President William Ruto launched a fresh political broadside against his predecessor, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, labeling him a “rebel leader” who has failed to transition into the role of an elder statesman. Speaking during a re-election campaign rally in Siaya County, President Ruto welcomed a recent High Court ruling that barred Kenyatta from holding executive leadership positions in political parties. Ruto argued that his former boss has brought dishonor to the presidency through continued active involvement in opposition politics. Ruto expressed dismay at Kenyatta’s decision to maintain an active political profile after stepping down from office. “Mimi nashangaa, mtu ambaye amekuwa Rais wa Kenya, unaacha kiti ya Rais, badala ya kwenda kuwa statesman, unaenda kuwa rebel leader, kiongozi wa upinzani. Mpaka saa hii korti inamwambia atoke,” President Ruto stated. Related – Uhuru Kenyatta to Step Down as Jubilee Party Leader After High Court Ruling The president claimed Kenyatta has disgraced the presidency and accused him of funding opposition political activities intended to destabilize the current administration. “Imagine surely hiyo ni aibu kubwa. Na sasa ati amekodesha Orengo hapa, hao watu wa Linda Sponyo. Gavana Orengo awachane na maneno ya Linda Sponyo, kama Uhuru Kenyatta hakunishinda akiwa Rais ataninishinda saa hii kweli?” Ruto posed. These latest comments buil...
Read briefing Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua took direct aim at President William Ruto, demanding that he stop using former President Uhuru Kenyatta as an excuse to cover up his administration’s shortcomings. In a scathing statement issued on Wednesday, Gachagua accused President Ruto of consistently blaming Uhuru Kenyatta whenever his competence and governance record come under intense public criticism. “President Uhuru Kenyatta is not your opponent in this election. You are just trying a bad deflection. Poor tactic, Mr. Ruto, but we know you very well,” Gachagua stated. The former Deputy President asserted that Ruto is rapidly proving unfit for office and called on Kenyans to vote him out in the 2027 General Election. “President Uhuru Kenyatta did not sufficiently convince me and a majority of Kenyans that you were incapable of leading the country, that you were viciously corrupt, and that you would completely ruin our country in less than three years,” Gachagua remarked. “Today, you have proven to me and the whole country that President Uhuru was right. Based on that, he has no further role in convincing us that we must get rid of you on 10th August 2027 at the ballot.” Sparked by Siaya Campaign Remarks Gachagua’s fiery pushback follows comments President Ruto made on Tuesday during a campaign stop in Siaya County, where the Head of State lambasted Kenyatta...
Read briefing This is what’s trending on the socials today. The post The Funniest Memes in Nairobi This Thursday appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Read briefing The National Treasury has once again pushed back its timelines to review Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax bands for low-income earners, with Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announcing that public engagement will now begin in October 2026. The CS had previously promised to table a tax amendment Bill in Parliament by the end of September. However, speaking on Tuesday, September 15, Mbadi confirmed that the Treasury will first launch a public participation exercise in the first week of October before submitting the finalized bill to lawmakers. Mbadi attributed the pushback to a congested September legislative calendar, planned foreign travel, and the legal imperative of conducting thorough public consultations to avoid litigation risks. “It is coming. I will do the public participation first. Kenya has become what it is because of the Constitution that we have. If I bring them without public participation, someone might go to court to stop it. Sometimes it can be very discomforting,” Mbadi stated. He noted that public engagements will start in early October before taking a brief pause while he attends the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings. “This month is a bit crowded. I will do it immediately in the first week of October,” he explained. “I will break it when I am going for the spring meeting, then come back and conclude it, then we process the Bill through t...
Read briefing The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent advisory calling on households nationwide to take early safety precautions as Kenya prepares for expected heavy El Niño rainfall. Officials urge families to take proactive measures around the home to prevent property damage, injuries, and disease outbreaks before severe weather strikes. Home Maintenance and Risk Assessment Property Checks: Clear drainage channels and roof gutters, secure loose roofing sheets, and trim risky tree branches near residential structures. Evacuation Plans: Assess local flood exposure, map out safe evacuation routes, and protect domestic water sources against contamination. Livestock & Infrastructure: Secure safe shelter for livestock, while verifying that local schools and workplaces have established flood-response protocols. Emergency Readiness and Family Planning Emergency Supplies: Assemble a complete home emergency kit containing rain gear, flashlight devices, a battery-powered radio, fully charged power banks, and essential first aid supplies, including oral rehydration salts (ORS). Critical Care: Maintain a sufficient supply of prescribed medications and prepare extra support systems for vulnerable family members, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities. Document Protection: Store vital legal and personal documents in waterproof packaging. Family Communication: Draw up a family emergency pla...
