On Monday afternoon, the Athi River-Namanga Road Interchange became a scene of shock and stillness as residents and drivers were drawn to a body found near a drainage channel along the bustling highway.

The grim discovery, involving a man with a severe cut, quickly spread through the community, especially in light of recent reports about the abduction of four men from Mlolongo—two of whom were later found dead, while the other two remain unaccounted for.

Locals believe the body was dragged from the opposite side of the road, suggesting that the man may have been murdered before being discarded at the interchange.

Human rights advocates have expressed deep concern over this latest murder, highlighting the alarming trend of abductions and extrajudicial killings. They are urging security forces to act swiftly to regain control of a situation that is spiraling out of control.

Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, voiced his frustration, stating, “It’s disheartening to see our country turning into a dumping ground for bodies. It feels like every corner is a crime scene, with bodies being found everywhere from rivers to interchanges. We implore security agencies to fulfill their duties, as Kenyans are feeling increasingly unsafe.”

The deceased man, believed to be in his 30s, has been transported to Nairobi Funeral Home.

Detectives from Athi River have launched an investigation into the matter.

An uncomfortable seat on the terrace was the least of Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury John Mbadi’s concerns during his first visit to Bunge La Mwananchi, alongside the chair of the Kenya Revenue Authority board.

Mbadi, who has been vocal about government spending, faced criticism for the ongoing deductions from payslips.

“We are not increasing VAT at all. In fact, this year’s finance bill may not include any upward tax adjustments. We cannot impose more taxes on Kenyans; we have reached a point where we must say there is no more room for taxation on employment income,” Mbadi stated.

Members of the public pressed the Cabinet Secretary on government spending, particularly regarding renovations at State House, questioning the government’s priorities in light of its own austerity measures.

“Tumerenovate, so what you need to tell me is don’t spend any more money on renovation isn’t it? Ju hiyo nyumba ukona saizi ni mzuri imekuwa renovated imechukua ile pesa imechukua,” Mbadi responded.

He also faced backlash for using helicopters to travel to his rural home.

“I have taken a chopper on three occasions for government events, including a trip to Tana River. I left Nairobi after a meeting at State House to go to Tana River and back; I’m not sure I could have made it by car,” he explained.

“After that, I had another event in Kisumu. So, let me ask you, when I finish that and want to go home, does the chopper just drop me off on the road and return to Nairobi, leaving me to walk home?”

As the Cabinet Secretary faced increasing scrutiny from the public, he adopted a more conciliatory approach to reassure the skeptical audience that positive changes were on the horizon due to the government’s initiatives. He aimed to justify the deductions, which included the contentious social health insurance fund and the housing levy.

“SHA is an insurance, and insurance doesn’t imply that paying for health means you will inevitably get sick,” Mbadi explained.

Vivo Energy has addressed a viral video by content creator Tanuki Garage, who alleged that he tested fuel quality at various petrol stations in Nairobi, raising questions about Shell V-Power.

In a statement released on Sunday, Vivo Energy reiterated that all fuel imports in Kenya meet stringent quality standards, categorized into two Research Octane Number (RON) types: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95).

“Our fuel imports into Kenya comply with strict quality standards, classified into two Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95). Each shipment is certified at the source and undergoes thorough testing upon arrival in the country,” the statement noted.

Vivo Energy highlighted its dedication to providing high-quality fuel, ensuring that rigorous quality control measures are implemented in light of the recent reports.

“At Vivo Energy Kenya, we have robust quality control protocols at our depots to guarantee that all fuels meet the necessary standards before they are distributed through our extensive Shell service station network,” the company stated.

Additionally, Vivo Energy Kenya confirmed that it is taking the allegations seriously and has initiated a thorough investigation, which includes independent laboratory testing.

“We take these allegations seriously and have launched a comprehensive investigation, including independent laboratory testing. We will share further updates once our review is complete,” the statement concluded.

On Sunday morning, content creator William Kimm, known as GTR Tanuki, shared a video showcasing fuel tests conducted at seven different stations.

According to Tanuki, his results indicated that some premium fuels performed worse than their standard counterparts.

