KCB Wins Regulatory Approval to Acquire Majority Stake in Riverbank Solutions

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January 27, 2026

WhatsApp Users Sue Meta Over Alleged Access to Encrypted Messages

A group of international WhatsApp users has filed a lawsuit in a United States court accusing Meta, the app’s parent company, of misleading users about the privacy of its end-to-end encryption feature.

The lawsuit, filed on January 23 in a San Francisco court, alleges that despite WhatsApp’s assurances that messages are fully protected, Meta and WhatsApp employees can still access private communications. The plaintiffs, who come from Australia, South Africa and Mexico, have described WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption as a “sham” and are seeking damages from the tech giant, according to Bloomberg.

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is marketed as a security measure that ensures only the sender and the recipient can read messages, with encryption keys stored solely on users’ devices. Meta has repeatedly stated that it cannot decrypt or access the content of messages sent on the platform.

However, the 51-page lawsuit challenges these claims. It alleges that Meta employees can bypass the encryption system through internal processes. According to the filing, a staff member only needs to submit a “task” to a Meta engineer explaining the reason for accessing a user’s messages. Once approved, engineers allegedly grant access via an internal tool or widget linked to a user’s unique identification number.

The plaintiffs claim that this access allows employees to view messages almost in real time, alongside unencrypted data, and without strict time limitations. The lawsuit further alleges that even messages users believe they have deleted may still be accessible through these internal systems.

Meta has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as “false and absurd.” The company maintains that WhatsApp’s encryption architecture prevents anyone, including Meta itself, from reading users’ private messages.

The case has reignited concerns about data privacy and transparency among major technology platforms, particularly as messaging apps increasingly promote end-to-end encryption as a guarantee of user confidentiality. If the lawsuit moves forward, it could lead to increased scrutiny of how encrypted services are implemented and managed internally.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the growing debate over digital privacy and the trust users place in global technology companies that handle billions of private communications every day.

Truphena Muthoni: Tree-Planting Ambassador Warns Kenyans on Guinness World Records Rules

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January 23, 2026

Truphena Muthoni: Tree-Planting Ambassador Warns Kenyans on Guinness World Records Rules

Tree-planting ambassador Truphena Muthoni has advised Kenyans aspiring to attempt Guinness World Records (GWR) challenges to familiarise themselves with the organisation’s strict approval and verification procedures before embarking on any record attempt.

Speaking during an interview on the Obinna Show on Wednesday, Muthoni said Guinness World Records requires applicants to notify the organisation several months in advance, stressing that no challenge can proceed without prior clearance.

“You cannot just wake up and decide to do it. There are procedures that must be followed for approval, including continuous video, live coverage and witnesses,” she said.

Strict Verification Requirements

According to Muthoni, Guinness World Records demands continuous video documentation, including a live feed of the entire challenge. In addition, record attempts must be supported by a structured system of witnesses and timekeeping records.

She explained that witnesses operate in rotating shifts, with at least two witnesses assigned to four-hour sessions before handing over to another pair. Applicants are also required to maintain detailed log books and submit official timekeeper statements as part of the verification process.

Reflecting on her own experience, Muthoni revealed that she kept 18 log books and trained for several months ahead of her attempt.

Sleep, Not Fatigue, Was the Biggest Challenge

Muthoni said physical exhaustion was not her main challenge during the attempt, noting that she had adequately prepared through long practice sessions.

“I was not tired. I had practised with shorter sessions of 35 hours and later 60 hours. The challenge was sleep, not exhaustion,” she said.

Her remarks come amid a surge in interest among Kenyans attempting Guinness World Records challenges, with some aspirants appearing unaware of the administrative and verification requirements involved.

Tree-Hugging Challenge Sparks National Interest

Muthoni gained national attention after completing a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in December, held outside the Nyeri County Governor’s office. She said the initiative was aimed at promoting environmental conservation and encouraging Kenyans to reconnect with nature.

The challenge inspired similar attempts across the country, with participants using the platform to raise awareness for various causes.

In Murang’a County, Pastor James (Jimmy) Irungu undertook a tree-hugging challenge to draw attention to cancer awareness. However, reports indicate that he was taken to hospital after collapsing near the end of the attempt. Irungu had said his goal was to highlight the struggles faced by families dealing with cancer.

Government Urges Medical Caution

Following the trend, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni urged Kenyans to assess their medical fitness before engaging in prolonged and strenuous activities.

She warned that some individuals were attempting extended challenges without sufficient preparation, likening such efforts to endurance sports that require training.

