Discover the inspiring story of Captain John Kiniti, Kenya’s first African pilot whose daring act helped found Kenya Airways.

Captain John Guy Kiniti: The Aviator Who Built Kenya Airways

The name Captain John Guy Kiniti holds a special place in Kenya’s aviation history. When news broke on October 4, 2025, that he had died after a short illness, tributes poured in from across Africa. He was more than a pilot — he was a pioneer who helped lift a nation’s dreams into the skies.

Early Life and Rise in Aviation

Born in Kiambu County, Kiniti came from humble beginnings but aimed high from a young age. He joined East African Airways (EAA) in the 1960s, becoming the first African commercial pilot in the region. At a time when aviation was dominated by expatriates, he broke barriers and inspired young Africans to dream of the cockpit.

Kiniti mastered aircraft like the Douglas DC-9 and soon became an instructor and mentor. Colleagues admired his calm focus and discipline. Over time, he logged tens of thousands of flight hours and trained dozens of local pilots who later joined Kenya Airways.

“Captain Kiniti was more than a pilot—he was an institution,” said a former colleague during his funeral at Lang’ata Cemetery.

The 1977 Escape from Dar

In January 1977, the East African Community (EAC) collapsed, leading to the breakup of East African Airways. As political tensions rose, aircraft belonging to the airline were grounded in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Kenyan government feared losing its share of planes to regional politics.

At the airport, four aircraft sat idle: two DC-9 jets and two Fokker 27s. Tanzanian officials refused to refuel three of them, intending to block their transfer to Kenya. Kiniti, commanding one DC-9 that still had fuel, quickly formed a daring plan.

According to Yesterday’s Airlines, he persuaded ground staff to siphon fuel from his plane to the two Fokkers. When Tanzanian officers returned from a football match, three aircraft had already taken off for Nairobi. Flying low over the Indian Ocean, Kiniti switched off his radio and guided the planes safely home.

Those aircraft became the founding fleet of Kenya Airways, officially launched on January 22, 1977. Its maiden flight took place on February 4, 1977. That bold escape secured Kenya’s aviation future.

Years of Service and Mentorship

After that heroic mission, Kiniti continued flying for Kenya Airways. He served on routes across Africa, Europe, and Asia, earning a reputation for precision and reliability. Later, he transitioned into a flight instructor’s role, where his leadership shaped the airline’s next generation of aviators.

He retired in December 2015, ending nearly four decades of service. Even in retirement, he remained a reference point for professionalism. Many Kenyan pilots credit him for the discipline and mentorship that defined their careers.

A Legacy that Endures

When Captain Kiniti passed away at 88, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) called him a “hero of the skies.” He is survived by his wife, Halima Sulehka Kiniti, and their children, including Capt. Judy Wanjiku, who followed in his footsteps.

Kiniti’s story reflects the birth of modern Kenyan aviation. His bold act in 1977 ensured that Kenya Airways began with aircraft, identity, and pride. Without his decision, the airline might not have survived its founding crisis.

“He didn’t just fly planes; he flew Kenya’s dream,” said one aviation historian.

Today, every Kenya Airways flight carries part of his legacy. The courage, skill, and patriotism that defined Captain John Kiniti continue to inspire pilots across Africa.

Kenya mourns opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died aged 80 in India. His death reshapes the country’s politics and democratic legacy.

By Charles Wachira

NAIROBI/, Oct 15 (BW Africa) –Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s enduring opposition leader and five-time presidential contender, has died aged 80 while receiving treatment at an Ayurvedic eye hospital in Kerala, India. His family confirmed he collapsed during his morning walk on the hospital’s grounds, succumbing to cardiac arrest, according to Reuters.

Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba”, was a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape — a reformist who spent decades challenging entrenched power and demanding constitutional change. His death ends one of Africa’s most resilient political careers and leaves Kenya grappling with what comes next for its opposition and democracy.

