KBC Channel 1

Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • Mudavadi to lead Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts

    Mudavadi to lead Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been tasked to oversee Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts as government intensifies coordination to strengthen the country’s readiness against cross-border transmission.

    Speaking to Ambassadors , development partners, multilateral agencies, and key stakeholders to apprise them of Kenya’s preparedness, exchange views on the regional situation on Friday, President William Ruto revealed that his administration will set a National Response Committee headed by PCS Mudavadi to coordinate a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

    The purpose of the Committee is expected strengthen public awareness and preparedness, and mobilise the technical and financial resources necessary to address any eventualities arising from the Ebola outbreak and mobilise collective action to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.

    He disclosed that surveillance and screening measures have been intensified across 26 Points of Entry, with more than 58,000 travellers screened and all suspected cases tested so far returning negative.

    In addition, he said that a total of 17 isolation centres have been identified across the country.

    “Kenya will continue to act transparently, responsibly, and decisively to protect lives while contributing to regional and global health security,” said President Ruto.

    The Government has outlined ongoing interventions aimed at reinforcing surveillance, laboratory testing, border health services, case management, logistics, and public awareness systems.

    The renewed preparedness efforts come after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, while Africa CDC classified it as a Public Health Event of Continental Security.

  • Duale summoned over plans to quarantine US citizens exposed to Ebola

    Duale summoned over plans to quarantine US citizens exposed to Ebola

    National Assembly Departmental Health Committee has summoned Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and other Ministry officials over the decision to quarantine US citizens exposed to Ebola in Kenya.

    During the meeting, the Health CS is expected to appear before the Committee on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to provide a comprehensive briefing on the arrangement and explain measures the Ministry has put in place to manage the epidemic.

    The development comes after reports indicated that the Donald Trump administration is expected to deploy US public health officers to Kenya to staff a potential quarantine facility amid the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo.

    In the country, Lawmakers have raised concern over Kenya’s preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks in parts of the region.

    Speaking before the Parliamentary Health Committee earlier this week, Khwisero Member of Parliament Christopher Aseka questioned whether the Ministry of Health was adequately prepared to handle a possible Ebola outbreak.

    “Is the Ministry prepared for Ebola, noting the outbreak?” posed Aseka.

    Health Committee Chairperson James Nyikal urged the Ministry to provide Parliament with a comprehensive national response plan to deal with the threat.

    The Health Committee report indicates that the government has allocated Ksh 700 million towards the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Programme for procurement and installation of emergency response equipment.

  • Russian drone crashes into apartment building in Romania

    Russian drone crashes into apartment building in Romania

    A Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania, the country’s defence ministry said early on Friday, causing a fire and injuring two people.

    The drone crashed in the eastern city of Galati as Russia carried out attacks in Ukraine near the border, the ministry said in a statement.

    The Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said the drone’s entire explosive payload detonated, causing a fire on the 10th floor of the residential building.

    Russian drones have strayed across the border of the Nato member country a number of times during the four-year war with Ukraine, but this was the first time citizens from Romania had been hurt. Russia has yet to comment on the incident.

    “This incident represents a serious and irresponsible escalation on the part of the Russian Federation,” Romania’s foreign ministry said, adding Bucharest had informed the Nato secretary general and “requested measures to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to Romania”.

    The emergency services said two people received medical treatment after suffering abrasions and around 70 people were evacuated as the fire was put out.

    In a statement on X, a Nato spokesperson condemned “Russia’s recklessness”, adding that the military alliance would “continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones”.

    Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after the drones were detected in Romanian airspace, the defence ministry said.

    “One of these drones entered Romanian airspace, was tracked by radar as far as the southern part of the city of Galati, and crashed onto the roof of an apartment building, with the impact triggering a fire,” it said.

    The River Danube nearby forms the border with Ukraine, and Ukrainian ports are regularly targets of Russian air attacks.

    In an incident in April, another Russian drone caused material damage in Galati, but no injuries.

    Romania’s defence ministry says that since the start of the war in Ukraine, drone fragments have been found on Romanian territory on 47 separate occasions, 12 of them this year alone.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

    Meanwhile, a nationwide air raid alert was also issued overnight in Ukraine, where officials in the south of the country said the port of Izmail in the Odesa region came under drone attack early on Friday.

    And in a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, three utility workers were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on Thursday, the Kremlin-installed head of the region said.

    A fourth man was seriously injured in the incident, Denis Pushilin said on the Telegram messaging app.

