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Latest News

DCI Arraigns Willis Onyango Wasonga in Sh28M International Fake Gold Scam

by Daily Trends February 17, 2026

A Kenyan man, Willis Onyango Wasonga, has been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi over an alleged Sh28 million international fake gold scam that targeted an American investor in a botched 495-kilogram gold deal destined for Dubai.

Wasonga, who detectives say also used the alias “Marcus,” was presented in court after investigations linked him to a sophisticated scheme that reportedly defrauded a U.S. national of USD 217,900 (approximately Sh28 million).

The Complaint

The case was reported at Capitol Hill Police Station by Gershonov Oleg on behalf of his American business partner, John Sodipo. According to investigators, Oleg first travelled to Kenya in September 2025 to pursue a gold transaction that ultimately failed to materialize.

During his visit, he allegedly established contact with individuals posing as gold dealers, among them Wasonga, who would later become the main suspect in the probe.

The 495kg Gold Deal

Detectives say negotiations between Sodipo and Wasonga led to an agreement for the purchase and chartering of 495 kilograms of gold to Dubai.

Following the agreement, Sodipo is said to have deposited the agreed chartering fees into what was presented as an escrow account under advocate Michael Otieno Owano of MOAC Advocates. Oleg later travelled back to Kenya to oversee the shipment process.

However, the gold consignment allegedly failed to ship within the agreed timelines. As pressure mounted for delivery, investigators say it became clear that the deal was fictitious.

Alleged Web of Deception

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects’ modus operandi involved an elaborate network designed to give the transaction a veneer of legitimacy.

Detectives allege that SRK Logistics Limited misrepresented its capacity to supply gold, while fictitious legal representation agreements were generated to portray MOAC Advocate LLP as handling a legitimate commercial transaction.

Further investigations revealed that funds were allegedly moved swiftly between company accounts before being transferred overseas — a pattern investigators say bears the hallmarks of money laundering, including layering and concealment of proceeds of crime.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

With investigations closing in, Wasonga secured anticipatory bail at the High Court before presenting himself at DCI Headquarters on February 13, 2026, for statement recording.

He was later arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court granted him a bond of Sh1 million with two contact persons or, in the alternative, a cash bail of Sh350,000.

Investigations Ongoing

Detectives say investigations remain ongoing as authorities pursue additional suspects believed to be connected to the alleged scam.

The case is scheduled for mention on March 3, 2026, as the prosecution continues to piece together what investigators describe as a calculated and sophisticated international gold fraud scheme.

February 17, 2026 0 comment

Latest News

PS Ronoh Linked To Alleged Miwani Sugar Land Fraud

by Daily Trends February 17, 2026

written by Daily Trends

A scandal that has festered for three decades in the sugarcane heartlands of Kisumu County has exploded into the national spotlight, with Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh facing explosive accusations that he used the weight of a Cabinet decision to hand over Kenya’s most contested public land to a private company whose claim to ownership rests on a fabricated court order, a phantom creditor and an unverified auction.

The allegations are contained in a formal petition tabled before the National Assembly by Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi, acting on behalf of petitioner Charles Osewe. The petition demands that Parliament investigate what the legislator calls a brazen conspiracy to defraud the Kenyan public of a 10,000-acre prime nucleus estate that communities in Kano and Nandi donated generations ago to support the establishment of Kenya’s oldest sugar factory, Miwani Sugar Company.

At the heart of the controversy is a letter dated April 11, 2025, signed by Dr Ronoh and addressed to the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB). In that letter, the PS directs the KSB to instruct its advocates to sign a consent recognising Crossley Holdings Limited as the lawful owner of the land, identified as LR No. 7545/3 (IR. 21038). What makes the directive extraordinary, according to the petition, is that the PS claims to be acting on a Cabinet decision of December 17, 2024, meaning the country’s highest executive decision-making body allegedly sanctioned the transfer of disputed public land to a private entity, even as the matter remains actively before the courts.

The Ghost Who Started It All

The origins of the land dispute read like a thriller. In 1993, a man named Nagendra Saxena filed a suit at Kisumu High Court against Miwani Sugar Company, claiming the firm owed him Sh114 million for consultancy services. Saxena never appeared in court in person. He was never seen anywhere in Kenya. According to documents filed in Parliament, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Department of Immigration separately launched efforts to trace Saxena both in Kenya and in India. All three agencies came up empty. The man, in the blunt assessment of Omondi and fellow ODM legislator Onyango Koyoo of Muhoroni, simply does not exist.

“Saxena has never been seen in court or anywhere. Both the EACC and DCI have tried and failed to trace him in Kenya or in India,” Omondi told journalists at Parliament Buildings in April 2025. The MP alleges that Saxena was a front for Bire, associated with Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries, a company that would later lease the state-owned Chemelil Sugar Factory from the government.

Despite the suit’s dubious foundations, it dragged on for over a decade. With interest accumulating at 20 percent annually, what started as a Sh40 million claim reportedly ballooned to over Sh1 billion by 2007. Miwani Sugar Company, already crippled and under receivership since 2001, failed to mount a proper defence, and the High Court authorised an auction of the company’s assets to recover the claimed debt.

A Christmas Eve Auction No One Can Explain

On December 24, 2007, Christmas Eve, a public auction was conducted and Crossley Holdings Limited emerged as the winning bidder for the 9,394-acre nucleus estate at Sh752 million. The purchase price was remarkable on two counts: the land had been valued at Sh696 million, meaning Crossley ostensibly bid above valuation, yet not a single shilling of that Sh752 million has ever been produced in evidence, according to both the DCI and parliamentary documents.

“No evidence has ever been produced as to if and to whom the Sh752 million was paid,” the petition states. Former Agriculture PS Hamadi Boga confirmed to Parliament in October 2020 that Crossley not only failed to pay the Sh742 million auction amount but also did not pay the Sh1.5 million bidding deposit. The state launched formal proceedings to repossess the land, with Boga telling legislators at the time that plans to cancel Crossley’s provisional title were at an advanced stage.

The auction’s legitimacy was further destroyed in the Court of Appeal. Justice Olga Sewe, then heading the Judiciary in Kisumu, testified that the original court order on which the auction was based was a forgery. The case file itself had vanished from court records. On July 29, 2011, the Court of Appeal nullified the entire transaction and reaffirmed that the land belonged to Miwani Sugar Company. The deputy court registrar believed to have orchestrated the forged order was removed from the Judiciary and charged with conspiracy to defraud alongside Crossley Holdings, its directors and employees, in a Kisumu Magistrates Court.

The Acquittals, The Appeals, The Contradictions

The criminal proceedings that followed proved long and torturous. In 2019, a Kisumu magistrates court acquitted Crossley Holdings and several co-accused, including Sukhwinder Singh Chatte, the chairman of Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries, finding that the EACC investigation had been shoddy. Two co-accused, former magistrate Abdulkadir Elkindy and revenue officer Moses Osewe, were found to have a case to answer. Elkindy stood accused of using his position as deputy registrar of Kisumu High Court to fraudulently order the transfer of the land, while Osewe faced charges of improperly clearing land rates.

The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the acquittals to the High Court, which in 2019 reversed the magistrate’s decision and directed that all accused be placed on their defence. The accused then escalated the fight to the Court of Appeal, which ultimately restored the original acquittals in 2021, ruling that the evidence left too much doubt.

