magicnewskenya

Fans who did not manage to get stadium tickets for the much-anticipated Kenya vs Zambia CHAN 2024 match now have another way to be part of the action.  The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), in partnership with the CHAN 2024 Local Organizing Committee, will host a free public screening this Sunday, 17 August 2025, at the Safari Rally Grounds in Kasarani, Nairobi. The event is part of the Government’s broader fan-engagement activities to ensure that as many Kenyans as possible can enjoy the continental football showcase. Organizers say the open-air screening will provide a safe, vibrant atmosphere where supporters can come together to cheer on the national team. “We want every Kenyan to feel part of CHAN 2024. Even if you cannot be inside the stadium, you can still experience the passion and unity of the game at Kasarani,” the organizers said. The initiative also comes as Kenya faces scrutiny from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has fined the coun...

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Senior Counsel Bar have strongly opposed a Bill seeking to give the President exclusive powers to confer the rank of Senior Counsel to certain top public officials. The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chair Hon. George Murugara, proposes automatic conferment for individuals such as the Chief Justice, Attorney General, Speakers of Parliament, and other senior state officers. LSK says the move undermines the merit-based peer review process established in 2003 to honour legal excellence, warning it would create “two classes of Senior Counsel.” They have called for the Bill’s withdrawal and insisted that any changes to the process be handled by the legal profession itself.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is undertaking a sector-wide risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities to money laundering and terrorism financing within the legal profession. Speaking at the #LSKAnnualConference2025, Council Member Aseso Omollo said the initiative seeks to gather detailed information on the structure of law firms, the inherent risks they face, and the controls already in place. This data will be used to analyse how exposed the legal sector is to financial crimes and to design targeted interventions. “The assessment will enable us to better understand the specific risks within our profession and strengthen measures to safeguard its integrity,” Omollo told delegates. He emphasised that lawyers, due to the nature of their work, can be exploited—wittingly or unwittingly—by criminals seeking to launder illicit funds or finance terrorism. By proactively identifying weaknesses, the LSK aims to align the Kenyan legal profession with global anti-money laundering a...

Harm Reduction Society Kenya founder and Secretary General Dr. Kariuki Michael has called for urgent policy and legal reforms to allow the use of medical hemp in Kenya, arguing that it could deliver significant public health benefits while reducing the harm caused by recreational cannabis. Speaking during the Law Society of Kenya’s Annual Conference in Mombasa, Dr. Kariuki said Kenya needs to face the reality that cannabis is one of the most abused substances in the country, but stressed that medical hemp is “a completely different product” from recreational cannabis. He explained that medical hemp contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for neuropsychiatric problems, particularly in young people. Recreational cannabis, by contrast, has high THC and low CBD levels. “CBD is way less harmful than THC and has been scientifically proven to have medicinal value,” Dr. Kariuki said. He listed it...

The Senior Counsel Bar (SCB) has elected a new leadership team, with Philip K. Murgor, SC, taking over as Chairperson. He will be deputised by Joyce Majiwa, SC, as Vice-Chairperson, while Charles Kanjama, SC, will serve as Secretary. The trio were unanimously endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Senior Counsel and officially installed during the SCB’s annual retreat held on Wednesday at the Diamond Leisure Lodge in Diani. Mr. Murgor succeeds Dr. Fred N. Ojiambo, SC, MBS, who has retired after leading the body since 2013, following the tenure of the late Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, SC. Dr. Ojiambo’s leadership team included the late Zahir Malik, SC, the late Ken Fraser, SC, and Omesh Kapila, SC. Following changes in the team due to deaths and retirements, Mr. Murgor had previously served as both interim Vice-Chair and Organising Secretary, roles he handled with “indefatigable zeal and dedication,” according to the SCB. Lucy Muthoni Kambuni, SC, later held the position of Secreta...

KAKAMEGA, Kenya – President William Ruto on Tuesday officially launched the Kenya Film Classification Board’s (KFCB) cutting-edge Cine-Mobile Truck during the International Youth Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. The President hailed the KFCB for spearheading the project, noting that it will create new opportunities for creatives to earn from their talents in line with his administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). “This initiative will help nurture talent at the grassroots and give young people a platform to showcase their creativity while promoting Kenya’s culture and values,” Dr. Ruto said. The Cine-Mobile Truck, a flagship project under KFCB’s #SinemaMashinani programme, features a 63-square-metre LED screen housed in a container with a hydraulic lift system. It is self-sufficient, equipped with a power generator and a high-capacity sound system capable of serving up to 800 people. #SinemaMashinani seeks to a...

