Geoff Nyarota: Burial Set for Wednesday – International Edition (English)

Geoff Nyarota: Burial Set for Wednesday – International Edition (English)

HARARE, March 24 (LIFEHACKLive) — The deceased seasoned journalist Geoffrey Nyarota will be laid to rest at his countryside residence in Rusape on Wednesday, as announced by the family.

Tafirenyika, Nyarota’s son, verified on Monday that his father’s body will be displayed at his rural home in Gwangwadza village on Tuesday evening prior to the funeral scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Nyarota passed away due to colon cancer on Sunday at the age of 74.

During his illustrious career Nyarota edited The Financial Gazette, The Chronicle, The Daily News and Zimbabwe Times. He also authored three books, namely ‘Against the Grain, Memoirs of a Zimbabwean Newsman’; ‘The Graceless Fall of Robert Mugabe: The End of a Dictator’s Reign’; and ‘The Honourable Minister: An Anatomy of Endemic Corruption’ .

At the same time, colleagues in journalism kept offering their praises, highlighting Nyarota as an unwavering advocate for press freedom.

If there were a hall of fame for journalism in Zimbabwe, John Gambanga remarked, the late journalist’s name would undoubtedly be atop the media section. During his tenure as news editor and subsequently as editor of Daily News under Nyarota’s leadership as ANZ editor-in-chief, he made significant contributions to this legacy.

“He referred to things by their true names and courageously advocated for press freedom, sternly calling out corruption among national leaders,” Gambanga stated.

Brian Mangwande, who previously worked as an editor at LIFEHACK, stated that Nyarota served as both a guide and a strong source of backing for numerous reporters in Zimbabwe.

“My thoughts go out to the Nyarota family during this incredibly challenging time and to the media community at large,” Mangwende stated.

Geoff was a guiding light, a cornerstone, and a mentor to numerous writers. He was an advocate for press freedom and a formidable presence among his peers.

We have lost a legendary figure whom we will always remember for their significant contributions to press freedom and their unwavering commitment to advocating for media independence worldwide.”

A fellow journalist, Sani Mbofana, stated that Zimbabwe’s media environment has become less rich with the departure of Nyarota.

Their heritage stands as a strong testament that an unfettered and autonomous media is crucial for a thriving democracy.

“His efforts towards the nation’s democratic movement will be recalled among those of other prominent individuals who advocated for liberty, equity, and human dignity,” stated Mbofana.

In a sincere expression of sympathy, Moses Magadza, who serves as the media and communications manager for the SADC Parliamentary Forum, stated that the annals of journalism in post-independence Zimbabwe would lack crucial elements if they failed to mention “this exceptional scribe.”

Nyarota is leaves behind his wife, Ursula, along with their three children.

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Hull Greenlights £7.6M for Enhanced Bus Services

Hull Greenlights £7.6M for Enhanced Bus Services

The Hull City Council has been granted £7.6 million from the government to enhance its public transportation systems, particularly focusing on buses.

The agency stated that the funds from the Department for Transport (DfT) will be utilized for introducing new services, boosting the frequency on major routes, setting up approximately 30 new bus stops, and enhancing accessibility under their Bus Service Enhancement Program. This initiative is scheduled to roll out between April and March 2026.

Kerry Ryan, who leads the transport and traffic management department at the council, stated that the objective was to “offer additional transportation alternatives and encourage individuals to opt for greener travel methods.”

The funding from the DfT is part of an extensive effort to improve bus services throughout England.

As per the council’s proposal, a fresh service will be introduced to the North York Moors, connecting with Clough Road and forming a circuit through Kingswood.

Major corridors such as those running along Anlubby Road, Holderness Road, Beverley Road, and Spring Bank West will have buses operating at intervals of 10 minutes throughout the day, as stated by the local government.

The council mentioned that they will provide enhanced details at bus stops, which includes additional seating, signage, and upgrades to the display of bus schedules.

Ben Gilligan, the managing director of East Yorkshire Buses, stated: “Over the past year, we’ve been satisfied with our advancements as we aimed at boosting service frequency throughout the city.”

He mentioned that customers were provided with “additional choices to opt for eco-friendly transportation and reach both the city and nearby regions.”

Matt Cranwell, the managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, stated: “This funding has been essential and will remain vital for the ongoing enhancement of transportation choices for the residents of Hull.”

