Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Saturday 17 October 2026
Midday Edition for Saturday, 17 October 2026. Running time 8:03.
In this bulletin
Immigration News
Kenya News
- Ida Odinga criticizes Raila memorial chaos
- Investigation into Kenyan official's SIM card fraud
- Building collapse during Moi Avenue demolition injures four
- Seized electronics at JKIA spark investigation
- Ruto inspects Nandi housing and market projects
World News
Transcript
This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.
Good afternoon. It's midday on Saturday, the seventeenth of October, and here is your midday edition.
Coming up.
US judge orders reopening of Green Card lottery by November first.
Ida Odinga condemns disruption at Raila's memorial.
Kenya confirms rising Ebola cases as outbreak spreads.
Those stories, and more, in the next few minutes.
Turning to immigration news, a U.S. District Judge has ordered the Trump administration to reopen the 2027 Green Card lottery. This follows a lawsuit challenging delays in the registration process. Judge Jinsook Ohta of California issued the ruling on October fourteenth, mandating the State Department to announce registration by October twenty-ninth and open it by November first. This lottery offers up to fifty-five thousand immigrant visas annually to diversify U.S. immigration. Selected applicants will be notified by December third, with registration open for thirty days. The extension was granted after both parties agreed to seek more time. The ruling emphasizes timely processing to avoid significant setbacks in the Diversity Visa program.
In Kenya news, Ida Odinga has condemned the disruption at her husband Raila Odinga’s memorial in Bondo. She called for respect among political leaders and their supporters, urging them to uphold the values Raila stood for. The event intended to honour the former Prime Minister was marred by hostility towards some guests. Ida expressed disappointment, noting concerns that individuals were mobilised to disrupt proceedings. She emphasized that political differences should not justify disrespect. Ida defended the diverse guest list, reflecting Raila's wide-ranging relationships. She urged for tolerance and peaceful engagement, highlighting Raila's legacy of dialogue and reconciliation. Ida stressed that preserving his legacy requires mutual respect and democratic coexistence.
An investigation is underway into a major fraud case involving a Kenyan Principal Secretary, whose SIM card was allegedly cloned to defraud individuals of about seven million shillings. This case has highlighted digital communication security concerns among government officials. The cloned SIM card was reportedly used for unauthorized transactions, leading to significant financial losses. Authorities are investigating the cloning methods and the broader implications for cybersecurity within governmental operations. The situation raises questions about public officials' integrity and the misuse of technology in fraud. The investigation aims to address immediate concerns and establish preventive measures against future fraud, emphasizing the need for increased digital security awareness among officials and the public.
Four workers were injured when a building, formerly Club Avenida, collapsed during demolition on Moi Avenue, Nairobi. The incident occurred late at night, with twenty-four workers on site. Three injured were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital. Rescue teams, including canine units, searched the rubble, confirming all workers were accounted for. No deaths were reported. Nairobi City County called for an investigation into the collapse circumstances, including supervision and regulatory approvals. Geoffrey Mosiria noted that the late timing might have prevented more injuries. He urged developers to collaborate with officials to ensure safety during demolitions. The building had been prepared for redevelopment before the collapse.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has seized fifty-two refurbished smartphones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A passenger allegedly tried to move the items through customs using an airport cleaner. Customs officers became suspicious after spotting the cleaner with two backpacks. The cleaner admitted the luggage belonged to a passenger who handed it to her. A CT scanner detected electronic equipment in the bags. The passenger, linked to frequent international travel, confirmed the handover. Items seized included drones and associated equipment. The KRA secured these at a customs warehouse as investigations continue. The authority reminded travellers of customs regulations regarding imported goods.
President William Ruto has inspected several projects in Nandi County, where the government plans to invest eighteen billion shillings. This includes housing units, student accommodation, and markets. Speaking in Nandi Hills, Ruto reiterated the government's commitment to completing projects announced earlier. He commissioned the Kaiboi Economic Stimulus Programme Market and inspected the Nandi Hills Affordable Housing Project, featuring seven hundred twenty-nine units. The investment supports four thousand housing units, seven thousand student beds, and fifteen markets. These projects aim to create jobs and provide business opportunities. The housing programme is central to the government's agenda to generate employment and boost the economy through construction-related activities.
Kenya's Health Ministry has confirmed four new Ebola cases, bringing the total to seven. This development increases scrutiny on the government's containment efforts. Among the new cases are a relative of the first patient and three healthcare workers, highlighting frontline risks. The initial case was reported in early October, prompting contact tracing and monitoring. Ebola, known for severe illness, poses significant challenges to healthcare systems. The outbreak underscores the need for robust health infrastructure and quick response. Concerns grow about the adequacy of Kenya's public health responses. The Ministry of Health is expected to intensify surveillance and collaborate with international health bodies to manage the situation.
President William Ruto has signed a measure to extend the reduced Value Added Tax rate of eight percent on petroleum products. This follows the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority's recent fuel price review. The extension offers temporary reprieve amid broader tax reforms. Maintaining the VAT rate prevents cost increases from a standard rate reversion. The extension lasts ninety days, stabilizing fuel prices that affect transportation and goods. This aligns with efforts to streamline the Kenya Revenue Authority's governance. Recent tax reforms aim to boost economic activity, reducing burdens on builders. EPRA's fuel price review factors in the VAT continuation, easing concerns about rising fuel costs.
And that is your midday edition. The next bulletin is at 6 o'clock this evening. You can read every one of these stories in full, and much more besides, at Mwakilishi.com.
Have a good afternoon.
Bulletins are published twice a day, at midday and 6pm Eastern. Listen to past bulletins.
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