“If you want to do strenuous exercise, you must first be checked to confirm that you are medically fit,” she said, adding that even marathon runners undergo months of preparation.

The Principal Secretary said the government does not oppose the initiatives but encouraged participants to take necessary health precautions to minimise potential risks.

US Expands List of ‘Worst of the Worst’ Kenyan Illegal Immigrants to 28

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January 23, 2026

US Expands List of ‘Worst of the Worst’ Kenyan Illegal Immigrants to 28

The United States government has expanded its list of Kenyan nationals classified as the “worst of the worst” illegal immigrants, increasing the number from 15 to 28 individuals within a span of about two months.

The move comes amid a renewed crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump’s administration, targeting undocumented foreigners convicted of serious crimes and deemed a threat to public safety.

Over the past 50 days, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added 13 more Kenyans to the database, which tracks undocumented immigrants with criminal records across all 50 states.

What ‘Worst of the Worst’ Means

The term “worst of the worst” is used by U.S. security agencies to describe illegal immigrants with serious criminal convictions. The DHS database, launched in December 2025, lists individuals who have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted of grave offences.

According to Homeland Security, the platform was introduced to increase transparency in immigration enforcement, particularly ahead of the World Cup tournament set to begin in the United States in July 2026.

Crimes Linked to the Kenyan Nationals

The additional Kenyan nationals included in the expanded list have been convicted of a wide range of serious crimes, including:

Drug trafficking
Armed robbery
Homicide
Assault
Child molestation and cruelty toward a child

Other offences listed include aggravated assault with a weapon, terror-related threats, money laundering, cheque forgery, fraud, kidnapping of a minor, domestic violence, driving under the influence, receiving stolen property, and violation of court orders.

DHS Reports Over 670,000 Deportations

In a statement released on January 20, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security said it has removed more than 670,000 illegal immigrants from the United States since the start of the crackdown.

“On President Trump’s first day in office, he unleashed ICE to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, including pedophiles, murderers, gang members, terrorists, and rapists,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

She added that law enforcement agencies had recorded a “record-breaking first year”, citing over 670,000 removals and nearly two million self-deportations.

US Increases Payout for Voluntary Self-Deportation

To further accelerate the removal of undocumented immigrants, the Trump administration has rolled out a self-deportation initiative through a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mobile application.

On Monday, January 19, DHS announced that it had increased the self-deportation payout from Ksh129,000 to Ksh336,000 for illegal immigrants who voluntarily agree to leave the United States.

According to the department, eligible individuals who sign up through the CBP app will also receive a free flight to their home countries, in addition to the cash incentive.

The policy is part of broader efforts by the U.S. government to intensify immigration enforcement while encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily.

China Imposes 13% Sales Tax on Condoms, Birth Control Pills

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January 21, 2026

China Imposes 13% Sales Tax on Condoms, Birth Control Pills

China has begun imposing a 13 percent sales tax on contraceptives, including condoms, birth control pills, and other devices, effective January 1, 2026, while exempting childcare-related services from value-added tax (VAT).

The move is part of a wider tax overhaul announced in late 2025, which removes long-standing exemptions that had been in place since 1994. At the time, China was strictly enforcing its decades-long one-child policy, aimed at limiting population growth, according to the BBC.

Under the revised tax structure, childcare services, marriage-related services, and elderly care are now exempt from VAT. Authorities say the changes are intended to support family formation and reduce the financial burden associated with raising children.

Why China Abandoned the One-Child Policy

January 1, 2026, marks ten years since China formally scrapped the one-child policy, which was introduced in 1980 to curb rapid population growth. The government feared that unchecked population expansion could undermine efforts to lift the country out of poverty.

For decades, the policy was enforced through a vast state apparatus involving propaganda campaigns, heavy fines, harassment, and in some cases, forced abortions and sterilisations. However, as birth rates declined sharply, authorities acknowledged that population shrinkage posed a serious threat to long-term economic growth. This led to the policy’s repeal in 2016, according to CNN.

Why Pro-Birth Policies Have Failed So Far

Despite rolling out incentives to encourage families to have more children, China’s population has continued to decline. According to Reuters, the population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, with experts warning the trend is likely to persist.

China is also facing a rapidly ageing population. CNN reports that more than 20 percent of China’s 1.4 billion people are now aged over 60, a figure the United Nations projects could rise to nearly half by the year 2100.

The High Cost of Raising Children

High living costs remain one of the biggest deterrents to childbearing. A 2024 report by the YuWa Population Research Institute in Beijing found that China is among the most expensive countries in the world to raise a child, with education costs being a major driver.

