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Nairobi-Nakuru highway traffic
Latest News

KeNHA Issues Festive Season Travel Advisory as Christmas Traffic Surge Hits Roads

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a travel advisory as Christmas traffic continues to soar significantly on all roads and highways as Kenyans rush upcountry to celebrate with their loved ones.

In a public notice issued on Sunday, December 21, 2025, KeNHA acting Director General Luka Kimeli urged motorists to exercise patience, courtesy, and caution while on the road.

“The festive season is here. Traffic has started to soar significantly on all roads, highways included. The Authority wishes to remind all road users that road safety is a shared responsibility. All road users, therefore, should exercise patience, courtesy, and caution while on the road,” the statement read in part.

All road users have been advised to plan their journeys in advance so as to allow adequate travel time and strictly adhere to all traffic rules and regulations.

Alternative routes

Motorists have also been advised to take advantage of alternative routes whenever they are available to avoid congestion.

Motorists have also been urged to observe posted speed limits and avoid speeding, as well as observe and obey traffic signs, maintain lane discipline, and avoid overlapping and reckless overtaking.

PSV operators

Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and drivers have been reminded to adhere to approved passenger capacity limits, observe designated pick-up and drop-off points, and pack trucks on the designated truck pack.

To minimize the rate of road accidents, KeNHA has urged all drivers to be well-rested before embarking on their journeys and remain sober and fit to drive at all times.

“The Authority wishes to assure the public of the continued commitment to ensure a safe, smooth, and secure holiday travel experience for all road users. Everyone should reach their destinations safely and reunite with their loved ones. KeNHA wishes all Kenyans safe and pleasant travels during this festivity season, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” the statement read.

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Cyrus Jirongo's final moments
Crime & Investigations

Mystery White Probox, Three Men, and a Deadly Crash: Inside the Unanswered Questions Around Jirongo’s Final Minutes

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The late politician Cyrus Jirongo’s final moments have taken a dramatic turn after new details suggested that he was most likely being trailed before he met his death in a tragic accident at Karai, along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.

As the police focus on Park Place along Magadi Road in Karen, the last known location Jirongo visited before the fatal crash, a proper analysis of the CCTV footage has exposed more details, raising further questions about the circumstances that led to the fatal crash of Jirongo.

Jirongo had reportedly spent the evening at Karen Oasis with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and city real estate mogul Rebman Malala before telling friends he was heading home to Gigiri.

Cyrus Jirongo
Cyrus Jirongo

However, questions are now being raised about the final movements of Jirongo, including a white Probox seen in the CCTV footage.

The CCTV footage that was analysed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives investigating the matter shows Jirongo’s Mercedes Benz vehicle entering a petrol station at about 2:18 a.m., then making a U-turn before rejoining the highway, where a bus later collided head-on with his car.

Separate footage now shows a Toyota Probox entering the station seconds before the crash, which has raised questions in public discussions of the final moments of Jirongo.

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, at dawn, a white car drove into the petrol station right behind Jirongo without fuelling and stopped at pump number two.

It had three men, as seen in the CCTV footage. One of them got out and walked to where Jirongo’s car had been and then returned. A second man stepped out and walked to the co-driver’s door as a third man peeped out of the car.

It was at that time that the accident, according to CCTV footage, happened. The coincidence raises fresh questions about a car seeking no service at a station and being followed by the death of a prominent personality.

Cyrus Jirongo’s autopsy

Family pathologist Joseph Ndung’u on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, revealed that Jirongo died from a blunt force trauma that caused severe injuries to the chest, abdomen, spine, and legs.

Jirongo succumbed to injuries sustained in a road traffic accident involving his Mercedes-Benz and a Climax Coaches bus at the Karai area along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

DCI Investigations into Jirongo’s death

The DCI on Tuesday, December 16, released new details into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jirongo, and revealed that it had kicked off a probe into his death.

The DCI stated that the collision occurred at approximately 2:19 a.m., resulting in a head-on collision. Investigators say the force of the crash pushed Jirongo’s vehicle about 25 metres from the point of impact, while the bus came to rest roughly 50 metres away.

A combined team of homicide detectives and forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory visited the scene, documented evidence, and secured key exhibits. Among the critical evidence recovered was CCTV footage from Eagol Petrol Station, located near the crash site.

According to the DCI, preliminary analysis of the footage shows that at 2:18:40 a.m., Jirongo drove into the petrol station from the Nairobi direction but did not refuel. At 2:19:10 a.m., his vehicle stopped at the station’s exit before making a right turn back towards Nairobi at 2:19:19 a.m.

Moments later, at 2:19:25 a.m., the CCTV captured the PSV bus ramming into his vehicle.

Detectives have interrogated the bus driver, Tyrus Kamau Githinji, who had earlier recorded a statement at the Naivasha Traffic Base. He has been released on cash bail pending further investigations into the offence of causing death by dangerous driving.

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Dr Erustus Kanga, the Director General of KWS
Latest News

KWS Boss Erastus Kanga At The Centre of Corruption Storm Rocking the Agency

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Dr Erustus Kanga, the Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service, is fighting for his professional survival as a perfect storm of corruption allegations, internal rebellion, and damning official reports threatens to bring down one of Kenya’s most critical conservation institutions.

The decorated conservationist, who took office in August 2023 with a sterling academic background and two decades of field experience, now stands accused of transforming KWS into a personal fiefdom where bribery, intimidation, and ethnic favouritism have replaced the professionalism that once defined the agency.

At the heart of the crisis is a shocking Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission report released in August 2025 that crowned KWS as Kenya’s most corrupt institution.

The findings are nothing short of explosive.

Job seekers at KWS were forced to cough up over Sh200,000 in bribes to secure employment, dwarfing the national average bribe of Sh4,878.

The agency alone accounted for a staggering 35.73 percent of all bribe money exchanged across the entire country during the survey period.

But the EACC bombshell is just the tip of the iceberg.

A confidential internal dossier compiled by anonymous whistle-blowers and now in the hands of corruption investigators paints an even darker picture of systematic abuse under Kanga’s watch.

The petitioners accuse the Director General of personally orchestrating the sabotage of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act review, allegedly deploying wardens to disrupt public participation meetings and threatening staff who dare support the reform process.

The whistle-blowers describe a toxic work environment where fear has replaced consultation, where technical expertise is routinely ignored and where a small cabal of loyalists makes decisions that affect Kenya’s entire wildlife heritage.

They allege that Kanga has weaponised transfers and promotions to punish dissent, turning personnel movements into instruments of intimidation rather than operational necessity.

The human cost is devastating.

