The Said Abdallah Foundation on Saturday organized a special prayer day in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, bringing together leaders, clergy, and Nyali residents  to celebrate his life and legacy.

The event, held in Maweni, Nyali was marked by emotional tributes and prayers for peace, unity, and the continued pursuit of the democratic ideals Raila championed.

Participants  described Raila Odinga as a true statesman whose lifelong struggle for justice, equality, and good governance left an indelible mark on Kenya’s political and social fabric.

According to Mwinyi Menza, a representative of the Said Aballah foundarion  noted that the idea to hold the prayers came from members of the community who wished to honour Raila’s memory closer to home.

“Our people requested that we host this event since some of them were not able to travel to Bondo for the funeral. This is one way of them mourning the departed leader,” he said.

Religious leaders from various faiths led prayers for the Odinga family and for the nation, calling for continued peace and cohesion during this period of mourning.

They noted that the country had lost a visionary leader whose dream of a just and prosperous Kenya transcended political boundaries.

The prayer event also drew attendance from local leaders, youth groups, and civil society representatives, who reaffirmed their resolve to advance Raila’s vision of inclusivity and social justice.

The Foundation pledged to continue organizing community-based initiatives that promote harmony, leadership, and nation-building in memory of the late leader.

The countdown to Joe Live in Nairobi just got even more electric.

On 5th December 2025, Uhuru Gardens will transform into the city’s ultimate R&B sanctuary as We Outside and Rhythm & Brunch unveil a DJ lineup worthy of the legend himself: DJ Shinski, DJ Adrian, DJ Andre, and DJ Xclusive, four masters of vibe set to take Nairobi on a nostalgic, soul-soaked journey.

From slow jams that defined first crushes to the upbeat anthems that ruled the dance floors, these DJs promise nothing but an unforgettable trip down the memory lane.

Before Joe even steps on stage, fans will already have danced through decades of memories, a seamless mix of rhythm, romance, and pure feel-good energy.

"We wanted this night to feel like flipping through your favorite R&B mixtape  familiar, emotional and full of vibe,” said the organizers.

“From 2 PM till midnight, it’s a full-circle experience, from the decks to the main stage, pure nostalgia.”

Powered by We Outside and Rhythm & Brunch, Joe Live in Nairobi promises a first-of-its-kind celebration an elegant, high-energy fusion of music, fashion, and memory. Fans can expect premium hospitality, seamless production, and a night that captures the golden age of R&B while embracing Nairobi’s unmatched urban energy.

This isn’t just another concert, it’s the city’s biggest R&B homecoming.

The night when every lyric hits differently, every beat unlocks a memory, and every soul in the crowd sings like it’s 2002 again.

Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today marked its Silver Jubilee, celebrating 25 years of operations since its official launch on the 23rd of October 2000.

Since its inception, Safaricom has evolved from a pioneering mobile service provider into a purpose-led technology company, transforming lives through improved connectivity, innovative mobile money solutions, and impactful social investments not only in Kenya, but across the region.

“ From the first mobile call made on our network in 2000 to becoming a key driver of Kenya’s digital economy, our story has been one of innovation, inclusion, and impact. We are deeply grateful to our customers who have walked this incredible journey of success with us. As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving digital transformation, supporting enterprise, and empowering communities to thrive in a connected world,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.

Over the past two and a half decades, Safaricom’s growth has been powered by partnerships, innovation, and the trust of Kenyans.

The company recently achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 50 million customers across its mobile network in Kenya, an achievement that underscores the brand’s deep connection with customers.

Through M-PESA, which currently has over 35 million active customers, it has redefined financial services, driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

The company has invested heavily in expanding its network infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity for all Kenyans. With the rollout of 5G technology, Safaricom has positioned Kenya as a regional leader in digital innovation, enabling faster internet speeds, supporting emerging technologies, and improving service delivery across multiple sectors including convenient access to government services from any location. 

