President Kenyatta Warns Against Illegal Firearms in Turkana

President Uhuru Kenyatta, while speaking in Turkana County, Kenya, has warned residents against keeping illegal firearms and urged them to surrender such arms or face severe consequences. He emphasized the need for peace and security in the region, particularly in Kapedo, Turkana East, which has been plagued by insecurity for decades. Kenyatta announced the deployment of more security officers to the area and stressed the protection of teachers. He also called on local leaders to resolve conflicts and mentioned that the IEBC would address the border dispute between Baringo and Turkana, which is exacerbated by the presence of natural resources.

Five-year-old child allegedly defiled and strangled in Eldoret

In Uasin Gishu County, a community is in shock after a man allegedly raped and murdered a 5-year-old girl named Elizabeth Neema. The incident occurred after the child was playing near her mother Esther Chepkorir's kiosk. The mother, upon realizing her daughter was missing, was directed to a compound with a school where she discovered the man assaulting her child. The perpetrator, known in the community and described as soft-spoken, fled the scene and remains at large. The village elder, Daniel Kamau, provided some details about the man, who is known to operate a motorcycle taxi service locally. The community is grappling with the horror of the crime, and the mother is left in anguish questioning the inhumanity of the act.

Counties to get Sh372 billion in new budget proposal

The Division of Revenue Bill 2018, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament, proposes an increase in allocations to Kenyan counties by Sh33.3 billion from the previous financial year, totaling Sh372 billion. This includes an equitable share of Sh314 billion and conditional allocations from the national government's revenue of Sh17.2 billion. The bill aims to address the developmental needs of counties and ensure they can perform their assigned functions. The proposal follows a controversial plan by the National Treasury to cut county allocations in the supplementary budget, which has been met with resistance from governors. Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago criticized the proposed cuts, urging Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich to find alternative funding sources. The bill underscores the constitutional requirement that counties receive at least 15 percent of total government revenue and aims to ensure the proper functioning and service continuity of county governments.

Politics dominate as world champion Nicholas Bett is laid to rest

The funeral of former world champion hurdler Nicholas Bett turned political as leaders used the occasion to pledge support for Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid. The ceremony took place in Uasin Gishu County, where Bett was buried after dying in a car accident. Ruto directed ministries to complete promised stadiums by next year, emphasizing infrastructure development. Politicians from the region, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, and businessman Zedekiah Bundotich, expressed their backing for Ruto. Sports and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa also called for support for Ruto. The leaders emphasized unity and development, with the recent release of funds to pay local farmers for maize deliveries highlighted. The article also references a KTN report on the government's unfulfilled promises regarding stadium construction.

Jeers and cheers as Uhuru, Nanok agree on oil revenue share plan

The article discusses the agreement reached between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok regarding the revenue sharing of crude oil from the Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS). The deal stipulates that the Turkana county government will receive 20% of the revenues, the local community 5%, and the national government the remaining 75%. This agreement has been met with mixed reactions from the local community and leaders. Some leaders, who had previously opposed the EOPS, now support it, while others and community members feel the deal is unfair and lacks their input. The Petroleum and Mining Cabinet Secretary, John Munyes, has promised that the local community will benefit from jobs and corporate social responsibility. However, concerns remain about the lack of legal protection for the community, as the Petroleum Bill 2017 has not yet been signed.

Beatrice Chepkoech among finalists for IAAF Female Athlete of the Year

Beatrice Chepkoech, the world steeplechase record holder, is one of the five finalists for the IAAF Female Athlete of the Year award. She is the only African in contention and has expressed gratitude for the support that helped her reach the top five. Chepkoech set a new world record in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:44.32, breaking the previous record by over eight seconds. She has won seven out of eight steeplechase finals this year, including the Continental Cup, African Championships, and Diamond League. Other finalists include Dina Asher-Smith, Caterine Ibarguen, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and Nafissatou Thiam. The winners will be announced in Monaco on December 4, with the male finalists to be revealed shortly. Eliud Kipchoge, Emmanuel Korir, and Timothy Cheruiyot are among the male nominees.

Turkana County bans fish trading after cholera outbreak claims one life

Turkana County has implemented a ban on fish trading due to a cholera outbreak that has resulted in one death. Health Executive Jane Ajele announced the ban, stating it is a precaution to prevent contaminated fish from spreading outside the county. The ban will last for two weeks while the situation is monitored. Since January, there have been 178 cholera cases treated in Turkana County. Ajele emphasized that the outbreak is under control, with measures in place to halt its spread and a call for residents to maintain hygiene and seek medical attention if affected.

Athletes Set for Final Showdown at IAAF Diamond League in Brussels

The article discusses the atmosphere among athletes and coaches in Brussels ahead of the final leg of the IAAF Diamond League meeting at King Baudouin Stadium. Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto expresses his desire to win the Diamond League Trophy for the third time, mentioning his recovery from an ankle injury and his strategy against American runner Evan Jager. Jamaican champion Elaine Thompson talks about overcoming her recent performance challenges and learning from Usain Bolt, as she prepares for her last race of the season. The article highlights the tension and anxiety among athletes, as well as their determination and strategies for the upcoming event.

3,000 bars in Uasin Gishu closed over non-compliance with the law

The Alcoholic Drinks and Control Board has shut down over 3,000 pubs in Uasin Gishu for failing to comply with the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 and the Public Health Act. The Board's Director, Silas Boit, reported that out of 4,000 premises, only 956 have been approved and licensed. The closures were also due to selling substandard products and allowing minors into the establishments. Kesses Assistant County Commissioner Denis Ademba encouraged the public to avoid excessive drinking and assured continued enforcement of the law. Boit also mentioned a rehabilitation program for those struggling with alcoholism.

Uhuru, Ruto Slam Judiciary and Opposition Over Election Delays

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto criticized the Kenyan Judiciary for allegedly colluding with the Opposition to postpone the upcoming elections scheduled for August 8. Ruto questioned the impartiality of some judges and thanked Chief Justice David Maraga for clarifying a recent ballot printing case. Uhuru accused the Opposition of using the Judiciary and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to derail the electoral process. The President and his deputy spoke at a rally in Lodwar, Turkana County, where Uhuru campaigned and highlighted his government's achievements in the region, including infrastructure and health service improvements. The rally followed a rescheduled visit due to the death of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery.