A 39-year-old man from Mururi Trading Centre, Kirinyaga County, who had been missing for over a month, has been found dead in what police suspect to be a murder case.

The deceased, James Mwaura, who worked as a loader in Embu, was discovered at the Kerugoya Hospital Mortuary after weeks of frantic searching by his family.

His father, Robert Karanja Mwaura, a retired teacher, said he received a call from Mwea East Sub-County detectives informing him that a body matching his son’s description had been taken to the morgue.

“I had been looking for my son in vain until yesterday afternoon when I received a call from detectives in Mwea East. They informed me that a body had been taken to Kerugoya Mortuary and suspected it could be my son,” he said.

Upon visiting the facility, Karanja positively identified the body, which bore multiple injuries, suggesting a brutal killing.

“The body had several wounds on different parts. I believe his abductors used blunt objects to kill him,” he added sorrowfully.

According to police reports, residents of Murubara discovered the body on September 28, 2025, dumped along the Mwea–Embu Highway. It was initially recorded as that of an unknown male adult.

Witnesses described a scene indicating a violent struggle. One resident, Francis Muriithi, said the victim’s shirt was found a few meters from the body, while another, Phillip Njogu, reported that the body had wire marks on the neck and limbs, suggesting the victim was restrained before being killed.

“It looked like the killers tied him with wires before killing him. He must have died a painful death,” Njogu said.

Dozens of locals heading to church on that Sunday morning gathered at the scene as word spread about the gruesome discovery.

Karanja, who identified his son’s body alongside members of the ACK Mururi Church, said the family would now prepare for a decent burial after a heartbreaking search that ended in tragedy.

The grieving father, who lost his wife in October 2023, said the death of his only son had left him shattered.

“I survived the 1990 Molo tribal clashes and the 2007–2008 post-election violence, only to lose my wife last year. Now my son has been murdered. I’m appealing to police in Embu and Kirinyaga to investigate and bring those responsible to justice,” he pleaded.

Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and to identify those behind the heinous act.

At least 12 people have died after a light aircraft crashed in the Tsimba Golini area of Kwale County on Tuesday morning, authorities have confirmed.

According to police reports, the victims are believed to be tourists who were aboard the ill-fated plane when it went down shortly after takeoff.

The caravan aircraft had departed from Mombasa International Airport and was reportedly en route to either Nairobi or the Maasai Mara when the tragedy occurred. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, as investigations are currently underway.

Emergency responders, including police and local rescue teams, rushed to the crash site moments after the incident was reported.

Witnesses from nearby villages described hearing a loud explosion before spotting thick smoke rising from the area.

The airline, which operates regular flights between Mombasa and major tourist destinations across Kenya, has yet to issue an official statement.

Authorities say recovery operations are ongoing as efforts continue to identify the victims and determine what led to the fatal crash.

The Tana River County Government has officially announced 95 job openings across various departments in a new recruitment drive aimed at boosting efficiency and improving service delivery within the county.

According to a notice released by the Tana River County Public Service Board (CPSB), the county is inviting qualified and competent individuals to apply for both senior and mid-level positions spanning multiple sectors.

The recruitment process, issued in line with the County Governments Act (2012) and the Kenyan Constitution, features key leadership, technical, and administrative roles.

Among the top advertised positions are:

• Director of Roads and Public Works
• Director of Health Services
• Director of Water Superintending
• Director of Finance and Budgeting
• Director of Human Resource Management and Development
• Director of Revenue
• Director of Trade, Tourism, and Culture
• Director of Environment and Natural Resources
• Director of Vocational Training, Youth, and Sports
• Director of Cooperative Development
• Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services

Other openings include Deputy Directors in Enforcement and Administration, Assistant Directors in Agriculture, Urban Planning, Fisheries, and Gender Services, as well as Principal Administrative Officers, Economists, and Cooperative Development Officers.

The county has also advertised several technical and support positions, such as Agricultural Officers, Plant Operators, Cooks, Agricultural Technologists, and Assistant Cooperative Officers, with multiple slots available for each.

📌 How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit their applications online through the official recruitment portal: www.jobs.tanarivercpsb.go.ke.

Detailed job descriptions, qualifications, and application guidelines can also be accessed via the official Tana River County website at www.tanariver.go.ke/vacancies.

The deadline for applications is November 14, 2025, at midnight.

“The County Government of Tana River is an equal opportunity employer. Women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and members of marginalised communities are encouraged to apply,” the notice reads.

