Coadjutor Bishop-Elect of Machakos, Bishop Joseph Mwongela, Mourns Passing of His Father

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February 9, 2026

Bishop Joseph Mwongela of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui and Coadjutor Bishop-elect of Machakos has lost his beloved father.

Maurice Mwongela passed away on February 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM while undergoing treatment at The Mater Hospital.

The loss comes at a deeply emotional moment for the bishop and his family.

Bishop Mwongela has been a prominent spiritual leader in Kenya’s Catholic community.

Earlier this year, on 4 January 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Machakos, entrusting him with the right of succession to succeed Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua in the future.

The appointment, announced by the Holy See Press Office, coincided with the Feast of the Epiphany and was described by Church leaders as a move aimed at ensuring continuity, stability, and renewed pastoral energy in the Machakos Diocese.

Born on 7 April 1968 in Kakumi, Kitui County, he was ordained a priest on 7 September 1996 and served the Church in various pastoral and administrative roles before being appointed Bishop of Kitui on 17 March 2020.

He was consecrated and installed later that year on 29 August 2020, becoming the fourth bishop to shepherd the Diocese of Kitui.

In his new role, Bishop Mwongela is expected to work closely with Bishop Wambua, assisting in the pastoral care of thousands of Catholics across Machakos and preparing to assume full leadership when the episcopal see becomes vacant.

Church officials and faithful across Kitui and Machakos have expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Bishop Mwongela and his family.

Clergy and parishioners alike are remembering Maurice Mwongela’s life in prayer, invoking God’s comfort and peace for the bereaved.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.”

‘It is a Trap’ – MP Salasya Reveals Why He Did Not Attend Linda Mwananchi Tour in Busia

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John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has revealed that he did not attend the Linda Mwananchi tour in Busia on Sunday because he believes the faction is supporting President William Ruto.

Speaking on Monday, February 9, Salasya alleged that the Linda Mwanachi faction has been brought to confuse Kenyans ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Many people have been asking me why I did not join the rally in Busia. I want to tell them that both factions in ODM are playing for one person, that is, William Ruto,” Salasya claimed.

The DAP-K MP claimed that the movement will collapse within a few months, after which the MPs in the faction will regroup and form a new political movement.

“This is a trap that has been set to catch people who are genuinely for Kenyans. They want to keep Kenyans busy, and after some months, that movement will collapse, and they will come up with something else,” Salasya added.

File image of Linda Mwananchi rally in Busia.

The Mumias East lawmaker’s sentiments come after a section of ODM leaders led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna held a rally in Busia County on Sunday.

The rally was also attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament Anthony Kibagendi.

Speaking during the rally, Sifuna declared that they will not allow the ODM party to be ceded for political convenience.

“We will not be intimidated by anyone. Honorable Raila Odinga did not raise people who are afraid. Raila used to tell us every day to safeguard the interests of the citizens,” Sifuna said.

The leaders also threatened to stage nationwide protests against the current government over the mismanagement of critical sectors.

PS Omollo Issues Update On Mtwapa Bridge Construction

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John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

The government has confirmed that construction of the Mtwapa Bridge along the Mombasa–Mtwapa–Kilifi (A7) Road is progressing as planned, with works running around the clock to ensure timely completion.

In a statement, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the project is on schedule, noting that 75 workers are currently deployed on site to maintain steady progress.

“Construction of the Mtwapa Bridge along the Mombasa–Mtwapa–Kilifi (A7) Road is progressing well and on schedule,” Omollo said. “Works are being undertaken round the clock, with a total of 75 workers deployed on site to ensure timely delivery.”

He added that critical engineering milestones have already been achieved, including the stabilization of the bridge’s foundation.

“Key milestones have been achieved, including the successful stabilization of the pier foundation piles, which form the critical structural support for the bridge,” he said.

The PS also revealed that the existing Mtwapa Bridge will not be demolished once the new one is completed but will instead be repurposed to ease traffic congestion and improve safety.

“Upon completion of the new bridge, the existing bridge will be retained and repurposed as a service road, enhancing traffic flow, safety and access for local users,” Omollo stated.

He further noted that the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is closely coordinating the project’s implementation, working with local administrators, security agencies and community leaders to ensure smooth operations and public safety.

“The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration continues to play a coordinative role in the project’s implementation through close collaboration with local administrators, security agencies and community leadership,” Omollo said.

The Mtwapa Bridge is part of the broader A7 road corridor, a critical transport link connecting Mombasa to Kilifi and other parts of the Coast region. According to Omollo, the project is already delivering visible economic and social benefits.

