Axad 20 April 2025 {HMC} Several people are feared dead while others are nursing injuries following a tragic road accident early Saturday morning, April 19, along Thika Road.

This was after a private car they were in rammed into a stalled trailer at Membley, Ruiru, near the Kenyatta University Referral Hospital.

The accident, which reportedly occurred around 2:30 a.m., is said to have been caused by the driver of the car overspeeding and having little time to react before crashing into the trailer.

Additionally, poor visibility due to non-functional street lights on the road and the alleged failure by the trailer driver to place a warning triangle reportedly contributed to the grisly crash that left the car in a mangled wreck.

Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed police officers and curious onlookers milling around the scene of the accident, with rescue efforts ongoing. An ambulance was also present at the scene.

The accident came at a time when most Kenyans are in a celebratory mood as they mark the Easter holidays. It further coincides with a period where road carnage in Kenya has been on a worrying upward trend over the past two months, with enforcement agencies scrambling to implement measures that could stem the tide of casualties and injuries.

Despite these efforts, the battle for safer roads continues to be undermined—not just by limited enforcement capacity but also by the widespread ignorance or outright disregard for traffic laws among some road users.

To that effect, the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) announced that they would enforce a crackdown on drivers breaching road safety regulations ahead of and during the Easter Celebration.

In a press briefing in Mombasa, the NTSA Chairman Khatib Mwashetani confirmed that the authority will deploy officers across different roads in the country from Wednesday to ensure that Kenyans abide by road safety regulations during the busy weekend.

During the crackdown, Khatib said that the NTSA officers will be keen to apprehend vehicles that have not installed speed governors and drunk drivers, among other offences. NTSA also issued six road safety directives ahead of the Easter celebrations, days after fatal crashes, urging all motorists to abide by the rules.

At the top of the list, drivers were urged to drive within the speed limit, followed by a plea to maintain sobriety, terming it “the silent hero of every safe trip home.” Drivers were warned against drunk driving as a result.

Thirdly, vehicle owners were directed to remove stalled vehicles as soon as possible and to take precautionary measures like placing signs to warn oncoming traffic.

Drivers were also urged to take enough rest and plan in good time to rest well before they begin their journey to maintain alertness when on the road. They were also implored to ensure that their vehicle is serviced before taking to the road to ensure a smooth journey.

Lastly, NTSA directed motorists to report cases of reckless driving to the police through the 911 hotline. On Friday, NTSA issued an update on the crackdown, revealing that it had recorded 19 cases of traffic violations including drunk driving recorded along the Nairobi – Nakuru Highway on Thursday night.

Axad 20 April 2025 {HMC} The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has received former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu as part of his ongoing national consultations with key Somali figures, including elders, leaders, and intellectuals.

The two discussed the current state of the country and emphasized the importance of strengthening state-building efforts. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to the fight against terrorism and expressed full support for the Somali Armed Forces who continue to sacrifice their lives for the safety and stability of the nation.

Axad 20 April 2025 {HMC} The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, held a productive meeting with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia, H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al Nuaimi.

The discussion centered around strengthening the longstanding partnership between Somalia and Qatar, with a particular focus on reconciliation, stabilization, and state-building efforts. With both sides reaffirming their commitment to these efforts.

Axad 20 April 2025 {HMC} The Prime Minister of the Federation Government of Somalia, H.E Hamza Abdi Barre sent a congratulatory letter to the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Dr. Đuro Macut.

He wished him a successful tenure and best of luck. He also expresses his hopes for a long-term friendship and strengthened ties between two nations.

Sunday 20, April  2025  {HMC} Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports claiming the government intends to sell its embassy building in Somalia, dismissing the allegations as false and part of a coordinated smear campaign.

In a statement to Yemeni media, Foreign Minister Shaea Mohsen Al-Zendani addressed the claims circulating on social platforms and in some press outlets. “They are trying to discredit the work of the Ministry abroad, including its diplomatic relations with other countries,” he said. “We know these are orchestrated and false allegations.”

Al-Zendani said his office had received several media inquiries regarding the reports and reiterated that no plans exist to sell or lease any Yemeni diplomatic property in Somalia. He described the rumours as “propaganda with no basis in fact.”

He also urged media organizations to exercise responsibility in their coverage. “He called on the media to take responsibility for what they report,” Al-Zendani said, warning against the continued spread of misinformation.

While the Yemeni government has rejected those claims, Hiiraan Online has not independently verified the ownership status of the buildings or whether any formal plans for their sale exist.

Yemen and Somalia share deep-rooted diplomatic and cultural ties. Both countries served as critical ports along ancient trade routes in the Gulf of Aden.