Emboldened, Crossley returned to civil court. In October 2021, Justice Anthony Ombwayo of the Environment and Land Court in Kisumu ruled in Crossley’s favour, declaring the company the valid landowner and ordering Miwani Sugar to vacate within 60 days. The government and Miwani appealed, creating two directly conflicting court judgements: the Court of Appeal’s 2011 ruling affirming public ownership versus Ombwayo’s 2021 ruling in favour of Crossley. It was this legal limbo that Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe acknowledged before Parliament in late 2025 as making the matter “legally complex.”

Cabinet’s Invisible Hand

It is against this turbulent legal backdrop that PS Ronoh’s April 2025 letter carries its most explosive charge. By invoking a purported Cabinet decision of December 17, 2024, and directing the Kenya Sugar Board to facilitate the signing of a court consent recognising Crossley as owner, Ronoh effectively inserted the country’s Cabinet into an active judicial dispute. Legal experts and opposition legislators have questioned whether the Cabinet has the constitutional authority to override pending court proceedings.

“The Cabinet’s involvement in a matter that is actively before the courts is troubling and unacceptable,” Omondi told journalists. The MP argued that the Cabinet’s alleged decision went against the spirit of judicial independence and defied existing court orders still in force from the Court of Appeal.

The petition further reveals that the Office of the Attorney-General, led by Dorcas Oduor, had forwarded a draft consent to be filed in court for approval by all parties. But on May 6, 2025, the law firm of Owiti, Otieno and Ragot, acting for Miwani Sugar, refused to sign the consent, citing legal and ethical reasons. In a letter to the Receiver Manager of Miwani Sugar, lawyer David Otieno said the firm had consistently held the position that the 2007 transaction was marred by fraud.

Communities Left to Burn

The human cost of the dispute has already been written in blood. In February 2022, an auctioneer hired by Crossley Holdings attempted to execute a court order evicting workers and occupants from the land, triggering a violent confrontation that left two people dead, several others injured, two vehicles torched and more than 2,000 acres of sugar cane reduced to ash. The upheaval shocked the nation and underscored the extent to which local communities regard the land as theirs by right of historical contribution.

“This land was donated by the Kano and Nandi communities as a nucleus estate for the Miwani Sugar factory. It was never sold to anyone,” Omondi told a press conference at Parliament in April 2025. “They want to take the only economic lifeline remaining for these people. The land that would transform the lives of Western Kenya is being handed to private interests through fraud.”

Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang Nyong’o has also expressed alarm, noting that the transfer of the nucleus land was happening through “opaque arrangements” even as litigation continued. He pointedly flagged the fact that Kibos Sugar, whose chairman Sukhwinder Singh Chatte was among those prosecuted in the criminal case, had been awarded the lease for Chemelil Sugar Factory by the same government. The petition before Parliament makes no formal allegation of a connection between the government’s leasing decisions and the Crossley land controversy, but the proximity of the two transactions has drawn intense scrutiny.

What Parliament Is Being Asked to Do

The petition before the National Assembly is sweeping in its demands. MP Omondi is asking the relevant parliamentary committee to direct the Registrar of Persons and the Department of Immigration to formally investigate and report on whether Nagendra Saxena exists at all. The committee is also being asked to compel Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor to submit a full written legal opinion on all court cases related to the land, and to investigate in collaboration with the Business Registration Service the full ownership history of Crossley Holdings Limited and its sister company Allied Industries Limited.

Further, Omondi wants the National Assembly to formally investigate the official conduct of both current and former public servants in the National Treasury, Ministry of Agriculture and the State Law Office in connection with the case. The Cabinet Secretaries for National Treasury and Agriculture, and the Attorney-General, are specifically named in the call to protect and preserve the land as a public asset.

The petition does not stop there. It also requests a complete accounting of the outcome of all criminal investigations into the suspected forgery and fraud connected to the auction, including the fate of the prosecution of the former deputy court registrar.

The Questions PS Ronoh Must Answer

Dr Ronoh’s letter to the Kenya Sugar Board represents the most direct link between the state apparatus and the alleged attempt to settle the land controversy in Crossley’s favour. For critics, a senior government official directing a state institution to facilitate the transfer of contested public land to a company with a criminal prosecution history and no proven payment record crosses a line that demands explanation.

“The petition is anchored on court orders up to the Court of Appeal and asks why, despite those orders, the PS would write to the Sugar Board asking it to recognise Crossley Holdings,” the petition reads. The petitioner’s position is blunt: the Cabinet decision, if it exists as described by Ronoh, is ultra vires and cannot override standing judicial pronouncements.

As of the time of going to press, PS Ronoh and the Ministry of Agriculture had not publicly responded to the specific allegations raised in the parliamentary petition. The Star sought comment from the ministry but had not received a response by the time of publication.

What is clear is that Kenya’s oldest sugar factory, established in 1922 on land that Luo and Kalenjin communities contributed in good faith, now sits at the centre of a legal, political and criminal controversy that has defeated three decades of investigation, multiple court decisions and now threatens to consume an Agriculture PS and question the integrity of Cabinet itself.

Parliament, for now, holds the last card.

TIMELINE OF THE MIWANI LAND SAGA

1922 Miwani Sugar Mills established on Kano-Nandi community land

1988 Miwani placed under receivership after owners flee Kenya

1993 Phantom creditor Nagendra Saxena sues Miwani for Sh114m; never traced in Kenya or India

December 24, 2007 Christmas Eve auction; Crossley Holdings claims to pay Sh752m. No payment evidence produced

2010 Former deputy registrar, Crossley directors charged with conspiracy to defraud

July 29, 2011 Court of Appeal nullifies auction, reaffirms Miwani Sugar public ownership

October 2021 Kisumu Environment Court reverses course, declares Crossley valid owner

February 2022 Crossley attempts eviction; two killed, sugar fields torched by community

December 17, 2024 Cabinet allegedly decides to transfer land to Crossley (details not publicly released)

April 11, 2025 PS Ronoh’s letter directs KSB to sign consent recognising Crossley

May 6, 2025 Miwani Sugar’s lawyers refuse to sign, citing fraud and legal ethics

February 2026 Parliamentary petition formally tabled; Cabinet and PS Ronoh put on the spot

February 17, 2026 0 comment

Sports

CAF Rankings Reshape Continental Slots as Nairobi United Slip to 62nd

by Zephany Warui Waweru February 17, 2026

written by Zephany Warui Waweru

African club football has delivered its verdict! It is both a reward and a warning.

From the latest continental coefficient rankings, only 12 nations will be permitted to register two clubs each in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup next season. It is a privilege reserved for consistency, depth and sustained continental performance.

The countries that have earned that status are:

Egypt
Morocco
Algeria
South Africa
Tanzania
Tunisia
Angola
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sudan
Mali
Ivory Coast
Nigeria

What does this mean? It means these federations have done the hard work. Their clubs have progressed deep into tournaments, collected coefficient points and protected their continental influence.

Now, the hard truth.

By losing all their group-stage matches this season, Nairobi United leave the continental stage ranked 62nd, having collected just 2.5 points. The minimum awarded for group stage qualification.

That number is not just statistics. It reflects the competitive gap between East African representatives and North or West African heavyweights. Continental football is unforgiving; one poor campaign can ripple through a nation’s coefficient for years.

From a passionate fan’s lens, it stings. Because qualification alone once felt like progress. But modern African football demands more than participation! It demands performance.

And reading between the lines? The rankings are not merely a list. They are a mirror. A mirror showing where investment, tactical evolution and squad depth are thriving — and where rebuilding is required.

