Two months before his shocking death in Nairobi, Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were had voiced serious concerns over threats to his life, citing growing insecurity and politically motivated violence within his constituency.

In a press briefing held in February 2024, the legislator raised alarm about what he described as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the peace in Kasipul through orchestrated attacks and intimidation. He lamented the rising incidents of violence that were seemingly targeted at him and his political allies, suggesting a coordinated effort to silence or intimidate his leadership.

During the briefing, Were recounted a harrowing incident that had occurred while he was attending a funeral in Got Nyang’o. According to the MP, his convoy was blocked by a group of armed individuals who had barricaded the road shortly after the funeral service. He credited his security detail for diffusing the situation, which he claimed could have easily turned fatal.

“I went to a funeral in Got Nyang’o, and after the event, the road I was supposed to use was blocked by a group of goons. Fortunately, I had security officers with me, and we managed to get through safely,” he told the press at the time.

The following day, another unsettling encounter occurred in Nyatindo, where he had gone to pay his respects at yet another funeral. As soon as he arrived, Were said, a well-known local criminal openly threatened him, warning that he would not be allowed to speak at the gathering. The MP said the hostility shocked mourners, many of whom were residents of the area and were angered by the blatant provocation.

“The villagers were visibly upset by the incident,” he said. “It was clear that this wasn’t just random unrest – it was well-planned and targeted.”

Were alleged that the violence was being fueled by individuals who were not residents of Kasipul. He accused unnamed actors of ferrying hired goons from Kisumu and Migori counties to cause chaos and threaten public safety in his area. He further suggested that these acts of aggression were politically motivated and meant to intimidate leaders who were focused on development and accountability.

In his statements, the MP urged law enforcement agencies to step in and investigate the rising wave of violence in the constituency. He emphasized that leaders must be allowed to serve their people without fear or intimidation, and that the safety of the public should be a top priority.

Tragically, Were’s fears would prove prescient.

On the night of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Charles Ong’ondo Were was gunned down along Ngong Road in Nairobi, near the City Mortuary roundabout. According to police reports, he had just left a parliamentary session and was traveling in his vehicle. He was seated on the front passenger side when a motorcycle carrying two assailants pulled up beside the car. The passenger on the bike opened fire, targeting his side of the vehicle.

The attackers then sped off, leaving the MP fatally wounded. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Were succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

His sudden and violent death sent shockwaves across the country, with leaders from both sides of the political divide condemning the killing and calling for a swift and thorough investigation. The circumstances surrounding his murder have since reignited concerns over the safety of public officials and the growing culture of impunity in political violence.

As investigations continue, many are reflecting on Were’s warnings, questioning whether more could have been done to protect him—and whether his killers will ever face justice.

Kasmuel MacOure’s Emotional Letter to President Ruto Sparks National Reflection on Justice, Youth, and State Accountability

In a heartfelt and scathing open letter titled “An Open Letter to the President of the Republic of Kenya”, Kasmuel MacOure—a youth leader and vocal member of the ODM Youth League—has issued an impassioned plea to President William Ruto, demanding justice for slain protestors, accountability from the government, and genuine engagement with Kenya’s disenfranchised youth.

The letter, which quickly went viral across Kenyan social media platforms, captures the raw emotion and unfiltered frustration of a generation that feels ignored, wounded, and betrayed.

 “I write this because I am still alive. And I am alive either because I am a coward, or because I have been spared by chance,” MacOure begins, setting the tone for a powerful reflection on state brutality, generational trauma, and the erosion of democratic trust.

Using the language of science—particularly Newton’s laws of motion—MacOure frames the youth’s uprising as a force that emerged in response to years of inertia and repression. Referencing the historic protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, which culminated in the president declining to assent to the legislation, he explains:

 “The youth bulge is an extraordinary mass. And for decades, this country has never summoned the force sufficient to move it. But in the second year of your rule, we found the force ourselves. We rose.”

However, that rising, he laments, was met with brutal suppression. He recounts scenes of violence during the demonstrations: peaceful youth armed with roses and placards meeting police batons, bullets, and tear gas.

 “The smartphones that once streamed civic education now stream funerals. The water bottles, once used to rinse tear gas, now overflow with the tears of grieving parents. The white handkerchiefs now bear the four colours of our flag—but mostly red.”

MacOure does not mince words. He directly calls out what he describes as systemic theft masquerading as public service, unchecked police brutality, and state indifference to the suffering of Kenya’s youth. With righteous anger, he appeals not for pity, but for accountability.

 “I do not want a job. I do not want money. I want justice.”

In a deeply symbolic plea, MacOure challenges the President to “shake my hand,” not as a gesture of allegiance, but as an act of restoration and recognition of a wounded generation.

 “Shake my hand, Mr. President. I need it now, for my generation. We are nearing a year since the blood of our comrades soaked this soil—and not one of their killers has been brought to justice.”

In the most prophetic and ominous moment of the letter, he invokes scripture:

 “If we do not get justice, the writing is already on the wall. Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin.”

The letter has triggered widespread discussion online, with hashtags like #JusticeForYouth, #MacOureSpeaks, and #MeneTekelUpharsin trending nationally. Many Kenyans, particularly young people, have resonated with the message—some echoing the call for justice, others demanding a formal response from State House.

Political commentators say the letter underscores a growing chasm between the government and the country’s youthful majority. With a median age of just 19, the Kenyan populace is becoming increasingly vocal and unwilling to tolerate impunity.

While the President is yet to respond publicly, MacOure’s letter stands as both a demand and a warning—a rallying cry from a generation that refuses to remain silent.

“The youth are not a special interest group. We are the republic.”

If justice does not answer, this generation will.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has released a list of online betting companies banned from operating in Kenya due to lack of authorization. In a letter dated April 29, 2025, addressed to the Communication Authority of Kenya, the Board flagged these websites for flouting gambling regulations and exploiting users through fraudulent practices.

According to the Board, the banned platforms have been accepting payments via mobile money services—primarily M-Pesa Paybill numbers—without paying out winnings, prompting widespread complaints from the public.

Here are the betting platforms banned:

1. Cheza Crash– [chezacrash.com], Paybill: 600877

2. Skai Crash– [skaicrash.co.ke], Paybill: 4118493

3. Crash KE – [crash.ke], Paybill: 896696

4. Simple Crash – [simplecrash.com], Paybill: 4132027

5. Aviator VIP – [aviatorpoa.ke], Paybill: 551555

6. Aviator Pesa – [aviatorpesa.ke], Paybill: 778175

7. Aviator KE – [aviata.ke], Paybill: 664070

8. Luckybet KE – [luckybetke.com], Paybill: 774774 (Acc: 3035621)

9. Nimbo Crash– [nimbocrash.com], Paybill: 4228584

10. Mita Sita – [mitasita.co.ke], Paybill: 4142601

11. Saf Crash – [safcrash.co.ke]

12. Vuma Bet– [vumabet.com/en/sport], Linked to: Papipap Entertainment

13. Next Papi– [nextpapi.com], Acc: 6882312216

The BCLB has instructed **Safaricom PLC** to suspend all Paybill numbers linked to these sites immediately to prevent further exploitation of the public.

Public Warned Against Using Unlicensed Platforms

The crackdown comes amid a surge in unregulated gambling activities across the country, many of which use deceptive platforms to lure users. The Board emphasized that further investigations are ongoing, and more sites may be added to the list as enforcement continues.

Kenyans are urged to verify the licensing status of any betting platform before engaging and to report suspicious platforms to authorities.

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Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has come out guns blazing against top security chiefs following the shocking police shooting that left five people dead in Angara Barikoi, Narok County, on Monday.

In a fiery security meeting held in the area on Tuesday, an infuriated Cheruiyot tore into Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin, accusing them of presiding over a rogue police force that treats human life with alarming disregard.

“People were gunned down like animals—by your officers!” he thundered. “IG, when will this madness end? Is it poor training, or are the wrong people being handed guns and badges?”

The Kericho senator didn’t mince his words as he painted a grim picture of a police force that now opts for execution-style shootings over standard procedure.

“There was a time police would restrain suspects—they didn’t go for the kill. But now, they’re aiming for the head. What has changed

Visibly frustrated, Cheruiyot challenged both Kanja and Amin to reflect on their legacies.

