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Global News Wire

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Nairobi Wire

‘No Fool Can Run This Country’: Ruto Defends His Leadership

President William Ruto defended Kenya’s rising international profile and asserted that the nation requires competent leadership to navigate its complex future. Speaking on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during a graduation ceremony at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the president dismissed critics questioning his participation in global summits, asserting that high-level international representation elevates the country’s economic and diplomatic standing. Highlighting Kenya’s engagements at the United Nations and the African Union, Ruto noted that proactive foreign diplomacy has earned the nation greater international leverage and global respect. “Ati ooooh sijui nimenda kuongea United Nations, sijui nimenda kuongea AU. That is how you profile a nation. That is how you raise the profile of a country, you know?” Ruto said. “Today, today I can say without fear of any contradiction that Kenya has a bigger profile and a lot of respect across the world because they know that we are a serious nation.” Responding to Political Critics The president addressed public commentary and political rivals who have criticized his international travels, questioning why his appearances at global assemblies draw such intense focus compared to other world leaders. “Sasa mtu anaongea huko chini, sijui anaongea kwa mazishi kidogo hapo, anaongea, oh mbona Ruto ako UN? Watu wangapi walion...

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Nairobi Wire

Ruto Launches Fundi Locator to Connect Kenyan Artisans With Clients

In a landmark step toward validating informal workforce skills, President William Ruto awarded formal skills certificates to 3,727 Kenyans through the government’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme. The certification initiative targets experienced workers who acquired practical mastery through apprenticeships, hands-on experience, and informal training, giving them official credentials to prove their technical competence. “These skilled young people have built Kenya even before Kenya recognized them. Today, the country recognizes them,” Ruto said. Beyond unlocking better employment opportunities and leveling the playing field in the formal job market, President Ruto unveiled two complementary digital solutions to support these certified workers: the Fundi Locator portal and a revamped Haba Haba social protection scheme. Connecting Artisans Directly with Clients The newly launched Fundi Locator functions as a digital marketplace, matching skilled technical and vocational workers directly with potential employers and prospective clients. The portal allows certified technicians to create professional profiles, highlight their portfolio of work, and receive job bookings transparently. “We have encouraged them to take advantage of the Fundi Locator App, which we have launched to help skilled workers connect with customers and access more opportunities,” Ruto noted. Concu...

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Nairobi Wire

‘Ruto Can Buy Parliament, But Not Me’: Ndindi Nyoro Declares

Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro assured his supporters that President William Ruto cannot buy his political allegiance, issuing a fiery warning over alleged government interference in major public investment decisions. Speaking on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader asserted that political pressure will not silence him from questioning moves that put public capital and workers’ pension savings at risk. “And I want to assure the Kenyan people, William Ruto can buy off the entire Parliament, but he will never… he will never… he will never place any value to some of us because we will never betray the reason why we are leaders in this country,” Nyoro said. Warning Against Political Interference in Pension Funds Nyoro further voiced concern over institutional investment choices, revealing that key public agencies went ahead with financial commitments despite explicit professional warnings regarding inflated share valuations. “It is unfortunate because the end losers are the pensioners and the people of Kenya. And it is our obligation to speak when we need to speak, as I did today,” he stated. “Unfortunately, when our organizations are given advice by the professionals as they were given, that the… the share was overvalued, they still went ahead after they were directed to invest.” He directed his warning toward top executives at state-backed...

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Nairobi Wire

‘I Cannot Dine With Such People’: Wamuchomba Explains UDA Exit

In a major political shift within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has officially resigned from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Speaking during a press conference at Parliament buildings on Thursday, the lawmaker announced that she will defend her parliamentary seat on a different political platform during the next general election. Wamuchomba accused President William Ruto’s administration of practicing double speak and selectively applying the law, particularly regarding inflammatory statements and tribal attacks. She noted that while authorities arrested lower-ranking lawmakers for alleged hate speech, they failed to hold senior government figures to the same standard. “After soul searching, with my voters I feel my conscience does not allow me to dine and associate with people who have no regard for other communities,” Wamuchomba said. Unheeded Ultimatums Her exit comes after months of growing friction between Mt. Kenya leaders and the UDA leadership. In late August, Wamuchomba issued a public ultimatum demanding the arrest of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and nominated MP Joseph Wainaina over alleged hate speech utterances. During an August press briefing, she warned that failure to prosecute high-profile allies would force key regional leaders to withdraw their support from President Ruto. “The bubble is gro...

