![[PHOTOS] Ruto hosts Nyeri county UDA grassroots leaders](https://cdn.radioafrica.digital/image/2026/01/83be9e61-0bbd-40b1-8c8d-68743299bda0.jpeg?1768678867013)
[PHOTOS] Ruto hosts Nyeri county UDA grassroots leaders
President William Ruto on Saturday hosted UDA grassroots leaders from Nyeri County at the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri, as part of ongoing engagements with regional party structures. The discussions focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots networks, enhancing coordination ahead of future political activities and addressing local development priorities raised by community representatives. The President has, over time, emphasised the importance of maintaining an active and organised party base that can effectively communicate government programmes and political positions at the ward and village levels. The meeting is part of a broader series of consultations the President has been holding with UDA leaders across the country as the party moves to strengthen internal structures and prepare for upcoming political and organisational activities. President William Ruto hosts Nyeri County UDA Grassroots Leaders at Sagana State Lodge, Nyeri on January 17, 2026/PCSP resident William Ruto hosts Nyeri County UDA Grassroots Leaders at Sagana State Lodge, Nyeri on January 17, 2026/PCSP resident William Ruto hosts Nyeri County UDA Grassroots Leaders at Sagana State Lodge, Nyeri on January 17, 2026/PCS
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 13:06 UTC
The tropical island where you can have a castaway adventure for £55 a night
I’ve just landed on the shores of Vanuatu, a pint-sized tropical island in the South Pacific nation, and the serenity of the scene takes my breath away. Yet after booking a last-minute 24-hour trip to Vanuatu from Sydney, I stumbled across Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Reserve for £55 a night. Powered by Wowcher Bannatyne Spa: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off. Vanuatu is made up of more than 80 islands, though my whirlwind visit allowed time to explore only the main island, Éfaté. But with just 45,000 tourist arrivals each year, even the main island of Éfaté never feels crowded.
Source:Daily Nation
January 17, 2026 13:03 UTC
Western media criticised over Bobi Wine abduction claims
ROBIE KAKONGE/XUganda has sharply criticised several leading Western media organisations over reports alleging that opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was abducted by the military in a nighttime helicopter operation. The ambassador warned that broadcasting unverified security claims could have serious consequences. However, the poll has been overshadowed by reports of post-vote violence and allegations of widespread fraud by Bobi Wine, Museveni’s main challenger. International attention intensified after local media reported that Bobi Wine had been placed under military detention at his home following the vote. On Saturday, Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party said he had been picked up by a military helicopter from his home in Magere, just outside Kampala.
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 12:42 UTC
Bobi Wine breaks silence on whereabouts
As Uganda endured a tense wait after Thursday's polls, Museveni had a commanding lead against Wine, 43, a former singer turned politician who was arrested ahead of Uganda's last election in 2021. With final results due around 1200 GMT Saturday, there were conflicting reports about Wine's whereabouts, following claims that police and the army had raided his home on Friday night. "I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them," Wine posted on X on Saturday. Ugandan military police officers detain a voter on the ground near a polling station in Kampala on January 15, 2026, during Uganda's 2026 general elections. Police officers detain a voter on the ground near a polling station in Kampala on January 15, 2026, during Uganda's 2026 general elections.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 12:04 UTC
CS Ruku Hits Back at Standard Media Over Multi-Billion NYS Scandal Headline
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has hit back at The Standard over a headline alleging a multi-billion-shilling graft scandal at the National Youth Service (NYS). The Standard, in its Friday, January 16, newspaper headline titled 'NYS III bombshell', alleges that suppliers submitted false or dubious payment claims totalling about Sh6.2 billion to the NYS. A photo collage of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and the Standard Media Group newspaper front page. Photo Geoffrey Ruku/ Standard DigitalIn response, Ruku dismissed the newspaper's style of reporting the matter, insisting that the Standard media was meddling in old issues, intending to mislead the public. "I have seen the standard newspaper saying that NYS is corrupt.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 11:03 UTC
US justice department investigating Minnesota Democrats over alleged obstruction of ICE
The US justice department is investigating two prominent Minnesota liberals over alleged attempts to impede federal immigration operations, an escalation of the Trump's administration's clash with Democrats. Protests have ramped up in the city after Renee Good, 37, was shot and killed by an ICE agent last week. "The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her." Democratic lawmakers travelled to the city for a hearing there and spent Friday condemning federal immigration operations in the state, accusing ICE of reckless and lawless actions. Ilhan Omar, a congresswoman from Minnesota who has long feuded with Trump, said that ICE was trying to "provoke chaos and fear".