“Do you want to go down in history as commanders of a killer squad?” he asked pointedly.

He demanded immediate action against the officers involved in the shootings, urging the DCI boss not to leave Narok without making arrests.

“Amin, your job here is already done. Locals have identified the culprits. All you need to do now is arrest and prosecute them. It’s that simple.”

The chaos erupted over a disputed piece of land, with locals—claiming ancestral ownership—blocking a major road to stop government surveyors. The protest turned tragic when police opened fire, sparking national outrage.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has also vowed to take legal action against anyone found to have instigated the violence.

Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has stirred a storm of controversy following remarks he made during a recent visit to Kisii County. His comments, which many Kisii residents perceived as disrespectful and derogatory, have ignited widespread outrage, with numerous community members and leaders demanding an immediate public apology.

The incident occurred while Jalang’o was addressing a gathering in Marani, located within Kitutu North Constituency. Seeking to entertain the crowd, he narrated a lighthearted yet highly controversial story about his overnight experience at Marani Simba Lodge. According to Jalang’o, upon arriving early in the area, he decided to spend the night at the lodge, where he allegedly encountered a bizarre and unsettling event.

“I arrived here early and spent the night at Marani Simba Lodge,” Jalang’o recounted to the crowd. “Later that night, I noticed a small meeting of about twelve people gathered outside. Curious, I decided to listen in closely and realized, to my shock, that it was a meeting of witches.”

He further elaborated on his observation, claiming that the supposed group of witches was voicing frustrations about recent developments in the constituency. In particular, he said they were complaining about the installation of security lights by the area’s Member of Parliament, Japheth Mokaya (popularly known as Jafo). According to Jalang’o, the witches lamented that the new lighting had severely hindered their traditional practices, including “night running,” a cultural phenomenon often shrouded in mystery and superstition.

“They were bitterly complaining that Jafo had ruined their work by installing electricity everywhere,” Jalang’o said amid laughter. “The security lights have made it impossible for them to practice night running.”

Despite his attempt at humor, Jalang’o’s comments quickly triggered a backlash among Kisii residents, who interpreted the remarks as an insensitive and unwarranted attack on their community’s dignity and reputation. Many took to social media platforms to express their displeasure, terming his narrative as an unacceptable insult that perpetuated negative stereotypes about the Kisii people.

Several community leaders, activists, and local politicians have since condemned Jalang’o’s remarks, emphasizing that public figures must exercise greater sensitivity and respect when speaking about communities, especially in public forums. They argued that such statements not only reinforce harmful myths but also demean a people’s cultural heritage and identity.

“The remarks by Hon. Jalang’o are not just reckless; they are deeply offensive to the Kisii community,” one local leader stated. “We demand an immediate and unreserved public apology. We expect our leaders to promote unity, not to belittle and mock communities for cheap entertainment.”

Other residents expressed their hurt more personally, saying that such jokes reinforce age-old prejudices that paint the Kisii as practitioners of witchcraft, a stereotype that many have fought hard to dispel over the years.

As pressure mounts, many are closely watching to see how Jalang’o will respond to the growing calls for accountability. Some supporters have urged him to issue a clarification, explaining that his intentions were purely humorous and not meant to cause offence. However, for many within the Kisii community, only a formal apology would suffice to mend the damage caused.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fine line public figures must tread when engaging diverse audiences. Humor, while often a powerful tool for connection, can also easily backfire when it plays on sensitive cultural narratives. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Jalang’o’s reputation among the Kisii people can be restored and what lessons public figures might draw from this controversy moving forward.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in securing a resounding victory.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday night, Gachagua emphasized that his impeachment does not hinder his eligibility to vie for public office. He pointed out that the constitution allows individuals who have not exhausted all legal avenues to seek elective positions.

“The law is clear: as long as all legal options are not yet exhausted, you are free to contest. My case has just begun — it will move from the High Court, possibly to the Court of Appeal, and if necessary, to the Supreme Court. Before it concludes, I will be on the ballot, and I am certain of winning by a huge margin,” he stated.

Gachagua acknowledged that he is not the only opposition figure with presidential ambitions, noting that leaders like Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa are also seeking to consolidate support ahead of the polls. However, he stressed that when the right time comes, the opposition would unite behind a single candidate.