This comes as several counties ramp up recruitment to fill human resource gaps. Recently, Kisii County announced 498 job vacancies across departments of Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, and Education, Technical Training, and Innovation — with an application deadline set for October 30, 2025.

Interested applicants in both counties are advised to submit a cover letter, a detailed CV, copies of ID, and certified academic and professional certificates before the respective deadlines.

For more information or inquiries, visit the official county websites:

• www.tanariver.go.ke
• www.kisii.go.ke

Members of Parliament have begun a two-day inspection tour of ongoing Affordable Housing projects in Nairobi and its surrounding areas.

The exercise, led by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works, kicked off on Monday, following a directive to the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to facilitate the visits.

Committee Chairperson Johanna Ng’eno emphasized the importance of expediting the completion of ongoing Affordable Housing and Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) market projects in Nairobi County, noting that they are key to realizing President William Ruto’s flagship housing agenda.

As part of their oversight mandate, the legislators are engaging contractors and Ministry of Housing officials to assess progress and address emerging challenges. The inspection will later extend to other parts of the country.

On the first day, the MPs toured South B ESP Modern Market, Mukuru Meteorological Social Housing, Shauri Moyo A & B Affordable Housing projects, Jogoo Road Phase 1 Housing Project, and Riruta Modern ESP Market.

Today, the team is expected to visit Mathare 1 and 2 Housing Projects, Mathare North Modern Market, Kamiti Social Housing Lot 1, Maji Mazuri Modern Market, and Ruai Wholesale Market Hub.

During the site visits, the committee raised concerns about the adequacy of social amenities such as schools and hospitals for future homeowners and market traders.

Ng’eno reiterated the need for timely completion, noting that there are no payment or labor challenges hindering progress that could justify project delays.

While commending the steady progress of several ongoing projects, the parliamentary committee noted that the Shauri Moyo Affordable Housing Project had initially stalled but has since resumed construction.

According to the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the delay stemmed from a shift in the project’s development model — transitioning from a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to a Milestone Payment Model, which required adjustments to the contractual framework.

The MPs also urged the State Department to collaborate with local leaders in identifying nearby schools that can be expanded to accommodate the growing population of new homeowners in areas where there is limited space for constructing new institutions.

The inspection forms part of a week-long oversight tour covering Affordable Housing and Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) market projects across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties.

Committee members present during the exercise included Chairperson Johanna Ng’eno, Kakai Bisau (Kiminini MP), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti MP), Caleb Mule (Machakos Town MP), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia County Woman Representative), and John Kiarie (Dagoretti South MP).

Detectives in Turkana County are investigating a disturbing case in which a 35-year-old woman allegedly killed her two young children, buried them in a shallow grave, and later took her own life in the Todonyang area.

According to police reports, the shocking incident occurred in the Nachukui area on Sunday, October 26, 2025, when the woman, identified as Hellen Akai, is believed to have strangled her two sons, aged four and two, before burying them near her home.

Authorities said Akai was alone with the children at the time of the incident. Late at night, she reportedly dug a shallow grave and buried their bodies before hanging herself inside her house.

Her body was later discovered hanging from the roof truss with a rope tied around her neck. The motive behind the tragic act remains unclear.

Neighbors Raise Alarm After Unusual Silence

Neighbors grew concerned after noticing the family’s unusual silence and the absence of the children, who were often seen playing outside. They alerted local authorities, prompting police to visit the scene.

Upon arrival, officers exhumed the bodies of the two children and moved them, along with their mother’s remains, to the local mortuary for postmortem examination.

Residents told police that Akai had not shown any visible signs of emotional distress or instability before the tragedy, leaving many in shock.

Similar Cases on the Rise

The incident adds to a growing list of family-related murder-suicide cases being reported across the country. Just last week, in Suswa, Narok County, a man identified as Nahashon Mbogo poisoned his two daughters, aged six and four, before dying by suicide.

Police said Mbogo fed his children a toxic substance known as redcat poison, laid their bodies on a bed, and then hanged himself. The motive behind that case also remains unknown.

Rising Concern Over Mental Health

Police data indicates that up to five family-related murder-suicide cases are reported daily in Kenya, most involving men. Experts warn that economic stress, relationship breakdowns, and untreated mental health issues are contributing to the alarming trend.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), common triggers for such incidents include unemployment, grief, substance abuse, financial hardship, and mental disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Authorities say the government, together with mental health organizations, is working to increase awareness and access to psychosocial support across the country to curb such tragedies.

