Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief.
Grateful to Qatar Charity for their generous donation of meat packs to the needy residents of Kamukunji to mark Eid Ul-Adha. The Charity’s Kenya team provided assistance to some 1,200 families from the neighbourhood today. @qcharityglobal.
Today, I visited the victims of Sunday’s devastating fire, which totally destroyed goods, stalls, and livelihoods of small traders in Gikomba Market. I expressed my empathy and listened to their agonizing stories of losing everything they had in the blazing fire.
I reiterated my call for urgent investigations into the causes of the fire and the arrest of the criminal elements suspected of this dastardly arsonist act.
I also expressed my full support for their efforts to rebuild their stalls, restock, and once again get back on their feet.
I was accompanied by Kamukunji DCC Fred Muli, Kamukunji OCPD Francis Kamau, and Nicodemus Mwabebe, the Chair of the Footwear Traders affected by the fire.
President Ruto today inaugurated the Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College
(KTVC) in Airbase, transforming a former rubble and waste disposal site into a hub of opportunity for local youth.
The new institution boasts 565 students and offers 29 certificate and diploma programs. To further empower the KTVC, the president pledged an additional Sh50 million to expand its offerings to include mechanical and electrical engineering.
This investment will provide young people in the neighbourhood with access to specialized skills, opening doors to a brighter future.
'We do not want an East African Community dominated by authoritarian characters. We want a people-centred and people based East African Community' - Kamukunji MP @MPyusufhassan, as he joins activists clamouring for the release of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye
Earlier today, I attended the CECAFA General Assembly in Juba, South Sudan - an essential platform for shaping the future of football in this region.
The meeting, attended by CECAFA member associations along with FIFA and CAF officials, covered key discussions, from approving the 2025 competition calendar to addressing youth development, women’s football, governance improvements, and more. These deliberations emphasised the council’s crucial role in driving football growth in East and Central Africa.
With collective effort and collaboration, I’m confident CECAFA can reclaim its position as a leading force in advancing the sport across the region.
Wishing my mentor and revolutionary comrade, Mwalimu, and the pre-imminent African writer, Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a very happy 87th birthday today.
I am heartbroken by Rasna Warah's passing. She was a passionate advocate and journalist whose commitment to justice inspired many. Her departure leaves a profound void, but her legacy will continue to uplift us. My condolences to her husband Grey, family and friends. Rest in power.
I couldn't be prouder of the outstanding performances by the students of Kamukunji in the recently announced KSCE exams. Congratulations to all the students, principals, and teachers for these remarkable results. What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is that many of these students come from humble backgrounds and live in our informal settlements. They have worked tirelessly and triumphed, overcoming extreme challenges to attain such impressive success.
I commend the NG-CDF Kamukunji Committee for conducting an efficient, transparent, and democratic bursary registration exercise in Pumwani, Eastleigh South and Eastleigh North. Tommorow the team will conduct the exercise in Airbase Ward, and on Friday in California Ward. Congratulations to the thousands of parents who have registered so far.
I encourage all needy parents & students to take advantage of this opportunity to register and apply for a bursary. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. The registration process is completely free, and forms are filled out in your presence. Please do not be doped by anyone claiming to sell CDF bursary forms. The Kamukunji constituency team is at your service.
I had the pleasure of participating in the opening of the 18-floor Bilal Towers on First Avenue, a need addition to the rising Eastleigh skyline. My congratulations to owner and leading entrepreneur Haji Shamsuddin Mohamed Siraj for his investment in this magnificent complex within our community.
This development is a testament to the resilience, staying power, and growth of Eastleigh as the premier trading hub not only in Kenya but throughout Eastern Africa. Eastleigh supports over 150,000 Kenyans through employment and livelihoods, while also contributing significantly to national revenues via taxes paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the county government, thereby bolstering our GDP.
Eastleigh is a vibrant, diverse, and cosmopolitan area that truly belongs to all who live and work here in peace and harmony. The rise of Eastleigh as a business hub is a remarkable success story for Kenya.
I visited the family of Arafat Mohamed, whose tragic disappearance on Friday culminated in the discovery of his body in the Bahati area of Makadara Constituency on Saturday.
According to his mother, Arafat, a 20-year-old student from Mandera, left his aunt’s house in Eastleigh on Friday afternoon to go swimming at Kimathi Primary School and was never heard from again. The police have since taken his body to the City Mortuary to ascertain the cause of death.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his father, Mohamed Biriq, his mother, Nathifo Mohamed, and the extended family. May Allah grant them strength and solace during this profoundly difficult time.
Today is a dark day in Kamukunji. Last night’s fire in Kitui Village claimed the lives of at least six people, making it one of the deadliest blazes in the area. Tragically, several children are still missing, and the casualty count may rise. The fire swiftly engulfed 51 homes in the informal neighbourhood of Majengo, Pumwani, leaving over 150 households homeless. We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragic event.
This morning, I visited Kitui Village in Pumwani to console the grieving families and assess the extent of the destruction caused by last night’s fire. I met Metrin Muhonja, who tragically lost her husband, Kennedy Orambo, along with her two daughters, Joan and Jessica. Her third son, Yusuf Orambo, is still missing. The other named victims are Sylvia Akumu and Willson Wandera.
Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, hosted the Committee for Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations at Pan Pacific Suites in Westlands.
Together we reviewed Kenya’s revamped Foreign Policy document, which focuses on peace, security, global governance, and multilateralism; economic and commercial interests; environmental and climate issues; as well as diaspora and socio-cultural diplomacy.
These key areas will shape and guide our diplomacy and international engagements in the coming years.