KBC Channel 1

Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • French MPs approve assisted dying law with strict rules after years of argument

    French MPs approve assisted dying law with strict rules after years of argument

    France’s National Assembly has voted to create a right to assisted dying under strict conditions, after years of debate and changes to the proposals.

    MPs voted by 291 to 241 to back the bill, which had been rejected three times by the upper house of parliament, the Senate.

    Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to refer parts of the bill to France’s Constitutional Council for examination before it can become law.

    It would allow assisted dying for French adults with a “serious and incurable” life-threatening illness “in an advanced or terminal stage”. The illness would need to leave them in constant physical or psychological suffering that is unbearable or resistant to treatment.

    The patient would need to “freely manifest his or her intention” to a doctor, who would then make a decision after consultation within 15 days.

    After two days of reflection, the patient would have to administer a lethal substance themselves. If they were unable to do so, it could be done by a doctor or nurse.

    The patient’s decision to go ahead with the procedure would have to be verified by the physician on the day.

    Wednesday’s vote means France could join several other European countries that have decriminalised assisted dying in some form.

    A similarly lengthy debate has been taking place in the UK. A bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales stalled earlier this year and is set to return to Parliament in September.

    The Netherlands and Belgium legalised assisted dying in 2002 for people with unbearable suffering from incurable illness, allowing it to be administered by a physician.

    Several other European countries have since passed legislation, and Switzerland has long allowed assisted suicide if the person assisting acts unselfishly.

    In France, the issue has been highly contentious politically, drawing opposition from the Catholic Church and parts of the medical profession.

    Although it has now been approved four times in the National Assembly, an upper house dominated by right-wing parties has three times rejected it.

    However, opinion polls suggest a large majority of the French people support giving terminally ill people a choice of palliative care or assisted dying.

    On the eve of the vote, the French prime minister made clear he intended to submit some of the provisions of the bill to the constitutional council – a nine-member authority that checks whether a law complies with the constitution.

    President Emmanuel Macron has long backed end-of-life legislation, but his decision to call snap elections two years ago caused a significant delay to the process.

    Since 2024, there has been some reluctance from France’s prime ministers to proceed with the assisted dying bill and Lecornu is known to have his own reservations about its terms.

    In a statement ahead of the vote, his office said although the lower house had extensively debated the bill, the Senate had not allowed for scrutiny that met “both the aspirations of its supporters and concerns of those worried about its implementation”.

    Lecornu has asked the constitutional council to focus on three aspects of the law:

    • the two-day period of reflection given to patients to confirm their request once it has been decided by a doctor, which opponents argue is too short
    • the ability of patients under legal protection because of impaired judgement to exercise free and informed consent
    • the role of health and social care facilities in providing assisted dying services where their reason for existence is to provide palliative care to those who are terminally ill.
  • Iran threatens to block more trade routes as US launches fresh strikes

    Iran threatens to block more trade routes as US launches fresh strikes

    Iran has threatened to block further trading routes in the region, as the US launched a new strikes on military targets.

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain shut until the US ended its “acts of aggression”. It also threatened to close off other regional oil and gas export channels.

    It came as the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) said it had struck Iran on Wednesday morning, following another operation overnight. It also said its forces had redirected two vessels attempting to pass its newly-reinstated blockade of Iranian ports.

    Ongoing US-Iran hostilities have underscored the strategic importance of the Strait to the global economy.

    The renewed attacks have also triggered a sharp rise in oil prices, as tanker traffic through the vital shipping route has virtually stalled.

    Wednesday morning’s strikes “further degraded Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz”, Centcom said in a statement.

    A 90-minute wave was used to target Iran’s coastal defences and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island, the Centcom officials added.

    On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump vowed to strike Iran’s bridges and power plants next week if the country did not return to talks.

    “I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets,” Trump said in an interview on Special Report with Bret Baier that aired on Tuesday night.

    The escalation in rhetoric came after Trump said a 20% toll he had threatened to impose in the Strait of Hormuz would be replaced by “massive” trade and investment deals with Gulf states.

    A previous threat by Trump to bomb Iran’s civilian infrastructure, which was made in April, drew condemnation at the time from UN human rights chief Volker Türk, who said: “Under international law, deliberately attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime.”

    Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator in talks with the US, Mohammed Bager Qalibaf, said on Wednesday that the country’s national security depended on Tehran maintaining “Iranian arrangements” in the Strait of Hormuz.

    He added that negotiation – along with war – was part of Iran’s strategy of resistance as it engaged an “existential” conflict with The renewed US blockade on Iranian ports was imposed on Tuesday evening, which stops vessels from transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

    The blockade had previously been lifted as part of a deal that was struck by the two countries last month – known as a memorandum of understanding – that aimed to end the months-conflict.

    However, a dispute over the strait has become a key point of contention.

    In response to the renewal of the US blockade, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned the US that it should “expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies”. It did not elaborate on which routes could be affected.

    Meanwhile, Iran’s state-run broadcaster reported that the country’s army had carried out separate attacks on US targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.

    The US allies also said they intercepted drones and missiles launched from Iran.

  • UDA women MPs call for peace, back President’s re-election bid

    UDA women MPs call for peace, back President’s re-election bid

    Women Members of Parliament elected on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket have called for peace and unity across the country, urging young people not to allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians into engaging in violence and goonism.

    The leaders made the appeal while speaking in Marigat, Baringo South Constituency, during an economic empowerment programme for youth and women groups.

    The event was led by Kericho Woman Representative and brought together several UDA women leaders from different counties.

    The legislators emphasized that Kenya’s peace and stability should take precedence over political competition, noting that elections are temporary events while the country’s unity is permanent.

    They urged young people to reject incitement and instead embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of their political affiliations.

    The women leaders expressed concern over the recent rise in politically instigated violence, where groups of youths have allegedly been hired to disrupt political meetings and intimidate opponents.

    They described the trend as a serious threat to national security and warned that such actions undermine democracy and peaceful political engagement.

    Nandi Woman Representative condemned the practice of using unemployed youths to cause chaos during political rallies, saying it exploits vulnerable young people for selfish political interests.

    She challenged leaders across the political divide to promote issue-based politics instead of encouraging violence and disorder.

    The MPs also encouraged the government to continue investing in youth empowerment programmes aimed at creating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods. They said economic empowerment remains one of the most effective ways of protecting young people from political exploitation.

    At the same event, the UDA women leaders declared their support for President William Ruto’s bid for a second term in office.

    They argued that the President has fulfilled many of his development promises and pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, expanded social programmes, and economic reforms as evidence of his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Kenyans.

    They maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration deserves another term to complete its development agenda and urged wananchi to continue supporting the government’s programmes.

    Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia expressed confidence that the ruling party would emerge victorious in the forthcoming Ol Kalou by-election. She said UDA enjoys widespread support in the area and remains focused on delivering development to residents.

    Jematia also criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting tribal politics. She urged leaders to champion national unity and inclusive leadership, saying Kenya’s progress depends on leaders who bring citizens together rather than dividing them along ethnic lines.

  • Murang’a compensates victims of landslides and other disasters

    Murang’a compensates victims of landslides and other disasters

    More than 50 residents affected by landslides and fire tragedies have received financial assistance from the Murang’a County Emergency Fund.

    A total of Ksh 520,000 was disbursed to the affected families to help them recover from the disasters.

    Speaking during the distribution of the funds, Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania said the beneficiaries were identified and vetted by the Kenya Red Cross in collaboration with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).

    Murang’a County has previously compensated residents affected by fires and protest chaos.

  • Murang’a County reaches deal ECDE teachers, call off strike

    Murang’a County reaches deal ECDE teachers, call off strike

    Murang’a County Government and the County Government Workers Union (COGWU) have signed a return-to-work agreement, bringing to an end a months-long strike by ECDE teachers.

    COGWU Deputy Secretary General Dr. John Ndunda, speaking after the signing, said the agreement marks the end of the industrial action that had disrupted learning in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across Murang’a County.

    He said normal learning is expected to resume immediately.

    Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania, who presided over the signing ceremony, said the agreement goes beyond salary increments.