February 17, 2026 0 comment

Lifestyle

Celebrating World Galentines Day: How a Girl Squad Keeps You Sane

by Daily Trends February 17, 2026

written by Daily Trends

By Lilian Mbugua

Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon, the gentle clinking of glasses, the warm hum of laughter filling the air. For many, this conjures the image of Galentine’s a vibrant, often mimosa-fueled celebration of female friendship. That’s Galentine’s, right? A day we carve out to raise a glass to our favorite people. But let’s be honest, the profound importance of these friendships goes far beyond one mimosa-fueled brunch.

Female friendships, in their truest essence, are far more than just social gatherings. They are the essential, often invisible, infrastructure for our mental health, our emotional resilience, and our radical joy in a world that constantly demands more. This unique space, forged in trust and empathy, is where women can truly be their unfiltered selves. It’s where the masks drop, societal expectations dissipate, and vulnerability isn’t just permitted; it’s celebrated. Here, shared secrets become shared strength, and a knowing glance can communicate volumes that words never could.

Navigating the currents of modern life often feels like an unending marathon. The relentless pursuit of career goals, the invisible weight of the mental load, these pressures can leave us feeling stretched, depleted, and utterly alone. In this high-stakes environment, a circle of friends isn’t merely a pleasant diversion; it’s a vital lifeline.

It’s in these circles that resilience is quietly and fiercely built. When one of you stumbles, bruised by a setback or overwhelmed by exhaustion, it’s the collective spirit of your squad that rallies around you. It’s the late-night call, the impromptu coffee, the shared silence of understanding, the roar of collective laughter that cleans the soul. These are the Real Moments that mend spirits, recalibrate perspectives, and remind us that we are never truly alone in our struggles or our triumphs.

Your friendships also protect something crucial: your sense of self. In a landscape that constantly demands you be more, do more, have it all, your friends are the ones who remind you that you’re enough. You’re allowed to be human. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to change your mind. That constant, gentle affirmation is not weakness; it’s survival.

And the beauty? You don’t need a grand plan or a fancy venue. These powerful connections can happen anywhere: in living rooms, over a coffee date, or on a nature walk. What matters is the intention: choosing connection on purpose, making time for the people who truly fill your cup.

For those occasions, the drink should always enhance the moment, not overshadow it. At Gilbey’s, we understand that these Real Moments of Connection are the true currency of life. We believe that every meaningful conversation, every heartfelt confession, every burst of joy deserves a setting that allows it to flourish. It’s why we see Gilbey’s not just as a spirit, but as an invitation, a quiet companion to the beautiful ritual of reconnection.

To help make those meet-ups a little easier to plan, Gilbey’s is running a Happy Hour offer: from Thursday to Sunday, Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin 750ml is available for KES 999 on Ke.thebar.com Whether it’s for a Galentine’s catch-up, a weekend visit, or a well-earned evening of stories and laughter, the real point remains the same: showing up for each other.

So, here’s to the women who hold us up quietly, consistently, and without asking for credit. The friends who remind us of who we are, who we can be, and who we don’t have to face life alone. Here’s to sisterhood the everyday architecture of resilience.

Lilian Mbugua is the Brand Manager for Gilbeys at East African Breweries Plc (EABL).

February 17, 2026 0 comment

Sports

Okere Bows Out: The End of a Tusker Chapter

by Zephany Warui Waweru February 17, 2026

written by Zephany Warui Waweru

There are exits in football that feel procedural, and then there are departures that feel personal.

Coach Charles Okere has officially confirmed his departure from Tusker FC, bringing an emotional close to a journey that began in 2018.

Okere did not just walk into Tusker as a head coach. He arrived as an assistant, worked his way through the youth ranks, and eventually stepped into the senior role — a climb built on patience, resilience and steady growth. In his farewell message, he described the club as more than a workplace. It was family. And in modern football, that word is not used lightly.

During his time at Ruaraka, Tusker lifted two league titles…. tangible proof of progress. But beneath the silverware lies a deeper story: the transition from apprentice to leader, the pressures of managing expectations at a title-contending club, and the weight that comes with wearing the badge of one of Kenya’s most ambitious sides.

Why now? Football rarely offers neat endings. While Okere admitted that not every chapter unfolded as planned, he framed his exit as part of the natural rhythm of the game, triumphs and trials intertwined. The timing suggests change is in the air at Tusker, especially with the club entering a new technical phase.

What stands out is not controversy, but gratitude. Okere thanked players, technical staff, management and supporters…. acknowledging both their support and their criticism. That line matters. Criticism shapes growth. And growth defined his Tusker journey.

From a sharp analyst’s lens, this is more than a coaching change, it is a strategic pivot moment for Tusker. From a passionate fan’s heart, it is the farewell of a man who helped deliver titles. And from a storyteller’s angle, it is the closing of a circle that began seven years ago with quiet ambition and ends with reflective maturity.

Tusker now turn the page.
Okere walks away with medals, memories and a bond he insists will not fade.

In football, departures mark endings.
But sometimes, they also signal evolution.

February 17, 2026 0 comment

Sports

Tusker Turn to French Mind: Julien Mette Set for Unveiling as Head Coach, Anthony Kimani Named Deputy

by Zephany Warui Waweru February 16, 2026

written by Zephany Warui Waweru

Julien Mette is set to take charge of Tusker FC, with Anthony Kimani, currently assistant coach of Harambee Stars, joining him as deputy.

Tusker are preparing to unveil Mette as their new head coach in a move that signals ambition, structure, and a shift toward tactical modernity. Kimani’s appointment as assistant completes what appears to be a carefully calculated technical partnership.

The unveiling is expected imminently, with preparations already underway behind the scenes.

The changes will take effect at Tusker’s base in Nairobi as the Brewers look to recalibrate their domestic title charge and continental ambitions.

Because Tusker are not just looking for stability — they are looking for identity.

Mette arrives with a reputation for structured football, youth development, and tactical discipline. His previous work in African football circles has been marked by emphasis on compact defensive organization and transitional efficiency. For a club that prides itself on pedigree, this is a strategic appointment rather than a sentimental one.

Kimani, on the other hand, brings deep local understanding. His experience with Harambee Stars ensures continuity with the Kenyan football ecosystem — something foreign tacticians often struggle to navigate.

The partnership appears deliberate:

Mette provides the European tactical framework.
Kimani supplies domestic insight, dressing-room familiarity, and continuity with local talent pathways.

It is not just a coaching change. It is a philosophical statement.

Reading Between the Lines

This is Tusker saying: We are done experimenting. We are building.

The Frenchman’s detail-oriented approach paired with Kimani’s local pulse could create balance — the kind that wins tight league races.

The big question now is not whether Mette can coach.
It is whether Tusker’s squad can absorb his tactical demands quickly enough to translate blueprint into silverware.

The Brewers are betting on structure over chaos.

And that, in itself, tells a story.

February 16, 2026 0 comment

Tourism CS Rebecca Miano. PHOTO/@rebecca_miano/X

Lifestyle

Love, Nature, and Nationhood: Why Valentine’s Day Should Celebrate Magical Kenya

by Daily Trends February 13, 2026

written by Daily Trends

By Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano

Valentine’s Day is globally recognized as a time to celebrate love, connection, and shared experiences.

While many associate the occasion with flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners, it also presents a meaningful opportunity for couples to reflect on the places and moments that strengthen their bonds.

Here in Kenya, we are uniquely positioned to transform this celebration of love into a celebration of country by embracing and promoting Magical Kenya.

