Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of The Kenya Times Weekly Roundup! It’s been a week filled with intriguing developments and high-stakes drama that kept us all riveted. Buckle up as we dive into the top stories that made waves across Kenya and beyond!
Raila Odinga’s AU Commission Bid Officially Launched
On August 27,2024 the spotlight was on State House, Nairobi as President William Ruto officially launched former Prime minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship.
This high-profile event was graced by a stellar lineup of East African leaders, including Presidents Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.
The gathering also saw the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
President Ruto passionately endorsed Odinga, praising his “extensive experience and deep understanding” of African and global affairs.
He argued that Odinga is ideally positioned to tackle the continent’s challenges and enhance the AU’s role in global affairs. Ruto highlighted Odinga’s track record of transformative leadership and commitment to Pan-African unity.
The former premier now embarks on a campaign journey ahead of the February 2025 election in which he is facing competition from candidates representing Mauritius, Madagascar, and Djibouti.
Babu Owino Responds to Museveni’s Accusations
The launch event for Raila Odinga’s AUC Chairmanship bid took an unexpected turn when Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni publicly called out Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino.
Museveni accused Owino, who supports the ideologies of Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, of engaging with Uganda’s anti-National Resistance Movement (NRM) groups.
The Ugandan Head of State’s remarks, made during his speech, sparked immediate backlash and media frenzy. MP Babu Owino, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t shy away from responding.
In a statement, he expressed his gratitude to Museveni for directly supporting Odinga’s bid but refuted the accusations. Owino shared his personal experiences of poverty and hardship, emphasizing his empathy for those in similar situations.
He highlighted the importance of leaders who understand and address the struggles faced by the youth across Africa.
Safaricom and Starlink: The Cold War Intensifies
This week saw the escalation of the ongoing “cold war” by Safaricom against Billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink.
The tension had flared up following a letter from Safaricom to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) obtained by The Kenya Times which revealed the company’s concerns about the rapid expansion of satellite internet services in Kenya.
Safaricom’s letter urged the CA to regulate satellite providers more strictly, arguing that their independent licenses could pose risks to Kenya’s telecommunications sector.
The telecommunications company suggested that these providers should operate under the licenses of local network operators to ensure compliance with Kenyan laws and promote local investment.
This week, the controversy intensified when rumors spread that Safaricom had canceled M-PESA payment options for Starlink services.
Safaricom, however, quickly debunked these claims, assuring customers that the payment method remained available. The company’s clarification was aimed at quelling public concern and maintaining its competitive edge in the face of Starlink’s aggressive market strategies.
TSC clarifies withdrawal of Teachers’ Salaries
In a recent turn of events, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) found itself at the center of controversy amid rumors about teachers’ salaries.
Reports surfaced suggesting that TSC had withdrawn the August payroll in a bid to leverage the looming strike, which was set to begin on August 26, as a pressure tactic for teachers to return to work. Kenyans fueling the allegations, asserted that TSC’s abrupt salary halt was a strategic move to ensure compliance.
However, TSC addressed the misinformation. In a clarifying statement posted on its official X account, TSC debunked the claims, emphasizing that the reports were false. The commission attached a photo of the alleged fake post to highlight the deception.
TSC assured the public that the salary payments were on track and that any disruptions reported were not part of their strategy.
Salim Swaleh’s Heartfelt Apology to Musalia Mudavadi
Former Director of Press Service Salim Swaleh made headlines this week with a tearful video apology directed at his former boss, Musalia Mudavadi.
Swaleh, who had previously been an anchor at NTV before joining Mudavadi’s team, is currently embroiled in a scandal involving fraud.
In the viral video, Swaleh expressed profound regret for breaking Musalia’s trust and detailed the severe personal and professional consequences he has faced since his arrest.
Swaleh further described the toll of negative publicity, legal battles, and financial strain, including difficulties in paying his lawyers and dealing with police extortion. He revealed that he had even considered taking his own life due to the overwhelming stress.
His apology comes in the wake of accusations against him and others for attempting to defraud foreign nationals out of KSh5.8 million, which has further damaged his reputation.
Tragic Crash Involving New Range Rover on Mombasa-Nairobi Highway
And to some sad news, a tragic accident occurred on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway on August 27,204 involving a newly imported Range Rover vehicle and an Isuzu canter lorry.
The collision, which took place near Maji Ya Chumvi in Kilifi County, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, the 37-year-old driver of the Range Rover and a 29-year-old female passenger.
En route from Mombasa to Nairobi, the luxury SUV, collided head-on with the lorry while attempting an overtaking maneuver. The impact was devastating, leaving both vehicles extensively damaged.
The Range Rover, still using a temporary registration, was severely wrecked, with its front end crashed and windows shattered.
In addition, three other people were injured in the crash and rushed to local hospitals. Eyewitnesses blamed the driver of the Range Rover for speeding and unsafe driving practices.
Also Big This Week
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Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal was fined approximately Ksh85 million following his conviction for unlawfully acquiring Ksh84 Million from Samburu County coffers, with the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court directing the former Governor and businessman Hesbon Jack Wachira to each pay a fine of Ksh83,345,255 and should they fail to pay, they face an alternative sentence of four years in prison. The court further ordered the former governor to pay a fine of 1 million shillings or in default serve another four years for the offence of Conflict of Interest.
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The United Kingdom (UK) Government through the commonwealth scholarship commission (CSC) in partnership with the Ministry of Education announced Fully Paid Scholarship for Kenyans.
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Police officers made arrests in Nairobi CBD with a number of demonstrators who had showed up in a surprise protest put into custody.
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The Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an update for the 900 clerical positions under the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration instructing qualified Kenyans who applied to look out for updates on their application portal.
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The Standard Group PLC issued a warning to the public and radio stations in Kenya regarding broadcasting of the English Premier League (EPL) matches for the 2024/25 season. In a notice on Monday, August 26, the media house announced that it retains the exclusive radio broadcast rights of live commentaries EPL matches.
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On Sad stories, Mombasa Cement Limited owner and philanthropist Hasmukh Patel popularly Known as Hasuu sadly passed away on Thursday, August 29 at the age of 58 in Mombasa after a short illness. The billionaire has left behind a widow and three children.
Special Feature
The Kenya Times this week featured the Kitengela Hot Glass, a glass manufacturing company in Kenya located at the edge of the Nairobi National Park where artistry meets innovation.
Founded by Anselm Croze in 1990, this unique studio transforms recycled glass into breathtaking creations and has since become a top tourist destination with guests from all over the world visiting.
Discover the fascinating glassmaking process and explore the stunning mosaic-decorated café, artistic playground, and the iconic wobbly bridge. Dive into a world where glass meets imagination on the edge of Kenya’s wilderness through the link below.
Thank you for joining us for this week’s roundup! Stay tuned for more updates and keep engaging with us for the latest developments. Until next time, stay informed and stay inspired!
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