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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

Business

Amazon’s Global Dominance: Why Western Rivals Struggle to Keep Up

Amazon, the Seattle-based e-commerce behemoth, continues to outsize its competition across Western markets, leaving smaller online retailers trailing far behind. With a market capitalization exceeding $1.7 trillion as…

May 27, 2026

Immigration

UK Immigration Policy Changes Stir Uncertainty Among Kenyan Diaspora

Kenyan immigrants in the United Kingdom are facing a period of uncertainty as recent changes to UK immigration policy have prompted concern within the large Kenyan and African diaspora community. The UK Home Office, l…

May 27, 2026

World

Israeli Attacks Overshadow Eid Celebrations in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

Palestinians in Gaza observed Eid al-Adha prayers amidst the lingering scent of smoke and the sight of devastation, as Israeli airstrikes continued to pound the region. The latest hostilities, which have been ongoing…

May 27, 2026

Immigration

US Immigration Policy Changes Impact Kenyan Diaspora Amid Growing Advocacy

As the United States continues to tweak its immigration policies, the Kenyan diaspora community is feeling the ripple effects, prompting increased advocacy and outreach efforts. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Se…

May 27, 2026

World

SpaceX's Starship V3 Rocket Launch Sets New Milestones in Aeronautics

SpaceX, the private aerospace manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful test flight of its Starship V3 rocket, the largest and most powerful rocket in history. The lau…

May 27, 2026

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Diaspora

Kenyan Students Abroad Respond to Global Events and Emerging Risks

Recent developments in South Africa and other parts of the continent have raised significant concerns among Kenyan students living abroad, particularly those studying in South Africa. The South African government is c…

May 27, 2026

Diaspora

US-Based Kenyan Nurse Exposes Bias Against Black Medical Workers in America

Judy Mwangi, a Kenyan nurse based in the United States, has spoken out about the challenges of bias and racism that Black medical workers face in the country. Mwangi, who has been working in the US healthcare system f…

May 27, 2026

Diaspora

Kenyans in Europe Prepare for AFCON 2027 and Strengthen Diaspora Ties

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is generating excitement among Kenyans living in Europe. This major football tournament not only represents an oppor…

May 27, 2026

World

UFC Fighting Cage Erected on White House Lawn for Historic Celebrations

A unique spectacle unfolded at the White House as a UFC fighting cage was set up on the lawn to celebrate two landmark occasions: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 80th birthday of President Donald Tr…

May 27, 2026

Diaspora

Kenyan Students Abroad Navigate Recent Global Events Amid Rising Concerns

Recent events in West Africa have sparked discussions among Kenyan students and expatriates living abroad, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges related to xenophobia and public health crises. Ghana, a natio…

May 27, 2026

World

Israeli Airstrike Kills Senior Hamas Military Leader Amid Ceasefire

A recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza City has resulted in the death of the newly appointed head of Hamas's military wing, along with at least two other individuals. This military action has raised significant concerns r…

May 27, 2026

World

US Plans Quarantine Facility in Kenya Amid Ebola Outbreak in Congo

The United States government is preparing to establish a quarantine facility in Kenya to manage Americans exposed to Ebola during the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report by the…

May 26, 2026

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World

Global Leaders Meet to Address Climate Change Amid Increasing Urgency

World leaders convened in Geneva this week for a high-stakes climate summit, addressing the escalating impacts of climate change and the need for immediate action. The summit brought together representatives from near…

May 26, 2026

Diaspora

Kenyan Community in Australia Celebrates Sporting Success Amid Global Developments

The Kenyan community in Australia is abuzz with excitement following the recent achievements by Kenyan athletes, particularly the world record set by Sabastian Sawe at the London Marathon. Sawe's unexpected triumph ha…

May 26, 2026

World

Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Raises Alarm as Response Efforts Intensify

The escalating Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo has prompted urgent calls for a swift response to avert a potential catastrophe. The governor of Ituri, Marie-Josée Bafuka, has h…

May 26, 2026

Immigration

Kenyan Diaspora Reacts to Current Global Events Impacting Immigration and Diplomacy

The recent diplomatic tensions between the United States and Russia have raised concerns among the Kenyan diaspora in the U.S., particularly regarding visa and immigration policies. Moscow's criticism of Washington fo…

May 26, 2026

World

FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast Rights Negotiations Progress in India

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, broadcasting rights in India have entered a critical phase. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. is reportedly in negotiations to secure the rights for the tournament, which is set…

May 26, 2026

Immigration

DHS Memo Urges ICE to Target Asylum Fraud by Lawyers

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a directive for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attorneys to intensify their efforts against asylum-related fraud, particularly targeting immigration lawy…

May 26, 2026

Diaspora

Kenyans in Europe Monitor Shifts in African Diplomacy and Sports Success

Kenyans residing in Europe are closely observing recent developments in African diplomacy and sports, particularly as they relate to their home country. The legal challenge mounted by South African President Cyril Ram…

May 26, 2026

Immigration

Kenyan Immigrants in the UK Respond to East Africa's Push Against Used Clothing Imports

As East African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, move to curb imports of used clothing, Kenyan immigrants in the UK are closely monitoring the implications of these policies on their homeland's econom…

May 26, 2026