NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 4 -Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been unveiled as the interim leader and presidential candidate of The Equitable Party ahead of the 2027 elections.TEP was fully registered on on March 25th, 2022 as a model party according to Office of Registrar of the Political Parties.The outgoing party leader said the move is part of a restructuring process intended to bring in leaders and political formations that share the party’s ideals.He said The Equitable Party was formed to promote an inclusive government and ensure equitable distribution of national resources.The outgoing leader described Sifuna as a brother and said he had decided to step aside as part of the party’s transition.He urged Sifuna to seek expert advice, respect the presidency and former heads of state, and put God first if elected.My brother is going to run for President. He’s going to be the next leader of The Equitable Party. So to Edwin, when you get elected; surround yourself with experts. Don’t know everything. Nobody knows everything. Respect The office of the Presidency, former presidents respect them. and most important put God first,” he said.
Read briefing EL ALAMEIN, Egypt, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday agreed to step up coordination on security and stability in the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.The talks, held on the sidelines of the Alamein Africa Business Forum in the northern Egyptian coastal city of El Alamein, also covered bilateral relations and developments in Somalia.El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, stressing Egypt’s commitment to providing various forms of support to help enhance the capacities of the Somali state and consolidate security and stability.The two presidents exchanged views on regional developments of mutual concern and agreed on the importance of continued coordination among Egypt, Somalia and other regional states on issues related to regional security and stability
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 3 – Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro gave President William Ruto 14 days to make public the Dangote refinery agreement, citing concerns over transparency and its implications for Kenyans.He stated that such agreements have hidden agendas that Kenyans need to know, urges former President Uhuru Kenyatta not to respond to attacks from President Ruto, saying he and other young leaders will deal with him.Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has in the meantime called for greater disclosure of major government contracts, arguing that Kenyans have a constitutional right to know the commitments made by the State.Sifuna cited Article 35 of the Constitution, saying citizens are entitled to information held by the State and that important information affecting the nation should be published and publicised.He said the obligation was particularly important where government agreements involve significant financial commitments.Sifuna was responding to the ongoing debate over the agreement between the government and Aliko Dangote on the proposed Lamu oil refinery.President William Ruto has defended the investment and told Sifuna that the agreement can be obtained through parliamentary channels.The dispute has placed questions of access to information and parliamentary oversight at the centre of the debate over the refinery project.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has hit back at President William Ruto over sustained criticism directed at him, accusing the Head of State of double-speak and attacking political opponents while calling on leaders to exercise restraint.Speaking on Saturday during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Kenyatta said he was unfazed by the criticism, arguing that he had already served his time as President.“You are wasting my time abusing me, I have nothing to lose and I thank God for my timer as president,” Kenyatta said.Kenyatta also questioned calls for political leaders to avoid insults, saying the appeal should apply to those making attacks against their opponents.His remarks come amid an escalating political exchange between him and Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.Ruto has in recent weeks accused his predecessor of sponsoring opposition politicians and movements seeking to challenge his administration.In September, Ruto said political opponents were being used by a sponsor to oppose government programmes, while separately questioning Kenyatta’s record in office.Kenyatta has denied seeking a return to elective office and has previously rejected the “sponsor” label, saying Kenyans should be allowed to choose their leaders.The exchange has also played out against a changing legal position on the political rights of retired presidents.On September 21, High Court Justice Bahati Mwamuye declared unconstitutional provisions restricting retired presidents from holding political party office beyond six months after leaving State House.The ruling came after another High Court judgment had upheld the restriction, creating conflicting decisions on the matter.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 3 – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has defended its decision to use conciliation in cases involving Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma.NCIC says reports suggesting the process was used to sanitise or excuse remarks made by the two leaders misrepresent its determinations.The Commission says investigations found Kaluma’s remarks intemperate, ambiguous and dangerous, with a risk of political intimidation.It says Otuoma’s remarks were threatening and exclusionary in context and likely to stir hostility against people perceived as outsiders on the basis of ethnic or national origin.According to NCIC, both leaders were issued immediate cessation notices and directed to undertake corrective measures.The Commission says Section 61 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act requires it, where satisfied after investigations that a person has contravened Part III of the Act, to make reasonable efforts to conciliate the matter.NCIC says the statutory process does not amount to an endorsement of the language used by the respondents.It has urged media houses to report the findings, statutory outcomes and corrective directions together to avoid giving the public a misleading account.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 3 – PLP leader Martha Karua has recalled advice she says she received from her late father Mwalimu Jackson Karua on navigating political alliances.Karua said the late politician, whom she described as her number one supporter, cautioned her that not everyone who makes her laugh should be considered a friend.“Baba was my number-one supporter, and on the day he passed away, he left me with some advice. He told me that in politics, we should be careful because not everyone who makes you laugh is a friend,” she saidShe urged opposition political actors to reflect on the advice as they navigate alliances and competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.Karua also told male politicians not to assume they are the only players in Kenya’s political arena, saying women are also part of the contest.She acknowledged that the political seat under contention can only be occupied by one person.“But let me remind these men, my fellow men and friends, not to think that they are the only ones in the political arena. They should know that, in this Kenyan political contest, the woman is in the kitchen today,” Karua stated.