by Bukeni AbdullatifMudavadi in Washington: Strengthening Kenya-U.S. Relations Amid Global Shifts
May 7, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, is currently in Washington, D.C., engaging in high-level discussions aimed at reinforcing Kenya-U.S. relations. His agenda includes meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials to address key areas such as trade, security, and regional stability.
Advancing Trade and Investment
A central focus of Mudavadi’s visit is the acceleration of the Kenya-U.S. Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). This initiative seeks to enhance bilateral trade and investment, promoting sustainable economic growth by unlocking existing opportunities. The STIP is anticipated to provide Kenya with expanded access to the U.S. market, building upon the foundation laid by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in 2025.
Addressing Regional Security
In addition to economic discussions, Mudavadi and Secretary Rubio are expected to deliberate on regional security concerns. Topics include Kenya’s leadership role in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti and efforts to stabilize conflict-affected areas in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These discussions underscore the shared commitment of Kenya and the United States to promoting peace and security in the region.
Navigating Global Geopolitical Changes
Mudavadi’s visit occurs against the backdrop of significant shifts in the global geopolitical landscape. He has emphasized the need for Kenya to adapt its foreign policy to remain relevant and effective in promoting national interests. This includes fostering international cooperation to address emerging challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic volatility.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The visit follows President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States in May 2024, which marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During that visit, discussions centered on enhancing economic cooperation, with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation committing to significant investments in Kenya’s green energy and health sectors.
Mudavadi’s engagements in Washington are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States, fostering collaboration in areas critical to both nations’ interests.
ODM at a Crossroads: Rift Widens Over Support for Ruto’s Administration
May 7, 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), one of Kenya’s most influential political parties, is facing growing internal tensions as it weighs the future of its cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
The party, led by veteran opposition figure Raila Odinga, has found itself under increasing pressure both from within its ranks and from supporters across the country. The crux of the matter lies in the political pact formed in the aftermath of the contentious 2022 General Election, which saw ODM align—albeit informally—with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition on selected national issues.
However, recent weeks have exposed a widening rift within the ODM leadership, with a faction pushing for a complete withdrawal from the agreement, citing betrayal of party values, erosion of political identity, and dissatisfaction with the government’s delivery on key promises.
Mounting Pressure from the Grassroots
ODM’s grassroots support base, particularly in its strongholds in Nyanza, Coast, and parts of Western Kenya, has grown increasingly vocal. Critics argue that the cooperation with President Ruto has yielded little tangible benefit for their regions and risks blurring the lines between the government and opposition—at a time when checks and balances are seen as critical.
“The party is losing its soul,” said an ODM youth leader from Kisumu, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We joined ODM to stand against what we believed was an unjust administration, not to prop it up.”
Leadership Divided
The party’s top leadership remains divided. While Odinga has maintained a cautious tone—often advocating dialogue and national unity—some senior figures, including MPs and senators, are calling for a reassessment of the party’s strategy.
“We cannot be in government and opposition at the same time,” said Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi during a recent rally. “The people expect us to stand firm and speak truth to power, not to dilute our voice in the name of cooperation.”
Strategic Considerations
Political analysts believe ODM’s internal turmoil reflects broader strategic concerns ahead of the 2027 General Election. By maintaining ties with the government, the party risks alienating its base and undermining its image as a strong opposition force. On the other hand, pulling out of the cooperation could isolate ODM from potential influence in government decisions and funding.
“There’s a real balancing act here,” said Prof. Herman Manyora, a political commentator. “ODM must weigh the short-term political risks against long-term electoral consequences.”
A Decision Looms
The party has announced that it will hold a high-level retreat later this month to deliberate on the way forward. According to insiders, the meeting is expected to produce a decisive resolution on the future of the party’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
As the political temperature rises, all eyes are on Raila Odinga and the ODM leadership to provide clarity and direction in what is fast becoming a defining moment for Kenya’s political landscape.
vivo V50 5G Launches in Kenya: A New Era in Mobile Photography
Nairobi, May 6, 2025 — Smartphone manufacturer vivo has officially launched its latest flagship device, the vivo V50 5G, in the Kenyan market. This new addition to vivo’s V-series is designed to elevate mobile photography and performance, featuring advanced imaging technology co-engineered with ZEISS and a suite of high-end specifications.
