Posts

Nairobi County Shuts Down Several Shops Over Filthy Food Handling

Image
(Photo Courtesy)  Nairobi County Government has closed down several food kiosks at Gikomba Market after finding them operating in extremely unhygienic conditions. The county also issued warnings to seven other traders, demanding immediate improvements in cleanliness. This action followed disturbing reports of fish being prepared and sold next to open urinals, sparking concerns about public health. Geoffrey Mosiria, the County Chief Officer for Environment, led the inspection along Kombo Munyiri Road, where he found dirty food areas putting consumers at risk. “We saw vendors selling fish in areas that were clearly unfit. Some were even working close to open urinals. This is not acceptable. We are taking strict action,” said Mosiria. The inspection also found that mutura, a popular Nairobi delicacy, was being sold under equally dirty conditions. The county shut down two kiosks that were selling both mutura and fish in unhealthy environments. Mosiria warned that any trader who continu...

Marion Gathoga Resigns as Standard Group CEO Less Than a Year Into Role

Image
(Photo Courtesy: Marion Gathoga-Mwangi)  Marion Gathoga-Mwangi has announced her resignation as Chief Executive Officer of Standard Group PLC, stepping down just months after taking up the position on 15 July 2024. In a message to staff shared through the company’s internal newsletter, Gathoga-Mwangi said she was leaving due to personal reasons and confirmed that preparations for a leadership transition had already begun.  She expressed gratitude to colleagues for their support and asked for their well wishes as she prepares to exit. During her brief tenure, she led several key changes aimed at turning around the media company.  These included finalising a new strategic direction for long-term growth, launching a rights issue to improve financial stability, and implementing a Continuous Improvement (CI) matrix.  She also helped lower operational costs and put in place a new leadership team, now led by Chaacha Mwita. Gathoga-Mwangi had taken over from Joe Munene, who ...

DIG Eliud Lagat Faces Private Prosecution Over Albert Ojwang’s Death

Image
(Photo Courtesy: DIG Eliud Kipkoech)  Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat is facing a new legal challenge after human rights activists filed a petition at Milimani Law Court seeking private prosecution against him.  The petition accuses investigative agencies of failing to properly investigate the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang. The petitioners want the court to allow private prosecution of DIG Lagat for the alleged murder of Ojwang. They claim the police investigation was corrupt and biased, especially after DIG Lagat’s involvement in related proceedings. On June 9, Inspector-General Douglas Kanja confirmed that DIG Lagat was the complainant in a case that led to Ojwang’s arrest in Homa Bay over allegations of false publication.  Ojwang’s social media account, with over 13,000 followers, was said to have published unsubstantiated claims accusing the DIG of corruption. Ojwang died shortly after his arrest under unclear circumstances, sparking public out...

June 25 Is Not a Public Holiday, Government Spokesperson Mwaura Clarifies

Image
(Photo Courtesy: Isaac Mwaura)  Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has confirmed that June 25 will not be recognised as a public holiday, dismissing demands by opposition leaders to mark the day in honour of youths who died during the 2024 Gen Z protests. Speaking during the Sema na Spox session on Tuesday night, Mwaura urged Kenyans to carry on with their daily duties, stating clearly that no holiday has been declared for June 25.  He emphasised that if the date falls on a weekday, it remains a regular working day. Mwaura criticised calls by opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who had urged Kenyans to stay away from work to commemorate the tragic events of June 25, 2024.  The spokesperson termed the move as a divisive political tactic meant to revive past unrest. He further stated that using a day of national grief to push political agendas is inappropriate, adding that the country must focus on progr...

Kenyans Flood Albert Ojwang’s Father’s M-Pesa, Hit Limit in Minutes

Image
(photo courtesy: Albert Ojwang)  Kenyans have shown massive support following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi, on Sunday, 8 June 2025. On Tuesday, comedian Eric Omondi shared Ojwang’s father’s M-Pesa number.  Within 11 minutes, Kenyans began sending donations. In just three hours, the account reached its maximum limit of Ksh500,000, leaving many unable to complete their transactions. Eric Omondi confirmed the fast response, saying the phone was full shortly after his video was posted.  Social media was filled with screenshots of successful payments and messages of solidarity. M-Pesa allows a maximum account balance of Ksh500,000 and a maximum transaction of Ksh250,000.  Due to the high number of contributions, Omondi provided an alternative number and encouraged the use of Pochi La Biashara, a Safaricom service that bypasses standard wallet limits. Albert Ojwang left behind a three-year-old son. Omondi...

Kenya Confirms 137 Mpox Cases in 17 Counties as Virus Spreads Further

Image
(Photo Courtesy: CS Health Deborah)  The Ministry of Health has officially confirmed 137 Mpox virus cases across 17 counties in Kenya as of 9th June 2025. The outbreak, initially confined to the Northern transport corridor, has now expanded into several new regions. According to the Ministry, the affected counties include Busia (48 cases), Mombasa (37), Nakuru (16), Makueni (10), and Nairobi (5).  Other counties with reported cases are Kajiado (3), Bungoma (3), Machakos (2), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), Migori (1), Isiolo (1), Kisii (1), and Kirinyaga (1). Health officials have traced 400 contacts, with 315 individuals monitored for 21 days, leading to 15 new infections.  A total of 597 samples have been tested at the National Public Health Laboratory and partner facilities, confirming the 137 positive cases. To contain the spread, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with county governments and health partners, has intensifi...

“Tutarudi Parliament Kuosha Vyombo”—Kenyans Warn the Political Class Against Passing the Flawed Finance Bill 2025

Image
(Photo Courtesy: Screen grab of the man warning MPs in a Video)  A video of a Kenyan man posted on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked public anger, as he warns politicians against passing the Finance Bill 2025.  In the clip, he says, “Tutarudi Parliament kuosha vyombo,” meaning, “We will return to Parliament to wash the dishes.”  The phrase is now trending online as a symbol of resistance. Kenyans are using the slogan to remind leaders of the deadly protests that erupted in 2024 over harsh tax proposals.  Many citizens now fear that the 2025 Bill could bring back similar economic struggles if passed in its current form. The online community is strongly urging Members of Parliament to reject the Bill, saying it is unfair and burdens ordinary citizens with more taxes.  Social media users accuse the political class of ignoring the high cost of living and joblessness affecting millions of Kenyans. Some users have warned that if the government pushes ahead with the Bil...