The Kenyan government has assured motorists that a free alternative route will be available for those unwilling to pay the Sh8 per kilometre toll on the upcoming Rironi–Mau Summit Expressway.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Thursday confirmed that the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), has been selected as the preferred bidder to construct and operate the 175-kilometre Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) expressway.

The project, valued at Sh180 billion, will operate under a 30-year concession, allowing the consortium to bear the traffic and revenue risks. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.

Free Route for Motorists

KeNHA stated that the existing A8 road will remain open and toll-free, providing motorists with an alternative to the premium expressway. This move aims to ensure travel freedom and ease public concern over the introduction of toll fees.

“The preservation of existing road networks as toll-free alternatives ensures that motorists retain choice in their travel options between Nairobi and Western Kenya,” KeNHA said in a statement.

Additionally, the Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) route will undergo major upgrades, including sections expanded into a dual carriageway, while remaining toll-free. This will serve as another option for budget-conscious travellers.

The Nairobi Expressway already operates a similar model, offering free parallel roads for motorists unwilling to use the premium lanes.

Toll Charges and Safety Features

Under the proposed model, motorists will pay Sh8 per kilometre for passenger and 4WD vehicles. The toll rate will rise by 1% annually, significantly lower than a competing bid that proposed Sh10 per kilometre with a 3% yearly increase.

The new expressway will feature an open tolling system with eight toll stations, including two in the Maai Mahiu stretch.

KeNHA has also emphasized improved traffic safety features, such as upgraded drainage, lighting, and anti-fog systems for high-risk zones, especially around steep gradients and fog-prone areas.

Major Benefits of the Project

The expressway is designed to reduce travel time between Nairobi and Mau Summit by hours, especially during peak periods, by expanding the current highway into a dual four-to-six-lane carriageway.

One of its key highlights will be a 4.5km viaduct through Nakuru town, aimed at eliminating urban congestion.

Economists say the project represents a balanced approach, allowing wealthier motorists and commercial operators to pay for convenience while maintaining free routes for all citizens.

“This model gives motorists the freedom to choose — pay for speed or stick to the free routes,” said an infrastructure expert.

Public Participation and Environmental Safeguards

Before construction begins, the consortium must undertake detailed environmental impact assessments, provide comprehensive cost analyses, and show how the free alternative routes will integrate with the toll system.

The PPP Committee approved the project on October 9, 2025, marking a milestone in Kenya’s infrastructure modernization drive.

Public participation forums will also be held to gauge motorists’ willingness to pay and gather input on potential socio-economic impacts.

Local Employment and Sustainability

The expressway is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, with training programs to enhance local skills.

The project also aims to support small businesses through sustainable initiatives, improve road safety, and boost regional trade along one of East Africa’s busiest corridors.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding tax exemptions, electronic toll collection systems, and land compensation for affected areas.

A Form Two student from St. Joseph Ntimaru Secondary School in Migori County has succumbed to gunshot injuries following a deadly banditry attack in Ntimaru, Kuria East.

The 16-year-old student was shot during the October 22, 2025, incident, when armed bandits raided the area and made away with an unknown number of livestock. He was rushed to a hospital in Kisumu for emergency treatment but sadly died from his injuries while receiving care.

The tragic news has left residents of Ntimaru and the wider Kuria community in shock and mourning, as calls grow for the government to strengthen security in bandit-prone regions.

Rising Insecurity and Cattle Rustling

According to police reports, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately during the raid before escaping with livestock. The student, who was caught in the crossfire, sustained severe injuries that proved fatal.

His body has since been moved to the Kisumu County Mortuary pending a postmortem examination, as police continue investigations into the attack.

Authorities have expressed concern that cases of armed cattle rustling in Kuria East have been on the rise, despite continued security operations aimed at restoring peace.

“We have noted that some locals are now acquiring firearms for retaliation, which is worsening the situation,” a police source revealed.

Security Reinforcements Deployed

In response to the increasing tension, additional police and anti-stock theft units have been deployed to the region. Officials say operations are ongoing to trace and recover stolen livestock, believed to have been sold in neighboring counties and across the border.

Local leaders have urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“We must prioritize dialogue and law enforcement over revenge attacks. Retaliation only fuels more suffering,” said one area elder.

Separate Incident in Laikipia

Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer in Doldol, Laikipia County, accidentally shot and injured his four-year-old daughter.

Reports indicate that the child sustained gunshot wounds to her hand and rib cage and was rushed to hospital, where she is now in stable condition.