  • Chuka youth urged to seize job opportunities at Affordable Housing site

    Chuka youth urged to seize job opportunities at Affordable Housing site

    The ambitious Chuka Affordable Housing Project is rapidly changing the skyline of Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency, recording a 33pc physical progress milestone as construction hits full stride on its four major blocks.

    Youths across the country have been encouraged to actively seek employment opportunities at ongoing government construction projects, especially the Affordable Housing Programme, which continues to create jobs for hundreds of Kenyans.

    Speaking in Chuka, Derrick Mtugi, a resident of Karingani and an electrical worker at the site, said the project has transformed the lives of many local youths by offering steady employment opportunities without discrimination.

    Mtugi, who has worked at the site for the past seven months, noted that many residents from the surrounding area have already secured jobs at the project.

    “Many local residents  have been employed here. There is no discrimination at this site. Anyone willing to work can come and get an opportunity,” he said.

    He challenged young people, especially Gen Zs, to take advantage of the available opportunities instead of remaining unemployed at home.

    “Gen Zs should come out and look for these jobs. People should not sit at home with their certificates thinking there are no jobs. Work opportunities are available, but many people are not making the effort to search for them,” he said.

    According to Mtugi, the Affordable Housing project has become a symbol of hope for many young people struggling to secure employment.

    He added that the initiative is not only creating jobs but is also expected to address housing challenges affecting many Kenyans.

    “This project will help many residents who do not have decent homes to eventually get houses. It is going to improve people’s lives in a big way,” he explained.

    Mtugi further observed that increasing employment opportunities among youths could help reduce crime and street families across the country.

    “When people have jobs, cases of theft and crime will reduce because people can earn a living honestly. Even the number of street children may reduce if more projects like this continue,” he said.

    The worker praised President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for supporting the Affordable Housing Programme, saying the initiative has empowered many young people economically.

    “I want to thank the President and the Deputy President because this project has really helped us as youths to uplift ourselves,” he said.

    The Chuka Affordable Housing project is among the government’s flagship development programmes aimed at creating employment opportunities, stimulating local economies and providing affordable homes to Kenyans.

  • Politician, Lawyer in dispute over a prime Karen property

    Politician, Lawyer in dispute over a prime Karen property

    A Multi-Million Prime Property located in Karen, Nairobi County, which is at the centre of dispute between politician Agnes Kariuki Kagure and Senior Lawyer Guy Spencer Elm has reached at a climax stage at the High Court.

    When the matter came for hearing before Justice Lilian Kimani, City Lawyer Conrad Maloba representing the Defendant Agnes Kagure put Guy Spencer on task to explain how he obtained a will from the deceased Rodger Brian Robson who died in 2012 whose property is in dispute.

    The senior advocate of the High Court Guy Spencer claimed he was the only executor and representative of the late Rodger Brian and holds all the original documents of the suit properties since 24th March, 1997.

    However during cross examination by Lawyer Conrad Maloba, Spencer admitted that neither the will nor the title deed had not been certified by the relevant authorities as required by the law.

    “I do not have faith with investigators. I was the sole executor of the properties according to the will of the deceased,” said Spencer

    The court was told that Spencer had declined to submit the copy of the will, title deed and other relevant documents to the Director of Criminal Investigations DCI upon a complaint filed by the defendant (Kagure).

    Maloba told the trial Judge the property was purchased by his client Agnes Kariuki Kagure from the deceased Rodger Bryan.

    The court was also informed Agnes Kagure had never been charged before a court of law over the said suit properties but Spencer was charged in September 7, 2017 with several counts of forgery, uttering of forged documents, demanding property upon forgery testamentary instruments where the matter stems.

    Maloba wants the High court to make a rule that the documents held by lawyer Spencer over the suit property is a forgery. Whereas, Spencer is urging the court to admit him as the owner of the suit properties saying the title deed held by the defendant is a forgery.

    The hearing will continue on October 21st and 27th, 2026.

  • Suspect linked to viral inflammatory utterances arrested

    Suspect linked to viral inflammatory utterances arrested

    Police officers have arrested a suspect linked to inflammatory public utterances that have gone viral across social media platforms, with content deemed highly inciteful and a serious threat to public cohesion and national stability.

    The suspect, 33-year-old Evans Onyango Kawala, aka Kidero Jasuba, was apprehended at the Shujaa Mall area in Kayole, following a well-coordinated operation by DCI detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU).

    Onyango Kawala is currently in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment.

