Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Friday 09 October 2026

Evening Edition for Friday, 09 October 2026. Running time 8:55.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

Immigration News

US halts key immigration process, delaying green cards for foreign workers

Kenya News

Kalonzo urges opposition to unite for 2027 presidential election
Tabitha Karanja leaves UDA, plans Nakuru governor bid with DCP
Canada updates Kenya travel advisory; Wajir patient tests negative for Ebola (see also: Wajir Patient Tests Negative for Ebola, Positive for Malaria, Duale Says)
US Embassy in Nairobi to close for Columbus Day holiday

World News

Sports News

NFL legend Mike Ditka passes away at 86

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Friday, the ninth of October, and here is your evening edition.

Coming up.

US report alleges Kenyan officials helped send citizens to Russia's military.

Ethiopia and Eritrea exchange accusations as tensions escalate.

US halts green card process, delaying residency for foreign workers.

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

Turning to diaspora news, Rose Mithamo, the president of the Association of Kenyan Diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg, is focusing on community engagement, cultural preservation, and improving links between Kenyans abroad and institutions at home. Mithamo aims to connect with diplomatic institutions and businesses in Kenya without compromising the association's independence. Her leadership reflects the changing needs of Kenyans living abroad, who seek investment opportunities and reliable information while preserving their cultural identity.

A US government report alleges Kenyan officials collaborated with agencies and Russian authorities to recruit over one thousand Kenyans for Russia’s military. The report criticizes Kenya's handling of human trafficking networks and suggests conflicts of interest, as some officials seem linked to private recruitment agencies. This raises questions about regulatory oversight and the role of public officials in facilitating Kenyans' involvement in Russia's military efforts during the Ukraine war.

Remittances from Kenyans living abroad dropped by one point three percent in the year to August, says CBK Governor Kamau Thugge. Lower inflows from the US and Saudi Arabia are main contributors, though recent months show signs of recovery. The US remains the largest source, but tighter immigration enforcement under President Trump may have affected the numbers. Despite the decline, remittances continue to support household incomes and Kenya's foreign currency reserves significantly.

Thousands of foreign workers face uncertainty as the US Department of Labour halts the PERM process, crucial for employment-based green cards. Companies like Microsoft and Infosys are affected, delaying permanent residency applications. Indian nationals are notably impacted, though existing H-1B visa holders can continue working. PERM ensures no American workers can fill the positions. This suspension adds uncertainty to foreign professionals' residency plans, though it doesn't affect their current work status.

Kalonzo Musyoka calls for opposition unity to name a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election, confident a united front can defeat President Ruto. Speaking in Machakos, he urged leaders to negotiate swiftly and appealed to Lower Eastern residents to register as voters. Kalonzo criticized Ruto's unfulfilled promises, questioning his government's ability to deliver before the term ends. Discussions continue among opposition leaders, with former Attorney-General Justin Muturi also advocating for a prompt decision.

Tabitha Karanja, Nakuru Senator, has left UDA to pursue the 2027 Nakuru gubernatorial race with the Democracy for the Citizens Party. Announcing her candidacy in Nakuru, Karanja criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for unmet expectations, citing rising costs of living. Her move signals a shift in political alignment and intensifies the race for Nakuru's top seat. Karanja's departure from UDA, where she was elected to the Senate in 2022, reflects growing political dynamics ahead of the elections.

Canada updates its travel advisory for Kenya after an imported Ebola case is confirmed in Nairobi. Travellers are urged to take precautions and monitor their health. Meanwhile, in Wajir, a patient suspected of having Ebola tested negative, but positive for malaria. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reassures there's no local Ebola outbreak. Kenyan health authorities remain vigilant, tracing contacts and quarantining ten people as a precaution, while Canada advises travellers to follow local health instructions.

The US Embassy in Nairobi will close on Monday, the twelfth of October, for Columbus Day. Services will be unavailable, resuming normal operations after the holiday. Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October, commemorates Columbus's voyage to the Americas. The holiday has sparked debate over the impacts of European colonisation on Indigenous populations. Many places now recognise Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but Columbus Day remains a federal holiday in the United States.

Three Saudis were killed in Houthi missile attacks on Riyadh airport amid rising tensions. The Iran-backed Houthis have escalated hostilities against Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's government. The attacks highlight regional security concerns and potential conflict escalation. Saudi authorities have reopened the airport, emphasizing continued air travel despite threats. The international community watches closely as the conflict in Yemen continues to create humanitarian and geopolitical challenges, affecting the region's stability significantly.

Ethiopia and Eritrea accuse each other of initiating war, intensifying border tensions. Ethiopia claims Eritrea supports the TPLF, while Eritrea denies involvement. Reports of Eritrean troops entering Ethiopia led to Ethiopian drone strikes. The situation echoes past conflicts and raises fears of regional escalation. The international community is concerned, as renewed conflict could have significant implications for the Horn of Africa. Both nations remain on high alert amid these military actions and accusations.

A group of twenty graduates was rescued after being kidnapped in Nigeria while traveling for a national service programme. The incident highlights Nigeria's ongoing security challenges, particularly kidnapping for ransom affecting multiple sectors. Local security forces responded swiftly, but details about the location and circumstances remain scarce. The Nigerian government faces pressure to address this persistent violence and improve security measures to prevent such incidents. The graduates' safe return is a relief amid these challenges.

The US military plans to execute Nidal Hasan by firing squad at Fort Hood, Texas, on December third, with a proposal for a public broadcast. Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, was sentenced to death in 2013. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth supports the broadcast, arguing for public visibility of serious crime consequences. The execution would be the first by the US military in over sixty years, raising legal and ethical concerns over public broadcasts.

Super Bowl-winning player and coach Mike Ditka has died at age eighty-six. Ditka led the Chicago Bears to victory in 1986 and became a prominent NFL figure as both player and coach. Known for his fiery personality, he later became a sports commentator. Ditka's legacy extends beyond the field, influencing future generations and connecting cultures through sports. His passing resonates globally, highlighting American football's reach, including its growing popularity in Africa.

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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