“The bridge and the broader A7 road infrastructure are already delivering tangible benefits to the region by strengthening connectivity across the Coast Region, supporting tourism, trade and small businesses, while reinforcing the road network that underpins the region’s long-term socio-economic growth,” he said.

Once completed, the new bridge is expected to significantly improve traffic flow along one of the busiest road corridors on the Coast, easing congestion and boosting economic activity in the region.

US-Based Kenyan Truck Driver Who Laughed After Causing Fatal Accident Jailed for 6 Years

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John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Joseph M. Nyandwaro, a 41-year-old Kenyan truck driver based in Pearland, Texas, has been sentenced to six years in state prison for a deadly road-rage incident that claimed the life of another trucker on the New Jersey Turnpike.

According to court records, the fatal crash occurred on June 22, 2025, in Woolwich Township. Prosecutors said Nyandwaro intentionally rammed a tractor-trailer driven by Osman Aden, a 40-year-old truck driver from Minnesota, after a prolonged confrontation on the highway.

The collision sent Aden’s truck careening into a concrete barrier and several trees, killing him at the scene.

During sentencing, prosecutors played internal dashcam footage from Nyandwaro’s truck that allegedly showed him laughing immediately after the crash as he continued driving. Witnesses testified that Nyandwaro had repeatedly blocked Aden from passing moments before the impact, escalating the encounter into a fatal act of road rage.

After fleeing the scene, investigators said Nyandwaro attempted to conceal damage to his truck using duct tape, cleaning chemicals, and paint, and initially lied to his employer about the incident. He surrendered to authorities several days later.

In December 2025, Nyandwaro accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless vehicular homicide. On January 30, 2026, William Ziegler, a Superior Court judge, imposed a six-year prison sentence.

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Nyandwaro must serve at least 85% of his sentence—approximately five years and one month—before becoming eligible for parole.

Court filings indicate that Nyandwaro is not a U.S. citizen. As a result, immigration authorities may initiate deportation proceedings to Kenya upon completion of his sentence, adding a significant immigration consequence to the criminal conviction.

The case has reignited discussions within both the trucking industry and diaspora communities about road rage, professional conduct on highways, and the severe legal consequences of reckless driving. Prosecutors emphasized that the sentence reflects the gravity of using a heavy commercial vehicle as a weapon on public roads.

Nedbank reveals NCBA shareholders who will receive cash and conditions for 100% takeover

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Nedbank has announced details of its partial takeover offer for NCBA Group, revealing which shareholders will receive cash instead of Nedbank shares and the conditions under which the offer could convert into a 100 per cent acquisition.

The bank intends to acquire approximately 1,087,362,891 ordinary NCBA shares, representing about 66 per cent of the issued share capital.

According to the statement, the offer will be implemented on a partial pro rata basis, allowing each shareholder to tender up to 66 per cent of their holdings, with the option to tender any excess shares on a pro rata basis.

The consideration per share accepted under the offer will comprise 80 per cent in Nedbank ordinary shares and 20 per cent in cash, with the cash portion set at Ksh 2,100 per share.

Nedbank shares will be issued at ZAR 250 each, using a KES/ZAR spot exchange rate of 7.7143 as of December 18, 2025. Fractional entitlements to Nedbank shares will be rounded down, and the value of fractions added to the cash portion.

“NCBA Shareholders who are institutional owners and cannot invest in Nedbank shares will receive their full consideration in cash,” the statement read.

Institutional shareholders prohibited by Kenyan law or regulation from investing in Nedbank shares will receive their entire consideration in cash, provided that Nedbank is satisfied with the representations regarding the affected shares.

Additionally, shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to fractional Nedbank shares will also receive their full consideration in cash.

The statement further details that the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has exempted Nedbank from making a general offer to acquire 100 per cent of NCBA shares, allowing the partial 66 per cent offer.

If the CMA exemption is not obtained by May 31, 2026, the offer will be converted to a full 100 per cent acquisition, subject to undertakings from designated shareholders and other irrevocable commitments to ensure Nedbank achieves its targeted shareholding.

“Upon completion, Nedbank will hold approximately 66 per cent of NCBA, with public shareholders retaining the remaining 34 per cent.”

The offer is also conditional on regulatory approvals from the CMA, the Central Bank of Kenya, the Competition Authority of Kenya, the COMESA Competition Commission, and other relevant authorities.

