Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Tuesday 08 September 2026

Evening Edition for Tuesday, 08 September 2026. Running time 8:02.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

1. Sudanese photographer captures love amid war

Immigration News

1. Kenya grants amnesty to East African migrants
2. US warns Kenyans on visa misuse
3. Kenyans win US Green Card lottery

Kenya News

1. Eric Omondi arrested during campaign (see also: Comedian Eric Omondi Arrested During Signature Drive in Nairobi CBD)
2. Western Kenya MPs demand Deputy President slot
3. Kenya extends deadline for foreign traders (see also: Kenya Urges Registration of Burundians Amid Rising Tensions Over Foreign Traders)

World News

1. Saudi Arabia and Houthis near renewed conflict
2. UN urged to expand Sudan arms embargo

Business News

1. Kenyan AI tool detects mental health crises
2. Centum appoints new acting CEO

Lifestyle News

1. Rise in optical care spending in Kenya

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Tuesday, the eighth of September, and here is your evening edition.

Coming up.

Photographer captures love stories amid Sudan conflict.

Kenya offers amnesty for undocumented East African migrants.

Eric Omondi arrested during signature drive in Nairobi.

Those stories, and more, in the next few minutes.

In Sudan, a wedding photographer in el-Fasher is capturing love stories amidst conflict. Having fled the war-torn region, he focuses on documenting weddings, highlighting love and perseverance despite chaos. His work emphasizes the power of love, offering hope and fostering community solidarity in a region often overshadowed by negative news. By focusing on these uplifting narratives, the photographer reminds us of the enduring human spirit even in the darkest times.

Kenya has announced an amnesty for undocumented migrants from East African nations, following an increase in Burundian departures. This aims to encourage formal registration and alleviate consequences of undocumented residency. Migrants are urged to register at their embassies. The policy reflects regional efforts to address migration challenges and foster cooperation. Kenya, seen as a stable destination, seeks to create an inclusive environment, potentially strengthening regional ties and economic relations.

The US has reminded Kenyans that B1 and B2 visas are strictly for short-term business and tourism. Violations, like overstaying or engaging in unauthorized activities, can lead to visa cancellation. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, these actions may result in future entry scrutiny. Changing immigration status in the US is limited, requiring a new visa for different categories. Kenyans are advised to adhere to visa terms to avoid complications.

Nearly four thousand Kenyans have been selected in the US Diversity Visa lottery for twenty twenty-seven. Kenya ranks third in Africa for selections, following Egypt and Algeria. The lottery provides a path to US residency, though selection doesn't guarantee a visa. With a limit of about thirty-five hundred visas for Kenya, some may miss out. Successful applicants need to prepare documents for interviews, as timing and case numbers will be crucial.

Comedian Eric Omondi has been arrested in Nairobi during his campaign for the Punguza Mzigo referendum. He appeared in court, denying charges of obstructing traffic. Omondi's initiative aims to reduce counties and legislative positions, easing the tax burden. He seeks to gather one million signatures for constitutional amendments. Previously arrested in June, Omondi's activism links to public protests over living costs. His recent arrest continues to draw media and public attention.

Western Kenya MPs demand the Deputy President position for their region in the twenty twenty-seven elections. Over twenty MPs met in Kisumu, led by Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya. They also called for completion of infrastructure projects, improved power supply, and sugar industry support. The meeting discussed retaining Western Kenya's Parliamentary Service Commission representation. Preparations are underway for President Ruto's re-election campaign, with regular meetings planned to organize for the elections.

Kenya has extended the deadline for foreign traders to comply with regulations from five to ninety days. This follows President Ruto's directive for foreign small businesses to cease operations, causing business closures and tensions. The government urges foreigners to register at embassies. Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka called the implementation chaotic. The extension aims to regularize operations and ensure opportunities for Kenyan traders. The Local Content Bill underlines this approach.

Tensions have risen between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels, threatening renewed conflict. Recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis have injured many, prompting Saudi vows of retaliation. This escalation follows a period of relative calm, jeopardizing peace efforts. The conflict, ongoing since twenty fourteen, involves regional and global powers. The UN continues to call for dialogue and a political solution to end the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Yemen.

The UN Human Rights Council is urged to extend Sudan's arms embargo beyond Darfur. Amid escalating violence and alleged war crimes, the UN mission highlights the need for broader restrictions. Sudan's government rejects this, citing sovereignty. The situation remains dire, with thousands displaced and foreign involvement exacerbating conflict. The UN stresses international responsibility in supporting peace, as arms inflow continues, destabilizing the region and worsening the humanitarian crisis.

A Kenyan data scientist has developed an AI tool to detect mental health crises in social media posts. By analyzing language and sentiment, it identifies distress signs, offering early warnings for mental health professionals. This innovative approach addresses gaps in support, especially for those avoiding traditional help due to stigma. The AI tool enhances understanding of mental health trends and highlights technology's role in improving outcomes, amid growing global awareness.

Centum Investment Company has named Thomas Omondi-Achola as acting group CEO, following James Mworia's departure to the National Infrastructure Fund. Mworia's nearly two-decade tenure saw significant growth and diversification. Omondi-Achola's appointment reflects Centum's internal leadership strategy. The transition aims for continuity in strategic objectives. Centum's future moves, amid an evolving market and increased global interest in Africa, will be closely watched by stakeholders for potential implications on regional investment.

Kenya's optical sector saw insured spending rise to about three point one billion shillings in twenty twenty-five. Optical visits increased, with myopia as the most common diagnosis. The Kenya Optical Industry Report shows more people seeking vision care, rather than higher treatment costs, driving this growth. Refractive errors were the main demand, with presbyopia having the highest treatment cost. Routine care accounted for eighty-one percent of visits, highlighting the sector's growth.

And that is your evening edition. The next bulletin is at midday tomorrow. You can read every one of these stories in full, and much more besides, at Mwakilishi.com.

Have a good evening.

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