been killed and around 10,000 wounded — figures AFP could not independently verify.

In Israel, Iranian missile attacks have killed 10 people, according to authorities. Two soldiers were killed in Lebanon, the military said.

Former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat Dies After Sudden Heart Attack

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March 9, 2026

Firat, who until his death was the first team coach for Nejmeh Football Club in Lebanon, passed away on Monday, March 9, following a heart attack, as confirmed by his club.

At the time of his death, he was at Istanbul airport on his way to Adna, a few hours after leaving for his country.

Mourning the coach, his club described him as a committed and high-ethics professional who left a good impression on the ranks of the team among members of the club.

“With great sadness and sorrow, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach captain Engin Firat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack while at Istanbul airport on his way to Adna a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country,” said a statement from Nejmah Club.

Firat was appointed head coach of Nejmeh SC on February 8, 2026, where he reunited with the Kenyan trio consisting of Anthony “Teddy” Akumu, Masud Juma, and Austin Odhiambo, whom he previously managed in Kenya as the national team’s coach.

Since taking over the Lebanese club, Virat has maintained an unbeaten record in his debut matches and successfully guided the team into a domestic cup final.

He served as the head coach of Kenya’s men’s national team, Harambee Stars, for three years from 2021 to 2024. However, his tenure ended in December 2024 after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The coach oversaw a total of 24 matches, recording 7 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses, including a 5-0 loss to Mali.

His exit, however, was marked by a legal dispute regarding salary delay, citing over 11 months of non-payment.

During his time in Kenya, Firat had disputes with then Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who on many occasions threatened to sack him if Kenya were not to qualify for the AFCON, and even cease funding the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Mourning Firat, FKF president Hussein Mohammed said Firat’s contribution to Kenyan football will be greatly remembered, sending his sympathies to the family and friends.

“Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat. His contribution to Kenyan football will be fondly remembered, may his soul find eternal peace,” Hussein stated.

Before his time in Kenya, Firat had also managed the Moldova national team and held assistant coaching roles at Fernabache, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Samsunspor.

“My sister, please forgive me” Linturi Apologizes to Kawira Mwangaza

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March 9, 2026

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi publicly asked for forgiveness from former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during a church service on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Meru County residents watched the rare moment at the East Africa Pentecostal Church in Njotene Parish, Buuri Constituency.

Speaking to the congregation, Linturi said political forces had set him against Mwangaza in the past. He told worshippers that the conflict between them was not genuine but was fuelled by outside influence.

“Mimi niligonganishwa na sister yetu hapa ambaye anaitwa Kawira Mwangaza,” he said.

Linturi recalled an incident that happened on February 3, 2024. According to him, Ruto flew Mwangaza to Meru and encouraged her to attack him publicly.

“Kasongo siku ile tulikuja hapa 3rd of February, 2024, anabeba Kawira kwa ndege, anampeleka juu, akisimama anaambia Kawira tusi Linturi, ambaye alikuwa waziri,” he said.

He said the move created deep hostility between them and left him confused about what was happening.

“Kwa hiyo mkutano nashindwa nini inaendelea.”

Linturi said the tensions continued after they returned to Nairobi. He claimed Ruto dismissed Mwangaza and stirred more division between them.

“Tunatoka tunarudi Nairobi, Kasongo ananiambia yule governor wenu ni bure kabisa. Akaleta uhasama kali sana kati ya sisi. Meru ikaaribika.”

He accused Ruto of trying to weaken unity in Meru.

“Baada kuanza kuona ukweli. Tukajua kuumbe huyu mtu ataki Meru ishikane isimame pamoja. Ndio akatufuta tukachwa huko ili aweze kuingia Meru na ainyoye na mrija,” he said.

Linturi then warned against interfering in the county’s politics.

“I want to tell you William Ruto, right now we are more clever. We will not allow you to interfere with na kuchezea Meru karata,” he said.

He thanked local leaders who supported efforts to reconcile him with Mwangaza. Linturi said they had already taken steps to restore their friendship.

“Na nashukuru hawa viongozi wako hapa. Tumeenda kutafuta urafiki na tusameeane na sister yangu Kawira Mwangaza.”

He added that Meru suffered when she stayed away from local politics.

“Nimwambie wewe ukiwa huku nje Meru imearibika.”

Linturi then issued a direct apology to the former governor.

“So my sister, I’m sorry, nisamehe, na mimi nimekusamea. Mimi nataka tuungane pamoja tusonge mbele.”

His remarks mark a sharp shift from comments he made earlier this month. On March 2, 2026, Linturi told a local television station that he helped raise money to influence the Senate during Mwangaza’s impeachment proceedings.

“I called friends, my friends, MPs, all of them, and raised money: Ksh100 million,” he said.

He linked the claim to accusations that lawmakers often receive money to influence parliamentary decisions.

“Let me ask you, you heard Ruto say these MPs ni wakora. They are always paid money. They took money to impeach Gachagua. So even we gave out the money to be taken to the Senate.”

Kawira Mwangaza lost her seat after the Meru County Assembly impeached her for the third time on August 8, 2024. The Senate of Kenya upheld the decision on August 21, 2024.

A High Court ruling in March 2025 confirmed the removal and ended her term. Her deputy, Isaac Mutuma, then took over as governor.

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