Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Thursday 22 October 2026

Midday Edition for Thursday, 22 October 2026. Running time 8:33.

In this bulletin

Immigration News

1. US expands social media visa checks, affecting Kenyans
2. Germany tightens language test rules for immigrants
3. Trump's green card curbs challenge Indian tech professionals

Kenya News

1. Kenyan state accused of rights violations during protests
2. Ruto's AU reform agenda faces funding challenges
3. Sifuna defends talks with Gachagua amid political speculation
4. ODM mobilizes in Turkana without Oburu Oginga
5. Court delays Waititu's sentencing in corruption case
6. Kenya monitors Ebola contacts as cases rise to nine (see also: Ebola Cases Rise to Nine in Kenya as Quarantine Preparations Begin)
7. Ruto proposes cutting mobile phone import tax

World News

1. Oregon school shooting: teen's shotgun traced to legal purchase
2. Ruto hands over COMESA chair, pushes for regional levy

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good afternoon. It's midday on Thursday, the twenty-second of October, and here is your midday edition.

Coming up.

US tightens social media checks, affecting Kenyans' visas.

Kenya faces human rights allegations amid protest crackdowns.

Ebola cases in Kenya rise to nine, raising health concerns.

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

In immigration news, the United States is expanding its scrutiny of foreign nationals' online activity. This has led to the revocation of visas for fifty-two Kenyans during President Trump's term. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized that visa screening continues after approval. Authorities reassess visas with new information, including social media activity. This reflects a broader shift in immigration enforcement, as online content now factors into security risk assessments, along with conventional background checks.

Staying with immigration, Germany will enforce stricter scoring for its Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer from November twenty twenty-six. Candidates must prove proficiency across all language skills for a B1 level. Previously, passing one section was enough. The change addresses concerns about exam misconduct, where candidates accessed test answers online. German authorities stress language proficiency's importance for integration and societal participation. The reform aims to improve confidence in the certification process and support effective immigrant integration.

Also in immigration, U.S. policy changes under President Trump are affecting Indian tech workers seeking permanent residency. The administration has tightened green card allocations, impacting many in India’s tech sector. This has increased the backlog for green card applications, affecting Indian nationals disproportionately due to country-specific quotas. Major tech companies are hiring fewer foreign workers, citing economic pressures. These immigration curbs are part of a broader strategy to prioritize domestic job opportunities over foreign hires.

Turning to Kenya, serious allegations have emerged against the state for involvement in abductions and torture during protest crackdowns. A report highlights unlawful detentions and torture by state agents aimed at suppressing dissent. The findings have sparked outrage among human rights advocates, who demand transparency and accountability. Calls for investigations into these alleged abuses are growing, with organizations urging the government to protect citizens' rights and ensure justice for those affected by these violations.

Staying with Kenya, President Ruto's African Union reform agenda is challenged by funding issues. Despite commitments, member states fund only twenty-four percent of the AU's programme budget. The Assembly noted progress in financial governance but highlighted reliance on external partners for peace operations. Ruto's mandate focuses on improving AU effectiveness and accountability. An oversight committee was established to guide these efforts. The funding gap remains an obstacle to achieving financial independence for the AU.

Also from Kenya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna defends talks with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua. He argues alliances shouldn't be limited by ethnicity. The meeting in Nyeri County sparked speculation on opposition alliances for the twenty twenty-seven election. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga criticized the engagement, emphasizing ODM's commitment to unity and equality. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi questioned the potential partnership's viability. The talks highlight ongoing political maneuverings and differing strategies among opposition leaders.

Continuing in Kenya, ODM's Deputy Leader Simba Arati urges supporters to join a Turkana County mobilisation drive. Despite Oburu Oginga's absence due to health issues, ODM aims to strengthen grassroots support ahead of the twenty twenty-seven election. Oburu's recent hospitalisation raised public concerns, but he's now recuperating at home. ODM's activities continue with other officials leading. The party seeks to expand influence beyond traditional strongholds, positioning itself strategically for the upcoming electoral contest.

From Kenya, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his wife's sentencing in a five hundred eighty-eight point seven million shilling corruption case is delayed. The delay comes after the High Court overturned some acquittals on money-laundering charges. The prosecution and defence disagree on how to proceed with sentencing. The case returns to court on October twenty-seventh for further directions. The High Court's decision has left legal interpretations contested, impacting the sentencing process and legal strategy.

In health news from Kenya, the country will release Ebola contacts after a twenty-one-day quarantine on October twenty-fifth. None developed symptoms. Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth says containment is progressing, but vigilance is necessary. Kenya now confirms nine Ebola cases, prompting U.S. travel advisories. Health officials stress monitoring and quarantine's importance in controlling the outbreak. The situation remains serious, with ongoing assessments needed to manage and prevent further spread of the virus.

Finally from Kenya, President William Ruto proposes removing the twenty-five percent import tax on mobile phones. The aim is to lower costs and boost access to technology. The proposal is part of broader economic measures to stimulate growth. If enacted, it could make mobile devices more affordable and encourage competition. While some see it as politically motivated ahead of the twenty twenty-seven elections, the proposal aligns with efforts to enhance digital infrastructure and economic development.

Turning to world news, investigators in Bend, Oregon probe how a 16-year-old obtained a legally purchased shotgun used in a school attack. The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary killed three children and a teacher. Police confirmed the gun's legal purchase but haven't detailed its acquisition by the shooter. The attack highlights ongoing concerns about gun access and safety in schools. The incident, which unfolded on October fifteenth, remains under investigation as officials seek clarity on the weapon's procurement.

In more world news, Kenya's President Ruto has handed over the COMESA chairmanship to Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa. During his leadership, Ruto advocated for a levy to fund regional programs, aiming for financial independence and sustainability. COMESA seeks economic integration among its 21 member states. The proposed levy would support economic growth and infrastructure development. As Mnangagwa takes over, the focus remains on strengthening regional ties and advancing the economic agenda set during Ruto's tenure.

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.

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