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 10:25 UTC
Who is on Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza?
The White House has released the names of the members who will form the Trump administration's new "Board of Peace" for Gaza. Each member of the "Board of Peace" is expected to be in charge of a portfolio that will be "critical to Gaza's stabilisation", the White House added. Sir Tony BlairFormer UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair had long been talked about as a potential member of Trump's "Board of Peace, with the US president confirming back in September that he had expressed an interest in joining the body. He previously described Trump's plans for Gaza as the "best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering". In November, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss key sticking points in the peace deal.
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 09:55 UTC
Why HIV patients want Omtatah to withdraw US health funding case
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah at the Bunge Towers, Nairobi on July 29, 2024. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]People living with HIV are calling for the withdrawal of the case that has halted the implementation of the landmark United States financial health support to Kenya. Through their umbrella, the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/Aids in Kenya (Nenphak), they have urged Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah to reconsider his position and allow the release of the funds.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 09:50 UTC
Trump tariff threat casts long shadow over Kenya-Iran trade
President Donald Trump speaks to the media while signing executive orders in the Oval Office. [AFP]A threat by US President Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on any nation trading with Iran has thrown Kenya’s strategic push into the Middle East into disarray, forcing Nairobi to choose between a resurgent tea market and vital access to American consumers. The warning, posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform on Monday, targets countries conducting business with the Islamic Republic, calling the order “final and conclusive.”
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 09:26 UTC
Coast will no longer be sidelined - Abdulswamad
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has reiterated that the Coast region will no longer be pushed to the margins of national decision-making. The meeting was also attended by Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho and members of the Coast Parliamentary Group. Speaking after the engagement, Abdulswamad noted that the Coast has endured decades of marginalisation in national conversations. The governor said Coast leaders have now adopted a united and deliberate approach to overturn this pattern. Abdulswamad added that the Coast will no longer accept being spoken for or spoken down to, insisting that the region is organised, resolute and ready to play a central role in Kenya’s future.
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 08:54 UTC
Residents urge elders to curse MP mired in corruption
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Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 08:01 UTC
We need fair and clear system of paying victims of State injustices
It has been 12 years since Metal Refinery (EPZ) Ltd was closed after toxic lead poisoning changed the lives of this Changamwe community forever. Metal Refinery and the government tragically overturned this historic victory in the Court of Appeal. Owino Uhuru is one of Kenya’s largest-ever environmental compensation awards. The case of Metal Refinery Ltd disaster is relevant for Tuesday’s hearing on the Presidential initiative to compensate victims of violent protest policing. State failure to resolve both mass injustices will predictably provide rich fodder for non establishment candidates in the General Election.
Source:Daily Nation
January 17, 2026 07:12 UTC
Mackenzie co-accused pleads guilty to 191 murders
A suspect appears before Justice Diana Kavedza of the High Court in Mombasa, January 16, 2026. The court was told that the offences were committed over a prolonged period between January 2021 and September 2023. Preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie before the High Court in Mombasa, January 16, 2026. The prosecution in the Shakahola case before the High Court in Mombasa, January 16, 2026. After confirming that the facts were accurate, Justice Kavedza convicted Amanya on his own plea of guilty.
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 07:01 UTC
Lords of terror: Armed policemen caught on CCTV brutalising Nandi residents
Policemen caught on CCTV brutalising Nandi residents. [Courtesy]Adark cloud of fury hangs over Nandi Hills town following a harrowing night raid in which police officers are accused not only of brutalising residents but also of stealing from them. The incident exposes a chilling new low in police misconduct, transforming law enforcers into alleged robbers and goons in uniform.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 06:08 UTC
Investigating officer grilled over Sh1.1 billion Finland-Canada programme
Investigating officer grilled over Sh1.1 billion Finland-Canada programme. [Courtesy]The investigating officer in the Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada Education Programme was interrogated yesterday over alleged “shoddy” investigations. Chief Inspector Martin Munene was questioned on how he arrived at the Sh1.1 billion figure in the case against Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 06:00 UTC