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Nairobi Wire

Why CS Mutua Says Kenya Cannot Afford to Replace Ruto in 2027 Election

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has argued that Kenya cannot afford to replace President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 General Election. Speaking on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during an event attended by the Head of State, Mutua likened President Ruto to an essential technician overseeing a complex machine, asserting that altering leadership midstream would derail national development goals. CS Mutua insisted that the administration requires a second term to complete its economic agenda, particularly initiatives centered on youth empowerment and job placement. “Na fundi wa mitambo katika nchi yetu ya Kenya kutuletea mazuri ni Rais wetu, William Samoei Ruto. Na ndio tunasema vile Atwoli amesema, lazima awe na muhula wa pili ndio aweze kumaliza ile mtambo na kazi iweze kusonga mbele,” Mutua said. Milestones in Labour Migration and Local Jobs Highlighting progress in foreign employment, Mutua disclosed that 701,481 Kenyans have secured job opportunities abroad since the current administration took office. He expressed confidence that aggressive government outreach will push that total past the one-million mark before the year ends. “Tunategemea itafika 1 million by December. Tutajikaza kabisa,” he said. To streamline placements, the Ministry of Labour is prioritizing graduates of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework for overseas and loc...

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Nairobi Wire

Ruto on Safari Rally: “It Belongs on Kenyan Soil”

President William Ruto announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026, that Kenya has retained its slot on the World Rally Championship calendar, with Naivasha confirmed to host the WRC Safari Rally in 2027. The president confirmed the development on social media, expressing enthusiasm that the globally acclaimed motorsport competition will return to Kenya’s iconic terrains. “I am delighted to confirm that Kenya will host the WRC Safari Rally in 2027. Once again, the world’s finest drivers will take on our plains, our valleys, and the legendary roads of Naivasha,” Ruto said. Highlighting the rally’s cultural heritage and economic impact, President Ruto noted that the event continues to drive local commerce while giving Kenya global visibility. “The Safari was born on Kenyan soil. It belongs on Kenyan soil. Every edition fills our hotels, energizes our businesses, and carries the beauty of our country to screens across the world,” he added. Strategic Partnerships Ensure Long-Term Hosting President Ruto expressed gratitude to key organizing stakeholders, motorsport governing bodies, and private-sector partners who worked to secure Kenya’s spot on the international rallying calendar. “I thank the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, our private-sector partners, the FIA and the WRC Promoter for making this possible,” he concluded. According to the official WRC 2027 schedule, t...

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Nairobi Wire

‘Another Lie’: Skater Kevin Kiarie Hits Back at Sports Ministry

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has addressed concerns raised by skater Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu regarding his travel arrangements and visa process for the World Skate Games ASU26 in Asunción, Paraguay. In a statement released on Wednesday, October 7, the ministry revealed that Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi stepped in after viewing a video shared by the athlete requesting government assistance. PS Mwangi directed the Directorate of Sports to immediately investigate the travel bottlenecks and provide necessary administrative clearance. “Upon becoming aware of Kevin’s concerns through a video shared on social media, in which he sought the intervention of the Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi and the Ministry, the Principal Secretary directed the Directorate of Sports to immediately engage him, establish the circumstances surrounding his travel and visa requirements, and provide the necessary administrative support,” the Ministry stated. Diplomatic Hurdles and Expired Itineraries Following the directive, Director of Sports Dr. Bernard Ouma reportedly contacted Kiarie to coordinate logistics. The athlete explained that his booked flight route included a layover in Panama, which required a transit visa. “The Director of Sports, Dr. Bernard Ouma, subsequently contacted Kevin, who indicated that his booked itinerary required transit through...

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Nairobi Wire

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja Quits UDA, to Run for Governor on DCP Ticket in 2027

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has left the United Democratic Alliance and will run for Nakuru governor in the 2027 General Election on a Democracy for the Citizens Party ticket, she announced on Friday, October 9. Karanja said residents she consulted had asked her to seek the county’s top seat, and that she had settled on DCP for the contest. She framed her exit from the ruling party as a response to voters rather than a party decision, telling the forum that it was the electorate, not UDA, that had put her in the Senate. She said she now identifies with the colour green, which she described as a signal of her new political direction. “From today I will vie for that seat under DCP,” she said at the event in Nakuru County. The senator criticised the administration of President William Ruto, saying Kenyans had held high expectations when they elected the government but that those expectations had not been met. She said she had listened to people on the ground and that the message was that the government had fallen short. She also questioned the President’s understanding of household economic pressures, citing the recent rise in milk prices as an example. Karanja joined UDA in January 2022 and won the Nakuru senatorial seat on its ticket in the August 2022 General Election. Her announcement came a day after Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba said she was quitting UDA. Wamuchomba sa...

