馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Kenya's tourism sector sees increased arrivals despite former Deputy President's warnings
via Tuko2 min read
Kenya's tourism sector is experiencing a surge in arrivals, with Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reporting strong numbers across major entry points. Mombasa alone welcomed over 20,000 visitors in one week. This increase comes days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua advised tourists and foreign investors to avoid Kenya, citing claims of rising lawlessness. Miano stated that these figures demonstrate continued confidence in "Magical Kenya" and provide a significant boost to the local hotel industry, coastal excursions, and regional businesses. She highlighted that the numbers, including domestic, regional, transit, and international travelers, indicate Kenya's growing global appeal and the strength of its tourism trade ahead of the peak season. Miano also promoted Kenya's diverse attractions, from Nairobi's urban safari to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, the Great Rift Valley lakes, and Lake Victoria's Western Circuit, encouraging visitors to explore local cuisine, historic architecture, music, art, and cultural traditions. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and supporting communities reliant on tourism.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI have dismantled two suspected sexual exploitation operations in Kiserian and Ongata Rongai, rescuing a total of 48 women. In Ongata Rongai's Rimpa area, officers raided a house and found 30 women, aged 19 to 27, allegedly involved in producing obscene content. Seven laptops with cameras and other production equipment were recovered, and the suspects were taken to Ongata Rongai Police Station. In a separate operation in Kiserian, 18 women were rescued after being lured with false promises of domestic work and then allegedly forced into sexual exploitation. Mobile phones and laptops were seized as exhibits, though a key suspect in the Kiserian case remains at large. The DCI confirmed that the rescued women will receive comprehensive support services, including psychosocial counseling and medical care, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
The Kenyan government has refuted claims that President William Ruto nominated Winnie Odinga, Junet Mohammed, Cleophas Malala, Koki Muli, and Dr Agnes Zani for Cabinet positions. This denial follows the circulation of a letter, purportedly dated July 23 and from the National Assembly clerk, requesting the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission EACC to vet these individuals for various ministries. The alleged letter suggested Winnie Odinga for Tourism and Wildlife, Junet Mohammed for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Cleophas Malala for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Koki Muli for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, and Dr Agnes Zani for ICT and Digital Economy. However, the EACC has since dismissed the letter as a forgery, stating they received no such communication from the National Assembly clerk's office. This incident occurred amidst recent changes within the Executive, including the reassignment of principal secretaries and the appointment of a new government spokesperson.
Must ReadThe High Court has found former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero guilty of the 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno. Lady Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, concluding that the trio acted together in a coordinated plan that led to Otieno's death. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga welcomed the verdict, stating her belief that truth and justice have emerged in what was one of Kenya's most-watched criminal trials. The case garnered significant public attention due to Obado's profile as a sitting governor at the time of the killing. Sharon Otieno went missing on September 3, 2018, and her body, along with that of her unborn child, was discovered the following day in Homa Bay County. The prosecution presented 42 witnesses, including oral testimony and electronic evidence such as SMS, WhatsApp messages, and mobile call data. Justice Githua was satisfied that Obado had a motive and orchestrated Otieno's execution, with the evidence forming a complete chain pointing to the guilt of all three defendants.