With just weeks remaining before the curtain falls on 2025, the year is already etched in Kenya’s collective memory as one of the darkest in its political and cultural history. It is a year that robbed the nation of leaders, creatives, thinkers, and public voices from different walks of life, leaving behind unanswered questions, emotional farewells, and a country struggling to comprehend the sheer scale of loss. While several politicians, celebrities, and public figures passed away during the year, nothing shook Kenya to its core like the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Raila Odinga Raila’s final days were…
Author: Joan Oyiela
Barack Obama’s years-long tradition of sharing lists of his favourite playlists, movies, and books continues a tradition that’s become a cultural moment every year since 2009. The swaggy political figure’s picks once again show his ear for global sound and cultural relevance. The year isn’t over until Barack Obama drops his favorite works of art across film, music, and literature. Posting on his X and Instagram accounts, the former US president wrote, “As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual list of favourite books, movies,…
Regina Daniels alleges separation from children amid custody battle with Senator Ned Nwoko Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has claimed she has been separated from her children amid an ongoing custody dispute with her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, a claim the lawmaker has since denied. In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, Daniels said she has not seen her children since mid-November, accusing Nwoko of taking steps to shut her out of their lives while pursuing full custody. Reacting to a recent Instagram video of Nwoko with their children, Daniels described the situation as emotionally taxing, saying it has been…
December is a month synonymous with festivities, music, and celebrations worldwide, and Nairobi is no exception. This year, the festive season kicks off in style with the Sound of December happening today at Ngong Racecourse. The venue is expected to host an electrifying musical experience, curated for fans of eclectic sounds and unforgettable performances. Liquideep, the award-winning South African house music duo, are at the heart of the event. Known for their soulful, timeless house sound, the Johannesburg-based pair rose to international fame with chart-topping hits such as Fairytale, Alone, and Something About You. Their signature style blends deep, emotive…
Photo: Elvis Ogina This year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, following the government’s tradition of themed national events, adopted the 2025 theme: Tourism, Wildlife & MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). The festivities at Nyayo National Stadium were marked by electrifying performances that brought together music lovers and artists from across the country. Artists from diverse genres lit up the stage, delivering vibrant performances that showcased Kenya’s rich musical landscape. Standout acts included Wadagliz, Iyanii, Samdee, Trio Mio, Moji Short Babaa, and Elisha Toto, each bringing a unique sound that added colour and energy to the national celebrations. Comedian and entertainer Captain Otoyo…
President William Ruto (L) with US President Donald Trump (R) during a recent meeting [PCS] The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has named fifteen Kenyan nationals among what it calls the “worst of the worst criminal aliens” arrested in recent nationwide operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The list, released on December 10, highlights arrests made across Colorado, Texas, California, Arizona, Tennessee, Utah, Massachusetts, Washington, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. According to DHS, the individuals, fourteen men and one woman, were detained in coordinated sweeps targeting non-citizens with serious criminal convictions. Their offences include driving under the influence…
Pakistan’s Upper House briefly turned into a political farce when a lone donkey wandered into the Senate chamber mid-session, stunning lawmakers and triggering a wave of laughter as security scrambled to escort the intruder out. The animal ran across the red carpet, paused near the presiding officer’s podium, and appeared wholly unfazed by the chaos it caused. The spectacle, caught on video and instantly viral, unleashed a storm of satire online. Pakistani Senate sees sudden entry of a unnamed senator in Parliament ? pic.twitter.com/pea5ez5m72 — THE UNKNOWN MAN (@Theunk13) December 4, 2025 The chair of the Senate, Yousaf Raza Gillani,…
Raila, Museveni, Faith Kipyegon top Kenya’s Google searches in 2025 Kenyans searched most for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon, and the term “Enigma” in 2025, according to Google’s annual insights. The late Odinga’s passing on October 15 dominated search traffic, with Kenyans following updates on his funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, and ceremonies honouring his legacy. Other Odinga family members, Winnie, Oburu, Ruth, and Rosemary, also trended as the nation tracked their public appearances. Sports figures, particularly Faith Kipyegon, led athletic searches, celebrating her world-champion performances…
