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A driver working for C. Ungwana Matatu Company has lost his right hand in a serious road accident involving his matatu and an Isuzu FSR lorry. The accident occurred at Gwa Zakayo on the Embu-Meru highway. The driver was driving from Nairobi to Meru and is believed to have been attempting to overtake another vehicle on a steep slope when he collided with an oncoming lorry heading from Chuka to Embu. The impact of the collision resulted in the driver’s hand being crushed and left on the ground. He was immediately rushed to Runyenjes Level 4 Hospital, where he received initial treatment before being referred to Embu Level 5 Hospital. Authorities are urging all drivers to exercise caution on the roads and to prioritize safety to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has officially ended his tenure as the African Union’s (AU) High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. Odinga served in this role since October 2018, and his departure was announced on February 24th by Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Mahamat expressed his gratitude to Odinga for his service, while also announcing that the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) would take over the role.

Odinga responded with a letter thanking Mahamat for the opportunity and explaining that he asked to be relieved of his duties due to challenges to his “continued unavailability.” He expressed his pride in the work he had done towards the transformation of the NEPAD Agency to AUDA-NEPAD and his contribution to infrastructure development in Africa during his tenure. He also acknowledged the remaining challenges faced by the continent, including inaction by its leadership and vested interests outside the continent.

Odinga’s appointment was part of the African Union’s initiative to expedite the integration of the continent through infrastructure development, in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development. As High Representative, Odinga was expected to mobilise political support from AU member states and facilitate greater ownership of infrastructure development by all concerned stakeholders on the continent. He was also responsible for paying special attention to the missing links along the transnational highway corridors identified as part of the Trans-African Highways Network, with a view to facilitating their development and modernisation.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed reports of him positioning himself as the next Mt Kenya kingpin. During a funeral service in Murang’a County, Gachagua reiterated his commitment to economically empowering Central Kenya residents and the nation through agriculture. He denied any fallout between him and Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro and expressed his willingness to work with all leaders to address the electorate’s concerns.

The DP announced his intention to convene a meeting with Mt Kenya leaders in Naivasha to discuss the region’s economic future. Gachagua prioritized milk farming, coffee, and tea to boost farmers’ profits, adding that his government would appoint loyal leaders in line with their manifesto and agenda. He urged his supporters to ignore the misinformation in the media aimed at maligning him. The case comes after the media insinuated disquiet within the Mt Kenya region caucus of leaders.

Former Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has refused to appear before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for questioning over an alleged raid at his Karen home. The DCI had summoned Matiang’i for interrogation on Friday, but Matiang’i’s lawyer said his client would not be available as he was out of the country. Lawyer Danstan Omari also said they had not been properly served with the summons.

Matiang’i is being investigated in relation to a raid at his home on 8 February. The police broke into his residence on 15 February, claiming they had sought a court order to obtain CCTV footage from Matiang’i’s home. Matiang’i has denied any wrongdoing in the matter.

Detective Michael Sang had earlier said he believed that Matiang’i was connected to the alleged offence or had information that could assist with investigations. However, Matiang’i’s legal team argued that the DCI had not served their client according to the law, and therefore they did not recognize the summons they saw on social media.

Meanwhile, a court in Kenya has extended orders preventing the police from arresting Matiang’i. The conservatory orders, which were set to expire on Thursday, will now remain in place until 19 April when the matter will come up for mention. The case has generated significant public interest and scrutiny, with some suggesting that it is politically motivated.