Mambo Mseto

13/05/2026

During his conversation with Mercy Otieno on Mwelekeo TV, Soita Wafula explained why Africa must move beyond simply using AI tools and begin creating solutions that solve local challenges in farming, education and business.

Read more:

Mwelekeo TV recently hosted an important discussion on how Artificial Intelligence is changing lives and what it means for Africa’s future.

13/05/2026

Court hears how Ruto sought information during Gachagua’s hospital stay

Cardiologist Dr Dan Gikonyo has told the court that President William Ruto personally reached out to him to ask about the health condition of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during his stay at Karen Hospital in October 2024.

While giving testimony on Wednesday, Dr Gikonyo said Gachagua had been admitted for medical examinations after developing chest-related complications during the Senate impeachment proceedings.

According to the doctor, the president contacted him seeking an update on Gachagua’s condition while doctors were still carrying out tests.

Dr Gikonyo explained that at the time of the call, medical assessments had not been completed and he informed the president that further updates would be shared once doctors finalized their findings.

He also told the court that before sharing any information, he first asked Gachagua for permission in line with medical ethics and patient confidentiality.

The testimony became one of the key moments in the ongoing court case linked to Gachagua’s impeachment challenge.

Lawyers involved in the hearing questioned the handling of medical evidence that had been presented before the court.

During cross-examination, Dr Gikonyo admitted that some important medical documents were missing from the affidavit filed in court.

These included scans, imaging records and laboratory reports connected to Gachagua’s treatment and examinations at the hospital.

Lawyers pressed the cardiologist on why the records had not been attached, raising concerns about the completeness of the medical evidence supporting the claims made in the case.

The questioning created tense exchanges in court as the hearing continued.

The case has continued to attract public attention because it touches on both the impeachment process and Gachagua’s health at the time the Senate proceedings were taking place.

The court is expected to continue reviewing testimony and evidence presented by both sides before making further directions on the matter.

13/05/2026

IEBC issues fresh reminder on ballot secrecy before May 14 by-elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned Kenyans against taking photos or recording videos inside polling booths during the upcoming by-elections, saying the act is illegal and could lead to serious punishment.

The commission said the secrecy of the ballot must be protected at all times and urged voters to follow election laws when casting their votes.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, May 13, IEBC reminded the public that capturing images or videos of marked ballot papers is an election offence under Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act.

According to the commission, only authorized persons are allowed to handle or record activities involving marked ballots.

The commission explained that anyone found taking photos or videos in the polling booth without lawful reason risks facing a fine of up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

IEBC noted that the law also targets people who photograph ballots to prove loyalty to a candidate or for financial gain.

“Do not take photos or record videos in the polling booth. The secrecy and sanctity of the vote must be preserved at all times,” the commission stated.

The warning comes just before the May 14 by-elections set to take place in several parts of the country following vacancies in elective positions.

Areas heading to the polls include Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County, Porro Ward in Samburu County, and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The Emurua Dikirr race has attracted national attention due to the political rivalry between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

UDA has fronted David Keter, while DCP is backing Vincent Rotich in what many see as a major political contest in the Rift Valley region.

The parliamentary seat became vacant after the death of former MP Johana Ng'eno in a helicopter crash in Nandi County earlier this year.

13/05/2026

Bien defends his presence at Macron event amid criticism from fans and creatives

Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza has spoken out after facing criticism online over his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during the recent Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi.

The debate started after photos emerged showing the award-winning artiste attending a dinner and interacting with the French leader alongside other invited guests.

Many social media users questioned why African creatives continue to associate with Western political figures, especially at a time when France’s role in several African countries remains a sensitive topic.

Some critics argued that such appearances could be seen as supporting foreign influence on the continent, while a few even called for people to stop supporting Bien’s music.

In response, Bien defended his attendance at the event, saying being in the same room with global leaders does not mean he has abandoned his beliefs or identity.

In a statement shared online, he said he can engage with world leaders while still remaining true to himself and his African roots.

According to the singer, presence should not automatically be mistaken for submission.

The former Sauti Sol member attended the diplomatic events held during President Macron’s official visit to Kenya on May 10, 2026.

The visit formed part of the Africa Forward Summit, which brought together African leaders, investors, innovators, and creatives to discuss issues affecting the continent, including culture, innovation, business, and energy.

Bien’s participation, however, sparked wider debate within the entertainment industry.

Singer Nviiri TheStoryteller was among those who publicly criticised creatives attending the event.

In a series of social media posts, Nviiri argued that artists should not become tools for political image-building.

He maintained that art should stand for resistance, memory, and truth rather than serving governments accused of exploitation and control.

President Macron continued to push for closer partnerships between France and African nations during his Kenya visit, insisting on cooperation based on equality and shared growth.

13/05/2026

Suspected narcotics network player arrested as police seize cannabis in Nairobi

Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU), working together with officers from the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and recovered narcotics from his residence in Nairobi.

