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  • DANGOTE REFINERY GROUND BREAKING DRAWS LEGAL CHALLENGE IN LAMU

    By Hadrine Joyce
    Wednesday, 30 September 2026

    LAMU, Kenya — Plans for the groundbreaking of the proposed Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu have been accompanied by a land dispute after 133 residents moved to court challenging activities on part of the land earmarked for the project.

    The Malindi Environment and Land Court issued interim orders directing parties to maintain the existing status quo on L.R. No. 13061, located in the Hindi/Manda-Magogoni area of Lamu County.

    Justice Jane Onyango ordered that the status quo be maintained until October 14, 2026, when the case is expected to come before the court for further directions.

    The court temporarily barred activities including clearing, excavation, fencing, demolition, construction, transfer or disposal of the portions of the land occupied by the petitioners.

    The 133 petitioners say they have occupied, cultivated and developed parts of the land for many years. They are seeking recognition of their interests in the property and protection during any acquisition process linked to the refinery.

    Despite the court proceedings, the Dangote Group has maintained that the legal dispute will not stop the planned groundbreaking ceremony. Reuters reported that the company said the ceremony would proceed, although the court ruling could affect some activities at the project site.

    Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also said on Tuesday that the government intended to proceed with the planned launch.

    The proposed refinery is expected to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Reuters reported that construction is planned for completion in 2030, with the project intended to reduce East Africa’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

    The project has been estimated at approximately $16 billion, while local reports have placed its value at about KSh2.2 trillion. It is expected to create employment and increase activity at Lamu Port.

    The refinery’s development has therefore become a major economic project while also facing questions over land rights and the interests of residents occupying parts of the proposed site.

    DANGOTE REFINERY IN NIGERIA

  • Morocco Appoints First Female Prime Minister After General Elections September 29, 2026

    King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman Prime Minister following her party’s strong performance in the recent general elections. The historic appointment makes her only the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world and marks a significant milestone for gender representation in North African politics.

    El Mansouri’s selection comes after her party emerged among the top performers in the September 23 elections. Political analysts say the decision reflects both the evolving political landscape in Morocco and the growing influence of women in public leadership roles across the region.
    The new Prime Minister is expected to focus on economic recovery, social reforms, and maintaining political stability.

    Her appointment has drawn praise from regional observers who view it as a positive step toward greater inclusion, while also placing high expectations on her ability to deliver tangible results for ordinary Moroccans.
    As she prepares to form her government, attention will turn to the composition of the new cabinet and the policy priorities that will define her administration.

    The development is being closely watched across Africa and the Middle East as a potential signal of changing attitudes toward women’s leadership at the highest levels of government.

  • Kenya Power Announces Scheduled Outages Across 11 Counties Including Nairobi September 29, 2026

    Kenya Power has announced planned electricity maintenance that will affect parts of 11 counties, including Nairobi, on Tuesday, September 29. The utility company said the interruptions are necessary to allow technical teams to carry out essential upgrades and repairs aimed at improving the reliability of the power supply.

    Areas in Nairobi such as parts of Mbaazi Avenue, Hatheru Road, Riara Road, and surrounding neighbourhoods are among those listed for outages lasting several hours.

    Other affected counties include Kiambu, Nyeri, and Kisumu, with specific zones and time slots detailed in the official notice released on Monday evening.
    Kenya Power advised residents and businesses to make alternative arrangements, especially those relying on electricity for work, medical equipment, or cold storage.

    The company said the maintenance works are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the national grid and reduce unplanned blackouts in the long term.
    Customers have been encouraged to follow official updates through Kenya Power’s communication channels for any changes to the schedule.

    The utility reiterated its commitment to restoring supply promptly once the maintenance activities are completed in each affected area.

  • Lawyers Withdraw from Representing Suspects in Dr Victoria Mutiso Murder Case September 29, 2026

    Three lawyers representing key suspects in the murder of prominent clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Mutiso dramatically withdrew from the case on Tuesday following disagreements with their clients. The development came during court proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts, where the suspects, including Rose Mbithe Mulwa and her two children, are facing murder charges.

    Dr Mutiso was killed on July 29 in Nairobi after her taxi was ambushed by armed attackers at a road junction. The attack, involving both a motorcycle and a vehicle, shocked the country and led to a high-profile investigation that resulted in the arrest of several suspects, including two police officers.

    Prosecutors have opposed bail for the accused, arguing that their release could compromise ongoing investigations and that some alleged accomplices remain at large. The State maintains that the evidence against the suspects is strong and that the case should proceed without delay.

    The sudden withdrawal of the defence lawyers has introduced fresh uncertainty into the proceedings. The court is expected to give directions on the appointment of new counsel as the high-profile murder case continues to attract significant public attention.

