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Judge Aggrey Muchelule ties knot with his long-term girlfriend Judy Kerich

Court of Appeal Judge Aggrey Muchelule on Friday, November 29, tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend Judy Kerich in a colourful traditional wedding. The ceremony was held at Muchelule’s native home, in Kesses Constituency, Uasin Gishu County.  Talking of the dress code, the bridegroom was clad in a mixed blend of grey trousers, a white T-shirt, and a black coat.  Meanwhile, the bride wore a long cream dress with silver sparkles while the bridesmaids clad in long, creamy dresses to match the ceremony’s theme. The attendees donned various types of attire ranging from semi-casual dress codes to suits. The wedding exuded elegance. The ceremony moreover brought together leaders from all the arms of government who came to celebrate the love story. Among the high-profile guests who attended  the ceremony were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandagor, Supreme Court Judge William Ouko, and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi were also present at the ceremony. Judge Muchelule holds a Master of Laws Degree from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Laws from the same university and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He joined the judicial service as a District Magistrate II in 1982, rising to a Chief Magistrate. As Chief Magistrate, he served in Mombasa, Kakamega, Nairobi, and Eldoret. He was later appointed High Court judge in 2009. 

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Kenyan journalist Mercy Juma Okande Quits BBC, Lands A new job in WFP

Renowned Kenyan journalist, Mercy Juma Okande has announced her exit from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Mercy announced her resignation from the BBC after seven and a half years. During her time at the BBC She covered a range of human-interest topics including women’s rights, climate change, and reproductive health and news. Taking to social media, the media personality disclosed that she has landed a new role with the World Food Program (WFP). According to her, the new role will see her head the Communications Department at WFP-Kenya, marking a significant milestone in her decorated career. “After 7.5 years with #BBC, I’m starting a new chapter. Thrilled to join @WFP_Kenya as Head of Communications.’’   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mercy Juma Okande (@mercyjuma) She moreover assured her fans that the career milestone does not mark the end of story-telling which she enjoys, noting that it will only be a shift in how those stories are told. “This isn’t a departure from storytelling, it’s a shift in how and where those stories are told. With a focus on narratives rooted in building resilience. #ChangingLives.”  

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Clinical Officers Threaten To Go On a Strike if the government does not send home the board of SHA

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers has threatened to go on strike next month if the government does not send home the board of the Social Health Authority. The strike notice issued on November 29 makes this the second medical union to threaten this week. According to KUCO they will withdraw their services starting December 23, over what they term as discrimination in the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which is now rebranded to Taifa Care. KUCO claims that the top officials from the authority are to blame for the current crisis that has affected over six million Kenyans. “We shall down tools on the 23rd of December if the board does not rescind its decision, and we shall be holding demonstrations every Monday to protest this discrimination. The President has promised that the Universal Health Cover should work, but this can’t work in the manner that the Social Health Authority is carrying out the rollout.” KUCO National Chairperson Peterson Wachira further noted that the new SHA board had blocked clinicians from the list of service providers, yet they operate over 1,000 private facilities in the country.  The union is said to have over 30,000 members with duties ranging from administrative to performing clinical evaluations of patients. Wachira further warned that the health sector could collapse due to poor management by senior officers from SHA who had introduced a new funding model. Their strike threat comes a day after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union called on all intern doctors to withdraw their services over job frustrations, further threatening to demonstrate in December.  

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Kenyans Requested to submit proposals to aid in the development of JKIA

The government has requested Kenyans to submit alternative proposals to aid in the development of the country’s main airport JKIA a week after President William Ruto cancelled expansion deals. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged Kenyans to bring forward proposals on how best to improve the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and electricity transmission in the country.  His comments came after President Ruto’s directive to cancel a deal to build a new power transmission and the end of negotiations for the expansion of the JKIA to be undertaken by the Adani Group. “We call upon Kenyans to come forward and bring alternatives to energy and airport building and see what we can do because we have to move forward,” he commented. Mwaura reiterated the cancellation of the contentious JKIA-KETRACO deals as he moved to quell any doubts regarding the move by the government. He further stated that Kenyans should not have doubts regarding the status of the deals, which had caused a great divide amongst the nation and many had called for their cancellation. He also added that Adani was not involved in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) that is under the Social Health Authority (SHA).  “There are cartels that are seeking to drag Adani everywhere. Adani is not in SHA. Those are just false stories,” he affirmed.  

