Kenya and beyond news

 A resident of Washington State has died after contracting the H5N5 strain of avian influenza, marking the first reported human case of this bird flu variant anywhere in the world, the state health department confirmed on Friday. The patient, an older adult from Grays Harbor County with pre-existing health issues, became infected after exposure to their backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. Health officials said they detected traces of the virus in the immediate environment around the flock, making domestic poultry or wild birds the most likely source of infection. Authorities emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, noting that no other individuals connected to the case have tested positive for avian influenza. Officials are continuing to monitor anyone who had close contact with the patient or who interacted with the affected birds and their surroundings. Health officials also reiterated that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the H5N5 vir...

 Chaos broke out in Kabuchai on Saturday after a political rally attended by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was violently interrupted, forcing residents to run for safety. The disturbance happened while Natembeya was speaking at a trading centre in support of MCA hopeful Eric Wekesa. Shortly after he began addressing the crowd, loud explosions—believed to be from teargas canisters—were heard, causing people to scatter in panic. Natembeya was quickly escorted away to avoid any possible danger. According to witnesses, a group of unidentified individuals stormed the venue, hurling stones and attempting to disrupt the gathering. During the confusion, a vehicle and a house belonging to a local politician alleged to be aligned with Natembeya’s camp were damaged, with windows smashed and property destroyed. No injuries were immediately reported. Governor Natembeya condemned the violence, calling it a disturbing indication of growing political intolerance. “Political violence must n...

KCSE candidates among 6 killed in Mbooni accident The 6 died on the spot while several others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospital Police said the Makueni accident happened after the speeding lorry reportedly lost control and crashed into a stationary matatu at Ngoluni Stage in Mbooni East on Friday, November 21. Witnesses said that the lorry veered off the recently tarmacked road at Ngoluni Junction, hitting a Matatu that was picking up passengers heading to Machakos and Nairobi. At least six people were killed in a road accident involving a lorry and a 14-seater matatu in the Mbooni area of Makueni County, police said. Police said the Makueni accident happened after the speeding lorry reportedly lost control and crashed into a stationary matatu at Ngoluni Stage in Mbooni East on Friday, November 21. Witnesses said that the lorry veered off the recently tarmacked road at Ngoluni Junction, hitting a Matatu that was picking up passengers heading to Machakos and Nairob...

🎓 Honoring a Legacy: Prof. Aggrey Simiyu Bids Farewell to MMUST After Decades of Service Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has marked the retirement of a remarkable academic leader—Professor Aggrey Mukasa Simiyu, a distinguished scholar in Instructional Technology and the founding Dean of the former Faculty of Education and Social Sciences (FESS). His retirement signals the end of an era, but his contributions to the institution and the broader educational landscape in Kenya will endure. 🌟 Foundational Role in MMUST’s Growth Prof. Simiyu’s journey with MMUST dates back to its early days as a constituent college of Moi University, previously known as the Western College of Arts and Applied Sciences (WECO). When then-President Daniel Arap Moi elevated WECO to university status, Prof. Simiyu was selected—alongside one other pioneer—to lay the groundwork for establishing faculties. His mission: to create a Faculty of Education at the new Western University Colle...

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, brother die in car crash - Spanish Civil Guard Diogo Jota made 182 appearances for Liverpool in five years at the club. Marc Atkins/Getty Images Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, were killed in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, police said Thursday. Liverpool FC, the Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also confirmed the incident. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed to The Associated Press that Jota and his brother were found dead after their car went off a road on an isolated stretch of highway about an hour west of Zamora. Authorities said the car -- a Lamborghini, according to police -- was in flames. Firefighters were called in as the fire spread to nearby vegetation, authorities said. Police were investigating the causes of the crash, which happened past midnight local time. They said there were no other vehicles involved. The bodies were undergoing forensic analysis. It ...

President Ruto Embarks on UK and Spain Visit to Secure Investments and Advocate Financial Reform President William Ruto has left Nairobi for official visits to Spain and the United Kingdom, aiming to attract major investments and push for a revamp of the global financial system. His first stop is Seville, Spain, where he will attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. This global forum brings together leaders to address pressing issues such as inequality, climate change , and instability in development financing. President Ruto will co-chair a high-level session and hold bilateral meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI, focusing on partnerships in clean energy, youth programs, and climate action. He will then proceed to London to sign the renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership (2025–2030) with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The new agreement aims to double trade between Kenya and the UK by 2030 and focuses on four ...