Staff report that uniforms have not been issued for three years, boots are unavailable and internal meetings have been abandoned.

Officers are battling depression, alcoholism and family breakdowns caused by sudden transfers with little support.

Female officers say they have been shut out of top management entirely, while seasoned experts watch in frustration as unqualified juniors are parachuted into sensitive positions.

The ethnic dimension is particularly explosive.

The dossier alleges that key parks have been captured along ethnic lines, deployment patterns suggest systematic imbalance and the traditional practice of hiring lower-cadre staff from surrounding communities has been abandoned, weakening the very local cooperation that conservation depends on.

But perhaps nothing illustrates the alleged rot better than the Sh740 million staff medical insurance tender scandal.

The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board made damning findings that KWS evaluators relied on a forged authorization letter purportedly from Jubilee Health Insurance to disqualify the company from bidding.

Even more suspicious, the winning bidder’s quote mysteriously ballooned from Sh710 million to Sh740 million in the final award letter.

The Board was forced to nullify the entire process and order a fresh evaluation.

The whistle-blowers point to this as a textbook example of the procurement games being played under Kanga’s leadership.

They also flag disturbing reports of mining activities creeping into protected areas like Tsavo, Kora and Meru/Bisanadi, alleging that commercial cartels have been allowed to penetrate conservation zones through deals that benefit a connected few while undermining community interests and environmental protection.

The strategic plan launched with much fanfare appears dead in the water.

Departments working on conflict mitigation, tourism development, security and community relations report paralysis caused by confusion, resource shortages and unclear guidance from the top.

The marketing division is accused of focusing on ceremonial events rather than the hard work of boosting tourism revenue.

Training opportunities abroad have allegedly been restricted to a small circle of favourites.

Formal oversight committees have gone dormant. Disciplinary actions are inconsistent and selective.

Donors and international partners, once treated as allies in conservation, are being smeared and pushed out instead of engaged constructively.

The petitioners describe what they call a deliberate leadership style that rewards loyalty over competence and punishes anyone who questions decisions.

They say this is not bureaucratic incompetence or administrative oversight but a calculated system of control that has concentrated power in the hands of the Director General and a few close aides who shape decisions without wider participation.

The timing could not be worse.

Kenya faces escalating human-wildlife conflict, climate change pressures on ecosystems, recovery challenges in the tourism sector and intensifying scrutiny from the global conservation community.

KWS needs to be at its strongest and most professional.

Instead, the whistle-blowers warn, the institution is on the brink of collapse.

The implications stretch far beyond KWS headquarters.

The agency is responsible for protecting wildlife that generates billions in tourism revenue and supports thousands of jobs.

It maintains national parks that are global treasures.

It represents Kenya’s commitment to environmental leadership on the world stage. Corruption and mismanagement here damages the country’s international reputation, risks donor funding and threatens conservation programs that took decades to build.

For Kanga, the convergence of the EACC report, the internal dossier and the procurement board findings creates an almost impossible situation.

While he has not been directly accused of pocketing bribes, the systematic nature of the problems suggests either active complicity or catastrophic failure of leadership. Neither explanation offers him much refuge.

The whistle-blowers are demanding that EACC open a direct probe into Kanga’s conduct, subject contested tenders and contracts to forensic audit, protect insiders who come forward with evidence and ensure that where wrongdoing is proved, responsibility is placed on individuals rather than quietly written off as institutional mistakes.

They argue that Kenya cannot afford to lose KWS to the kind of corruption and dysfunction that has destroyed other government agencies.

The wildlife will not wait for bureaucratic excuses.

The tourists will not keep coming to a country that cannot manage its conservation crown jewels. The international community will not continue supporting an agency that has become a byword for bribery and ethnic capture.

The question now is whether Kanga will use his undeniable expertise and field experience to clean house and restore institutional integrity, or whether his tenure will be remembered as the period when one of Kenya’s most respected agencies descended into the kind of rot that seems all too familiar in the Kenyan public sector.

What is clear is that the clock is ticking. The whistle-blowers have spoken. The corruption watchdogs have published their findings.

The procurement board has exposed the tender manipulations.

The choice facing Dr Erustus Kanga is stark: lead genuine reform from the front or be swept away by the corruption storm that is now rocking KWS to its foundations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Ramji brothers
Crime & Investigations

Ramji Brothers Accused of Sh350 Million Land Fraud Turn Guns on DCI Boss, DPP

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Three brothers facing criminal charges over an alleged Sh350 million land fraud involving the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) have gone on the offensive, petitioning the High Court to remove the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin from office.

In a constitutional petition filed in Nairobi, Harish Ramji Manji, Ashvin Ramji Manji, and Ashvin Ramji Bharat accuse the two top law enforcement officials of gross abuse of power, violation of their fundamental rights, and defiance of binding court decisions by sanctioning their arrest and prosecution.

Through senior counsel Nelson Havi, the brothers want the court to declare Ingonga and Amin unfit to hold public office and to order them to jointly pay Sh300 million in damages for alleged violations of the Bill of Rights.

The trio also seeks far-reaching orders barring the DPP and the DCI from initiating or sustaining any criminal investigations or prosecutions arising from the acquisition and ownership of the disputed parcel of land, which they say was lawfully purchased from the NSSF.

At the centre of the dispute is land valued at about Sh350 million, which investigators allege was fraudulently acquired. However, the Ramji brothers argue that the matter has already been conclusively determined by superior courts.

According to the petition, the Court of Appeal found that the brothers are the duly registered owners of the property, having acquired it through a valid purchase and transfer for valuable consideration from the NSSF. They further state that Mombasa Cement Limited, which had challenged the ownership, sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, but its application was dismissed in September last year.

Despite those decisions, the brothers contend that the DPP and the DCI unlawfully revived the dispute through criminal proceedings, effectively reopening issues that had already been settled by the highest courts.

“It is our case that the DPP and the DCI have no authority to countermand, review or sit on appeal over decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,” the petition reads.

They accuse the two offices of acting in bad faith and in violation of Article 10 of the Constitution, which binds all state officers to uphold the rule of law, as well as Article 244, which governs the conduct of the National Police Service.

The brothers also take issue with the manner in which the investigations were conducted, accusing DCI Amin of abusing his constitutional mandate by publishing their photographs and statements on social media, identifying them as suspects in alleged land fraud.

They want the High Court to restrain the DPP and DCI from publishing or circulating any further statements linking them to criminal wrongdoing and to compel the DCI to remove their photographs from all social media platforms.

“The public shaming through publication of our images and arrest over a matter already determined by the courts amounts to a grave violation of our rights to dignity, fair administrative action, and fair trial,” they argue.

The petition now sets the stage for a high-stakes constitutional battle that pits private property rights and finality of court decisions against the investigative and prosecutorial powers of the State.

The DPP and the DCI had not filed their responses to the petition by the time of publication.

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Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo
Latest News

How Sh235 Million Donor Cash For Nyamira Residents Was Embezzled Through Equity Bank Under Governor Nyaribo’s Watch

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

A sophisticated fraud scheme has rocked Nyamira County after senior officials allegedly siphoned Sh21.2 million from a World Bank-funded project aimed at transforming informal settlements into decent living spaces for thousands of residents.

The embezzlement of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project II funds, which were part of a larger Sh235 million conditional grant, has now triggered a criminal investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and exposed a web of collusion between county officials and banking staff.

Documents obtained by this writer reveal that county officials and the KISIP II Nyamira County Project Coordinator, who were signatories to the project bank account domiciled at the Equity Bank Nyamira Branch, allegedly clandestinely withdrew the money and channeled it towards non-project activities, in flagrant violation of donor guidelines.

The scandal unfolded when Charles Hinga, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, detected suspicious transactions on the project account and moved swiftly to freeze further operations.

In a hard-hitting letter dated October 21, 2025, Hinga ordered an immediate suspension of all project works and temporary freezing of account number 0520*****9409 at Equity Bank Nyamira Branch.

The alarm bells rang after preliminary investigations showed that funds earmarked for upgrading roads, installing streetlights, constructing drainage systems, and providing security of tenure to residents living in informal settlements had instead been diverted to unauthorized expenditure.

Bank admits internal fraud

The gravity of the situation became apparent when Equity Bank acting Managing Director Moses Okoth Nyabanda confirmed in a letter dated November 20, 2025, that the account had been frozen on November 1 and admitted the suspected irregularities resulted from internally orchestrated fraud.

“We have initiated an internal investigation into the operations of the said account to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the reported irregularities,” Nyabanda wrote in the letter addressed to Hinga and copied to Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome.

The admission by Kenya’s second-largest bank by assets is particularly damning given that Equity Bank has been grappling with a wave of fraud cases.

In May this year, the bank fired 1,200 staff members in what CEO James Mwangi described as a ruthless anti-fraud crackdown after the institution lost Sh1.5 billion to staff collusion schemes.

The KISIP II scandal adds to Equity Bank’s mounting credibility crisis.

The bank has been accused of failing to flag irregular withdrawals and rapid large transfers from the Nyamira project account, raising questions about its internal controls when handling public and donor funds.

Widening investigation targets bank officials

Sources within the investigation team have revealed that the probe will now be widened to include Equity Bank officials suspected of colluding with county officials to facilitate the withdrawal of project money.

Kenya Insights has established that investigators are examining why the bank’s risk management systems failed to detect and stop the diversion of donor funds despite strict guidelines requiring that such accounts be monitored for irregularities.

When reached for comment on the matter, Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi did not respond to our queries by the time of going to press.

The KISIP II project, which is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya, the World Bank, and Agence Française de Développement, was designed to transform the lives of residents in nearly 200 informal settlements across 33 counties through improved infrastructure, land tenure security, and access to basic services.

In Nyamira, the project was expected to benefit communities in areas such as Keroka Market, where modern vendor stalls were to be constructed, and other informal settlements that desperately needed improved roads, water, sanitation, and lighting.

Governor Nyaribo silent on recovery

Governor Amos Nyaribo, whose administration has been dogged by multiple corruption scandals, did not respond to queries sent to him via phone and email regarding what remedial measures his government has taken to recover the lost funds.

The governor’s silence comes at a particularly precarious time for his administration.

Last month, the Senate heard impeachment charges against him, with members of the County Assembly accusing him of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and presiding over a payroll fraud syndicate that resulted in the loss of public funds.

On December 17, Nyaribo appeared before the EACC to answer questions about another corruption case involving irregular procurement and the award of a Sh382 million contract for the construction of county government offices.

Signatories changed, audit function weakened

It has since been established that the account signatories typically included the Chief Officer of Finance or their designate, the Chief Officer in charge of Housing, and the County Project Coordinator.

However, investigations have revealed frequent changes of personnel, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly who authorized the fraudulent transactions.

This pattern mirrors a broader problem in donor-funded projects across Kenya, where officials deliberately rotate signatories to obscure accountability.

Government investigators have also discovered that internal audit functions in Nyamira County were systematically weakened, with internal auditors either sidelined or transferred, while external audits were delayed long enough for money trails to fade.

Peter Orwa, a senior official in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, confirmed that the cumulative amount of funds diverted from the project account to pay for non-project related activities was Sh21,222,432.50.

“We have written to the county suspending the use of the conditional grant until corrective actions are taken. These include a change of the then bank account signatories, refund of all diverted funds, and appointing a dedicated internal auditor and strengthening the internal audit function,” Orwa said.

Donors’ strict reporting requirements circumvented

The diversion of KISIP II funds in Nyamira follows a disturbing pattern seen in numerous donor-funded projects across Kenya.

Once funds are disbursed into designated project accounts held in commercial banks, unscrupulous officials quietly alter signatories, authorise questionable withdrawals, or redirect money to non-project expenditures.

Insiders say donors’ strict reporting requirements are routinely met with forged progress documents, doctored audit trails, and manipulated site inspection reports.

In many cases, tenders are awarded to shell companies linked to officials or their proxies, with contractors paid upfront for work that is either poorly executed or never begins.

By the time discrepancies trigger donor inquiries, most funds have been siphoned, leaving stalled infrastructure, ghost projects, and communities with nothing to show for the millions meant to transform their lives.

The Nyamira scandal has particularly angered residents who were counting on the KISIP II project to improve their living conditions in overcrowded and underserved informal settlements.

“We were promised better roads, streetlights, clean water, and proper drainage. Now we hear that the money meant for us has been stolen by the very people who were supposed to help us,” said a resident of one of the targeted informal settlements who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

EACC steps in

The EACC has now taken over investigations into the matter, with officials expected to forensically examine bank statements, procurement documents, and payment vouchers to establish the full extent of the fraud and identify all individuals involved.

The commission is also expected to pursue asset recovery proceedings against anyone found to have benefited from the stolen funds.

The KISIP II scandal in Nyamira is the latest in a series of high-profile corruption cases that have plagued Governor Nyaribo’s administration and raised serious questions about oversight mechanisms in county governments handling donor-funded projects.

