Kirinyaga County — A Form Four candidate from St. Philips Day Mixed Secondary School in Kirinyaga County missed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam after he was allegedly drugged by unknown individuals on his way to school.

The student, identified as Wycliffe Muthii, was later found in Makuyu, Murang’a County, by a good Samaritan who took him to the Makuyu Police Station.

Parents’ Shock and Desperation

According to his parents, Julius Wamugunda and Mercy Wambura, Muthii left their home in Kiaga Village, Kanyekiine Ward, early Monday morning, prepared tea, and set out for school around 6 a.m., eager to sit for his exams.

“I was shocked when the school called to ask where my son was as the exams were about to start,” said Wambura. “I couldn’t believe it because I had just wished him good luck that morning.”

Wamugunda added that teachers later visited their home after the student failed to report for the exam session.

Found Confused in Makuyu

As panic spread through Kiaga Village, relatives and villagers launched a search and reported the incident to nearby police stations.

His aunt, Roselyn Warui, said they were still searching when they received a call from Makuyu Police Station.

“An officer asked if I knew a boy named Wycliffe. When I spoke to him, he sounded confused. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Warui recounted.

The family rushed to Makuyu, where they found Muthii weak and disoriented. He was immediately taken to Sagana Sub-County Hospital for treatment.

Police Launch Investigation

A distraught Wambura questioned why anyone would target her son on such a crucial day.

“Who would drug my son on his way to do his exams?” she asked tearfully.

Police have since launched investigations into the incident, with authorities working to determine how the student ended up in Makuyu, more than 80 kilometres from his school.

Call for Student Safety

The incident has sparked concern among education stakeholders, with parents urging security agencies to enhance student safety during the national exams period.

Kisumu County — Police in Nyakach Sub-county have arrested two suspects, including a 20-year-old Form Four student, in connection with a series of robberies and house break-ins that have recently rocked the area.

Officers also recovered several suspected stolen items and a toy pistol believed to have been used during the criminal activities.

According to police reports, the student, a KCSE candidate at Ramula Odowa Secondary School, was arrested following an intelligence-led operation carried out within the school compound.

Suspect Confessed, Named Accomplices

Upon interrogation, the student allegedly confessed to participating in several robberies and identified his accomplices to investigators.

Acting on this information, officers arrested another suspect, Japheth Ndege, believed to be part of the same gang responsible for a string of thefts in the Nyabondo, Ndare Ramula, and Dirubi areas of Nyakach.

Stolen Property and Weapons Recovered

During follow-up operations, police raided several hideouts linked to the suspects, recovering laptops, tablets, and other electronics suspected to have been stolen from Kabete Primary School, Kabete AIC Church, and several business premises in Nyabondo.

Officers also recovered crude weapons, including a crowbar and a panga, alongside the toy pistol allegedly used to threaten victims during the robberies.

The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been booked at Ogoro Police Station as investigations continue.

Police Commend Intelligence Sharing

Authorities have praised members of the public for providing information that led to the arrests and urged continued community-police cooperation in the fight against rising crime in the region.

“We appreciate the support from residents, and we are determined to dismantle all criminal networks targeting homes, schools, and businesses,” said a senior Nyakach police officer.

Kirinyaga County — Dozens of residents from Gaciku A and Gaciku B villages in Kiaragana, Ndia Constituency, are counting huge losses amounting to more than KSh 2 million after falling prey to a fake electricity connection scheme.

The victims say they were approached by a group of individuals who posed as Kenya Power representatives, claiming to be implementing a government-sponsored electrification project aimed at connecting all households in the area.

Residents Paid Up to KSh 49,000 Each

According to community representative Elizabeth Njeri, the group mobilized villagers to contribute funds ranging from KSh 18,000 to KSh 49,000 per household, allegedly to cover connection costs.

“They told us it was part of a government project to ensure all homesteads received electricity. We believed them because we had waited for years,” she said.

Within a few days, electric poles and wiring materials were delivered, and installation work was completed. Several homes were briefly powered — but only for three days.

Kenya Power Disconnects Illegal Connections

Residents were shocked when Kenya Power officials, accompanied by police officers, arrived and disconnected the lines, saying the connections were unauthorized.