📸 Revolutionary Imaging with ZEISS Optics
The vivo V50 5G boasts a dual rear camera system, each with 50MP sensors, including a primary lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 119° ultra-wide-angle lens. The front-facing camera is also a 50MP sensor, ensuring high-quality selfies. The device incorporates ZEISS Professional Portrait technology, offering features like ZEISS Multifocal Portrait and a variety of bokeh effects such as Biotar, B-Speed, and Distagon. Additionally, the AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0 provides studio-quality lighting with a 143x ultra-soft fill light, enhancing portrait photography.
⚙️ Performance and Display
Under the hood, the vivo V50 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The device features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 4500 nits, protected by Diamond Shield Glass.
🔋 Battery and Charging
Equipped with a 6000mAh battery, the vivo V50 5G supports 90W wired fast charging, allowing for quick power-ups. The device also offers reverse wired charging, providing versatility for users on the go.
🌐 Connectivity and Durability
The smartphone supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor. It holds IP68 and IP69 ratings, indicating high resistance to dust and water, capable of withstanding submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
🎨 Design and Availability
The vivo V50 5G is available in multiple color options, including Ancora Red (Rose Red), Satin Black (Titanium Grey), Starry Blue (Starry Night), and Mist Purple. In Kenya, the device is priced starting from KES 52,000, with variations depending on the retailer and storage configurations.
Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were Assassinated in Nairobi
Nairobi, May 6, 2025 — Kenya is reeling from the assassination of Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County. The 51-year-old legislator was fatally shot on the evening of April 30 while his vehicle was stopped at a traffic light on Ngong Road in Nairobi. Police have described the incident as a “targeted and premeditated” attack.
According to eyewitness accounts, two assailants on a motorcycle approached Were’s car around 7:30 p.m. One of the attackers dismounted, walked to the passenger side, and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Were’s driver and bodyguard were unharmed and rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A postmortem examination conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that Were was shot five times at close range, with bullets piercing vital organs including his heart, lungs, and liver. The cause of death was determined to be excessive bleeding.
The assassination has sent shockwaves through the nation, with President William Ruto condemning the killing and ordering a thorough investigation. Opposition leader Raila Odinga mourned Were as a “gallant son of the soil,” highlighting his dedication to public service.
In a significant development, four suspects, including a serving police officer, were arrested in connection with the murder. They were arraigned at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Courts and are being held for 30 days to allow police to complete investigations. Authorities have linked at least some of the suspects to the Mjahidin gang, a criminal group known for violent robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands area.
Were had previously expressed concerns for his safety amid rising unrest in his constituency and hostility at public events. His death has raised concerns about the country’s political stability, especially given Kenya’s history of politically motivated violence.
Preparations are underway for Were’s requiem mass, as the nation mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant.
Kenya Launches Nationwide Public Forums on Constitutional Amendment Bill
Nairobi, May 6, 2025 — The Kenyan Parliament has initiated a series of public participation forums across the country to gather citizen input on the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill No. 4 of 2025. This bill aims to enshrine three key development funds into the Constitution:
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National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF)
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Senate Oversight Fund
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National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
The public hearings commenced on May 5 and are scheduled to continue through May 7, 2025, covering all 290 constituencies and 47 counties. Sessions are being held daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at each constituency office and the offices of the 47 County Women Representatives.
This initiative follows previous legal challenges questioning the constitutional validity of these funds. By embedding them into the Constitution, the bill seeks to provide a solid legal foundation for their continued operation.
Kenyans are encouraged to participate in these forums to express their views. Additionally, written submissions can be sent via email to cna@parliament.go.ke or constitutionamendment@parliament.go.ke. Physical submissions can be delivered to the Clerk of the National Assembly at P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, or in person at the Main Parliament Buildings. All submissions must be received by 5:00 PM on June 10, 2025.
