Former Garissa Governor Ali Bunow Korane launches comeback bid for 2027 gubernatorial seat

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September 10, 2026

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called on the Kenyan government to restrict foreign nationals from operating small-scale enterprises, advocating for policy measures to reserve the informal and micro-business sectors strictly for citizens.

Speaking on trade protections and regional commercial dynamics, the Senator argued that the influx of foreign operators in small-scale retail, local service sectors, and informal markets poses severe economic pressure on local traders. Cherargei urged the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry alongside domestic security agencies to institute strict regulatory enforcement against non-citizens conducting businesses designated for micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

Cherargei emphasized that micro-enterprises—such as retail shops, mobile money agencies, small-scale farming supply outlets, and salon services—form the backbone of Kenya’s informal economy and should be safeguarded for local livelihoods.

Pointing to neighboring policies within the East African Community (EAC), the Senator urged Nairobi to adopt retaliatory and protective measures to match restrictions imposed on Kenyan traders elsewhere in the region.

He called for an immediate audit of business licenses and work permits issued to foreign nationals operating in local markets, asserting that foreign capital should be directed toward large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure rather than competing directly with small-scale traders.

The Senator’s demands come amid heightened discussions around national trade policy, worker protections, and the enforcement of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act regarding foreign work permits. Local trader associations have periodically voiced concern over foreign domination in major wholesale and retail hubs across urban centers.

While Cherargei insists that reciprocal bans and tighter licensing are essential to protect Kenyan workers, trade experts warn that blanket restrictions on regional operators could spark friction regarding East African Community trade protocols promoting the free movement of goods, services, and labor.

Shahbal: Mombasa is calling, I will not quit 2027 race

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September 10, 2026

Mombasa politician and businessman Suleiman Shahbal has reaffirmed his intention to contest the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, saying his bid is driven by the need for change in the county.

Shahbal, who is a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), said nothing would make him withdraw from the race unless God or the people of Mombasa decide otherwise.

“Mombasa is calling, and it’s not calling Shahbal alone. It’s calling all of us,” Shahbal said.

His remarks came shortly after President William Ruto advised him to focus on business rather than pursue the Mombasa governorship.

Ruto gave the advice during the signing of a Sh12 billion agreement involving Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and DP World to develop a Special Economic Zone in Jomvu, Mombasa. The project is expected to attract investment and create thousands of jobs.

However, Shahbal has maintained that his political ambitions remain intact, and has hinted at the possibility of running on an independent ticket following previous challenges in securing party nominations.

The 2027 election would mark Shahbal’s third attempt at the Mombasa governorship. He first contested the seat in 2013 through Wiper and lost to Ali Hassan Joho. He made another attempt in 2017 on a Jubilee ticket but was again defeated by Joho.

In 2022, Shahbal sought the ODM nomination but later withdrew from the race and backed incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

Former union boss Wilson Sossion sworn in as TSC Commissioner

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September 10, 2026

In a landmark shift for Kenya’s education sector, former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion was officially sworn in today as a Commissioner of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Supreme Court of Kenya, marks a full-circle moment for Sossion, who spent nearly two decades at the forefront of aggressive trade unionism, often clashing directly with the very employer he will now help govern. Alongside Sossion, former TSC Director of Staffing Antonina Lentoijoni was also sworn in for a six-year term following their nomination by President William Ruto, parliamentary vetting, and formal gazettement.

Administered at the Supreme Court following vetting approval by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education and subsequent appointment via a special Gazette Notice.

Sossion moves from advocating on the labor union front to shaping policy, overseeing registration, recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary matters for over 300,000 public school teachers nationwide.

During his parliamentary vetting, Sossion pledged to eliminate institutional rifts between the TSC and the Ministry of Education, eradicate operational corruption, streamline bureaucracy, and fast-track long-overdue teacher pension disbursements.

Sossion’s appointment represents one of the most remarkable administrative turnarounds in Kenya’s labor history. As KNUT Chief from 2013 to 2021, Sossion organized national strikes and led fierce court battles against the commission over salary scales, teacher appraisals, and promotion criteria.

Addressing concerns over his previous union stance, Sossion assured lawmakers that his deep understanding of teacher grievances will serve as an asset rather than a disruption.

“I was not pulling down the commission; I was building the commission. From this side I was advocating. From the employer’s side, I will be implementing. I will not come in and be a disruptor.”

Sossion and Lentoijoni step into office during a pivotal moment for Kenya’s basic education sector, as the TSC navigates structural reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), ongoing Junior Secondary School (JSS) staffing demands, and localized teacher deployment.

Senator Murango questions ruling alliance stance as president Ruto directs strict checks on foreign workers and hawkers

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September 10, 2026

Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango has sparked fresh political debate following recent pronouncements from President William Ruto regarding foreign nationals operating informal businesses and hawking in Kenya.

Addressing the issue in recent public and media appearances, Senator Murango expressed skepticism over the sudden shift in government rhetoric, pointing out the delay in recognizing and addressing the impact of unregistered foreign traders on local micro-entrepreneurs and retail markets.

