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Articles by John Gathua
Kenyatta Kicks Off Central Kenya Tour in Nyeri Ahead of Sagana Meeting
Nairobi — President Uhuru Kenyatta was set to meet elected leaders in Nyeri Friday ahead of a major meeting with leaders from the region on Saturday. His aides said he was scheduled to meet County Assembly members and Members of Parliament to reach a common ground before the main meeting at the Sagana State Lodge. "It is all about development in the region and succession politics," one official said and referred us to State House Spokeswoman Kanze Dena for more details.
Kenya: 83-Year-Old Granny Pleads Guilty to Possessing Marijuana Weighing 600 Grammes
By John Gathua Nyeri — An 83-year-old woman found in possession of 600 grammes of marijuana has pleaded guilty to the charges. Appearing before Nyeri Resident Magistrate Nelly Kariuki on Thursday, Lydia Mumbi Ndirangu pleaded guilty to being in possession of bhang worth Sh500 in Muthinga, Tetu constituency. The accused will remain in police custody and appear in court on July 15 when the facts of the case will be read to her. The drug trafficking case is the second in a period of only two months.
Kenya: Nyeri County Acquires 2 Fire Engines to Facilitate Prompt Disaster Response
By John Gathua Nyeri — Nyeri County has aquired two firefighting engines replacing three that developed mechanical problems about two months ago. Speaking when he unveiled the new equipment at Whispers Park in Nyeri, Governor Mutahi Kahiga stated that the fire engines were acquired at a cost of Sh100 million. The county boss said they will enhance Nyeri's firefighting capacity and disaster preparedness.
Kenya: Driver Tells Inquest How Late Governor Gakuru Was Stuck in Wreckage for 45 Minutes
By John Gathua Nyeri — Dr Wahome Gakuru, the third Nyeri Govenor who died in a tragic road accident was stuck in the wreckage for forty-five minutes, his driver told an inquest on Thursday. According to Samson Kinyanjui, the arrival of response teams to the scene was delayed forcing him and onlookers to devise ways of aiding the late Gakuru out of the car wreckage. He linked the death of Gakuru to excessive bleeding. "The death was caused by poor response of the emergency teams.
Kenya: Residents of Nyeri Suburb in Shock After 24-Year-Old Woman Killed
By John Gathua Nyeri — Residents of Nyaribo village in Nyeri town constituency are yet to recover from shock after one of their own was murdered in cold in the wee hours of Monday morning. The incident occurred after a 24-year-old woman was stabbed on the neck, leading to her death after profuse bleeding. Mary Wangui was allegedly killed by her lover who had separated with her.
Kenya: Special Olympics Gold Medallist Gatwiri Struggling to Make Ends Meet
By John Gathua Nyeri — Four years ago, Susan Gatwiri put her best foot forward to bag two gold medals in the Los Angeles, USA Special Olympics where Kenya registered it best ever performance, hauling 40 medals. The young athlete won gold in 3000m and 5000m thus helping Kenya to bag more fortunes in the Olympics as the country scooped a total of 26 gold, 2 silver and 12 bronze medals.
Kenya: 3 Suspects Arraigned in Nyeri Court Over 14 Riverside Drive Attack
By John Gathua Nyeri — Three suspects were Monday arraigned at the Nyeri Law Courts in connection with the 14 Riverside Drive attack that left 21 people dead. The suspect will spend five days in police custody after detectives sought more time for investigations. Abdul Kibiringi, James Mwai and Habiba Hunshur were arraigned before Nyeri Resident magistrate Nelly Kariuki. The magistrate approved the police application and directed that the suspects be produced in court on Friday on February 1.
Kenya: Nyeri Political Activist Joan Muthoni Stabbed to Death
By John GathuaNyeri — A political activist was Wednesday night stabbed to death in Nyeri County. Joan Muthoni was stabbed several times by a man who alleges to be her husband. He later surrendered at Nyeri Central Police Station. According to Mugambi Mathai, another man who claims to be Muthoni's husband said she had told him that there was a person who was threatening her and wanted to move from Kamakwa to another part of Nyeri Town.
