Phode News Hub

As of mid-March 2026, the Strait of Hormuz was effectively disrupted and largely closed to commercial shipping due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which began with strikes on Iran around February 28, 2026. Iran did not imposed a total, formal blockade on all traffic, but it: 1. Issued warnings via radio and statements that "no ship is allowed to pass" or that the strait is closed. 2. Declared vessels from the United States, Israel, and their allies (including Western nations) as legitimate targets. 3. Attacked or harassed ships attempting transit, including with drones, missiles, and threats of mining. 4. Allowed limited passage for ships from allies like China, Russia, and in some cases India, while restricting or blocking others. This has resulted in: 1. A massive drop in vessel traffic (e.g., near-halt with only isolated transits reported in recent days). 2. Shipping largely stalled since early March, with tankers avoiding the route due to risks. Abo...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been confirmed safe and is undergoing a medical checkup, according to recent reports and statements from his office amid ongoing rumors during the Israel-Iran conflict. His office has explicitly stated that he is "fine" and actively working, dismissing speculation about his safety and status following Iranian attacks and related misinformation.  This includes clarifications that he recently visited a health center (likely for routine or follow-up care) and a synagogue, while denying any assassination or serious incident. Key context from reliable updates: Netanyahu's office released statements confirming he is healthy, with a strong handshake (metaphorically emphasizing he's operational), and engaged in work. Rumors of his death, injury, or "missing" status (including viral claims about AI-generated videos or "six fingers") originated largely from Iranian sources (e.g., IRGC statements phras...

Raphael Tuju, the former Kenyan Cabinet Secretary and politician, has presented a petition/ protest letter to the Supreme Court of Kenya regarding the ongoing seizure and potential auction of his prime properties in Karen, Nairobi. This incident occurred on March 13, 2026, where Tuju made a dramatic appearance at the Supreme Court premises.  He sought to hand over a protest letter addressed to Chief Justice Martha Koome, likely expressing grievances over the judicial handling of his long-running debt dispute and the related property issues. The core issue stems from a multi-billion-shilling debt (reported figures vary between Sh1.9 billion and higher amounts like Sh2.2 billion or more in accumulated interest and related claims) owed by his company, Dari Limited, to the East African Development Bank (EADB).  The debt dates back over a decade to a 2015 loan facility, secured against high-value Karen assets including: 1. Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary 2. Tamarind Kare...

Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator and former ODM Secretary General, has effectively launched or promoted the "Linda Mwananchi" online portal as part of his reformist movement within (and aligned with) the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The portal, accessible at https://lindamwananchi.com/ , serves as the central hub for the Linda Mwananchi movement.  It allows Kenyans to register as members, join the cause, volunteer, and support the group's activities.  The movement, translating to "Protect the Citizen," focuses on pushing for accountability, reforms, constitutional values, and addressing public concerns like governance, the cost of living, and perceived failures in government agendas (such as their recent critique of the ODM-UDA 10-point cooperation agenda, dubbed the "10-Point Lies Report"). Recent promotions (as of March 13, 2026) from Sifuna himself and supporters emphasize signing up via the website to build momentum—calls include ...

ODM's Linda Mwananchi faction (associated with leaders like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and others) has publicly criticized and challenged aspects of the 10-Point Agenda — the agreement signed on March 7, 2025, between the late Raila Odinga (former ODM leader) and President William Ruto.  This pact aimed to foster a broad-based government approach, implement reforms from the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report, promote inclusivity in appointments and budgets, address economic issues, enhance governance, and tackle other national priorities amid post-2022 election tensions and the 2024 Gen Z protests. The faction accuses the official implementation committee (led by Agnes Zani) and the broader ODM-UDA cooperation of lacking transparency, failing to deliver regular progress reports (supposedly every two months, with a key public report due by March 7, 2026), and misrepresenti...

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire engaged President William Ruto in a public disagreement during a joint UDA-ODM parliamentary group meeting on the NADCO Report. The NADCO (National Dialogue Committee) Report stems from earlier agreements between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (via ODM), forming part of a broader 10-point agenda focused on national cohesion, governance reforms, inclusivity, and related issues.  Implementation of the NADCO Report has been a point of discussion and occasional criticism for delays. During the meeting that took place on March 10, 2026, Mbarire interrupted Ruto while he was speaking from the podium. She raised concerns that the two-thirds gender rule (a constitutional requirement for no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive bodies to be of one gender) was not included or adequately addressed in the NADCO Report or its implementation. Ruto responded by assuring her that the issue was included, reportedly saying some...