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Irungu Thairu

News Writer

Irungu Thairu is a news writer at Mwakilishi, covering Kenyan, diaspora and international news. He joined Mwakilishi in 2009, which makes him one of the site's longest-serving writers.

He writes on the stories shaping Kenya and its diaspora, from politics and current affairs at home to immigration, the green card lottery and community life abroad. His reporting aims to keep Kenyans everywhere connected to the news that affects them, wherever they are.

When he is not working, Irungu likes to spend time with his family, travel and play golf.

3,428 articles

U.S. and Iran Establish Strait of Hormuz Hotline to Diffuse Tensions

U.S. and Iran Establish Strait of Hormuz Hotline to Diffuse Tensions

In a significant diplomatic development, the United States and Iran have agreed to establish a direct communication line for mariners navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to mediators from Pakistan and…

U.S. Temporarily Lifts Sanctions on Iranian Oil Amid Preliminary Peace Talks

U.S. Temporarily Lifts Sanctions on Iranian Oil Amid Preliminary Peace Talks

In a significant policy shift, the United States announced the temporary lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, allowing for the sale of Iranian crude oil over a 60-day period. This move comes as part of a preliminary a…

Trump-Backed Rightist Abelardo De La Espriella Nears Victory in Colombia, Signaling Shift in Latin American Politics

Trump-Backed Rightist Abelardo De La Espriella Nears Victory in Colombia, Signaling Shift in Latin American Politics

Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing candidate backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, is poised to secure victory in Colombia's presidential race, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Latin Amer…

Currency Devaluation and Visa Restrictions Alter Indian Students’ Overseas Education Plans

Currency Devaluation and Visa Restrictions Alter Indian Students’ Overseas Education Plans

The recent currency depreciation and stringent visa regulations have posed significant challenges for Indian students aspiring to pursue education abroad, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Ind…

NASA's Lunar Ambitions Heat Up Global Space Race with China

NASA's Lunar Ambitions Heat Up Global Space Race with China

NASA’s renewed focus on lunar exploration is intensifying the global space race, particularly with China, as both nations vie for technological and strategic superiority beyond Earth's orbit. The United States is inve…

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Bird Flu Vaccine Trial Commences Amid Rising Pandemic Concerns

Bird Flu Vaccine Trial Commences Amid Rising Pandemic Concerns

In a significant step towards combating potential influenza pandemics, a bird flu vaccine trial has commenced targeting the H5N1 flu strain, a virus that has periodically devastated bird populations across the globe…

India's 'Cockroach' Movement Galvanizes Call for Government Accountability

India's 'Cockroach' Movement Galvanizes Call for Government Accountability

In an extraordinary display of civil disobedience, the burgeoning 'Cockroach' movement has entrenched itself firmly in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of India's education minister. This movement, which has rapid…

Apple Faces Global Implications with Planned Price Hikes Amid AI-Driven Chip Cost Surge

Apple Faces Global Implications with Planned Price Hikes Amid AI-Driven Chip Cost Surge

Apple Inc., the technology giant renowned for its innovative products, is set to increase prices as the burgeoning demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies drives up chip costs. This development comes amid…

U.S. and Iran Resume Talks as Lebanon Conflict Poses New Challenges

U.S. and Iran Resume Talks as Lebanon Conflict Poses New Challenges

In a significant diplomatic effort, the United States and Iran have commenced a fresh round of negotiations in Switzerland, aimed at addressing longstanding tensions and ensuring the security of the vital Strait of Ho…

Tensions Rise as Swiss Officials Halt Iran Talks Amid Global Discontent

Tensions Rise as Swiss Officials Halt Iran Talks Amid Global Discontent

In a surprising turn of events, Swiss officials announced that negotiations with Iran have been postponed indefinitely, casting uncertainty over the fate of the recent agreement signed by U.S. President Donald Trump…

Japanese Fans Inspire Global Conversations on Gender Roles with World Cup Clean-up Efforts

Japanese Fans Inspire Global Conversations on Gender Roles with World Cup Clean-up Efforts

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Japanese football fans have sparked global conversations about gender roles and cultural expectations, following their widely praised efforts to clean stadiums after matches. As the tou…

Taliban's Ban on Smartphones for Civil Servants Sparks International Concern

Taliban's Ban on Smartphones for Civil Servants Sparks International Concern

The Taliban government's recent mandate banning the use of smartphones among civil servants and military personnel in Afghanistan has raised significant international concern. The directive, issued by the Taliban's hi…

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The Geopolitical Ripple Effects of Israel's Ongoing Airstrikes in Gaza

The Geopolitical Ripple Effects of Israel's Ongoing Airstrikes in Gaza

The fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States in October 2025 between Israel and Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip has been repeatedly violated, with the latest incident resulting in the tragic deaths of a…

Artificial Ice Pyramids: A Sustainable Solution for Water Scarcity in India's Himalayan Villages

Artificial Ice Pyramids: A Sustainable Solution for Water Scarcity in India's Himalayan Villages

In a remarkable blend of traditional wisdom and modern ingenuity, Himalayan villages in India are constructing artificial glaciers, commonly referred to as 'ice stupas,' to combat water scarcity. These innovative stru…

UK's Binding House Sales Policy Aims to Curb Gazumping, Set Global Precedent

UK's Binding House Sales Policy Aims to Curb Gazumping, Set Global Precedent

In a significant move designed to reform the real estate market, the United Kingdom is set to implement binding agreements in house sales to combat the practice of gazumping. The proposed changes, announced by the gov…

Global Communities Turn to Ocean Health as Scientists Present at Hay Festival 2026

Global Communities Turn to Ocean Health as Scientists Present at Hay Festival 2026

At the Hay Festival 2026, discussions centered around the significance of ocean health in addressing climate change have taken center stage, with scientists emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation in preser…

UK Prepares to Ban Social Media Use for Teens as Global Concerns Mount

UK Prepares to Ban Social Media Use for Teens as Global Concerns Mount

The United Kingdom is gearing up to implement a controversial social media ban that will prevent teenagers from accessing popular platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat starting early in 2027. This initiative is part o…

US-Iran Deal Reshapes Global Economic Landscape, Raises Concerns

US-Iran Deal Reshapes Global Economic Landscape, Raises Concerns

The recent accord between the United States and Iran has sparked significant shifts in international economic dynamics, with both countries claiming strategic victories while facing challenges in maintaining the agree…

Iran-U.S. Understanding: A Potential Turning Point with Global Implications

Iran-U.S. Understanding: A Potential Turning Point with Global Implications

The recent understanding between Iran and the United States represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, offering potential for a broader agreement that could have far-reaching effects beyond the imme…

EU Maintains Sanctions on Iran Amid Nuclear Deal Impasse

EU Maintains Sanctions on Iran Amid Nuclear Deal Impasse

The European Union has declared that it will maintain its sanctions on Iran until a formal nuclear agreement is reached, highlighting the ongoing complexity in negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. This decision…