Social media was abuzz for the better part of Monday after a video surfaced showing a church elder collapsing and passing away during a church service.

The deceased, Rtd. Elder Eng. Kenneth Kungu Wainaina, collapsed while addressing the congregation at a church in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, May 19, 2024, when Elder Wainaina, 67, is believed to have suffered a fatal heart attack.

In a 1 minute 24 seconds video, Elder Wainaina was heard speaking to the church members about their vision as they approached their 19th anniversary.

“We came to this place in the year 2005 on June 19. We are only one month less than 19 years. Our vision was to be the first Christian in the…” Elder Wainaina said before he stuttered and went silent.

A woman was heard screaming as the elderly man began to lose his balance. Lay leaders behind him quickly moved to catch him before he fell to the ground.

The church service turned somber as members tried to assist the elder, but their efforts were in vain. Elder Wainaina’s sudden death left the congregation and the online community in shock and mourning.

An obituary published on Friday, May 24, revealed that Elder Wainaina was born in 1957. The family expressed their deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will in the announcement.

“With deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will, we the family announce the passing of Rtd. Elder Eng. Kenneth Kungu Wainaina on 19th May 2024,” the obituary read.

The video has since gone viral, eliciting a wave of condolences and tributes from those who knew Elder Wainaina and the wider community.

Many have remembered him as a dedicated church leader and a pillar of strength in the community.

Elder Wainaina’s passing marks a significant loss for the church and the community he served.

His contributions and leadership over the years have left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his faith and community.

Kalonzo questioned the President’s decision to use a private jet instead of the national carrier and said that this move should be closely scrutinized.

In a statement on X, Kalonzo said that the opposition must raise such concerns.

“I challenge President William Ruto to lay bare all the facts regarding his recent overseas trip to the US. The money used to hire the Dubai private jet vis-à-vis using our National Carrier Kenya Airways needs further examination,” Kalonzo said.

The President travelled to the US aboard an A6-RJU royal jet for a three-day state visit.

On Sunday, Ruto defended his move saying that the cost incurred for his travel to the US was way less than what would have been spent if he had used a Kenya Airways plane.

Ruto said the choice of his plane to the US was influenced by his decision to ensure the prudent use of State resources.

“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns about my mode of transport to the USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than travelling on KQ,” Ruto said.

Ruto, however, did not state the amount he used for the hired jet and the amount he would have spent if he had to use a Kenya Airways plane.

A State House official had earlier told the Star the President could not use his presidential jet as it has never been to the US since it was bought in the 90s.

The official said the design of the jet makes it effective to operate in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam was quoted by local media saying the plane could not be used as “it will have to stop five times to refuel”.

Kalonzo further raised concerns with Ruto’s stance on sending police to Haiti.

According to the Wiper leader, the move defies the high court orders.

“The deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti despite a Justice Chacha Mwita judgement that deemed such actions as illegal and unconstitutional, is in contempt of the High Court,” Kalonzo added.

“As the government-in-waiting, we will be failing Kenyans if we do not raise these fundamental concerns. We must as a Nation advocate for the truth.”

President William Ruto assured Kenyans on Sunday that the hiring of a private jet for his recent trip to the United States was not a waste of public funds.

Addressing concerns raised by citizens, Ruto emphasized that chartering the jet was the most economical option compared to commercial airlines operating between Kenya and the U.S.

“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to the United States,” Ruto acknowledged.

“As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than traveling on the national airline.”

The President’s statement followed similar remarks made during an interview with VOA Africa, where he highlighted that the choice of transport was driven by austerity measures.

Ruto dismissed claims that the jet was leased for five days at a cost of Ksh200 million as exaggerated and bordering on the ridiculous. “I think the expenditure on my trip is completely exaggerated.

They actually border on ridiculous. I am very careful about the resources that I spend,” he asserted.

While denying the Ksh200 million claim, President Ruto did not disclose the exact amount spent on the trip.

State House had previously explained that using the presidential jet would have required five stopovers for refueling, making it an impractical option.

On May 21, the United States Embassy in Nairobi clarified that it had not chartered the jet on behalf of the Kenyan government. This clarification came amid growing international attention on the cost of the chartered plane during Ruto’s U.S. State Visit.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged journalists to focus on the substantive outcomes of the visit rather than the trip’s cost.

“Instead of obsessing about the trip’s cost, we should concentrate on the deals that will be signed and their eventual benefits to Kenyans,” Mwaura said.

The cost of the chartered jet, estimated at Ksh2.4 million per hour, sparked debate among Kenyans.

However, President Ruto and his administration have maintained that the benefits of the agreements and partnerships forged during the visit far outweigh the travel expenses.

President William Ruto arrived back in Kenya on Saturday evening after a four-day state visit to the United States.

His arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was marked by a warm reception from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

President Ruto, traveling in a chartered Boeing 737-700, faced criticism over the cost of hiring the plane, which is estimated to cost taxpayers about Ksh2.4 million per hour.