Police are investigating the incident, with the officer expected to face disciplinary action once inquiries are complete.

A student from the University of Kabianga has caught national attention after developing a groundbreaking way to turn pineapple waste into eco-friendly products, offering a sustainable solution to Kenya’s growing waste management challenges.

The innovative student, whose project has gained praise from environmentalists and business experts alike, is using pineapple peels and fibers — often discarded as waste — to create biodegradable materials and handmade items that can replace harmful plastics.

Turning Waste into Wealth

In an interview, the student explained that the idea was inspired by the massive waste generated from pineapple farms and markets across Kenya, especially in regions like Kericho, Thika, and Murang’a.

“I realized that pineapple waste is abundant but underutilized. Instead of letting it rot or harm the environment, I decided to turn it into something useful — something green,” the innovator said.

Through research and experimentation, the student discovered that pineapple fibers could be processed into strong, flexible materials suitable for making eco-friendly paper, packaging products, and fabric alternatives.

This innovation not only helps reduce plastic pollution but also creates income opportunities for local farmers and youth involved in the collection and processing of pineapple waste.

Promoting Green Entrepreneurship

The project is part of a growing wave of eco-innovation among Kenyan youth, who are finding creative ways to address environmental issues while promoting entrepreneurship.

Experts say the idea has the potential to transform Kenya’s green economy, especially as global demand for sustainable and biodegradable products continues to rise.

“What this young innovator is doing aligns perfectly with Kenya’s environmental goals and the circular economy agenda,” said an official from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The student now plans to scale up production and collaborate with local industries to bring the eco-friendly products to market.

Pineapple Power: A Sustainable Future

Kenya is one of Africa’s top pineapple producers, yet a significant portion of the fruit’s waste ends up in landfills. By converting this waste into valuable green products, the project highlights how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.

The University of Kabianga has since expressed its support for the student’s initiative, calling it a model of sustainable innovation that should inspire other students to use science and creativity to solve real-world problems.

“This project proves that sustainability starts with a single idea — turning everyday waste into something powerful for the environment and the economy,” said a university spokesperson.

Conclusion

As Kenya continues to battle plastic pollution and climate change, innovations like this offer hope for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

The Kabianga student’s vision demonstrates that even what seems like waste can be turned into wealth, creating impact, jobs, and environmental change — one pineapple at a time.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Amnesty International, and Vocal Africa have issued a joint statement demanding the immediate release and urgent medical attention for Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were allegedly abducted in Kampala, Uganda, nearly a month ago.

According to the organizations, credible informal sources indicate that the two activists’ health has deteriorated sharply, allegedly due to torture and inhumane treatment while being held in secret detention. The activists have now been detained for more than 25 days without access to legal, medical, or consular assistance.

“Informal sources indicate that the two’s health has begun to deteriorate, probably as a result of torture and inhuman treatment after more than 25 days in detention without access to consular, legal, or medical services,” said Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa.

The three organizations expressed deep frustration over the inaction by both Ugandan and Kenyan authorities, accusing them of remaining silent as families and supporters continue to demand answers.

Ugandan police and military officials have denied holding the two men, leaving their whereabouts unknown, and heightening fears for their safety.

Rising Pressure from the Public

As part of a growing advocacy campaign, more than 300 Kenyans have reportedly emailed President Yoweri Museveni over the past few days demanding information on the activists’ whereabouts and their immediate release.

“As the campaign continues to roll out internationally, we are calling on more Kenyans, East Africans, and people across the world to demand their release,” said Abner Mango, a lawyer involved in the advocacy efforts.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, has also raised formal concerns following the Kenyan government’s failure to respond to inquiries regarding alleged human rights violations during the June 2025 protests.

Global and Regional Advocacy Intensifies

The advocacy groups have now announced plans to petition the National Assembly and the Senate to pressure both governments to act swiftly and ensure the safety of the detained activists.

“We are calling on development partners — including the IMF, World Bank, and African Development Bank — to review their engagement with governments, especially Uganda, that fail to uphold basic human rights,” said Felix Wambua of the Free Kenya Movement.

The incident has reignited regional and international calls for greater accountability and protection of human rights defenders across East Africa. Rights organizations are urging both Kenya and Uganda to adhere to international human rights standards and ensure that all detained persons are treated humanely and given access to legal and medical support.

As the search for truth continues, activists, families, and supporters remain hopeful that justice will prevail, and Njagi and Oyoo will soon regain their freedom.