From Detention to Democracy

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, western Kenya, Odinga was the son of independence hero and Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Following the 1982 coup attempt against President Daniel arap Moi, Raila was detained without trial for nearly a decade — an experience that hardened his resolve to fight for multiparty democracy.

“Those who imprisoned me thought they could silence me,” Odinga said in a 1992 BBC interview. “But what they did was strengthen my belief that Kenya must belong to all its people.”

His release in 1991 coincided with the return of multiparty politics, a reform for which he was instrumental. That year, Kenya repealed the Section 2A clause of its constitution, reintroducing pluralism. Odinga quickly became the face of political resistance, steering the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD) alongside his father.

The Reluctant Statesman

Odinga’s political life was defined by both triumphs and betrayals. As Prime Minister (2008–2013) under the power-sharing government with Mwai Kibaki, formed after the 2007–08 post-election violence, he worked to restore stability to a fractured nation.

Despite his achievements, he never captured the presidency. Odinga ran unsuccessfully in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022. Each defeat was clouded by accusations of electoral malpractice. His supporters repeatedly filled the streets demanding justice, while Odinga’s rallies — known for their fiery rhetoric — became stages of national catharsis.

“The figures announced are null and void,” he told supporters after the 2017 election. “We will not be sworn in by the court of public opinion, but by truth and justice.”

The Handshake and a New Political Tone

Perhaps the most surprising turn in his career came in 2018 when Odinga and then-President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a truce — famously called “The Handshake.” The move, covered by The Nation, was hailed as a moment of national reconciliation but also drew skepticism.

To his critics, it was political survival; to supporters, it was proof of maturity. Odinga insisted it was about Kenya’s unity: “Elections come and go, but Kenya must endure.”

The partnership paved the way for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) — a controversial reform package that sought to amend Kenya’s constitution to promote inclusivity. Though the Supreme Court later struck it down, BBI reflected Odinga’s lifelong mission: to remake the state in the image of fairness.

Ailing but Unbowed

In recent years, questions had surfaced about his health. Local outlets like The Standard reported that Odinga sought treatment in India for eye complications in 2023, though his team denied any serious illness.

Even so, he remained active. As recently as September 2025, Odinga was seen addressing rallies and pushing for electoral reforms. “The day I decide to go back to Bondo, I will not seek permission from anyone,” he declared during a public gathering, dismissing retirement speculation.

Kenya’s Political Earthquake

His death leaves a vacuum not only within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but across the political spectrum. President William Ruto, who had once been Odinga’s fiercest rival, paid tribute on X, saying: “Kenya has lost a patriot, a democrat, and a man who gave his life to public service.”

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta echoed that sentiment, calling him “a brother-in-arms in the struggle for a just Kenya.”

Analysts say Odinga’s passing could redraw Kenya’s political alliances. “No one commanded the opposition like Raila Odinga,” noted political scientist Macharia Munene in an interview with Citizen TV. “Without him, the opposition risks fragmentation.”

The End of an Era

Odinga’s imprint on Kenya’s democracy is indelible. His role in the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, the strengthening of devolved governments, and advocacy for transparent governance reshaped national politics.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga, and their children, including Winnie Odinga, who followed him into politics.

To many Kenyans, Odinga was not just a politician — he was the conscience of a nation still defining its democracy. “I don’t fight for power,” he once said in a 2014 interview with Al Jazeera. “I fight for justice.”

His death, like his life, forces Kenya to confront its unfinished democratic journey — one that now must continue without its most relentless agitator.

Discover how Ugandan blogger Shamil Wamala, known as Shamil Cruz Updates, built 2.6M TikTok followers, shaped youth culture, and is now tackling politics ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections.

Shamil Wamala: How a Ugandan Blogger Turned TikTok Hustle Into a Regional Force

When Shamil Wamala, better known online as Shamil Cruz Updates, started experimenting with TikTok three years ago, few imagined he would one day command millions of followers and become one of East Africa’s most watched digital voices. Today, the 28-year-old Ugandan boasts over 2.6 million followers and more than 75 million likes, a reach that rivals traditional media houses.

