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Irungu Thairu

News Writer

Irungu Thairu is a news writer at Mwakilishi, covering Kenyan, diaspora and international news. He joined Mwakilishi in 2009, which makes him one of the site's longest-serving writers.

He writes on the stories shaping Kenya and its diaspora, from politics and current affairs at home to immigration, the green card lottery and community life abroad. His reporting aims to keep Kenyans everywhere connected to the news that affects them, wherever they are.

When he is not working, Irungu likes to spend time with his family, travel and play golf.

3,426 articles

Lifestyle

Annual Snakebite Death Toll in Kenya Reaches 1,000, Highlights Urgent Health Issue

In Kenya, it has been reported that approximately 1,000 individuals die from snakebites each year, underscoring a significant health issue affecting the population. The revelation was made by a public official, emphas…

Sep 20, 2026

Immigration

DHS Proposes Rollback of Grace Periods for H-1B and Other Visas, Impacting African Nonimmigrants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new measure that could significantly alter the landscape for H-1B and other employment-based nonimmigrants in the United States. According to a recent report, t…

Sep 20, 2026

World

Grim discoveries of murdered women spark fear in South Africa

In South Africa, a series of horrific discoveries has plunged the nation into a state of fear and mourning. The remains of Dineo Motapane, one of nine women recently found murdered, have highlighted the alarming preva…

Sep 20, 2026

News Bulletin

Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Sunday 20 September 2026

Diaspora nurses, Kenya's fuel tragedy, and Agnes Ng’etich's marathon feat dominate today's bulletin.

Sep 20, 2026

World

Ethiopia: In-Depth Analysis - Armed Groups' Alignment Stretches Across Ethiopia - Ola Demands Fano Distance Itself From Wollega Faction. Why Both Matter

The complex network of armed groups in Ethiopia has become increasingly intricate, as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) publicly distances itself from another faction operating under the name Fano in the Wollega region…

Sep 20, 2026

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Kenya

Major Education Funding Scandal Unfolds as Schools Accused of Paying Illegal Sh6bn to Headteachers

A significant scandal has emerged in Kenya regarding the alleged payment of Sh6 billion by schools to headteachers, which has been described as illegal. The revelations have raised serious questions about the manageme…

Sep 20, 2026

World

Hub Unconference to Explore AI's Influence in Africa

The Hub Unconference is set to make a significant return for its 12th edition in Harare, Zimbabwe next week, marking a pivotal moment for discussions on the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital techno…

Sep 20, 2026

Kenya

Ruto Launches Ambitious Sh2.2 Trillion Unga Refinery and AI Financing Agenda

President William Ruto has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at enhancing Kenya's economic landscape with the introduction of a Sh2.2 trillion refinery project in Unga. This development is expected to bolster th…

Sep 20, 2026

World

Largest attack on Moscow sees Ukraine fire hundreds of drones, mayor says

Moscow, Russia - In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Moscow experienced its largest drone attack to date, with 450 drones reportedly downed during an overnight assault. According to the city's mayor, the bombardm…

Sep 20, 2026

Kenya

Tragedy Strikes in Eldoret: Fuel Siphoning Incident Leaves Three Dead and Eleven Hospitalized

A tragic fuel siphoning incident in Eldoret, Kenya, has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left eleven others in intensive care. The event highlights the dangers associated with illegal fuel activities an…

Sep 20, 2026

Kenya

Kenya: Ruto Details 28,000-Unit Police Housing Plan As Gsu Officers Graduate

President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya has announced a comprehensive plan to construct 28,000 housing units for police officers as part of a broader initiative to enhance the welfare and operational capacity of the co…

Sep 19, 2026

World

Nigeria: Niger State Imposes 24-Hour Curfew After Suspects Die in Custody

A 24-hour curfew has been imposed in Minna, the capital of Niger State, Nigeria, following the controversial deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in custody. The Niger State government implemented the curfew in…

Sep 19, 2026

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World

Museveni terms Kenya's G2G oil importation deal a middle scheme that swindled Uganda

The Government-to-Government (G2G) oil importation deal between Kenya and Uganda has ignited tensions following comments by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The deal, initially praised by Kenyan President William Ru…

Sep 19, 2026

World

Women Protest After String of Murders Near Johannesburg

In Kempton Park, a suburb near Johannesburg, South Africa, a series of gruesome murders targeting women has sparked widespread fear and outrage. The latest string of killings has resulted in women taking to the street…

Sep 19, 2026

News Bulletin

Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Saturday 19 September 2026

The bulletin covers diaspora voting, US visa changes, Kenyan political tensions, and regional conflicts.

Sep 19, 2026

World

Houthis Launch Missile and Drone Attack on Riyadh

The Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia involved in the protracted conflict in Yemen, have escalated tensions in the region by launching a significant missile and drone attack on the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The assault…

Sep 19, 2026

World

Ruto leaves for New York ahead of UN General Assembly

Kenyan President William Ruto has embarked on his journey to New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to a statement from State House, President Ruto intends to advance the…

Sep 19, 2026

Business

Nigerians Show Pride in Oil Wealth with Share Buying Frenzy

In a remarkable display of economic empowerment and a burgeoning sense of ownership, Nigerians are fervently participating in a share-buying frenzy involving the oil refinery owned by Aliko Dangote, Africa's wealthies…

Sep 19, 2026

News Bulletin

Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Saturday 19 September 2026

Today's bulletin covers diaspora voting, US immigration changes, and Kenya's Afcon preparation.

Sep 19, 2026

Sports

Kenya Races Against Time for Afcon 2027 Preparations

As the countdown to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) continues, Kenya, alongside its co-hosts Tanzania and Uganda, is under increasing pressure to expedite preparations for the prestigious football tournament. T…

Sep 19, 2026