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Friday, May 8, 2026
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Nigeria halts Christian pilgrimages to Holy Land over Middle East conflict

Nigerian authorities have suspended all pilgrimages to Israel and the occupied West Bank with immediate effect, citing security concerns linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The decision was announced by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), the national body responsible for coordinating Christian pilgrimages.

In a statement, the commission said the measure was necessary to prioritise the “safety and comfort” of Nigerian pilgrims.

The conflict has spread across the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.

Many flights to the Middle East have been cancelled, as countries across the region have shut their airspace, leaving passengers stranded.

Rev John Hayab from the Christian Association of Nigeria told the BBC that all of the Nigerian pilgrims in Israel and the West Bank – about 600 – had been evacuated to Jordan and then back to Nigeria since the conflict broke out on Saturday.

The suspension of Christian pilgrimages applies to all state-organised trips as well as those arranged by private tour operators. Officials said the ban would remain in place until the situation in the region stabilises.

Thousands of Nigerian Christians go on pilgrimages each year to Biblical sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. The journeys, often subsidised or coordinated by state governments, are a significant part of Nigeria’s religious calendar.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is home to a large Christian population, particularly in the south of the country. The pilgrimages are widely regarded as being spiritually significant, with many saving for years to make the trip.

Easter, which falls in a month, is one of the most popular times for Christians to go to Israel and the West Bank.

Many Nigerian Muslims trying to get to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah, also known as the “lesser” pilgrimage, have also been affected by the cancellation of flights to the region.

Unlike the Hajj, which has fixed dates once a year, the Umrah can be performed at any time and involves a shorter set of religious rites.

Alhaji Zaharaddeen Abubakar is one of those stranded in the northern Nigerian city of Kano after buying plane tickets and securing accommodation in Mecca.

“I wish to be there too but I can’t at the moment. I’m still hoping,” he told BBC Hausa.

Alhaji Musa Rabi’u Muhammed, head of the Murna travel agency in Kano State, told the BBC: “Some of our people had even boarded planes ready for take-off, but they had to be brought back down, and now they are at home.”

Residents of Emurua Dikiir Mourn Hon. Johana Ng’eno and five others, Call for Speedy Investigations into Crash

Emurua Dikiir residents have called for speedy investigation into what led to the chopper crash that claimed the lives of Emurua Dikiir MP. Hon. Johana Ng’eno and five others.

While paying tribute to the late MP and five others, the residents have appealed to H. E the President of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto to direct the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to fast track the investigation into the Chopper crash that happened at Chepkiek area in Mosop, Nandi County to establish the cause and help families, friends and residents get the truth and find closure.

The news of his death left the constituency in shock, with residents describing him as a dedicated leader who tirelessly worked to improve their lives.

Speaking during a gathering in Emurua Dikirr, residents expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that the late legislator had played a significant role in supporting many families in the area.

One resident noted that the day marked a painful moment for the community as they mourned a leader who had done a lot for his people.

Local leaders said the constituency had lost a leader who consistently fought for the welfare of his people, adding that Hon. Ngeno had personally supported several children in the area. The resident called on the community and leaders to continue taking care of those children in his memory.

Stanley Lagat, a resident, described Hon. Ng’eno as a leader who meant everything to the people of Emurua Dikirr.

“We gave him many names because he was our leader. There is no one here whom Johana did not touch in one way or another. ” said Mr. Lagat.

Women leaders urged the political leadership to ensure that projects initiated by the late MP are completed, particularly market projects and ensure Emurua Dikiir gets a University.

Mr. Cheruiyot, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Chair, remembered the late MP as a visionary and passionate leader whose commitment to development was evident through various initiatives he championed.

“Hon. Ngeno was not only a visionary leader but also a passionate one. He will remain in our hearts,” said Cheruiyot, adding that the constituency was looking forward to the realization of a promise to construct 200 housing units, expressing hope that the government will facilitate the project.

Another resident described Hon. Ngeno as a good friend, saying the news of his death was heartbreaking.

“We pray that his soul rests in peace,” the resident said.

By Anthony Solly

DPP Proposes 11-Year Structured Sentence for Shakahola Convict Enos Amanya

By Andrew Kariuki

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has asked the High Court to impose a structured sentence that combines punishment and rehabilitation for Shakahola massacre convict Enos Amanya, also known as “Haleluya”.

