President William Ruto has not relinquished his pursuit of Mt Kenya’s political support ahead of the 2027 General Election, according to Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo. Political dynamics in the vote-rich region have grown increasingly uncertain following the October 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Recent mini-polls have indicated slipping momentum for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, raising questions over the coalition’s standing in its former stronghold. However, speaking during a local radio interview on Wednesday, Kabogo dismissed claims that the Kenya Kwanza administration is conceding ground in the central region, describing the Head of State as a seasoned political strategist. “President Ruto has not yet given up on Mt. Kenya. He is not a person to despair easily. He is not a joker to reach the level he has reached,” Kabogo said. “There must be something he knows. He did not get the presidency by luck.” Kabogo, a key political surrogate for the president in the region, urged local voters to exercise caution as opposition figures seek to capitalize on the shifting landscape. “Let us open our eyes and plan ourselves. Wise people make their case at night,” Kabogo added, encouraging the region to avoid making hasty decisions ahead of 2027. Addressing criticism that the preside...
Read briefing President William Ruto has announced a proposed $3 billion (Ksh388.2 billion) investment to establish a nationwide electric vehicle manufacturing and green mobility ecosystem in Kenya. Speaking on Tuesday, October 6, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Kenya and Endelevu Enterprise Corporation, President Ruto stated that the partnership will reduce the country’s reliance on imported vehicles and fuel while boosting local employment. “For decades, Kenya has imported the fuel that runs our vehicles and the vehicles that burn that fuel. We have paid for both in hard currency. And with every shipment, we have exported jobs that should have been created here. We are determined to change that equation,” Ruto said. The agreement sets up a framework for what is expected to be one of the largest regional electric mobility investments. “This Memorandum establishes a framework for an integrated green mobility ecosystem, with a proposed investment of $3 billion. It is one of the largest electric mobility commitments in our region,” Ruto said. Local Manufacturing and Charging Infrastructure The proposed mega-project features two major assembly plants and widespread infrastructure rollout: Four-Wheel Vehicle Plant: An assembly facility capable of producing 50,000 electric vehicles annually. Two-Wheel & Light-Mobility Plant: A dedicated facility...
Read briefing President William Ruto will officially commission the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo today (Wednesday, October 7, 2026). The ceremony marks a key moment as Kenya observes the first anniversary of the opposition leader’s passing during Mwezi wa Baba, a month dedicated to honoring his life and national legacy. Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot highlighted the significance of the occasion in a statement released Tuesday, describing the facility as a central monument of national memory. “A mausoleum is not merely a structure. It is a repository of memory, history, and identity,” Wendot stated. “The occasion comes during #MweziwaBaba, the month dedicated to remembering and honouring the life, legacy and contribution of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, as the Nation marks one year since his passing.” Transition to the National Museums of Kenya Constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the mausoleum will formally transition to the care of the National Museums of Kenya following Wednesday’s commissioning ceremony. CS Wendot noted that the agency will manage, preserve, and document the site to safeguard Raila’s contributions to Kenya’s constitutional development, democratic expansion, and Pan-African movement. “The completion of the mausoleum through the Kenya Defence Forces marks an important milestone. Its t...
Read briefing Here are some of the memes and funny posts trending in Nairobi today. The post All The Top Memes in Nairobi This Wednesday appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Read briefing The Ministry of Health says that Kenya’s first confirmed Ebola patient likely passed through port health screenings undetected because medications he was taking may have masked his symptoms. Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth explained that the patient had been unwell for nearly a month and received treatment at multiple medical centers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before traveling through Uganda to Kenya. “We believe that the patient knew that he was already ill, and he reached out to his relatives, who transported him from the airport to the hospital directly,” Amoth said. “It is potentially possible that some of the medications that he was taking could be able to mask some of the symptoms and therefore give a false negative screening, meaning you could pass through the system because you have taken a medicine, say for example, to lower your temperature.” Amoth noted that the patient’s decision to seek immediate emergency care upon arrival showed clear awareness of his worsening condition. Arrival and Hospitalization Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that the individual, a Kenyan citizen returning home, underwent normal public health protocols at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before passing through immigration. A relative and a friend picked him up directly from JKIA and drove him to Nairobi Hospital. Upon arrival, medical staf...