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More stories like this

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Communal Clash in Erin-Osun: Losses Recounted, Urgent Call for Government and NEMA Intervention

The Erin-Osun Progressive Union (EPU) has lamented the extensive damage resulting from the continuing intercommunity conflict among Ilobu, Ifon-Osun, and Erin-Osun, indicating that assets valued at billions of naira have been destroyed.

On Monday, Chief Kayode Olawale, who serves as the National President of EPU, released a statement from Osogbo expressing deep concern over the destruction caused in contested frontier regions. According to him, numerous houses were set ablaze, and vehicles along with motorbikes faced vandalism, resulting in tens of thousands of inhabitants being forced out of their homes.

“Numerous individuals from our community have become displaced and are fighting for survival. Consequently, we urge the government via NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agencies to promptly provide assistance to our area,” pleaded Olawale.

The EPU additionally called upon the Osun State Government to implement more robust measures to avoid further violence.

“We acknowledge the government’s first steps, but we urgently call for stronger actions to tackle this crisis. The expansionist objectives of those attacking us have left them oblivious to the catastrophic outcomes of their deeds, leading to casualties and property damage in Erin-Osun,” the statement said.

Accusations Targeting Ilobu and Security Forces The labor union alleged that inhabitants of Ilobu and armed insurgents deliberately attacked Erin-Osun on Friday evening, resulting in burnt-down homes and numerous people being displaced.

Related News Ilobu/Ifon Crisis: Affected Individuals Appeal for Help from Governor Adeleke, NEMA, et al. Flooding: NEMA Warns Residents of Niger Community About Disaster Risk Reduction and Inadequate Waste Disposal More Than 500 Shops Destroyed in Aleshinloye Market – NEMA

Even though our town remained neutral during the resumption of the Ilobu-Ifon conflict, attackers from Ilobu invaded our community, razing houses and damaging property,” Olawale stated. “Security personnel arrived subsequently; however, their response was delayed, permitting further devastation.

He further alleged that soldiers deployed to restore order acted with bias, intimidating Erin-Osun residents while giving Ilobu attackers free rein.

“One of our team members was fired upon up close by a soldier who was meant to safeguard us,” he alleged.

Denials and Counter-Accusations Emerge as Ilobu Rejects Claims, Blames Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun In response, the Ilobu Asake Development Union’s National President, Pastor Olufemi Salako, refuted these claims in a separate statement. He alleged that Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun jointly attacked Ilobu, supported by an influential government figure.

“This marks the eighth occasion where our innocent populace has endured such brutal assaults, even though Ilobu has contributed significantly to maintaining national tranquility. Despite producing the late Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja—who met with an unexplained end—rather than safeguarding their fellow townspeople, Ilobu remains vulnerable to these fires,” Salako emphasized.

As tensions escalate and the death toll rises, all parties involved are urgently demanding governmental action to halt additional devastation and establish enduring stability.

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Fake Image Erroneously Labels Western Kenya as Unwelcoming to President William Ruto

A fake image misleadingly suggests that Western Kenya is unwelcoming toward President William Ruto.


IN SHORT:

In the 2022 election, Kenyan President William Ruto garnered a substantial number of votes from western Kenya. However, an image purportedly citing his political supporter Boni Khalwale as stating that the area has become unwelcoming toward Ruto is false.

Western Kenya exhibits strong hostility toward President William Ruto due to his political associates insulting regional leaders. This sentiment reflects deep dissatisfaction with how he has allowed such behavior to occur.
according
to a
graphic
seemingly
quoting
Kakamega
county
senator
Boni Khalwale
The county is located in Western Kenya.

The Western region is highly antagonistic towards Ruto; bringing Ichungwa here to disrespect a greatly esteemed figure such as Natembeya would not be tolerated. Aligning yourself with Raila won’t absolve your actions, Mulembe residents understand that ODM aims to remove Sifuna from power,
reads
.

The
graphic
has an
image
of Khalwale and the
logo
of
Nation Africa
, suggesting that the information was disseminated by the news organization.

Mulembe” is a term from the Luhya language that signifies peace. This group is casually known as the “Mulembe people.

The context

The
quote
seems to indicate someone who is upset
outburst
by prominent member of the leading political party
Kimani Ichung’wa
directed at
Trans Nzoia county
governor
George Natembeya
During the funeral of Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker’s mother
Moses Wetang’ula
In Bungoma County, located in western Kenya, during January 2025.