Constitutional changes are necessary, says Karua » Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya Oct 12-NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua has supported the proposed changes to the Constitution saying that they are necessary, and they should highlight the issue of gender equality. She supported the proposal of making counties constituencies saying that representation in the both houses should be both a man and a woman.
Kenya: 3 Suspects Shot Dead, Gun That Killed Chief Recovered
By John GathuaNyeri — Three suspects were shot dead by police at a house in Kanyagia village in Kieni West and an AK-47 rifle believed to have killed Kamakwa location chief Peter Kimiti Nyuguto recovered. Central Regional Commissioner Wilson Njega said that nine rounds of ammunition were recovered during the shootout.
Kenya: 5 Suspects Arrested Over the Murder of Kamakwa Chief
By John GathuaNyeri — Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the cold blood murder of Kamakwa Location Chief Peter Nyuguto last week on Thursday. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi on Wednesday said the suspects are in police custody. He said police officers in Nyeri are also following useful and reliable leads to ensure those behind the heinous act are arrested.
Kenya: National Govt to Run Renamed Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital - PS
By John GathuaNyeri — Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Peter Tum has said that the renamed Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital in Othaya, Nyeri County will be run by the National Government despite health being a devolved function. The hospital was previously known as Othaya Level Six Hospital and will be operational in the next two weeks.
Kenya: Ex-Nyandarua Governor Mwangi to Spend Night in Police Cell
By John GathuaNyeri — Former Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka Mwangi will spend the night at the Central Police Station in Nyeri after he was arrested by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission detectives over alleged breach of procurement laws and abuse of office. Mwangi was arrested together with former Water CEC Grace Wanjiru and current Water Chief Officer Kihiu Gaiko immediately after presenting himself at the EACC offices to be questioned before being prosecuted.
Kenya: Anglican Church in Kenya Not Ready to Work With Gays, Says Archbishop Sapit
By John GathuaNyeri — Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has called for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity of the Anglican Church after it was rocked by protests last week after three priests were reinstated by court and deployed in various parishes in Othaya, Nyeri County. Ole Sapit stated that the church will remain strong and united despite the problems that have rocked the church especially in Nyeri County.
Kenya: Newborn Baby Dumped at Bus Stop in Nyeri
By John GathuaNyeri — A newborn baby was on Saturday morning found dead and dumped at the Nyeri upper stage. The newborn was found wrapped in a gunny bag and dumped at a matatu terminus. According to matatu operators, they became suspicious after seeing that the bag had not been collected for about an hour and upon opening it they found a dead baby.
Kenya: 4 Lions Translocated After Killing Horses in Laikipia
By John GathuaNanyuki — Four lions have been translocated from Solio Ranch in Laikipia to the Meru National Park after killing two horses and injuring another at the Mt Kenya Holiday Homes farm. The stray lions have also been predating on livestock at Tigithi area and Kiamathaga ward for the past one month amounting to huge losses and terrorizing the community.
Loggers back with impunity in Mt Kenya forests » Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya Jul 6 -Just months after the government banned logging to restore water levels in the, the vice has bounced back at Kabaru forest in Mt Kenya, mainly targeting the red cedar trees. The defiance in Kabaru forest has seen a section of the 433 hectares of red cedar trees destroyed by loggers believed to be colluding with Community Forest Association (CFA) officials who are out to make a killing out of the illegal activity.
Kenya: Loggers Back With Impunity in Mt Kenya Forests
By John GathuaNyeri — Just months after the government banned logging to restore water levels in the, the vice has bounced back at Kabaru forest in Mt Kenya, mainly targeting the red cedar trees. The defiance in Kabaru forest has seen a section of the 433 hectares of red cedar trees destroyed by loggers believed to be colluding with Community Forest Association (CFA) officials who are out to make a killing out of the illegal activity.
Kenya: Things Go Sour in Nyeri as Sugar Disappears From Supermarkets
By John GathuaNyeri — The ongoing sugar crisis in the country is now being felt in most outlets in Nyeri Town as most supermarkets remain without the commodity. Richard Kamara the manager at Samrat Supermarket said wholesalers have no stocks and they are also not sure which sugar to buy since the government has not given guidance on the legitimate sugar.