With the Senate impeachment trial still pending and multiple EACC investigations ongoing, the governor’s political future hangs in the balance as investigators race to unravel the full extent of corruption in his administration and recover millions of shillings stolen from the poor.

For the residents of Nyamira’s informal settlements, the KISIP II scandal represents more than just lost money.

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Spiro Kenya motorbikes
Business

Digital Slavery: How Spiro’s Electric Boda Boda Dream Turned Into Kenya’s Most Explosive Tech-Labour Backlash

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends
  • Riders pay roughly KES 95,000 for a Spiro Kenya motorbike, but without a Spiro battery, non-purchasable, non-chargeable at home, and usable only through Spiro’s swap stations, the bike is effectively a metal shell.
  • Spiro Kenya has since released an official statement attempting to contain the backlash.
  • Spiro Kenya also acknowledged rider frustration, admitting the system may feel “rigid or frustrating” during illness, accidents, or emergencies, and said it is reviewing how exceptions are handled.

When Electric Motorcycle startup Spiro expanded into Kenya, Spiro Kenya’s electric motorbikes were sold as salvation for boda boda riders battered by runaway fuel prices and shrinking profits. Clean energy. Lower costs. A smarter future.

By mid-December 2025, that dream had collapsed into one of Kenya’s fiercest tech-and-labour revolts yet, with riders accusing the company of exploitation, coercive control, and what many now openly call “digital slavery.”

President William Ruto riding a Spiro motorbike when the startup launched in Kenya.

What began as one rider’s complaint exploded into a national reckoning over ownership, power, and who truly benefits from Kenya’s electric mobility push.

The post that lit the match

The firestorm began with viral posts from @IAMRAPCHA (Rapcha The Sayantist), a Spiro rider who shared screenshots, videos, and voice notes alleging that Spiro:

  • Remotely disabled electric bikes
  • Flagged batteries as “stolen” after five days of inactivity
  • Grounded bikes even when inactivity was due to illness, breakdowns, or repairs
Spiro electric motorbikes

In raw, emotional posts that spread rapidly across X, Rapcha warned fellow riders:

“SPIRO ARE CRIMINALS!!! Avoid or lose your money!!! I’m a victim!!!”

Some posts clocked thousands of likes and hundreds of reposts within hours. Soon, other riders began sharing similar experiences or drawing chilling analogies.

One comparison stuck:

“This is like Safaricom disabling your SIM card because you didn’t make calls for five days.”

The Spiro repossession letter that changed everything

At the center of the outrage is a battery repossession notice issued by Africa Smart Mobility Solutions Limited, Spiro’s legal entity.

A spiro motorcycle
A spiro motorcycle

The letter states that a rider’s assigned EV battery had been identified as “dormant for a period exceeding five (5) consecutive days.” Under Spiro’s asset management policy, dormant batteries are subject to repossession.

Spiro lists several reasons:

  • Ownership: The battery remains Spiro property
  • Maintenance: Idle batteries risk degradation
  • Availability: Dormant batteries limit access for active riders
  • Business continuity: Batteries are income-generating assets

The notice reassures riders they remain “entitled to one active battery” through the standard swap system—once they resume operations.

To riders, that reassurance rang hollow.

A battery labelled “dormant” during hospitalisation, bereavement, mechanical repairs, or bad weather was treated the same as abandonment. No nuance. No human context.

Spiro responds and misses the moment

On December 15, Spiro Kenya released an official statement attempting to contain the backlash.

The company said:

  • The notice relates to battery inactivity, not theft
  • Batteries are Spiro-owned by design
  • The model keeps bike prices low—about KES 95,000 compared to higher costs if batteries were included
  • Battery swapping, not home charging, is a safety decision

Spiro also acknowledged rider frustration, admitting the system may feel “rigid or frustrating” during illness, accidents, or emergencies, and said it is reviewing how exceptions are handled.

It denied claims of bike confiscation and urged affected riders to contact the company for reactivation.

The response was widely seen and widely rejected.

Because it didn’t answer the question riders were asking:

If riders own the bike, why does removing a Spiro-owned battery disable the entire machine?

“A car without a fuel tank”

Riders pay roughly KES 95,000 for a Spiro bike. But without a Spiro battery—non-purchasable, non-chargeable at home, and usable only through Spiro’s swap stations—the bike is effectively a metal shell.

One viral post captured the frustration perfectly:

“It’s like buying a car without a fuel tank, then being told you can only refuel at one company’s stations—and they can shut you down remotely.”

In a widely shared thread, @omondike_ described the system as “modern-day bondage,” arguing that riders are trapped in a closed ecosystem where one company controls pricing, movement, repairs, and uptime.

That thread alone has racked up nearly 130,000 views, over 1,500 likes, and 700 reposts, pushing the debate beyond tech circles into mainstream Kenyan discourse.

Monopoly fears and spare-parts pain

Battery control is only part of the anger.

Spiro confirms that spare parts are distributed through vetted garages to ensure safety. Riders, however, describe a de facto monopoly.

Common complaints include:

  • Spare parts priced far above ICE equivalents
  • No freedom to repair bikes independently
  • Disabled bikes requiring towing over long distances
  • Long waits for approvals and replacements

For boda boda riders operating on razor-thin margins, these constraints don’t feel like innovation. They feel like dependency.

A backlash years in the making

This revolt didn’t appear overnight.

In November 2023, riders in Mombasa told Citizen TV that Spiro bikes suffered from slow battery swaps, frequent breakdowns, limited stations, and poor customer support. Some said the bikes struggled on steep terrain and long routes, leaving them parked more than ridden.

Trust further eroded in July 2024, when whistleblower Nelson Amenya alleged Spiro benefited from a controversial tax arrangement involving government officials, claims the company has not publicly addressed in detail. Those allegations resurfaced as the current backlash intensified.

Innovation vs human reality

To be fair, Spiro’s model isn’t unique. Battery-as-a-service is used globally to lower upfront costs and manage degradation. For many riders, it made electric bikes accessible.

But Kenya’s boda boda economy runs on informality, flexibility, and unpredictability—illness, funerals, rain, breakdowns, and bad weeks are part of life.

Systems designed to optimise assets don’t translate cleanly into livelihoods.

When technology starts disciplining people instead of serving them, backlash is inevitable.

What happens next?

As of December 20, public sentiment remains overwhelmingly negative. Despite PR efforts and influencer campaigns defending the model, calls for regulatory scrutiny, lawsuits, and boycotts continue.

Some riders still defend Spiro, arguing that no other electric bike comes close to its price point. But their voices are increasingly drowned out.

