https://zeno.fm/radio/radio-fortune-africa

By Cantona Joseph April 02, 2026 05:08 (EAT)

• Facebook
•  X

“They have lost over 700 songs, including ‘Sipangwingwi,’ the song that powered our conversations in 2022,” Ruto said.

Audio By Vocalize

Gengetone and Urbantone artists pose for a photo with President William Ruto outside the State House on April 1, 2026/HANDOUT.

President William Ruto has promised to provide legal support for Gengetone and Urbantone artists who reportedly lost rights to their songs.

The creatives held a meeting with Ruto on Wednesday, expressing concerns over losing rights to their music after signing “questionable contracts with foreign entities.”

“They have lost over 700 songs, including ‘Sipangwingwi,’ the song that powered our conversations in 2022,” Ruto said.

Ruto described the loss of rights as regrettable, noting that young creatives faced exploitation despite displaying Kenya’s cultural identity.

To combat the loss, Ruto said he has ensured the artists receive legal assistance to ensure their creative rights are upheld.

“I have facilitated legal support to ensure they are adequately represented in court,” Ruto said.

The president said the government held discussions to protect the interests of creatives and guarantee their equitable royalties.

“We have agreed on practical measures to safeguard their interests and ensure they receive fair reward for their work,” he said.

Ruto added that he directed the National Assembly majority leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, to push for the completion of the Creative Economy Bill 2026.

“I have also asked the National Assembly, through the majority leader, to fast-track the Creative Economy Bill 2026 alongside critical copyright reforms,” Ruto said.

The Bill is proposed legislation that aims to regulate, standardise, and monetise the creative industry.

The Bill is intended to move the creative sector to a structured and sustainable industry by securing financial, legal, and institutional support for content creators, music artists, and filmmakers.

“These measures are necessary to protect our artistes, strengthen intellectual property rights, and secure the future of Kenya’s creative economy,” the president added.

Ruto further revealed that the government had created a portal in the e-citizen platform meant to ease royalty allocation and protect creator rights.

“I also informed them that the government has established a digital portal on e-Citizen to aid royalty collection and distribution,” Ruto said.

Local artists meet President William Ruto at the state house on April 1, 2026/HANDOUT.

Mpox myths collapse as virus spreads to ordinary Kenyans

Disease is not confined to truck drivers and sex workers as cases cross 1,000

Audio By Vocalize

When the first Mpox case was reported in the country on July 31, 2024, many people assumed it was a disease of truck drivers and sex workers.

This was presumably so as the first instance was detected at the Taita Taveta one-stop border point in an individual traveling from Uganda to Rwanda.

This assumption went on for far too long, but because of the disease’s high transmissibility, it penetrated the remote villages of the Coast region.

After a few months, persons who had never set foot outside the country or interacted with sex workers started contracting the disease.

Yusuf Mohamed, a teacher at Marimani Comprehensive School in Kisauni, Mombasa county, is one of the people who have recovered from Mpox.

His symptoms started with severe headaches and fever on January 5. He tried to self-medicate using painkillers but the headaches persisted.

He also developed some skin lesions, forcing him to visit a private facility.

“At the hospital, the doctor told me I don’t have a very big problem and only had a skin infection,” he says.

Yusuf was prescribed some skin cream and tablets for treatment. He used the medication for about five days, and when he did not see any change, he went back to the hospital.

“When I went back and complained of not getting better, the doctor prescribed some injections for three days, but this also did not change my situation,” Yusuf says.

So, he sought help from a dermatologist at another private facility. Here, the doctor diagnosed scabies and prescribed a different cream to apply on the rashes.

“Just two days into using the drugs, the rashes worsened and formed big blisters that spread on the other hand,” Yusuf says.

Upon further inquiries, he was urged to go to Utange Field Hospital for further checkup.

When he arrived at Utange, he was immediately put into isolation and some samples taken for tests.

After three days, Yusuf tested positive for Mpox. He says the confirmation hit him hard.

“My pressure shot up and to date, it has never stabilised,” he says.

“I lost sleep for days at the isolation ward because people in Mombasa do not associate Mpox with good deeds.”

After he was declared non-contagious, he was transferred to the general ward with other recovering Mpox patients, where he stayed for another week.

Yusuf describes his diagnosis and treatment period as a roller-coaster of emotions. While he was glad that he was eventually going to receive treatment, he was worried about stigma and the well-being of his family.

