Mvita MP Mohammed Machele has assured creatives of a lasting solution to the ownership dispute involving the Little Theatre Club and Kenya Railways, following concerns over possible eviction from the historic space.

The dispute escalated last week after officials from Kenya Railways visited the club and indicated that there were plans to establish a Kenya Railways training institute on the land currently occupied by the Little Theatre Club, sparking anxiety among creatives who use the venue as a cultural and artistic hub.

Speaking on Tuesday after holding a meeting with officials of the Little Theatre Club, Machele, who was accompanied by Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Nur, said the matter would be addressed conclusively through consultations with the relevant government ministries.

He noted that he would personally follow up the issue with the Ministries of Transport and Culture to safeguard the interests of creatives.

"I want to assure creatives not to worry. They will not be removed from this land,” said Machele. “This is their space, and we will ensure a lasting solution that respects culture, creativity, and the law.”

County Commissioner Mohammed Nur echoed the call for calm, emphasizing the need for dialogue and inter-agency consultation to resolve the matter amicably without disrupting the creative community.

The Little Theatre Club has for decades served as an important cultural centre in Mombasa, hosting theatre productions, music, and other creative activities.

Creatives have expressed concern that any loss of the space would deal a major blow to the county’s arts and culture sector.

Renowned scholar and Columbia University lecturer Mahmood Mamdani will launch his latest book, Slow Poison: Idi Amin, Yoweri Museveni, and the Making of the Ugandan State, at the Swahilipot Hub this Friday.

The Mombasa event marks the East African premiere of the book, which could not be launched in Uganda due to its sensitive content.

The work was first unveiled in the United States at Columbia University, attracting global attention from academics and policymakers.

Slow Poison provides a personal and historical account of Uganda’s post-independence political evolution, examining the legacies of Idi Amin and Yoweri Museveni.

Mamdani blends memoir and research, reflecting on his own experiences growing up under Amin’s regime and his journey as a leading African intellectual.

The launch will feature a reading by Mamdani, remarks from local scholars, and a Q&A session with attendees. Organizers say Mombasa was chosen for its reputation as a vibrant hub for culture, literature, and intellectual discourse in East Africa.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is set to bring together Coast leaders for an invite-only event aimed at honouring and celebrating the life and legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

The gathering, scheduled for Wednesday at the Sun n Sand Hotel in Kilifi, will provide a platform for leaders from the region to reflect on Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s political journey and his deep-rooted influence at the Coast.

The event will focus on remembering Odinga not only as a national statesman and reformist but also as a mentor who shaped generations of leaders.

Participants will be given an opportunity to share personal memories and experiences, recounting how they knew and worked with the late Odinga at different stages of his long and eventful political career.

Organisers say the forum is intended to be solemn yet reflective, celebrating a legacy that transcended political divides and regional boundaries.

In a statement on his social media handles, Joho described the gathering as a moment to honour what would have been Odinga’s 80+1 milestone, noting that his life offered enduring lessons on resilience and purpose.

“This Wednesday, we will be coming together to honour and celebrate Baba, Rt. Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga @ 80+1. His journey teaches us that resilience is not the absence of struggle but the courage to walk through it with purpose,” Joho said.

Joho, a longtime ally, astute supporter and self-proclaimed student of the late Odinga, said his mentor’s vision did not end with his passing but continues to live on through those he inspired.

“His vision did not end with him; it took root in the minds and hearts of those he mentored. In us, his ideals continue to breathe, reminding us that true leadership is measured not by years but by the generations it awakens,” he said.

The Kilifi ceremony is expected to draw senior political figures, opinion leaders and close allies of the late Odinga from across the Coast region.

According to organisers, the gathering will serve as both a tribute and a celebration of a leader whose ideals of democracy, inclusivity and social justice remain firmly embedded in Kenya’s political fabric.

As Africa’s biggest football tournament unfolds in Morocco, TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and 2027 and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has unveiled a suite of AI-powered features designed to transform how Kenyan fans watch, interpret, and share Africa’s biggest football tournament., is bringing Kenyan fans closer to the action through its enhanced artificial intelligence assistant, ELLA AI.

Reintroduced for AFCON as ELLA AI Coach, the smart assistant is designed to fit seamlessly into the daily lives of Kenyans, whether they are following matches from home, watching with friends at local spots, or catching highlights while commuting or working.

ELLA AI COACH: DESIGNED FOR HOW KENYAN AND AFRICA EXPERIENCES FOOTBALL

Football in Kenya is social, expressive, and deeply woven into everyday life. ELLA AI Coach reflects this reality by delivering AFCON insights that are practical, intuitive, and easy to access on TECNO smartphones.

Key features available to Kenyan users include:

Match Decoder
ELLA AI analyzes team formations, past performance, and match dynamics to provide intelligent insights into upcoming games. For Kenyan fans who enjoy debating tactics, line-ups, and likely outcomes, Match Decoder adds informed context to football conversations at home, in matatus, offices, and watch parties.

Snap-and-Know
By simply taking a photo of a match fixture on TV, a poster, or a WhatsApp flyer, ELLA AI instantly provides accurate match details including kick-off time, date, and stadium. This feature supports Kenyans juggling work, family, and social commitments, ensuring they never miss a key AFCON match.

Daily Highlights

For fans who may not watch every match live, ELLA AI delivers concise daily summaries and key moments from completed games. Whether on a lunch break, in traffic, or between meetings, Kenyan users can stay up to date with AFCON without interrupting their routines.

StarCam

StarCam adds a playful, social layer to football fandom, allowing users to creatively place themselves alongside celebrities and public figures as if they are watching the match together. Designed for social sharing, the feature captures Kenya’s vibrant digital culture and love for expressive storytelling around football.

BEYOND FOOTBALL: A PERSONAL AI ASSISTANT FOR DAILY LIFE

While ELLA AI Coach enhances the AFCON experience, it continues to function as a reliable personal assistant for everyday life in Kenya. From answering questions and assisting with homework to helping plan daily schedules and discover content, ELLA AI supports productivity, learning, and convenience on a single device.
By integrating AFCON features into an assistant already used for daily tasks, TECNO ensures that technology remains relevant, practical, and accessible to Kenyan users.

Political activist and Likoni MP aspirant Evans Momanyi has called on fellow political aspirants in Likoni Constituency to embrace unity and work together for the greater good of residents, saying division will only derail development.

"Likoni needs leaders who can rise above personal interests and focus on the common goal of uplifting our people,” Momanyi said.

Adding “Unity among aspirants is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of maturity and commitment to service.”

He noted that collaboration on key issues such as youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security would help present a clear development agenda for the constituency.

"When we speak with one voice on matters affecting Likoni, we stand a better chance of delivering real and lasting change,” Momanyi noted.

The Likoni parliamentary seat is currently held by Mishi Mboko, who won the seat in the last general election and has maintained a visible presence in constituency affairs as the 2027 race begins to take shape.

Several other candidates have already expressed interest in the seat, among them nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi and popular TV presenter Mwanahamisi Hamadi, setting the stage for a competitive contest that is expected to draw significant public attention in the constituency.

Momanyi’s call for unity comes as political activity intensifies in the area, with residents watching closely to see how the aspirants will engage with each other ahead of the upcoming election.

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.

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."