Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has backed President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers, saying the narcotics trade remains a serious threat to society, particularly in the Coast region.

The governor said decisive action was needed to dismantle drug networks that continue to destroy families and destabilize communities.

"I support President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers. The narcotics trade continues to be a grave threat to society, especially here at the Coast,” Nassir said, noting that the region has for years borne the brunt of drug abuse and trafficking.

Speaking during a church service in VOK, Mombasa, the governor warned that the fight against drugs should go beyond traditional narcotics to address emerging substances harming young people.

He singled out Muguka, arguing that its growing use poses a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of the youth.

“We must also wake up to the threat that other substances such as Muguka pose to our youth,” Nassir said, urging lawmakers to take firm action. “I call on our legislators to amend the law, remove Muguka from the list of cash crops, and classify it as a harmful drug. We need decisive national action to protect our families and future generations.

Tanzanian music star Alikiba has officially appointed a Kenyan professional Benjamin Otwal as his new manager, marking a significant step in strengthening cross-border collaboration within the East African entertainment industry.

The move signals a new chapter for the Bongo Flava icon as he looks to expand his brand and influence beyond Tanzania.

Confirming the appointment, Alikiba said the decision was based on firsthand experience and proven results. 

"I have been working closely with him, I have seen his work and I’m impressed with his work. He is good, that’s why I have chosen him,” said Alikiba, expressing confidence in his new manager’s ability to steer his career forward.

The appointment has been welcomed by fans and industry players, with many viewing it as a strategic move aimed at boosting Alikiba’s regional and international presence.

With a strong management team in place, the award-winning artiste is expected to roll out new projects, partnerships, and performances across East Africa and beyond.

The Port of Mombasa today (Sunday) marked the arrival of the first cruise ship of the year as the luxury liner MV Crystal Symphony docked with more than 1,000 tourists on board, signaling a strong start to the 2026 cruise tourism season.

The 238-metre-long vessel, arriving from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is on its second call to Kenya after making its inaugural visit last year and is scheduled to spend a full day at the port before proceeding to India.

Speaking on behalf of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto, KPA Corporation Secretary and General Manager Board and Legal Services Turasha Kinyanjui said the authority remains committed to positioning Mombasa as a preferred cruise destination in the region.

“We are dedicated to continuously improving the guest experience by upgrading port facilities and strengthening collaboration with all stakeholders involved in cruise tourism,” Kinyanjui said.

Kinyanjui noted that the arrival of MV Crystal Symphony reflects growing confidence in the Port of Mombasa and Kenya as a tourism hub.

“This visit is a clear indication that our efforts to promote cruise tourism are bearing fruit,” he said, adding that several more cruise ships are expected in the coming weeks, which will “provide a significant boost to the local tourism economy and livelihoods that depend on it.”

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the death of Craig, the legendary super tusker of Amboseli National Park, describing him as “a true icon” whose life symbolised the success of wildlife conservation in Kenya.

Craig, famed for his massive, ground-sweeping tusks and calm demeanour, died early Saturday morning at the age of 54, marking the end of an era for one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers.

Born in January 1972 to the renowned matriarch Cassandra of the CB family, Craig was among a rare class of bull elephants whose tusks each weigh more than 45 kilograms.

KWS noted that “fewer than a handful remain today,” making Craig “a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage.” Over his lifetime, he sired several calves, ensuring that “his powerful bloodline and gentle character live on across generations.”

Beyond his physical magnificence, Craig was celebrated for his tranquil nature and global appeal.

According to KWS, he “appeared to understand his place in the world,” often pausing calmly as visitors photographed and filmed him, earning recognition as “a true ambassador of Amboseli.” His survival into old age was attributed to “decades of dedicated protection” through continuous monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, habitat conservation and strong community partnerships proof, KWS said, of “what collective commitment to wildlife conservation can achieve."

Rising Kenyan-born artist based in Amsterdam, Dunia Wamaitha (formerly known as Dunia), has released a new single “Have Some Fun (Not the One)” available now via Sol Generation Publishing and streaming across all major platforms.