Victim Michael Murimi, who paid KSh 42,000, said he had even hired an electrician to do his house wiring.

“We were excited when the lights came on, but after three days, Kenya Power officials came and disconnected everything, saying the connection was illegal,” he said.

Another resident, Jane Wanja, said many villagers had sold livestock or taken loans to raise the money.

“Some people are still struggling emotionally and financially after losing their savings,” she lamented.

Investigations Underway

The matter has been reported at Kabonge Police Station in Ndia and at the Kenya Power Kerugoya office. Residents say investigations are ongoing to trace the suspects behind the scam.

Kenya Power, in past advisories, has warned the public against dealing with unauthorized agents and urged customers to verify all connection projects through official channels.

“Any genuine Kenya Power project will always have proper documentation and official communication,” a spokesperson reiterated in an earlier statement.

Public Caution

Authorities are now urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious individuals claiming to represent Kenya Power.

Cases of fraudulent electricity connection schemes have been on the rise in rural parts of Kenya, especially where electrification projects are ongoing.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzanians are still facing a partial internet blackout, despite authorities announcing a gradual restoration of services after a highly controversial general election.

The blackout began on October 29, immediately after a tense election day marked by demonstrations and scattered unrest across the country.

Live metrics published by NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, on Monday evening confirmed that social media and messaging platforms remain heavily restricted. Many popular websites remain either inaccessible or slow to load, indicating that network throttling is still active nationwide.

Rights Groups Condemn the Shutdown

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has strongly condemned the internet restrictions, calling them a blatant violation of fundamental rights.

“Imposing internet shutdowns, especially when people are protesting, stops important information from reaching citizens—such as how to find areas of safety or contact emergency services,” Amnesty said in a statement on Monday evening.

The organization also warned that the restrictions have hindered documentation of human rights abuses, including alleged killings and the disproportionate use of force by police and military officers.

Police Warnings as Curfew Remains in Effect

When internet connectivity was partially restored, users received a warning message from Tanzanian police urging citizens not to share photos or videos that could “cause panic.”

A 6 p.m. curfew remains in force in several regions, with security officials threatening stern action against those accused of spreading “propaganda” or organizing protests online.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned:

“Even if you see propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied for planning it.”

Disputed Election Results and Public Outcry

The National Electoral Commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner with 98% of the vote, securing her second term in office.

The 65-year-old leader was sworn in on Monday at the State House in Dodoma in a closed ceremony attended by a few invited guests, while the public was barred from attending.

However, opposition parties have rejected the results, calling the election “flawed and undemocratic.”

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that hundreds of protesters were killed during post-election unrest — allegations the government has dismissed as “hugely exaggerated.”

The internet blackout has further crippled independent verification of assault and murder claims made by activists and civil society groups.

Growing International Concern

Several international observers and human rights organizations have urged the Tanzanian government to fully restore internet access and allow independent investigations into alleged election-related violence.

Analysts warn that continued restrictions could damage Tanzania’s democratic reputation and further isolate the country from the global community.

Residents of Muthiga Village in Salgaa, Rongai Sub-county, Nakuru County, are reeling in shock after an elderly couple was brutally murdered in their home on Sunday.

The victims have been identified as Joseph Kihiti, 90, and his wife Bethrosa Wanjiku, 63, whose bodies were found in disturbing circumstances by concerned neighbours.

According to local authorities, Kihiti’s body was discovered lying on a bed, while Wanjiku’s body was found in the living room, indicating a violent struggle before their deaths.

Couple Discovered After Missing Church

Area Chief Stephen Nderitu said residents and church members became suspicious after the couple failed to attend Sunday service — a routine they rarely missed.

“Church members and residents visited the home and found the front door locked. At the back, we were greeted by a pool of blood and an open door,” he recounted.

The shocking scene prompted an immediate alert to local authorities, who cordoned off the home and began investigations.

Police Launch Investigations Into Brutal Killings

Confirming the incident, Rongai Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Donata Atieno said preliminary investigations suggest the couple was subjected to extreme violence.

Investigators believe the murders occurred on Friday evening, but the bodies were discovered two days later.

Strangely, nothing appeared to have been stolen from the home, and police have found no evidence of a domestic or land dispute, deepening the mystery surrounding the attack.