Read briefing In an unexpected twist during sentencing proceedings, the parents of slain journalism student Sharon Otieno have asked the court to consider reconciliation and a non-custodial sentence for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado. Through their lawyer, the parents urged the judge to spare Obado jail time, revealing that their relationship with the former governor has remained cordial, even during the period when Sharon was still alive. The family’s stance surfaced as the High Court heard final submissions regarding the punishment for Obado, alongside his co-convicts Caspal Obiero and Michael Oyamo, following their murder convictions. While the prosecution acknowledged the parents’ request and noted that victim family perspectives carry weight in sentencing, state attorneys made it clear that a family’s wishes cannot dictate the final verdict. “This is an offense against the state… the court is the ultimate decision maker,” the state submitted. State prosecutors pushed for stiff penalties, urging the judge to carefully weigh the severity of the crime alongside key aggravating factors. The prosecution argued that the trio carried out a premeditated murder through coordinated action, executing distinct roles under a shared design to end Sharon’s life. According to the State, this high degree of advance planning significantly increases the culpability of all three men. Additionally, pros...
Read briefing Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi addresses attendees during a fundraiser at Mikuyu Primary School in Suba South. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has called on politicians eyeing the presidency in the 2027 General Election to move past campaign slogans and outline detailed proposals for resolving Kenya’s fiscal and social challenges. Mbadi urged both voters and media houses to subject presidential aspirants to rigorous scrutiny, demanding clear explanations regarding how they intend to fund their state programs and manage the national economy. “If I want to be president, ask me what I will do differently,” Mbadi stated, calling on journalists to press politicians on their financing models and economic strategies. Demanding Policy Alternatives on Debt and Social Programs Addressing the national debate around sovereign debt, Mbadi criticized populist suggestions that Kenya should refuse to service debts deemed questionable by politicians. He warned that such proposals carry serious consequences for institutional investors, financial markets, and bondholders holding government securities. “If someone is going to wake up to tell you that the bond that you bought, that you are not going to be paid your coupon because the records are not properly kept at the Treasury, what is that person telling you?” he posed. The Treasury chief also took aim at political opponents critici...
Read briefing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed government agencies to turn youth employment into a measurable priority by embedding explicit targets into their sector plans and annual performance contracts. Speaking on Wednesday during the 15th Development Partnership Forum (DPF) at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, Kindiki called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to concentrate on high-impact sectors. He singled out agriculture, manufacturing, the digital economy, tourism, and the blue economy as key drivers for large-scale job creation. The high-level forum focused on youth and development brought together key leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi, county governors, ambassadors, heads of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, and private sector representatives. Kindiki called for a paradigm shift in how the country views its young population, stating that youth must be seen as primary drivers of economic transformation rather than passive recipients of aid. “Kenya is a youthful nation, and our young people are not merely beneficiaries of development programmes; they are central actors in the transformation of our economy and society,” Kindiki said. He urged development partners and the private sector to collaborate directly with the government by co-designing and co-financing yout...
Read briefing An icon on the home screen is the least interesting part of downloading a betting app. What matters happens underneath it, in the small frictions that disappear once the app is installed instead of the site being reopened in a browser tab every single time. Paripesa app works the same as most sports betting apps in that respect, the core betting experience does not change, but a handful of things around it genuinely do. Worth knowing exactly what those are before assuming the download is just a shortcut icon and nothing more. Notifications that actually save time A goal alert, an odds change on a market already placed, a withdrawal confirmation, these arrive directly on the lock screen without needing to remember to open anything. On Paripesa, as on most apps in this category, these alerts are grouped by type in the settings menu, so during a Kigali derby between APR FC and Rayon Sports, when a red card or a late equaliser flips a match completely, getting that update the moment it happens matters more than it sounds like it should. The same feature annoys plenty of people who leave every notification switched on by default and end up with a dozen alerts a day they never wanted. Turning most of them off in the app settings, keeping only match events and account confirmations, takes about a minute and solves that completely. Logging in faster than typing anything Fingerprint or...
