The Common Pulse

  By   Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/ Kenya/United States/Africa / September 2025. In Cameroon, politics is often a theater of drama, resilience, and dynastic influence. Few events have underscored this more than the recent appeal by Brenda Biya, the daughter of President Paul Biya, urging citizens to re-elect her father, who at ninety-two years old remains one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. The call, made with boldness and surprising conviction, has sent shockwaves through Cameroonian society and beyond, reigniting debates about leadership, democracy, succession, and the future of governance in the central African nation. At a time when questions about generational change dominate global conversations, Brenda Biya’s statement invites scrutiny on whether the old guard can still justify its hold on power or if this marks a desperate attempt to protect a long-established dynasty. The Context of a Long Presidency Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1...

  By   Justin Kirangacha | The Common Pulse/latest news/Ukraine/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025. Malawi stands at a political crossroads once again, and the 2025 general election has captured the attention of citizens, the region, and international observers. With results yet to be officially announced, tension fills the air as both leading camps claim victory, each eager to assert dominance in a race that is far from settled. What makes this moment even more complex is not just the vote tally itself but the personalities, promises, and political baggage surrounding the candidates and their alliances. The election has become a mirror reflecting Malawi’s deeper struggles with governance, generational shifts, and the weight of history. The Return of Mutharika and the Question of Age Few political developments have stirred as much debate as the return of former president Peter Mutharika into the presidential race. At 85 years old, his decision to contest has sparked bo...

 B y  Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025 In a move that could reshape the future of social media, digital commerce, and U.S.-China relations, former President Donald Trump announced that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have approved a deal that will allow a consortium of investors to take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. The deal, which has been under speculation for years, comes at a time when debates about digital security, foreign ownership of technology companies, and the political influence of social media are at an all-time high. TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been at the center of heated discussions in Washington, with lawmakers and regulators divided over whether it poses a national security risk or represents an opportunity for global digital cooperation. The Long Road to a TikTok Deal The story of TikTok in the United States is one that stretches back several years and spans multiple ...

By   Justin Kirangacha | The Common Pulse/latest news/Ukrain/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025. Record maize harvest Kenya 2025 Kenya is on the verge of celebrating a record maize harvest in 2025, a milestone that marks a turning point for the country’s agricultural sector. For decades, maize shortages and over-reliance on imports have threatened food stability. However, this year, farmers are reporting bumper yields across major maize-growing regions, thanks to new government interventions. The announcement of a record harvest not only signals improved productivity but also reflects a shift in Kenya’s journey toward food security. President Ruto maize farming success President William Ruto has long branded himself as a champion of agriculture, and the results are starting to show. His administration’s focus on empowering farmers, lowering input costs, and modernizing farming practices has begun to pay dividends. For Ruto, maize farming success is more than just a stati...

By   Justin Kirangacha | The Common Pulse/latest news/Ukrain/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025. Kenyan soldier captured in Ukraine war News has emerged of a Kenyan soldier being captured in the ongoing Ukraine war, sparking global interest and widespread debate. The soldier, reportedly fighting on the Russian side, was taken into custody during a frontline battle. His capture has intensified conversations about the presence of African nationals in foreign conflicts, particularly in the Russia Ukraine war, which has drawn in fighters from multiple continents. Kenya citizen fighting for Russia in Ukraine The soldier’s case highlights the broader issue of Kenyan citizens participating in wars outside their borders. Reports suggest that some Africans are lured into conflicts by promises of financial rewards, military contracts, or even Russian citizenship. For Kenya, this case has ignited questions about how one of its nationals ended up on the Russian side and what diplom...

B y Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025 In September 2025, tensions between Donald Trump’s sphere of influence, including regulators, media allies, and political operatives, and critics in the media exploded into a high-profile confrontation. At its center: the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show by ABC, in the wake of his remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the suspect, Tyler Robinson. The episode is striking not only for its immediate drama but for what it reveals about the shifting boundaries of free speech, political power, regulatory oversight, and media freedom in America. What unfolds here is more than a culture-war skirmish. It is a battle that highlights how regulators, media corporations, and political campaigns interact in an era when every narrative is weaponized. This essay traces the events that led to Kimmel’s suspension, examines the Trump camp’s aggressive tactics against dissenti...

  By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025 In a rare and significant move in Kenyan politics, Githurai Ward MCA Deonysias Mwangi Waithira has tendered his resignation from the Nairobi City County Assembly , effective November 1, 2025 . This bold decision highlights long-standing frustrations with the Nairobi County Government's inability to deliver on promises and address the pressing needs of constituents in Githurai. Deonysias Waithira Resigned Waithira’s resignation was officially communicated in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Nairobi City County Assembly on September 17, 2025 . In his letter, he cited the persistent neglect of Githurai Ward and the failure to implement key development projects. Key issues highlighted by Waithira include: Dilapidated Roads : Roads like Cifu Road, Rurii Powerline Road, Chiro Road, Mucoe Road, Kweche Road, and Kirogo Road remain in a state of disrepair, hindering daily commuting a...

   By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025 South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun recently traveled to Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in a strategic move aimed at addressing escalating tensions with North Korea. This high-profile diplomatic engagement underscores the growing importance of multilateral cooperation in the Korean Peninsula and highlights China's influential role in regional security. North Korea Negotiations: The primary focus of the meeting was to encourage North Korea to re-engage in diplomatic talks. Both nations discussed practical steps to bring Pyongyang back to the negotiation table, emphasizing dialogue over conflict. Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Beyond North Korea, the meeting offered a platform to reinforce South Korea-China relations. Topics included economic collaboration, regional security, and the importance of maintaining stability in Northeast Asia. Strategic Im...

By  Kirangacha Justin | The Common Pulse/latest news/ kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025. In one of the most consequential legal rulings in Kenya’s recent history, the court has upheld the 12-year jail term handed to former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, famously known as Baba Yao. This decision, which came after months of appeals and courtroom drama, marks the climax of a corruption scandal that has gripped the nation since 2019. Waititu, once a populist leader with massive grassroots support, now faces years behind bars, sending a strong message to leaders accused of misusing public resources. For many Kenyans, the ruling is a bittersweet moment justice appears to have prevailed, but the scars left by the loss of billions in public funds remain a painful reminder of the cost of corruption. Waititu 12-Year Jail Term The 12-year jail term imposed on Ferdinand Waititu stands as one of the harshest penalties ever delivered to a former county governor in Kenya. The sentenc...