Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Tuesday 20 October 2026

Evening Edition for Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Running time 8:17.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

1. Kenyan biotech executive joins EpiCRISPR board

Immigration News

1. US green card applicants face long wait
2. H-1B salary threshold increase proposed in US
3. US launches portal for visa fraud reporting
4. Green Card Lottery winners cautioned on mistakes

Kenya News

1. Ruto to expand internship program by 50,000
2. Ruto and Natembeya clash ahead of 2027 elections
3. Gachagua returns from US, meets opposition figures
4. Ruto proposes PAYE tax exemption for low earners
5. Mashujaa Day honours for Odinga and Wanjiku

World News

1. Sudan army drone strikes kill over 300 in West Kordofan
2. Mackenzie cult trial reveals ongoing starvation (see also: Kenya Court Convicts All 29 Shakahola Accused of Murder, Sets Sentencing for November 6)

Business News

1. Ruto defends KSh42bn Kenya Pipeline share transfer

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

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

Coming up.

Kenya's Ruto to expand internship program by 50,000 places from January.

Sudan army drone strikes kill over 300 mourners and market-goers in West Kordofan.

US green card applicants face 336-day wait as labour backlogs grow.

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

In diaspora news, EpiCRISPR Biotechnologies has appointed Kenyan-born Enoch Kariuki to its Board of Directors. Kariuki, known for strategic financings in life sciences, currently serves as Endeavor BioMedicines president. EpiCRISPR CEO Amber Salzman praised his biotechnology leadership. Kariuki’s journey began in Kenya, inspired by his aunt's battle with HIV. His full scholarship to Texas Southern University marked the start of his US journey, where he has since excelled in the biotech field.

Turning to immigration news, US green card applicants face an average 336-day wait due to Department of Labor backlogs. Over 45,000 wage requests remain pending, impacting foreign professionals seeking employment-based green cards. The delays affect the Permanent Labour Certification process, crucial for most green card applications. The Department is currently reviewing applications from December twenty twenty-five, highlighting significant waiting periods for applicants and employers.

Staying with immigration, a new US bill proposes raising the H-1B visa salary threshold to nearly one hundred forty thousand dollars. This increase could impact Kenyan and African professionals in the US, as employers may reconsider hiring foreign workers at higher wages. The proposal aligns with efforts to prioritize American workers, but critics warn it could restrict international talent flow. The bill is part of broader immigration reforms under President Trump's administration.

Also in immigration news, the US Department of State has launched an online portal for reporting suspected visa fraud. Announced on the nineteenth of October, this initiative enables public reports of unlawful visa use. Reports can be submitted anonymously and may lead to further checks. The portal aims to strengthen immigration enforcement and protect the system's integrity, impacting visa applications, including those from Kenyans travelling to the US.

In more immigration news, US-based Kenyan Terry Clarice warns Green Card Lottery winners against premature financial decisions. She highlights risks of selling property too soon and delaying document preparation. Selection in the lottery does not guarantee a visa, as winners must complete interviews and checks. Missing documents can delay applications, urging winners to plan early. Clarice's advice aims to prevent complications for those seeking to move to the US.

In Kenya news, President William Ruto announces a fifty thousand place expansion of the National Internship Programme, effective January twenty twenty-seven. This initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment by providing practical work experience and stipends. The expansion aligns with Ruto's strategy to enhance employment opportunities and boost economic growth, addressing the challenge of graduate unemployment. It's a significant step to empower young Kenyans and stimulate workforce readiness.

Staying with Kenya, tensions rise between President Ruto and George Natembeya ahead of the twenty twenty-seven elections. Clashes over development projects and political control mark their escalating feud. Both leaders exchange accusations, vying for influence and support. Observers note the stakes are high, as this conflict could impact the political landscape. The rivalry highlights broader political dynamics as Kenya approaches a crucial electoral period.

Also from Kenya, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua returns from the US and meets opposition figures, including Edwin Sifuna, at his Nyeri County home. The meeting, part of efforts to build a united front against President Ruto, highlights growing opposition unity ahead of the twenty twenty-seven elections. Gachagua and Sifuna, despite differing backgrounds, emphasize the need to challenge Ruto, signaling potential shifts in Kenya's political alliances.

In more Kenya news, President Ruto proposes a PAYE tax exemption for workers earning up to thirty-two thousand eight hundred shillings monthly. Announced on Mashujaa Day, the measure aims to ease financial pressure on low-income earners. Additional proposals include reducing land acquisition costs and removing import duty on mobile phones. These initiatives seek to enhance economic opportunities and ease household expenses, pending legislative approval.

In Kenya's Mashujaa Day celebrations, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Cecilia Wanjiku were honoured for their national contributions. Odinga's political service and Wanjiku's bravery during a school fire were recognized. The event highlighted the spirit of heroism and dedication, showcasing their achievements and inspiring many. The celebrations reflect the nation's appreciation for individuals displaying exceptional courage and service.

In world news, Sudan's army is accused of drone strikes killing over three hundred people in West Kordofan. The attacks targeted mourners and a market supplying fuel to the RSF. A military source confirmed the strikes, raising concerns over escalating violence. The humanitarian crisis worsens as the United Nations reports ongoing conflict since twenty twenty-three. The situation remains dire, with international attention focused on the region's instability.

Staying with world news, the trial of Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie reveals ongoing starvation among sect children. Convicted of mass murder, Mackenzie's influence over his followers remains troubling. Meanwhile, a Kenya court convicted twenty-nine individuals in the Shakahola case linked to Mackenzie, with sentencing set for November sixth. The cases highlight the need for religious oversight and protection against extremist ideologies, drawing international scrutiny.

In business news, President Ruto defends the forty-two billion shilling Kenya Pipeline share transfer to private investors. The move, seen as a boost for investor confidence, aims to mobilize funds for infrastructure projects. By involving private investors, the government seeks to leverage efficiency and expertise in managing state assets. The deal aligns with broader economic reforms under Ruto's administration, designed to enhance infrastructure capabilities and stimulate 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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