NCBA must comply with corporate conduct obligations before closing the offer.

Nedbank currently holds no shares in NCBA and has no existing rights or options to acquire shares outside the offer.

Completion of the transaction will give Nedbank effective control of NCBA, with its shareholding potentially exceeding 66 per cent by up to 5 per cent in certain circumstances.

“The offer will be implemented on a partial pro rata basis, ensuring all shareholders can tender their shares proportionally.”

The offer document will provide full details on the pro rata mechanism and conditions for participation, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance for all NCBA shareholders.

Panic at JKIA as plane with miraa makes an emergency landing

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

There was panic at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when an aircraft that had taken off with tons of miraa made an emergency landing minutes later.

Officials said the plane had taken off headed for Somalia on February 7 when the pilot called back to say he had a right engine failure. He requested a full emergency landing, sending officials on the ground into panic mode, and waited for his arrival. Witnesses said the plane landed safely with five people who were on board.

The cargo was later dispatched after the issue had been solved. Witnesses said there was minimal disruption of operations at the airport.

At the same airport, officials said a bullet discharged from a pistol as officials carried out safety measures on it.

No injuries were reported in the Saturday morning incident as the firearm holder was boarding to Mandera.

A police officer who was screening the weapons handed to him for safety measures and handing over to plane crew said the Czeka pistol discharged one bullet in the security desk as it was being screened. The weapon was handed over to the airline crew as planned.

And police at the airport detained a woman who was wanted for obtaining money by false pretences. She was wanted by the police in Kisii and when she was arrested, she was headed for Iraq through Turkey, officials said.

Police identified her as Jacinta Oroba, 29. She was later transported to Kisii for grilling and possible arraignment.

Meanwhile, a team of police officers is investigating the source of dozens of identification documents that were found in a house in Turbo area, Uasin Gishu County.

The documents were found in an abandoned office in Kenya Pipeline in Eldoret.

Police said the documents included 127 Kenyan driving licenses, a Kenyan identification card, three Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority licenses, 17 Ugandan driving licenses, 109 Tanzanian driving licenses, eight Tanzania national identification cards, two Congolese driving licenses, 114 South Sudanese driving licenses, 25 South Sudanese national identification cards and a log book.

Three suspects who were found at the scene were arrested for grilling on the motive.

IPOA Launches Investigations into Fatal Shooting of Student in Huruma

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting of 21-year-old student Sheryl Adhiambo in Huruma, Nairobi County.

In a statement on Monday, February 9, IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku said the authority has deployed a Rapid Response Team to commence investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of the KMTC student.

Wanjiku noted that the investigators are gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing samples and exhibits to establish what transpired.

The IPOA Vice Chairperson said the findings from the investigation will inform recommendations to relevant authorities.

“Investigations are currently underway, with IPOA investigators actively gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analysing available samples and exhibits to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with a view to informing subsequent recommendations to relevant agencies,” IPOA stated.

Wanjiku further extended condolences to Adhiambo’s family and called for calm from members of the public as investigations continue.

“IPOA extends its condolences to the family of Ms. Sheril Adhiambo, calls for calm, and assures the public and the bereaved family of its commitment to conducting independent, impartial, and thorough investigations to establish culpability and ensure accountability,” the IPOA Vice Chairperson added.

Adhiambo was fatally shot on Saturday, February 7, evening in Huruma while helping her mother at a fish stall.

The 21-year-old’s death triggered protests, with residents currently clashing with police in running battles in Huruma.

The National Police Service (NPS) in a statement on Sunday evening outlined the sequence of events that led to the shooting of the student.

According to the NPS, the chain of events began on the morning of Saturday, February 7, when a member of the public reported an alleged robbery, leading to police action and multiple arrests later in the day.

The police explained that tensions escalated during the second arrest when one suspect allegedly incited nearby youths.

“During this second arrest, one of the suspects raised an alarm and incited other youths nearby, who responded by throwing stones and other projectiles at the police in an attempt to obstruct the officers from executing their duties. The officers were forced to fire warning shots into the air,” the statement added.

The service said that shortly after the confrontation, they received information indicating that a member of the public had been fatally injured.

“A short while later, information was received indicating that a member of the public had been fatally injured during the confrontation,” the statement continued.

NPS stated that formal procedures to document the incident and establish accountability are ongoing.

Police Reveal Events Leading to Shooting of KMTC Student in Huruma

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement following the fatal shooting of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student during a confrontation between police and youths in Huruma, Nairobi.