Read briefing The husband of the late Dr. Victoria Mutiso has urged the court to deny bail to five individuals charged with her murder, warning that releasing the accused could put him, his family, and key prosecution witnesses at risk of severe intimidation and interference. In a detailed affidavit presented in court, David Ndetei revealed that he was previously married to the first accused, Rose Mbithe Mulwa, with whom he shares two children – Chris and Angela Mulwa – who are also co-accused in the murder case. Ndetei explained that his marriage to Mulwa was dissolved in 2001. A subsequent legal battle over property ended in a High Court ruling against Mulwa, a decision he said she never appealed, fostering long-standing resentment. Ndetei later married Dr. Mutiso. He alleged that the unresolved property dispute led to persistent harassment and threats against them over the years. “I confirm that we were constantly threatened by the accused persons, and those threats eventually culminated in my wife’s death,” Ndetei stated in his affidavit. Heightened Risk of Witness Interference Expressing deep concern for the integrity of the trial, Ndetei pointed out that the accused persons have intimate knowledge of his family, relatives, domestic staff, colleagues, and social networks. He warned that if released, they could easily use telephone calls, messages, physical visits, or third-party interme...
Read briefing The secretariat of ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has rejected reports circulating on social media that he has died, stating that the veteran politician is alive and in good health. In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, the office characterised the claims as malicious propaganda and fake news, and asked the public to ignore them. The reports, which had spread across social media platforms, were attributed to a popular Kenyan blogger. According to the secretariat, the false claims continued to circulate even as Oburu remained engaged in party and national affairs. The office condemned the spread of the reports, accusing those behind them of using social media to cause unnecessary distress to his family, supporters and the public. Addressing the matter directly, the secretariat assured the public, ODM members, Siaya County residents and the wider nation that the senator was well, safe and in good spirits. It also cautioned against the misuse of free expression, stating that while free speech and an open media are pillars of democracy, they should not be turned into tools for malice, character assassination or causing distress to families and the public. The statement disclosed that Oburu was preparing his official speech for the handover ceremony of the late Raila Odinga’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Siaya County. President William Ruto is among the...
Read briefing Staff at The Nairobi Hospital who believe they had unprotected contact with an Ebola patient’s blood or body fluids have been told to report immediately to the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control or Occupational Health teams. The instruction follows confirmation that a patient recently managed at the facility had Ebola Virus Disease. In an internal memorandum dated October 6, CEO Felix Osano said the Ministry of Health had formally announced the case as Kenya’s first confirmed imported case of Ebola. Osano said the hospital escalated infection prevention and control measures as soon as Ebola was suspected, isolating the patient and limiting access to the clinical area involved. The memorandum was addressed to staff and ASA doctors. The hospital is to begin contact tracing with the Ministry of Health and national public health authorities, establishing who may have been exposed and grading each person’s level of risk. Its Infection Prevention and Control and Occupational Health teams are undertaking that assessment. Employees who had relevant contact with the patient will be contacted individually and followed up under Ministry of Health protocols. Healthcare workers and others who interacted directly with the patient have been identified and documented. The hospital is also reviewing the patient’s movement through the facility from the point of presentation through subs...
Read briefing Security officers at Nairobi’s State House intercepted and arrested a man on Sunday afternoon after he allegedly tried to ram a three-wheeled tuk-tuk through a restricted security checkpoint. The incident occurred at approximately 1:32 p.m. on October 4, 2026, at Gate D along Dennis Pritt Road. General Service Unit (GSU) officers manning the perimeter noticed the suspect attempting unauthorized entry into the presidential residence. When guards ordered the driver to stop, he defied commands and accelerated toward the security barriers. GSU personnel moved swiftly to intercept the vehicle and apprehended the driver before he could breach the inner perimeter. During initial interrogation, the suspect told police officers that he wanted to meet the president, despite having no formal appointment or clearance. Authorities placed him in custody while detectives continue to interrogate him to determine his motives and background. Following the arrest, security teams mounted operations around the immediate area and tightened surveillance protocols. It remains unclear whether the president was inside the complex at the time of the breach attempt; he had departed Mombasa for Nairobi on Friday evening. Echoes of Past Security Breaches Sunday’s drama marks the latest security scare at State House, prompting commanders to heighten protection across all entrance gates. The same access point...