Accompanying him were members of his entourage, including Defence CS Aden Duale and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah. “It is good to be back home,” Ruto expressed on his social media page.

At the airport, Ruto shared light moments with cabinet officials and politicians, signaling the end of a significant and productive international trip.

His state visit to the US began on May 20, starting with his arrival in Atlanta, Georgia.

Throughout his visit, President Ruto held a series of high-level meetings before being hosted by US President Joe Biden at a luxurious State Dinner, which included several high-profile personalities such as former US President Barack Obama.

In a statement on Thursday, May 24, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura highlighted the benefits of Ruto’s state visit, noting that it had secured over Ksh600 billion in grants, equipment, and projects for Kenya.

President Ruto’s visit to the US marked a historic moment as the first state visit by an African president since 2008, when George W. Bush hosted then Ghanaian President John Kufuor.

This visit underscores the strengthening of Kenya-US relations and showcases Kenya’s growing role on the global stage.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a devastating accident occurred on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway at the notorious Salgaa black spot.

The collision, which took place around 3 am, involved a matatu from the Eldoret Cross Roads Shuttle Sacco and a trailer. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the accident at 3:42 am through a social media post.

“A road traffic incident has been reported at Salgaa involving a trailer and a 14-seater matatu. Our first responders are en route to the scene,” the Kenya Red Cross posted on X.

Witnesses reported that the matatu, traveling from Eldoret towards Nakuru, collided with the rear of a mobile trailer. Four individuals—three women and one man—died instantly at the scene.

The remaining eight passengers sustained severe injuries and were quickly transported to Nakuru County and Referral Hospital for urgent medical care.

“Eight injured people were taken to Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital, thanks to the joint efforts of the Kenya Police, Kenya Red Cross, and well-wishers,” the Kenya Red Cross added.

As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, the bodies of the deceased have been moved to the Nakuru County morgue for identification and subsequent postmortem procedures.

Salgaa Black Spot

The Salgaa black spot is a notoriously dangerous stretch of road on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, plagued by numerous accidents and fatalities.

This section has earned a reputation as one of the most perilous roads in Kenya, with frequent head-on collisions, rollovers, and incidents involving trucks losing control.

Driver behavior, including speeding, reckless overtaking, and failure to follow traffic rules, significantly contributes to the high number of accidents at this location.

Similar Accident

Earlier this month, a similar accident occurred at Sobea along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, claiming three lives. On Saturday, May 4, 2024, a 14-seater matatu collided with a trailer, resulting in the deaths.

Nakuru County Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed the incident, noting that the matatu, traveling from Nakuru to Eldoret, collided with a trailer that had veered off the road, severely damaging the front part of the vehicle.

The tragic incidents at the Salgaa black spot highlight the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life on this hazardous stretch of road.

President William Ruto has made history by becoming the second Kenyan president to receive the prestigious Outstanding Leaders Award during his recent visit to the United States.

The award, bestowed by the U.S.-Africa Business Center, was presented to President Ruto in the presence of US Vice President Kamala Harris during a gathering at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Africa Business Center on Friday evening.

The President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, Susan Clark, handed the award to President Ruto, praising his efforts in attracting investments to Kenya.

“In recognition of your work to really promote business-led solutions and your steadfast commitment to trade and investment initiatives, to grow Kenya’s economy,” Clark stated.

President Ruto becomes the fourth leader to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who received the same recognition in 2019 during his visit to the U.S. under the administration of former President Donald Trump.

Kenyatta’s visit notably initiated pivotal trade discussions between Kenya and the United States. The U.S.-Africa Business Center’s Outstanding Leaders Award symbolizes appreciation for exemplary regional, diplomatic, and economic leadership on the African continent.

In April, President Ruto was also bestowed with Ghana’s highest honor, The Companion of the Order of the Star of the Volta.

During a State banquet, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo lauded Ruto as an “example of a new generation of African leaders,” highlighting his commitment to upholding accountability and due process for all citizens, regardless of their societal status.

President Akufo-Addo commended Ruto’s unwavering dedication to the rule of law, citing Kenya under his leadership as a beacon of governance excellence.

Similarly, Guinea-Bissau recognized President Ruto’s outstanding leadership by awarding him the country’s highest medal, the ‘Medalha Amílcar Cabral.’ This prestigious honor, named after the renowned West African leader, is bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate exceptional bravery and leadership in their respective fields.

President Ruto’s string of international awards comes as he continues to position himself and Kenya to make significant contributions to economic engagement, empowerment, and governance in global affairs.

These recognitions underscore his efforts in promoting Kenya’s economic growth and his broader vision for Africa’s development on the world stage.

President William Ruto announced that the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti for a peacekeeping mission will take place in three weeks.

Speaking to the BBC, President Ruto confirmed the timeline, stating it would allow for necessary security arrangements before the officers are deployed. He added that the security base, which will house the Kenyan troops and equipment, is 70 percent complete.