Tourism is more than an economic driver; it is a powerful bridge that connects people to culture, heritage, and nature. When couples choose to explore our breathtaking landscapes—from the sweeping savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the tranquil shores of Diani, the misty slopes of Mount Kenya, and the vibrant energy of our cities—they are not only investing in their relationships but also supporting livelihoods and sustaining communities across the nation.

Valentine’s Day reminds us that love thrives in shared discovery. A sunrise game drive, a peaceful stroll along a white-sand beach, or a weekend retreat in our scenic highlands can create memories that endure far longer than material gifts. By choosing local destinations, couples contribute directly to conservation efforts, empower small and medium-sized enterprises, and reinforce Kenya’s standing as a world-class tourism destination.

As a Ministry, we remain committed to championing sustainable tourism practices that protect our natural resources for future generations. Love is closely aligned with stewardship—the responsibility to care for what we cherish. When we safeguard our wildlife, forests, and marine ecosystems, we affirm a collective love for our country and demonstrate our commitment to those who will inherit its extraordinary beauty.

I urge Kenyans to view this Valentine’s season not merely as a private celebration but as a national opportunity.

Let us rediscover the richness of our homeland and take pride in its diversity. Let us be ambassadors of Magical Kenya by sharing our travel experiences, inviting friends and family to explore our attractions, and supporting hospitality providers who work tirelessly to deliver authentic and memorable experiences.

Importantly, tourism need not be extravagant to be meaningful. Magical moments can be found in accessible parks, cultural festivals, heritage sites, and community-based tourism initiatives across all 47 counties. Love is not measured by the distance traveled or the money spent; rather, it is reflected in intentional time together and in the appreciation of our shared national treasures.

At a time when global travelers increasingly seek destinations defined by authenticity and sustainability, Kenyans themselves can lead the way. By choosing to travel locally, we send a powerful message—that we believe in our tourism product, value our cultural diversity, and are proud to showcase the very best of who we are.

This Valentine’s Day, let love inspire exploration. Let it guide us toward experiences that deepen our relationships while strengthening our economy and protecting our environment.

Together, we can ensure that every journey undertaken in the spirit of love contributes to the enduring story of Magical Kenya.

There is something profoundly fitting about celebrating love in a land that offers some of the world’s most magical places to fall in love—with each other and with our nation.

February 13, 2026 0 comment

Latest News

Kenyan National Faces Alleged Death Threats Ahead of Possible Deportation From Sweden

by Daily Trends February 10, 2026

written by Daily Trends

Serious safety concerns have been raised over the possible return of a Kenyan national, Stephen Thairu Kamau, who is reportedly facing deportation from Sweden back to Kenya.

According to information circulating among his community members and shared with local authorities, Kamau, who previously lived in Nakuru County before disappearing in 2022, may be at immediate risk of violence if he returns to the country.

Sources allege that he has received explicit threats to his life from his family and community.

During his time in Kenya, Kamau was reportedly involved in advocacy and online activity related to LGBTQ issues, which remain highly sensitive and controversial in parts of the country. Human rights observers warn that individuals associated—whether accurately or through allegation—with such activities often face harassment, mob violence, and extrajudicial punishment.

Family members of George Kamau, have publicly disowned him and, according to reports, have issued statements expressing extreme hostility toward him. These statements include threatening language that human rights experts say could incite violence and place Kamau in grave danger if he is identified publicly upon his return.

There are also growing concerns about the safety of a minor allegedly connected to the case, with reports suggesting that hostility toward Kamau could extend to members of his family.

legal analysts say that international law prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face a real risk of death or persecution.

Human rights groups are calling on Swedish immigration not to deport Kamau to Kenya and prioritize the preservation of life.

“This is not just a legal matter,” one advocate said. “It is a test of whether swedish immigration department will deport Kamau owing to a well founded fear of persecution due to his involvement with LGBTQ”

February 10, 2026 0 comment

Politics

Kabete’s Moment for Renewal: Why New Leadership Matters Now

by Daily Trends February 10, 2026

written by Daily Trends

By Honorable James Wanjohi

Leadership is the backbone of any thriving constituency. It shapes development priorities, determines how resources are allocated, and ultimately influences the daily lives of residents.

Kabete, a constituency with immense potential and a vibrant population, stands at a critical crossroads.

While progress has been made over the years, the rapidly changing social and economic landscape calls for fresh leadership—leadership that can re-energize the constituency and position it for a more prosperous future.

One of the strongest arguments for new leadership is the need for innovative thinking. Communities evolve, and so must the strategies used to govern them. Issues such as youth unemployment, infrastructure expansion, urban planning, and access to quality education require modern solutions.

New leaders often bring fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving skills, and a readiness to adopt technology-driven approaches that can improve service delivery. Kabete’s growing population deserves leadership that can anticipate future challenges rather than simply react to them.

Equally important is accountability. Leadership transitions can provide an opportunity to reassess priorities and strengthen transparency in governance. Residents are increasingly aware of their rights and expect leaders who actively engage them in decision-making processes. A new generation of leadership can foster a culture of openness—one where public participation is not just encouraged but embedded in how the constituency operates. When citizens feel heard, trust in institutions grows, and collective progress becomes more achievable.

Kabete is also home to a large youth population whose energy and ambition remain one of its greatest assets.

However, many young people seek greater opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and skills development. New leadership can place stronger emphasis on empowering this demographic through targeted programs, partnerships with the private sector, and support for innovation hubs. By investing in youth today, Kabete secures a stronger economic foundation for tomorrow.

Infrastructure is another area where renewed leadership could make a meaningful difference. Efficient transport networks, well-maintained roads, reliable water supply, and accessible healthcare facilities are not luxuries—they are necessities.

Forward-looking leadership can prioritize sustainable development while ensuring that growth benefits every ward within the constituency. Balanced development helps reduce inequality and ensures that no community feels left behind.

Moreover, leadership renewal is healthy for democracy. It encourages competition of ideas and prevents stagnation. When leaders know they are entrusted with responsibility for a limited time, they are often more motivated to deliver measurable results. For voters, the opportunity to evaluate alternatives reinforces the principle that leadership is a service, not an entitlement.

This is not to dismiss past contributions but to recognize that every era demands a different style of leadership. Kabete’s aspirations are expanding, and meeting them requires energy, adaptability, and a clear vision for long-term prosperity.

Ultimately, the call for new leadership is a call for progress. It is about embracing possibility, strengthening community engagement, and unlocking the full potential of Kabete. With thoughtful, forward-looking leadership, the constituency can move confidently into the future—more inclusive, more dynamic, and better prepared for the opportunities ahead.

February 10, 2026 0 comment

Business

Wote TTI Adopts Clean Cooking in Push to Cut Emissions, Forest Loss

by Daily Trends February 6, 2026

written by Daily Trends

Wote Technical Training Institute in Makueni County has transitioned from fuelwood to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), a move expected to significantly reduce deforestation, lower carbon emissions and improve health outcomes for learners and staff.

The shift to clean cooking has eliminated thick smoke that previously filled the institution’s kitchen and nearby classrooms, exposing cooks and students to respiratory risks. Beyond health benefits, the migration is expected to ease pressure on forests in the semi-arid county, where institutions remain among the biggest consumers of fuelwood.

The clean cooking system, comprising a one-tonne LPG bulk cylinder and related accessories, was installed at a cost of Ksh3.5 million financed by Equity Bank through Equity Group Foundation, in partnership with Heatmax Energy. The facility now serves more than 3,300 trainees and staff at the institution.

Speaking during the commissioning of the facility, the Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), Esther Muoria, said the continued use of fuelwood in learning institutions undermines national climate goals by accelerating deforestation and increasing carbon emissions.