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 3 – Wiper Party Chairman Jamleck Kamau has dismissed reports that party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is preparing to join the government, terming the claims propaganda allegedly being propagated by government forces.Kamau, who was flanked by former Ambassador Kiema Kilonzo, said the reports were a sign of panic within the government as opposition parties continue to consolidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.He claimed that attempts to link Kalonzo to the government were aimed at undermining the Wiper leader as discussions on the leadership and formation of a united opposition gain momentum.Kamau also addressed reports surrounding Parliamentary Service Commission Chairperson Johnstone Muthama, saying he personally initiated talks between Wiper and Muthama.He dismissed claims that Muthama had met Kalonzo to persuade him to join the government, saying the two had not held such a meeting.“I am the one who initiated the talks with Johnstone Muthama. At no time has he met our party leader to persuade him to join the government. We have met twice, once at a hotel in Nairobi and again at my home,” Kamau said.Kamau said Wiper is also engaging other leaders currently associated with the government, suggesting that some could eventually join the opposition camp.Meanwhile, former Ambassador Kiema Kilonzo said the immediate focus was on bringing all Kamba leaders together before reaching out to leaders from other communities and political formations.He said the effort was aimed at building unity among Kamba leaders as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.Kamau maintained that Wiper remains firmly within the united opposition and is focused on building a political alliance ahead of the 2027 election.He said the party’s objective is to challenge President William Ruto at the ballot, insisting that reports of Wiper preparing to join the government are unfounded.“We are in the united opposition to stay. We are focused on building a strong force to face President Ruto in the 2027 election,” Kamau said.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – The JKIA Law Courts have granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) five days to detain 14 suspects as detectives investigate alleged money laundering and obtaining money by false pretences.The suspects were arrested on September 1, 2026, during a DCI operation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.The investigators asked the court to allow the suspects to be held at JKIA Police Station, arguing that they needed additional time to complete investigations that could not be concluded within the constitutionally prescribed 24-hour period.The probe was triggered by a complaint lodged by a US national, identified as Alkhalifi Ibrahim Hassan, according to court documents.As part of the operation, DCI officers also raided Zizo Warehouse, located behind Vision Plaza in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, during an early-morning operation.The suspects are being investigated for alleged money laundering contrary to Section 3 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA) and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.Detectives told the court that several exhibits were recovered during the operation and listed in an inventory filed alongside the application for continued detention.The DCI also sought permission for its ICT and Digital Forensics Laboratory to take custody of mobile phones recovered from the suspects for forensic examination.The proposed examination will involve imaging, accessing, decrypting where necessary, searching and analysing the devices to establish whether they contain evidence relevant to the investigation.According to the investigators, the phones could contain financial transaction records, communications and other electronic data capable of shedding light on the alleged offences.The DCI argued that the information could not be properly extracted, preserved or analysed without examination by qualified digital forensic officers.The court allowed the application and ordered that the 14 suspects remain in custody for five days to facilitate completion of the investigations.The case will be mentioned next Friday for an update on the investigations and further directions.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 2 – The High Court has quashed notices issued by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) requiring seven Supreme Court judges to respond to complaints seeking their removal, finding that the commission failed to conduct the required preliminary assessment before setting the removal process in motion.A three-judge bench comprising Justices Charles Kariuki, Lawrence Mugambi and Bahati Mwamuye declared the JSC’s communications, notices and directions arising from the complaints unconstitutional, null and void.The court also barred the commission from taking further steps on the complaints or commencing or continuing proceedings based on the same set of facts.The decision affects complaints targeting Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Justices Mohammed Ibrahim, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u, Isaac Lenaola and William Ouko.At the centre of the dispute was the manner in which the JSC handled three petitions seeking the removal of the seven judges. One of the complaints was filed by former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi, who accused the judges of misconduct and misbehaviour and sought the initiation of the constitutional process for their removal.The judges challenged the JSC’s decision to require them to respond, arguing that the commission should first determine whether the complaints disclosed any of the constitutional grounds for removal before putting them to the judges.The High Court agreed, holding that the JSC was required to undertake a preliminary appraisal of complaints before requiring a judge to answer them.The court said such an assessment was necessary to determine whether a complaint met the constitutional threshold for removal and to prevent frivolous or vexatious complaints from being used to subject judges to unnecessary proceedings.The judges also found that the JSC’s approach failed to adequately safeguard the affected judges’ right to fair administrative action under Article 47 of the Constitution.The notices issued by the commission on January 27, 2025, were found wanting because they largely communicated the complaints and required the judges to respond within 21 days without sufficiently setting out the factual allegations and the specific constitutional grounds on which removal was being sought.The court held that a judge could not reasonably be expected to respond to a broad collection of allegations without being told precisely which grounds under Article 168(1) were alleged to have been breached.Article 168 provides the constitutional framework for removal of judges and sets out the grounds, including inability to perform the functions of office, breach of a code of conduct, bankruptcy, incompetence and gross misconduct or misbehaviour.The High Court further faulted the JSC for dealing with the seven judges collectively through what it described as an omnibus process, rather than identifying the allegations and grounds applicable to each judge.The court also questioned whether the JSC had demonstrated that the decision requiring the judges to respond had been made through a properly convened meeting of the commission.The judges had challenged the JSC’s assertion that a subcommittee had considered the complaints and made recommendations which were subsequently adopted on January 24, 2025. They argued that the commission had not produced sufficient minutes, deliberations or resolutions to demonstrate how the decision was reached.The court consequently issued an order of certiorari, quashing the January 27, 2025 notices together with related communications, decisions, actions and proceedings arising from the three JSC petitions.It also issued an order of prohibition, restraining the