Spiro says it is reviewing how exceptional cases are handled. Whether that review produces meaningful policy change—or simply buys time—remains unclear.

One thing is now undeniable:

Kenya’s EV future cannot be built on innovation alone.
Trust, transparency, and dignity for riders are not optional features.

Electric mobility was supposed to offer more freedom than petrol bikes—not less.

Right now, to many riders, Spiro looks less like a green-energy saviour and more like a digitally enforced loan shark.

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Sports

Chepterit Comes Alive as SportyBet Kenya Gifts Motorbike to Loyal Fan

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

SportyBet Kenya continued its “Road to Eldoret” campaign with a high-energy stop in Chepterit, drawing hundreds of residents and volleyball fans as it ramped up awareness for the 2025 Kipchumba Karori Eldoret International Volleyball Tournament.

The colourful caravan transformed the town centre into a vibrant mini fan park, with branded trucks, music, interactive games and live demonstrations creating a festival-like atmosphere. Fans turned out in large numbers to engage with the SportyBet team, learn more about the upcoming tournament and experience the brand’s growing footprint in community-based sports engagement.

A key attraction of the Chepterit stop was the ongoing “Nyakua Nduthi na SportyBet” campaign, which rewards loyal customers across the country. The highlight of the day came when a local woman, a long-time SportyBet player, was presented with a brand-new motorbike after emerging as one of the promotion’s winners. Dressed in SportyBet-branded gear and a safety reflector, she received the keys on stage to loud cheers, a moment that underscored the company’s pledge to deliver tangible rewards to customers at the grassroots.

Organisers used the roadshow to build momentum for the Kipchumba Karori Eldoret International Volleyball Tournament, scheduled for 18–21 December 2025 at various venues in Eldoret, including the Eldoret Polytechnic grounds. The tournament is set to feature 16 elite teams, with defending champions Equity Bank and perennial contenders KCB among the clubs expected to battle for top honours.

Beyond the entertainment, the Chepterit activation highlighted SportyBet Kenya’s broader strategy of pairing sports marketing with community engagement. By taking its campaigns directly to towns along the road to Eldoret, the brand is positioning itself as a visible supporter of local sports culture while celebrating the fans who sustain it.

As the countdown to the December tournament continues, the Chepterit stop served as a lively reminder of what awaits volleyball enthusiasts in Eldoret — high-level competition, growing fan engagement and a renewed focus on rewarding communities that power Kenyan sport.

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Justice Mohamed Ibrahim
Latest News

Tributes Pour in as Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim Dies

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Kenyans and leaders have continued to send their tributes after the legal fraternity was thrown into mourning on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, following the death of Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim.

Justice Mohamed Ibrahim passed away shortly after 4.30 pm.

Sources close to the family said Justice Ibrahim had been receiving treatment in an Intensive Care Unit in India, but doctors advised that he be returned home to Kenya for his final days.

His death marks the end of a distinguished judicial career and a profound loss to Kenya’s justice system.

Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned him as a jurist of exceptional humility and integrity, saying he will be remembered as a steadfast guardian of constitutionalism, electoral justice, and human dignity.

“The Judiciary, the Supreme Court and the JSC mourn the loss of a distinguished jurist whose legacy bridges courageous advocacy and principled judging, and whose life exemplified fidelity to his oath of office, service to country, and compassion for the voiceless,” CJ Koome said.

“We stand in solidarity with his family, friends, and the entire Judiciary community during this difficult period of mourning, and we call for sensitivity and compassion as we share in this collective grief.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has mourned Justice Ibrahim as one of the inaugural judges of the Supreme Court of Kenya, with a highly decorated career in the legal industry spanning over 34 years.

According to Wetang’ula, Justice Mohamed Ibrahim will be remembered for his active role in bringing social justice and fighting for minority groups to have equal rights, and he often offered pro bono services

“I am saddened to learn of the demise of Hon. Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, after a long illness. Hon. Ibrahim was one of the inaugural judges of the Supreme Court of Kenya with a highly decorated career in the legal industry spanning over 34 years. He will be remembered for his active role in bringing social justice and fighting for minority groups to have equal rights, and often offered pro bono services. His loss is a monumental one for the legal industry and the Judiciary at large. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” Wetang’ula stated.

Nairobi County Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has also mourned Justice Ibrahim.

“My thoughts are with the family of the Honorable Justice Mohammed Ibrahim. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun,” Sifuna wrote on X.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, in her message of condolence, said that Justice Ibrahim’s rare calmness spoke of a man who fully understood the role of judicial authority as an opportunity to serve, and the nuances of justice as a tool for maintaining social order.

“I have received the sad news of the passing on of Hon. Mr. Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, SCJ. Justice Ibrahim served in the bench with unparalleled grace and distinguished intellect. His rare calmness spoke of a man who fully understood the role of judicial authority as an opportunity to serve, and the nuances of justice as a tool for maintaining social order. His passing on is a big loss to the Supreme Court, the Judiciary, and to the administration of Justice in Kenya,” Faith Odhiambo stated.

“Justice Ibrahim was a towering source of inspiration to all who dared to dream. He was the first person from the Kenyan-Somali community to be admitted to the Bar, at a time when his community was among the most marginalised in Kenyan society. He dedicated much of his early career to the defence of human rights and promoting the ideals of a fair and equal society. He carried his record of excellence and ethical conduct throughout his near-decade-long tenure as a Judge of the High Court.”

Justice Mohamed Ibrahim’s Biography: Life, Education and Career

Justice Ibrahim was appointed to the Supreme Court of Kenya on June 16, 2011, becoming one of the court’s founding judges following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

From the outset, he played a central role in shaping the jurisprudence, institutional culture, and public-facing mandate of the country’s apex court during a formative period for constitutional democracy.

Within the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim held extensive administrative and governance responsibilities.

He served as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee on Elections, a role that placed him at the heart of judicial preparedness and oversight during electoral cycles, an especially sensitive and consequential area in Kenya’s constitutional order.

He also oversaw the establishment of the Court’s ad hoc Committee on Elections, strengthening internal coordination and accountability.

His portfolio further included liaison with internal judicial stakeholders such as the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA), the Kenya Women Judges Association (KWJA), and the Judiciary Staff Association.

Through this work, he was instrumental in fostering cohesion across the Judiciary and amplifying institutional dialogue on judicial welfare, independence, and professional standards.

Justice Ibrahim also coordinated the Supreme Court’s engagement with non-state actors, with particular reference to civil society and marginalised groups.

This role reflected a broader commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and public confidence in the administration of justice.

He additionally oversaw Supreme Court publications, annual reports, and library management, ensuring that the Court’s work was documented, accessible, and grounded in robust legal scholarship.