The new single written by Dunia Wamaitha celebrates joy, confidence and choosing yourself, without apology. It captures the spirit of feeling powerful, sensual and grounded even through life’s challenges, all wrapped in an irresistible, replay-ready melody.

Dunia is a creative force with roots deeply intertwined with Nairobi’s cultural soundscape, drawing influence from Kenya’s celebrated musical heritage, including the iconic band Sauti Sol, while carving a distinct artistic identity of her own.

Blending Afropop rhythms with an uplifting dance groove, “Have Some Fun (Not the One)” introduces Dunia as a bold, refreshing voice shaping her own lane. Produced by celebrated Kenyan musician and producer Savara, the track pairs his unmistakable sonic flair with Dunia’s warm, charismatic vocals and empowering songwriting. 

Dunia’s relationship with music began early. She recalls creating bedtime rhymes as a toddler and declaring, at just four years old, that she wanted to become a musician. As she grew, performing in professional musicals strengthened her vocal confidence and deepened her passion for the craft. She says that her studio experience with Savara, filled with laughter, synergy and effortless creativity, further affirmed her desire to create music that uplifts and inspires.

Speaking on the new single, Dunia shares: “My goal was to make a song that empowers listeners to feel sexy and powerful, no matter what they’re going through. It blends pop and Afro elements and expresses my desire to embody both logic and intuition, embracing my femininity while staying strategic and independent. It’s about being unapologetically myself and finding empowerment through balance.”

Dunia is also an actress. Over time, she has learned to embrace her sensitivity to the world around her as a strength, one that guides her toward intentional, honest expression.

With “Have Some Fun (Not the One)”, Dunia marks a powerful new chapter—one that signals more music, deeper storytelling and new artistic explorations to come in 2026. Through her art, Dunia seeks to create spaces where people can tap into their confidence, fullness and personal freedom. Her mission is to inspire listeners of all genders to embrace who they are with clarity, strength and authenticity.

betPawa Leverages Short Game Cycles to Drive Long-Term Engagement

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Nyali MP Mohammed Ali has announced that he will soon release an exclusive book documenting his investigative journalism journey during the popular Jicho Pevu era, promising to reveal untold stories behind some of Kenya’s most high-risk exposés.

In a new year statement, Ali said the book will offer readers a rare behind-the-scenes account of the fear, pressure and difficult choices that shaped his work before joining politics.

"For those who have persistently asked to relive my Jicho Pevu days, I am happy to let you know that an exclusive book detailing my investigative journey and politics is coming out in a few months,” he said.

The legislator noted that the book, which is currently with the editor, captures the intense moments that defined his career as an investigative journalist, including the risks involved and the personal cost of pursuing hard truths.

He said he chose to be fully open in narrating his experiences.

“This book gives a window into all the chaos, fear and excitement that went into the high-risk investigations I undertook, and the choices I made thereafter,” Ali stated, adding that he “left no story untold and laid it all bare” for readers.

Ali expressed confidence that the publication will resonate with Kenyans who followed his work and those interested in media, accountability and politics.

He described the book as both a reflection and a record of a defining chapter in his life.

“I hope readers will enjoy reading it and better understand the journey that shaped who I am today,” he said, reigniting public interest in the investigative work that made Jicho Pevu a household name.

Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy Salim Mvurya has slammed the opposition, accusing them of lacking a clear agenda for Kenya and engaging in politics of rhetoric instead of offering solutions to challenges facing wananchi.

He said leaders seeking national office must demonstrate responsibility, accountability and a genuine commitment to national unity and development.

Speaking at the Wachangamwe Cultural festival in Mombasa, Mvurya questioned the credibility of some opposition figures eyeing the presidency, saying they still owe Kenyans answers over unresolved cases involving missing youths.

“Some of those in the opposition who are saying they want to be president still have serious questions to answer. We lost many of our youths in the past, and up to today, Kenyans have never been told where they are or what happened to them,” said Mvurya.

The CS expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s leadership, saying the Head of State means well for Kenyans and deserves a second term to fully implement his development agenda.