Kenya: Don't Contribute Corruption Money to the Church, Archbishop Muheria Warns
By John GathuaNyeri — The Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria has called on politicians and business people to avoid contributing money earned through corruption and other dubious means to the church. Speaking at Consolata Cathedral church in Nyeri, Muheria said its unfortunate that they can't differentiate money contributed whether it has been earned legally or through graft.
Don't contribute corruption money to the church, Archbishop Muheria warns " Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya, Jun 24 – The Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria has called on politicians and business people to avoid contributing money earned through corruption and other dubious means to the church. Speaking at Consolata Cathedral church in Nyeri, Muheria said its unfortunate that they can’t differentiate money contributed whether it has been earned legally or through graft.
Kenya: Students Escape With Minor Injuries After Bus Accident
By John GathuaNyeri — Several students of Kangubiri Girls Secondary School were on Saturday morning injured after a bus ferrying them to Nairobi overturned at Tambaya on Nyeri-Mukurweini road. The accident happened about 50 meters from the Tambaya river bridge along the Mukurwe-ini and Tetu sub counties boundary. According to witnesses, the bus tyre burst while descending a hill forcing the driver to swerve off the road to avoid falling into the nearby river. The bus overturned.
Jubilee leaders tell Raila to stop attacking Ruto » Capital News
, THIKA, Kenya, Jun 17 – A section of Jubilee Party leaders have told off Opposition leader Raila Odinga, asking him to stop attacking Deputy President William Ruto. This comes a day after the opposition chief faulted Ruto for engaging in premature campaigns for 2022. Led by Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki, the leaders told Odinga to keep off the activities of the Jubilee Party, accusing him of being bent on extending the wrangles and confusion in NASA to Jubilee.
Stellar student, jolly and ambitious; tributes flow at burial of 25-year-old Fly-SAX pilot » Capital News
NYERI, Kenya, Jun 15 – Tributes from family and friends ushered in a somber mood at Kiunyu village in Giakanja, Nyeri County during the burial of First Officer Jean Muthoni Muriithi, who passed on after a Fly-SAX plane with 10 passengers crashed in the Aberdare forest last Tuesday. Her former schoolmates at Mt. Kenya Academy remember her as a brilliant and determined student who relentlessly pursued her goals.
Kenya: Floods Force Pupils at Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy to Miss Classes
By John GathuaNyeri — Four hundred and fifty pupils from Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy were forced to stay away from their classrooms after the school was flooded due to heavy rains Tuesday evening. The sections that were affected included the nursery, part of the administration block and two blocks in the primary division.
Kenya: Embu Gubernatorial Petition Stalls as Judge Exits Over Attempts to Influence Him
By John GathuaNyeri — Appeals Court Judge Sankale Kantai has disqualified himself from hearing the case challenging Embu Governor Martin Wambora's win, citing attempts by one of the parties to influence him. He stated that the party attempted to persuade him to influence the case by ruling in their favour. The appeal has now been adjourned to July 3 for further hearing with the constitution of a new bench.
Kenya: Nyeri County Assembly Approves Nomination of Karugu as Deputy Governor
By John GathuaNyeri — Nyeri County Assembly has approved Caroline Karugu for appointment by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga to the office of Deputy Governor despite objection from some members. This is after a report by the Public Appointments Committee was tabled in the chambers on Wednesday morning session by Majority Leader James Kanyugo who also gave a notice of motion for the approval of the deputy governor nominee.
Kenya: 2 Charged With Striking Female Poll Observer in Nyeri Out on Sh20,000 Bail
By John GathuaNyeri — Two assault case suspects who allegedly assaulted a female election observer during the Ruguru Ward by-election last week at Kiamariga Police Station were freed on a Sh20,000 cash bail each on Monday pending the hearing and determination of their case.