JSC, its agents and anyone acting on its behalf from taking further action based on the impugned notices or complaints founded on the same facts.The ruling, however, did not strip the JSC of its constitutional mandate to receive and consider complaints against judges.Instead, the court affirmed that the commission’s mandate under Article 168 must be exercised within the Constitution and the law, including the requirements of fair administrative action.The judgment also rejected the suggestion that the JSC’s actions were beyond scrutiny by the courts. The High Court held that it has jurisdiction to examine whether the commission has acted within the limits of the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act and the principles of fair administrative action.The dispute had previously resulted in interim orders stopping the JSC from proceeding against the seven judges. In April 2025, the High Court found that the consolidated petitions raised substantial constitutional questions, including whether the JSC was required to screen complaints before requiring judges to respond.Among the questions identified at the time was whether the JSC could entertain complaints challenging the merits of judicial decisions and whether processing such complaints without first determining their validity could undermine judicial independence.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 2 – The Linda Mwananchi Movement has finally secured reservation of its preferred political name, ending a months-long dispute with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) over the proposed party identity.In a letter dated October 1, 2026, Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou informed the promoters that their application for Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) had been approved pursuant to Section 4B of the Political Parties Act and following the September 30 judgment of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT).The Registrar said the name would be reserved for not more than 90 days from the date of the letter.The approval marks a significant turn in a dispute that had threatened to derail the movement’s efforts to formalise itself as a political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.The name had initially faced rejection from the Registrar, prompting Suba South MP Michael Caroli Omondi, former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and political activist Pauline Njoroge to challenge the decision before the PPDT.The applicants had sought to reserve the name on June 4, 2026, but the Registrar initially rejected the application on grounds of public interest. The applicants later met the Registrar on August 4, after which they said the office had agreed to reconsider the decision.Three days later, however, the Registrar formally declined the application, citing the existence of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) and concerns over the similarity of the names.The dispute subsequently moved to the Tribunal, which on September 30 set aside the Registrar’s August 7 decision and directed the office to act on the application.A central issue before the Tribunal was an earlier reservation of the name Liberty National Democratic Alliance, commonly referred to as LINDA.The Registrar’s position was that the earlier reservation created a conflict with Linda Mwananchi, while the applicants argued that the two names and abbreviations were sufficiently different and that LINDA’s reservation had not been lawfully maintained.The Tribunal scrutinised whether LINDA had complied with the statutory 90-day period for moving from reservation to provisional registration.The Registrar’s lawyers told the Tribunal that LINDA’s name had been reserved through a letter dated November 15, 2024 and that an application for provisional registration had been submitted in February 2026. However, the Tribunal was told that the actual application was not attached to the Registrar’s record.The Tribunal ultimately found that the earlier LINDA reservation had lapsed because no formal application for provisional registration had been made within the period prescribed by law.The finding was significant because Section 4B of the Political Parties Act provides for a 90-day reservation, while Section 5 states that the reservation lapses if an application for provisional registration is not made within the prescribed period.The Tribunal also found that an expired reservation could not simply be revived through subsequent administrative action.The Linda Mwananchi name had encountered another obstacle earlier in the year when Charles Wanyonyi applied to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya.The Registrar rejected that application, citing its similarity to the slogan “Linda Mkenya, Boresha Kenya” and public-interest considerations under Section 8 of the Political Parties Act.The subsequent application by the Linda Mwananchi promoters therefore entered an already crowded legal and administrative field involving several applications containing the word “Linda Mwananchi”.The issue of priority also remains part of the wider dispute. Wanyonyi’s lawyers wrote to the Registrar on October 1, arguing that his February 24 application preceded the June 4 application by more than three months and asking the office to process his application.Under Section 4B of the Political Parties Act, an association or organisation can apply to the Registrar to reserve a proposed party’s name, symbol or slogan.Where the name has not already been reserved for another proposed or registered political party, the Registrar is required to reserve it for 90 days and notify the applicant of its availability within 14 days.Section 8, meanwhile, allows the Registrar to reject a party name where it is obscene or offensive, is the name or abbreviation of another registered political party, or so closely resembles the name, symbol or abbreviation of another registered political party or legal entity that it falls within the statutory restriction.The ORPP’s latest letter means Linda Mwananchi now has the statutory reservation period to move to the next stage of the registration process.The approval, however, does not by itself amount to full registration as a political party. The promoters must proceed through the subsequent registration requirements within the applicable legal timelines.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 2 – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a terse warning to sellers of harmful alcoholic drinks, declaring that they will be arrested and made to account for putting the lives of Kenyans at risk.The Second in Command stated that the fight against the harmful drinks has been intensified and no one will be spared to ensure no single Kenyan is exposed to poison in the name of liquor.“I am warning those selling harmful drinks that their days are numbered. We will come for you. I assure you that we will not allow anyone to sell poisonous drinks in the name of alcohol to our people,” DP said.The Deputy President spoke on Friday in Limuru Constituency, Kiambu County where he flagged off milk coolers for various dairy cooperative societies in the devolved unit.Prof. Kindiki, who previously served as Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary and oversaw successful battles against terrorists in Lamu and bandits in Northern Kenya, said the merchants of poisonous drinks will face similar fate.“Some do not even have premises. They just mix chemicals and sell to Kenyans. We are coming for you. We have fought Al Shabaab and bandits, we cannot be defeated by illicit alcohol traders,” he declared.During the event held at Limuru Milk Processing Plant Grounds, Prof. Kindiki saw off nine coolers destined for various processing societies in the County.He said orders have already been issued for inspection of manufacturing premises to ensure they are in compliance with required standards.