President Ruto’s remarks came during his three-day state visit to the United States, where President Joe Biden called for the swift deployment of the officers following a recent attack in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, that resulted in the deaths of three American missionaries.

Adrienne Watson, the US National Security Council spokesperson, revealed that the missionaries were fatally shot by gunmen and their bodies burned before the attackers fled the scene.

“The security situation in Haiti cannot wait. Our hearts go out to the families of those killed as they experience unimaginable grief,” Watson stated.

During a press briefing at the White House, President Ruto defended the decision to deploy the 1,000 police officers to Haiti, emphasizing Kenya’s longstanding commitment to aiding countries in regaining peace.

“Kenya has always been at the forefront of helping countries regain peace, and Haiti will be no exception,” Ruto affirmed.

The Kenyan deployment to Haiti underscores the nation’s dedication to global peacekeeping efforts, despite the complexities and risks involved.

As the mission progresses, the international community will closely monitor the situation, hoping for improved stability and security in Haiti.

Kenya has signed a Ksh477 billion ($3.6 billion) agreement with the United States to facilitate the completion of the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, which is set to become Africa’s largest toll road. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) inked the deal with Everstrong Capital LLC.

This agreement is part of several investments anticipated during discussions between US President Joe Biden and President William Ruto at the White House.

The expressway, named Usahihi, will feature four to six lanes and is expected to be completed within the next three to four years.

According to the press release, Usahihi is designed as a Public-Private Partnership, ensuring that it will be self-sustaining through toll revenue and will not impose a financial burden on the Kenyan government. The project will manage the finance, construction, tolling, operation, and maintenance of the expressway under a 30-year concession.

The 440-kilometer (273-mile) expressway will link Nairobi, the capital, with the port city of Mombasa, a crucial gateway for several East African economies.

This development is expected to cut the travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa to 4.5 hours, significantly down from the current approximate duration of 10.5 hours.

United States Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, expressed the U.S. Embassy’s approval of the signing, highlighting it as a significant advancement in the construction of the new highway.

Everstrong Capital, which is overseeing the expressway’s construction, has operations in both the United States and Kenya. The company has established the Everstrong Kenya Infrastructure Fund (EKIF), aimed at financing energy, transportation, communication, and social infrastructure projects across East Africa.

This includes investments in Gulf Power’s Athi River Power project and a 25% stake in the Lake Turkana Wind Project through its founding sponsorship of Milele Energy.

The Usahihi Expressway is envisioned to set a benchmark for transparent, sustainable, and community-focused development, promoting economic growth and environmental protection.

The project aims to inspire ethical development on a global scale.

KeNHA previously announced that the first phase of the expressway project, costing Ksh10 million, will commence during the 2026-2027 financial year. The second phase, projected at Ksh15 billion, will follow in the subsequent financial year.

Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia and his Thika Town counterpart Alice Ng’ang’a have been grilled by DCI detectives over last week’s skirmishes in Kiganjo village that left one person dead and several others injured.

Detectives handling the case grilled the two lawmakers on Thursday, May 23, even as they try to unravel what really transpired on the fateful day in Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County.

This comes even as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) ordered all firearm holders that were present during the deadly melee to surrendered their guns for ballistic examination.

This, the detectives say, will help them pinpoint who exactly fired the bullet that killed David Nduati, a 26-year-old man who died that day.

Homicide detectives have been pitching camp at the scene of incident for a full week, trying to collect any material evidence that can help them unravel the case.

The sleuths will also be grilling Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe over the incidence, once he is out of hospital after allegedly sustaining injuries during the melee.

WHAT HAPPENED?
On the fateful day, supporters of MP Ng’ang’a clashed violently with those of Kamenu ward MCA Peter Mburu over the construction of Kiganjo Market.

Ng’ang’a — accompanied by her supporters and fellow MPs Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South), and Kururia, as well as Assistant County Commissioners Philomena Nzioka and Priscila Wangombe and area chiefs — attempted to officially launch the market construction project.

However, they encountered MCA Mburu with close to 500 supporters, who had already arrived at the same scene earlier and started erecting stalls.

All hell broke lose
All hell broke lose when MP Ng’ang’a and her supporters tried to erect a signpost indicating that the market was being constructed by the National Government.

“The MCA’s group began pelting stones on MP Alice and her entourage. MP Ng’ang’a group retreated as police were tackling the group with teargas,” a report filed at Makongeni Police Station reads in part.

During the melee, the police report says that MP Kagombe brandished his gun and started shooting indiscriminately towards the MCA’s group.

It was at this point that police say Nduati was fatally shot.

“During the incident one David Nduati aged 26yrs was fatally injured by being shot which exited on the chest while Anthony Kamau aged 46yrs was shot and seriously injured on the left arm and suspected to have lodged on the armpit and is admitted at Thika Level 5 Hospital,” adds the report.

Philomena Nzioki sustained injuries and she is been treated at Avenue Hospital.

The body was removed to General Kago Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

One spent cartridge of 9mm was collected from the scene.