Read briefing President William Ruto announced that 20 percent of all residential units built under the National Affordable Housing Programme will be reserved specifically for teachers across Kenya. The arrangement stems from an agreement between the Affordable Housing Board, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). “In September 2025, the Affordable Housing Board signed an agreement with KNUT and KUPPET. Under that agreement, one in every five homes in affordable housing developments is reserved for you,” Ruto said. Speaking during World Teachers’ Day celebrations on Monday, October 5, 2026, the president explained that the government is partnering with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to streamline unit acquisitions. A direct salary check-off system will allow educators to make payments seamlessly. “The Affordable Housing Board is working with the TSC on a check-off system so that you can pay for your home directly through your salary,” Ruto said. “To own a home, all you need to do is apply for your preferred unit through Boma Yangu.” To support the initiative, authorities created a dedicated help team and partnered with teacher-led Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) to develop tailored financing plans aligned with teacher incomes. Broader Teacher Welfare Initiatives The housing commitment forms part...
Read briefing Here’s what’s trending on the socials today. The post Hilarious Memes in Nairobi This Tuesday appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Read briefing Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive allegations linking President William Ruto to late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, claiming the tycoon held money on the president’s behalf and was involved in an alleged plan to influence Kenya’s 2027 general election. Speaking during an engagement with clergy in Boston, United States, Gachagua claimed Chivayo, who died alongside his wife and four others in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe on Wednesday, had extensive secret business dealings with President Ruto. Gachagua alleged that Chivayo had been used to move and hold funds for the president, though he did not provide evidence during his address. “There was a business partner of his, a crook from Zimbabwe called Chivayo. This man, because I was his deputy, so I know they were doing business together,” Gachagua claimed. “He is a man he has been using for money laundering. He gets money in dollars; that man comes with a plane, lands in a private airstrip, and takes the money to keep for him,” he further alleged. Gachagua went on to claim that Chivayo was holding more than KSh1.5 trillion belonging to Ruto at the time of his death. “The man has his money, over 1.5 trillion. The man is dead, his wife is dead, and he doesn’t know where to begin,” Gachagua claimed. Gachagua further sought to link Chivayo to an alleged scheme to interfere with the 2027 General Ele...
Read briefing Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has claimed that over 600,000 people registered as members of The Equitable Party (TEP) within two hours of its official unveiling as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential vehicle for the 2027 General Election. Speaking on Sunday, October 4, 2026, during TEP’s launch in Nairobi, Osotsi, a key ally within the Linda Mwananchi Movement, stated that the overwhelming sign-up rate caused an immediate disruption to the online registration system. “Kwa hizi masaa mawili tumekuwa hapa, watu elfu mia sita walikuwa wame-register. Alafu yule Registrar, amesimamisha hiyo mitandao ya register,” Osotsi said. The senator challenged the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to restore access to the registration portal promptly, warning that party supporters would march to the registrar’s offices if the platform remained offline. “Tunakuambia Registrar, hiyo mtandao usiporudisha leo, sisi tutatembelea wewe,” he added. Osotsi did not provide a detailed breakdown for the claimed 600,000 registrations, and the figure could not be independently verified at the time of publication. His assertions coincided with Sifuna’s formal adoption of TEP as his party platform to mount a presidential challenge in 2027 following his exit from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In addition to the registration claims, Osotsi stated that 35 county branch networks p...
Read briefing This special weekly collection takes you on a rollercoaster through Kenyan social media’s humor-filled landscape, showcasing the best of internet hilarity with witty quips, hilarious observations, and random photos. The post Funny Trending Memes To Kickstart New Week appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Read briefing Taxpayers owing principal taxes can now clear their debts in flexible installments rather than a single lump sum, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced. Under the 2026 Tax Amnesty Programme, taxpayers who settle their outstanding principal tax balances by the December 31, 2026, deadline will qualify for a 100 percent waiver on accumulated penalties and interest. To support individuals and businesses unable to pay their balances upfront, the tax collector has introduced the Automatic Payment Plan (APP) on the iTax portal. The plan allows taxpayers to structure installment payments while remaining eligible for full penalty relief upon completion. “Unable to clear your principal tax in one go? Apply for an Automatic Payment Plan on iTax and pay in installments,” KRA stated. “Pay in full by December 31, 2026, and penalties and interest will be waived automatically.” The authority cautioned that missing the year-end deadline will invalidate eligibility for the penalty waiver, causing remaining balances to attract standard penalties and interest. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Automatic Payment Plan Taxpayers can activate an installment plan directly through the iTax platform: Log into the KRA iTax portal. Navigate to the Payments menu. Click on Apply for Payment Plan (New). Fill in the required details and submit the application. Once approved, generate a Payment Regis...