“We are going to inspect all the alcoholic manufacturers premises to ensure that they are in compliance with quality and public health standards before they take their products to the market,” DP stated.Further, the Deputy President promised to be in the forefront in the war against the substances in the region and across the country in honour of requests to him by Mt. Kenya elders.“We lost our people recently here in Kiambu and previously in Kirinyaga. We will not allow anyone to threaten the lives of Kenyans through sale of harmful drinks,” he affirmed.The milk coolers are among 227 that have so far been distributed to farmers across the country to not only reduce wastages but aid in processing and value addition thus making more income for farmers.From these, Kiambu has received 13 coolers which have been bought at 98.14 million shillings. Over 21, 500 dairy farmers will benefit and 15.7 million litres of milk saved from wastages annually earning them 769 million shillings that could have been lost.“The best way to increase earnings for milk farmers is to ensure there are no losses from waste. This was among our commitments to milk farmers during our campaigns before the last elections,” he added.Because of fruitful interventions in the milk sub sector, production has shot up remarkably pushing Kenya to the top of Africa.“We are committed to meeting our bargain with the milk farmers. That is why milk production has gone up significantly. Today, Kenya is the largest producer of processed milk in Africa,” DP noted.At the same time, he urged Mt. Kenya residents not to heed attempts incite them against each other because of political choices.He said he will not go against the advice by the region’s elders to be above insults and incitement assuring the residents that he will be focused on his duties and service to them.“We must be united. Incitement and violence is not politics. It is criminal and unacceptable. We should not accept to fight each other because of politics. This is not justifiable for whatever reason. We will not allow our communities to attack one another because of political personalities,” DP reiterated.In Kiambu, the Deputy President said affordable projects worth 52 billion shillings are ongoing and include 29 modern markets, dozens of housing projects and hostels.A number of roads have been completed and others ongoing with the planned expansion of Muthaiga Roundabout to Kiambu Town being finalized.DP was joined by MPs Chege Kiragu (Limuru), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Anne Wamuratha (Kiambu Woman Rep), Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), MCAS among others. Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke was also present.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Lumakanda Police Station, Wycliffe Kwendo, has been denied bail after a court found a real and substantial risk that he could interfere with witnesses in a case involving the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old child.Kwendo appeared before the Kakamega Law Courts, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.He faces a main charge of defilement, an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child and a separate charge of abuse of a position of authority.The prosecution, led by Counsel Ian Makotsi, opposed his release on bail, citing compelling reasons linked to his position as a police officer.The prosecution argued that Kwendo’s position of authority placed him in a position to potentially interfere with witnesses. The court also heard allegations that he threatened witnesses with a firearm during his arrest.Prosecutors further told the court that the complainant and other witnesses reside within Kwendo’s area of command, creating an additional risk of interference should he be released.In her determination, Senior Resident Magistrate Dorcas O. Mac’andere reaffirmed that the right to bail is constitutionally guaranteed but may be limited where compelling reasons are demonstrated.The magistrate found that the prosecution had established a real and substantial risk of witness interference, taking into account Kwendo’s position of authority, the vulnerability of the child complainant and the fact that the complainant and other witnesses live within his area of command.The court also considered the allegation that Kwendo had threatened witnesses with a firearm, noting that the allegation had not been rebutted by evidence presented before the court.The magistrate further held that imposing stringent bail conditions would not adequately protect the child complainant or safeguard the integrity of the proceedings.Kwendo will therefore remain in custody at Kakamega GK Prison pending the hearing and determination of the case.The matter will come up for mention on October 15, 2026, for pre-trial directions and to confirm compliance with the court’s orders.The charges against Kwendo remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
Read briefing HARARE, Zimbabwe, Oct 1 — Zimbabwean police have opened investigations into the circumstances surrounding a helicopter crash that killed prominent businessman Wicknell Munodaani Chivhayo, his wife Lucy Rujeko Muteke and three others in Marondera.The Zimbabwe Republic Police said forensic scientists and aviation experts had attended the crash site at Kudenga Farm, where the helicopter came down on Wednesday evening.The police identified the five occupants as Chivhayo, Muteke, Saneliswe Magagula, pilot Calvin Tafirei Soda and co-pilot Courage Mutavirwa.The latest police statement puts the number of occupants at five, correcting an earlier police and government account that had reported six people aboard the aircraft.“Meanwhile, the Police in conjunction with the relevant experts, is conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash,” the Zimbabwe Republic Police said.The Force said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.“More information will be released as investigations unfold,” police said, while extending condolences to the victims’ families.The helicopter crashed at about 5pm on Wednesday in the Marondera area, southeast of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.The latest confirmation follows an initial account from Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana, who said the aircraft had been carrying a high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots, and that there were no survivors.“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” Mangwana said.The Zimbabwe Republic Police had also initially reported that the aircraft had six occupants, saying: “The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening. The aircraft had 6 occupants.”The police have now formally named five people killed in the crash, with the investigation expected to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.Chivhayo’s death has also drawn a reaction from Kenya, where he had developed close links with President William Ruto and had publicly spoken about plans to invest in infrastructure projects.Ruto on Wednesday described Chivhayo as a “dear friend” and mourned his death alongside that of his wife.“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe,” Ruto said.“Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent.”Chivhayo had most recently said on September 8 that he had held a dinner meeting with Ruto at State House in Nairobi, where he announced plans to invest US$200 million in Kenya through infrastructure projects.The businessman had also been a guest at the engagement celebrations of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto.Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 – Youth leaders from across Kenya have demanded the postponement of National Youth Council (NYC) elections, citing cancelled voter education sessions, portal failures and low registration ahead of ward-level voting scheduled for October 9.The caucus, comprising ward and county youth representatives, student leaders, youth-led organisations and election aspirants, said voter education sessions scheduled in Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisumu and other regions were abruptly cancelled on the final day of voter registration.“Civic education is the foundation of any credible election,” the leaders said, arguing that the cancellations had left some young people without adequate information about the Council and the electoral process.They said the situation was particularly concerning because NYC election regulations require the Secretariat to conduct voter education countrywide, with the exercise commencing at least 60 days before elections.The leaders also cited low participation, saying only about 207,000 young people had registered by the close of voter registration against an estimated youth population of 15 million.“More than 98 out of every 100 young Kenyans will have no say in choosing the leaders who claim to speak for them,” the caucus said, describing the registration figures as inadequate for a representative process.The official NYC portal confirms that voter registration closed on September 30, ahead of ward elections on October 9, constituency elections on October 16 and the National Youth Congress elections on October 30.The caucus further alleged that the elections portal experienced sustained delays on the final day of registration and nominations, leaving some registrations marked “Awaiting Approval” and preventing affected aspirants from securing the required nominations.“They did not fail for lack of support; they were failed by the system,” the leaders said, demanding the immediate clearance of all pending voter registration approvals and an extension of the registration and nomination periods.They also called for aspirants affected by the reported system delays to be given further opportunity to meet nomination requirements.The leaders further demanded the vetting of aspirants following what they described as credible reports that political party officials and individuals seeking elective office in 2027 were participating in the NYC process.NYC election rules bar political party officials from contesting in the elections, alongside members of election steering committees and other specified categories.“The National Youth Council must be non-partisan if it is to represent all young Kenyans, whatever their political affiliation,” the caucus said.The youth leaders consequently want voter education reinstated across all regions, pending registrations cleared, registration and nominations extended and the elections postponed to allow what they termed adequate preparation and genuine participation.They gave the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the acting NYC Chief Executive Officer 48 hours to publicly respond to the demands, threatening to seek intervention from the High Court if no action is taken.“We would much rather resolve this through dialogue, but we will not stand by while an election that excludes the very people it is meant to represent is pushed through,” they said.The October elections follow an earlier postponement of polls initially scheduled for July, with outstanding voter education and other legal and operational requirements among the reasons cited for the delay.Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.
Read briefing WASHINGTON, DC, Oct 1 — The United States Senate has confirmed Henry Wooster as Washington’s next ambassador to Kenya, clearing the way for the veteran career diplomat to take up the Nairobi posting at a critical period ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.The Senate confirmed Wooster by voice vote on Wednesday, September 30, after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was discharged from further consideration of his nomination by unanimous consent.His nomination was considered alongside those of nine other ambassadorial nominees.Wooster could take up his Nairobi posting before the end of the year after completing ambassadorial training in Washington, DC.His confirmation comes less than a fortnight after he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Washington’s principal concern regarding Kenya’s August 2027 elections would be stability and the avoidance of violence.The career diplomat was responding to questions from Senator Chris Coons during his September confirmation hearing on how the United States would approach the next election in Kenya.Wooster’s appointment places an experienced diplomat at the helm of the US mission in Nairobi as Kenya approaches another politically consequential election cycle.During the hearing, he described the Kenya-US relationship as one of Washington’s most important partnerships on the continent, while highlighting Nairobi’s role in regional security, including its deployment of police officers to the multinational security mission in Haiti.The new ambassador will also inherit a relationship extending beyond security cooperation to trade, investment, health and technology.Wooster told senators that Kenya’s technology sector, entrepreneurial environment and institutions offered opportunities for deeper economic engagement.His confirmation follows concerns raised during the hearing over the future of US engagement in Africa, including foreign assistance, health programmes and growing competition for influence on the continent.Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch described Kenya as a US partner in sub-Saharan Africa while also identifying areas of disagreement, including Nairobi’s increasingly close diplomatic ties with China and its position on Sudan.Wooster is a career member of the US Senior Foreign Service, holding the rank of Minister-Counselor.Before his nomination to Nairobi, he served as Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.He previously served as US ambassador to Jordan from 2020 to 2023 and held senior positions in the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.His diplomatic career has also included postings in Baghdad, Islamabad, Moscow and at NATO headquarters, as well as work with the US National Security Council.He previously served as a Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commanding General of US Joint Special Operations Command and was an Army officer before joining the Foreign Service.Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 1 — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is pushing for the automation of public officers’ wealth declarations and integration of government digital platforms as part of efforts to detect conflicts of interest before they fuel corruption. EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde said Thursday that stronger digital systems would enable authorities to more effectively scrutinise declarations of income, assets and liabilities while improving the sharing of information across public institutions. Oginde spoke in Naivasha, Nakuru County, while opening a two-day capacity-building workshop for the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The workshop is focused on developing mechanisms for the PSC to automate the Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities (DIALs) process, replacing cumbersome manual processes with a more efficient and secure digital system. Oginde identified conflict of interest as a major corruption risk, arguing that preventing public officials from using their positions to advance personal interests could significantly reduce corruption cases. “The highest number of corruption cases that EACC deals with are as a result of conflict of interest,” he said. “If we deal with this thing called conflict of interest, 90% of corruption cases will be gone forever.” He said automation would strengthen prevent...