Lawyer Willis Otieno has criticized the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for summoning UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala over a recent helicopter landing at the centre of Bukhungu Stadium during a school games event, calling it a clear case of “institutional overreach.” In a strongly worded statement, Otieno said that while he does not support Malala politically, the DCI’s involvement in what is essentially a civil aviation matter is both unnecessary and misplaced. “Landing a helicopter in an unauthorized location like a school stadium during a public event is a civil aviation regulatory matter, not a criminal investigation,” Otieno stated. “Unless there is evidence of clear criminal intent, such as endangerment or sabotage, this should not involve the DCI.” He emphasized that issues related to flight plan breaches, airspace violations, and landing zone approvals fall squarely within the jurisdiction of civil aviation authorities not criminal inv...

Siaya Deputy Governor Dr. William Oduol has proposed a four-point plan aimed at reconciling with Governor James Orengo and resolving the growing rift within the county’s executive leadership. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Dr. Oduol reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Orengo and emphasized his commitment to the principles of constitutionalism, good governance, and service to the people of Siaya. While acknowledging recent tensions between the two leaders, he made it clear that he remains ready to work in alignment with the Governor for the benefit of the county. “My allegiance to His Excellency is resolute and unwavering,” said Dr. Oduol. “I serve not in isolation but in full recognition that my mandate is complementary, not parallel, to that of the Governor.” To restore unity and public confidence, the Deputy Governor proposed four immediate actions: initiating a consultative engagement with the Governor upon his return to address their differences, continuing to dischar...

By Grace Mwende  NAIROBI, Kenya, July 31, 2025 — A coalition of Kenyan Muslim organizations under the banner Voice of Palestine has launched a nationwide tree-planting initiative aimed at raising funds to support Palestinians amid what it describes as an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. Speaking at a press event in Nairobi, Voice of Palestine—which includes the Jamia Mosque Committee, the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), among others—called for urgent international intervention to end what they termed a “systematic genocide” in Palestine. “Our goal is twofold: to raise much-needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians and to support the Government of Kenya’s environmental restoration efforts through tree planting,” said Ahmed Shariff, who signed the statement on behalf of the coalition. “In doing so, we plant both trees and the values of justice, hu...

By Jane As Kenya nears the historic Saba Saba anniversary on July 7th—a day that marks a major turning point in the nation’s democratic struggle—the country is once again engulfed in a wave of protests, economic distress, and growing public dissatisfaction. Against this backdrop, the National Alternative Alliance (NAA) has released a hard-hitting open letter to President William Ruto, calling for urgent and decisive leadership to prevent the nation from descending into further chaos. In its strongly worded statement, the NAA warned that Kenya is “sliding into anarchy,” pointing to rampant corruption, youth unemployment, police violence, and systemic governance failures. “Kenya is burning. The dreams of generations and the lofty promises enshrined in our Constitution are fading from the daily realities of ordinary citizens,” said NAA leader Maliba Arnold. The alliance demanded an immediate end to abductions and extrajudicial killings, the unconditional release of arrested pr...

Kenya has called for urgent and coordinated regional efforts to combat the growing threat of small arms trafficking in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region, warning that isolated actions are insufficient to address the scale of the crisis. Speaking during the 20th anniversary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) forum, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Chair of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling the proliferation of illicit firearms. “No single nation can overcome this crisis alone, and every delay results in more lives lost and families displaced,” Dr. Omollo said. “We must equip ourselves with tools for rapid and effective action.” Dr. Omollo also underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of instability in the region—including armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and political violence—arguing that without tackling these drivers, efforts to curb arms movement will remain futile. ...

• Bashu Clan Endorsement Boosts Shilunji’s Bid as Leaders Warn Against Outsider Influence By Grace Makovu Mwende MALAVA, Kakamega County, June 10, 2025 – The race for the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat has intensified as residents and local leaders throw their weight behind Nelson Shilunji Taliti ahead of the forthcoming byelection. The seat fell vacant following the tragic death of former area MP, Malulu Injendi, whose passing sent shockwaves through the region. A Unifying Candidate Shilunji’s campaign received a major boost last week when the influential Bashu clan, one of the largest and most politically significant communities in the constituency, officially endorsed his candidature. The clan’s elders described him as a “son of the soil” with a deep understanding of the constituency’s needs. “We have scrutinized all the candidates, and Shilunji stands out as a leader who truly represents our interests,” said Mzee Joseph Wekesa, a prominent Bashu elder. “He is n...

Grace Mwende Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura has outlined key milestones achieved under the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), during a county tour in Mombasa for the fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year. Speaking on Monday, Mwaura emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza government's core objective remains to ensure equitable political and socio-economic development across the country, with deliberate investments aimed at uplifting vulnerable groups and stimulating inclusive growth. “The Government has initiated several projects and programs targeting poverty reduction, job creation, and regional equity,” said Mwaura. Mwaura highlighted the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme as a key component of social protection under BETA, supporting older persons aged 70 and above, orphans, vulnerable children, and persons living with severe disabilities. Each beneficiary receives KSh 2,000 per month, a move aimed a...