Appearing before Justice Diana Kavedza in Mombasa, the prosecution proposed an 11-year sentence for Amanya, factoring in the three years he has already spent in remand custody.

If adopted, the proposal would leave him with eight years to serve under a structured sentencing framework combining custodial and non-custodial measures.

Through Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, the State recommended that between one and two and a half years of the remaining term be served in prison under a voluntary rehabilitation programme.

According to the prosecution, the rehabilitation programme will be jointly implemented by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Kenya Prisons Service.

The initiative will focus on disengagement from cultic beliefs, deradicalisation and preparing the convict for reintegration into society.

After completing the custodial rehabilitation component, the prosecution proposed that Amanya serve six years under supervised probation to allow authorities to closely monitor his reintegration into the community.

Amanya told the court that he is willing to cooperate with prison authorities and participate fully in the rehabilitation programme.

The court was also informed that victims and affected community members will receive psychosocial support as part of the broader restorative justice process.

To ensure compliance with the proposed programme, the prosecution asked the court to require progress reports every six months during the rehabilitation phase.

The State further proposed that if Amanya fails to comply with the programme requirements, he should be required to serve the full prison term.

In presenting its proposal, the prosecution relied on established sentencing principles, including the doctrine of “rarest of rare cases” and the presence of extenuating circumstances.

While the doctrine ruled out the imposition of the death penalty, prosecutors said mitigating factors such as Amanya’s cooperation with investigators and willingness to plead guilty supported the proposal for a reduced sentence.

Prosecutors also told the court that greater moral responsibility for the Shakahola tragedy lies with cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and other church leaders involved in the controversial religious activities linked to the mass deaths.

The DPP indicated that the State will seek heavier sentences against the principal actors, including Mackenzie.

The matter is scheduled to continue in April 2026, when the court will give further directions on sentencing.

KeNHA issues vacation from road reserve notices to traders along the Thika Superhighway at Delview, Kihunguro and Allsops

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Corridor C Management team, led by Road Inspector Kennedy Karimi, has recirculated the vacation from road reserve enforcement notices to traders operating within the road reserve along the Thika Superhighway at Delview, Kihunguro, and Allsops.

This action follows the lapse of the notice issued on 23rd February 2026, which directed the affected traders to vacate the encroached sections within a specified period.

The traders are required to clear the areas to allow for the restoration and protection of the road reserve. However, some still remain within the restricted zones even after the deadline expired.

The exercise forms part of the Authority’s ongoing road safety and corridor management initiatives aimed at reducing accidents along the busy highway corridor, enhancing order within road reserve areas, ensuring unobstructed traffic flow on national highways, and protecting infrastructure designated for highway operations and future expansion.

Should non-compliance persist, the Authority will proceed with the clearance and removal of illegal structures within the road reserve in accordance with highway management regulations.

By Anthony Solly

DR Congo government says 200 killed after landslide at rebel-held coltan mine

More than 200 people, including 70 children, have been killed after a landslide caused a collapse in a mining area in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government says.

The landslide struck Rubaya, the country’s biggest source of coltan – an ore vital in the electronics industry – in the rebel-controlled east on Tuesday following heavy rains.

In a statement, the mines ministry blamed the tragedy on M23 rebels and said they were allowing illegal mining without proper safety standards.

The M23 are yet to comment but a source in Rubaya told the BBC the collapse was caused by attacks from government forces and only six had died. The government has not responded to the claim.

The mines in Rubaya are thought to hold about 15% of the world’s coltan supply and half of the DR Congo’s total deposits.

The metallic ore contains tantalum, which is used to produce high-performance capacitors in a range of electronic devices, making it in high demand worldwide.

Since 2024, the M23 have been in control of Rubaya, which lies about 70 km (45 miles) west of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

The authorities said rescue efforts after Tuesday’s landslide were hampered by dangerous conditions, which they blamed on restrictions imposed by rebels on civilians.

The mines ministry added that the lack of official oversight at the site had left workers without basic safety protections.

“The provisional toll counts more than 200 compatriots who lost their lives, including 70 children and numerous wounded,” the ministry said in a statement.

The BBC was unable to independently verify the death toll in the remote area, where humanitarian agencies and major medical facilities have little or no access, and telecommunications are frequently disrupted.