Economic uncertainty has further worsened the situation. A prolonged economic slowdown, exacerbated by a property crisis that has eroded household savings, has left many families hesitant to commit to having children. Beyond financial concerns, experts say addressing youth unemployment and the unequal burden of childcare on women is critical to boosting birth rates.

Concerns Over the New Tax Policy

The decision to tax contraceptives has sparked criticism and ridicule, with observers warning it could increase the risk of unwanted pregnancies and the spread of HIV. Critics argue that higher condom prices are unlikely to convince reluctant couples to have children.

In recent years, local governments have introduced a range of incentives, including tax breaks, housing subsidies, cash handouts, and extended maternity leave. However, reports of women receiving calls from community workers asking about their plans to have children have raised concerns that pro-natalist policies could become coercive, according to CNN.

Reuters notes that while Beijing has clearly shifted towards promoting marriage and childbirth, the effectiveness of this dramatic policy reversal remains uncertain, as economic pressures and social realities continue to weigh heavily on young families.

Bomet: 25-year-old son kills his father over food in Konoin

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January 21, 2026

Delivery Gone Wrong as 30-Year-Old Father of Three Found Murdered in Airbnb Apartment

Police in Konoin Sub-county, Bomet County, have launched investigations into the killing of a 56-year-old man allegedly murdered by his son under circumstances that remain unclear.

The deceased, identified as Joel Kosgei, was reportedly killed by his 25-year-old son, according to Konoin Sub-county Police Commander Mohammed Godana.

Police said they received information about the incident and immediately dispatched officers to the scene, where the suspect was arrested. However, before police arrived, angry residents attacked the suspect, accusing him of killing his father.

The suspect sustained injuries during the assault but survived after police intervened and rescued him from the mob. He was rushed to Kapkatet Hospital in Kericho County, where he received treatment and was later discharged.

The suspect is currently being held at Konoin Police Station as investigations continue.

While some neighbours claimed the two had fought over food, police said the motive for the killing has not yet been established and described the circumstances surrounding the incident as unclear.

Local pastor Nathan Rono said the father and son had been involved in a prolonged domestic dispute. Another resident alleged that the suspect arrived home late while appearing intoxicated and began demanding food from his father.

“The deceased was caught unawares when the suspect picked up a blunt object and struck him on the head, killing him instantly,” the resident claimed.

After the incident, the suspect reportedly informed a neighbour, prompting the involvement of local authorities.

Commander Godana said the suspect will be processed and arraigned in court once investigations are complete.

“Once the case file is ready, the suspect will be taken to court to face the relevant charges,” he said.

Both police and local leaders have urged residents to refrain from mob justice and seek lawful means of resolving disputes.

“Killing or violence is not a solution. Many families experience disputes, but dialogue remains the best way to resolve them,” Pastor Rono said, adding that church leaders are available to mediate domestic conflicts when called upon.

Godana echoed the call, advising residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to resolve disputes amicably through legal and community channels.

Kiharu Day School Students to Pay Sh500 Per Term Under Ndindi Nyoro Education Programme

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January 13, 2026

Day secondary school students in Kiharu Constituency are set to benefit from significant cost relief after area Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro announced that parents will only be required to pay Sh500 per term in school fees this year.

The announcement was made during the rollout of the latest phase of the Masomo Bora education programme, which supports Grade 10 learners as well as Form Three and Form Four candidates. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 12,000 students across the constituency.

In addition to the reduced fees, the programme will continue to offer a full-week feeding plan for learners, including a special chapati meal on the last Friday of every month, aimed at improving attendance and concentration in class.

Schools will also receive learning support through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), with Sh10 million allocated for the purchase of revision books and other academic materials.

To ease the financial burden on families and encourage holistic development, each school will be allocated Sh50,000 to support extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs.

Infrastructure development has also been prioritised, with Sh50 million set aside to expand and improve school facilities, particularly laboratories and libraries.

Teachers and school administrators will benefit from a performance-based incentive scheme. Top-performing subject teachers will earn a one-week educational trip to Mombasa, while principals from the best-performing and most improved schools in each ward will be rewarded with a one-week trip to Dubai. Those who have previously visited Dubai will be offered alternative destinations, including Malaysia.

“Best performing teachers per subject will go to Mombasa for a week. Principals of the best performing and most improved schools per ward will also go to Dubai for a week,” Nyoro said.

The MP also introduced stricter controls on extra levies, capping remedial charges at Sh1,000 per term. He added that students from outside Kiharu Constituency who live with relatives in the area will be allowed to enrol in local day secondary schools.