  • Deputy President Kindiki Orders Fresh Nationwide Inspection of Alcohol Manufacturers September 29, 2026

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed security and regulatory agencies to carry out a fresh inspection of all alcohol manufacturing premises across the country as the government intensifies its crackdown on illicit brews and harmful drinks. The order comes amid rising concerns over the health risks posed by unregulated alcohol and the continued loss of lives linked to poisonous concoctions.

    Kindiki said the inspections will target both licensed and unlicensed producers to ensure full compliance with safety and quality standards. He directed the multi-agency team to act firmly against those found manufacturing or distributing dangerous alcohol, warning that no manufacturer will be spared regardless of political or social connections.

    The renewed focus follows earlier government efforts that led to the closure of several outlets and the arrest of suspects involved in the illicit trade. Officials note that while progress has been made, the problem remains widespread in both urban and rural areas, requiring sustained enforcement and public awareness.

    Health and security agencies have been urged to work closely with county governments to strengthen monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The Deputy President emphasized that protecting Kenyan lives remains a top priority and that the campaign against illicit alcohol will continue without interruption.

  • President Ruto Vows Lamu Refinery Project Will Proceed Despite Protests and Court Challenge September 29, 2026

    President William Ruto has insisted that the groundbreaking of the multi-trillion-shilling Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu will go ahead as planned, despite protests by residents and a pending court case.

    Speaking during his Coast tour, the President accused “brokers” of trying to derail the project and assured Kenyans that shares in the refinery will be made available through the Nairobi Securities Exchange so that ordinary citizens can own a stake.

    Lamu residents staged demonstrations on Tuesday opposing the project, citing concerns over land rights, environmental impact, and limited community benefits.

    A group of 133 residents had earlier moved to court seeking orders to stop activities on the land earmarked for the Sh2 trillion facility. Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote responded that his company is ready to defend the project in court if necessary.
    Government officials maintain that the refinery will create thousands of jobs, boost energy security, and position Kenya as a regional petroleum hub. They argue that the investment represents one of the largest private-sector projects in the country’s history and will stimulate economic activity along the Coast and beyond.
    As the groundbreaking approaches, security has been heightened in the area. Authorities have urged residents to channel their concerns through legal and official channels while promising continued engagement with local leaders and community representatives.

  • KeNHA Gives Roadside Traders 30 Days to Vacate Four Major Highways

    By Hadrine Joyce
    Tuesday, 29 September 2026

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Roadside traders and owners of unauthorised structures along four major highways have been given 30 days to vacate road reserves or face removal by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

    In a public notice published on Tuesday, September 29, KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli directed illegal occupants to remove their goods, structures and other encroachments from the affected road reserves.

    The directive covers the Likoni–Ukunda–Lunga Lunga (A7), Kilifi–Malindi–Garsen–Witu (A7), Maili Tisa–Kitale (B14) and Eldoret–Nyaru (B124) roads.

    KeNHA said the affected occupants have until October 29, 2026, to comply with the notice.

    The authority warned that structures and goods belonging to people who fail to comply may be removed without further reference to the owners. The cost of the removal exercise may also be imposed on the owners.

    KeNHA said illegal occupation of road reserves is an offence under Kenyan law, including the Kenya Roads Act, 2007 and the Traffic Act.

    The latest directive is part of the authority’s efforts to protect road reserves and maintain road safety and infrastructure across the affected corridors. (People Daily⁠)

    PHOTO CAPTION: KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli during an official engagement.

    PHOTO CREDIT: @KeNHAKenya/X, as published by People Daily.

    SOURCE: People Daily / Kenya National Highways Authority.

  • Mass Shooting Leaves Casualties

    3. Mass Shooting Leaves Casualties
    Authorities are investigating a deadly mass shooting that has shocked the nation and raised concerns about public safety.
    Police say the incident occurred in a crowded area, leaving several people dead and others injured. The suspect has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive.
    Leaders have called for stronger measures to address gun violence and protect citizens.

  • OIL PRICES ON THE BOIL AS TRIUMPH REFUSES TO RULE OUT IRAN STRIKES

    BY.PHILES ISABOKE

    Global markets are jittery. Former US President Trump has refused to rule out strikes on Iran before the US midterms, sending oil to $89 a barrel. Iran’s president says cleric Mojtaba Khamenei survived two alleged US-Israel strikes and is “completely healthy.” Meanwhile, UAE and Egypt claim they warned Netanyahu before Oct 7. In Yemen, 4 Iranian drone experts were reported killed in Taiz. Analysts warn any strike could trigger a wider Middle East war.

  • HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS CHANGING KENYAN MUSIC FOREVER.

    By . philes isaboke

    You no longer need a Sh.50,000 studio session. Kenyan Gen Z producers in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa are making hits using AI. Tools like Suno, Udio and Adobe Enhance are creating beats, writing Sheng lyrics, and cleaning vocals. Producer K-Beatz from Umoja made a hit in 2 hours on his phone. “AI is not killing creativity, it’s killing gatekeepers,” he says. But MCSK warns about copyright – who owns an AI song? The debate is hot in the industry.