September 10, 2024: Top news events to look out for today

Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Reactions to Masengeli conviction

The conviction of acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli after he disobeyed the court order, is expected to continue attracting reactions throughout the day, which will feature among the day’s top news events, ahead of his sentencing on Friday this week. 

High Court judge Lawrence Mugambi said Masengeli had failed to respond to queries on missing persons and had failed to honour summons from the court. 

Mugambi added that Masengeli’s actions amounted to willful disobedience that undermines the supreme law and administration of justice. 

“It is the responsibility of the court to hold such into account and failure to appear in court amounts to direct contempt,” the judge noted.

“The IG has shown that he is busy or unbothered and his actions show disobedience and undermine the Court.”

Identification of Endarasha learners

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday, September 9, 2024, kicked off the identification process on the bodies of pupils who perished in the Hillside Endarasha Academy dormitory fire.

DNA collection from families has commenced, with autopsies scheduled for today Tuesday, September 10, 2024, followed by the reconciliation of DNA samples.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in a statement issued on Monday, September 9, 2024, said 19 bodies were recovered from the dormitory, while two other pupils died while undergoing treatment in hospital.

Parents of the 19 pupils that were killed in the fire have not been able to identify their bodies, with the government promising to give update on the DCI’s scientific analysis as soon as the information is made available.

Harambee Stars in action

Harambee Stars are today Tuesday, September 10, 2024, set to face Namibia in their second 2025 AFCON qualifier match, at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

Kenya began their qualification campaign with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe at Mandela Stadium in Uganda, earning a point.

Meanwhile, in the other Group J match, Cameroon defeated Namibia and currently tops the group with 3 points.

Kenya and Zimbabwe are tied with a point each, while Namibia has yet to register any points.

Match officials for the upcoming clash will include Salisu Basheer, Grema Mohammed, Pwadutakam Samuel and Abdulmajeed Olaide.

As Harambee Stars look to secure their first win in the qualifiers, Cameroon will also face Zimbabwe in the other Group J match.

The top two teams from each group will earn a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament, to be hosted by Morocco.

Power blackout

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has announced scheduled power interruptions that will affect the supply of electricity to 10 counties.

In a statement issued on the evening of Monday, September 10, 2024, Kenya Power said the blackout will be a result of scheduled maintenance which will last from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The counties affected include Nairobi, Laikipia, Kiambu, Makueni, Bomet, Nyandarua, Uasin Gishu, Kisii, Homa Bay and Nyeri.