Read briefing Kick off a new and productive week on a lighter note by exploring the hilarious world of Kenyan Twitter. We’ve handpicked the funniest and most trending posts on X to help you shake off those back-to-work Monday blues. The post Hilarious Kenyan Tweets on X to Beat the Monday Blues appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Read briefing President William Ruto alleged on Thursday, October 1, that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had been urged by his “sponsor” to seek the contract agreement for the Dangote Lamu Refinery. Ruto claimed Sifuna’s backers had a sinister motive in requesting access to the agreement between the government and the Dangote Group that enabled the establishment of the Ksh2.2 trillion refinery. “I heard Mr Empty, one of ‘Shiny things’, asking about the agreements between the government and the Dangote Group on the Lamu Refinery. I looked at him and realized that first, he has been sent by the sponsor,” Ruto said. He added that the request aimed to open a route to extort investor Aliko Dangote in the same way they tried when Dangote sought to set up a cement factory in Kenya. Ruto also told Sifuna that proper channels exist for requesting such documents through Parliament, arguing that the intention behind the demand was to pressure Dangote. “I want to tell you, the conmanship you did that made Dangote abandon his quest to set up a cement factory in Kenya, you will not do it with this refinery. I am watching you keenly, and you will not extort anybody anymore; I will not allow you,” the president warned. Ruto’s remarks came a day after Sifuna raised questions in the Senate about why the refinery project’s contract agreements had not been made available for public scrutiny. Sifuna argued that be...
Read briefing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has established himself as the leading opposition candidate for the presidency, capturing 19.6 percent support in a fresh survey by Politrack Africa. President William Ruto continues to command the overall presidential preference, leading the national tally with 45.1 percent. Presidential Race Standings The survey, released during a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, asked respondents who they would vote for if presidential elections took place today. William Ruto: 45.1% Edwin Sifuna: 19.6% Kalonzo Musyoka: 10.3% Fred Matiang’i: 7.2% Rigathi Gachagua: 6.0% Undecided Voters: 8.4% Minor Candidates: Prof. George Wajackoyah (1.1%), Martha Karua (0.8%), David Maraga (0.8%), James Orengo (0.4%), and Jimi Wanjigi (0.3%). National Direction and Government Performance Public opinion on the country’s trajectory remains sharply split. Approximately 45.2 percent of respondents feel Kenya is moving in the right direction, while 44.6 percent believe it is heading in the wrong direction, leaving 10.2 percent uncertain. Assessments of government sector performance revealed mixed reactions from the public: Top Performing Sectors: Infrastructure (roads) and affordable housing led positive reviews at 16.3 percent each. Health services, including the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), garnered 13 percent approval, followed by a...
Read briefing The National Steering Committee coordinating the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death has officially launched a month-long period of remembrance. In a statement, the family urged Kenyans and people across the world to honour Odinga’s life and legacy. On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the committee—chaired by Prof Adams Oloo—released the update as preparations continued for a set of events marking one year since Raila’s death. The committee said the commemorations aim to unite Kenyans across counties, communities, faiths, and political persuasions. “The family today officially opens the month of celebrations marking the first anniversary of Baba’s passing,” Prof Oloo said. The committee also invited Kenyans to remember Raila with love and to renew their commitment to the ideals he championed, including democracy, justice, and a united Kenya. It further addressed plans for a candle-lighting ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 2. In its update, the committee said it had received information about an event being organised by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) together with the Nairobi City County government, and it welcomed the initiative. It added that it “gladly gives its blessings” to the planned candle-lighting event. ODM has announced a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony for Friday at 6:00 pm, encouraging Kenyans both at home and abroad to take par...
Read briefing The murder trial of Sarah Wairimu over the killing of her husband Tob Cohen continued Thursday at the High Court as four more prosecution witnesses testified. One of those witnesses was Haston Kombe, a musician and owner of the Plums Hotel band, who served as the 17th prosecution witness. Kombe told the court that he saw Cohen at the hotel on July 19, 2019, just days before Cohen disappeared. Kombe said Cohen joined the hotel’s evening entertainment and performed with the band. He added that Cohen repeatedly sang a song titled “Love Gone Sour” and remembered him singing the line, “You old woman, you treat me so mean; you are the meanest old woman I have ever seen.” The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the witness later learned from media reports that Cohen had been reported missing. Samuel Murathimi, then the Golf Operations Manager at Muthaiga Golf Club, also testified and produced records showing that Cohen visited the club on July 19, 2019. The prosecution submitted the documents as part of its documentary evidence. The court also heard from Sergeant Mbalwe of Parklands Police Station, who spoke about an earlier assault complaint that Cohen filed against his wife. Mbalwe told the court that Cohen reported the alleged assault on February 13, 2019, initially saying he did not want his wife arrested, before later reversing his decision. The officer adde...
