EAST AFRICA TIMES

 By Jameson Mutua  A coalition of leading Muslim organizations under the banner of Voice of Palestine has today launched a nationwide tree-planting initiative that seeks to raise funds and awareness for the suffering people of Palestine, while also contributing to Kenya’s environmental restoration efforts. The initiative is spearheaded by groups including the Jamia Mosque Committee (Nairobi), National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK). It aims to align humanitarian support for Palestine with Kenya’s reforestation agenda, as championed by President William Ruto’s government. Speaking during the launch, Ahmed Shariff, representing Voice of Palestine, said the programme was a dual call to action — to stand in solidarity with Palestinians facing a humanitarian catastrophe and to bolster Kenya’s efforts to increase tree cover and combat climate change. “We are not only planting trees to g...

By East Africa Times Reporter  Supporters of Muslim Brotherhood wave flags of different countries A new wave of legislative efforts is gaining momentum in the United States to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, spearheaded by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and supported by several prominent lawmakers in both chambers of Congress. Senator Cruz, who has long pushed for tougher U.S. action against the Muslim Brotherhood, is now adopting a “bottom-up” strategy aimed at first targeting specific branches of the Islamist network with proven links to terrorism. This shift in approach is designed to overcome years of political opposition and address concerns that not all parts of the organization are directly involved in violent activities. “The Muslim Brotherhood remains a serious national security threat,” Cruz said in a statement. “They are dedicated to the destruction of the United States and its allies, and they serve as a breeding ground for terrorism. This l...

 By Jameson Mutua  A group of university students from the Luo community has publicly declared support for President William Ruto, urging the community to reconsider its long-standing political loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and instead embrace what they describe as a "new era of partnership and progress" under the Kenya Kwanza administration. Speaking at a student-led forum at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Moses Okal, who introduced himself as the convener of the group “Luo-Procident TUK,” said it was time for the Luo community to “get realistic” about its political future and align with the government for development. “All politics is local,” Okal began, stressing that while political movements and decisions are often shaped at the national level, their impact is felt most directly at the community level. “President Ruto and his government have been good to our community and our counties. We need to stick with him now and into the future,” he ...

 By James Mutua  Kenya has urged for the strategic deployment of Eminent Personalities—respected leaders with moral authority and societal trust—to help address the Horn of Africa’s escalating peace and security challenges. Speaking during the IGAD Regional Forum for Eminent Personalities and Leaders for Peace, held in Nairobi under the theme “Strengthening Dialogue, Sustaining Peace – IGAD’s Eminent Personalities as Drivers of Peace, Stability and Development,” Dr. Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and quiet diplomacy in sustaining regional peace. “Kenya is honoured to host this forum at a time when our region is grappling with profound peace and security threats,” Dr. Sing’oei said. “IGAD’s decision to convene these distinguished leaders reflects a commitment to innovative approaches that go beyond formal mediation.” The Horn of Africa remains burdened by overlapping crises—includi...

Reporting by James Mutua Religious leaders from Northern Kenya pose for a group photo during a stakeholder engagement meeting with Keprecon in Nairobi.   The Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium (Keprecon), through its Championing Evidence-Based Advocacy (CEBA) project, today convened a pivotal knowledge-sharing forum with religious leaders from  the Northeastern region. The initiative aims to bolster grassroots advocacy for Primary Health Care (PHC) and Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), with a key focus on boosting uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Held under the theme "Deepening Local Leadership in Health Advocacy," the forum brought together over 50 religious leaders from Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo counties. Participants included representatives from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), county health officials, civil society actors, and high-profile guests such as the Deputy Governor ...

  When the President said police should shoot in the leg, rush the terrorism suspect to hospital, then take them to court — he was not calling for extra-judicial killings. He was simply restating what the law already provides. Section 61 of the National Police Service Act gives officers the power to use reasonable and proportional force — including their firearms — to protect life and property. Those guns, bought with our taxes, are not ceremonial ornaments. They are tools of law enforcement — and when life, public safety or national stability is under threat, the police must not hesitate to use them appropriately. If a terrorist tries to burn down a police station or a looter attempts to torch a market or hospital — the police have a duty to act swiftly, firmly and lawfully. To disable, not to execute. To preserve life, not take it. But also, to protect innocent citizens, not watch helplessly. When a bullet departs the barrel of a gun, death , even though unintended, is one of the...

By EAST African Times Reporter  The Circulate Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to solving the ocean plastic pollution challenge in emerging markets, has announced the expansion of its Responsible Sourcing Initiative into Africa, with the first implementation project launched in Kenya, and Ethiopia to follow next year. A global program that brings together brands, investors, recyclers, and waste worker organizations, the Responsible Sourcing Initiative aims to address the most pressing human rights issues in the plastics recycling value chain. With funding support from The Coca-Cola Foundation and IKEA Foundation, The Circulate Initiative will work with Nairobi-based recycler Mr. Green Africa to implement the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework for Recycled Plastics (the “Harmonized Framework”) with select suppliers in the value chain. Launched in 2024, the Harmonized Framework is the first global effort to establish harmonized and actionable guidelines to imple...

 By East Africa Times Reporter  Bangbet Kenya has officially launched a major corporate social responsibility initiative, Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet, aimed at supporting vulnerable hospital patients and empowering hardworking Kenyans with tools to improve their livelihoods. The launch event, held at Lord Erroll Gardens in Runda, brought together key stakeholders including healthcare leaders, regulators, media representatives, and members of the public. In attendance were officials from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), management of St. Mary’s Hospital, and recipients of the inaugural empowerment support package. At the core of the initiative is the Bangbet Hospital Support Fund, which will provide assistance to patients detained in hospitals due to unpaid medical bills. Bangbet committed Ksh 1,000,000 to St. Mary’s Hospital, with the aim of helping patients — especially new mothers and road accident victims — return home after treatment. “We’ve walked t...

By our reporter National Alternative Alliance Convener Mr. Maliba Arnold addressing the press in Nairobi on Tuesday.  The National Alternative Alliance (NAA) has warned President William Ruto of an impending national crisis if urgent reforms are not implemented ahead of the 25th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests. In a statement issued Tuesday in Nairobi, the alliance said the country is “burning” under the weight of economic hardship, youth unrest, and human rights violations, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to uphold the Constitution and protect citizens' rights. “Kenya is sliding into anarchy under your watch. The dreams of generations and the promises enshrined in our Constitution are fading,” said NAA convener Maliba Arnold in a letter to the President. Citing rising public anger over extrajudicial killings, abductions, police brutality, and unresolved corruption scandals, the alliance called for “courageous leadership” to de-escalate tensions a...

 By East African Times Reporter Nairobi, May 12th..... Leading Danish fashion houses Jack & Jones and Vero Moda officially launched their first store in Sub-Saharan Africa over the weekend, marking a significant milestone for Kenya’s fashion retail landscape. The new store is located at Sarit Centre in Westlands, Nairobi. Brought to the Kenyan market by MB Collection in partnership with RAMA Group, the two globally acclaimed brands now offer a one-stop-shop for fashion-forward consumers in the capital. The store is designed to cater to both men and women, with each brand occupying its own stylish, designated space — Vero Moda, the contemporary womenswear label, is prominently positioned at the front. Jack & Jones, known for its high-quality denim, urban streetwear, and premium leather goods, boasts a reputation for trendsetting menswear that spans casual classics, sleek suits, sporty styles, and accessories. The brand has built its identity over the past 25 years as a go-...