Safaricom also expanded beyond Kenya’s borders, launching operations in Ethiopia in 2022.

The company has extended innovations such as M-PESA into Ethiopia, contributing to Ethiopia’s digital and financial inclusion agenda, while expanding the company’s customer base.

By August 2025, Safaricom Ethiopia had grown to over 10 million customers, marking a major step in the company’s regional growth strategy

In line with its purpose of Transforming Lives, Safaricom continues to invest in communities through its Foundations.

These initiatives support programs in health, education, and environmental conservation, among others, positively impacting millions of lives and reaffirming Safaricom’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

As the world commemorates World Polio Day on 24th October under the global theme, “One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio delivering on our promise of a polio-free world!”, Rotary District 9212 (covering Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea,and South Sudan) is collaborating with Kenya’s Ministry of Health to carry out polio immunization in five counties.

"In partnership with the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, Rotary District 9212 will host the Polio Campaign Launch in Migori County,’’ Rotary District 9212 End Polio Committee Chair Yvonne Kimutai said.

"This event will serve as the official kickoff for the five-county immunization campaign covering Migori, Kisumu, Homabay, Narok, and Siaya Counties. It will bring together Rotary, the government and partner organizations for a united public health and awareness effort,’ Kimutai said.

"We are conducting the big catch-up vaccination to target zero doses and under vaccinated children with polio vaccine in order to catch up restore and strengthen routine immunization,’’ according to Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

In the Rotary year beginning July 2023, Rotarians in Rotary District 9212 contributed $36,885 toward eradication of polio. The contributions increased to $72,857 in the last Rotary year, which ended on June 30, 2025.

Rotarians in Kenya will hold End Polio walks in different locations across the country on Saturday 25th October 2025.

The Nairobi End Polio Walk will be held at the University of Nairobi graduation square from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m. Other walks will be held on the same day in Mombasa and Naivasha.

A launch for the Polio Campaign will be held in Migori County on the 15th Of November 2025.

The 17 Rotary Clubs at the Kenyan coast will have a walk in Taveta town on October 24th 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. On 25th October, the clubs will have a walk in Mwatate town from 8:00 am and a free medical camp and polio immunization at Bura Health Centre from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

To raise funds for polio eradication, the Rotary Club of Kitengela already hosted an African culture fashion show on October 18, 2025.

"These walks aim to raise awareness, increase giving, and strengthen Rotary’s visibility at community level,’’ Kimutai said.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of five.

The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.

Within two years after opening its doors, Dusit Princess Hotel Nairobi has received multiple recognitions from the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Awards 2025, establishing itself as one of the best four star hotels in Westlands, Nairobi.

Dusit won top honours in five categories – Best Hybrid Hotel in Africa, Best Suite Hotel in Africa, Best Rooftop View Hotel in Africa, Best New Hotel (less than 3 years) in Africa and Best Newly Appointed General Manager on a Global Level – Lionel Formento.

The recognition from Haute Grandeur adds to a list of previous accolades awarded to Dusit which is one of the few hotels in Nairobi with Thai Cuisine.

The Tourism Regulatory Authority ranked Dusit as the No. 3 Best Hotel in Kenya. It was also recognized at the CEO Destinations Travel Awards 2025 with awards for General Manager of The Year and Best Hotel Apartments.

“These recent accomplishments are a true reflection of the investment, time and dedication put into our hybrid model which ensures that Dusit Princess is one of the primary destinations for both business and leisure travelers. We will continue to leverage Kenya’s legacy as one of the world’s most popular travel and entertainment destinations by adding unique and memorable experiences,” said Mr. Formento.

“Nairobi’s privileged position as East Africa’s economic hub is an opportunity that we will continue to exploit as more business travelers travel to this region. Our unique offering provides residents with comfort, convenience and a chance to cultivate fond memories of their stay with us,” he added.

Multiple awards from Haute Grandeur positions Dusit Princess as one of the leading hybrid hospitality establishments in the market.