Read briefing NAIROBI,Kenya Oct 1 – Kenya is seeking to deepen trade and investment ties with China after a zero-tariff arrangement began opening the Chinese market to Kenyan exports.Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya was ready to move to comprehensive negotiations with China under the China-Africa Development Economic Partnership framework, arguing that the arrangement could create more opportunities for Kenyan businesses to access the Chinese market.Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday during a reception to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Mudavadi said early gains were already being recorded in exports of coffee, tea and avocados.China and Kenya signed an Early Harvest Arrangement in March, providing zero-tariff treatment on Kenyan products under the economic partnership framework. China also extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations from May 1.Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the new tariff arrangements had coincided with a sharp increase in some Kenyan exports to China.According to Guo, avocado oil exports had increased by 700 per cent, aquatic products such as sea cucumbers by 350 per cent, while coffee exports had nearly doubled by the end of August.Guo said Beijing wanted to see more Kenyan products enter the Chinese market and was prepared to strengthen measures, including an upgraded green channel for agricultural exports.The ambassador said China was also ready to expand cooperation with Kenya in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, youth affairs, science and technology.Mudavadi said the government would seek to build on the tariff arrangement to increase Kenya’s ability to compete in the Chinese market.He also linked the expanding trade relationship to Kenya’s wider economic transformation agenda, as the country prepares to develop a new long-term development framework beyond Vision 2030.“Kenya and China have much to share in national transformation into the future,” Mudavadi said.The Prime Cabinet Secretary also highlighted Chinese involvement in major infrastructure projects, including the proposed dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway towards Kisumu and Malaba, as well as the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.He said the projects would strengthen regional connectivity and provide landlocked countries with improved access to the Indian Ocean.Mudavadi said the infrastructure could also support the development of economic corridors, with agricultural areas potentially becoming centres for manufacturing, value addition and trade.Kenya and China upgraded their bilateral relationship during President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April 2025. The two countries subsequently signed agreements covering areas including finance, manufacturing, infrastructure, health, tourism, culture and education.Guo said China and Kenya had continued to implement agreements reached by the two presidents, with more than 1,000 Kenyans travelling to China for training and study programmes under the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. More than 20 events have also been held under the programme, she said.Mudavadi used the occasion to call for stronger state institutions in Kenya, singling out the electoral commission ahead of the 2027 General Election.He said Kenya needed to strengthen and protect the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to safeguard the integrity of elections.“We look forward to a safe, peaceful, petition-free and goons-free election,” Mudavadi said, referring to the August 10, 2027 polls.He said Kenya’s experience in strengthening institutions would be important as the country pursued national cohesion, democratic stability and development.The remarks came as Mudavadi drew parallels between Kenya’s institution-building efforts and China’s long-term state development.He also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to implementing agreements reached between President Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and to strengthening what he described as the strategic partnership between the two countries.Guo, meanwhile, used her address to highlight China’s economic transformation since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, citing growth in manufacturing, trade, technology and environmental protection.She attributed China’s development to the leadership of the Communist Party of China and described the country’s model as “Chinese-style modernization.”The ambassador said China and Africa were marking 70 years of diplomatic relations and reiterated Beijing’s commitment to expanding trade and investment with the continent.The reception at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi was attended by more than 500 guests, including Mudavadi, senior government officials, MPs, diplomats, representatives of international organisations, Chinese companies and members of the Chinese community in Kenya.