    He noted that it formally recognizes ECDE staff as teachers rather than caregivers, provides for the absorption of ECDE intern teachers into the contractual terms and establishes a framework for continuous dialogue between the county government and the union.

    One of the teachers present, Joyce Wanjiku, welcomed the agreement, saying most ECDE teachers were satisfied with the new terms. She noted that besides the salary increment, the agreement restores the dignity of ECDE teachers and will enable them to serve learners more effectively.

  • 11 Al-Shabaab terrorists killed, seven injured near Kenyan border

    11 Al-Shabaab terrorists killed, seven injured near Kenyan border

    Eleven Al-Shabaab terrorists have been killed and seven others left with serious injuries following a ground assault near the Kenya-Somalia border.

    The intelligence led operation carried by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Sunday morning targeted makeshift camp where the terrorists were preparing to carry out a terror attack in one of the border villages in Mandera County.

    A police report said the ground assault with aerial support was launched on the terrorists numbering about 30 fighters.

    During the early morning assault 3 PKM guns and about 409 ammunitions were recovered as the terrorists were retreated into Somalia.

  • Leaders urge youth to champion peace, participate in Ol Kalou by-election

    Leaders urge youth to champion peace, participate in Ol Kalou by-election

    Mt. Kenya leaders have called on young people in Ol Kalou Constituency to play a leading role in promoting peace and participating in the parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026.

    Speaking during the finals of the Muchina Tournament at Captain Shopping Centre, the leaders led by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire urged the youth to reject violence, intimidation, and political incitement, and instead become ambassadors of peace before, during, and after the election.

    They encouraged eligible young voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right, saying the future of the constituency depends on their active participation in the electoral process.

    The leaders noted that sporting activities such as the Muchina Tournament provide a platform for nurturing talent, promoting unity, and keeping young people positively engaged.

    They said investing in youth through sports and other empowerment initiatives is key to building a peaceful and prosperous society.

    Winners of the tournament were awarded cash prizes and trophies in recognition of their outstanding performances.

  • US and Iran trade fire as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz

    US and Iran trade fire as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz

    The US launched a new attack on Iran on Sunday evening, continuing days of strikes between the two countries. Iranian state media reported that the strikes killed one person in southwestern Iran, while four were injured.

    Within hours of the fresh US strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.

    The escalating attacks, which cast doubt over the future of the interim US-Iran agreement signed in June, come amid conflicting claims over whether the Strait of Hormuz is open.

    Iran says it has closed the key waterway until further notice, while the US insists it is open.

    On Sunday evening, Centcom announced another round of strikes against Iran, which it said started at 17:00 ET (22:00 BST).

    Dozens of Iranian military targets, including air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities were struck, it said later.

    US forces were “prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations,” Centcom said.

    Minutes before the initial Centcom announcement, Iranian state TV reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Jask.

    “Following the attack of the American enemy on Monday morning… one person was martyred and four others were injured,” IRNA reported, citing the deputy governor for security and law enforcement in Khuzestan province, Valiollah Hayati.

    Oil prices jumped on Monday in Asia. Brent crude was up by 4.3% at $79.26 (£59.22) a barrel, while US-traded oil also rose by 4.3% to $74.50.

    Energy prices on global wholesale markets have swung wildly in recent months as traders reacted to developments in the conflict.

    Shortly after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes.

    Despite the latest gains, prices are well below the more than $120 a barrel mark Brent reached at the end of April.

    The new wave of US strikes on Sunday evening, came after US forces hit 140 Iranian military targets, Centcom said on Saturday evening.

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded to those strikes with wide-ranging attacks on US bases and allies across the region, marking an escalation in the scale of hostilities.

    Among those targeted by Iran were Qatar, a mediator in ceasefire talks which had not been attacked since April, and the UAE, which had not been attacked since May. The BBC has approached US Central Command (Centcom) for comment on an attack in Jordan.

    The renewed fire has put in jeopardy an interim ceasefire agreement signed last month, which aimed to reopen the strait and eventually bring a permanent end to the conflict.

    Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared the Iranian attacks meant the ceasefire was over, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating the deal.

    However, Trump said talks would still continue and mediators were trying to revive the process.

    On Sunday, US Central Command insisted the Strait was open, warning the US military was in position to make sure it stayed free-flowing.