As part of the Court’s leadership team, he contributed to the development, monitoring, and evaluation of the Supreme Court Strategic Plan, embedding feedback mechanisms to strengthen institutional performance and responsiveness.

He also served as the critical link between the Supreme Court and the Judiciary Committee on Elections, reinforcing coordination across judicial structures.

Justice Mohammed Ibrahim will be remembered as a jurist who combined administrative rigour with a quiet commitment to inclusion and institutional integrity.

His legacy endures in the structures he helped build, the standards he upheld, and the communities that saw in him both representation and service at the highest level of justice.

Justice Mohammed Ibrahim studied law at the University of Nairobi before entering private legal practice.

In November 1982, he joined the firm of Messrs Waruhiu & Muite Advocates and was admitted to the Roll of Advocates on January 11, 1983, becoming the first Kenyan Somali to be admitted to the Bar as an advocate.

He rose through the firm to become a salaried partner in 1985 and a full partner in 1987. In 1994, he established Mohammed Ibrahim & Associates, which later expanded into Ibrahim & Isaack Advocates in 1997.

The firm litigated civil and constitutional cases and specialised in banking, company law, bankruptcy, commercial law, property law, conveyancing, and insurance law.

During private practice, he was active in defending minority rights, particularly those of the Somali community.

He challenged the government’s use of “pink cards,” secondary identity documents that required additional citizenship verification and were seen as discriminatory against Kenyan Somalis.

Justice Ibrahim was appointed a Judge of the High Court on May 22, 2003. He served in the Civil and Commercial Divisions at Milimani, Nairobi, before joining the Judicial Review and Constitutional Division in 2004.

He was later transferred to Eldoret, where he served as Resident Judge between 2007 and 2009, handling matters across the North Rift Valley and occasionally assisting the High Court in Kisii.

In July 2009, he was transferred to the High Court in Mombasa as Resident Judge before his elevation to the Supreme Court of Kenya.

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Abbas Bardu Omuyoma
Crime & Investigations

Court Frees Businessman Abbas Bardu Omuyoma After Defrauding Canadian of Ksh8.1M in Gold Scam

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

A Nairobi magistrate’s court has acquitted a city businessman who had been charged with defrauding a Canadian national of KSh 8.1 million in an alleged gold scam.

Abbas Bardu Omuyoma was accused of obtaining USD 54,550 (approximately KSh 8.1 million) from Yvan De Coninck on August 11, 2021, by falsely claiming he was in a position to sell 15 kilograms of gold.

The case was heard before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki, who had earlier placed Omuyoma on his defence.

However, in a ruling delivered after the close of the four-year trial, the magistrate acquitted the businessman, finding that the prosecution had failed to meet the required threshold to sustain the charges.

The court heard that the case arose from a proposed gold transaction that never materialised due to disagreements among the parties involved.

In his defence, Omuyoma told the court that his role was limited to facilitating discussions between the parties and that he did not personally receive any money linked to the deal. He said he issued an invoice in his capacity as an agent, with the expectation of earning a commission, but maintained that no payment was ever made to him.

Omuyoma testified that he was approached by a woman identified as Madam Pinky, who asked him to help source a supplier for the gold. He stated that any funds related to the failed transaction were deposited into an escrow account associated with entities known as Blue Creek and Jason, and not into his personal accounts.

He further told the court that he later withdrew from the negotiations and that after the parties fell out, he was summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to record a statement regarding the collapsed deal.

The magistrate ultimately ruled that the evidence presented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was insufficient to prove the charges against Omuyoma beyond a reasonable doubt.

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SHA fraud
Crime & Investigations

DCI Cracks Down on SHA Healthcare Fraud as 24 Suspects Charged

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its crackdown on fraud within Kenya’s healthcare system, unveiling major progress in ongoing investigations targeting facilities audited by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In an update released on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, regarding the probe, detectives from the Investigations Bureau at DCI headquarters confirmed that they are conducting a wide-ranging investigation into alleged fraudulent activities involving medical facilities across the country.

The facilities under scrutiny are located in Nairobi, Homa Bay, Wajir, Kilifi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu, Vihiga, and Kajiado counties.

According to the DCI, 18 case files have already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and legal direction. Of these, the ODPP has approved the prosecution of nine cases, marking a significant step forward in holding suspects accountable.

Meanwhile, five additional case files are still awaiting review and guidance from the ODPP, while three files have been returned to the DCI for further investigations. Investigators are also working on seven more case files that are yet to be completed before submission to the ODPP.

“So far, 18 case files have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and legal guidance. The ODPP approved the prosecution of 9 cases, while 5 more case files are waiting for review and advice from the ODPP. Additionally, 3 case files have been returned to the DCI for further investigations, and 7 case files are still being investigated before being submitted to the ODPP for review and guidance,” the DCI stated.

In total, 24 suspects drawn from various medical facilities across multiple counties have so far been charged, as authorities signal that the net is widening and more arrests could follow.

The DCI reiterated its firm commitment to protecting public resources and restoring integrity in the healthcare sector, warning that no individual or institution involved in the alleged fraud will be spared.

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Cyrus Jirongo
Latest News

Cyrus Jirongo Autopsy: Family Pathologist Reveals What Killed Former Lugari MP

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The autopsy results on the body of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo have been released.

Family pathologist Joseph Ndung’u on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, revealed that Jirongo died from a blunt force trauma that caused severe injuries to the chest, abdomen, spine, and legs.

Jirongo succumbed to injuries sustained in a road traffic accident involving his Mercedes-Benz and a Climax Coaches bus at Karai area along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday, December 16, released new details into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jirongo, and revealed that it had kicked off a probe into his death.

The DCI stated that the collision occurred at approximately 2:19 a.m., resulting in a head-on collision. Investigators say the force of the crash pushed Jirongo’s vehicle about 25 metres from the point of impact, while the bus came to rest roughly 50 metres away.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the accident involved Hon. Jirongo’s motor vehicle, registration number KCZ 305U, and a public service vehicle (PSV) bus, registration number KCU 576A, belonging to Climax Company Ltd. The collision occurred at approximately 02:19 A.M., resulting in a head-on impact that pushed the deceased’s vehicle about 25 metres from the point of impact, while the PSV bus came to a stop approximately 50 metres away,” the DCI stated.

A combined team of homicide detectives and forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory visited the scene, documented evidence, and secured key exhibits. Among the critical evidence recovered was CCTV footage from Eagol Petrol Station, located near the crash site.

