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Thursday, May 7, 2026
Home Blog Page 351

‘Wajaribu Nyuki’ – Sifuna Dares Those Disrupting His Rallies Using Teargas

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has insisted that tear gas will not stop his political rallies, warning disruptors to try other methods, including bees.

Speaking at a local radio station on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, he said the meetings will continue despite any attempts to halt them.

This comes after chaos briefly erupted on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as tear gas was lobbed into a crowd of supporters during a Linda Mwananchi rally led by the senator.

“Ile kitu nataka niambie wale watu wanaharibu mkutano na teargas. Haitawezekana sasa, kusimamisha mkutano na teargas. Tunawaambia wajaribu nyuki ama…sijui nini ingine wanaweza jaribu because saa hizi hatuhepi, unaona? Hiyo tear gas ukileta, tunazima na mkutano inaendelea,” Sifuna said.

He was asked if he is still encouraging people to attend rallies. Sifuna confirmed that he is, noting that the gatherings have grown larger and participants feel a sense of security in numbers. He explained that the size of the crowd makes it difficult for any disruptor to succeed.

“Unaskia poa because unafeel ni kama sasa you are protected, mmekua wengi, kuna safety in numbers, sindio? So ukiskia watu wamekua wengi unajua hata wakigonga mtu mmoja, wengine watabaki waendelee kufanya kazi. I feel safe,” Sifuna says.

“I feel the love,” he added on how he felt about the ‘Sisi ndio Sifuna’ phrase.

On the current state of politics in Kenya, Sifuna said he believes it is deteriorating. He pointed to challenges in governance and societal issues, suggesting that the political environment continues to face difficulties that affect ordinary citizens.

“I think I would say inaendelea kuharibika, shida ni kwamba, unajua uki…” he said, emphasising the ongoing struggles within the system.

Sifuna’s insistence on continuing rallies despite disruptions shows a strategy to maintain public momentum. His statements highlight both his defiance against interference and his connection with supporters who attend his events.

With the political climate described as challenging, Sifuna is focusing on building a strong, resilient base to support his campaigns moving forward.

World Record Under Threat as Keely Hodgkinson, Lilian Odira and Georgia Hunter Bell Meet in Eugene

Three of the world’s top middle-distance runners are set to face off in Eugene in a highly anticipated Mutola 800m clash that could challenge the world record.

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, world champion Lilian Odira and world 1500m silver medallist Georgia Hunter Bell will face off in the Mutola 800m at the Prefontaine Classic.

Keely Hodgkinson is fresh off setting a new world indoor record and has already shown the world that this might be the season the 800m outdoor world record goes down.

Just last week in France, Keely Hodgkinson clocked a stunning 1:54.87. The three-time World Championships medallist is no stranger to Hayward Field, having run under two minutes six times on the iconic track, with a best of 1:55.19 at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic.

Keely Hodgkinson’s impressive resume includes 10 Diamond League wins and the British national record of 1:54.61, which she set in London in 2024.

Lilian Odira and Georgia Hunter Bell to Join Keely Hodgkinson

Joining her on the starting line will be fellow Briton Georgia Hunter Bell and Lilian Odira. A bronze medallist in the 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she set a national record of 3:52.61, Hunter Bell is a formidable competitor.

At last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, she edged out Keely Hodgkinson by a mere one-hundredth of a second to claim the silver medal.

Her time of 1:54.90 in that race stands as her personal best and ranks among the top-ten fastest times ever recorded.

Lilian Odira has also been added to the field, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2025 World Championships podium.

Lilian Odira stormed to victory in Tokyo, crossing the line in a personal best of 1:54.62, the seventh-fastest time in history.

Her performance shattered a 42-year-old championship record and made her the fourth Kenyan woman to win the world 800m title. The two-time Kenyan national champion also secured a silver medal at the 2024 African Championships.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Prefontaine Classic is scheduled for Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, with the Mutola 800m tentatively set for the second day of competition.

The Prefontaine Classic has a storied history in the women’s 800 meters, a legacy cemented by Maria Mutola’s incredible 16 career victories at the event.