Ichung’wa serves as a Member of Parliament representing the Kikuyu constituency located in Kiambu County, which borders Nairobi. He belongs to the Kikuyu ethnic group.

Natembeya had urged President Ruto to tackle the widespread abduction of young government critics, which provoked Ichung’wa’s ire. Ichung’wa denounced Natembeya as a hypocrite, noting that his term as a regional commissioner during the former administration was characterized by similar issues.
reports
Of kidnappings and arbitrary executions.

The most recent kidnappings, thought to have been conducted by government officials, received widespread attention.
reported
Between June 2024 and January 2025, Kenyan law enforcement officials refuted their participation in the kidnappings.

After the Kikuyu, the Luhya constitute the second-largest ethnic group in the nation, primarily residing in western Kenya.

Leaders from the region,
including Natembeya
, have been advocating for unity within the community to enhance effective competition at the national level.

Raila Odinga leads Kenya’s principal opposition party, the
Orange Democratic Movement
(ODM) Since the outset, Ruto and Odinga’s political relationship has been improving steadily.
inclusion
Of those from the former group who were part of the administration as of July 2024, on March 7, 2025, both heads met.
signed
a
memorandum of understanding
that seemed to cement their political alliance.

Nairobi county
Senator Edwin Sifuna, who belongs to the Luhya community, serves as the secretary general of ODM.

The
graphic
has been posted
here
and
here
.

However, is it legitimate? We verified.

Fake graphic

The text in the image has misplaced or absent punctuation marks. This kind of error would not typically appear in content from a reputable media source, making it the initial indication that the information might be false.

We contrasted the circulating image with another.
genuine one
Posted by the news website and highlighted notable discrepancies. The particular image in question has poor design, employs a distinct font compared to the news site’s graphic style, and lacks a date—unlike authentic versions. These elements serve as warning signs.

Africa Check found no evidence of reputable Kenyan media outlets reporting their content.

Usually, Nation Africa shares its visuals through its verified social media profiles, which include
Facebook
and
X
However, Africa Check was unable to locate the shared graphic on any of the mentioned accounts.

On March 1st, Nation Africa
posted
A fuzzy rendition of the dubious image, overlaid with the term “fake.”

“FAKE NEWS ALERT! Please be advised that this card doing rounds on social media is fake,” it
warned
.

The graphic is fake. It is not from Nation Africa, and there is no evidence that Khalwale made the remarks.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Homa Bay Night Storm: HomesDestroyed, 17 Families Left Homeless

Homa Bay Night Storm: HomesDestroyed, 17 Families Left Homeless


  • Dozens of residents in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties found themselves without shelter as powerful windstorms destroyed their houses.

  • The windstorms occurred on the evening of Sunday, March 24, impacting a minimum of 17 homes in Homa Bay.

  • In an exclusive interview with LIFEHACK.co.ke, Chief Eucabeth Obila from the Central Kochia region stated that the impacted families urgently require assistance.

Several families in Kochia ward, Rangwe sub-county in Homa Bay county, and Kayodo village, Kolwa Central ward, Kisumu East sub-county, have been left homeless after fierce windstorms ravaged their homes following Sunday night’s heavy rains.

The storms, which brought strong winds and intense rainfall, left a trail of destruction, forcing residents to seek shelter wherever they could.

In Kochia ward, the residents of Nyarut, Kombogo, and Lower Kowili villages in the Central Kochia location spent a sleepless night as their houses were completely destroyed.

Area Chief Eucabeth Obila stated that more than 17 homes lost their rooftops, exposing residents to the chill.

The destruction also affected three churches, which were blown off by the winds, and multiple crop farms were swept away by the raging floods, leaving farmers with nothing.

What caused the windstorm in Homa Bay?

A victim named Mary Akinyi, a 45-year-old woman from Nyarut Village, recounted the frightening events of that night.

“I was sound asleep as the storm started. The wind was roaring so fiercely that, before I realized what happened, our roof was torn away from our home. My kids and I then had to rush out into the heavy downpour to find refuge at our neighbor’s place,” said Akinyi, her voice filled with emotion.

Like many others in the region, Akinyi is now left with only her devastated house and dispersed possessions.