Kenya: Nyeri Governor Kahiga Appoints Carol Karugu His Deputy
By John GathuaNyeri — Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga has appointed Carol Wanjiru Karugu as his deputy. Wanjiru becomes the first female deputy governor of Nyeri. The name was presented in the County Assembly Thursday afternoon for vetting. The seat fell vacant after Kahiga was elevated to Governor after the death of the 3rd Governor of Nyeri Wahome Gakuru in a road accident.
Kenya: Nyeri Polytechnic Closed Indefinitely After Student Unrest
By John GathuaNyeri — The Nyeri National Polytechnic has been closed indefinitely after students went on strike demanding transfer of the principal, Agnes Njeri. Addressing the students Monday afternoon, the management led by the principal said they took the move after lengthy discussion with security personnel in order to pave way for investigations.
Kenya: H1N1 Virus Reported in Laikipia County
By John GathuaNanyuki — The Laikipia County health officials have confirmed the presence of the H1N1 Prototype 9 Influenza virus among some patients who are being treated of severe flu. This is after samples taken from patients at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital were confirmed to have the virus. Health facilities in the region and the neighbouring areas have now been put on a high alert.
H1N1 virus reported in Laikipia County » Capital News
, NANYUKI, Kenya Mar 7 – The Laikipia County health officials have confirmed the presence of the H1N1 Prototype 9 Influenza virus among some patients who are being treated of severe flu. This is after samples taken from patients at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital were confirmed to have the virus. Health facilities in the region and the neighbouring areas have now been put on a high alert.
Wanjigi arraignment in Nyeri on illegal weapons charge deferred to Monday » Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya, Mar 1 – A Nyeri court has directed businessman Jimi Wanjigi to appear before it on Monday. This is after his lawyer appeared in court to apply for a deferment to allow his client more time to familiarise himself with the charges captured in the charge sheet. Wanjigi is facing 11 charges, among them, possession of illegal firearms. Wanjigi was expected in court given the summons served on him on Wednesday but sent his lawyer instead to confirm the authenticity of the summons.
Security beefed up at Nyeri Law Courts ahead of Wanjigi's arraignment " Capital News
, NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Security has been beefed up at the Nyeri Law Courts where businessman Jimi Wanjigi is set to appear to face unspecified charges after being served with court summons on Wednesday. The summons was served in a dramatic incident when heavily armed police officers surrounded his car at Museum Hill. The officers in four vehicles blocked Wanjigi’s car and ordered him out but he declined to open it, causing drama on Prof Wangari Maathai Road (formerly Forest Road).
Kenya: KWS to Translocate 21 Elephants From Laikipia to Tsavo in 2 Weeks
By John GathuaNyeri — Twenty-one elephants beginning Wednesday arte to be translocated from Solio Ranch in Laikipia County to Northern Tsavo in Taita Taveta County. Speaking in Solio at the start of the exercise, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the move estimated to cost Sh4.5 million is intended to end human-wildlife conflict in the area with farmers suffering huge losses from the destruction of their crops.
Kenya: Mathira MP Revives Family Rivalry With Ephraim Maina
By John GathuaNyeri — Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has 'resurrected' rivalry with Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina who never shared a table with his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua. The battle for supremacy started Monday during the burial of Esther Nyaruai at Mahiga in Othaya when Rigathi called on businessman Dan Wamahiu to address the mourners saying he is the "People's Senator".
Kenya: KRCS to Launch Aid Appeal in Face of Drought
By John GathuaNyeri — The Kenya Red Cross Society will launch an appeal to Kenyans this Thursday in an effort to mitigate drought that has affected more than 3.4 million people. Speaking after a courtesy call to Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, KRCS Secretary General Abbas Gullet said this is to ensure that no Kenyan dies of starvation in the country noting counties like Isiolo, Kajiado, Wajir, Tana River Kilifi and Kwale are the worst hit by drought.
Mathira MP revives family rivalry with Ephraim Maina » Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya, Feb 20 – Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has ‘resurrected’ rivalry with Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina who never shared a table with his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua. The battle for supremacy started Monday during the burial of Esther Nyaruai at Mahiga in Othaya when Rigathi called on businessman Dan Wamahiu to address the mourners saying he is the “People’s Senator”.
