This archive report was first published on 29 December 2019.
As the year comes to a close, it's hard not to reflect on the stories that captivated our attention and left us with a mix of emotions. From bizarre tales to heart-wrenching accounts, these stories made headlines and sparked conversations online and offline.
One such story was the 'fake gold saga' that unfolded in May. A leaked phone conversation allegedly revealed a negotiation between Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang'ula and a Dubai businessman over the supply of gold. The businessman claimed to have lost Sh400 million to scammers, with Wetang'ula's name featuring prominently in the investigations. When confronted by the press, Wetang'ula denied any involvement, stating, 'I am not aware of what you are talking about, it is a non-issue to me and I don't want to engage in it.'
Another story that gripped the nation was the 'puzzle of the twins.' Sharon Mathias, Melon Lutenyo, and Mevies Imbaya, identical twins separated at birth 19 years ago, met in an unexpected circumstance, sparking a DNA test that revealed their remarkable resemblance. The reunion was bittersweet, with the twins eventually reconnecting with their biological parents.
November saw the 'aflatoxin scare' hit the headlines, with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) issuing a list of maize flour brands contaminated with the toxic product. Kebs advised the brands to be withdrawn from the market, but some millers disputed the sampling methods used. The regulator maintained its stance, stating, 'The affected manufacturers will be required to institute corrective actions whose effectiveness shall be confirmed by Kebs before the suspension of permits is lifted.'
Just a few days later, most of the banned brands were back on the shelves, sporting the standardisation mark from Kebs. The 'prophet Owuor scandal' also made waves in March, with the family of a Nairobi lawyer accusing the prophet of brainwashing her and stealing her property. The accusation sparked a heated debate on whether people who donate in the name of God are coerced and brainwashed into doing so.
Lastly, the 'Huduma Namba' registration process, which began with patriotic songs and adverts, ended on March 25 with a promise of issuing cards bearing people's details. However, despite the government's insistence that the cards are being processed, there is nothing to show for it, with Parliament asking for a forensic audit of the Huduma Namba budget last month.