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Miss Universe Kenya Irene Mukii steps down amid controversy

Irene Mukii the Miss Universe Kenya has recently disclosed that she has resigned from her role weeks after the Miss Universe competition in Mexico. Taking the news to her socials, irene noted that she has officially decided to resign from her role by sending a termination notice to the Miss Universe Kenya Organisation. “ After a careful consideration I have decided to send in my termination notice to the Miss Kenya Universe Organisation.’’ She did not forget to thank all those who have supported her throughout. “To all  of you who have shown support, thank you. The focus remains to be transformational leadership to empower underserved and marginalized communities. I am excited for what’s ahead for inspirene revolution. Let us continue working together for the good of our people.”     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Miss Universe Kenya 2024 (@irene_mukii) Her resignation comes after allegations uncovered on Xtra TV Access by former Miss Universe Kenya Rachel Mbuki.  It is alleged that she wore her designs instead of those provided by the Miss Universe organisation during the global pageant in Mexico.  It is also alleged that  Irene ignored messages from the Miss Universe team while in Mexico, leaving them concerned about her commitment. There are also other claims that Mukii refused to train with her appointed coach while in Kenya, disregarding vital preparation for the competition.  

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IG Kanja Dismisses Allegation that Peter Mwathi Was Arrested

The National Police Service has dismissed allegations of arresting former Limuru Member of Parliament Peter Mwathi. The allegation cames after yesterday’s commotion during a funeral attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Limuru, Kiambu County. According to the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, police officers did not arrest Mwathi as alleged since he is not a person of interest to the police. Kanja also noted that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers in Limuru had commenced investigations to establish the cause of the fracas during the function and bring to book the perpetrators. Kanja further called on Kenyans with information that may aid in the arrest of the suspects who invaded the burial to report to the nearest police station. His clarification comes after a section of Gachagua’s allies visited the DCI headquarters in Kiambu County seeking the release of the former MP. Addressing the press at the DCI headquarters on Thursday, November 28, Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa alleged that Mwathi was abducted by unknown men with a black Subaru car. “We came here at the DCI to demand a swift investigation of what transpired today where an attempt on the life of Rigathi Gachagua was carried out by hired goons by the government. We also came here because we wanted to find the whereabouts of the former MP Peter Mwathi because he was abducted by men in Subaru,” Thang’wa noted. Earlier today, the DCI summoned the senator to shed light on the melee that ensued during the burial. The Senator was ordered to avail himself at the Nyeri DCI headquarters to provide details about the destruction of property. The lawmaker noted that he would honour the summon, however, he called on President William Ruto’s administration to reinstate security to the former DP. He further assured Kenyans that Gachagua was in stable condition despite his vehicle being damaged by goons who shattered the windscreen of his Toyota.  

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President William Ruto is set to travel to Arusha, Tanzania

President William Ruto is set to travel to Arusha, Tanzania today Friday, November 29 to attend the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Heads of State. The summit will bring together regional leaders to address key challenges facing  the EAC and  discuss strategies to accelerate economic integration, strengthen the region’s resilience to climate change, and address insecurity. According to the state house spokesperson, the president is set to champion boosting trade security and innovation at the summit. “President Ruto will advocate for the removal of trade barriers, the boosting of cross-border commerce, and the enhancement of partnerships in energy, agriculture, and digital innovation to create jobs and improve livelihoods. Leaders will also discuss measures to promote peace and security, including combating transnational crime, managing borders, and resolving conflicts,” he noted. President Ruto will also participate in an interactive session celebrating the EAC’s 25th anniversary and its milestones in the journey towards political federation. He will further hold bilateral talks with regional leaders on the sidelines of the summit.  

