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FKF NEC split deepens as half of executive committee members reject Gicheru term extension

By
Denilson Muhando
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A fresh division has emerged within the Football Kenya Federation as half of the National Executive Committee members have declined to attend a meeting convened by FKF President Hussein Mohammed, citing legal and constitutional concerns. The virtual meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, at 2pm, with the proposed extension of Acting General Secretary and CEO Dennis Gicheru’s term as the sole substantive agenda item.

In a letter dated August 25, the dissenting NEC members said the matter is already before the Murang’a High Court. They argue that deliberating on Gicheru’s term extension while the case is still pending could undermine the authority of the court and potentially prejudice its determination.

The members have also challenged the legality of the meeting notice, arguing that the seven-day notice required under Article 38, Section 3 of the FKF Constitution was not met. Furthermore, they opposed handling the matter virtually, saying its legal and institutional significance requires substantive discussion during a properly convened physical NEC meeting.

The group has called on President Hussein Mohammed to withdraw or defer the agenda item until the court matter is resolved and any future consideration is undertaken in line with the FKF Constitution and the ongoing court proceedings. Pointing to Article 40, Section 1 of the FKF Constitution which requires more than 50 percent of NEC members to be present to engage in valid debate the boycott raises questions over whether Wednesday’s meeting can legally transact business.

This internal rift comes at a critical time for Kenyan football as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the administrative friction, Kenya remains confident in delivering a successful, world-class tournament.

Local Organising Committee Chairman Nicholas Musonye confirmed that measures are actively being put in place to ensure facilities and infrastructure meet strict international standards, expressing full confidence that joint preparations will produce a showpiece event Kenyans can be proud of.

For Kenya, hosting AFCON 2027 represents more than just sport; it is a major opportunity to showcase its hospitality, organizational capacity, and infrastructure on a global stage. However, as preparations continue, this latest governance dispute within the FKF NEC highlights the urgent need for institutional stability to ensure off-pitch politics do not derail the country’s continental showcase.

IEBC clarifies rules as Court rulings nullify academic requirement

By
Newton Ingui
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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified that candidates contesting for the Presidency, Governorship, or Parliamentary seats in the 2027 General Election will not be required to hold a university degree to be cleared to run.

Speaking on Sunday night, IEBC Commissioner Dr. Ann Nderitu explained that the commission currently lacks any legal basis to enforce a degree threshold following High Court decisions that struck down Section 22 of the Elections Act as unconstitutional.

Courts cited Article 27 (freedom from discrimination) and Article 38 (political rights), noting that 2019 Census data revealed only ~3.5% of Kenyans held university degrees. Mandatory degree requirements would effectively disenfranchise over 96% of the population.

The High Court found that when Parliament enacted the degree requirement under Section 22 of the Elections Act, it failed to meet the mandatory public participation threshold under Article 10 of the Constitution.

A 2022 High Court ruling invalidated degree requirements for Members of Parliament. Because Articles 137 and 180 link presidential and gubernatorial qualifications directly to parliamentary eligibility, the requirement collapsed across all three levels.

Former presidential candidate Prof. George Wajackoyah—who holds multiple law degrees himself—alongside other political leaders, has consistently argued against barring candidates over academic papers, contending that leadership qualities, integrity, and popular mandate should supersede formal degree certificates.

While the degree requirement is off the table for the 2027 nominations, the IEBC indicated it plans to petition Parliament to enact clear and legally sound minimum educational standards through proper constitutional channels and thorough public participation prior to future elections.

Gachagua accuses government of re-distributing seized gas cylinders in Nyandarua.

By
Newton Ingui
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued explosive allegations against key state agencies and police officers, claiming that over 200,000 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders unlawfully seized from small-scale retailers were redirected and distributed to residents in Nyandarua County during the Ol Kalou by-election campaign.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing at his Karen residence, Gachagua alleged that an unauthorized, ungazetted police unit carried out coordinated raids on licensed small-scale LPG vendors across Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos between June and October 2025.

Over 200,000 gas cylinders were reportedly confiscated using private lorries without standard police procedures, inventories, or entries in Occurrence Books (OB).

Gachagua asserted that the seized stock was funneled into private enterprises associated with political figures and state actors, including a firm operating in Kitengela.

The former DP claimed that cylinders distributed to residents in Nyandarua County under government-backed energy programs were, in fact, part of the stock confiscated from affected small-scale traders.

Gachagua directly named senior officers within the police force and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), demanding their immediate arrest, prosecution for abuse of office, and full compensation for impacted traders.

The government and regulatory authorities have previously maintained that enforcement operations in the LPG sector are designed to crack down on illegal gas refilling plants and protect consumer safety. Regulatory enforcement agencies have regularly dismissed past claims from Gachagua regarding state operations as politically motivated.