This public participation process is a critical step in ensuring that the voices of Kenyan citizens are heard in the constitutional amendment process, particularly concerning the management and oversight of development funds.
Kenya’s High Court Declares Worldcoin Operations Illegal Over Privacy Violations
Nairobi, May 6, 2025 — In a landmark decision, the High Court of Kenya has ruled that the operations of Worldcoin, a controversial cryptocurrency project backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, are illegal in the country. The court found that Worldcoin’s collection of biometric data from Kenyan citizens violated constitutional privacy rights.
Worldcoin, which uses eye-scanning “orbs” to collect users’ iris data in exchange for cryptocurrency tokens, had been operating in Kenya under scrutiny since 2023. Concerns were raised about the transparency of its data handling and the lack of informed consent from users — many of whom were drawn in by monetary incentives.
In its ruling, the court ordered an immediate halt to all Worldcoin activities in Kenya and mandated the deletion of all personal data already collected. The judgment stated that the company had failed to comply with Kenya’s Data Protection Act, and that the potential for misuse of sensitive biometric information posed a serious risk to national security and individual privacy.
Amnesty International Kenya praised the decision, calling it a critical step toward ensuring that multinational tech firms cannot exploit vulnerable populations under the guise of innovation.
“This ruling affirms that Kenyans’ rights cannot be traded for digital tokens,” said Irũngũ Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya. “The government and judiciary must remain vigilant in protecting the rights of citizens in the face of rapid technological change.”
The decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for other digital identity and data-driven projects in Kenya and across Africa, where regulatory frameworks are still evolving to keep pace with technological advancements.
As of now, Worldcoin has not issued an official response to the ruling.
“Shoe Protest: Angry Citizen Hurls Footwear at President Ruto During Public Event”
Nairobi, Kenya – May 5, 2025 – A dramatic scene unfolded today when a furious protester threw a shoe at President William Ruto during a public address, symbolizing growing public rage over economic hardships and the controversial Finance Bill 2025.
What Happened?
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The incident occurred as the president spoke at a town hall meeting in Nakuru, defending the new tax proposals.
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A man in the crowd suddenly shouted “Stop stealing from the poor!” before hurling his shoe toward the podium.
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Security swiftly tackled the protester, while the shoe missed the president but sparked chaos in the venue.
Why a Shoe?
The act of shoe-throwing is a global symbol of disrespect and protest, famously used against leaders like George W. Bush (2008) and Saddam Hussein (statue, 2003). In Kenya, it reflects deep frustration over rising living costs, unemployment, and perceived government excesses.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
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Supporters of the protester praised the act, calling it “the voice of the people.” Social media erupted with memes and hashtags like #ShoeOfShame.
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Government allies condemned it as “disgraceful and undemocratic,” urging respect for the presidency.
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Police confirmed the man was arrested but did not disclose charges.
A Sign of Growing Unrest?
The shoe protest comes as nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2025 are set to begin next week. Analysts warn that if the government doesn’t address public anger, more radical displays of dissent could follow.
“No to More Taxes!” – Fury Erupts Over Finance Bill 2025 as Protests Loom
Nairobi, Kenya – May 5, 2025 – Kenya is bracing for a fresh wave of unrest as opposition leaders and civil society groups mobilize nationwide protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2025, which critics say will deepen the financial pain for ordinary citizens.
What’s in the Finance Bill 2025?
The proposed bill introduces new taxes and levies, including:
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Higher VAT on essential goods (fuel, bread, and mobile transactions)
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A 1.5% housing levy increase on salaried workers
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New digital service taxes affecting online businesses
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Increased excise duty on alcohol and betting
The government argues the measures are necessary to boost revenue and reduce debt, but opponents call it an attack on struggling Kenyans.
Opposition & Activists Fight Back
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Azimio leader Raila Odinga has vowed to lead demonstrations, calling the bill “economic sabotage.”