Many of the injured have been evacuated to hospitals in Goma.

The Congolese authorities said they had banned mining in the area last year, even though the rebels had already seized control of the mines by then.

When a BBC team visited the site in July 2025, they observed miners digging manually to source the precious mineral. Conditions at the site are very bad, with dangerous pits dotted around its vast expanse.

Over the past year, the M23 has made rapid advances across the mineral-rich east of DR Congo, taking more areas where coltan is mined.

UN experts say there is evidence that minerals from DR Congo are being exported through Rwanda.

The experts have also accused Rwanda of backing the M23 – an opinion supported by the US government this week which imposed sanctions on the Rwandan army and four of its senior commanders.

Rwanda has rejected these accusations.

The Rubaya mining site was recently added to a shortlist of assets that is being offered to the US by the Congolese government under a minerals cooperation framework, according to the Reuters news agency.

A similar collapse at the site in late January following heavy rainfall killed more than 200 people.

Kenya Unveils “Experience Wonder” Global Tourism Campaign to Attract International Travelers

Kenya has launched a new global tourism campaign aimed at attracting more international visitors and strengthening the country’s position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations.

The campaign, dubbed “Experience Wonder,” was unveiled in Berlin, Germany during the globally renowned tourism expo ITB Berlin 2026 and seeks to elevate Kenya’s global brand while appealing to changing travel trends.

Anchored under the “Origin of Wonder” theme, the campaign highlights Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings, from iconic wildlife and adventure experiences to rich cultural heritage and pristine coastal beaches.

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said the initiative is designed to refresh Kenya’s tourism identity at a time when global competition for international travelers is intensifying.

“Kenya is the birthplace of humanity and home to the world’s most iconic wildlife spectacles,” Ololtuaa said during the launch.

“This campaign goes beyond landscapes, wildlife, culture and beaches. It represents a feeling of connection, discovery and renewal.”

The new marketing push is being spearheaded by the Kenya Tourism Board under the flagship destination brand Magical Kenya.

Officials say the campaign is informed by evolving global travel trends, including the rising demand for authentic and immersive experiences, sustainable travel, adventure tourism and digital-driven travel planning.

The strategy also targets younger travellers such as Millennials and Generation Z, who increasingly prioritise unique and shareable experiences when choosing travel destinations.

Ololtuaa said Kenya is positioning itself as a destination that offers a wide variety of travel experiences beyond traditional safari tourism.

“We are diversifying the Kenyan experience to include adventure, sports tourism, wellness, cultural heritage, conservation and luxury travel,” he said.

“Simply put, Kenya offers something for every traveler.”

The campaign will also be amplified through digital innovation, including the introduction of the Magical Kenya Souvenir Passport, designed to encourage visitors to explore multiple destinations across the country.

The initiative forms part of Kenya’s broader tourism recovery and growth strategy, with the government targeting five million international tourist arrivals by 2027.

To support the target, the government is pursuing expanded air connectivity with international airlines, streamlining entry processes through the Electronic Travel Authorization system and investing in tourism infrastructure to enhance visitor experience.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei said the campaign comes at a time when global demand for authentic travel experiences is rising and Kenya is well positioned to benefit.

“We are encouraged by the strong performance from our key source markets,” Chepkemei said.

“Tourism continues to grow, and there is increasing demand for authentic experiences. That is exactly what Magical Kenya offers, and this campaign will clearly communicate the diversity and depth of experiences available in Kenya.”

She added that the board will continue working closely with industry stakeholders, including tour operators, airlines and hospitality players, to ensure the campaign reaches global audiences.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Germany Stella Mokaya Orina said the country’s diplomatic missions abroad will play a key role in supporting tourism promotion efforts.

“Tourism diplomacy fosters deeper understanding between cultures,” Orina said.

“Germans are keen travelers, and Kenya is committed to enhancing its tourism offerings. We will support our stakeholders in transforming stories of wonder into economic reality.”

The campaign launch comes at a time when Kenya’s tourism sector is experiencing strong growth following the post-pandemic recovery.

According to official figures, international tourist arrivals grew by 14.7 percent to 2.39 million visitors in 2024, while inbound tourism earnings increased by 19.8 percent to Sh452.2 billion.