KRCS to launch aid appeal in face of drought » Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya, Feb 20 – The Kenya Red Cross Society will launch an appeal to Kenyans this Thursday in an effort to mitigate drought that has affected more than 3.4 million people. Speaking after a courtesy call to Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, KRCS Secretary General Abbas Gullet said this is to ensure that no Kenyan dies of starvation in the country noting counties like Isiolo, Kajiado, Wajir, Tana River Kilifi and Kwale are the worst hit by drought.
Boinnet defends police action in TJ Kajwang, Miguna cases » Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya, Feb 9 – Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has said that the police service is not drifting back to the days of oppression and using extra force as claimed by human rights activists and Opposition leaders. Boinnet warned that those who break the law should not expect business as usual, stressing that no one is above the law and none will be spared.
Kenya: 2 Inmates Recuperate After Accidental Shooting By Warden
By John GathuaNyeri — Two inmates at the King'ong'o GK Prison are recuperating at the Nyeri Referral Hospital after they were accidentally shot by a senior prison warden. The two were shot at around 7am while preparing to take up morning duties routinely assigned to them by a warden of the rank of inspector but whose identity was not revealed.
Kenya: Academic Guru and 3rd Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru Laid to Rest
By John GathuaNyeri — Wahome Gakuru was laid to rest in his ancestral home at Kanuna village after political and religious leaders paid tribute to the academic guru at a State funeral. The funeral began at 11:30am and was attended by more than 20,000 guests among them President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, more than 20 Governors, Senators and tens of Members of Parliament.
Kenya: Kahiga Steps Into Gakuru's Boots, Sworn in as Nyeri Governor
By John GathuaNyeri — Mutahi Kahiga has been sworn-in as the fourth Nyeri County Governor. Kahiga was sworn into office Justice Jairus Ngaa outside governor's office in Nyeri Town constituency. Kahiga took oath of office in front of hundreds of Nyeri residents and legislators from the county and Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru.
Kenya: Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru Killed in Road Accident
By John GathuaNyeri — Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru died on Tuesday morning in a road accident on the Thika-Murang'a Highway. Gakuru was pronounced dead at the Thika Level Four Hospital where he had been rushed for emergency treatment alongside his driver and Personal Assistant who is in critical condition. County officials say he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The Council of Governors had just started plans to airlift him to Nairobi Hospital shortly before he passed on.
Kenyatta Still Bitter Over 2013 Media 'Mistreatment'
By John GathuaNyeri — President Uhuru Kenyatta has defended his decision to skip Monday's presidential debate where he was expected to have a face-off with National Super Alliance candidate Raila Odinga. President Kenyatta who largely spoke in mother tongue during his Nyeri county campaign tour said the Jubilee development track record speaks for itself and there was therefore no need to spend time speaking about things that can clearly be seen by all voters.
Uhuru still bitter over 2013 media 'mistreatment' " Capital News
, NYERI, Kenya, Jul 25 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has defended his decision to skip Monday’s presidential debate where he was expected to have a face-off with National Super Alliance candidate Raila Odinga. President Kenyatta who largely spoke in mother tongue during his Nyeri county campaign tour said the Jubilee development track record speaks for itself and there was therefore no need to spend time speaking about things that can clearly be seen by all voters.
Survivors recount horrific tales of murder in Lamu raids - KDRTV
The survivors of last Friday’s attacks in Jima and Pandanguo recounted horrific tales of murder and evacuation to pave the way for a military operation. Juma Bakari Chengo, 32, who feigned death after a killer’s knife missed his throat and cut below his left ear and jaw, was yesterday still breathing with difficulty at Mpeketoni hospital.
Kenya: Thugs Who Killed Nyeri Businesswoman Sought
By John GathuaNyeri — Police in Nyeri have intensified their search for the killers of a local businesswoman. Alice Kamonjo was operating an M-PESA shop in Othaya town and was shot by thugs at the weekend. Kamonjo, 52, succumbed to injuries on arrival at the Kiriaini hospital after doctors declined to attend to her due to an ongoing strike. Nyeri South Police boss Joseph Mwika said Kamonjo was shot in the chest using an AK-47 and no arrests have been made yet.
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