    The DCI cautioned the public against making public utterances or disseminating content that incites violence, spreads hatred, or undermines peace and national unity.

    “Such acts amount to serious offences, and those found culpable will face firm legal action in accordance with the law,” said the DCI

  • Stop undermining President Ruto, UDA tells Uhuru

    Stop undermining President Ruto, UDA tells Uhuru

    The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has asked former President Uhuru Kenyatta to stop undermining the ruling administration.

    Through a letter to the former Head of State, UDA Chaiperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and the party’s Secretary General Hassan Omar, accused the former Head of State of choosing political hostility and fueling political anger and instability against President William Ruto’s Government.

    “Since leaving office, you have dedicated yourself to undermining the very government you handed over. You operate from behind the scenes, mobilizing political hostility, fueling public anger, and quietly hoping the country fails so that your prediction of collapse can somehow appear correct,” said the UDA officials.

    Speaking at a delegates meeting in Kiambu, Mr. Kenyatta took a swipe at the Kenya Kwanza Government accusing them of fueling tribal politics that could plunge the country into chaos and the tough economic times faced by Kenyans.

    UDA dismissed Mr. Kenyatta’s remarks as a spectacular failure driven by vengeance and bitterness over thier victory in the 2022 General Election saying he chose political hostility over working with President William Ruto for the country’s stability.

    The UDA Party also accused the Jubilee Party leader of deliberately running down the economy so as to trigger instability and justify a political comeback.

    They also listed Mr. Kenyatta’s failures in the economy, healthcare, agriculture, education, and infrastructure during his 10 years in office dismissing his attacks against Ruto as bitterness over failure to secure a lasting legacy

  • 19 suspects charged in Ksh14B Sacco fraud scandal

    19 suspects charged in Ksh14B Sacco fraud scandal

    19 suspects have been charged in court over an alleged fraud scheme that saw a Sacco lose over Ksh 14 billion.

    The suspects, comprising of former and current officials of the Sacco were charged with conspiracy to defraud, stealing, fraudulent false accounting, obtaining credit by false pretences, failure to maintain proper books of accounts, and operating non-core investment businesses without statutory approval, among other offences.

    Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, all the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted a bond of Ksh 200,000 with one surety each.

    The matter came to light after the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority submitted a formal request to the DCI, urging an inquiry into serious allegations of financial misconduct and embezzlement by Sacco officials.

    An immediate investigation unveiled a web of deceit, where Sacco officials acted in concert, blatantly violating their fiduciary duties. They manipulated financial records, irregularly transferred members’ funds, unlawfully disbursed loans, and failed to account for significant amounts entrusted to their care.

    Two interconnected fraudulent schemes were identified. The first saw a decade-long manipulation of loan disbursement figures from 2012 to 2021, leading to fictitious loans totalling an astonishing Ksh 13,483,350,322. The second scheme involved the illegitimate formation and operation of an Investment Cooperative Society Limited.

    This was a facade that allowed officials to divert Sacco funds, misappropriating Ksh 750,766,304 under the guise of land acquisition and investment opportunities in Kitengela.

    The case is set for mention on June 22, 2026.

  • Dozens killed in Lebanon as Israel intensifies strikes

    Dozens killed in Lebanon as Israel intensifies strikes

    Dozens of people were killed in an intensive wave of Israeli strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon on Tuesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to step up military action against Hezbollah.

    At least 31 people were killed in the latest attacks, including several children, Lebanon’s health ministry said.

    The Israeli military said it hit more than 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and fighters in what was one of the heaviest nights of bombardment since a US-brokered ceasefire began in mid-April.

    It came after Netanyahu this week said he had given instructions to “press the pedal even harder” in targeting Hezbollah.

    Early on Wednesday, sirens sounded in northern Israel early on after a projectile was launched from Lebanon into Israel, the Israeli military said in a statement.

    It added the projectile fell into an open area and no injuries were reported.

    Speaking at a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Netanyahu said Israel was “deepening our operation in Lebanon”.

    “The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] is operating with large forces on the ground and seizing dominant terrain,” he said, adding that they were “fortifying the security zone” to protect communities in northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks.

    The ceasefire has been repeatedly violated by both sides, threatening to derail the complex ongoing talks to end the war between the US, Israel and Iran.

    Israeli air and artillery strikes have continued daily, especially in the south of Lebanon, while Hezbollah has been launching rockets and drones at communities in northern Israel and Israeli troops occupying parts of southern Lebanon.