“President William Ruto means well for this country and is working tirelessly to improve the lives of Kenyans. He deserves a second term so that he can continue delivering on his promises,” Mvurya said, adding that the government remains focused on empowering youth, growing the creative economy and driving inclusive development.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Member in charge of Blue Economy, Agriculture and Livestock, Ibrahim Khamis, has called for urgent protection of the ocean, warning that continued pollution threatens marine life and the county’s economic future.

He noted that nearly 75 per cent of the world is covered by water, stressing the need to better utilise marine resources through sustainable fishing while safeguarding the environment.

Speaking at an education forum organised by the Wachangmwe Community association, Khamis said his priority is to ensure clean beaches and a healthy ocean, warning that pollution and poor waste disposal are threatening marine life.

He observed that continued dumping of waste into the ocean could eventually destroy an important natural and economic resource.

“When our beaches and ocean are dirty, there will be no marine life. If we continue this way, we risk losing the ocean altogether,” he said, adding that protecting the marine ecosystem is essential for food security and livelihoods.

"All the waste from our households is ending up in the ocean, and this must stop. We need collective action to protect our marine environment." he noted.

The CEC also challenged women and youth in Mombasa to take advantage of opportunities within the blue economy by joining Beach Management Units (BMUs).

He noted that in regions such as Nyanza, women and young people are already taking the lead in fishing-related activities and earning sustainable incomes.

Khamis said the sector holds significant economic opportunities and pledged to promote inclusion, empowerment and greater participation of women and youth in fisheries and marine-based enterprises.

As TECNO elevates its long-standing relationship with AFCON into its new role as the Official Global Partner for 2025–2027, the brand brought together Africa’s leading digital voices for a landmark celebration in Morocco — the TECNO Glory Night Awards.

This signature event spotlighted influencers whose creativity, authenticity, and cultural impact embody the spirit of Power Your Moment.

The ceremony was conceived as a tribute to individuals who, through storytelling, creativity, and cultural influence, are shaping the future of digital expression across the continent.

Influencers from more than twenty African countries attended the evening, joined by AFCON football legends, media partners, TECNO executives, and key stakeholders from across the ecosystem.

Kenya was strongly represented at the event, with over 30 delegates in attendance, comprising business partners and officials, influencers, media personalities, and content creators.

The Kenyan delegation highlighted the country’s growing influence in Africa’s digital, creative, and sports marketing landscape, as well as its strong engagement with AFCON and the Power Your Moment campaign.

Throughout the evening, TECNO presented five major awards, each recognizing a distinct dimension of creative excellence across Africa.

Award Winners

1. The Moment Excellence Award

Presented to influencers who best captured the emotional soul of Power Your Moment, delivering stories rich in authenticity and resonance.

Winners:

Nigeria: @ultimatekombo2

Tanzania: @eng_makelele

Morocco: @hajar_arssalanee

2. The Moment King/Queen Award

Celebrating influencers whose outstanding performance across interactions, views, and follower growth redefined digital influence during the campaign.

Winners:

Nigeria: @liquorose_

Ivory Coast: @MIMImimitiktok0101

Senegal: @fallu_etsesvideos

3. The Creative Spark Award

Recognizing influencers who consistently push creative boundaries, transforming everyday moments into imaginative and breakthrough content.

Winners:

Mali: @sagaba1

Kenya: @therealchiche

Morocco: @brahimlogia

4. The Visual Master Award

Awarded to creators whose work demonstrated exceptional visual storytelling through composition, color, and lighting, turning every frame into an aesthetic experience.

Winners:

Egypt: @ali_hustler

Nigeria: @jennifrank29

Cameroon: @mayole_francine

5. The TECNO Partner Award

A tribute to long-term creator partners who strongly align with TECNO’s brand philosophy and have made significant contributions to communicating TECNO AI. These creators represent enduring partnerships built on shared vision and innovation.

Winners:

Uganda: @solo.md

Senegal: @cheikhetaltesse

Nigeria: @izziboye