Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Sunday 18 October 2026

Evening Edition for Sunday, 18 October 2026. Running time 9:21.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

1. 200 Patients Rescued from Illegal Rehab in South Africa
2. Kenyan Woman's Family Receives Support After Saudi Arabia Death

Immigration News

1. USCIS Ends EAD Extensions, Affecting Immigrants
2. Australia Tightens Student Visa Rules

Kenya News

1. Sifuna Accuses ODM Leaders of Abandoning Raila's Legacy
2. Ruto Plans to Decentralise KCC Factories to Lower Milk Prices
3. Pauline Njoroge Endorses Sifuna for Kenya's Change
4. Kalonzo Warns of Alleged Plot to Arrest Natembeya

World News

1. Sudan Army Accused of Drone Strike on Market
2. Pope Appeals to Putin for Cease-Fire in Ukraine
3. Protests in France Lead to Over 1,800 Arrests

Other News

1. ICE Wrongful Detention Bill Proposes $500,000 Compensation

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Sunday, the eighteenth of October, and here is your evening edition.

Coming up.

USCIS ends EAD extensions, impacting immigrants' work permits.

Pope appeals to Putin for Ukrainian city cease-fire.

Sudan accused of drone strike on livestock market.

Those stories, and more, in the next few minutes.

In diaspora news, authorities in South Africa have rescued about two hundred patients from a suspected illegal rehab centre, where they endured deplorable conditions. Many were found in chains, suffering severe health issues and sores. The centre, operating in an unspecified location, sparked outrage and demands for stricter regulations. The authorities are investigating and expected to take action against those responsible. This rescue highlights the need for oversight in rehabilitation services to prevent such abuses and ensure patient care and safety.

Staying with diaspora news, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs supports the family of Teresia Wawira Njagi, a Kenyan woman who died in Saudi Arabia. Her remains arrived in Kenya on the ninth of October, allowing her family to prepare for burial. Officials attended her funeral, offering psychosocial support and advising on safe overseas employment. They emphasized verifying recruitment agencies and following established procedures. The advice comes as Saudi Arabia continues to attract Kenyans seeking better employment opportunities, amid concerns over worker safety abroad.

Turning to immigration news, USCIS has ended the 540-day automatic EAD extension, impacting immigrants, including those from Africa. This change affects asylum seekers, certain students, and temporary protected status holders who relied on timely work authorization. The policy shift may lead to job insecurity as immigrants face longer gaps between permits. USCIS cites resource constraints and aims to streamline operations, but the change poses challenges for the African diaspora in the U.S., including Kenyans, who must navigate work permit renewals amid this new landscape.

Also in immigration news, Australia will tighten student visa rules from October second, twenty twenty-six. The changes restrict applications from within the country and narrow eligibility for family dependants. The move aims to curb visa hopping and ensure student visas are primarily for education. Current visa holders are unaffected, but future applicants will face stricter conditions. Some groups, like doctoral candidates and those with specific exemptions, remain eligible to apply onshore. These reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen migration controls in Australia.

Turning to Kenya news, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna accuses ODM leaders of abandoning Raila Odinga's legacy. Speaking in Nairobi, Sifuna claimed some politicians shifted support to President Ruto's agenda, neglecting Raila's principles. He pledged to defend Raila's legacy and support his family. Tensions arose during Raila's anniversary in Bondo, marked by political disagreements. Sifuna alleged disrespect towards the Odinga family by former allies. This dispute echoes concerns from Raila's widow, Ida Odinga, who criticized the politicization of the commemoration event meant to honor Raila's contributions.

Staying with Kenya news, President William Ruto announced plans to decentralise New KCC factories to reduce milk prices. Speaking in Kapsabet, Ruto said the factories will operate independently, ending the current distribution through Nairobi. This aims to cut transport costs and improve efficiency. The model draws from KTDA's decentralised system. Ruto pledged the government would pay about four hundred million shillings owed to dairy farmers by month's end to help sustain milk production. The changes seek to address milk shortages and lower prices for consumers.

Also from Kenya, Pauline Njoroge endorsed Senator Edwin Sifuna, likening him to biblical David in Kenya's search for change. Speaking at a church in Donholm, she highlighted concerns over healthcare, public resources, and education. Njoroge sees Sifuna as a leader capable of addressing these issues. Her endorsement aligns with her role in the Linda Mwananchi movement, emphasizing accountability and renewal. She urged prayers for Sifuna, warning of resistance to change. Njoroge's support reflects growing involvement in opposition politics, advocating for a new direction in Kenya's leadership.

Wrapping up Kenya news, Kalonzo Musyoka alleges a plot to arrest Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, promising legal support if targeted. Speaking in Mwingi, Kalonzo claims state agencies plan to move against Natembeya and opposition leaders critical of President Ruto. He accused the government of intimidation and assured legal aid for Natembeya. Kalonzo criticized Ruto's recent remarks in Iten, urging careful public statements. The allegations arise amid political positioning for the twenty twenty-seven elections, though no official arrest confirmation has been made, leaving claims unverified.

In world news, the Sudanese army faces accusations of a drone strike on a livestock market in South Darfur. The RSF claims the attack resulted in casualties and damage, though the military insists it targeted RSF positions. South Darfur remains a conflict hotspot between the army and RSF, with the latter accused of war crimes. Allegations of civilian target attacks raise concerns about humanitarian law violations. The international community calls for restraint and independent investigations as the conflict threatens regional peace and stability.

Also from the world, Pope Leo the fourteenth, recovering from surgery, has appealed to Russian President Putin for a cease-fire in Oleshky, Ukraine. The city is under siege, with two thousand residents trapped and facing starvation. The Pope's plea highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Oleshky and the broader conflict's impact. As Russian forces maintain control, residents lack essential supplies. The Pope's call for peace underscores the moral duty to protect civilians and urges diplomatic solutions. The international community watches closely for a resolution.

Staying with world news, violent protests against the rising cost of living in France have led to over one thousand eight hundred arrests. Demonstrations erupted in cities like Paris, with burnt cars and shattered glass marking the unrest. The protests, involving over half a million people, turned violent with looting and vandalism. More than one hundred fifty police officers were injured during clashes. The unrest reflects global economic challenges, resonating with the Kenyan diaspora. The situation highlights the fragility of social order amid economic distress.

In other news, a new U.S. bill proposes up to five hundred thousand dollars compensation for citizens wrongfully detained by ICE. The legislation addresses ICE's detention practices amid reports of Americans held in custody. Currently, no standardized process exists for wrongful detention damages, leaving citizens to pursue costly litigation. The bill aims to rectify this, acknowledging harm from wrongful detention. It also proposes safeguards like mandatory agent training and expanded legal access. The legislation resonates with immigrant communities, addressing longstanding concerns over ICE practices.

And that is your evening edition. The next bulletin is at midday tomorrow. You can read every one of these stories in full, and much more besides, at Mwakilishi.com.

Have a good evening.

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