According to the DCI, preliminary analysis of the footage shows that at 2:18:40 a.m., Jirongo drove into the petrol station from the Nairobi direction but did not refuel. At 2:19:10 a.m., his vehicle stopped at the station’s exit before making a right turn back towards Nairobi at 2:19:19 a.m.

Moments later, at 2:19:25 a.m., the CCTV captured the PSV bus ramming into his vehicle.

Detectives have interrogated the bus driver, Tyrus Kamau Githinji, who had earlier recorded a statement at the Naivasha Traffic Base. He has been released on cash bail pending further investigations into the offence of causing death by dangerous driving.

The driver is expected to report back to the Naivasha Traffic Base on December 22, 2025, for further police action.

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Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo.
Crime & Investigations

Govt Identifies at Least 126 Organised Criminal Gangs Operating in Nairobi

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

At least 126 organised criminal gangs are operating within Nairobi.

Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has said the government managed to point out the gangs following an extensive intelligence-led mapping exercise.

According to Kitiyo, the gangs were uncovered through a targeted programme focusing on organised crime and emerging security threats.

The security boss, while speaking on Radio Generation, said the authorities had already moved from intelligence gathering to enforcement, with arrests ongoing across the city.

“When it comes to organised crime, these are criminals who use all manner of tricks and ways to reach out to people,” Kitiyo said.

“In Nairobi, we have recorded almost 126 criminal gangs using various names.”

According to the regional commissioner, the gangs operate in defined zones across the city and rely on structured leadership, communication networks, and social spaces to recruit and coordinate criminal activity.

He said security agencies have undertaken detailed profiling of the groups, including identifying their leaders, operational areas, and methods.

“What we normally do is very clear mapping where we identify those groups and even gang leaders, their telephone numbers, where they operate, and how they operate, and then we take care of them,” Kitiyo said.

The mapping exercise is part of a broader government initiative launched on October 15 this year under the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) on insecurity and organised crime.

Kitiyo said the programme was designed to deliver quick, measurable gains in the fight against criminal networks through coordinated, multi-agency action.

“On October 15 this year, we launched a programme called RRI on insecurity and organised crime,” he said.

“We did the mapping to understand these groups, and that’s how we came up with the 126 groups.”

Following the intelligence phase, the operation has shifted to targeted enforcement.

Kitiyo said security agencies are now focusing on individual gang members and leaders, leading to a series of arrests in recent weeks.

“Now we are targeting individuals, and so many of them have been arrested, and we continue arresting them even now,” he said.

The RRI approach, according to the commissioner, goes beyond gang arrests to address enablers of crime within communities.

Kitiyo said authorities identified specific locations commonly used by criminal groups to plan, recruit, and hide from law enforcement.

“With that RRI, there are a number of things we were focusing on, including criminal gangs, cartels, illicit brew dens,” he said, adding that many gang members “hang around there.”

Pool tables and informal entertainment joints were also flagged as key congregation points used by criminal elements to coordinate activities and recruit young people into gangs.

Kitiyo said security teams have intensified patrols, inspections, and crackdowns in such locations as part of the wider operation.

Jukwaa la Usalama Report

The revelation comes days after a new security brief delivered to President William Ruto exposed a chilling reality: Kenya is facing an unprecedented surge in gang activity, with Nairobi alone hosting more than 130 active criminal groups, making it the country’s biggest breeding ground for organised crime.

The explosive Jukwaa la Usalama Report, compiled by security experts and intelligence analysts, paints a grim picture of a country where gangs, some barely known to the public, are tightening their grip on neighbourhoods, youth, politics, and even land ownership.

According to the report, Nairobi is now the epicentre of the crisis, with over 130 gangs involved in everything from petty extortion to political violence, kidnappings, murder, and election-related mercenary work.

“Some of the gangs are structured and highly organised, while others are amorphous groups that regroup only when hired for assignments,” the report states.

Among those listed are:

  • Jeshi Jinga
  • 42 Brothers
  • M23
  • Kapenguria Six
  • Usiku Sacco

These gangs operate across estates such as Kibera, Dandora, Mathare, Kayole, and Mukuru, often controlling entire zones through fear and brutality.

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Crime & Investigations

Man Linked to a String of Violent Robberies in Mombasa Arrested

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Police have arrested a man linked to a string of violent robberies in Kiembeni, Kisauni Sub-County in Mombasa County.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, said detectives based at Kisauni had arrested Omar Tinga, aka Songa, whom the officers have described as a notorious criminal long linked to a string of violent robberies.

“Kisauni Sub-County detectives have arrested Omar Tinga, aka Songa, a notorious criminal long linked to a string of violent robberies in Kiembeni,” the statement read in part.

According to the anti-crime agency, the arrest followed credible intelligence from members of the public, which led detectives straight to the suspect’s hideout in Bombo Village, where he was arrested.

Police further say Tinga is feared for his ruthless attacks on victims. He has been detained and is currently undergoing processing ahead of his court arraignment.

“The arrest followed credible intelligence from members of the public, which led detectives straight to his hideout in Bombo Village, where he was cornered and apprehended. Tinga is feared for his ruthless attacks on victims, leaving a trail of terror in his wake. He is currently in police custody, undergoing processing, pending arraignment,” the DCI stated.

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BAKE Awards 2025 winners.
Latest News

BAKE Awards 2025: Full List of Top Kenyan Digital Creators Awarded at BAKE Gala Night

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Daily Trends, on the night of Saturday, December 13, 2025, was crowned the Best Topical Creator at the just-concluded BAKE Awards 2025 Ceremony.

The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) successfully hosted the BAKE Awards 2025 Ceremony at Baraza Media Lab, under the theme “Reclaiming Our Digital Space”.

The awards celebrated the creativity and impactful contributions of Kenyan content creators.

A certificate awarded to Daily Trends at the BAKE Awards 2025 gala night.
A certificate that was awarded to Daily Trends at the BAKE Awards 2025 gala night.

For the first time in BAKE Awards history, the top honour, the Creator of the Year award, was shared by The JoyRide Podcast and Sarah Njoroge, marking a tie in the most competitive category. Sarah Njoroge also won in the Agricultural Creator category.

Other BAKE Awards 2025 winners include Tech Trends (Best Technology Creator), Beyond the Trails Kenya (Best Environmental Creator), Nairobi Lifestyle (Best New Creator), Daily Trends (Best Topical Creator), Pepeta (Best Sports Creator), Teacher Tabby Wothaya (Best Education Creator), African Watch (Best Travel Creator), and Mary M. Munene (Best Religious/Spirituality Creator).

In his keynote address, BAKE Chairman Kennedy Kachwanya highlighted the elevated standards of Kenyan digital content.

