Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Saturday 19 September 2026

Evening Edition for Saturday, 19 September 2026. Running time 8:51.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

Maraga Advocates for Diaspora Electronic Voting

Immigration News

US Expands Social Media Vetting for More Visas
New US Public Charge Rule Affects Green Card Applicants (see also: Applying for a US Green Card? Here’s What the New Rules Mean for Kenyans, Ruto Accuses Uhuru of Undermining His Government Amid Political Tensions)

Kenya News

World News

Business News

Sports News

Kenya Faces Challenges for Afcon 2027 Preparations

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

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

Coming up.

KRA intercepts smuggled goods worth millions on the way to Nairobi.

Maraga pushes for electronic voting for Kenyans overseas.

Ruto accuses Uhuru of undermining his government amid tensions.

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

Turning to diaspora news, former Chief Justice David Maraga is on a US tour advocating for electronic voting for Kenyans abroad. Meeting with nearly three hundred nurses in Maryland, Maraga urged for an amendment to the Elections Act. His tour highlights the importance of diaspora participation in elections and national affairs. Maraga, who seeks the presidency under the United Green Movement, values the diaspora's influence through remittances and civic engagement.

In immigration news, the US will expand social media checks for I, TN, and TD visa applicants starting October first. The State Department says this policy aims to strengthen national security by reviewing applicants' online presence. This expansion adds foreign media and professionals from Canada and Mexico to the vetting list. Applicants may face longer processing times as consular officers assess potential risks through social media activity.

Staying with immigration, the Trump administration's 'public charge' rule for green card applicants took effect on September nineteenth. This rule expands criteria for assessing if applicants might rely on public benefits, impacting many, including Kenyans. The US Department of Homeland Security's new regulation allows broader scrutiny of applicants' financial situations. Immigration advocates warn it could discourage using essential services. The change aims to ensure self-reliance among new immigrants.

Turning to Kenya, Royal Media Services refutes claims that Rigathi Gachagua sought journalist Trevor Ombija's dismissal. RMS Director Linus Kaikai confirmed no such request was made. Ombija regrets his controversial remarks made during a TV interview, which he didn't anticipate would stir such attention. The controversy arises as Ombija eyes political ambitions, planning to contest the Nyakach parliamentary seat in twenty twenty-seven. Gachagua's party accused Ombija of political motives.

Also in Kenya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna pledges to replace a taxi destroyed in Homa Bay violence. Taxi driver Steven Otieno's vehicle was set ablaze after a rally, leaving him without income. Sifuna is moved by Steven's plight and offers support, addressing compensation uncertainty. Steven was injured during the incident and is recovering. He appeals for help to restore his livelihood, while Sifuna's commitment provides hope amid ongoing disputes over responsibility.

In more Kenya news, President William Ruto accuses former President Uhuru Kenyatta of undermining his government amid political tensions. Ruto's remarks highlight their ongoing rift, as the current administration faces challenges. Kenyatta remains largely silent, intensifying speculation about political dynamics. Analysts suggest Ruto's criticism may aim to solidify his support base ahead of the twenty twenty-seven elections. The feud between these leaders reflects broader governance and accountability issues in Kenya.

Turning to world news, Houthis launched a significant missile and drone attack on Riyadh, targeting key sites, including oil facilities. This escalation heightens tensions in the Gulf, impacting global oil markets. The Houthis, backed by Iran, frequently target Saudi Arabia due to ongoing regional conflicts. The attack underscores the persistent volatility and raises concerns about advanced weaponry access. Despite Iran's denial, accusations persist about supplying arms to the Houthis.

Also from world news, President William Ruto travels to New York for the UN General Assembly's eighty-first session. He plans to advocate for the 'Africa-financing-Africa' agenda, emphasizing investment and artificial intelligence's transformative potential. The assembly provides a platform for global leaders to discuss pressing issues. Ruto's agenda aligns with African leaders' push for intra-African trade and investment, aiming to reduce dependency on external aid and harness the continent's resources for sustainable development.

Staying with world news, tribal clashes in South Sudan's Jonglei state have left at least twenty-six dead. The violence highlights ongoing struggles over resources and power in the region. South Sudan, since its 2011 independence, faces challenges with ethnic tensions and conflicts fueled by competition over land and resources. Humanitarian concerns rise as civilians suffer displacement and hardship. The international community expresses concern about the violence's implications for peace in South Sudan.

Turning to business news, Nigerians are enthusiastically buying shares in the Dangote Oil Refinery, owned by Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote. This reflects a cultural shift towards personal investment in national resources. The Lagos-based refinery processes 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily. Nigerians' ownership stakes represent a significant step towards economic independence. The share-buying frenzy underscores a national move to reclaim control over resources, enhancing financial literacy and public economic involvement.

Also in business, KCB Bank Uganda supports the country's push for mineral value addition. This aligns with Uganda's strategy to enhance industrialization and economic growth by moving beyond raw mineral exports. KCB's financial backing aids investment in processing technologies, creating jobs and increasing export revenues. Uganda, rich in minerals like gold and copper, aims to maximize resources for economic transformation. This trend reflects Africa's broader focus on local processing and sustainable growth.

Staying with business, the Kenya Revenue Authority has intercepted smuggled goods valued at about forty-six point seven million shillings en route to Nairobi. The haul included cigarettes, shisha tobacco, and powdered milk. The seizure underscores ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade and protect revenue. Smuggling poses economic risks, with potential taxes of nearly twenty-nine point two million shillings at stake. This success is part of broader initiatives to enhance border security and compliance.

Turning to sports news, Kenya, along with Tanzania and Uganda, is under pressure to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. CAF President Patrice Motsepe stresses urgency in meeting hosting standards. Kenya faces challenges in upgrading stadiums and infrastructure, essential for hosting rights. The government and private investors are working to accelerate construction and renovations. Meeting these requirements is crucial, as delays could risk sanctions or relocation, affecting the tournament's success.

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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