  • At least 27 killed, eight critically injured in Bangkok bar fire

    At least 27 killed, eight critically injured in Bangkok bar fire

    A huge fire tore through a bar in Bangkok late on Sunday, killing at least 27 people and leaving eight critically injured.

    The blaze started near the stage of the bar in the popular Chatuchak district, then spread rapidly, cutting power and engulfing the room with smoke, eyewitnesses say.

    Footage posted online show panicked customers screaming as they fled – some with their clothes on fire – through the flame-enveloped front door of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao.

    Firefighters, who arrived at the scene just after midnight, quickly extinguished the fire. They found the bodies of most of the victims in a bathroom, where they had apparently sought shelter.

    Preliminary investigations by Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department suggest the fire could have been caused by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioner, though no official cause has been given.

    Authorities have promised a thorough investigation.

    This is not the first time such an incident has occured in Thailand.

    Despite official promises to improve fire and electrical safety standards following previous incidents, they are still often poorly enforced.

    Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene early on Monday, said a musician who was performing when the fire broke out told him “there was blasting and everybody tried to flee from the smoke and flames”.

    Many people did not make it out of the bar because they “went to the back of the building and tried to hide themselves… in the toilet”, the musician said, according to Anutin.

    Firefighters, who were alerted to the blaze by a passing driver, were reportedly able to bring the flames under control in about half an hour.

    However, despite their efforts, nine men and 18 women were killed, while more than 60 are now being treated in hospital, including eight who are suffering from critical injuries.

    Initial findings suggest the majority of the victims had died from smoke inhalation, said Suriyachai Raviwan, the director of Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department.

    Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt say the flammable interior decorations on the bar’s ceiling may have facilitated the blaze’s rapid spread.

    There are also reports of people found unconscious near the building’s emergency exit, suggesting that there may have been some obstruction, the governor added.

    Authorities say these suggestions can only be confirmed through further investigation by forensic officers.

    One motorcyclist, Surin Jaiharn, told AFP that he helped about five people flee the burning bar using clothing to extinguish flames on their bodies.

    “I feel depressed. I saw many deaths and I do not know the fate of the people I helped,” he told AFP.

    The driver who alerted the fire department told Thai news outlet the Daily News that he broke windows to help two people escape.

    As of Monday morning, the bar has been cordoned off, with shattered windows and furniture piled up outside its entrance. Confronting pictures have emerged of many body bags lined up outside the bar.

    Inside, the furniture, walls and ceiling are completely blackened, with parts of the ceiling peeled off. When the BBC arrived at the scene on Monday, an acrid smell of burning lingered in the air.

  • Mudavadi: Western Kenya is looking at the ultimate prize come 2032

    Mudavadi: Western Kenya is looking at the ultimate prize come 2032

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has now hinted at going for the Presidency in 2032, as part of ensuring continuity of the policies, programs and agenda of the Kenya Kwanza Government.

    Speaking for the first time in a long time about his political future, Mudavadi said he is best suited to take over from President William Ruto when he completes the second term to affirm continuity of Government projects.

    Mudavadi said the Western Kenya as a region has had an opportunity of producing three vice presidents in the previous regimes and time has come for the region to eye the top seat.

    “I was the Vice President in 2002 when I served under the late Rtd President Daniel Arap Moi, and later my brother Kijana Wamalwa (Late) occupied the seat before Moody Awori serving in the same capacity. We now want to prepare ourselves for the ultimate price which is the President’s seat,” noted Mudavadi.

    “We need to be united as a region and as a people. This will happen if we support President Ruto for his second term and there-after we plan well and I believe we shall get this seat,” added Mudavadi.

    Mudavadi was in Trans Nzoia County during a development tour of the region, where he insisted that Kenya needs a leadership transition that will unite the people and ensure continuity President Ruto’s development track record.

    He said Kenyans should give President Ruto a second term that is petition free and ensure he wins with a big margin.

    Mudavadi said Western Kenya stands a better chance of picking up from President Ruto in 2032, and it is time the leadership and the people realise that power is right at their door step.