Read briefing TikTok has issued system notifications instructing Kenyan content creators to submit their official tax details to comply with statutory regulations set by the government. The in-app prompt directs users to complete a dedicated Kenya tax form without delay. TikTok explained that the collected data will be used to verify local tax obligations and ensure the platform fulfills its payment requirements when disbursing earnings. Details Required and Program Coverage The mandatory submission form asks creators to provide their full name, email address, physical address, and country of residence. Account holders must also explicitly confirm their residential status by selecting whether or not they reside in Kenya. According to the notification, the updated tax records will cover payouts across all current monetization programs and schemes, as well as any future initiatives launched on the platform. TikTok urged creators to submit the forms promptly to avoid payout disruptions and satisfy statutory requirements. Recent Moderation and Safety Report The compliance request follows safety statistics released by TikTok regarding its operations in Kenya. In a report published on July 23, the platform disclosed that it removed 884,591 videos posted by Kenyan accounts during the first quarter of 2026 after identifying violations of its community guidelines. The social media giant revealed that...
Read briefing The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has closed a miscellaneous application file involving two suspects in connection with the murder of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso. During earlier court proceedings, the magistrate granted the DCI an additional four days after the agency requested seven more days to complete investigations against Boda boda rider Kevin Ngugi Kinuthia and Prado driver Daniel Mwangi Njoroge. Mwangi and Ngugi, who are not represented by counsel, did not oppose the prosecution’s application. When the matter came up before Milimani Principal Magistrate Paul Mutai on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the State told the court that investigations into the two suspects have been completed. Even though the miscellaneous application file has now been closed, the two suspects have not been released. They remain detained for an additional week while authorities arrange their placement under the witness protection agency. “The miscilenious application file is now closed, and the two respondents shall remain in custody for the next seven days awaiting to be placed on witness protection agency,” Magistrate Mutai ruled. Preliminary investigations indicate that Ngugi worked as a boda boda rider. Investigators say he transported the shooter to the scene and then took the person back afterward. Mwangi, meanwhile, allegedly drove the Prado that crossed the taxi carrying the la...
Read briefing Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has warned the United Opposition against over-relying on mass political campaigns, pointing to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential race as a cautionary lesson on the necessity of strategy. Speaking to the media at his office on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the lawmaker urged opposition leaders to balance public rallies with rigorous tactical planning ahead of the 2027 General Election. He recalled traveling extensively across the country during the 2022 campaigns, noting that massive rally turnouts did not guarantee an election victory without deep underlying strategy. “I want to advise those who are in the Opposition. We need to spend more time strategizing and getting tact, not only campaigning. Baba did all these rallies. We saw very huge rallies when he was campaigning, and I went with him to 280 constituencies, which is 95 percent of the whole country, but Baba was not sworn in as the president despite being loved so much. Why? Probably because we did not spend much time planning and strategizing,” the MP said. Addressing the political trajectory of the Linda Mwananchi movement, Owino advised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the team to actively build a broad coalition rather than running as a single entity. He emphasized that no political party has won Kenya’s presidency independently under the 2010 Constitution. “We cannot w...
Read briefing Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will officially step down as the leader of the Jubilee Party, complying with a landmark judgment from the High Court. Justice Lawrence Mugambi delivered the decision, ruling that the law bars retired presidents from holding political party offices for more than six months after leaving State House. However, the ruling clarifies that former heads of state retain the right to join or participate in general party activities. Justice Mugambi issued the directive after considering a petition that accused Mr. Kenyatta of violating Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. In his verdict, the judge noted that former presidents occupy a unique political position and can wield significant influence capable of skewing genuine political competition. The court also highlighted the historical context of the 2003 law, which Parliament designed specifically to prevent former presidents from retaining power through successors. Responding through the Communications Secretary at the Office of the 4th President, Mr. Kenyatta welcomed the judgment as a testament to Kenya’s democratic maturity and confirmed his immediate intention to honour the directive. “He notes that the court’s ruling is not a restriction on his political life…the 4th President of the Republic of Kenya acknowledges that leadership is not the chair one occupies; it is the trust...
Read briefing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar has explained controversial comments in which he suggested using deceased voters to reelect President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Speaking during an engagement at UDA headquarters on Tuesday, September 15, Omar stated that critics had misunderstood his comments, explaining that his political communication frequently relies on coastal metaphors, proverbs, and satire. He pointed out that his style of communication in Nairobi differs from how he speaks in Mombasa, where political figures routinely use regional cultural expressions. Omar urged those unfamiliar with Mombasa’s unique political rhetoric not to take his statements literally. “I have used this as an opportunity because, as politicians, whenever we get a forum, we express our views and thoughts. I urge those who do not understand Kiswahili from Mombasa, or who do not understand the satire and metaphors used in politics, not to come to these meetings, lest they misinterpret our words and their meaning,” he stated. Related – Karua Warns UDA’s “Dead Voter” Comments Threaten 2027 Election Integrity The Secretary-General added that his primary concern is not whether UDA will win the next election, but how losing candidates will respond to the final outcome. He argued that opposition figures are deliberately distorting his words to lay the groundwork...