In honour of her dominance, the race was officially named the “Mutola 800m” during last year’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The inaugural race under this new name saw an impressive eight women finish under the two-minute barrier, a testament to the event’s prestige.

The outdoor world record of 1:53.28, set in 1983, remains the longest-standing record in all of track and field.

Bees attack mourners, disrupt burial ceremony in Makueni

More than 10 mourners are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Kibwezi, Makueni County, after they were attacked and stung by a swarm of bees during a burial ceremony.

The bees attacked mourners who had gathered on Tuesday February 24, 2026, at Kasemeini village in Kibwezi for the burial of a boda boda rider who died in a road accident on Sunday.

Reports indicate that the bees attacked the mourners because some individuals were not welcomed for the burial ceremony.

Rev. Dominic Mutuku of RGC, who was presiding over the service, confirmed that the funeral had been suspended until further notice.

Mutuku urged residents to remain calm as those injured continue to receive medical attention.

The burial was temporarily suspended to allow the area to be cleared. It later resumed after the bees dispersed.

Family members expressed gratitude that no fatalities were reported from the attack.

Judiciary invites Kenyans to submit tributes ahead of late justice Mohammed Ibrahim’s memorial sitting

The Supreme Court will hold a special ceremonial sitting on March 9, 2026, to formally close the judicial file of the late Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, marking the end of his service on the bench while honoring his enduring legacy.

Chief Justice Martha Koome will preside over the “special closing of file and tribute proceedings” at the Supreme Court, a formal Judiciary tradition that combines administrative closure of a deceased judge’s case file with tributes from colleagues, the legal fraternity, and the public.

This event follows the passing of Justice Ibrahim on December 17, 2025, after a prolonged illness.The Supreme Court will hold a special ceremonial sitting on March 9, 2026, to formally close the judicial file of the late Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, marking the end of his service on the bench while honoring his enduring legacy.

Chief Justice Martha Koome will preside over the “special closing of file and tribute proceedings” at the Supreme Court, a formal Judiciary tradition that combines administrative closure of a deceased judge’s case file with tributes from colleagues, the legal fraternity, and the public.

This event follows the passing of Justice Ibrahim on December 17, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

In Kenyan judicial practice, the “closing of file” for a departed judge or senior counsel is more than procedural, it serves as a solemn moment of reflection, recommitment to justice values, and public celebration of the jurist’s contributions.

Similar proceedings have been held for other luminaries, including recent tributes for Justices David Majanja and Daniel Ogembo, as well as Senior Counsels like Pheroze Nowrojee, SC.

Justice Ibrahim, was appointed to the inaugural Supreme Court bench on August 26, 20. He was one of Kenya’s first Somali-Kenyan advocates (called to the Bar in 1983).

In Kenyan judicial practice, the “closing of file” for a departed judge or senior counsel is more than procedural, it serves as a solemn moment of reflection, recommitment to justice values, and public celebration of the jurist’s contributions.

Similar proceedings have been held for other luminaries, including recent tributes for Justices David Majanja and Daniel Ogembo, as well as Senior Counsels like Pheroze Nowrojee, SC.

Police seize 8,000 litres of illicit ethanol in Webuye

Officers from the National Police Service in Webuye have intercepted a lorry suspected of transporting illegal ethanol.

The vehicle, which appeared to have been abandoned near a petrol station, was discovered during a routine patrol. Upon inspection, officers recovered 32 barrels, each with a capacity of 250 litres, containing a liquid believed to be ethanol.

Police say the large quantity seized points to a possible case of unlawful transportation and distribution of the substance.

The lorry and the suspected ethanol have been detained at Webuye Police Station as authorities conduct verification, sampling, and forensic analysis.

Investigations are underway to establish the vehicle’s ownership and to trace the driver and any other individuals linked to the consignment.

The National Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on illegal trade and protecting the public from potentially harmful or illicit substances.

Four Homa Bay MCAs de-whipped from key committees after meeting PS Omollo

‎Four Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Homa Bay have been removed from various Assembly committees under what they describe as unclear and unjustified circumstances.