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Government plans to hike the NSSF deductions from next year

Kenyans will take home less pay as the government plans to hike the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions from next year. Beginning February next year, Kenyans will pay up to Ksh4320 monthly from Ksh2160 currently contributed by both employees and employers. Employed Kenyans would be deducted 6 per cent of their salaries. The deduction will be implemented beginning February 1, 2025, as part of the government’s move to enhance remittance to the security fund. The lower earnings limit or the amount that is considered the lowest pensionable salary has been raised to Sh9,000 up from the current Sh7,000. The upper earnings limit has been raised to Ksh 29,000 with this category of employee set to contribute more money. Moreover the deductions would be based on the amount an individual earns.  This comes after the National Assembly Committee on Finance and National Planning, led by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, on Thursday, concluded public hearings of the bills, paving the way for further approval by parliament.  

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Daddie Marto and His Wife Koku land new role on TV

More excitement during this festive season  as Showmax launches its newest dating reality series, Nairobi Bachelor. The show is  set to premiere on December 6, 2024, the 13-episode show offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of modern romance. Hosted by celebrity couple Daddie Marto, known from Sue na Jonnie, and his wife Koku Lwanga, the series follows young bachelors and singles on their journey to find love, capturing both the joys and struggles along the way. According to the creators,  they have crafted an engaging experience filled with heartfelt moments, surprising twists, and raw emotional honesty.  “Nairobi Bachelor was inspired by the need to reimagine the traditional dating show. We aimed to create a platform that reflects the complexities of modern relationships, focusing on emotional connections, shared values, and resilience in the face of challenges.” The show features Nairobi Bachelor  who follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons as they embark on a quest to find their perfect match. Unsure of the outcome, each bachelor must use their senses and wit to find the woman of their dreams.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Showmax Kenya (@showmaxkenya) It also features a unique Baggage segment, where potential couples must confront the skeletons in their closets. Will they accept their partner’s truth and move forward, or will the baggage be too heavy to carry? Reflecting on the show,  the Co-host Koku Lwanga expressed her enthusiasm for this new venture. “When the opportunity arose, I was both excited and nervous. Hosting a show like this pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I saw it as a chance for growth. I’ve always been passionate about fostering meaningful connections, and being part of a project that celebrates the beauty and complexity of love feels incredibly fulfilling.” Daddie Marto also reflected on the evolving dynamics of dating in Kenya. “Dating in 2024 is certainly not for the faint-hearted! Nairobi Bachelor reveals that dating in Kenya is both challenging and deeply rooted in cultural nuances.While technology has changed how we meet, the core of love – trust, respect, and vulnerability – remains the same.”

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Rigathi Gachagua and his team attacked by goons at Limuru burial

Chaos was witnessed at a burial ceremony attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Ngarariga, Limuru, Kiambu County on Thursday, November 28. Goons reportedly began shaking a tent where the former DP was seated alongside his close political allies including Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa. Just before Gachagua could be invited to address the crowd, a group of unarmed locals began shaking the tent, prompting those inside the tent to rush out in fear. The congregants dashed for safety as the rivalling factions engaged in heated wrangles that led to the destruction of unknown value of property. Moreover,During the incident, Gachagua’s car was destroyed with footage of the scene showing the former DP’s black Toyota Land Cruiser destroyed on the rear window. It is alleged that several people sustained critical injuries with the photos of the event further showing plastic chairs scattered on the ground.  However, the cause of the drama is yet to be established. This comes a few days after Gachagua’s acrimonious fallout with his former boss, President Ruto, in a recent speech where he took a swipe at Ruto over his style of leadership.  

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