Opinion

‘We Are Not Children’: Kenyan Youth Leaders Erupt Over Tanzanian President’s ‘Mkwaju’ Remarks

by Henry Omondi -
‘We Are Not Children’: Kenyan Youth Leaders Erupt Over Tanzanian President’s ‘Mkwaju’ Remarks

NAIROBI, Kenya – A simmering generational divide exploded into a fiery cross-border debate this week after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan allegedly suggested to Kenyan President William Ruto that unruly youth should be beaten with a mkwaju (a traditional cane or whip). The proposal, made during a closed-door conversation that

Matiang’i, Jubilee Party Defend Uhuru’s Political Activities, Scoff at Threats to Withdraw Retirement Benefits

by Henry Omondi -
Matiang'i, Jubilee Party Defend Uhuru's Political Activities, Scoff at Threats to Withdraw Retirement Benefits

Presidential aspirant Fred Matiang'i has mounted a fierce defense of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta against sustained attacks from leaders allied to the William Ruto administration, dismissing threats to withdraw Uhuru's retirement benefits as baseless and petty. Matiang'i accused government leaders of lowering the bar of public discourse and diverting attention from

Mixed Fortunes for Kenya’s Endangered Wildlife as Elephants Thrive but Hirola Numbers Crash

by Henry Omondi -
Mixed Fortunes for Kenya's Endangered Wildlife as Elephants Thrive but Hirola Numbers Crash Kenya's latest wildlife population estimates show mixed fortunes for endangered species between 2021 and 2025, reflecting both conservation gains and emerging threats. The new census data reveals encouraging progress for several flagship species. Elephant numbers rose significantly from 36,280 to 42,072, signalling continued success in anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection across the country's national parks and reserves. Black rhinos also recorded steady growth, increasing from 897 to 1,059, while southern white rhinos climbed from 842 to 1,041. These figures underscore the effectiveness of Kenya's decades-long rhino conservation strategy, which has focused on intensive veterinary care, dehorning, and armed security. However, not all species are recovering. The hirola antelope—one of the world's rarest antelopes—dropped sharply from 497 to 245, raising fresh concerns about its survival. Found mainly in northeastern Kenya, the hirola faces habitat degradation, predation, and competition with livestock. Lions also declined slightly, from 2,589 to 2,512, pointing to ongoing human-wildlife conflict and habitat pressures. As human populations expand into traditional lion territories, retaliatory killings and prey depletion remain serious challenges. The critically endangered northern white rhino remains at just two individuals—both females residing under 24-hour armed guard at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. With no surviving males, the subspecies' future now depends entirely on advanced reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization. On a brighter note, the mountain bongo showed modest recovery, rising from 150 to 179. This rare forest antelope has benefited from captive breeding and reintroduction programmes in the Aberdare highlands. Overall, the data highlights Kenya's progress in conservation, but also the need for sustained intervention to protect vulnerable species before they slip further toward extinction.

Kenya's latest wildlife population estimates show mixed fortunes for endangered species between 2021 and 2025, reflecting both conservation gains and emerging threats. The new census data reveals encouraging progress for several flagship species. Elephant numbers rose significantly from 36,280 to 42,072, signalling continued success in anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection across

Mwanda Ok-en Diend Ng’ato”, And The Politics of Zoning

by Chris Omondi -

The recent utterances by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership that there will be zoning in ODM's strongholds has left a bitter taste in the mouth of many people, especially those with intention to contest political seats with the party as their political vehicle to get power. I think it's going