Read briefing HARARE, Zimbabwe, Sep 30— Zimbabwean business tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, are feared to be among six people killed in a helicopter crash in Marondera, eastern Zimbabwe, on Wednesday evening.Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash, saying there were no survivors, but said the Zimbabwe Republic Police would formally release the identities of the victims.“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” Mangwana said.The Zimbabwe Republic Police said the aircraft crashed in Marondera Rural area at about 5pm with six people on board.Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash or formally identified the victims.Mangwana said the police would formally confirm the identities of the victims and extended condolences to their families and friends.“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course,” he said.The Zimbabwe Republic Police had earlier confirmed that an aircraft crashed in the Marondera Rural area at about 5pm, with six people on board.“The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours, this evening. The aircraft had 6 occupants,” police said.“More details will be released in due course as the scene is currently being attended.”The crash occurred in Marondera, southeast of the capital Harare, and emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.Authorities have not disclosed what caused the crash or released the identities of those aboard.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 – A NACADA-led multi-agency security operation has dismantled a major illicit alcohol and contraband cigarette network in Laare Division, Igembe North Subcounty, Meru County.The early morning raid, resulted in the seizure of thousands of bottles of suspected counterfeit alcohol in various brands and over 900 packets of uncustomed cigarettes. Three suspects, including a notorious distributor described by police as influential in the area, were arrested.The operation, coordinated by NACADA enforcement officers alongside local police, targeted a compound that had been under surveillance for weeks.Inside a store room, officers discovered a massive stockpile of fake spirits bearing counterfeit excise stamps, alongside cartons of contraband cigarettes, including brands such as Supermatch and Oris.The suspects are expected to be arraigned pending chemical analysis of the seized beverages. NACADA says the main suspect had been on their radar for a long time allegedly using a network of bodaboda riders and local kiosks to distribute the lethal products.The operation is part of a renewed nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs, following a surge in cases of methanol poisoning and drug abuse among the youth.NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa commended the multi-agency team and issued a stern warning to those involved in the illicit trade.“As part of the response to the increased alcohol counterfeiting and drug use countrywide, the Authority is leaving no stone unturned in bringing to book all those involved in this criminal enterprise,” said Dr. Omerikwa.He also expressed gratitude to the public for their role in the successful operation. “We thank the public for volunteering information which has led to this successful operation. We encourage them to keep sharing the same with the Authority to help us keep our communities safe from drugs,” he added.Local residents welcomed the arrests, saying the illicit trade had destroyed young lives. One resident told our reporter that two young men from the village were buried last month after consuming a black bottle brew.Officials said the battle is far from over and urged continued vigilance. The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 — Kenya must strengthen and better connect its health, social protection and community systems to cope with a growing older population and ensure longer lives are matched by health, dignity and independence, experts have said. Health experts, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and older persons meeting in Nairobi warned that ageing cannot be treated solely as a medical issue, with older people increasingly facing multiple and overlapping challenges including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), dementia, mental health conditions, mobility limitations, malnutrition, abuse and social isolation. The discussions were held at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) during the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2026 Scientific Pre-Conference ahead of the main conference scheduled for October 1–2. Kenya’s 2019 Population and Housing Census recorded about 2.7 million people aged 60 years and above, highlighting the need for systems to prepare for an ageing population. Dr Rita Arogo of the World Health Organization said better data on older people would be critical to planning services capable of meeting their needs. “To rethink systems, we need to think of the data first. Because if we do not count older persons appropriately, then we will not be able to take care of them,” Arogo said.She said improved data would also enable Kenya to adjust its...
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 — Kenya is seeking technical support from Japan to develop irrigation and rice production in Taita Taveta, with a proposed master plan expected to guide investment in water management, production and processing while promoting sustainable use of the county’s water resources.Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho hosted a team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to explore technical cooperation aimed at expanding rice production and strengthening the crop’s value chain in the county.The proposed partnership will focus on irrigation development, improved productivity, post-harvest handling, processing and the creation of sustainable markets for farmers.A key outcome of the discussions was an agreement to commission a detailed technical study to establish a comprehensive master plan for rice production and irrigation development in Taita Taveta.“The engagement comes as the State Department for Irrigation (SDI) continues to advance interventions that seek to increase the area under irrigation and enhance the productivity and economic returns of irrigation schemes,” Ministry of Water and Irrigation said.The study will assess available water resources, areas suitable for rice cultivation, existing and required irrigation infrastructure, production systems, market opportunities and investment needs.The plan is also expected to guide the identification of priority irrigation areas while promoting efficient and sustainable utilisation of water resources.Taita Taveta has agricultural potential supported by available water resources, agricultural land and favourable climatic conditions, although coordinated investment in irrigation infrastructure, water management and value-chain systems is required to expand commercial rice production.The State Department for Irrigation will also pursue the necessary Government approvals to designate Taita Taveta as a strategic irrigation development area.The designation would provide a coordinated framework for expanding irrigation infrastructure and supporting the county’s transition towards increased and commercially viable rice production.The proposed cooperation comes under the Government’s broader irrigation expansion agenda, including priorities contained in the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), which emphasises increased irrigation coverage, improved water productivity, Farmer Led Irrigation Development and stronger agricultural value chains.The initiative could also contribute to climate resilience in agriculture by improving water management and supporting more efficient use of irrigation resources as farmers contend with changing climatic conditions.Through the proposed technical cooperation, SDI and JICA will explore support for technical capacity, irrigation planning, infrastructure development and rice value-chain systems.The Government expects increased rice production to contribute to food and nutrition security, reduce reliance on imports and create employment and income opportunities across production, aggregation, storage, processing, value addition and marketing.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for the establishment of a sustainable African financing mechanism for climate action, warning that the continent must back its climate commitments with domestic resources and stronger laws.Wetang’ula said Africa’s response to climate change should move beyond international commitments and focus on creating the financial and legal capacity needed to implement climate policies.He made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) at Parliament Buildings, where discussions focused on developing practical and sustainable responses to the effects of climate change across the continent.“Climate change is one of Africa’s biggest challenges,” Wetang’ula said, commending PAP for its efforts to address what he described as the growing and harmful effects of climate change on African communities.Wetang’ula called for a Climate Change Fund as legislators work on a Model Law on Climate Change for Africa, saying financing would be critical to turning climate policies into action.“I stressed the need for a realistic and sustainable financing model for climate action including a Climate Change Fund as legislators work on a Model Law on Climate Change for Africa,” he said.The Speaker also urged African countries to make greater use of their natural resources to finance climate action, while strengthening domestic capacity and reducing dependence on external support.He further called on African lawmakers to adopt a common position on climate action and support legislation that holds environmental polluters accountable.“I also urged African lawmakers to speak with one voice on climate action and support strong laws that hold environmental polluters accountable,” he said.Wetang’ula linked Kenya’s role in international environmental governance to its responsibility to advance environmental protection, noting that the country hosts UN-Habitat.The Speaker said the continent now needed to shift from commitments to implementation by ensuring climate laws and policies are matched with adequate resources.“Africa must move from commitments to action by ensuring that our climate policies and laws are backed by adequate resources for effective implementation,” Wetang’ula said.