Equity Associate Director of Energy, Environment and Climate Change Dr Julius Kamau (left), with the Governor of Makueni County, Mutula Kilonzo Junior (right), during a courtesy call at the
Governor’s office in Wote.

The PS said that while awareness about clean energy exists, adoption has been slower because institutions often fail to explain why change is necessary. Her remarks were delivered by Anne Kamonjo, Director of Greening TVETs at the State Department, who represented her at the event.

“If people are not shown the reason for adopting a new way of doing things, transformation of mindset becomes slow,” Muoria said in the statement.

“Wote TTI is setting the pace by demonstrating that LPG is cleaner, healthier and environmentally sustainable. When young people see this in practice, they carry that knowledge home and into the wider community.”

She noted that embedding clean cooking solutions in learning institutions offers a powerful pathway for climate action, given the scale of Kenya’s education sector.

“We cannot be telling students to plant trees while at the same time cutting millions of trees in our institutions without offering alternatives,” the PS said.

“That contradiction weakens climate education.”

Kenya has over 23,000 secondary schools, 45,000 primary schools and about 250 TVET institutions.

According to the State Department, learning institutions alone consume an estimated 10 million trees annually for cooking fuel, even as the country pushes a national target of planting 15 billion trees to restore forest cover.

The project was launched following a courtesy call by the Equity team on Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who said the initiative positions Wote TTI as a climate leadership hub in the county.

“Wote Institute is a trailblazer in skills training, and there is no doubt other TVETs will emulate this transition to clean cooking,” the Governor said. “This will allow our trees to grow and improve forest cover in the county.”

Equity Associate Director for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Dr Julius Kamau, said the initiative is part of a wider effort by Equity Group Foundation to advance sustainable development and climate resilience.

“To date, 214 institutions have transitioned to clean cooking solutions, while more than 1,856 have expressed interest,” said Dr Kamau, who is also the acting Equity Group Director of Sustainability.

“Clean energy adoption is critical not only for environmental conservation but also for improved health and long-term economic sustainability.”

Wote TTI Board of Governors chair Prof. Joseph Mwinzi said the facility positions the institution as a centre of excellence in environmentally responsible training.

“This exposure to modern energy systems and improved safety standards opens doors for employment and entrepreneurship in the growing clean energy sector,” he said, urging students to become ambassadors for climate-conscious practices.

College Principal Joshua Munyoki said the transition marks the end of decades of reliance on firewood, which saw the institution consume two lorryloads every month.

“This is the most significant development we have had in over ten years,” he said. “Apart from environmental gains, it will lower costs and improve efficiency.”

Anne Manyatta, an ICT student and Vice-Chairperson of the Wote TTI Students Council, welcomed the shift to gas cooking, saying it had eliminated smoky meals and dining halls while improving time management. Plumbing student John Omolo, noted that the gas ensures meals are prepared on time, tastes better, and has inspired him to promote clean cooking at home where his family still uses firewood.

Present at the commissioning were principals from other institutions in Makueni County, many of whom said the project had strengthened the case for adopting clean energy in schools as part of Kenya’s broader climate response.

February 6, 2026 0 comment

Latest News

Syncfusion Rocked by Fresh Scandal in Kisumu: Employees Allege Payroll Irregularities, Intimidation and Corruption

by Daily Trends February 6, 2026

written by Daily Trends

Global software development company Syncfusion is facing fresh allegations of financial mismanagement and workplace intimidation at its Kisumu operations, as employees report being pressured to refund salary overpayments through irregular channels following what they describe as systematic payroll errors.

The latest controversy centers on alleged payroll discrepancies that resulted in overpayments to staff members, followed by what employees characterize as heavy-handed attempts by management to recover the funds outside normal company procedures.

According to multiple sources who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, citing fears of retaliation, the payroll errors occurred over several months before being detected by the finance department.

“We received our salaries as usual, and suddenly weeks later we were being told there were overpayments and that we needed to return the money immediately,” explained one affected employee. “The pressure was intense, and the methods they wanted us to use raised serious questions.”

The controversy deepened when management allegedly requested that employees remit the excess funds through personal mobile money accounts or direct bank transfers to individual staff members, rather than through official company accounts with proper documentation and receipts.

Several employees reportedly objected to these irregular recovery methods, insisting that any financial transactions with their employer should be conducted through formal company channels with appropriate accounting procedures and paper trails.

“We asked for official company account details and proper documentation,” said another staff member. “We wanted receipts, proper records. This is our money we’re talking about, and we needed protection in case of future disputes.”

Faced with this resistance, management reportedly abandoned the recovery efforts altogether, leaving the matter unresolved and raising questions about financial controls and accountability within the organization.

“If there were genuine overpayments, why wouldn’t they use proper company procedures to recover the funds?” questioned a source familiar with the situation. “The fact that they dropped it entirely when we insisted on transparency tells you something isn’t right.”

The payroll controversy has intensified existing concerns about the qualifications and oversight of personnel in key human resources and finance positions at the Kisumu office.

Employees allege that individuals holding critical roles lack the necessary professional credentials or experience to manage sensitive financial and personnel matters effectively.

“We have people making decisions about our salaries and employment who don’t seem to understand basic HR and financial management principles,” claimed one long-serving staff member. “This payroll mess is just one example of a broader pattern of incompetence.”

The allegations extend beyond payroll mismanagement to the Procurement department, where employees have raised serious concerns about the integrity of tendering processes.

Multiple sources allege that certain officials involved in procurement have solicited inducements from suppliers, particularly those providing food services and other essential goods to the office.

“It’s an open secret,” said one employee. “Vendors who want contracts know they need to ‘cooperate’ with certain people in procurement. Those who refuse find their bids rejected regardless of price or quality.”

If substantiated, these allegations would represent serious ethical violations and potential criminal conduct under Kenyan anti-corruption laws. The claims also raise questions about how Syncfusion’s vaunted compliance systems could fail to detect or prevent such practices.

The procurement allegations take on added significance given previous reports of food safety issues at the Kisumu office, where employees claimed they were served expired or contaminated meals that resulted in food poisoning incidents.

The connection between allegedly compromised procurement processes and substandard food provision suggests a systematic failure of oversight rather than isolated incidents.

Employees describe a workplace culture where fear and intimidation discourage staff from raising legitimate concerns about management practices.

“People are terrified to speak up,” explained one worker. “We’ve seen what happens to those who question things, demotions, hostile treatment, sudden dismissals. The message is clear: keep your head down or face consequences.”

This climate of fear has reportedly contributed to prolonged silence about workplace issues, even as problems have multiplied over time.

Several employees noted that only when issues became too serious to ignore, such as the food poisoning incidents or the irregular payroll recovery demands, did staff feel compelled to push back despite the risks.

The workplace culture allegations align with previous reports from July 2025, when employees at the Kisumu office exposed what they described as toxic leadership, health risks, and sexual harassment.

Those earlier revelations included accusations against the office’s General Manager of making unwelcome sexual advances toward female employees and retaliating against those who rejected him through demotions or dismissals.

The persistence of similar complaints nearly seven months later suggests that earlier publicity and promised investigations did not result in meaningful reforms or accountability.

“Nothing changed after the last expose,” said one frustrated employee. “There were investigations, people came asking questions, but then everything went quiet and it was business as usual. That’s why people are skeptical that anything will be different this time.”

The latest allegations create a particularly stark contrast with Syncfusion’s carefully cultivated global image as a security-conscious, compliance-focused technology company.