    Air strikes targeted the Bekaa Valley village of Mashghara and Burj al-Shamali across southern Lebanon, local media said.

    Some strikes hit near Beaufort Castle, state media reported, a nearly 900-year-old fortress recognised by the UN’s heritage body UNESCO for being “one of the best-preserved examples of medieval castles” in the region.

    In Monday’s video statement, Netanyahu said that Israel was going to increase the number and intensity of its strikes targeting Hezbollah in response to the Iran-backed Shia Muslim group’s attacks, including those involving fibre-optic drones that can evade Israeli defences.

    “We will deal them a crushing blow,” he vowed.

    The announcement prompted scenes of panic in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, where residents were seen fleeing the area following the remarks. Thousands of cars lined the streets with families trying to escape for safety.

    Though the strikes spared the capital, Israeli warplanes carried out wave after wave of strikes across Lebanon throughout the evening and into the early hours of Tuesday. The BBC counted dozens of attacks across nearly 50 locations.

    A man and his wife were killed in a strike on their home in the southern town of Arab Salim on Monday evening, and two other people were killed in the village of Kauthariyet El Rez, according to NNA.

    Overnight, several homes in Mashghara were destroyed in Israeli strikes.

    The Lebanese health ministry said the bodies of 11 people, among them one woman and two children, were pulled from the rubble. Another 15 people were injured, it added.

  • Nasa unveils next steps to build permanent Moon base

    Nasa unveils next steps to build permanent Moon base

    Nasa has released details of robotic landers, hopping drones and vehicles it aims to send to the Moon as part of US plans to build a lunar base.

    Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s space company Blue Origin is one of several companies picked to build the machines.

    The US wants to land Americans back on the Moon before President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029.

    But Nasa is competing with China to return humans to the lunar surface, meaning the space agency is under pressure to appear to be winning the new space race.

    China is forging ahead with its own plans to land humans on the Moon by 2030.

    On Monday it launched its Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, sending a crew of astronauts to the country’s Tiangong space station.

    In March, Nasa announced a $20 billion programme to construct a permanent base powered by nuclear and solar energy at the Moon’s south pole by 2032.

    Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman said on Tuesday that the announcements mean the US will “never give up the Moon again”.

    A base would allow the US to carry out scientific experiments, potentially mine valuable resources, and travel to Mars more easily.

    But most experts agree that Nasa’s timeline is unrealistic.

    Despite the US’s success in sending four astronauts around the Moon in its Artemis II mission in April, some scientists believe China is likely to be the next country to land humans on the lunar surface.

    “It would not surprise me at all if China gets there first,” Dr Simeon Barber, Lunar Scientist at Open University, told BBC News, citing Nasa’s setbacks in securing a craft that can land humans on the Moon.

    Nasa’s Ignition Moon Base programme has three phases.

    Before humans travel there, the space agency wants to send robotic landers and hopping drones to explore and map the Moon’s challenging terrain.

    Delivery vehicles would also be taken that could drive astronauts over the lunar surface and carry communications and scientific instruments.

    On Tuesday, Nasa said companies including Blue Origin, Intuitive Machines, and Astrobotic have been awarded the contracts to build the machines.

    Nasa wants Blue Origin’s lunar lander, called Endurance, to be able to carry out precise landings, as well as autonomous navigation and control.

    Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 lander is expected to land at Nobile Crater near the South Pole.

    The machines will also deliver scientific instruments for Nasa, including high-resolution cameras and tools that use reflected laser light to help the craft land.

    This robotic exploration should last until 2029, with 25 launches and 4 metric tonnes of cargo landed on the Moon, Carlos García-Galán, Moon Base programme executive said on Tuesday.

    Next, Nasa wants to build nuclear and solar power facilities on the Moon, including fission reactors.

    By 2032, the space agency wants humans to be able to live on the Moon in “semi-permanent” housing.

    Rovers would also enable astronauts to travel long-distance across the rocky surface.

    The Moon’s South Pole is particularly appealing because frozen water could be used for drinking water or to produce oxygen.

    However, Nasa’s plans rely on a spacecraft being ready that can safely transport humans to the Moon.

    Elon Musk’s company SpaceX is contracted to build a craft called Starship Human Landing System, but it has faced numerous setbacks and delays.

    “The limiting step is getting the astronauts down onto the surface,” explains lunar scientist Simeon Barber.

    “It sounds to me like [Nasa] feel they’re in a position where they have to start saying they’ve got plans. So I think there’s a lot of political drive behind this,” he says.