Read briefing MOMBASA, Kenya, Sep 29 — Kenya and Rwanda have activated a new government-backed route for bulk petroleum imports through the Northern Corridor, with the arrival of a 40,000-metric-tonne cargo in Mombasa marking the first shipment under the new framework. The maiden consignment, carried by MT Sea Wolf, was received at the Kenya Pipeline Company’s Kipevu Oil Terminal 2 (KOT2) on Tuesday, opening a new supply route for Rwanda’s refined petroleum products through Kenya’s port, pipeline and storage infrastructure. Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi said the agreement could significantly increase petroleum volumes transiting the Northern Corridor, with the two countries projecting a tenfold growth over the coming years. “This framework is projected to grow the volume of petroleum products moving through our Northern Corridor to Rwanda tenfold over the coming years,” Wandayi said. “That is a vote of confidence, not just in a pipeline or a port, but in Kenya as a nation, in our institutions, our regulatory environment and our ability to deliver on our word.” The development gives Kenya a larger role in Rwanda’s fuel supply chain while positioning the Northern Corridor as a key route for the landlocked country’s petroleum imports. Wandayi said the arrangement would further strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional energy and logistics hub. “It cements ou...
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 29 — Kirinyaga WomanRepresentative Maina Njeri has called for endometriosis to be treated as a public health and economic issue, urging the Government to integrate its diagnosis and treatment into Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.Njeri told the National Assembly that thousands of women and girls affected by the chronic condition continue to suffer prolonged pain, delayed diagnosis and financial hardship because of limited awareness and inadequate access to specialised care.She said the condition, which causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus, is frequently mistaken for ordinary menstrual pain despite potentially causing severe pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, fatigue and infertility.“Endometriosis is therefore not merely a private medical concern, it is a public-health, social and economic issue that affects the dignity, equality and well-being of women and girls,” Njeri said in a General Statement to the House.The legislator said women affected by the condition can spend years moving between health facilities before receiving an accurate diagnosis, with the resulting pain affecting their education, employment and household finances.Njeri called for endometriosis care to be incorporated into the UHC agenda and covered through the Social Health Authority (SHA), alongside efforts to take specialised services closer to patients.“There is an urgent need to integrate endometriosis care into the Universal Health Coverage agenda, provide appropriate coverage under the Social Health Authority, and decentralize diagnostic and specialised treatment services to county and regional referral facilities across the country,” she said.She also urged the Government to strengthen training for healthcare workers and develop clear national guidelines covering diagnosis, referral, treatment and long-term management.Njeri said the country also needed research to establish the prevalence of endometriosis and quantify its socioeconomic impact on affected women, families and the wider economy.The call comes as access to specialised healthcare remains more difficult for women living outside major urban centres, where diagnostic and treatment services are less readily available.Njeri also called for a shift in Kenya’s menstrual-health messaging, arguing that public education should go beyond access to sanitary products to help women and girls identify symptoms that require medical attention.“Our menstrual-health agenda should go beyond access to sanitary products,” she said, calling for initiatives to ensure women and girls understand that “severe or incapacitating menstrual pain is not normal” and should be reported to healthcare providers.She said earlier recognition of symptoms could help reduce the prolonged suffering experienced by women who remain undiagnosed.Njeri further paid tribute to the late media personality and endometriosis campaigner Mary Njambi Koikai, popularly known as Jahmby Koikai, whose public account of living with the condition helped raise awareness in Kenya.“She transformed her personal suffering into advocacy and gave countless Kenyan women the courage to also speak up about their own pain,” Njeri said.She urged the Government to turn the increased awareness generated by advocacy into concrete measures for early diagnosis, affordable treatment and wider access to specialised care.“The greatest homage we can pay to her and to every woman living with endometriosis is to translate endometriosis awareness into meaningful policy and accessible
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