Born on December 3, 1996, in Katale, Seguku, in Wakiso District, Shamil grew up in what he calls “a supportive but humble home.” His parents gave him stability, but at 18, he decided to step out on his own. “I wanted to stand on my feet and prove that even from a simple background, you can build something powerful,” he recalls.

Building a voice from nothing

Wamala’s rise was neither sudden nor accidental. Starting in 2023, he began producing short, punchy videos that blended entertainment gossip, music promotions, and product placements. Unlike many of his peers, Shamil emphasized consistency and relatability. “I have been blogging on TikTok for three years,” he explains. “It has opened doors for me locally and internationally.”

His approach quickly caught attention. He became the go-to face for local brands such as Nova Skin Care Products, Jollo Quality Properties, and Century Properties, who saw in him not just an influencer but someone who could translate their offerings into the language of Uganda’s youth. “I talk the way my people talk,” he says with a smile. “That’s why they trust me.” (mbu.ug)

What sets him apart

Shamil’s peers often focus purely on entertainment or mimic global TikTok trends. He does something different: blending lifestyle, brand storytelling, and now political coverage. His move into civic issues is bold in a country where politics can be risky territory. In November 2024two TikTokers were jailed for insulting Uganda’s First Family.

Ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, Shamil has announced plans to livestream and comment on events across his platforms. “I will be broadcasting the elections online using my social media pages,” he declares. “Young people want to be informed in spaces where they already spend time. If traditional media won’t reach them, then I will.”

This positioning could transform him from influencer to digital journalist — a path that carries both promise and peril.

A new kind of influence

Wamala also works as an online media associate with the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), a government initiative headed by Hadijah Namyalo. That affiliation not only lends him institutional access but also widens his credibility beyond lifestyle content.

Still, it’s the sheer youth connection that makes him magnetic. In Uganda, where nearly 78% of the population is under 30, Shamil is part entertainer, part motivator, part civic educator. His content has become a bridge between global social media culture and local realities.

“Social media is the new town square,” he says. “If you use it wisely, you can influence people positively, give them information, and still entertain them.”

International ambitions

But Shamil’s sights are set beyond Uganda. He dreams of breaking into global circuits as both a content creator and a digital ambassador for African youth. “I want to spread my wings more internationally and professionally,” he says. “I need to get more international gigs and expand my work beyond borders.”

This ambition is not unfounded. Africa’s digital content economy is exploding, with TikTok and Instagram becoming platforms where creators like Wamala can reach not just local fans but diasporas in London, Dubai, and New York. His ability to blend African cultural pride with sharp content instincts makes him well positioned for that leap.

Lessons from his journey

For young Ugandans watching his rise, Shamil’s story is a lesson in perseverance and self-belief. He started with nothing but a phone and an idea, and today he monetizes his talent, shapes online conversations, and stands ready to influence political discourse.

“Consistency is everything,” he advises. “You don’t need expensive equipment at first. Start with what you have, believe in your craft, and post every day.”

It is advice that resonates across borders — in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kigali, and beyond — where young Africans are testing their luck on digital platforms.

Why the world should pay attention

To international observers, Wamala represents more than just a social media star. He symbolizes the rise of Africa’s digital generation: creators who are not waiting for mainstream platforms but are instead building their own audiences, economies, and influence online.

In him, you see the merging of culture, commerce, and politics on a smartphone screen. Whether promoting skincare products, hyping a new track, or preparing to cover a national election, Shamil Wamala is proving that Africa’s next generation of media leaders will not be confined to newsrooms.

As Uganda heads toward 2026, all eyes may not only be on the politicians — but also on the blogger from Seguku who turned a hustle into a movement.

“I started small, but I dream big,” he says, leaning back with confidence. “And I believe that if you keep going, the world will notice.”