The firm prominently promotes its SOC 2 Type 2 certification, a rigorous auditing standard that specifically evaluates an organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Syncfusion also emphasizes its compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), one of the world’s most stringent privacy frameworks, and markets itself to major financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies based on its trustworthiness and security protocols.

However, employees in Kenya allege a troubling disconnect between these stated corporate commitments and operational realities on the ground.

Screenshots and internal communications reviewed by this publication allegedly show Syncfusion staff in Kenya requesting or sharing sensitive customer and vendor information in ways that appear inconsistent with the company’s published data protection policies.

In one particularly concerning set of exchanges, employees allegedly shared login credentials and requested access to suppliers’ personal email accounts and Kenya Revenue Authority tax portals, practices that would violate basic data security principles.

These data handling concerns gained additional prominence following September 2025 reports that Syncfusion employees in Kenya had demanded sensitive personal information from suppliers, including Gmail credentials, KRA account details, passwords, and one-time authentication codes.

Suppliers who resisted these demands reportedly warned that such requests constituted breaches of contractual privacy provisions and threatened to escalate matters to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

The pattern of alleged misconduct spanning financial management, procurement integrity, workplace culture, and data protection suggests potential systemic failures rather than isolated incidents.

For a company serving over one million developers worldwide and counting more than 36,000 customers including major financial institutions, the reputational and regulatory stakes could not be higher.

The Kisumu County Labour Office has confirmed it is reviewing complaints from Syncfusion employees regarding workplace conditions and alleged violations of labour rights.

“We are taking these matters seriously,” said a spokesperson for the Labour Office. “Every worker in Kisumu County has the right to a safe workplace, fair treatment, and dignity. We will investigate thoroughly and take appropriate action based on our findings.”

The County Public Health Department has also indicated ongoing interest in workplace health and safety concerns at the Kisumu office, particularly given the region’s vulnerability to waterborne diseases and the importance of food safety standards.

Labour rights advocates are encouraging affected Syncfusion employees to come forward with information, promising confidentiality and protection from retaliation during investigations.

“Workers should not have to choose between their livelihoods and their safety or dignity,” said a representative from a Kenyan workers’ rights organization. “The law provides protections for whistleblowers, and we urge anyone with information about workplace violations to report them to the appropriate authorities.”

The organization noted that patterns of workplace abuse often persist because employees feel powerless to challenge management, creating an environment where misconduct can continue unchecked.

At the time of publication, Syncfusion’s corporate leadership had not responded to detailed questions about the payroll allegations, procurement concerns, or the broader pattern of workplace issues at the Kisumu office.

The company’s silence on these latest revelations stands in contrast to its public commitments to transparency and accountability, raising questions about how seriously the organization is taking concerns from its Kenyan operations.

For Syncfusion, a company that has built its business model on trust and reliability, the mounting controversies from Kenya represent a fundamental threat to its competitive position and customer relationships.

In an industry where a single data breach or compliance failure can trigger billions in regulatory fines and irreparable reputational damage, the company cannot afford to treat these allegations as merely local operational issues.

The interconnected nature of modern business means that workplace and compliance problems in one market can quickly escalate into global crises, particularly for companies operating across multiple regulatory jurisdictions.

The response from Syncfusion’s leadership in the coming days will be closely watched by customers, employees, regulators, and industry observers. The company faces critical decisions about how to investigate these claims transparently, what disciplinary measures to implement if violations are confirmed, and how to rebuild trust with stakeholders who may question whether its commitment to ethical business practices extends beyond marketing materials.

For employees at the Kisumu office, the question is whether this latest public attention will finally result in meaningful reforms or whether, as with previous controversies, the spotlight will fade and business will continue as usual.

“We want to believe things can change,” said one employee. “But we’ve been disappointed before. Real change requires real accountability, and so far we haven’t seen it.”

As investigations proceed and scrutiny intensifies, Syncfusion finds itself at a critical juncture. The company must decide whether to treat these allegations as an opportunity to demonstrate genuine commitment to its stated values or as a crisis to be managed through public relations efforts.

That choice will likely determine not only its immediate reputation but its long-term viability as a trusted technology partner in an industry built on trust and integrity.

February 6, 2026 0 comment

Business

StarTimes Expands Business Halls Nationwide to Bring Services Closer to Customers

by Daily Trends February 5, 2026

written by Daily Trends

StarTimes has rolled out a nationwide expansion of its Business Halls as part of a strategy to strengthen customer engagement, improve accessibility, and enhance service delivery across Kenya.

The digital television provider says the move is aimed at bringing its services closer to customers while deepening physical interaction with the brand. The new centres are designed to offer walk-in support, expert guidance, product sales, upgrades, and other StarTimes services under one roof.

With the expansion, StarTimes Business Halls are now operational in Upperhill and Buruburu in Nairobi, as well as in Emali, Mombasa, Ukunda, Malindi, Nakuru, Meru, Kisumu, Kisii, Eldoret, Kakamega, and Kapsabet—ensuring a wider national footprint.

Speaking on the rollout, StarTimes PR and Communications Officer Robert Ouma said the expansion is already strengthening customer relationships and improving service turnaround.

“This expansion has come in handy for both our customers and the business. We believe good customer service should not be far away, which is why we made a deliberate decision to move closer to our customers,” he said.

Ouma added that the physical centres allow StarTimes to offer timely support, build trust, and create meaningful face-to-face interactions that enhance the overall customer experience.

The company says the Business Halls, together with its dealership network, form part of a broader customer-centric strategy focused on convenience, service quality, and long-term growth—ensuring that wherever customers are, StarTimes services are always within reach.

February 5, 2026 0 comment

Crime & Investigations

Court of Appeal Upholds Eviction of Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi from Ksh1B Muthaiga Mansion

by Daily Trends February 5, 2026

written by Daily Trends

Equity Bank Group Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi has suffered a major legal and personal setback after the Court of Appeal declined to stop the execution of a judgment ordering his eviction from a sprawling Sh1 billion mansion in Nairobi’s leafy Muthaiga suburb.

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, a three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal — comprising Justices Daniel Musinga, Patrick Kiage, and Agrey Muchelule — rejected Mwangi’s application to halt enforcement of an earlier Environment and Land Court decision that found he was unlawfully occupying property belonging to another party.

Instead, the appellate court ordered Mwangi and his wife, Jane Wangui Mundia, to deposit Sh10 million as security in an interest-earning joint account within 60 days as their appeal proceeds. The judges also directed that the status quo over the contested three-acre property be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

However, court documents reveal that the eviction had already been carried out.

According to filings dated January 7, 2026, Mount Pleasant Limited — the firm that successfully sued Mwangi — executed the eviction order under the supervision of officers from Gigiri Police Station, effectively taking possession of the property.

“The above court order has been executed today the 07/01/2026 under supervision of the OCS Gigiri and now the plaintiff Mount Pleasant Ltd has now gained possession of the property,” reads the court document signed by the Gigiri police commander.

The development marks a dramatic fall from grace for Mwangi, one of Kenya’s most influential business leaders, whose rags-to-riches story has long symbolised African entrepreneurship. The Equity Bank CEO had claimed to have purchased the property in 2013 from former President Daniel arap Moi for Sh306 million.

At the centre of the dispute is businessman Anverali Amershi Karmali, who through Mount Pleasant Limited insists he bought the same property seven years earlier, in July 2006, from former Finance Minister Arthur Magugu and his wife Margaret Wairimu for Sh130 million.

