Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Thursday 22 October 2026

Evening Edition for Thursday, 22 October 2026. Running time 8:59.

In this bulletin

Immigration News

1. Proposed OPT fee could impact US universities financially
2. US visa revocations affected 52 Kenyans amid social media scrutiny
3. Germany revises B1 language exam rules for immigrants

Kenya News

1. AU reform faces funding challenges despite Ruto's efforts
2. Sifuna defends diverse political alliances amid ODM criticism
3. ODM mobilizes in Turkana without Oburu Oginga
4. Waititu's corruption case sentencing delayed amid legal dispute
5. Kenya to release first Ebola contacts after 21-day quarantine

World News

1. Mudavadi calls for global accountability and fairer institutions
2. Oregon school shooting probe focuses on legally purchased shotgun
3. Ruto pushes for COMESA levy to fund regional programs

Business News

1. KEBS enforces mitumba import restrictions on used textiles

Lifestyle News

1. Ebola cases rise to nine as Kenya begins quarantine preparations

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Thursday, the twenty-second of October, and here is your evening edition.

Coming up.

US universities face new fees for recommending OPT work authorization.

Kenya to release first Ebola contacts after quarantine.

Germany tightens language test rules for immigrants.

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

Turning to immigration news, American universities might face significant financial challenges with a proposed Department of Homeland Security rule. The rule suggests a seventy thousand dollar fee for recommending students for Optional Practical Training, or OPT. This move could impact budgets and recruitment, as universities must pay before recommending students for work authorization. Institutions could decide how to manage this expense, whether by absorbing it or passing it on, potentially affecting international student employment opportunities.

Staying with immigration, the US is expanding its scrutiny of foreign nationals' social media activity, leading to visa revocations for fifty-two Kenyans. The State Department emphasizes ongoing visa screening, even after approval, to reassess eligibility based on new information. This approach is part of a broader immigration enforcement campaign under the Trump administration, which has led to over three hundred thousand visa cancellations on grounds including security risks and fraud.

In Germany, changes are coming for immigrants taking the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer. Starting November first, stricter scoring rules will require candidates to achieve a minimum proficiency across all language skills to obtain a B1 result. Previously, candidates could pass with strong speaking and one other skill. The new rules aim to address examination misconduct and emphasize language proficiency for integration, reflecting Germany's commitment to supporting immigrants in participating in society.

Turning to Kenya, President William Ruto's African Union reform agenda faces funding challenges, with member states contributing only twenty-four percent of the programme budget. Despite progress in financial governance and the AU Peace Fund reaching its endowment target, peace operations still rely heavily on external partners. Ruto's mandate includes improving AU institutions' effectiveness and financial independence. A 10-member oversight committee will guide these efforts, striving for a sustainable financing system.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna defends engaging with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that political alliances should transcend regional boundaries. His remarks at a veteran diplomat's requiem prompted speculation about alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. While some criticize these engagements, Sifuna emphasizes national interests. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga distances ODM from the Wamunyoro meeting, highlighting ODM's commitment to unity and development. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi questions potential alliances involving Gachagua, citing leadership challenges.

The ODM is ramping up its mobilisation efforts in Turkana County. Deputy Leader Simba Arati urges supporters to join the campaign, aiming to bolster the party's grassroots structures. Although Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga will miss the visit due to health reasons, senior officials continue outreach activities. This push comes as ODM seeks to expand its presence beyond traditional strongholds ahead of the 2027 General Election, positioning itself for the upcoming electoral contest.

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu remains in custody after a dispute delayed sentencing in his five hundred eighty-eight point seven million shilling corruption case. The High Court upheld several convictions but overturned money-laundering acquittals, causing confusion over sentencing. Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa adjourned the matter, pending further guidance. The case will return to court on October twenty-seventh, as the prosecution and defence continue to interpret the High Court's decision differently.

Kenya will release its first group of Ebola contacts on October twenty-fifth after completing a 21-day quarantine without symptoms, according to the Ministry of Health. This marks progress in containing the outbreak, which began with a confirmed case on October sixth. Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth warns that the outbreak remains a public health concern. Authorities are maintaining surveillance, with nine confirmed cases and efforts ongoing to trace and monitor all identified contacts.

Turning to world news, Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi calls for greater accountability and inclusivity within global institutions. His recent address in Nairobi highlights the need for international bodies to build public trust through integrity and fairness. Mudavadi's remarks resonate with calls for reform in organizations like the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of representative governance. As global challenges persist, Mudavadi stresses the need for transparent systems that reflect diverse member state interests.

Police in Bend, Oregon, are investigating how a sixteen-year-old acquired a legally purchased shotgun used in a school shooting. The October fifteenth attack at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and a teacher dead. The shooter, Griffin J. John II, was killed by a parent during the incident. Police confirmed the shotgun's legal purchase but have not revealed who bought it. Investigators continue to determine how the teenager accessed the weapon, as scrutiny around gun laws intensifies.

President William Ruto has handed over the COMESA chairmanship to Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa. During his tenure, Ruto advocated for a levy to fund regional programs, aiming for financial independence from external aid. COMESA continues to promote economic integration among its twenty-one member states, focusing on growth and trade. The proposed levy aligns with similar calls across Africa, emphasizing sustainable funding. As Mnangagwa takes over, efforts to strengthen regional ties and economic cooperation are expected to continue.

In business news, the Kenya Bureau of Standards has reiterated its ban on certain second-hand textiles in mitumba imports. Prohibited items include used underwear, nightwear, and towels. This follows a recent interception of restricted items. KEBS emphasizes compliance with standards and warns traders against importing banned goods. Importers must register and provide documentation, including business details and warehouse locations. These measures form part of the broader framework governing mitumba imports, ensuring adherence to importation requirements.

In lifestyle news, Kenya reports nine confirmed Ebola cases, raising public health concerns. The outbreak follows a case involving a Nigerian patient who traveled to Uganda. As officials prepare to release the first quarantined contacts, the US advises citizens to reconsider travel to Kenya. Local authorities assure the public about containment efforts, monitoring potentially exposed individuals. The situation remains fluid, with health experts watching for further spread and assessing the response's adequacy.

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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