This is attributed to its world class amenities and experiences that include being one of the hotels in Westlands Nairobi with rooftop bar, offering stunning views of Kenya’s capital.

Being one of the hotels with residences in Westlands, Dusit boasts an indoor heated pool and stunning modern hotel apartments with their own kitchens and private balconies.

Its 100 rooms provide romantic getaways for couples or individuals who are interested in staycations and who are keen on the convenience of hotels near Sarit Centre Nairobi.

Dusit Princess’ convenient location offers easy access to some of Nairobi’s most popular recreational amenities including the National Museum, Karura Forest and the Nairobi National Park.

Being at the heart of Westlands, residents can sample Nairobi’s nightlife and various entertainment spots across the city. Residents can also commute to and from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in half an hour.

Residents can also take advantage of the conference facilities, quick bites and friendly service at our Grab and Go restaurant and fine dining and entertainment at The Olive and The Aviary.

Real estate developer Megna Homes is set to unveil a show house for its upcoming Santana Estate project, in a move aimed at giving prospective homeowners and investors a glimpse of the estate’s design and living experience.

The unveiling, slated for this weekend, marks a key milestone in the company’s efforts to deliver modern and affordable housing solutions.

According to Megna Homes, the show house has been completed to reflect the quality, comfort and architectural standards that define the Santana Estate project.

Guests attending the event will be taken on guided tours of the fully furnished unit and will have an opportunity to engage with the project’s sales and technical teams for detailed insights into available units and financing options.

The unveiling ceremony is expected to draw prospective buyers, real estate agents and other stakeholders in the property sector. Megna Homes said the event reaffirms its commitment to transparency and innovation in housing development, as it continues to position Santana Estate as one of the region’s most promising residential projects.

“We are elated to unveil the Santana Show House. This is a true milestone in our journey to deliver Mtopanga’s first modern gated community. It will give buyers a real glimpse of the quality, comfort, and functional living we’re creating. It's going to be the beginning of a new way of living.” said Mohammed Ahmed, Head of sales and marketing.

By Katie Mohamed

Domestic violence is tearing at the moral fabric of our nation. Survivors are silenced, perpetrators are protected, and communities remain complicit. Confronting this crisis requires courage, empathy, and collective responsibility.

The Violence Hidden in Plain Sight

For years, I believed that what happened behind closed doors was mine to manage, a burden to bear, and a secret to keep. I thought silence would keep me safe. It did not. Silence protects harm, not healing. The impact of domestic violence extends far beyond the home. It shapes the way children grow, the way families function, and the way society views power and control. When women live in fear, the entire nation is weakened. A country cannot thrive when safety is a privilege.

A Crisis in Numbers

Domestic violence is one of South Africa’s most underreported crimes. Behind every statistic is a life disrupted by fear and a story erased by shame.

• In 2024, SAPS recorded more than 55,000 cases of domestic violence. Experts estimate that for every report, at least nine cases go unrecorded.
• The South African Medical Research Council reports that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in her lifetime.
• Between April 2021 and March 2022, 41,739 rapes were reported, with 62% taking place in homes.
• Half of all women murdered in South Africa are killed by their intimate partners.
• The Human Sciences Research Council found that 21% of women have been physically abused by a partner, while 7.9% have endured sexual violence in a relationship.

 These figures expose a pattern of violence that permeates every layer of society. Domestic violence affects children’s development, burdens the healthcare system, and destabilises communities. It undermines economic productivity and drains national resources. Every unreported case widens the gap between justice and protection.

 The Hidden Wounds

Violence is not always visible. It can be the controlling partner who tracks every movement, the financial dependence that erodes freedom, or the constant humiliation disguised as affection. I know this intimately. I lived through the quiet kind, the one that drains your spirit while you smile for the world. I was a professional, a mother, a public figure, yet behind the façade was fear.

That fear lingers long after the shouting stops. It appears in the instinct to flinch, the anxiety at sudden sounds, and the loss of trust in one’s own safety. Recovery takes time, patience, and courage to speak, even when the voice trembles.