“What about my wife, whom I shared a bed with? What about my ailing father, whom I was taking care of?” he asks.

Unfortunately for Yusuf, a few days into his admission to hospital, his father started showing some symptoms similar to Mpox, sending the family into frenzy. But upon testing, he was found negative.

His family might have been declared Mpox-free and saved from stigma, but Yusuf was still traumatised.

“Some of my friends who came to visit me would not even look at me. They kept their distance and kept reminding me just how much they wouldn’t want to contract the disease,” he says. 

STIGMA, HIV LINK

Dr Modether Tom, MSF medical activity manager in Mombasa county, said stigma and stereotype on Mpox is sort of linked to the disease’s comorbidity with HIV.

The infectious disease specialist says the severity of the disease goes higher if the patient is HIV positive and has a low CD4 count.

While Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease whose transmission is caused by direct contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids and respiratory droplets. Low body immunity aids its severity.

“When these lesions spread, they are prone to develop secondary bacterial infections and more complications when the immunity is very low,” Tom says.

It is unfortunate that this stigma follows patients after recovery.

“The scars left by the lesions are often very visible. This makes people not to want to get closer to them. So the impact of stigma really weighs in on them,” Tom says.

Since his arrival six months ago to support the medical team at the facility, all the four patients Tom has lost were HIV positive.

But the stigma is not only on patients. Tom says medical workers, too, have had their fair share.

“Because people know you are a healthcare worker and you interact with sick people, they automatically become afraid that you have contracted the disease and might infect them,” he says.

“This makes them not to want to associate with you.”

He says they have strict infection, prevention and control measures to protect themselves from contamination.  

“We 100 per cent rely on personal protective equipment,” Tom says.

“This means we have to wear masks, isolation gowns and gloves before coming in contact with the patients.”

And these PPEs also have to be changed in between patients.

 SYMPTOMS AND CASES

The World Health Organisation lists the symptoms of Mpox as: rashes, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

“The Mpox rash often begins on the face and spreads over the body, extending to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet,” WHO says on its website.

“It can also start on other parts of the body where contact was made, such as the genitals.

“It starts as a flat sore, which develops into a blister filled with liquid that may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over and fall off.”

Data from the Ministry of Health shows the country has confirmed 1,034 cases of Mpox.

The February 20 report by the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre says so far, 16 people have died.

It says males account for 50.5 per cent of the deaths and females 49.5 per cent.

Some of the top affected counties include Mombasa with 413, Nairobi (160), Busia (107), Makueni (82), Kilifi (38), Kiambu (35), Nakuru (29), Murang’a (23) and Homa Bay (14) and Taita Taveta (13).

Mpox vaccinations were conducted last year on targeted populations only, following the limited supply. The report says a total of 10,697 people have been vaccinated, in Mombasa, Nakuru and Busia counties.

MANAGING THE OUTBREAK

The Utange facility is one of the isolation centres the Ministry of Health is using to manage the outbreak in partnership with organisations such as MSF.

Tom says as soon as a patient arrives at the facility, they are triaged in the isolation ward.

Here, the clinicians physically examine them and take their medical history, including HIV status, to help determine if the patient fits the case definition for Mpox.

The assessment also helps with contact tracing, he says.

“From there, we go ahead with collection of samples. Then we do home assessments to investigate a bit more about the type of house the patient lives in and how many people he lives with,” Tom says.

“This also helps to determine whether the patient should be admitted or put on home-based care.”

Tom says the first step towards Mpox management is symptomatic treatment.

“This means if the patient is in pain, even for the itching, we prescribe antihistamine,” he says.

For the lesions on the limbs, they advise not to apply any ointment but expose them to open air to dry and heal faster.

But for lesions in the oral cavity, they give specific medications to clear the wounds.

And if the wound is in the genital area, they advise patients to do a sitz-bath (a warm, shallow bath used to soothe, cleanse and increase blood flow to the perineal and anal area) in warm water with salt.

Some patients develop abscess and cellulitis. In such conditions, small surgical procedures are conducted to drain the abscess.

For patients with comorbidities, such as HIV, diabetes and hypertension, the treatment plan includes all the diseases.

“We don’t have any specific antiviral for Mpox, although some countries have already approved some new antiviral treatment,” Tom says.

“But currently, we manage the skin lesions and treat the complications as they emerge.”

He urged the government to sensitise people on the disease, its causes and how to prevent it.