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Gen-Z & Millennial activists are organizing under #RejectFinanceBill2025, with viral social media campaigns gaining momentum.
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Business leaders warn that higher taxes could stifle growth and increase unemployment.
Protests Planned Nationwide
Mass protests are expected in:
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Nairobi (CBD & Parliament)
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Mombasa (Treasury Square)
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Kisumu (Jomo Kenyatta Grounds)
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Nakuru (Nyayo Gardens)
Police have issued warnings against “illegal gatherings,” but protesters insist they will march.
Will the Government Back Down?
Treasury officials insist the bill is “non-negotiable,” but with public anger rising, political pressure could force amendments.
Will history repeat itself? (Recall the 2023 protests that forced tax rollbacks.)
📢 Follow live updates on protest plans via #RejectFinanceBill2025 on X (Twitter).
“Guza Guza” Takes Over: Black Market’s Viral Hit Surpasses 1 Million YouTube Views
Nairobi, Kenya – May 5, 2025 – Kenyan music duo Black Market has set the internet ablaze with their latest hit, “Guza Guza,” which has skyrocketed past 1 million views on YouTube in just weeks. The song’s infectious beat, catchy lyrics, and energetic dance moves have made it a social media sensation, dominating TikTok challenges and club playlists across East Africa.
Why “Guza Guza” Is Everywhere
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Viral Dance Craze: Fans and influencers are recreating the song’s signature dance moves, flooding TikTok and Instagram with #GuzaGuzaChallenge clips.
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Club & Radio Dominance: DJs can’t get enough—the track is on heavy rotation in nightspots from Nairobi to Mombasa.
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Street Slang Appeal: The phrase “Guza Guza” (a playful, flirtatious term in Sheng) has become a cultural catchphrase.
Black Market’s Comeback
After a brief hiatus, Black Market (composed of Bamboo and Njogu) proves they still have the Midas touch. Fans are calling “Guza Guza” their best release since “Wapi” and “Kesho.”
What’s Next?
With a music video rumored to drop soon and performances lined up across Kenya, the duo shows no signs of slowing down. Could this be the song of the year?
Watch “Guza Guza” here: https://youtu.be/L0h4MJGnycA?si=7fF4NheVk1qOVVfS
Fuel Prices Drop Slightly as EPRA Offers Kenyans Marginal Relief
Nairobi, Kenya – May 5, 2025 – In a move that brings cautious optimism to consumers, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a marginal reduction in fuel prices, providing slight relief amid Kenya’s ongoing economic challenges.
Latest Fuel Price Adjustments
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Super Petrol: Decreased by KSh 2.50 per liter, now retailing at KSh 194.68 in Nairobi.
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Diesel: Reduced by KSh 1.80 per liter, dropping to KSh 179.53.
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Kerosene: Cut by KSh 3.20, now priced at KSh 168.45 per liter.
The adjustments, which took effect at midnight, come amid fluctuating global oil prices and a slightly stronger shilling against the US dollar.
Mixed Reactions from Consumers
While the price cuts offer some respite, many Kenyans argue that the reductions are too small to make a meaningful difference, especially with the high cost of living.
“A drop of two shillings is better than nothing, but fuel is still too expensive. Transport costs and food prices remain unbearable,” said John Mwangi, a matatu driver in Nairobi.
Government Under Pressure to Stabilize Prices
The reduction follows weeks of public outcry over soaring fuel costs, which have driven up the prices of essential goods and services. Economists warn that without further interventions, any relief could be short-lived, particularly if global oil markets become volatile.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo attributed the adjustment to a slight dip in international crude prices but cautioned that external factors, including geopolitical tensions and exchange rate fluctuations, could influence future pricing.
Will the Relief Last?
Analysts suggest that Kenya’s fuel pricing structure remains vulnerable to external shocks, and long-term solutions—such as diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on imports—are needed for sustained stability.
For now, motorists and businesses welcome the small reprieve but remain wary of future increases.