In a stinging judgment delivered in October 2025, Environment and Land Court Judge Oscar Angote ordered Mwangi and his wife to vacate the property within 30 days or face forcible eviction by police from Gigiri and Muthaiga stations. The court also awarded Mount Pleasant Limited Sh10 million in damages for trespass, citing the property’s prime location, its three-acre size, the duration of the alleged trespass and its estimated value of Sh1 billion based on 2022 assessments.

Justice Angote further directed the Chief Land Registrar to cancel all titles, entries and conveyances linked to Mwangi’s claimed ownership and to nullify the amalgamation of subdivided parcels into a single title — effectively wiping out any legal record of the banker’s claim to the land.

While Mwangi maintained that he took possession of the property immediately after receiving his title in 2013, the court found that Mount Pleasant’s security guards remained on the land until March 2020, when they were allegedly forcefully removed by the Mwangis.

Although the Directorate of Criminal Investigations did not conclusively establish forgery, the court ruled that the numerous procedural and documentary anomalies surrounding Mwangi’s title were sufficient, on a balance of probabilities, to impeach it.

“While the court stops short of finding fraud attributable to the defendants to the requisite standard of proof, the procedural and documentary irregularities would, on their own, suffice to impeach the title,” Justice Angote ruled.

Court records paint a picture of a property saga riddled with irregularities dating back nearly two decades. The land had initially been charged to National Bank in the late 1980s by MDC Holdings Limited to secure a Sh10.5 million loan. After default, the bank sued, eventually agreeing in 2002 to sell the property for Sh90 million to recover its debt and compensate Magugu.

Karmali told the court that after acquiring the land in good faith, land registry files relating to the property mysteriously disappeared from the Ministry of Lands. He later discovered that duplicate titles had been issued, with both parties holding certificates showing them as registered owners of the same property.

The dispute escalated into open confrontation in June 2020 when Mwangi allegedly arrived at the property accompanied by police officers, removed Karmali’s guards and installed his own — prompting Mount Pleasant Limited to seek court intervention.

The Court of Appeal has now directed that the matter be fast-tracked, ordering the parties to attend a case management conference within 30 days and to file written submissions ahead of the hearing.

Until then, Mwangi must comply with the Sh10 million security order as Mount Pleasant Limited remains in possession of the contested Muthaiga estate — a sobering chapter for a banking executive whose career has been built on financial discipline, now caught in a legal battle that has once again exposed deep-seated flaws in Kenya’s land ownership system.

February 5, 2026 0 comment

Latest News

Court Orders Arrest of Esther Passaris’ Ex-husband Tycoon Pius Ngugi over Ksh4.1 Million Debt

by Daily Trends February 4, 2026

written by Daily Trends

Billionaire businessman Pius Mbugua Ngugi, one of Kenya’s most powerful agribusiness figures and the estranged husband of Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, is now a wanted man after a Nakuru court issued a warrant for his arrest over an unpaid legal bill amounting to Sh4.2 million.

Ngugi, 81, the founder of the Kenya Nut Company and a dominant player in the global macadamia market, is being sought by police following orders issued by the Environment and Land Court in Nakuru on January 29, 2026. The warrant authorises officers to pursue him to all his known residences and business premises, both in Nairobi and upcountry.

Police Foiled at CBD Offices

Police officers from Central Police Station have reportedly been camping outside Ngugi’s offices at the iconic Volvo House on Loita Street, Nairobi CBD, but were left frustrated after failing to arrest him despite intelligence suggesting he was inside the building.

Billionaire businessman Pius Mbugua Ngugi

Sources familiar with the operation describe a dramatic cat-and-mouse chase, with the tycoon allegedly slipping through the police dragnet, leaving officers empty-handed in a scene likened to a Nollywood thriller.

The warrant gives police wide latitude to execute the arrest, including provisions for travel expenses. Officers are entitled to bus or railway fare, or Sh1 per mile if using motor vehicles, in addition to out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the manhunt.

The Debt Behind the Drama

At the centre of the unfolding saga is a legal fee dispute involving Githogori & Harisson Associates, a law firm that previously represented Ngugi.

Court documents show that the tycoon owes the firm:

Sh3.7 million in principal fees
Sh475,948 in accrued interest
Sh5,500 in collection fees
Sh1,500 in court filing costs

The total stands at approximately Sh4.2 million, a figure widely regarded as pocket change for a businessman whose empire spans agriculture, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, and finance.

Advocate Harrison Musyoka, representing the law firm, has been pushing for swift enforcement. In a letter dated February 4, 2026, addressed to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, Musyoka underscored the urgency of executing the warrant.

The matter is scheduled for directions in court on February 5, with the judge expecting an update on progress made in arresting Ngugi. The OCS is said to have received the warrant only a day earlier, piling pressure on police to act fast.

A Familiar Scandal for Passaris

For Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, the latest controversy involving her husband is another chapter in a long and public history of personal turmoil.

Passaris has previously spoken openly about the challenges of her polygamous marriage to Ngugi. In a 2016 interview, she admitted that while she never planned to be in such an arrangement, she had learned to accept it. The couple has two children together—Makenna and Lefteris—while Ngugi also has four children with his first wife, Josephine Wambui Ngugi.

Their relationship has repeatedly made headlines. In 2003, Passaris sued Ngugi, accusing him of breaching a promise to marry her after the two had lived together as husband and wife since 1992. In 2014, another woman, Lynette Lucy Buddery, took Ngugi to court over delayed school fees for their daughter.

Legal Troubles Beyond Family Matters

Ngugi’s run-ins with the law are not limited to domestic disputes.

In 2020, the Court of Appeal ordered Kenya Nut Company to pay the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Sh33.5 million in withholding tax linked to commissions paid to foreign agents between 2002 and 2005. The judges castigated the firm’s arrangements, describing them as “reckless” and seemingly designed to deny the country tax revenue.

A Colossal Empire, A Small Debt

Ngugi controls roughly 10 per cent of the global macadamia market, with business interests that include Thika Coffee Mills, Kenya Alliance Insurance, Tatu City, sweet manufacturing, dairy farming, wineries, and prime real estate.

His consumer brands—Out of Africa nuts, Nassu Snacks, Aberdare Tea, and Leleshwa Wines—are household names across Kenya.

That such a titan of industry is now evading arrest over unpaid legal fees has stunned observers and raised uncomfortable questions about accountability among Kenya’s elite.

From Coffee Farmer to Macadamia King

Ngugi’s rise is the stuff of legend. A coffee farmer in Kiambu in the early 1970s, he pivoted to macadamia farming after coffee prices collapsed in 1972. With government backing and Japanese investors, he built a processing empire that today employs more than 4,000 people and manages over 8,000 acres of farmland.

For decades, he shunned the limelight, so much so that many Kenyans only saw his face in a 1995 Kenya Newsreel broadcast shown in cinemas before the movie Crimson Tide.

A Fall from Grace Playing Out in Public

Now, the once-elusive billionaire is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

As police intensify the manhunt and the court deadline looms, the question remains: will Pius Ngugi settle the debt and face the court, or will he continue dodging arrest?

One thing is clear—the macadamia king cannot run forever. And as the streets watch and the law closes in, this extraordinary chapter in his storied life is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.