Speaking at the event, Nyoro said the programme demonstrates that free education is achievable if resources are prioritised effectively, urging the national government to adopt stronger policies to ensure equal access to education.

“There will be no other charges in our day schools. We implement the programme because we know the country is capable of providing free education,” he noted.

Nyoro further proposed the creation of a consolidated education fund by reallocating Sh10 billion each from the NG-CDF, county governments and the national budget. He argued that the Sh30 billion fund could comfortably finance free basic education and support a nationwide school feeding programme.

Kenyan Pastor Marries Tanzanian Gospel Star Rose Muhando in Private Wedding

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January 13, 2026

Kenyan Pastor Marries Tanzanian Gospel Star Rose Muhando in Private Wedding

Kenyan pastor Robert Lumbasi has publicly revealed that he is in a relationship with renowned Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando, opening up about their union during a church service and warning men against pursuing the celebrated musician.

The revelation comes months after the Nibebe hitmaker spoke candidly about her personal life, disclosing that she has never been married because she had not found a man who loved her in accordance with biblical principles.

At the time, Muhando said she was in no rush to get married, questioning what value a man would add to her life without financial stability and genuine love. She also shared that she single-handedly raised her three children through what she described as divine wisdom and hard work, noting that all of them successfully reached university level without a father figure.

However, Pastor Lumbasi has now shed light on their relationship, stating that they are already traditionally married. Speaking during a church service, he cautioned men against approaching Muhando, declaring that she is no longer available.

“Men in this church should please not approach Rose. She is already taken. She is now a Luhya. It was very private. It is something that started a long time ago. The dowry has been paid. Everything is done,” Lumbasi said.

He further revealed that he travelled to Tanzania in 2023 to pay Muhando’s dowry, adding that the union attracted attention at the highest levels.

“I remember going to Tanzania to pay dowry in 2023 and they called me from State House and said it is Kenya marrying Tanzania. I love this woman, I respect this woman,” he added.

Lumbasi also noted that their relationship extends beyond marriage, saying they plan to work closely together in ministry. He said the couple is committed to taking their spiritual work to a new level and remaining closely connected to the church that hosted them during the service.

The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among fans and followers of both the pastor and the celebrated gospel singer, given Muhando’s previous public statements about marriage and relationships.

Police Probe Robberies Targeting Businesspeople in Narok and Mombasa

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January 12, 2026

Police have launched investigations into a series of robberies targeting businesspeople in Narok and Mombasa counties, in which millions of shillings were stolen over the weekend.

In the latest incident, a businessman was robbed of Sh900,000 in Narok Town, marking the second such case reported within days and prompting intensified police operations against suspected criminal gangs.

According to police, the Narok incident occurred on Friday afternoon after the victim travelled from Nairobi, where he had withdrawn the money from a bank, to Narok for a construction project. He was carrying the cash in a brown envelope.

On arrival in Narok Town, the businessman parked his Probox vehicle in the Muthurwa area and walked to the construction site. About 30 minutes later, he returned to find the car had been broken into and the envelope containing the Sh900,000, as well as a mobile phone, stolen.

Police officers visited the scene and began investigations, with detectives suspecting the thieves may have had prior information about the movement of the cash. A manhunt for the suspects continued on Saturday, with officers reviewing CCTV footage from nearby premises in an effort to identify those behind the robbery.

In a separate incident in Nyali, Mombasa County, another businessman was robbed of Sh835,000 under similar circumstances. Police said the victim had withdrawn Sh635,000 from one bank and an additional Sh200,000 from a different bank before being targeted.

The robbery reportedly occurred on January 10 at around 1 pm. Investigators believe the suspects trailed the businessman from the banks to a premises where he had parked his car and stepped out to run errands. The gang then broke into the vehicle, stole the cash and fled.

Police said they are reviewing security camera footage that may have captured the crime and could help identify the suspects. Investigators noted that many such incidents are often linked to inside jobs, based on past cases.

Meanwhile, in Ganjoni, Mombasa County, police are investigating a housebreaking incident in which a woman lost Sh600,000 in cash and jewellery valued at approximately Sh500,000. The woman told police she had locked her house before leaving for work, only to return and find it broken into and the valuables missing.

Police visited the scene and said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. On Monday, police said they were pursuing what they described as strong leads in the cases as efforts to dismantle the suspected criminal networks continue.

“My Life is in danger” – Gachagua Says After Government Withdrew His Security

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Mercy Cheptoo

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January 12, 2026