“We are all in the race, seeking the support of Kenyans. Eventually, we will come together, deliberate, and rally behind one candidate. Even if I am not chosen, I will wholeheartedly support whoever we agree upon,” Gachagua affirmed.

During the Weru TV interview, he also addressed his impeachment, arguing that it did not reflect the will of the people but was a political decision made by parliamentarians.

“I was not removed by the electorate. I was impeached by MPs who do not represent the people’s direct voice. I remain a leader, and wherever I go, Kenyans listen to me. My mission is to rescue Kenya from its current challenges,” he said.

Gachagua also revealed plans to launch his own political party in May, setting the stage for his 2027 campaign.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has announced an intensified government crackdown on rogue betting firms exploiting unsuspecting Kenyans, particularly the youth.

Speaking during a public address on Saturday, PS Omollo raised concerns about the growing number of young people falling victim to betting addiction, warning that the nation is losing a generation to the vice.

“We are losing a number of Kenyans, particularly the young ones, who have been hooked to betting. We are working on cleaning that space, and we want to ask that you pay a lot of attention,” said PS Omollo. He urged members of the public to support government efforts in reining in unscrupulous businessmen and women running exploitative betting operations.

Drawing a powerful comparison, PS Omollo likened betting addiction to drug and substance abuse, emphasizing the devastating impact it has on individuals and families alike.

“There is no difference between those hooked to betting and those hooked to drugs and substance abuse,” he stated.

The Interior PS revealed that President William Ruto has personally expressed concern over the issue and has directed relevant authorities to take decisive action.

“This is a matter that even His Excellency the President has taken note of and has given us guidance on what must be done,” PS Omollo said. “Already, changes are happening and more are expected, so that we can have a society that can develop without leaving some members completely vulnerable.”

He cited tragic cases where individuals, overwhelmed by gambling-related problems, have resorted to suicide or engaged in criminal activities in desperate attempts to sustain their betting habits.

The crackdown signals a new era of tighter regulation within Kenya’s betting industry, with the government promising swift action against firms found to be preying on vulnerable citizens.

Police in Kajiado County are holding a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who surrendered to military police hours after allegedly dumping the body of his girlfriend at a health facility in Kitengela.

According to a police report (OB 42/27/04/2025), the soldier, identified as Fredrick Mwazughwa Mwalungwa and based at Kahawa Garrison Defence Forces Constabulary, had booked a room at Mary Hill House apartment in Kitengela alongside his 24-year-old girlfriend on Friday night.

“Fredrick Mwazughwa Mwalungwa, a Kenya Defence Forces officer based at Kahawa Garrison Defence Forces Constabulary, went with deceased who happens to be his girlfriend to an apartment named Mary Hill House in Kitengela yesterday night at around 10pm,” the police report states.

However, their night together took a tragic turn when, at around 11 p.m., the woman became unconscious and experienced difficulty breathing. The soldier raised an alarm, prompting the apartment’s caretaker to respond.

“They requested one of the tenants to assist with his motor vehicle registration number KDA 359D to carry the deceased to St. Paul’s Hospital Kitengela where she was pronounced dead on arrival,” the police report adds.

Investigators suspect that the woman may have died while still in the lodging before being transported to the hospital. Police also noted that, although there were no visible injuries on her body, there was blood observed in her genital area.

After arriving at the hospital, nurses instructed the soldier and the driver who had assisted him to report the matter to police. However, the soldier allegedly fled the hospital premises, jumping over the gate. The driver also left, claiming he was going to fetch help.

The police report further states: “The suspect fearing for unknown ran to his mother barracks at Kahawa Garrison and reported to Military Police where he was detained in the guardroom and escorted to Kitengela DCI office.”

The soldier has since been booked into police custody and is assisting with investigations. The scene at Mary Hill House apartment was processed by crime scene officers.

The body of the deceased was moved to Shalom Mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.

Kitengela DCI Officer-in-Charge Joseph Indege confirmed that the suspect is cooperating with investigators.

“The case is pending further investigations and is being handled by DCI Kitengela,” he said.

Authorities say more information will be released as investigations progress.