• Cosmas Mutava Calls for Better Recognition, Welfare, and Collaboration for Guards in Community-Led Security Efforts Nairobi, June 8, 2025 – The chairman of the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA), Cosmas Mutava, has urged the government and the public to recognize the critical role played by Private Security Officers (PSOs) in Kenya’s safety infrastructure. Speaking during the launch of the Usalama Mtaani programme at August 7th Memorial Park, Mutava emphasized that the over 1.4 million PSOs stationed across homes, businesses, and public spaces are often the first responders in emergencies, yet their contributions remain underappreciated. The event, organised by the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA), brought together security stakeholders, community leaders, and residents to champion community-led security solutions. Challenges Mutava highlighted the struggles PSOs face, including lack of recognition by state agencies, mistrust from communiti...

A damning exposé has revealed how four real estate firms—Willstone Homes, Mahiga Homes, Banda Homes, and Certified Homes—have been at the center of elaborate housing scams targeting Kenyans in the diaspora, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of shillings. The investigation uncovers a troubling trend in which key individuals behind previously disgraced firms resurface in new companies, perpetuating the same fraudulent tactics—marketing non-existent housing projects and collecting payments for undelivered homes. One such case involves Mr. Julius Njeru, a U.S.-based Kenyan, who paid KSh 1 million in July 2022 as a down payment for a three-bedroom bungalow under Manna Residence, a project by Willstone Homes. The property was promoted via Kenya Diaspora Media, a YouTube channel run by Jeremy Damaris, also based in the U.S. Months later, Mr. Njeru discovered that no construction had begun, and investigations revealed that the land belonged to Majik Consultancy Limited,...

The Communist Party Marxist-Kenya (CPM-K) marked the 62nd African Liberation Day with a resolute call to action against imperialism and for the realization of a socialist, united Africa. Capping a three-day international conference in Nairobi, the celebrations drew delegates from across the continent and abroad. Participants rallied around themes of Pan-African unity, anti-imperialism, and a return to the scientific socialist ideals championed by post-independence visionaries such as Kwame Nkrumah, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Sékou Touré. African Liberation Day, observed annually on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, was reimagined this year as more than a historical nod—it became a launchpad for renewed resistance against what organizers called "bureaucratic capitalism" backed by imperialist powers and local elites. “This day is not about nostalgia,” said one CPM-K organizer. “It’s about reigniting the revolutionary...

• Abashu clan unanimously endorsed Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police Nelson Shilunji Taliti as their sole candidate • As Taliti’s political fortunes scale up, the latest to be rejected by his kinsmen is lawyer Lewis Shitanda By Grace Makovu KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Sunday, March 30, 2025 - The ballooning candidature for the impending Malava parliamentary by-election to replace the late Moses Malulu Injendi is apparently going to be determined by entrenched clan politics of the Kabras sub-tribe of the populous Luyha community. As the succession politics take shape, some hopefuls are already being dropped and rejected by their respective clans ahead of the expected titanic by-election. In a decisive move, recently, the Abashu clan unanimously endorsed Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police Nelson Shilunji Taliti as their sole candidate. Confirming the far-reaching resolution, subclan chairman Francis Mulari and Secretary General Kennedy Tovoko are now consolid...

Naivas Supermarkets, Kenya’s leading retail chain, and Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform have come together to honor mothers across the country with a heartfelt Mother’s Day activation held over the weekend of May 10 and 11. The initiative, which took place in select Naivas stores in Nairobi and other regions, celebrated the central role of mothers while encouraging the use of digital payment solutions for a seamless shopping experience. The activation featured special rewards for female shoppers using M-Pesa QR code payments, including Naivas shopping vouchers, Safaricom airtime, umbrellas, and mama packs. The campaign culminated in a high-profile customer engagement on Sunday, May 11, with leadership teams from both companies visiting stores to interact with shoppers and demonstrate the simplicity of M-Pesa digital transactions. In an official press statement released today, Andreas Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas Supermarkets, highlighted the inspiration behind the ca...

In a major boost for Kenya’s commercial transport sector, PRINTAN, the authorised dealer for SINOTRUK HOWO, has officially launched the SINOTRUK HOWO MAX truck in Nairobi, introducing a vehicle designed to tackle the region’s toughest logistics challenges while remaining affordable and efficient. Unveiled during a high-profile launch event, the HOWO MAX was showcased as a next-generation solution for businesses involved in construction, cross-border trade, and long-haul cargo delivery. The truck is engineered for durability, cost-effectiveness, and comfort, specifically tailored to meet the needs of Africa's dynamic transport environment. Speaking at the event, PRINTAN CEO Hossein Goudarzi highlighted the truck's game-changing potential: "We position ourselves as the company selling durable, quality, and innovative trucks at affordable prices for ease of long-distance heavy load transportation, and we are thrilled to bring the HOWO MAX to Kenyan roads," said Goudarzi....