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Nairobi Wire

Kisumu’s 63-Year-Old Anderson Estate Transformed Into Modern Residences

The government has provided an update on the structural evolution of Kisumu’s urban landscape, pointing to the ongoing transformation of the historic 63-year-old Anderson-Ofafa Estate into the modern Anderson Park Residence. In an official statement released on Wednesday, October 7, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo outlined how the landmark urban renewal project represents a decisive shift away from dilapidated housing toward modern, high-density residential spaces designed for the lakeside city’s growing population. “The transformation of the former 63-year-old Anderson-Ofafa Estate into Anderson Park Residence demonstrates this shift, replacing aging housing with contemporary homes suited to the needs and aspirations of a growing city,” Omollo stated. A Joint Public-Private Infrastructure Venture The multi-billion-shilling mixed-use estate is taking shape through a strategic partnership between the Kisumu County Government and the County Pension Fund (CPF) LAPTRUST. Construction originally began in July 2024, targeting a complete overhaul of the six-acre site near Kisumu’s city centre. Project Aspect Phase 1 Specifications Total Residential Units 681 modern apartments across seven blocks Apartment Breakdown 31 one-bedroom, 464 two-bedroom, and 186 three-bedroom units Commercial Provision 65 street-level retail spaces for local businesses Key Amenities Piped cooking...

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The Sun

Police chiefs insist Andrew probe continues ‘at pace’ after warrant blunder as they pursue ‘live lines of inquiry’

POLICE chiefs said their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will continue at pace despite a High Court judge ruling their search warrants were unlawful. Thames Valley Police conceded they used the wrong warrants in raids on his Sandringham and Windsor homes on his 66th birthday in February. Judge Mr Justice Hilliard said the gaffe “does not”...

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The Straits Times

France pledges 3,000 substitute teachers after school students vow no let-up in protests

A person kicking a tear gas canister in Nantes, France, on Oct 8, as French high school and university students demonstrate for better school conditions.PARIS - France’s education minister on Oct 8 promised 3,000 substitute teachers for the country’s worst-off high schools, after tens of thousands took to the streets nationwide to demand better education and less police brutality.Students have blocked entrances to hundreds of high schools for more than a week, with squads of riot police deployed - occasionally resulting in violent clashes.High school students across the country - most aged 15 to 18 - have complained of absent teachers, overloaded timetables, dilapidated classrooms and buildings that cannot cope with rising temperatures.In a bid to placate the anger, Education Minister Edouard Geffray on the evening news said the teachers would be deployed in the coming days to replace absent staff at the 114 worst-affected of around 3,700 high schools.The interior ministry said 71,500 took part in protests across the country, most outside their schools, with police detaining more than 500 people.In Paris, where some 24,500 took to the streets, a few fireworks streamed up into the sky as students from schools and universities rallied in Bastille Square.Crowds of students climbed the famous monument at its centre, some waving the French flag and singing the national anthem.A student sat with his legs dangling on the top of a bus stop, clutching a sign reading: “Reason for absence: Too busy fighting for our future.”Jeanne, a 15-year-old student from a top Paris high school, said she wanted to show solidarity with pupils in less privileged areas outside the capital.“There shouldn’t be people who are more educated than others when we’re all in the public education system,” she said.Marianne, a 20-year-old university student who also did not want to give her second name, said she objected against excessive police force in recent days of protest.Some demonstrators have started fires and vandalised bus shelters. In response, police have used tear gas, batons and blast balls, prompting rights groups and the children to accuse them of using disproportionate force.A 15-year-old lost a hand on Oct 5 after police fired a stun grenade, and the government has suspended the use of the weapon.Police on the evening of Oct 8 said they used tear gas in Bastille to disperse some “high-risk profiles”.Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu in a televised address on the evening of Oct 7 promised a plan to respond to the crisis by the end of October.Although he denied security forces had been given “orders to confront” the protesters, many were unconvinced.“We don’t want words, we want action,” 17-year-old Camille told AFP at a student march in the western city of Nantes.Outside one high school in Rennes, 18-year-old Hanaa told AFP she was “disappointed and unconvinced” by Lecornu’s remarks.Assane Seck, father of a 15-year-old student in a Paris suburb, told AFP that at his son’s school, “a teacher in one subject or another is missing” almost every day.Economy Minister Roland Lescure said this week there was room to address demands for more school resources within the highly constrained 2027 budget.In the current draft, education has the second-largest increase in funding - after defence - with a boost of 1.4 % to €90.9 billion (S$130 billion).A report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development found that France spends 24% more per student on upper secondary education than the OECD average - but markedly less at earlier stages, particularly primary schools.The country’s recent PISA score - an annual survey which assesses the performance of education systems by measuring the skills of 15-year-old students - was France’s worst since the rankings began in 2000.Hundreds of students, police and teaching staff have been injured since the protests began, and thousands of people - mostly children - have been arrested.The unrest has erupted just months ahead of the 2027 election to choose a successor to centrist President Emmanuel Macron. AFP

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