President William Ruto issued orders directing relevant regulatory and immigration authorities to crack down on foreign nationals engaging in retail hawking and small-scale business operations reserved primarily for local citizens.

Senator Murango questioned why the administration took long to respond to concerns long voiced by local traders, pointing out that local business owners had faced unfair competition in urban centers for months before high-level government intervention.

The political exchange highlights growing friction within political circles over the pace of domestic market protections and enforcement of immigration directives.

The remarks come amid broader debates between lawmakers regarding domestic economic policies, market protection for local hustlers, and government oversight of foreign trade operations in Kenya.

Death of key police witness raises questions in Albert Ojwang case

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September 10, 2026

The death of a police officer who was expected to be a key witness in the Albert Ojwang murder case has raised fresh questions over the prosecution’s evidence as the trial enters a critical stage.

Corporal Stephen Maina Nderitu died at his Nairobi home on Monday, September 7, hours after leaving work.

A post-mortem examination attributed his death to acute ulcers and cardiac arrest. His family said it was satisfied with the findings, with his burial scheduled for September 18.

Nderitu was on duty at Nairobi Central Police Station when Ojwang died in police custody on June 7, 2025. He was reportedly among the officers with information about the alleged tampering of CCTV footage linked to the case.

Before his death, Nderitu had recorded a statement with investigators detailing information concerning the chain of accountability at the station. Prosecutors are expected to ask the court to admit the statement as evidence despite his death.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had lined up 28 witnesses in the case. Prosecutors allege that Ojwang was tortured and strangled while in custody and that CCTV footage at the police station was deleted.

Samson Talaam, who was the Officer Commanding Station at Nairobi Central Police Station at the time, is among those facing murder charges.

Six other witnesses have since been placed under protective custody following concerns over possible interference with the prosecution’s case.

The hearing is expected to resume in December.

Trump says Iran war may continue beyond U.S. midterm elections

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September 10, 2026

US President Donald Trump says he expects the war with Iran to continue until after the November midterm elections, while acknowledging that high oil and fuel prices may persist during the period.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday as he travelled to Texas for the Republican Party’s first midterm convention, Trump said he believed Iran would eventually be forced to end the conflict.

“I think the war’s going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer,” Trump said.

Trump also linked the timing of the conflict to rising energy prices, saying oil prices were unlikely to fall significantly before the elections.

“Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward,” he said.

International Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel on Wednesday, while US gasoline and diesel prices have also climbed sharply as fighting disrupts oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has accused Iran of trying to influence the US elections, claiming Tehran wants a weaker group of lawmakers in Congress. He provided no evidence for the allegation, while Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.

The conflict is now in its seventh month, despite Trump’s earlier prediction that it would last only weeks. The prolonged fighting has increased pressure on his administration over rising fuel prices and the wider cost of living.

Republicans are seeking to maintain their narrow control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, making the economic impact of the war a major political issue.

President Samia takes 90 day leave following husband’s death

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September 10, 2026

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken a 90-day leave from office following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir.

The leave began on September 7, with the government assuring the public that state affairs will continue to be handled in accordance with the law.

According to a statement issued on September 8 by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba will oversee government duties during the President’s absence.

“Further information will be provided by the relevant authorities as necessary,” Kusiluka said.

Hafidh Ameir, who was born on January 1, 1946, died on September 7 at 8am while receiving treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

Vice President Ndejembi said Ameir had been undergoing treatment for a heart condition.

He was laid to rest later the same day in Kazimkazi, in southern Unguja, Zanzibar, the family’s home area.

The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman has attracted condolences from leaders across the region, including Kenyan President William Ruto, who joined others in sending messages of sympathy to President Samia and her family.

The government has not indicated any disruption to its operations, with the country’s senior leadership expected to continue carrying out official duties during the President’s 90-day leave.

Matiang’i dares Ruto Govt to prove real El Niño readiness

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September 10, 2026

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Dr. Fred Matiang’i has thrown down the gauntlet to President William Ruto’s administration, demanding full disclosure and concrete evidence that Kenya is genuinely prepared for the anticipated El Niño rains.

Speaking via an official statement on Wednesday night, Matiang’i dismissed the state’s preliminary announcements, warning that administrative press briefings will not shield vulnerable communities from imminent devastation.

“El Niño is coming. A press statement is not a preparedness plan. Kenya has been here before in 1997 and again in 2023. The warnings came early, yet action came too late… Lives are at stake. We cannot afford another cycle of warnings, delayed action, and preventable loss.”

The national government must immediately release tailored operational plans for all 46 identified flood-risk counties.

Complete disclosure of the actual budget allocated exclusively for El Niño emergency preparedness and mitigation.

Immediate deployment of rescue boats, emergency food, and medical supplies to high-risk zones before key access roads are rendered impassable.

Allowing non-state actors to independently audit government readiness on the ground, rather than relying on official pledges.

Matiang’i stated that his team will actively monitor government delivery over the coming weeks and release an independent public assessment of the state’s actual preparedness before the heavy rains start.

Freedom Airline Express expands Northern network with new bi-weekly Nairobi-Lodwar flights

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Joshua Juma

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September 10, 2026