‎The affected legislators say they were neither notified in advance nor given a clear explanation by the Assembly leadership on why they were discharged from the committees they have been serving in.

‎Three of the four MCAs who addressed the media linked their removal to their recent association with Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, whom they visited at his rural home for what they described as development consultations.

‎The legislators are West Kasipul Ward MCA Vickins Bondo, Arujo Ward MCA Tonny Otheo, Kabuoch North MCA Boaz Khiri and Nominated MCA Pauline Omogi.

‎Speaking during the press briefing, West Kasipul MCA Vickins Bondo said committees play a critical role in enabling MCAs to effectively represent the needs of their constituents.

‎“Committees give us a platform to articulate the concerns of the people who elected us. Removing us from these committees is a direct attack on the mandate of the people,” Bondo said.

‎Arujo Ward MCA Tonny Otheo termed the move unconstitutional and announced plans to seek legal redress.

‎“We are moving to court to seek interpretation from the High Court on whether the Parliamentary Party in the Homa Bay County Assembly has the authority to discharge independent members from committees they are duly serving in,” Otheo stated.

‎On his part, Kabuoch North MCA Boaz Khiri defended their visit to the Interior PS, saying it was purely aimed at sourcing additional resources for development projects.

‎“County resources alone are not sufficient. Our visit was meant to seek support for development and leaders should be respected across political and administrative boundaries,” Khiri said.

‎The MCAs are now demanding a formal explanation from the Assembly leadership and reinstatement to the committees, warning that the move could undermine effective representation and oversight within the Assembly.

‎The County Assembly Speaker, Polycarp Okombo, via a phone call interview said the removal was just as a result of normal changes in the assembly committees and has nothing to do with external politics.

PSG star Achraf Hakimi to stand trial in rape case

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) footballer Achraf Hakimi is to face a rape trial, ⁠a social media post from him has said.

In his post on X on Tuesday, however, the Morocco national team player denied the allegations.

“Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a ‌trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it’s false,” Hakimi said.

“This is as unjust to the innocent as it is to the genuine victims. ⁠I calmly await this ⁠trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”

The Nanterre prosecutor’s office in the French capital of Paris had opened an investigation in ⁠2023 after a woman accused him of rape.

The prosecutor confirmed on ⁠Tuesday that Hakimi’s case had been sent to trial.

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, also confirmed the trial order in a statement to the AFP news agency.

“A trial has been ordered on the basis of an accusation that rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA tests, refused to allow her mobile phone to be examined, and refused to give the name of a key witness,” Colin said.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said her client was relieved to hear the case was going to court.

She said the judiciary had been exemplary in handling the case.

But its treatment in general showed “there are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men’s football”, AFP quoted Pardo as saying.

PSG will face Monaco in Wednesday’s return ‌leg of their Champions League knockout round playoff tie.

Hakimi was in the initial ‌squad ‌list published last Tuesday.

PSG coach Luis Enrique, when asked about Hakimi’s situation at Tuesday’s news conference, said: “This matter is in the hands of the authorities.”

Harry and Meghan arrive in Middle East for summit on refugees’ needs

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in the Middle East for their first international trip together in 18 months.

Prince Harry and Meghan will spend two days visiting Jordan to highlight efforts to support vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement.

The couple, who stepped down as working royals in 2020, have travelled to Amman at the invitation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Their visit comes at time of crisis for the Royal Family following the arrest of Harry’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Harry and Meghan arrived on Wednesday morning and were warmly greeted by Ghebreyesus on the steps of WHO’s country office in Amman.

Once inside, the couple joined a roundtable discussion hosted by the WHO with individuals from leading bodies including the United Nations and many of its agencies, diplomatic representatives, and donors.

Over the next two days, Harry and Meghan are expected to meet Jordanian leaders and senior health officials.

They are expected to engage with WHO teams, visit front line health and mental health programmes and meet World Central Kitchen staff who are co-ordinating food relief for Gaza from Amman.

Philip Hall, British Ambassador to Jordan, thanked the Sussexes for travelling to the Middle East.