The United States remains Kenya’s largest source market, contributing 12.8 percent of total arrivals, while Europe accounts for 28.1 percent of international visitors.

Tourism stakeholders say the new campaign will play a key role in sustaining this growth momentum while positioning Kenya as an all-year-round destination for global travellers seeking authentic experiences.

Wilson Sossion hints at KNUT comeback ahead of April elections

 Former Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has signaled a potential comeback to Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) as it prepares for its upcoming elections next month.

In an interview with TV47 Kenya, Sossion revealed that he has already met the necessary eligibility requirements and is now contemplating the right moment to make a formal declaration of his intention to contest.

“Maybe what is remaining for me is to make a concrete pronouncement, which I will do at the right time,” he said.

The former union boss added that he has already taken steps to ensure that his candidacy is uncontested.

He has formally notified the current KNUT Secretary-General, Collins Oyuu, of his intention to run, and has ensured that all union dues are up to date.

“I have written to Secretary-General Collins Oyuu notifying him of my candidature, and my union dues are fully paid,” he said. “In fact, I am among the most loyal members of KNUT. I have not only paid dues up to June 2026 but have also settled supplementary contributions.”

Sossion emphasized that the KNUT constitution allows former union officials to vie for leadership positions.

“Those who qualify to contest for the Secretary-General position are those who have served as officials. I have held multiple roles in KNUT for over 20 years,” he stated.

He also dismissed claims suggesting that his previous exit from the teaching profession could bar him from contesting.

“The Secretary-General of a union does not have to be an employee of the trade,” he clarified.

Sossion, who served as KNUT Secretary-General from December 9, 2013, to June 25, 2021, was a key figure in negotiations and disputes between teachers and the government during his tenure.

His leadership period was marked by intense engagement with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on matters of teachers’ welfare, union membership, and labour rights.

Sossion’s potential return comes on the back of a significant legal victory against the TSC. The Court of Appeal has ruled that the deregistration and termination of veteran teacher and former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) leader Wilson Sossion was unlawful, a decision that could pave the way for his bid as secretary-general in the upcoming April union elections.

The appellate court found that the processes leading to Sossion’s dismissal violated employment laws, reinforcing the protection of teachers’ rights under Kenya’s legal framework.

Kindiki Forgives Gachagua, Mt Kenya Critics for the Sake of Unity and Development

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says he is unperturbed by the barrage of attacks directed at him by opposition leaders from Mt. Kenya.

Kindiki says that as a leader and an elder from the region, he forgives those leaders for the sake of unity and development of the region.

“I have no war with my fellow leaders. I am a leader, I understand there is a today and a tomorrow. Even after our term in leadership, we will remain here as one community.”

“Even those who are insulting me, I have forgiven them unconditionally because I do not want to quarrel with my brothers. As an elder of the Njuri Ncheke, I know we must maintain peace and harmony because, after politics, we will still remain as one community,” Kindiki stated.

The Deputy President also added that Kenyans will not vote leaders on account of how hard they disparage others but how hard they work or have ever worked for Kenyans.

“Let someone say what they brought from the West back when they were holding public office, because when the time comes to be asked what was brought from the West and Kianjai, President Ruto and I have the answers.”

“If they refuse to respect us, we will teach them a lesson; we are not pushovers. If someone brings arrogance and a barrage of insults here, we will face them man to man, face to face, head to head. They will learn the hard way,” Kindiki stated.

Kindiki spoke during the inspection of the Kianjai Road and ongoing market projects in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, where he highlighted some of the key projects the government is undertaking including roads at a cost of Sh42.7 billion shillings, Sh2.3 Billion for last mile electricity connectivity and another over Sh2 Billion for five fresh produce markets and 12 other ESP Markets in the county.

National Assembly Receives Petition on Management of Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders

The National Assembly has received a petition calling for urgent policy and health system interventions to improve the management of haemophilia and other bleeding disorders affecting patients and children in the country.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, reported to the House that the Petition by the Treasurer of the Haemophilia Association of Kenya, Mr. James Kago, is seeking parliamentary intervention to address the challenges faced by individuals living with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

“Honourable Members, the Petition concerns the case of children and adults living with haemophilia who experience frequent, unpredictable, and sometimes life-threatening bleeding episodes, which significantly diminish their quality of life and may result in disabling joint disease (arthropathy), chronic pain, missed school or work, and reduced life expectancy,” reads the Petition

Mr. Kago notes that the right to health is a fundamental human right guaranteed under Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which affirms that every person, including children, has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including access to healthcare services.