From Awareness to Action

Awareness alone does not save lives. Action does. Law enforcement must treat domestic violence as a violent crime, ensuring survivors are heard, believed, and protected from the moment they seek help. The courts must prioritise cases of abuse, granting protection orders swiftly and applying firm sentences to those who harm. Shelters and support centres need sustainable funding, counselling services, and secure locations accessible to women in every province. Workplaces should adopt clear domestic violence policies to safeguard jobs and offer psychological and financial support. Schools must integrate education on respect, consent, and emotional intelligence to break the cycle early. Faith and community leaders carry influence. They can challenge harmful cultural norms and create spaces where survivors are met with compassion, not judgment. Accountability also lies with the public. When neighbours, friends, or colleagues stay silent, they protect the perpetrator, not the victim. Every person has a duty to act when harm is visible.

A Nation’s Duty

October, marked as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, calls the country to confront its conscience. It is a time to listen to the stories long ignored, to stand beside those who have survived, and to hold accountable those who have enabled harm through silence or neglect.

Domestic violence reflects the values of a nation. A society that tolerates abuse cannot call itself free or just. Safety must be a right for every woman, child, and family, regardless of income or status.

This month needs to renew our commitment to systemic change. The crisis demands collective will: from government that enforces protection, from institutions that uphold justice, and from citizens who refuse to look away.

Collective healing begins when truth is acknowledged and accountability becomes the norm. When women heal, families rebuild. When homes are safe, nations grow stronger.

About the Author :

Katie Mohamed is the CEO and Founder of BrandFusion, W-Suite, and ChangeHub. A strategist, speaker, and media personality with over 30 years’ experience, she is passionate about women’s empowerment, leadership, and nation branding. Through her platforms, she champions conversations that inspire personal growth, social impact, and sustainable change.

President William Ruto has posthumously conferred on the late Raila Odinga the highest honour in Kenya, Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH).

The conferment was formalized under Gazette Notice No. 15198, titled “Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya,” and reflects the nation’s official recognition of Mr. Odinga’s monumental contributions to the country’s democratic journey and political history.

"The government and people of Kenya inscribe Hon Raila Odinga’s name among the foremost of our heroes, under the public seal of the Republic." Ruto said.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, and through the authority vested in me as President, I have today posthumously conferred upon the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga the highest honour of the Republic, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.)."

The award recognizes a political career spanning over four decades, during which the former Premier served as a Member of Parliament, an Opposition leader, and ultimately the country’s Second Prime Minister. The Gazette emphasizes that he consistently upheld ideals of democracy, socio-economic prosperity, and Pan-Africanism.

The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya is reserved for the most distinguished service to the nation and is rarely awarded. Past recipients include heads of state and extraordinary figures who have shaped the country’s destiny.

The conferment comes a day after the former Prime Minister was laid to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. 

Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India. 

The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away while receiving treatment in India.

In a special gazette notice published on Thursday, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced the declaration under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110).

“It is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 17th October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the notice read.

A state funeral will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.

Raila's body is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30am where it will be received by President William Ruto and the late ODM boss's close family members. 

From JKIA, Raila's body will be moved to Lee Funeral Home before being transported to the Parliament buildings, where it will lie in state.

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu has mourned the death of former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In his condolence message, Dr Gebeyehu described the late Raila Odinga as a Pan-Africanist, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy, justice, and unity.

"Today, Africa mourns the loss of one of its most iconic sons, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga.An unwavering Pan-Africanist, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy, justice, and unity. His lifelong struggle for freedom and equality inspired generations across Kenya and beyond, reminding us that leadership is not about power, but about service and sacrifice." reads the statement.

Adding "IGAD stands with the people and Government of Kenya in this moment of profound sorrow. His legacy will forever echo in the democratic foundations he helped build and in the enduring hope he instilled across our continent.May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his example continue to guide us toward a freer and more united Africa."