UK government warns tourists about methanol poisoning risk in Kenya and 28 other countries
via Tuko3 min read
The UK government has issued a warning to British tourists regarding the danger of methanol poisoning in Kenya and 28 other countries. This advisory, part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's FCDO "Know the Signs" campaign, urges travelers to recognize symptoms and seek immediate medical help if exposure is suspected. Kenya is among 29 destinations flagged, which also include popular holiday spots like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Methanol, a highly toxic industrial alcohol, can be illegally mixed into counterfeit or locally produced spirits. As little as 30 ml can be fatal, and 10 ml can cause permanent blindness. Symptoms, such as abdominal pain, breathlessness, blurred vision, and convulsions, typically appear 12 to 48 hours after consumption, often resembling a severe hangover. The FCDO campaign includes testimonies from families of UK nationals who died after unknowingly consuming methanol-contaminated alcohol. Travelers are advised to avoid free shots, unlabelled bottles, and unusually cheap spirits, and to stick to sealed, branded drinks from licensed premises. Immediate medical attention is crucial if poisoning is suspected, as treatment is most effective within 10 to 30 hours of exposure.
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Coast Police Commander Ali Nuno announced on Tuesday, July 21, in Mombasa that state security would be withdrawn from any politician found to be hiring or sponsoring goons at political events. Nuno emphasized that police would not tolerate political figures using security officers as cover while simultaneously funding lawlessness. He urged leaders to conduct politics based on ideas and development rather than chaos and individual interests, stating that mixing politics with security would be detrimental to the country. The commander appealed to politicians to engage in principled and mature politics, focusing on national development. This warning comes amidst growing concerns over politically motivated violence at public gatherings.
Must ReadCCTV footage from Nairobi's Central Police Station has been presented in court, detailing the final hours of teacher-blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in June 2025. The footage shows officers moving Ojwang between cells and corridors before his body was carried out past midnight. Samson Talam, then-Officer Commanding Station, and other officers have been charged with murder. The surveillance recording from June 7, 2025, shows Police Constable James Mukhwana and four others at the holding cell where Ojwang died. The footage also captures unusual activities, including officers and inspectors frequently entering and exiting the Station Commander’s office, and a group congregating near the cells. Later, Ojwang is seen arriving in a black SUV, escorted by six men, and using his mobile phone before being led inside. Between 9:30 pm and 10:45 pm, Ojwang is repeatedly moved, while officers swap uniforms, attempt to block camera views, and people enter the cell. Around 10:56 pm, an individual is seen exiting the cell area with apparent blood on their hand, and another carrying a rope. Around midnight, activity escalates under Talam's direction, with multiple individuals, some wearing protective gloves, moving in and out of the cell. At 1:20 am, four officers are filmed carrying Ojwang’s body out of the holding area, loading him into a police vehicle, and transporting him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Teachers in Kenya have rejected the second phase of a salary increment under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement, arguing that the increase is insufficient to address the rising cost of living. The Teachers Service Commission directed the implementation of this phase, effective July 1, 2026, with the government allocating KSh 8.4 billion. However, many teachers found their actual pay increase to be between Sh693 and Sh2,055, depending on their job grade. Teachers contend that after statutory deductions, the net amount is negligible. A teacher from Nairobi noted that a KSh 2,055 increase for a Grade C3 teacher is significantly reduced after deductions for PAYE, SHA, the Housing Levy, and NSSF, making it insufficient to cover even SACCO loan repayments. Sabala Inyeni, Vihiga branch secretary of KUPPET, stated that the increment does not account for inflation or increased transport costs, as transport allowances have not been adjusted in over 15 years. Teachers in hardship and arid areas also expressed dissatisfaction, with some receiving less than KSh 500 in increases, and hardship allowances remaining unchanged. Ndung'u Wangenye, secretary for teachers in these regions, highlighted that these allowances are crucial for motivating teachers in challenging conditions. KUPPET deputy secretary general Moses Nthurima confirmed widespread dissatisfaction among teachers regarding the CBA negotiations.