The operation followed intelligence-led investigations that identified the suspect as a suspected member of a narcotics trafficking network believed to be operating within the city.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Nigerian national Christian Ikechukwu Uzochukwu, was arrested after detectives conducted a raid at his house located in the Kabarnet area along Ngong Road.

According to investigators, the operation was carried out after weeks of gathering information about his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

During a detailed search of the house, detectives recovered 33 sachets of cannabis sativa that had been carefully packed and were believed to be ready for distribution.

Officers also recovered two passports bearing the suspect’s name together with other items considered important to the investigation.

Preliminary investigations have further revealed that the suspect is allegedly in the country illegally, adding another aspect to the ongoing investigations.

Authorities are now working to establish the full extent of his activities and whether he may have been working with other individuals linked to the suspected narcotics network.

Following the arrest, the suspect was escorted to Muthaiga Police Station where he is currently undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment in court.

The recovered drugs have been detained as exhibits and will be used as part of the case during legal proceedings.

Police have continued to warn against involvement in drug trafficking, noting that operations targeting narcotics networks will continue as part of efforts to improve public safety and curb illegal activities within the country.

13/05/2026

Political Ringside hosted Lennox Ndeda for an in-depth discussion on Sifuna’s willingness to work with Gachagua, as the conversation also touched on whether a united opposition can challenge Ruto more effectively in 2027.

Read more:

Discussions on possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections have continued in Kenya, with Political Ringside highlighting remarks by Nairobi

13/05/2026

Catch up on today’s top stories from Kenya’s leading newspapers; Daily Nation, The Standard, Taifa Leo, People Daily, and Business Daily.

Here’s what’s making headlines this 13th of May, 2026.

12/05/2026

DCI links Reverend Ndumia murder to armed gang operating in Nakuru

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has provided fresh details on the investigation into the killing of Reverend Julius Ndumia in Nakuru County, as detectives continue to pursue suspects linked to the attack.

The cleric was murdered after armed assailants reportedly broke into his home and church office on the night of May 3, 2026, before escaping with cash, mobile phones and other valuables.

The attack also left a church watchman with serious injuries. He was rushed to hospital and is still receiving treatment as investigations continue.

The incident shocked residents and members of the church, with many calling for swift action against those responsible.

According to the DCI, investigators now believe the murder may be connected to a criminal gang that has been operating in different parts of Nakuru County.

Detectives say the group is suspected of carrying out several violent robberies while disguising themselves in uniforms resembling those worn by security officers.

Authorities further revealed that the gang is believed to use an L1A1 firearm during their operations.

The same suspects are also being linked to another robbery case in which more than KSh600,000 was allegedly transferred from a victim’s bank account into mobile money accounts associated with members of the group.

Investigators say they are currently relying on advanced forensic examinations to strengthen the case and help place the suspects at the scene of the murder.

Detectives have not yet disclosed how many suspects are being pursued, but they insist that the investigation is progressing.

The killing of Reverend Ndumia has continued to raise concern among residents, especially following claims that the suspects may have been moving around while disguised as security officers.

Police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest everyone involved in the attack.

The DCI has also urged members of the public with any information that could assist investigators to cooperate with authorities as the search for the suspects continues.

12/05/2026

Gachagua links Macron visit to disputed Ksh 7 billion road project settlement

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made claims linking French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kenya to financial matters surrounding a cancelled road project.

Speaking on Tuesday, Gachagua alleged that taxpayers may have been exposed to losses following the termination of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road project, which had been planned under a public–private partnership involving French-backed firms.

He said the project, initially valued at about Ksh 159 billion, was cancelled and this led to what he described as a payout or settlement of around Ksh 7 billion to foreign companies involved in the agreement.

According to him, the cancellation of the deal created financial obligations that were eventually passed on to Kenyan taxpayers.

Gachagua further suggested that President Macron’s visit to Kenya could be connected to ongoing discussions or unresolved financial issues related to the terminated project.

He implied that the visit may not only be diplomatic but also linked to matters arising from the earlier road development agreement.

The former Deputy President did not provide official documents to support the figures he mentioned during his remarks, and the claims have not been independently verified.

Government officials have in the past defended public–private partnership projects as structured agreements meant to support infrastructure development, though some have also faced criticism over costs and contractual arrangements.

The Rironi–Mau Summit Road project has been discussed for several years as part of efforts to improve transport along a key highway corridor.

However, changes in financing arrangements and procurement processes have at times slowed its progress or led to revisions in how it would be implemented.

12/05/2026

Consolata Wairimu Waweru points to performance-driven leadership in Laikipia after highlighting how improved revenue collection and investment in schools under Ndiritu Muriithi changed the county’s development conversation.

Read more:

By Kijana Makini

12/05/2026

Nick Mararo officially launched PodcastOnWheels during the Africa Forward Summit side event, bringing a new platform that aims to give ordinary Kenyans a chance to share their stories, ideas, and talents from their own communities.

Read more:

Nick Mararo used the Africa Forward Summit side event, Nova Garage, to introduce a new community-focused project aimed at giving ordinary Kenyans a platform