Kindiki: I will not be distracted by political noise

Kindiki said those criticising him had previously held senior government positions but failed to deliver

Audio By Vocalize

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed criticism from political opponents, saying he will remain focused on delivering development projects and will not be distracted by what he termed as “political noise.”

Speaking on Wednesday during an inspection tour of development projects in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki said those criticising him had previously held senior government positions but failed to deliver meaningful results for Kenyans.

“Those giving me long lectures were once in big government positions, but while they had power, they did nothing for the people of Kenya,” DP stated.

The Deputy President said some of his critics had served as Vice-President, Deputy President and Cabinet ministers, but had little to show for their tenure.

He questioned their record, arguing that they lacked the basis to advise him on how to carry out his duties.

“Now they have the audacity to teach me my job. There is no place for them completely. They have no roads, no electricity, no markets, no school projects to show for their time in power,” he added.

Kindiki made the remarks as he inspected ongoing infrastructure works, including the Kambandi-Weru-Chuka-Technical-Kaanwa Road and the Kaanwa-Mwanjate-Kamutiiria Ring Road. He said his priority remains the implementation of projects aimed at improving livelihoods in the Mt Kenya region and across the country.

He outlined several key projects under the government’s development agenda, including the construction of the Nithi Bridge, expansion of the Makutano-Embu-Chuka-Meru highway, completion of road networks, development of modern markets and expansion of electricity access.

“When I come back with President William Ruto to ask for your votes, I will have a lot of projects to account for during my time as Deputy President. I will point out each of the projects we have done in every constituency,” he noted.

The Deputy President said the government has set aside Sh7 billion for the construction of the Nithi Bridge, with preliminary preparations already at an advanced stage. These include public participation and engagement with affected residents to facilitate compensation.

“We have 7 billion shillings set aside to construct Nithi Bridge. The project was delayed because the National Land Commission was not fully constituted, but it is now in place. We are negotiating with affected landowners to agree on the best way forward as we sort out compensation,” DP revealed.

He added that development projects worth billions of shillings are ongoing in Tharaka Nithi County.

These include road projects estimated at Sh21 billion, as well as investments in affordable housing, fresh produce markets and student accommodation valued at Sh7 billion.

An additional Sh1 billion has been allocated to connect 9,500 households to electricity in the county.

“Those competing with us when they come here, let them tell the people of Tharaka Nithi what they have delivered for them,” he said.

Uhuru: Kenyans want leadership, not insults

Uhuru said Kenyans are demanding leadership that delivers rather than rhetoric marked by division

Audio By Vocalize

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged political leaders to prioritise service, unity and integrity.

The former President said that Kenyans are increasingly demanding leadership that delivers rather than rhetoric marked by insults and division.

Uhuru was speaking on Wednesday during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba at Njega Primary School in Kirinyaga County, where he joined family, leaders and mourners in paying tribute to the late legislator.

He stated that the country’s progress hinges on unity and principled leadership, calling on those in positions of power to serve selflessly.

“Be leaders, that is what the people of Kenya want. They want leadership, not politics or insults. They want direction and leadership that will see them through to the other side. Our country needs unity for us to have peace, stability and progress. It needs leaders of integrity, leaders who are there to serve their people. By serving your people, you are serving your God,” Uhuru said.

The former Head of State cautioned against selfish leadership, urging politicians to focus on the collective good of all Kenyans.

The burial also provided a rare political moment, as Uhuru shared a public interaction with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The two leaders, who have been on opposing sides since the 2022 General Election that ushered in President William Ruto, were seen greeting each other warmly and engaging in light moments during the service.

Uhuru arrived after other leaders had gathered and was received by Gachagua alongside a section of opposition figures. Mourners briefly interrupted the proceedings to welcome him.

Also present at the funeral were People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua, Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Party Leader Fred Mtiang’I, DAP-K Leader Eugine Wamalwa, and former CS Justin Muturi, among other leaders.

In his tribute, Uhuru eulogised Karaba as a lifelong educator who later served as Kirinyaga Senator from 2013 to 2017.

Karaba, who served as Kirinyaga Senator from 2013 to 2017, passed away in March 2026 at the age of 78.

His death was announced by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who described him as a distinguished leader.

Born in 1948 in Kiamaina village, Karaba was a career educator who rose through the ranks to become a principal in several secondary schools, including Kagumo and Njegas Secondary schools, before venturing into politics.

