Top 10 must-read stories on Nation.Africa this week

This week, President Ruto found himself under scrutiny after receiving two memos from the US Embassy, marking a shift to a tougher diplomatic approach. In Mount Kenya, Maina Njenga stirred the political waters by vowing to take on Rigathi Gachagua in a heated regional battle. Meanwhile, the Kenya Space Agency solved a mystery by identifying a strange object that fell from the sky as a rocket separation ring. Other notable stories included the safe return of missing EABL brand manager Lilian Mbugua and the surprising transformation of the village of Ishakani into a Somali military camp. Read more in today's edition!

Kenfrey Kiberenge,

Newsletters editor

Top 10 most-read stories on nation.africa this week:

1. Ruto gets another ‘memo’ from US embassy

President William Ruto received two “memos” from the United States embassy in less than a month following envoy Meg Whitman's departure, signalling the return of a direct approach to putting State House in check.

2. From politics to chicken farming: My success story

Damaris Awino, popularly known as Nyasuba in Nyakach, is a poultry farmer with about 900 chickens of different breeds.

3. EABL brand manager Lilian Nyambura Mbugua, who went missing, found alive

Lilian Nyambura Mbugua, the brand manager of East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) who went missing on December 23, 2024, was found alive but confused.

4. Maina Njenga to Gachagua: We will take you head-on

The political battle for the Mt Kenya region has taken a new twist, with former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga taking the fight to Rigathi Gachagua’s doorstep, and declaring that he will take the former deputy president head-on.

5. Object that fell from the skies identified as separation ring from a rocket

The Kenya Space Agency, a government agency tasked with fostering responsible space activities, has identified the object as a separation ring from a rocket. 

6. DCI goes after blogger Francis Gaitho

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a manhunt for blogger and government critic Francis Gaitho, whom they say has several crimes to answer for.

7. Abel Bitok goes after X users linking him to abductions

Abel Kiprop Bitok, the former police officer accused of running a government kidnap squad, has asked the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, to investigate two social media users who published his personal details and photographs.

8. Pascal Tokodi speaks on life after splitting from Grace Ekirapa and co-parenting

Tokodi’s career flourished with projects like Pink Ladies and Makosa ni Yangu, which he credits as deeply impactful due to its exploration of issues such as gender-based violence. On the personal front, the actor candidly addressed his separation from Grace Ekirapa saying co-parenting their daughter remains a source of joy.

9. Gachagua, Kahiga and Wahome Gakuru’s mystery fatal crash

From the moment Mr Martin Nyuguto analysed the scene of a car crash at Kabati in Muranga County, in November 2017, he suggested Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru was assassinated, according to court testimony by witnesses who interacted with the detective.

10. The night Kenya’s sleepy village turned into Somalia military camp

Villagers at Ishakani on the Kenya-Somalia border are still trying to understand how their sleepy village was recently turned into a military camp by foreign soldiers from neighbouring Somalia.

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Mourners heckle CS Muturi as he tries to read Ruto's message at the funeral of ex-Senator Kivuti's son