In a statement on Sunday, February 8, NPS outlined the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation, the subsequent breakdown of order, and the steps being taken to ensure accountability.

According to the NPS, the chain of events began on the morning of Saturday, February 7, when a member of the public reported an alleged robbery, leading to police action and multiple arrests later in the day.

“Yesterday, 7 February 2026, at around 08:00, a member of the public reported at Huruma Police Station that five young men known to him had attacked him, robbed him of a silver chain and Ksh1,800 in cash, and threatened to kill him. Police visited the scene and arrested two suspects. Further enquiries led to the arrest of two more suspects at around 19:30,” the statement read.

The police explained that tensions escalated during the second arrest when one suspect allegedly incited nearby youths.

“During this second arrest, one of the suspects raised an alarm and incited other youths nearby, who responded by throwing stones and other projectiles at the police in an attempt to obstruct the officers from executing their duties. The officers were forced to fire warning shots into the air,” the statement added.

The NPS said that shortly after the confrontation, they received information indicating that a member of the public had been fatally injured.

“A short while later, information was received indicating that a member of the public had been fatally injured during the confrontation,” the statement continued.

Following the fatal incident, police reported a deterioration of security in Huruma, marked by acts of destruction and unrest.

“Following the incident, a breakdown of law and order has been witnessed in the area, with reports of two vehicles being set alight today,” the statement further read.

NPS stated that formal procedures to document the incident and establish accountability are ongoing, with independent oversight already in place.

“The NPS wishes to assure the public that a full documentation and accountability process for this incident is currently underway. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been at the scene since early morning conducting investigations, with the police continuing to offer their full cooperation,” the statement noted.

The police acknowledged the loss of life and urged the public to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed without further violence.

“The NPS acknowledges the tragic death of a young person during the skirmishes last evening. The public is asked to allow the processes of transparency and accountability to take place and to desist from further acts of lawlessness to enable de-escalation,” the statement concluded.

Earlier Sunday, protests broke out in Huruma following the shooting.

Locals took to the streets to decry alleged police brutality that left 21-year-old Sheryl Adhiambo.

Reports indicate that the girl was shot while helping her mother at a fish stall as police officers pursued a suspected thief nearby.

Her death triggered protests, with local residents currently clashing with police in running battles in Huruma.

According to Human Rights Activist Hussein Khalid, the deceased was a first-year student at KMTC and had just completed her exams.

“Sheryl was a first-year student at KMTC. She had just finished her exams. Her body is lying at the city mortuary,” Khalid stated.

New Zealand Mosque Shooter Asks to Withdraw Guilty Pleas, Blaming Prison Confinement

By

Editor

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February 9, 2026

WELLINGTON, New Zealand

The man who killed 51 worshippers in New Zealand’s deadliest mass shooting told a court Monday he was forced to plead guilty due to “irrationality” caused by harsh prison conditions, launching a bid to withdraw those admissions and overturn his landmark life sentence.

Brenton Tarrant is appealing both his guilty pleas and his sentence of life imprisonment without parole—the most severe penalty ever imposed in New Zealand.

A panel of three judges at the Court of Appeal will hear five days of evidence over whether Tarrant was mentally fit to plead in March 2020 to charges of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder for the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks.

If his appeal succeeds, his case would return to court for a full trial, which his original guilty pleas had avoided.

Tarrant’s testimony Monday marked the first time he has spoken publicly at length since he livestreamed the massacre.

He told the court that conditions while on remand led to “a state of mind that was not rational,” compelling him to admit to the crimes.

The hearing continues.

By James Kisoo

U.S. Health Official Makes Urgent Plea: ‘Take the Vaccine’ Amid Measles Spike

By

Editor

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February 9, 2026

WASHINGTON

A top U.S. health official made an urgent appeal Sunday for Americans to get vaccinated against measles as outbreaks spread across several states, threatening the country’s status as having eliminated the disease.

“Take the vaccine, please,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We have a safe and effective tool to stop this.”

Her plea comes amid a significant rise in measles cases linked to declining childhood vaccination rates and increased global travel. The CDC has confirmed cases in multiple states, primarily among unvaccinated individuals.

Cohen directly addressed public concerns and misinformation surrounding vaccines, reiterating their safety and critical role in public health.

“The measles vaccine is one of the most studied and effective medical interventions we have,” Cohen told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “When vaccination rates drop, this dangerous and highly contagious disease returns. Protecting our communities, especially our children, is paramount.”

By James Kisoo

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