CJ_ NEWS_HUB

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced a ban on more than 50 pesticide brands, particularly those prohibited in their countries of origin. Speaking in Molo, Nakuru County, Kagwe emphasized the government's commitment to promoting safer, locally-produced alternatives. As part of this effort, he unveiled an ambitious plan to expand pyrethrum farming from the current 10,000 acres to over 70,000 acres nationwide. Kagwe made the remarks during the official launch of the distribution of one million clean pyrethrum planting materials.

SEARCH FOR NEW POPE CONTINUES! Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signalling an inconclusive first vote by cardinals locked in the Sistine Chapel in a conclave to elect a new pope to guide the Roman Catholic Church. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square waiting for smoke to pour from a narrow flue on the roof of the chapel at the end of a day rich in ritual and pageantry, with prelates praying for divine guidance in their secret ballot. When a pope is chosen, white smoke will emerge, but this had not been expected on Wednesday – a pontiff has not been picked on the first day of a conclave in modern times. The 133 cardinal electors, who are all aged under 80, spent the night secluded in one of two Vatican guesthouses – where they continued their deliberations in a more informal setting before returning to the chapel on Today morning for voting to continue.

Homa Bay politician and businessman Philip Nahashon Aroko, who was on Wednesday summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in relation to the ongoing probe into the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, presented himself before the police yesterday night. Aroko, flanked by his lawyer Danstan Omari, initially presented himself to the DCI headquarters, where he addressed the press and denied any involvement in the late MP’s killing that occurred last week. The businessman stated that he was ready to respond to any queries from detectives regarding the matter as he has nothing to hide, however adding that the probe was being hijacked by political issues. Aroko blamed his summoning by the police on Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, whom he accused of attempting to link him to MP Were’s murder, as he urged the county chief to provide the evidence of his involvement if she has any.

The Government has announced plans to increase National Youth Service (NYS) recruitment numbers to expand the current intake from 20,000 to 100,000 annually by 2027. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to harness the potential of the youth, address unemployment, and enhance service delivery across the country.

Homa Bay town MP Peter Kaluma has urged the government to ban BBC in Kenya after the "Blood Parliament" documentary expose. Kaluma says the documentary by BBC Africa is twisted, partial, reckless and intended to incite chaos in Kenya. He further says the relevant agencies of the Government of Kenya must act fast to withdraw the BBC Africa licence in Kenya.

SAD! Police Shoot and Kill Five People in Narok Amid Land Dispute! Five people were reportedly shot dead on Monday afternoon in the Angata Barikoi area of Kilgoris, Narok County, following a violent protest over a disputed 6,300-acre piece of land. According to reports, the victims were among a group demonstrating against the alleged grabbing of the contested property. Narok Senator Ledama Olekina confirmed the incident, voicing deep concern over the killings and calling for urgent action.

Namibia's agriculture minister has been sacked after being accused of raping a 16-year-old girl five years ago. Mac-Albert Hengari was arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe the victim, now 21, to withdraw the case against him, the police say. 59-year-old Hengari, who has denied any wrongdoing, appeared in court on Monday and was denied bail. This is the first major scandal for Namibia's first female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah since she took office last month. The statement from the president's office did not indicate the reasons for the dismissal but said Hengari had also been dismissed from the National Assembly. He is under investigation for multiple charges related to the case including kidnapping, rape and assault, police say.

Ruto in China; President William Ruto arrives in Beijing, beginning his state visit to China from April 22 to 26.

Nadia Cherono Ruto and Raila Odinga's Brother Oburu Odinga have accompanied President William Ruto to China.

Raila Odinga today met with land PS Nixon Korir to discuss protecting the Islamic holy site and national monument land in Kongo, Kwale County.

Controller of Budget (COB) Margaret Nyakang’o fingers counties for diverting payments for pending bills. This means that those contractors that were waiting to be paid in the past financial year are not receiving money as approved by CoB, new ones, most probably related to county officials are the ones receiving payments. Notorious counties are Kisumu, Kajiado, Busia, Bomet and Mombasa. “We have applied for viewing rights... because as at now we can only approve payments but we don’t know what is paid at the end of the transaction,” stated the CoB.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika jets Back in the Country. She has been in the U.S for 8 Months.

The Communications Authority of Kenya plans to set up new TV transmission stations in Turkana, Marsabit, and Mandera to improve access to free TV in these areas.

DCI today arrested 22-year-old Titus Wekesa for impersonating President Ruto on X under the Username "I Must Go."

According to Former IEBC CEO, James Oswago; There are seven ways to rig an election in Kenya. The 7 include; -gerrymandering -ballot stuffing -ballot purchase -state violence -digital manipulation -integrity of the electoral management body. -manipulation of the reports of election supervisors and monitors. Oswago Says if Kenyans want an election where the election is perfect, everything start with rectifying the above. He warns that the 2027 general election may lack credibility due to underprepared commissioners.

ICYMI! The High Court on Wednesday, April 16, issued a temporary order halting the revocation of Standard Group's broadcasting licenses by the Communications Authority of Kenya, pending a hearing scheduled for May 2. This development follows claims by The Standard Group PLC — the parent company of KTN — that the government, through the CA, was attempting to revoke its broadcasting license.