“The standard of Kenyan digital content has not just risen; it has established a new benchmark for excellence,” he said, noting the evolution from simple text to high-quality multimedia campaigns in areas like agri-tech, finance, and cultural storytelling.

Kachwanya urged creators to innovate in platform diversity, monetization, and content depth while combating misinformation. He emphasized collective responsibility, stating, “A strong, ethical creator community is the only firewall against the erosion of public trust.”

He also praised key partners for their support: “We extend our deepest gratitude to Absa Bank Kenya, UNESCO Kenya, KICTANET, Media Council of Kenya, and Baraza Media Lab for their close partnership with Kenyan content creators.”

Seline Awour, Head of Digital Marketing at Absa Kenya, echoed this appreciation: “Great to see a platform like BAKE Awards, which recognizes the great work by content creators. I know it is not an easy job doing what you do, constantly serving your audience with new content. I sit in the digital marketing space, and I understand what it takes to do what you do. Thank you for giving your best in the digital world, and see you again next year.”

The nominees for this year’s BAKE Awards reflect the growth of the Kenyan digital creator community over the years. From its early focus on blogging, the awards have evolved to embrace a diverse array of creators across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, among others.

The nominees in the awards spanned sectors such as Public Health, Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, and Photography.

The BAKE Awards 2025 kicked off with the submission period on September 10. Thereafter, a panel of judges selected the top five nominees in each category, who were then put to a public vote that ended on December 11, 2025.

The BAKE Awards 2025 judging panel included Abigail Arunga, Martin Mburu, Leo Mutisya, Ahmad Salim, and Cecilia Maundu.

Preparations are already underway for the BAKE Awards 2026, which will begin in January 2026 with the winners’ gala event being held in June 2026.

Full list of BAKE Awards 2025 Winners

1. Technology Creator

2. Photography Creator

3. Creative Writing Creator

4. Business Creator

5. Food Creator

6. Environmental Creator

7. Fashion and Style Creator

8. Agricultural Creator

9. New Creator

10. Corporate Creator

11. Topical Creator

12. Sports Creator

13. Entertainment Creator

14. Education Creator

15. Travel Creator

16. Public Health Creator

17. County Creator

18. Religious or Spirituality Creator

19. Lifestyle Creator

20. Video Creator

21. Audio Creator

22. Social Issues and Active Citizenship Creator

23. Creator of the Year

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Iyaani performs at the Captain Morgan Muckpit Muckarena Tour in Kisumu
Entertainment

Captain Morgan Muckpit Party Ignites Kisumu with Unforgettable Night

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Captain Morgan Muckpit successfully brought its electrifying Muckarena to Kisumu, transforming Attela Beach Resort into good energy and pure fun on Saturday, December 13, 2025. As the highly anticipated third stop on Captain Morgan Muckpit’s nationwide tour, the event delivered on its promise of a wild night, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories. 

The shores of Attela Beach Resort pulsated with an exhilarating atmosphere as Kisumu embraced the boldness of the new Muckpit Melon splash. The night was headlined by a stellar performance from musical sensation Iyanii, who captivated the crowd with his hit songs including ‘Donjo Maber’ and ‘Rumours’. He was expertly supported by an elite lineup of talent, including the infectious beats by Dj Deewiz, Dj Brik, and Dj Soul, alongside Kisumu’s best MCs: MC Nuella and MC Kish. Together, they fuelled a full-throttle night of music, rhythm, and unmissable vibes that kept the energy soaring from start to finish. 

Guests immersed themselves in signature Muckarena experiences which included expertly crafted cocktails that featured Muckpit Melon Splash, and the Muckarena bowling alley. These experiences delivered a standout night, offering attendees unique ways to engage with the new flavour in the market. 

“Kisumu truly embraced the spirit of the Muckarena Party,” said Kanyi Kiuru, Captain Morgan Muckpit brand manager. “The energy at Attela Beach Resort was phenomenal, and it was incredible to see everyone muck up the night. This stop perfectly showcased our commitment to bringing bold flavours and unforgettable experiences directly to our fans across Kenya. We are thrilled with the overwhelming success and look forward to taking this to Mombasa as the next leg of our journey.” 

The Captain Morgan Muckpit Party in Kisumu underscored the brand’s dedication to creating extraordinary experiences and connecting with its audience through music, vibrant entertainment, and distinctive cocktails. The nationwide tour continues to bring the boldest rum party to cities across Kenya, inviting everyone to join the Muckarena.  

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Costa Ojwang delivers a memorable performance at the Taita Taveta KC Trufest
Entertainment

Kenya Cane Powers a Night of Culture, Music, and Homegrown Pride

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Jamhuri Festival, proudly powered by Kenya Cane – The True Kenyan Spirit, lit up Club Shalex in Voi on Saturday night as hundreds of revellers came together to celebrate Kenya’s identity through music, food, culture, and communal pride.

The festival brought an unforgettable wave of energy, with show-stopping performances from some of Kenya’s most exciting homegrown acts. Fans were treated to dynamic sets from Coaster Ojwang, Tipsy Gee, Masauti, Dede, Kabuda, Mwashumbe, Yollo, and high-voltage mixes by DJ Most Wanted and DJ Shacky, who kept the crowd dancing well into the early hours. The event showcased not just music, but the vibrancy and unity that define the modern Kenyan cultural experience, an essence deeply aligned with Kenya Cane’s longstanding heritage.

DJ Mama Dede keeps the energy high at the Taita Taveta KC Trufest Jamhuri Edition

Speaking after the event, Victor Adada, Brand Manager, Kenya Cane, emphasized the significance of the celebration, saying: “Jamhuri Festival was much more than a concert, it was a powerful expression of who we are as Kenyans. Kenya Cane has always stood for heritage, resilience, and community, and last night we saw that spirit come alive on stage and in the crowd. Bringing people together to celebrate our culture and amplify local talent is at the heart of what The True Kenyan Spirit represents.”

Tipsy Gee lit up the stage at the Taita Taveta KC Trufest Jamhuri Edition at Club

The festival drew revellers from across the Coastal region, reaffirming Voi’s growing reputation as a cultural hotspot and reinforcing Kenya Cane’s commitment to platforms that elevate Kenyan artistry and authentic shared experiences. From the electric performances to the vibrant atmosphere, the Jamhuri Festival delivered a memorable night of celebration, proof that when Kenyans come together in the spirit of heritage and joy, the rhythm is unmatched.

Kenya Cane advocates for responsible drinking. Strictly 18+. Do not forward to persons under 18 years.

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