Family in Shock as Community Mourns

The couple, described by neighbours as peaceful and humble, lived alone on their small farm and were well-respected members of the local community.

Speaking in anguish, their son John Njogu expressed disbelief over the killing of his aged parents.

“Why would anyone think of taking my father’s life at such an age?” he asked, struggling to hold back tears.

Residents have called for speedy investigations and increased security patrols in the area, citing rising cases of violent attacks targeting elderly villagers in recent months.

Police Appeal for Information

Authorities are appealing to the public to share any information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators.

The bodies of the couple have been moved to the Nakuru County Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations, as detectives continue to pursue leads in the gruesome murder.

A Kenya Police rescue helicopter involved in evacuation efforts at the Chesongoch landslide site was on Monday forced to make an emergency landing after developing mechanical issues.

The chopper, which had just taken off from the mudslide-hit area en route to Eldoret Airstrip, turned back shortly after takeoff and made a hard landing near St. Mauras Academy, close to Chesongoch.

No casualties were reported during the incident.
Engineers from the National Police Service Airwing have been dispatched to the area to assess the aircraft and determine the cause of the malfunction.

A Vital Asset in the Chesongoch Rescue Effort

The helicopter has been a lifeline in the ongoing search and rescue operations, conducting an average of four flights daily between the tragedy site and Eldoret Airstrip.

It has been instrumental in ferrying humanitarian aid, rescuing the injured, transporting deceased victims, and supporting coordination teams responding to the disaster in Marakwet East.

Pilot Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken: A Story of Courage and Compassion

The aircraft is piloted by Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken, a seasoned pilot with over 10 years of flying experience in the Kenya Police Airwing.

Rotiken described the mission in Marakwet East as one of the most emotionally challenging in her career.

“I have been traumatized to see the suffering of children, women, and residents in the affected areas. I pray that God comforts them,” she said.

Despite the emotional toll, she affirmed her commitment to duty and continued leading daily flights to support rescue and relief operations.

Balancing Duty, Family, and Service

The 38-year-old officer, who is also a wife and mother, said she has learned to balance her demanding career with family life.

“I am used to this kind of work, and we have to do it so that we help those in need during such occurrences,” she said.

Rotiken expressed gratitude to her superiors in the National Police Service for their continued support and recognition of her efforts.

Trained as a pilot in South Africa, she has undertaken several specialized aviation courses, earning respect and admiration as one of Kenya’s leading female police pilots.

Her dedication and professionalism have made her a role model for young women aspiring to join both aviation and law enforcement.

Engineers Assess Chopper as Operations Continue

Authorities confirmed that rescue operations continue uninterrupted, even as technical teams work to restore the grounded aircraft.

The Chesongoch landslide has left dozens displaced and several feared dead, prompting an intense multi-agency response led by the Kenya Police, Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Red Cross, and local administrators.

The Kenya Police Airwing remains an integral part of such missions, offering aerial support in disaster response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian relief across the country.

Riders Track Down Stolen Motorcycles in Suna West and Nyatike

Boda boda riders from Suna West and Nyatike sub-counties in Migori County have successfully recovered three motorcycles that were stolen three months ago.

According to reports, two motorcycles were recovered in Suna West, while the third was found in God Kachalo Ward, Nyatike.

The recovery followed a joint effort by local boda boda associations determined to curb rising cases of motorcycle theft in the region.

Suspect Arrested After Attempt to Sell Stolen Motorcycle

Benard Ochola, Chairperson of the God Kweru Boda Boda Riders Group, said the suspect was apprehended when he attempted to sell one of the stolen motorcycles in Nyatike.

“We acted on information from our members and managed to catch the suspect while he was trying to dispose of the stolen bike,” said Ochola.

He added that the suspect was handed over to the police, who have since launched investigations into the theft syndicate.

Rising Crime Threatens Boda Boda Sector in Migori

Henry Otieno, Chairperson of the Suna Lower Boda Boda Riders Group, and Reagan Okoth, the Nyatike Sub-county Riders Chairperson, echoed Ochola’s sentiments, expressing concern over the increasing number of criminals targeting riders in Migori.

Okoth noted that in addition to losing motorcycles, several riders have lost their lives to violent attackers posing as passengers.

