The Online Kenyan

Kenya's government has successfully rescued 47 Kenyans caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and issued a stern warning against further recruitment. The Kenyan government will grant amnesty to its citizens who illegally joined the Russian military in Ukraine, following an agreement with Russia to cease recruitment of Kenyans. Separately, fifteen Kenyan nationals have returned home after being evacuated from Iran following escalating regional tensions, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday morning. The government confirmed the evacuation of 15 citizens from Iran to Kenya via Turkey amidst escalating Middle East tensions.

President William Ruto has announced the upcoming construction of a 500km Lake Victoria Ring Road, a project that has been in discussion for over 15 years and will connect five counties. The project aims to enhance transport infrastructure around Lake Victoria. At the same time, the National Land Commission has confirmed that over 3,500 landowners in Naivasha, Kisumu, and Malaba will be fairly compensated for land acquired for the new Standard Gauge Railway extension. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also declared an all-out war on bandits in Nyambene, Meru County, setting a strict two-week ultimatum for peace restoration in the region.

The Kenya Editors Guild has strongly condemned a violent attack on two journalists, Gilbert Sitati of Standard Group and George Njoroge of Mediamax, who were covering a United Democratic Alliance meeting in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia County, on Friday, March 20. KEG President Zubeidah Kananu decried the assault as a brazen act of violence and a threat to media freedom, sending formal demands to police for accountability. The Standard Group has similarly condemned the attack, vowing that such intimidation will not silence their reporting. A wave of attacks against media professionals has ignited concerns over press freedom and impunity in Kenya, with prominent figures allegedly involved in intimidating journalists.

President William Ruto and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga are reportedly making efforts to court Winnie Odinga, the daughter of the late Raila Odinga, ahead of a significant clan meeting. Winnie Odinga's political stance is seen as crucial for the future of the ODM party. Meanwhile, jitters are evident within both the UDA and ODM parties as the 2027 general election approaches, fueled by concerns over potential parliamentary dominance by one party. The zoning debate threatens UDA-ODM harmony on the Coast. At the same time, Oburu faces a critical test as the party prepares for a high-stakes National Delegates Convention (NDC).

Ernst & Young (EY) Kenya and PwC's arms in Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius have confessed to fraudulent and corrupt practices, leading to World Bank bans. This comes as Kenya seeks Sh16 billion ($125 million) from the World Bank to digitise its land registries and combat rampant land fraud, which has attracted warnings from the US. Meanwhile, Mhasibu DT SACCO is seeking over Sh480.6 million from Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO) for a fixed deposit that matured in January 2024 but remains unpaid. Separately, the US has issued a temporary license to sell approximately 140 million barrels of Iranian oil currently at sea, a policy reversal aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing war on energy markets.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo has called on Kenyan leaders to cease employing divisive language and instead foster unity among citizens. In a separate development, the Pumwani Riyadha mosque in Kenya has opened its doors to non-Muslims, aiming to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding within the community. Meanwhile, stakeholders in Busia have initiated climate change training programs aimed at enhancing food security within the region.

Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in Makueni County, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people, bringing the total death toll from extreme weather across Kenya to 77. Meanwhile, heavy overnight rains have caused widespread flooding in Kisumu, submerging homes and disrupting daily life across the city. Additionally, heavy rains on Friday night left hundreds of residents in Dago Village, Kisumu East, stranded and homeless after their homes were flooded. Separately, calls are mounting for the Kenyan government to undertake a redesign of the flood-prone Suswa-Narok Road, as recent heavy rains have exacerbated the road's vulnerability, leading to disruptions and concerns for commuters.

KCB Rugby has been eliminated from the Enterprise Cup following their recent match, ending their journey in the prestigious tournament. KCB Rugby Club is now shifting their attention to the Kenya Cup playoffs following a close defeat against Black Pirates. Meanwhile, Makindu FC has been crowned the champions of this year's Kilonzo Cup after a competitive tournament. Additionally, the Limuru Country Club recently hosted a Quality Golf and Run tournament aimed at fostering excellence and promoting wellness within the community.