February 4, 2026 0 comment

Willstone Homes Director Ejidio Kinyanjui at a past event

Crime & Investigations

How Diaspora Kenyans Lost Millions to George Mburu, Ejidio Kinyanjui and Kenya Projects in Property Scam Web

by Daily Trends February 4, 2026

written by Daily Trends

For thousands of Kenyans living abroad, the dream of owning a home back home has turned into a financial and emotional catastrophe. What began as hopeful investments in off-plan housing projects has, for many, ended in millions of shillings lost to elaborate property scams allegedly orchestrated by developers such as George Mburu of Mizizi Africa Homes, Ejidio Kinyanjui of Willstone Homes, and David Mureithi Kanyi of Kenya Projects.

From Malaa and Ruiru to Kamakis and Mombasa, a pattern has emerged: slick marketing, convincing paperwork, grand promises—and, ultimately, empty land or abandoned structures.

The Mburu Model: Dreams Sold on YouTube

In November 2021, US-based Kenyan Josphat Ndambo paid Sh4.25 million after watching a polished YouTube video advertising Asali Estate in Malaa, a project by Mizizi Africa Homes Limited. The video showcased computer-generated images of modern three-bedroom maisonettes set against Mount Kilimambogo.

Two years later, Ndambo’s “home” does not exist.

A visit to the site reveals unfinished foundations, no electricity, no infrastructure, and no active construction. Multiple investors tell similar stories. The mastermind behind the project, George Mburu, previously worked at the now-defunct Banda Homes before launching Mizizi Africa Homes.

Despite mounting complaints, Mburu has continued to project an image of success—operating from offices near Sarit Centre in Westlands and flaunting luxury cars and a lavish lifestyle on social media—while investors struggle to recover their money.

Willstone Homes: Fake Titles, Wrong Counties

Another major scandal centres on Willstone Homes Limited, linked to director Ejidio Kinyanjui, alongside Patrick Thuo Marigi and Victor Muusya Cosmus.

US-based investor Mellen Bwari Okari invested Sh57 million to purchase five maisonettes at White Park Gardens, an off-plan development marketed as being in Ruai East, Nairobi County.

A site visit revealed shocking truths:

Poor, substandard construction
The land was actually located in Mavoko, Machakos County, not Nairobi
The land registration numbers in the sale agreements were fabricated
The referenced title, Block 3/90489, does not exist

Further investigations showed that the directors of Willstone Homes had already moved on, registering a new company, Ubuni Investments, from the same Park Suites offices in Westlands. Meanwhile, investors were left holding worthless contracts.

Like Mburu, Kinyanjui has continued to display a lavish lifestyle online—posting first-class flights, helicopters, and luxury vehicles—while victims pursue stalled court cases.

Kenya Projects: Low Deposits, High Losses

Perhaps the most devastating cases involve David Mureithi Kanyi, the elusive businessman behind Kenya Projects, whose schemes targeted ordinary Kenyans with “affordable” housing offers.

In Kamakis, George Gitonga invested Sh2.9 million, money raised by cashing in his children’s education policy and selling his car, to buy a two-bedroom maisonette. He later discovered he was one of 37 victims of the same project.

Buyers were eventually forced to complete construction using their own funds. Even then, they have never received title deeds.

On the Coast, Kanyi allegedly went further. Victims, including Eva Mmbone Kiti, Nana Mohammed, Faud Ali Ahmed, and Nana Khadija Omar, wired Sh13 million for houses at Royal Palm Villas—only to discover the developer had taken a Sh55 million bank loan using the same property as collateral.

A Well-Rehearsed Scam Playbook

Across these cases, the tactics are strikingly similar:

Formation of legitimate-looking companies
Offices in upscale Nairobi locations
Slick brochures, videos, and influencer promotions
Fake or manipulated land registration numbers
Minimal construction to create an illusion of progress
Use of new buyers’ money to prop up older failing projects

Diaspora investors are particularly targeted because distance limits their ability to conduct due diligence or make frequent site visits.

Regulation Failure and Total Impunity

Kenya’s off-plan housing market remains poorly regulated. There is:

No mandatory escrow system
Weak licensing requirements
Poor enforcement by regulators
No central database of developers’ track records

Legislative attempts to reform the sector, including a proposal requiring developers to deposit Sh500 million as a licensing bond, have stalled in Parliament.

Meanwhile, criminal prosecutions are rare. Developers simply shut down one company and open another, leaving court judgments unenforced and victims drained by legal fees.

Broken Lives, Not Just Broken Projects

Most victims are not wealthy speculators. They are nurses, drivers, teachers, and security guards working double shifts abroad, sending money home with the hope of retiring with dignity.

Instead, they are left with:

Worthless paperwork
Crippling debt
Years of litigation
Psychological trauma

A System That Enables Theft

Experts say the fraud thrives because of systemic failures:

Forged land records
Complicit officials
Weak banking due diligence
Ineffective industry self-regulation

Until Kenya enforces mandatory escrow accounts, strict licensing, criminal penalties, and transparent developer registries, the carnage will continue.

A Warning to the Diaspora

The stories of George Mburu, Ejidio Kinyanjui, and Kenya Projects are not isolated incidents—they are symptoms of a broken system.

For now, diaspora Kenyans are left to warn each other in WhatsApp groups and online forums, while rogue developers continue to operate openly.

The question is no longer if reform is needed—but how many more millions must be lost, and how many more dreams destroyed, before action is taken.

February 4, 2026 0 comment

Business

Don’t Miss Out: Invest in Upcoming IPOs with Equity

by Daily Trends February 4, 2026

written by Daily Trends

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) present a unique opportunity for investors to participate in the growth of companies as they list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). By investing in IPOs, you can own a stake in businesses that are shaping Kenya’s economy and take part in long-term value creation.

To participate in any IPO, you need a Central Depository & Settlement (CDS) account. This account is your gateway to the NSE, enabling you to buy, hold, and trade shares in listed companies. Equity Bank is here to make your investment journey simple and accessible, empowering you to confidently take advantage of IPO opportunities as they arise.

Why Open a CDS Account with Equity?

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, with the Nairobi All Share Index (NASI) surging by an impressive 51% in 2025, closing the year at 186.58 points. By opening a CDS account, you not only gain access to the floated IPOs but also position yourself to benefit from Kenya’s thriving capital markets.

Equity is committed to ensuring that every Kenyan can take full advantage of IPOs. Setting up your CDS Account early is crucial to avoid last-minute rushes and administrative hurdles.

Our nationwide network of branches and dedicated Relationship Managers are ready to guide you through the process, ensuring you’re fully prepared to invest.

Your Gateway to Long-Term Investment Opportunities

An Equity CDS Account is more than just a requirement for the IPOs – it’s your entry point to Kenya’s vibrant capital markets. With this account, you can:

Buy and manage listed securities: Build a diversified portfolio and track your investments with ease.
Access expert guidance: Our Relationship Managers provide personalized advice to help you align your investments with your financial goals.
Enjoy long-term financial growth: Take advantage of future IPOs and market opportunities as they arise.

Flexible Credit Solutions for Investors

Equity goes beyond account opening by offering investment-related credit solutions. For eligible customers, we provide tailored financing options to help you participate in IPOs without straining your cash flow. This ensures you can seize this opportunity while maintaining financial stability.

Personalized Support at Your Nearest Equity Branch

Equity’s branch-based approach ensures that every customer receives personalized, professional support. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first timer, our Relationship Managers will walk you through the process step by step, helping you understand the requirements, complete the necessary documentation, and make informed investment decisions.

Don’t let administrative delays keep you from participating in historic investments. Visit your nearest Equity Bank branch today to open your CDS Account and secure your place in Kenya’s economic future.

For more information, you can contact the team on EIB Client Services , call 0763 000 000 or walk into any Equity Branch near you.

February 4, 2026 0 comment

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