Malaysia to resume search for missing MH370 flight, 11 years later Malaysia will restart the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 later this month, the country’s Transport Ministry has announced, renewing efforts to solve one of the world’s most enduring aviation mysteries. In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said the operation will focus on targeted areas assessed to have the highest probability of locating the aircraft. “Ocean Infinity has confirmed with the Government of Malaysia that it will recommence seabed search operations for a total of 55 days, to be conducted intermittently. The search will be carried out…
Kenyans boycott matatu over graffiti of Samia Suluhu, force owner to repaint Kenyans have taken to social media to organise boycotts against the popular R.O.G. Matatu service after one of its vehicles featured graffiti of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The controversy erupted when a brightly colored “nganya” matatu, known for its flamboyant graffiti art, was spotted cruising Nairobi streets with a mural of President Samia. The artwork included a large portrait of the Tanzanian leader alongside a message praising her leadership. Online, netizens did not spare the matatu. Many saw the portrayal of a foreign leader on a Kenyan…
2Baba, Natasha fight during Instagram live amid singer’s alleged arrest in UK Barely six months after Innocent Uja Idibia, popularly known as 2face or 2baba, married Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru in a private ceremony, the union appears to be under strain. The tension came to public attention on Monday during an Instagram Live session hosted by media personality Daddy Freeze. He had invited two of 2baba’s former managers to discuss the singer’s recent UK scandal. A few minutes into the session, 2baba unexpectedly joined the livestream, confronting his former managers and attempting to shut down the allegations. Natasha appeared beside…
Former Real Househelps of Kawangware actress Bernice Njeri, popularly known as Njambi. (Photo: Njambi TRHK, Instagram) Former Real Househelps of Kawangware actress Bernice Njeri, popularly known as Njambi TRHK, has recounted the gender-based violence that pushed her to leave her marriage in 2022. The mother of two shared her story on 28 November 2025, during the final days of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, posting a deeply personal message on Instagram about the emotional and physical abuse she endured. “I lost pieces of myself in that pain… But I found a stronger version of me…
Kenya Urban Roads Authority warns Kenyan Prince after risky fire stunt on busy public road Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has condemned popular influencer Raymond Omosa, popularly known as Kenyan Prince, after staging a fire stunt on a busy public road to celebrate his 23rd birthday. In a reply message on X, the authority urged Kenyans to act responsibly and avoid endangering lives and damaging infrastructure. “We understand the enthusiasm that comes with celebrating achievements. However, the act of lighting fires on public roads is unacceptable,” KURA wrote. “It endangers lives, disrupts public safety, and causes long-term damage to our…
Singapore introduces caning for scammers in sweeping new anti-fraud law Singapore has introduced caning as a new penalty for scammers, marking one of its toughest responses yet to a surge in online fraud. In a bill presented by Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann, the government moved to drastically expand penalties for scam-related offences. The Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, passed by Parliament on Tuesday, allows for six to 24 strokes of the cane for convicted scammers and those who recruit individuals into scam networks, a punishment usually reserved for rapists and drug traffickers. According to the…
Content creator and actress Marya Okoth is giving her followers a glimpse into her honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia, days after walking down the aisle recently. Marya dumped her ex-lover and baby daddy, YY Comedian, and married her lawyer husband, Jack Okula, in a beautiful ceremony. The newlyweds jetted off to the Indonesian island shortly after their white wedding, and Marya has been sharing moments from their trip, revealing scenes from their stay and the activities they have been enjoying. In one of her posts, she appeared in a floral pink two-piece outfit paired with cream sandals, posing against the serene…
Chicago – A 26-year-old woman is currently in critical condition after being set on fire while riding the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Blue Line, police confirmed. The incident occurred around 9:25 pm on Monday near the Clark/Lake station. According to authorities, the woman became involved in an argument with an approximately 45-year-old man, which escalated into a physical altercation. During the confrontation, the suspect reportedly poured an unknown fluid over the woman before igniting it. The suspect fled the scene as the train came to a stop. The victim stumbled from the train and fell to the ground, where bystanders…