Read briefing A Nairobi court has granted police permission to detain Samuel Karanja Gathoni, alias Wakili, for an additional 14 days as authorities move to place him under the Witness Protection Programme in connection with the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso. Gathoni, listed as the third respondent in an application filed on October 1, 2026, delivered critical leads to investigators. His detailed account prompted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to consider turning him into a key prosecution witness rather than a defendant. “The 3rd respondent gave crucial information to the investigating team hence the ODPP and investigating team intends to use them as prosecution witness,” court documents state. In an affidavit sworn by Corporal Romana Odour of the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau, investigators revealed that the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) interviewed Gathoni on September 24, 2026, to assess the value and credibility of his statement. DCI officers told the court that formal arrangements are now under way to integrate him into the witness protection system. To secure his safety during the transition, the prosecution requested to hold Gathoni at Kilimani Police Station, or an alternative facility, for two more weeks while agency officials finalize his protection protocol. The court granted the request in full...
Read briefing Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) intercepted 40 iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max phones worth about Sh8.2 million. The phones were discovered after officers screened a passenger who arrived from Dubai and allegedly carried the devices without declaring them. KRA said the passenger had entered Kenya four times within nine days before the most recent arrival, a pattern that raised suspicion about repeated travel between Dubai and Kenya. During questioning, the passenger reportedly admitted that he acted as a courier for a client in Dubai and that he carried the phones on the client’s behalf. KRA said officers intercepted the phones at Terminal 1A International Arrivals after they used baggage scanners to screen the passenger’s luggage. The Authority added that the phones, including iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, had been hidden among assorted items and distributed across three small suitcases and a backpack. “The devices had not been declared to Customs and were detected during routine baggage screening. Following the scan, customs officers conducted further checks and recovered the smartphones concealed within the passenger’s luggage,” the authority said. During interrogation, the passenger first told KRA officers that he was travelling through Kenya by road to a neighbouring country. However, KRA said a...
Read briefing The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) maintains a solid grip as Kenya’s most popular political party, commanding 32 percent support nationwide according to a fresh survey by Politrack Research. The poll, conducted between September 15 and 25, 2026, sampled potential voters across the country to gauge party preferences as key political figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. Key Survey Findings UDA Leads the Pack: At 32 percent, the ruling party’s popularity nearly triples that of its closest individual competitor. Battle for Second Place: The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, placed second with 11.7 percent. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) followed closely at 10.6 percent. Statistical Tie: With a 1.1 percentage point difference, DCP and ODM sit within the poll’s reported margin of error. Legacy Parties: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party secured fourth place at 6.9 percent, while Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party recorded 5.6 percent. Coalition Brands: Broad alliance labels, including Kenya Kwanza and Azimio, picked up 3.5 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively. Minor Parties: KANU and the Amani National Congress (ANC) each registered 0.6 percent, with FORD-Kenya capturing 0.5 percent. Unlisted entities grouped under “Others” accounted for 6.1 percent. Emerging Dynamics and St...
Read briefing File image of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi Kiambu Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi has suffered a major legal setback after the High Court dismissed his application to withdraw from a KSh 813.1 million asset recovery lawsuit brought by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). High Court Judge Rose Ougo rejected preliminary objections from Wamatangi and several co-defendants, paving the way for the anti-graft watchdog’s civil recovery proceedings to move forward. In her ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Ougo dismissed Wamatangi’s claim that the EACC case violated the sub judice rule due to a pending constitutional petition that had granted him conservatory relief. Justice Ougo noted that the governor failed to prove the constitutional petition involved identical parties or central issues. “The first defendant (Wamatangi) has merely told the court that the suit hearing was sub judice to the constitutional petition. He has, however, failed to inform this court, nor has he provided any documentation to show that the parties in this case are similar to those in this case and that the issues raised therein are the same as those in the present suit,” the judge observed. EACC prosecutors clarified that previous conservatory orders only barred the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) from filing criminal charges against Wamatangi, leaving the commission fr...
Read briefing 