Daily Nation
Investigators are relying on forensic evidence, including CCTV footage and mobile phone data, to track down suspects behind the killing of a Nakuru-based cleric, even as Kenya hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in high-level talks aimed at reshaping France’s engagement with Africa.
Detectives say critical leads have emerged following the murder of Reverend Julius Nduima of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Tabuga Parish.
The priest was killed on the night of May 3 after a gang reportedly broke into the church compound.
Authorities revealed that signals traced from the cleric’s stolen mobile phone led them to two suspects, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
The case has drawn public attention, with mourners and church leaders calling for transparency. During the priest’s burial, speakers urged police to release CCTV footage believed to have captured the attackers.
Investigators, however, indicated that the footage is still under review as part of ongoing court processes.
In addition to digital evidence, detectives are probing suspicious financial transactions recorded in the days following the murder.
The transactions are expected to help establish possible links between the suspects and the crime, as police intensify efforts to build a watertight case.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, President William Ruto hosted French President Emmanuel Macron during the Africa Forward Summit, where the French leader acknowledged shifting geopolitical dynamics and France’s declining influence in parts of Africa.
Macron said France is seeking to redefine its relationship with African nations, particularly by strengthening ties with Anglophone countries such as Kenya.
Speaking at the University of Nairobi, he pointed to changing economic and political realities, including competition from global powers and recent developments in Francophone regions.
The French president emphasized the need for partnerships based on mutual respect, innovation, and youth engagement.
Discussions at the summit focused on technology, education, and artificial intelligence, with leaders highlighting the role of young people in shaping future economic growth.
Standard
A fresh controversy has erupted over the ownership of 9,394 acres of land linked to Miwani Sugar, following revelations of a shadowy transaction involving a foreign businessman and powerful State interests.
According to a report by The Standard on Tuesday, May 12, a purported Mumbai-based businessman, Nagendra Saxena, is at the centre of a secretive Christmas Eve auction of the Miwani Sugar property.
However, immigration records indicate that Saxena has never entered Kenya, raising questions about his identity and role in the deal.
The report further alleges a push by influential State figures to transfer the vast tract of communal land to Crossley Holdings, a private firm.
Suba MP Caroli Omondi told Parliament that when company directors were questioned, they claimed they could not recall who received Sh752 million reportedly paid for the land.
Investigations have also uncovered a trail of irregularities, including missing court files, suspected forged documents, and internal correspondence suggesting attempts to irregularly privatise public land.
Star
People Daily
Cabinet Secretaries in President William Ruto’s administration are increasingly caught between demonstrating loyalty to the Head of State and securing their own political futures ahead of the 2027 elections.
A report by People Daily indicates that several politically active CSs are grappling with rising regional dissent, internal succession rivalries and mounting scrutiny over their performance in office.
The situation has placed key figures such as Alice Wahome, Aden Duale, Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho under growing pressure to balance governance responsibilities with political survival.
Others, including Wycliffe Oparanya, William Kabogo, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, are also navigating complex political landscapes in their respective regions, where shifting alliances and voter expectations are reshaping influence.
Taifa Leo
Fresh tensions have emerged within the ODM party, with some members appearing to criticize the Odinga family, raising questions about the party’s leadership direction.
A report by Taifa Leo indicates that the situation follows recent remarks by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, which were seen as targeting individuals linked to the Odinga family.
Mbadi emphasized that ODM does not belong to any single family or community, dismissing the notion that some individuals have the authority to direct others based on their association with the party’s founder.
At the same time, Oburu Odinga is reportedly being sidelined in certain party activities, while Ruth Odinga has begun facing political attacks from within ODM ranks.