By Anthony Solly

AG Moves to Dismiss Petition Against 2026 National Prayer Breakfast Venue

The Office of the Attorney General has urged the High Court to dismiss a constitutional petition challenging the hosting of the 2026 National Prayer Breakfast at a five-star hotel, arguing that the case raises no constitutional violation and improperly seeks to interfere with parliamentary processes.

The petition, filed by lawyer Lempaa Suyianka, names the Parliamentary Service Commission, the National Assembly, the Senate, the Attorney General, and the Commission on Administrative Justice as respondents. 

Suyianka seeks orders to stop Parliament and related offices from organising the event using public funds and requests the court to certify the matter as urgent, including a restraining order pending the hearing.

In its grounds of opposition, the Attorney General contends that the petitioner’s reliance on Article 35 of the Constitution on access to information is misplaced, noting that the right is not absolute and must follow statutory procedures, including the Access to Information Act and parliamentary protocols.

On claims of discrimination under Article 27, the State argues that the allegations are vague, unsubstantiated, and unsupported by evidence. 

The Attorney General asserts that holding the event at a five-star venue does not, by itself, constitute discrimination.

The petition also allegedly invites judicial interference with parliamentary processes, contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers.

Regarding public expenditure, the Attorney General states that the petition fails to demonstrate any illegality, misappropriation, or unconstitutional spending, arguing that questioning the venue or cost does not amount to a justiciable constitutional issue.

“The holding of a national prayer breakfast or similar national event does not, per se, amount to a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers,” the Attorney General emphasizes.

The Office of the Attorney General is now urging the High Court to dismiss the petition with costs.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah Drags NTSA to Senate Over Soaring Road Deaths

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has formally moved the Senate to investigate the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) over what he terms persistent failures in enforcing road safety laws amid rising fatalities.

In a statement request tabled on February 16, 2026, Omtatah asked the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing to probe the authority’s implementation of statutory road safety obligations under the National Transport and Safety Authority Act, 2012.

The senator cited an alarming increase in road traffic deaths and serious injuries over the past three years, despite the existence of legal and policy frameworks designed to reduce accidents.

“Road deaths and serious injuries continue to rise. Thousands of lives are lost each year. This reflects weak enforcement, poor coordination, and failure to implement structured safety systems,” Omtatah said in a post on X dated February 23.

According to NTSA data, 4,458 fatalities were recorded as of December 2, 2025 — surpassing the 4,311 deaths reported in 2024. The Kenya Traffic Police further reported that 398 people died in road accidents in January 2026 alone.

At the centre of Omtatah’s motion is the alleged failure by NTSA to operationalise a comprehensive Road Traffic Safety Management System. He argues that the authority has not instituted structured accident investigations, robust journey and fatigue management mechanisms, or real-time monitoring of vehicles and drivers.

The senator also questioned whether NTSA has adopted internationally recognised standards such as ISO 39001:2021, a global framework for road traffic safety management systems.

“I have asked the relevant Committee to explain what NTSA has done to enforce mandatory road safety management systems and why fatalities keep increasing despite existing laws,” he said.

Omtatah further claimed that professional proposals aimed at strengthening enforcement and safety oversight have been ignored, weakening institutional response to a crisis that continues to claim lives.

Road safety in Kenya is anchored in statutory law and linked to constitutional guarantees on the right to life and security of the person. Article 26 of the Constitution protects the right to life, while Article 43 recognises the right to the highest attainable standard of health — provisions that governance experts argue extend to state obligations in preventing avoidable road carnage.

The motion also seeks clarity on ongoing or planned policy, administrative, and enforcement reforms to curb the trend. It calls for scrutiny of inter-agency coordination between NTSA, the National Police Service, and county governments, which are critical actors in road management and enforcement.

The Senate committee is expected to summon NTSA officials to provide a detailed account of compliance measures, enforcement strategies, and future reforms.

Omtatah has pledged to keep the public informed on the progress of the motion, framing road safety as “a statutory obligation and ultimately a matter of life and death.”

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