Read briefing Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo has addressed the heckling incident during a public rally, claiming that outsiders traveled to Mfangano Island specifically to disrupt her event. Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Odhiambo defended the local community, insisting that the residents of Mfangano were peaceful. She explained that she was presenting a breakdown of local development projects when targeted groups began creating chaos to drown out her speech. “The public was very peaceful. These were not people from the island. They came in groups to make noise. When I was speaking, they wanted to disrupt me so that people would not hear what I was saying,” Odhiambo said. The lawmaker asserted that some of the disruptors traveled from mainland areas, claiming to have identified at least one individual from Ndhiwa. “Why are you coming to make noise on Mfangano Island? There is enough room on the mainland. You can go and make noise there. Leave the Suba people to do their own work,” she stated. The explanation follows another tense incident on Sunday, September 13, 2026, when hostile audience members shouted down the Suba North MP during a public engagement attended by President William Ruto in Kisumu. The crowd turned rowdy almost immediately after she received the microphone, prompting Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who s...
Read briefing Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has narrated how Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Leader Rigathi Gachagua leveraged a threat to join the rival coalition to secure his spot as President William Ruto’s running mate ahead of the 2022 General Election. Speaking on Monday, September 14, 2026, Nyoro, who said he served as Gachagua’s chief campaigner during the selection process, revealed that internal party deliberations ultimately narrowed down to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Gachagua. According to Nyoro, Kindiki emerged as the preferred choice among lawmakers, securing 28 votes compared to Gachagua’s five. However, the decision took a dramatic turn when Gachagua threatened to cross over to the Azimio coalition after receiving overtures from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. “Gachagua, Ruto, and I went into a room. Gachagua removed his phone and told Ruto that since he was playing games and Uhuru was looking for his support, he would rather decamp to Azimio,” Nyoro said. “So I told Ruto to give the running mate position because he had been with us in the trenches. I was Gachagua’s chief campaigner; we had only five votes, but we won.” Nyoro explained that Gachagua strongly opposed Kindiki’s consideration because Kindiki had only recently joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after staying out of active frontline politics for nearly two years. The lawmake...
Read briefing The High Court issued interim orders stopping the Standard Group from publishing, repeating, or distributing allegations that link President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, to a Ksh2.8 billion Kenya Police Service uniform procurement. Charlene filed an application challenging an August 30, 2026, publication by The Standard, which featured a front-page article headlined “THE TRAIL…” alongside a page-six report titled “Police uniform tender trail links Alusala teacher and First Family.” Through her legal team, she told the court that the reports expressly or implicitly suggested she participated in, supplied under, or benefited from the multibillion-shilling tender. Court documents highlight that the National Police Service (NPS) subsequently clarified that Nalitex Limited, the company featured in the reports, played no role in the procurement process. The NPS stated that Nalitex Limited did not bid, receive a contract, act as a subcontractor, or receive any purchase orders or payments regarding the tender, identifying Bedi Investments Limited as the actual contractor. Before taking legal action, Charlene served The Standard with a written demand and right of reply notice requesting a retraction, correction, and apology. She noted that despite this notice, the reports remained accessible online, compounding reputational damage through ongoing digital sharing. In her petit...
Read briefing Here are some of today’s top memes. The post Hilarious Memes in Nairobi This Tuesday appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Read briefing Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua commended the massive turnout at Sunday’s Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi, calling the mobilization a clear sign of the opposition’s expanding strength ahead of the 2027 general election. The former deputy president tracked the events from Portland City, Oregon, in the United States, expressing delight at the massive crowds gathered by the movement, which Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna leads. “I was following what was happening earlier in the day on Sunday. Oh, things are very good. Things are boiling very nicely,” Gachagua said during an interdenominational fellowship. Linda Mwananchi’s inaugural Nairobi rally drew vast crowds, bringing portions of the capital to a halt as a massive leaders’ convoy wound its way from the Central Business District to the Jacaranda Grounds in Eastlands. The leaders began the day with a Sunday service at Holy Family Basilica before marching through Marikiti market, Gikomba, Burma, Jogoo Road, Manyanja Road, and B Centre, eventually assembling at a packed Jacaranda Grounds. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi, and Siaya Governor James Orengo spearheaded the rally. The politicians declared that the strong turnout reflected widespread public demand for new leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to backing a single presidential cand...
