A group comprising elders, residents, and human rights advocates in Isiolo County has urged both the county and national governments to take immediate action to extinguish a fire that ignited three days ago in Merti Sub County, which has already devastated over ten square kilometers of grazing land.

Under the leadership of Mohamed Konso, chairperson of the Borana Council of Elders, the group expressed grave concerns regarding potential widespread livestock fatalities and the destruction of homes and local institutions if the fire is not swiftly controlled.

The blaze, which originated in Merti, has already affected grazing areas utilized by herders in Matarba, Korbesa, and Malkagalla, and is now advancing towards Iresaboru, Badana, and Sericho. There are increasing worries that if the fire continues to spread unchecked, it may soon encroach upon residential zones, leading to further devastation.

Konso emphasized that despite the fire burning for over 72 hours, there has been no governmental response to address the situation. He urged both the national and county authorities to treat this disaster as an emergency and act promptly to extinguish the flames before they reach inhabited areas.

While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, it is believed to be accidental. Abdullahi Hajj Gonjobe, a Borana elder, suggested that herders may have inadvertently left a cooking fire unattended in the bushes, and noted that local herders also engage in wild honey harvesting, which could have contributed to the outbreak.

The elders highlighted that the amount of pasture already lost to the fire could have sustained both livestock and wildlife for an additional two years. The repercussions of this disaster are expected to significantly impact the livelihoods of the local community in the foreseeable future.

They pointed out that local residents have made considerable efforts to combat the fire, but their attempts have been unsuccessful due to a lack of adequate equipment. The community has appealed to the government to act swiftly and deploy aircraft to expedite the firefighting efforts before further damage occurs.

Kenya dispatched over 200 police officers to Haiti on Saturday, reinforcing a security mission in the Caribbean nation that is grappling with severe gang violence, which has resulted in the displacement of more than one million individuals.

Approximately ten nations have collectively committed more than 3,100 troops to Haiti as part of a United Nations-supported anti-gang initiative; however, the actual deployment has been limited thus far.

Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Interior Minister, announced that the new contingent consists of 217 police officers from Kenya, who will augment the roughly 400 officers deployed the previous year.

“Our dedication to this significant mission remains steadfast, and we will persist in rallying all necessary international support to ensure its success,” he stated in a social media update.

Upon welcoming the troops, Haitian President Fritz Alphonse Jean expressed gratitude to Kenya for its steadfast assistance in combating gang violence in the country, assuring that the safety of the soldiers would be prioritized.

“We extend a warm welcome to our brothers from Kenya. The previous Kenyan troops have been diligently engaged, and during these trying times, we require friends like you,” he remarked.

Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, encouraged the officers to stay alert and assist the war-torn nation in restoring peace.

“Since the initial deployment, the officers have conducted successful operations against gangs. I urge them to uphold the established standards of excellence as they work to achieve their objectives,” he stated.

Kenya has taken the lead in staffing the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, initially pledging to send a total of 1,000 personnel.

However, Reuters reported last month that nearly 20 individuals from the initial deployment had submitted resignation letters from the anti-gang mission, citing delays in pay and inadequate conditions.

In response, the MSS in Haiti, which is overseen by senior Kenyan police officials, asserted that its personnel had received their salaries and that no resignations had been reported.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directed criticism towards the government following an incident where a prayer meeting organized by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, was disrupted by Maina Njenga and a group of young individuals.

The event took place at Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri County on Saturday, during which Njenga unexpectedly entered, leading to chaos and ultimately prompting Pastor Dorcas to leave the venue.

In defense of his wife, Gachagua took to X to accuse the State of orchestrating the disruption, labeling Njenga as a gang leader intent on inciting disorder within the country.

“Allowing the leader of an outlawed criminal organization and his associates to interrupt peaceful prayers and violate the sanctity of the altar represents the lowest point any government can reach, regardless of its level of desperation,” he stated.

This incident occurs amidst escalating political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region following Gachagua’s impeachment from his influential position in the government.

He has since launched a vigorous critique against the State and President William Ruto, cautioning the local populace to remain vigilant regarding Ruto’s intentions in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

Njenga’s reappearance after Gachagua’s removal has fueled speculation that he may be positioned to challenge Gachagua and influence the politically significant region in favor of President Ruto.

However, the former Mungiki leader has refuted assertions that he is acting as Ruto’s representative in the central region.

He has also ridiculed Gachagua’s accusations, stating: “He (Gachagua) wants to take me to The Hague yet he is powerless. That is merely empty talk.”

Two individuals have lost their lives in a tragic road accident on the Machakos – Kitui road in Kaseve, Machakos County.

According to Machakos County police commander Patrick Lobolia, the deceased included the driver of a Probox vehicle and a passenger.

Lobolia reported that 14 other individuals, who were passengers in a 14-seater matatu, suffered injuries and were promptly transported to Machakos Level 5 Hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred on Friday evening and was subsequently documented at the Machakos police station as a fatal traffic accident.

“Two individuals died at the scene following a head-on collision between a Probox and a 14-seater passenger matatu along the Machakos – Kitui road in the Kaseve area of Machakos subcounty on Friday,” stated Lobolia.

He further explained that the matatu was en route to Machakos town while the Probox was heading towards Kitui when the collision took place.

“Two individuals perished instantly, while 14 others sustained minor injuries as a result of the head-on collision,” Lobolia added.

He indicated that the Probox reportedly lost control, veering into the lane of the matatu, which led to the accident.

Traffic officers from the Machakos police station arrived at the scene to clear the area and remove the wreckage and bodies.

The deceased were taken to the mortuary at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where they await postmortem examinations and identification.

Lobolia mentioned that the wreckage has been transported to the Machakos police station for inspection and further action.

The injured individuals were also taken to the same hospital for medical care.

Lobolia confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been initiated.