Comedian Sammy Kioko has expressed gratitude to Kenyans and well wishers who helped his sister, Maureen to receive further medical treatment in India. Maureen, who runs Muthaka Fashion Designs alongside Kioko, faced pregnancy complications that required a caesarean section and subsequent health challenges that left her unable to manage her business or personal affairs. Kioko and Maurine announced closure of their cloth line after they tried to stay afloat but it had become increasingly difficult to continue operating blaming the Machakos County Government for failing to pay Sh19 million owed to the business. Kioko appealed to the county government to…
Grammy Award-winning 33 year -old rapper Cardi B announced on Thursday night that she recently welcomed her fourth child to the world. The couple shared the exciting news during the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, where Diggs told People magazine, “It’s a boy. That’s enough for me. I can’t wait to make him do push-ups and sit-ups and run around.” Back in September, Cardi B announced on ‘CBS Mornings’ that she was expecting a child with Diggs. “I feel like I’m in a good space. I feel very strong. I feel very powerful that I’m doing all this work. But I’m…
Late gospel singer Betty Bayo [Courtesy] Beloved gospel singer Betty Bayo will be laid to rest on Thursday, 20th November, at Mugumo Estate along Kiambu Road. According to fellow musician Ngaruiya Junior, who sits in the funeral committee, Betty’s sendoff is estimated to cost Sh3 million. A memorial service will also be held at Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF) Church along Kiambu Road, where Bayo worshipped. Known for her hit song “11th Hour”, Betty passed away on November 10 at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia, a condition she kept private. Throughout her illness,…
Hiram Gitau, the widower of the late gospel musician Betty Bayo [Courtesy] Hiram Gitau, the widower of the late popular Kenyan gospel musician Betty Bayo, has spoken publicly for the first time since the singer’s passing. During a memorial gathering for Bayo, Hiram expressed gratitude for the support he and his family have received. “How are you guys? I am Bayo’s husband. Welcome home. I wish to thank you for praying for us and being with us; the support we have gotten from you is incredible,” he said. He added, “We lived with Betty and the kids here, but they will…
Tiktok content creator Faustine Baba Talisha [Courtesy] Popular TikTok content creator Faustine Baba Talisha has finally traced his stolen iPhone 15 and Samsung S24 to Kampala, Uganda, days after they were snatched during the Mataha Festival along Kiambu Road. The social media star shared his distress on Instagram after realising both phones were missing, revealing that his anguish stemmed less from the financial loss and more from the invaluable content stored on the devices. After offering a hefty reward for any leads, Baba Talisha later provided an update on the unusual journey of his iPhone, which travelled from Nairobi to…
Scophine Atieno alias Maverick Aoko, Akoko Val and musician Bien Baraza who scooped top influencer awards for 2025. Photos: Courtesy Kenyan political commentator and social media firebrand Scophine Aoko Atieno, popularly known as Maverick Aoko, has been named the X (formerly Twitter) Influencer of the Year at the 2025 Pulse Influencer Awards. The outspoken writer and commentator has built a powerful online presence through her fearless takes on social and political issues, often sparking intense debates and admiration in equal measure. Aoko’s unapologetic voice on X has earned her a massive following, with many lauding her for championing unity and…
Making music behind prison walls is not a new phenomenon, especially in Jamaica, where some of the country’s biggest stars have turned confinement into creative fuel. Among the most notable are Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton, reggae and dancehall icons who refused to let incarceration silence their art. Vybz Kartel, often referred to as the ‘World Boss,’ became a symbol of defiance and determination during his 13 years in prison. Despite being locked up, he managed to record and release chart-topping hits, including Fever, which dominated airwaves across the Caribbean and beyond. Reports indicate that he used devices such as…
The King of Pop may be gone, but his fortune continues to moonwalk to the bank. Michael Jackson has once again topped Forbes’ 2025 list of Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities, released to mark 25 years since the publication began tracking posthumous earnings. According to Forbes, Jackson’s estate raked in an astonishing approximately KSh13.55 billion ($105 million) over the past year alone. Since his death in 2009, the Thriller singer’s estate has generated a jaw-dropping KSh452 billion ($3.5 billion), making his legacy as not only a cultural icon but also a financial powerhouse in death as in life. The late pop legend…