Read briefing Raila Odinga Junior, son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has publicly endorsed President William Ruto’s re-election bid for a second term in 2027. Speaking during a church service attended by the Head of State in Kisumu on Sunday, Raila Junior stated that the President and his late father shared a vision for national development that extended well beyond the Nyanza region. “Your Excellency, welcome to Kisumu. I am Raila Odinga Junior, Baba’s son. I do not have much to say, but I know you had a shared vision with Raila of development and bringing things to the ground, and not just in the Nyanza region but the whole of Kenya,” he said. Signaling his explicit political backing ahead of the upcoming general election, Raila Junior declared his alignment with the president. “Therefore, Your Excellency, I would like to say that I am supporting and I’m behind you fully,” he added. He made the remarks during a grassroots leaders’ gathering in Kisumu presided over by President Ruto. At the same event, held at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Mamboleo, President Ruto pledged to collaborate with ODM leaders and supporters to advance the late opposition chief’s development legacy. While acknowledging the difficulty of replacing Raila, Ruto maintained that cooperation and focused development would keep his vision alive. “It may not be possible to replace the late...
Read briefing President William Ruto has pledged to collaborate closely with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and supporters to carry forward the development legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, committing to keep his vision for Kenya alive. Speaking at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Mamboleo, Kisumu, President Ruto acknowledged the void left by the former prime minister while outlining a path forward through unity and national development. “It may not be possible to replace the late Raila Odinga, but we can work to make sure that his legacy is carried on in the development of our nation,” Ruto stated. Describing himself as a student of the late opposition chief, the president reassured ODM supporters of his continued partnership. “I want to assure you that as a student of the late Raila Odinga, I will walk with you,” Ruto added. “ODM and UDA are not competitors but rather collaborators, and I will ensure his legacy lives on.” Addressing his return to Kisumu, President Ruto reflected on his administration’s performance over the past four years, citing economic recovery despite inheriting significant debt and inflation. He noted that fiscal stabilization measures have positioned Kenya’s economy as the sixth largest in Africa. The president also listed several flagship projects aligned with Odinga’s vision, pointing to major progress in national road net...
Read briefing Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni has criticized Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of micromanaging opposition affairs and disrespecting fellow leaders within the United Opposition. Speaking on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Ndaragwa Constituency, Nyandarua County, Kioni targeted Gachagua’s recent comments regarding former coalition spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi. Kituyi recently resigned from the alliance after pointing out its failure to set up a secretariat to plan for the 2027 General Election. Gachagua dismissed Kituyi’s exit, arguing that the opposition operates fine without a secretariat and suggesting that such an entity would only invite infiltration by “moles,” specifically targeting the Jubilee Party. Kioni rejected these allegations, describing them as unfounded and harmful. “To claim that you are unable to form a secretariat because there are moles within the Jubilee Party, that is hitting rock bottom. It is simply appalling. When Mukhisa Kituyi left the secretariat, he remarked that those people lacked the capacity to discuss substantive issues; only Fred Matiang’i and Martha Karua were actually discussing issues. So, does he intend to label Dr. Kituyi a mole?” Kioni posed. The Jubilee deputy leader asserted that Gachagua’s rhetoric indirectly targeted Jubilee’s preferred presidential candidate, Dr. Fred Matiang’i...
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 Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of using the presidency to build a massive personal business empire across key economic sectors, including construction, finance, and transport. Speaking to Kenyans living and working in Portland, Oregon, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader described Ruto’s extensive commercial footprint as a full-blown case of state capture that stifles competition and drives ordinary citizens out of business. Gachagua painted a grim picture of the country’s economy, linking widespread financial hardship directly to state-level corruption and conflicts of interest. “There’s no money in circulation, and business is not thriving because the country has been taken over by what we call state capture. William Ruto is doing all the businesses in the country,” he said. He alleged that the president’s business interests span almost every major market in Kenya. “He is in banking, he is in insurance, he is in medical, he is in steel, he is in cement, he is in Tiles, MDF boards, high schools, nursery schools, ICT… in fact, of late he has gone into matatu, police uniform… he literally has driven all Kenyans out of business, he’s doing everything,” he noted. Gachagua Vows to Dismantle Ruto’s Alleged Business Empire The former deputy president pledged that a united opposition front would immediately dismantle these con...
Read briefing 