The petitioner raises concern that treatment and management of haemophilia, particularly for children who require preventive therapy known as prophylaxis, is highly specialised and extremely costly. As a result, many families and caregivers face serious physical, financial, emotional and psychological strain in accessing consistent care.

He further states that, haemophilia affects approximately one in every 10,000 individuals. However, of the estimated 4,500 people living with the condition in Kenya, only about 1,265 patients have been formally identified. This gap, the petitioner argues, highlights the need for nationwide screening programmes, early diagnosis and targeted outreach for children.

The petitioner also points to fragmented and incomplete data on haemophilia and other bleeding disorders and proposes the establishment of a national patient registry to capture accurate demographic, diagnostic and treatment information that can support planning and improve healthcare service delivery.

Further concerns are raised regarding the supply of clotting factor concentrates used in treatment. The petitioner notes that donations currently received meet only about 30 percent of the required factor levels for the 1,265 diagnosed patients and children, forcing some families to rely on blood derived products that require hospital admission and may carry additional risks.

The petitioner warns that the current donation programme has a 70 percent deficit and is expected to end within the next two years, potentially creating a major treatment crisis that could place patients, especially children who rely on preventive therapy, at significant risk.

Endebes MP, Hon. (Dr.) Robert Pukose while commenting on the petition raised concern over the country’s reliance on donor support for the treatment of haemophilia, noting that the factor concentrates used in managing the condition are neither manufactured locally nor sustainably funded.

“What the petitioners are telling us is that the factor concentrates used to treat haemophilia are funded by donors. As a government, we must allocate resources to ensure we protect our haemophilia patients,” said Dr. Pukose.

Kitui South MP, Hon. Rachael Nyamai in echoing Dr. Pukose’s remarks stated, “On the matter of funding our health sector, Honourable Speaker, it is critical that we allocate adequate resources not only for haemophilia but also for diseases such as dengue fever and other rare conditions that affect Kenyans.”

The petition was committed to the Departmental Committee on Health for consideration.

By Anthony Solly

Waititu Regains Freedom After High Court Reviews Bail Terms in Ksh588 Million Roads Graft Appeal

By Andrew Kariuki

The High Court has been informed that former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is now a free man after the court reviewed his bail terms pending the hearing and determination of his appeal in the Ksh588 million roads graft case.

Waititu’s lawyer, Jeremy Njenga, told the court on Thursday when the matter came up for mention before the High Court Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division.

“I am holding brief for the appellant who is now a free man,” Njenga told the court.

The former governor secured his release after the High Court last month granted his application for a review of the earlier bail conditions.

In a ruling delivered on February 18, 2026, Justice Winfrida Okwany allowed the application and varied the bail terms that had previously been set.

Under the revised conditions, the court ordered that Waititu be released on cash bail of Ksh20 million, or alternatively provide two sureties backed by property securities valued at not less than Ksh30 million each.

The court further directed that the securities be subjected to verification and approval by the Deputy Registrar.

Through his lawyers, Waititu had earlier told the court that he had faced difficulties complying with the initial release conditions, particularly the requirement to secure a bank guarantee.

The defence argued that it had been seven months since the ruling was issued and that the former governor had been unable to obtain the bank guarantee as required.

Counsel for Waititu also submitted that since he had already been admitted to bail, the main consideration before the court should be whether he had been attending court sessions as required and whether the existing conditions remained reasonable.

The defence maintained that the former county boss had consistently attended court proceedings and posed no flight risk.

However, the prosecution opposed the application.

State Counsel Mwamburi, appearing for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), argued that the applicant had not met the legal threshold required to warrant a review of the earlier bail terms.

The prosecution told the court that the defence had not demonstrated any new or compelling circumstances that would justify interfering with the existing bail conditions.

Mwamburi further pointed out that the proposed bail amount had initially been part of the earlier application but was later abandoned before being reintroduced in the current request for review.

As part of the revised bail conditions, the court also ordered Waititu to deposit his passport with the court pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

Waititu is appealing his conviction and sentence in the Ksh588 million corruption case involving road construction tenders awarded during his tenure as Kiambu Governor.

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