He asserted that the findings from Shell stations challenged the common perception that premium fuel consistently outperforms regular options.

In one instance, the V-Power premium fuel scored 87 PON, while the standard fuel at the same station achieved a higher score of 91.

Vivo Energy Kenya, founded in November 2012, caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from retail to commercial sectors, by offering a comprehensive selection of automotive fuels, lubricants, aviation fuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and black fuels.

The company operates oil storage terminals located in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nanyuki, provides aviation services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport, Mombasa International Airport, and Malindi Airport, and has a lubricating oil blending facility situated in Mombasa.

Three individuals were hospitalized in Bungoma South following a violent altercation stemming from a love triangle on Saturday night.

The victims sustained injuries, including cuts to their heads and hands, as a result of the chaotic incident.

According to a bodaboda rider, he discovered a man in his home and confronted him with a machete, resulting in severe lacerations.

In the ensuing struggle, the rider’s wife was also injured, and the rider himself suffered wounds while attempting to protect his family from the intruder.

All three were quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where they were admitted in critical condition.

Authorities have stated that they will interview the victims once they stabilize to gather more details about the incident before taking further action.

Such violent occurrences have been increasing in rural areas, prompting calls for individuals to resolve their conflicts peacefully.

Police report that many of these cases have been addressed, while others remain pending in the judicial system.

A man walked into a police station in Cherengany, Trans Nzoia county on Saturday and confessed to killing another man in his yard over a land dispute.

The suspect arrived at the Milimani police post wielding a bloodied kitchen knife, admitting that he had fatally stabbed a man with whom he had argued.

Officers on duty quickly disarmed him and took him into custody.

Subsequently, the police team visited the crime scene, where they discovered the body of Philip Ekitale lying in a pool of blood.

The victim had a severe chest wound that was still bleeding.

Authorities reported that the suspect and Ekitale had engaged in a heated argument prior to the stabbing incident on Saturday, February 1, in Lokoriama village.

It is alleged that Ekitale had walked through a pathway on land owned by the suspect’s family, which sparked the deadly confrontation.

The murder weapon has been secured as evidence, and police confirmed that an investigation is currently underway.

The body was transported to Kitale County Referral Hospital Mortuary, where it will await a postmortem examination.

At least five chiefs went missing on Monday after being ambushed and abducted by suspected terrorists in Elwak, Mandera County.

According to police and eyewitnesses, the group was en route to Elwak when they were attacked and their vehicle hijacked between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.

They were scheduled to gather in the area to strategize for an upcoming visit by President William Ruto to the region later this week.

Mandera South police commander Julius Njeru confirmed the incident, stating that the chiefs were traveling from Wargadud to Elwak town for official duties.

Ruto is set to visit the northern region this week, prompting heightened security measures.

During his trip, he will hold a cabinet meeting in Garissa, among other engagements.

The president’s itinerary includes visits to Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa Counties.

In response to the incident, a significant operation was launched, as the attackers, believed to have been lying in wait, reportedly fled into Somalia.

This area is located close to the Kenya-Somalia border.

Five individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the murder of Richard Haga Otieno, an activist based in Molo.

Otieno was killed on January 18, 2025, right outside his apartment in Elburgon Town, located a mere 200 meters from the local police station.

Due to the escalating tensions surrounding the case, authorities transported his body to Kericho Town for an autopsy.

Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation’s Homicide unit, along with members of the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), collaborated with local officers to delve into the circumstances of the murder.

The investigative team has confirmed the arrest of five suspects, who are scheduled to appear in Nakuru Court on Monday, February 3, for various applications that will allow for their continued detention as the investigation unfolds.

Among those arrested are two bodaboda riders who allegedly transported the suspected assailants to and from the crime scene.

One of the suspects is thought to be one of the three individuals directly involved in the murder, according to police reports.

Authorities have indicated that forensic evidence places these three suspects at the scene of the crime.

The remaining two suspects had previously attacked Otieno on November 8, 2024, and were sentenced to one year of probation.

Police have stated that these two were also present at the scene on January 18.

Mohamed Amin, the Director of DCI, expressed confidence that they have identified key suspects in Otieno’s murder.