    “Mimi nimeongoza chama cha ANC na najua umuhimu wa chama. Nilifanya uamuzi na wafuasi wetu na tukajiunga na UDA ili foot print yetu iwe kubwa zaidi na ishike kila mahali kuanzia Western, twende Rift Valley, twende Coast, twende Mt Kenya, twende Eastern, Nyanza, Nairobi, North Eastern na kila pahali ili tuwe tayari kuchukua uongozi wa Kenya,” said Mudavadi.

    “Lazima tutapimana nguvu baada ya kumpa Ruto 2nd Term mwaka wa 2027, na tukiwa na hiyo foot print kubwa kama tumeshika kila mahali, hiyo itatupea nafasi nzuri ya kuwa President kutoka eneo la Magharibi,” added Mudavadi.

    Mudavadi said Western Kenya has had a good reputation in producing national leaders from the era of the Late Mzee Masinde Muliro and he urged the region to appreciate and support their leaders who are championing for positive change.

    “It takes time for a region to nurture a leader of national stature and reputation. Let us respect our leaders, support them and rally behind them. We should emulate what other regions are doing with their leaders,” Mudavadi said.

    “In 2022, I told you that President Ruto will win and he won. I am here again in Kitale, as your son and brother, I want to tell you that Ruto will win in 2027, and he is the route for us to take over in 2032. We want a petition free win for Ruto, and I urge you to register in large numbers and we support Ruto fully for we must be consistent and have continuity for Kenya to move forward,” he explained.

    During his tour Mudavadi said he is not endorsing any leader for the Trans Nzoia Gubernatorial race urging the competitors to intensify their individual campaigns at the grassroots level ahead of the UDA nominations next year.

    He said those misleading the electorate must shun from preaching and spreading propaganda since it is the people who will decide who becomes their next governor.

    “I am a leader who believes that the strength of democracy lies in competition. I am not here to impose any leader on the people of Trans Nzoia. All those eyeing the seat for Governor, will undergo nominations at the right time,” Mudavadi said.

    “Some people are moving around thinking that they have the monopoly of touring the counties of Western Kenya misleading our people. They tried in Malava during the by election and we dealt with them at the ballot. I want to warn them that we have now come for you. From Trans Nzoia to the rest of the region, we will now face you head on. What I urge our people is that we remain united,” Mudavadi added.

    Mudavadi spoke when he graced the empowerment programme for over 2,700 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) where he lauded their efforts in helping the communities at the grass roots level in making sure that Universal Health Care works.

    He appreciated the CHPs for sacrificing and remaining committed in preventing diseases and saving lives.

    “The Kenyan Community Health Promoters have become an example that many want to emulate internationally. As President Ruto’s Foreign Affairs Minister, I have been in many meetings abroad and you have become a point of reference, so when you are awake while others are still sleeping, just know that your contribution is not in vain,” Mudavadi said.

    “The government is working towards ensuring that you get better equipment and increased budgetary allocations. We want you to handle the sophisticated equipment because we believe in your contribution towards the Universal Health Care programme for this administration,” Mudavadi added.

    Mudavadi promised the Community Health Workers of enhanced capacity building programs that will help them advance their skills and expertise as he appreciated how they have remained selfless in protecting Kenyans.

    He urged them to continue supporting President Ruto’s policies and programmes as he means well for this country.

    “I want all Citizens to be alert. The disunited opposition is working hard to spread the narrative of reversing all gains being made by this administration. I want to warn Kenyans that these individuals don’t mean well for our country. How do you tell Kenyans that you will reverse policies on Health Care, infrastructure, affordable housing, agricultural extension, the SGR project that is being constructed to get to Malaba, the employment of over 100,000 teachers? Tuchunge sana hawa watu na tusiskize porojo zao,” Mudavadi warned.

    Earlier, Mudavadi inspected the ongoing construction of Kiminini Modern Market where he assured traders and residents that the government remains committed to delivering on its promise of providing safe, clean and modern trading facilities that empower businesses to thrive.

    The Prime Cabinet Secretary also unveiled the new Sikhendu Secondary school classroom complex, comprising of 7 classrooms and an administration block.

    Friday, he heads to Kakamega on the 2nd day of his tour of the larger Western Kenya region.