馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Senator John Methu defends confronting President Ruto over stalled projects in Nyandarua
via Tuko6 min read
Nyandarua senator John Methu has expressed pride in his controversial remarks directed at President William Ruto during a funeral, stating he would repeat them if given the opportunity. Methu clarified that his comments were not meant to disrespect the head of state but to fulfill his oversight role as an elected leader. He highlighted stalled development projects and unfulfilled promises in Nyandarua county, including an incomplete road linking Njambini to Gatura. Methu emphasized his constitutional duty to hold the executive accountable and ensure promises to his constituents are met, stating, "I respect you but do not fear you." His remarks have drawn criticism from some of the president's political allies, who accused him of disrespect and suggested he apologize. However, Methu maintains that leaders must be willing to speak out without fear to serve the people effectively.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Former Kenya Defence Forces Major Peter Mwaura Mugure has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Nyeri for the murder of his wife, Joyce Syombua, and their two children, Shanice Maua and Prince Michael, in October 2019. Justice Martin Muya delivered the sentence on July 14, finding that the prosecution presented "cogent, credible, and consistent evidence" proving Mugure's guilt. The court noted Mugure showed no remorse for the killings, which Justice Muya described as barbaric acts of infanticide and femicide. Evidence presented during the trial indicated Mugure killed his two children first, then their mother, hiding their bodies in his vehicle before disposing of them at a remote location. The prosecution also highlighted that Mugure had arranged for a shallow grave at the disposal site three days prior to the murders, indicating premeditation. Mugure, who was stationed at Laikipia Air Base at the time, stated in court that he did not agree with the verdict but instructed his advocates to challenge only the convictions, not the legality or severity of the sentence.
Amref International University AMIU announced plans to establish a Beyond Zero Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital at its Northlands campus. This specialized teaching facility will be developed in partnership with former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's Beyond Zero Initiative, which has championed maternal and child healthcare since 2014. The announcement was made by Sheila Khama, Chairperson of the International Board of Directors for Amref Health Africa, during AMIU's 7th graduation ceremony. The proposed hospital aims to train healthcare professionals and advance maternal and child health across Africa. The Beyond Zero Initiative, launched in 2014, focuses on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, tackling mother-to-child HIV and syphilis transmission, and providing healthcare to underserved communities. Its achievements include deploying mobile medical clinics to all 47 counties and organizing the Beyond Zero Half Marathon to raise funds for medical equipment. The new hospital will be located within Northlands City, a mixed-use development associated with the Kenyatta family, positioning it as a potential center for healthcare excellence in East Africa.
Must ReadKenya's Special Operations Group SOG is a highly secretive elite counter-terrorism unit formed from the General Service Unit GSU and Rapid Deployment Unit to combat Al-Shabaab. The selection process is rigorous, with only about 100 out of 2,000 recruits completing the six-month training program. Officials state that the impact of these graduates is comparable to that of 10,000 conventional officers. The SOG employs an intelligence-led approach, working with the National Intelligence Service NIS to conduct raids, disrupt supply lines, and patrol challenging areas like Boni Forest. Recent operations in Garissa, Mandera, and Lamu counties have resulted in the dismantling of IED factories, the neutralization of militants, and the recovery of weapons. Beyond direct combat, the SOG supports community restoration efforts in areas freed from militant influence, helping schools and health facilities reopen and engaging youth to prevent radicalization. The unit also safeguards critical economic infrastructure, including trade corridors linked to the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport LAPSSET corridor. The identities of SOG personnel and details of their operations are kept confidential, contributing to years without major terrorist attacks in Nairobi and other urban centers, according to security analyst Bravin Oduor.