Author: Zaraon Thryss

NAIROBI, KENYA — Comedian Vincent Mwasya, widely known as Chipukeezy, has been appointed Assistant Director of Protocol and Events in the Executive Office of the President, as announced by Dennis Itumbi in a statement dated Wednesday, March 26. Itumbi congratulated Chipukeezy on his appointment, citing his contributions to the creative economy as deserving of the role. “Congratulations Chipukeezy, on your appointment as Assistant Director, Protocol and Events in the Executive Office of the President,” Itumbi wrote. “Habakkuk 2:3. May you serve with unwavering focus and passion as we work together to drive the success of the creative economy.” Chipukeezy’s appointment comes…

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko has vehemently refuted claims made by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, accusing him of spreading misinformation regarding the trial of civilians in military courts. Nyeko, who also serves as the National Unity Platform’s Shadow Defence Minister, directly challenged Mao’s assertion that he endorsed civilian trials in military courts. Mao’s social media post had quoted Nyeko as stating, “Though there have been instances of misuse, completely barring civilians from the General Court Martial (GCM) weakens our legal framework against threats like espionage, terrorism, and unlawful possession of military hardware.” However, Nyeko…

NAIROBI, KENYA — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated investigations into two separate vehicle theft incidents in Nairobi and its environs, one occurring during a high-profile football match and the other at a residential property. The first incident involved the theft of a Toyota IST from a roadside parking area near Nyayo Stadium during the Kenya-Gabon World Cup qualifier on Sunday. According to the DCI’s report released on Monday, the vehicle’s owner parked along Kisauni Road, adjacent to Nairobi West Hospital, at 3:40 PM before entering the stadium. “The car owner indicated that he parked his Toyota IST…

KAMPALA, UGANDA — A study conducted by Makerere University’s Department of Population Studies has revealed a critical health crisis among young women working in Ugandan mining sites, with over 50 percent contracting at least one Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in the past year. Led by Professor Betty Kwagala, the research involved 810 participants from gold mines in the districts of Kassanda, Mubende, Busia, and Namayingo. The study aimed to assess the economic and health well-being of marginalized populations in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) settlements, examining their living conditions before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond evaluating sexual and reproductive…

Vladimir Putin has expressed agreement with the concept of a ceasefire in Ukraine, albeit with “questions” regarding its implementation, as he outlined stringent conditions for peace. This response follows Ukraine’s acceptance of a proposed 30-day ceasefire, brokered through discussions with the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized Putin’s reaction as “manipulative” and called for increased sanctions against Russia. Simultaneously, the US imposed additional sanctions targeting Russia’s oil, gas, and banking sectors. Russian officials indicated that Putin was scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Thursday evening; however, the occurrence of this meeting remains…

KIAMBU, KENYA — Authorities in Ruiru, Kiambu County, have apprehended a Super Metro matatu driver in connection with the death of a passenger, who was reportedly ejected from the vehicle while it was in motion. The incident has triggered widespread public outrage, stemming from allegations that the matatu crew, operating on Thika Road, forcibly removed a passenger due to a shortfall in their fare. Graphic images circulating online depicting the deceased passenger have fueled public anger and condemnation. The matatu involved, bearing registration number KDL 125N, was driven by David Nderitu on the day of the incident. Reports indicate that…

KAMPALA, UGANDA — In a significant public health initiative, Uganda has implemented a mandatory malaria vaccination program for all infants aged six months. This strategic move aims to drastically reduce the devastating impact of malaria on young children, a population particularly vulnerable to the disease. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, officially launched the distribution of 2.2 million vaccine doses, which will be disseminated across 105 districts nationwide. This campaign is a direct response to the persistent and severe malaria burden faced by Uganda, where the disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five.…

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Despite earlier assurances of containment, Uganda is grappling with a renewed Ebola outbreak. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed three fresh cases, pushing the nation’s total to twelve since the virus’s resurgence in late January. This development contradicts mid-February reports from Ugandan officials, who had indicated successful control of the outbreak. Furthermore, two additional probable cases are under investigation, indicating a newly identified cluster of infections. A total of 69 people have been identified as contacts, and “all are currently being followed up,” CDC chief of staff Ngashi Ngongo told reporters. Uganda’s…

The Delhi High Court has ordered the release on bail of Christian James Michel, a British arms consultant, who has been detained in India for six years without a trial. Michel is central to a high-profile corruption case alleging he facilitated bribes to Indian officials to secure a lucrative helicopter contract for AgustaWestland, a British-Italian defense firm. He maintains his innocence. Extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2018, Michel’s prolonged detention was deemed “exceptional” by the court. The case revolves around a 2010 agreement where India sought to purchase 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland. The $753 million deal was…

An Australian couple has expressed significant distress following an incident on a Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Doha, where the body of a deceased passenger was placed adjacent to one of them for a substantial portion of the journey. Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, en route to a European vacation, recounted to Australia’s Channel 9 the “traumatic” experience of witnessing the woman’s death and subsequently having her body positioned next to Mr. Ring.   The couple alleges that despite the availability of vacant seating, cabin crew did not offer to relocate Mr. Ring during the remaining four hours of…