“It’s becoming dangerous to operate at night or in isolated areas. We urge police to work closely with us to track and eliminate these criminal gangs,” said Okoth.

Call for Police Partnership and Community Vigilance

The boda boda leaders appealed for stronger collaboration between police and riders, saying that enhanced intelligence sharing and patrols would help deter future attacks.

They also urged riders to remain vigilant, verify passengers, and report suspicious activities immediately to local authorities.

The boda boda sector, which supports thousands of livelihoods in Migori County, remains one of the most vulnerable to theft and violent crime. However, with growing cooperation between riders and law enforcement, many hope for safer operations across the region.

The Nairobi City County Government (NCCG), in collaboration with social enterprise Kidogo Early Years (KEYs), has unveiled a transformative plan to revolutionize childcare services in the capital.

This joint initiative focuses on the co-creation of a robust childcare policy and regulatory framework, setting a new standard for quality, affordable, and sustainable Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Nairobi.

“This initiative marks a crucial step toward institutionalising quality, sustainable ECD within Nairobi’s broader agenda,” said Judy Macharia, Head of Community Health Services, Nairobi City County.

Governor Sakaja’s Administration Invests in Early Childhood Care

Ms. Macharia reaffirmed Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration’s strong commitment to children’s welfare.

“Governor Sakaja continues to deeply invest in children. Beyond programmes like ‘Dishi na County’, we have secured funding to train healthcare workers and our 7,820 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on nurturing care and the Care for Child Development approach,” she noted.

She emphasized that children are the future, and the County is focused on building policies that promote their wellbeing.

Childcare Mapping Pilot: Making the Invisible Visible

A major highlight of the forum was the Childcare Mapping Pilot, jointly led by Kidogo Early Years and the County Departments of Education and Health.

The pilot revealed that over 4,000 daycare centres operate across Nairobi—many of them informal yet vital to working families.

Elaine Wacuka, Head of Policy & Partnership at Kidogo Early Years, explained:

“For too long, informal childcare providers have been the silent backbone of working families, yet they’ve remained largely unseen in data and planning. The Childcare Mapping Tool helps us make the invisible visible.”

This tool allows the County to visualize childcare distribution, identify underserved neighbourhoods, and understand provider needs—a critical step toward improving service quality.

Data-Driven Childcare for a Better Future

The mapping initiative leveraged the extensive network of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), whose local insights refined the tool to serve both policymakers and childcare providers effectively.

During the pilot, CHPs successfully mapped 174 childcare centres across areas such as Utawala, Upper and Lower Savannah, Mihango, Embakasi, Utalii, Mathare North, Lucky Summer, Korogocho, and Baba Dogo.

This provides Nairobi’s first hyper-local snapshot of existing childcare services, creating a foundation for evidence-based planning and interventions.

A Shared Responsibility: Government, Private Sector, and Communities

The forum emphasized that childcare is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration across sectors.

The new policy framework envisions:
✅ Government: providing leadership, setting quality standards, and increasing financial support.
✅ Private Sector & Philanthropy: investing in innovation, quality improvement, and infrastructure.
✅ Communities & Parents: accessing information and participating in shaping childcare services.

New County Regulations on the Horizon

According to Ruth Owuor, Director of Education, the County’s Education Department is finalizing the Nairobi City County Child Care Facilities Regulations (2025).

These regulations will streamline childcare services and operationalize the Nairobi City County Child Care Facilities Act (2017)—ensuring consistency, safety, and quality across all childcare providers.

Building Capacity and Sustainability Over the Next 3 Years

Martina Adega, Policy and Partnership Consultant for Kidogo Early Years, confirmed that the programme will run over the next three years, focusing on capacity building for childcare providers.

Training will cover the five pillars of nurturing care:

• Health
• Good nutrition
• Safety and security
• Opportunities for early learning
• Responsive caregiving

This government-led approach marks a shift from fragmented efforts to a coordinated childcare system that promotes equity, quality, and sustainability—especially for children aged 0–4 in low-income areas.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Nairobi’s Youngest Citizens

The Nairobi-Kidogo partnership is a model of collaboration that places children and caregivers at the centre of urban development.

By combining data, community insight, and policy innovation, this initiative is set to reshape Nairobi’s childcare landscape, ensuring every child has a safe and nurturing start in life.