During an exclusive interview with

LIFEHACK.co.ke

, Chief Obila urgently appealed to humanitarian groups and the State Department of Disaster Management for prompt aid to support the impacted families.

“Our community desperately requires assistance. Numerous individuals have been left with nothing, and we can’t afford to delay aid any further,” she stated.

At the same time, in Kayodo village, the circumstances were equally dire, with multiple households being trapped when their roofs were ripped away by the strong gusts of wind.

The inhabitants currently face homelessness, with their dwellings reduced to rubble, and their means of living under threat.

Following the storm, both communities have been left stunned, with families now possessing barely anything beyond the remnants of their former dwellings.

The roofs of Homa Bay schools were torn away due to powerful gusts of wind.

Earlier, LIFEHACK.co.ke reported that powerful gusts had forced students at two institutions in Homa Bay County to conduct their classes outdoors beneath the shade of trees. The reason being that the winds had torn off the school buildings’ rooftops.

The impacted institutions included Kikubi Comprehensive School and St. George’s Junior School, with both locations experiencing damage not only to their toilets but also to their administrative sections.

Multiple households experienced damage during the strong winds on the evening of Monday, March 10, as the gusts stripped away the rooftops of their rented homes in the Nyandiwa trading center within the Suba South constituency.

Flower Firm Sparks Alarm as 10-Acre School Land in Meru County Is Transferred

Flower Firm Sparks Alarm as 10-Acre School Land in Meru County Is Transferred


  • A dispute is arising over a contentious 10-acre section of publicly owned land situated within a 240-acre floral cultivation area in Timau, Meru County.

  • The plot initially designated for an educational facility has raised worries about students’ potential contact with toxic substances employed in floriculture.

  • Nonetheless, the operation has encountered bureaucratic obstacles due to the fact that the flower farm hires numerous local residents.

Meru County has been given a two-week ultimatum by the National Lands Commission (NLC) to provide a comprehensive report regarding a contentious 10-acre section of public land located inside a 240-acre floral plantation in Timau.

The plot initially designated for an educational facility has raised worries about potential contamination of students due to the pesticides employed in nearby floriculture activities.

Original concept for a 10-acre plot of land

The Ngusishi community and TimaFlor flower farm had earlier consented to moving the specified educational facility to an alternative location.

Based on a video that was sent to

LIFEHACK.co.ke

The intention was to keep the school separate from the farm to protect the students’ well-being.

Nevertheless, the procedure has encountered bureaucratic obstacles.

Peter Mbai, who leads the Lands Department for Meru County, stressed that any choice about public land should include the recently inaugurated Governor Isaac Mutuma.

Why contentious land is inappropriate for a school site?

He highlighted the significance of adopting a collaborative method, making sure every stakeholder participates in the conversations.

Patrick Mutuma, a local Member of County Assembly (MCA), mentioned that the community agreed to permit TimaFlor to find another site for the facility.

He contended that the initial location was not appropriate for students because of possible chemical contamination risks, yet he recognized how crucial the floriculture industry is economically, as it provides jobs for numerous locals.

Ndumba Murishia, the chairman of the Ngusishi community, voiced similar opinions, endorsing the move for the educational institution.

Path ahead for contentious Meru land issues?

The TimaFlor leadership team has restated their dedication to collaborating with the community in finding an appropriate alternate location for establishing a technical and vocational education training (TVET) facility that caters to the needs of the local residents.

The NLC Deputy Chairman, Gertrude Nguku, has instructed the Meru County administration to submit a detailed report regarding the contested property within fourteen days.

The commission will subsequently reach a conclusive decision regarding the case, guaranteeing that students are protected from harmful agricultural chemicals while also considering the financial well-being of the community.

This situation highlights the subtle equilibrium required between advancing industry and safeguarding public well-being, with all parties striving to maintain both economic prospects and student safety within the area.

Tim Wanyonyi prevents private investor from constructing nearby school

It isn’t the first time Kenya has seen controversy arise from land designated for a school being reallocated for business use.

In another incident, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi thwarted a developer trying to encroach upon a parcel of public land.

Supported by local community members, Wanyonyi successfully prevented a foreign investor from attempting to seize land owned by Westlands Primary School.

The legislator criticized Governor Johnson Sakaja’s government for approving buildings improperly and witnessing an upsurge in instances of land grabbing.

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