He is remembered for his dedication to education and public service, leaving behind a legacy that impacted generations in Kirinyaga County and beyond.

He later chaired the Secondary Schools Heads Association for more than a decade, shaping education policy and leadership across the country.

Karaba entered elective politics in 2002 when he won the Kirinyaga Central parliamentary seat on a Narc ticket.

He later served as Senator for Kirinyaga County after winning the seat in the 2013 elections on a TNA ticket, garnering widespread support.

During his time in Parliament, Karaba chaired the Education Committee and served on several other key committees, earning a reputation as a thoughtful legislator committed to development and governance.

Karaba is survived by his wife Charity Karaba, their children and a large extended family that includes grandchildren Ethan, Neema, Benjie, Leah, Hailey, Grace, Huru and Shantie.

Senators confront Governor Lelelit at Parliament

Clash outside Senate gates disrupts proceedings and leads to suspension of debate on Division of Revenue Bill

Audio By Vocalize

 Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit /SCREENGRAB

Drama unfolded outside the Senate gates on Wednesday after a group of senators attempted to arrest and hand over Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit to parliamentary police.

The incident triggered a chaotic confrontation that briefly disrupted activities in Parliament.

The governor had visited Parliament seeking an audience with Senate leadership following an arrest warrant issued by the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) over his failure to appear before it.

However, his attempt to meet the leadership did not materialise, forcing him to leave the precincts.

Moments later, Lelelit addressed journalists outside Parliament, explaining his absence from the committee proceedings.

But his press briefing was abruptly interrupted when a group of senators, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, moved out of the gates and confronted him.

“Governor, don’t speak outside. It is us you came to see. Come inside,” Sifuna told him.

A brief standoff ensued as the governor questioned the directive.

The situation quickly escalated when the senators attempted to escort him back into Parliament, allegedly to hand him over to the authorities.

Realising what was unfolding, the governor resisted and broke free, crossing to the opposite side of Parliament Road.

More senators joined the confrontation, resulting in a heated exchange that saw the governor’s security detail engage with lawmakers in a tense standoff, turning the usually orderly parliamentary precincts into a scene of confusion and shouting.

Before the incident, Lelelit had defended his failure to appear before CPAC, saying he had been scheduled to appear before two different Senate committees at the same time.

“On March 26, I was invited to appear before the CPIC committee at 10am and CPAC at 9am on the same day. It is not humanly possible to appear before two committees at the same time,” he said.

He further claimed that he had not been formally served with any arrest warrant, insisting he only learnt of the move through social media reports.

“I am here because two days ago, I got information circulating on social media that someone was seeking to arrest me. I was shocked because I had not been invited to the Senate on that day. No warrant was served to me,” he said.

The governor added that his case was being misunderstood, maintaining that he had not deliberately snubbed the Senate.

“I learnt about the alleged arrest in the evening when I got to a place with network coverage. The whole day I had been in an area without internet access,” he explained.

The confrontation outside Parliament spilled into the chamber, where senators expressed outrage over what they termed increasing defiance by governors summoned to account for public funds.

The tension prompted Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to interrupt proceedings and question the propriety of continuing debate on the Division of Revenue Bill, 2026, a critical piece of legislation that determines how nationally raised revenue is shared between the national and county governments.

“We need your guidance, Mr Speaker. Is it in order for this House to proceed with allocating resources to governors who have failed and shown impunity in accounting for public funds?” Cherargei posed.

He warned that passing the Bill under such circumstances would amount to endorsing corruption and impunity at the county level.

“If we proceed, we shall be complicit in allowing governors to misuse public resources without accountability,” he added.

Several senators supported his position, calling for the suspension of the Bill until governors comply with accountability requirements and respond to Senate summonses.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, who had accompanied Sifuna outside during the confrontation, criticised the governor’s conduct.

“It is a shame what is happening within the precincts of Parliament. The Governor of Samburu has the audacity to convene the media here to speak against senators instead of appearing before the committee,” Wambua said.

Faced with mounting pressure from lawmakers, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot opted to defer debate on the Division of Revenue Bill.

“In light of the concerns raised, this is a serious matter that calls for introspection. This is not about one or two governors, but the broader question of respect for constitutional oversight,” Cheruiyot said.

“If proceeding with this Bill undermines our collective stand on accountability and adherence to the rule of law, then I defer to the wisdom of the House and request that the debate be postponed,” he added.