The allegations add fresh friction to the ongoing political battles surrounding Mt. Kenya regional politics and by-election activities in Nyandarua County.

Rigathi Gachagua issues a sharp challenge to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

By
Newton Ingui
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a sharp challenge to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing top commission officials and government leaders of scheming to manipulate the 2027 General Election through a tailored election technology tender.

Addressing a press conference before his trip to the United States, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader directly targeted South Korean election technology firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd and questioned the integrity of the IEBC’s procurement process for the new Integrated Election Management System (IEMS).

Gachagua claimed that mandatory technical specifications for the tender (Ref: IEBC/OIT/01/2026-2027) were “specially crafted around the profile of Miru Systems” rather than designed as vendor-neutral criteria.

He accused IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethkon, Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, and Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho of orchestrating a predetermined outcome. He alleged that senior IEBC personnel changes were made to ensure the contract is awarded to Miru.

Highlighting past controversial deployments by Miru Systems in international elections—such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Iraq—Gachagua cited public distancing by the South Korean government over past delivery issues and questioned their credibility for Kenya’s polls.

Gachagua warned that transferring data from the current Smartmatic KIEMS kits to Miru Systems’ architecture presents a high risk of voter suppression and voter register manipulation in targeted regions.

Provide proof of market research conducted to establish that multiple global suppliers—not just Miru Systems—could meet the specified procurement requirements.

Revise the tender guidelines to ensure a fair, transparent, and vendor-neutral open international competitive process.

Address security vulnerabilities in data migration between old and proposed technology platforms.

The IEBC previously affirmed that its procurement processes for the 2027 General Election follow strict legal frameworks under open international competitive tenders aimed at securing transparent, verifiable, and timely delivery of poll materials. Neither the commission nor named government officials have verified Gachagua’s specific allegations regarding predetermined vendor selection.

Ruto launches development projects in Emurua Dikirr days after Gachagua tour

By
Newton Ingui
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President William Ruto has arrived in Emurua Dikirr Constituency to commission a series of infrastructure and community development projects, barely a week after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua toured the region.

The President’s visit highlights the growing political importance of the constituency—a key Kipsigis enclave traditionally aligned with the ruling administration—which has recently turned into a focal point for political maneuvers between government figures and the opposition camp.

Official opening and commissioning of modern market facilities constructed under the Economic Stimulus Programmed (ESP) to boost local commerce.

Inspection and launch of regional road upgrades, including the Mogondo-Esoit corridor and broader road connections toward Kilgoris.

Unveiling of plans and progress updates for local educational and medical facilities, including the Transmara Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and Johana Ng’eno University.

Residents in border zones such as Ang’ata Barikoi have urged swift government intervention regarding long-standing land disputes and border insecurity.

Calls to fully equip the Emurua Dikirr Level 4 Hospital with essential medical supplies and personnel.

Local MP David Keter and area representatives urged residents to maintain peace and support developmental initiatives regardless of political rivalries.

Enzo Fernández agrees five-year contract terms with Manchester City

By
Newton Ingui
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MANCHESTER, UK — Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has given the green light to a prospective move to Manchester City, agreeing to terms on a five-year contract.

The 25-year-old World Cup-winning midfielder is eager to rejoin manager Enzo Maresca, who took charge at the Etihad Stadium following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Fernández has verbally accepted a five-year deal that would keep him at Manchester City through 2031.

Manchester City are preparing a massive bid reported between £120 million (€145 million), which would match or break the Premier League record transfer fee.

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged the movement in the market, with the Blues already scoping Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as a potential replacement in midfield.

Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna denies claims that they are being funded by former president Uhuru Kenyatta

By
Newton Ingui
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Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has strongly dismissed political claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is bankrolling his activities or financing the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Speaking during recent media appearances and political engagements, Sifuna termed the allegations an attempt by political opponents to undermine the movement’s organic growth.

Sifuna clarified that the Linda Mwananchi campaigns rely on voluntary contributions from supporters, pooled resources from aligned lawmakers, and small-dollar donations via a public M-Pesa pay bill.

Sifuna stated that the movement consciously avoids dependency on wealthy individual sponsors to prevent corporate or political capture. “I am not being funded by Uhuru. I am funded by the people,” Sifuna emphasized.

Addressing claims made by government officials—including President William Ruto and Cabinet members—alleging 24-hour surveillance shows opposition funding streams, Sifuna challenged the administration to present financial transaction records proving any funds moved between him and the former Head of State.

Sifuna noted that while he maintains communication with Kenyatta due to his position in the Azimio coalition, Uhuru’s involvement is strictly encouragement for youth leadership rather than financial or strategic direction.

The Linda Mwananchi movement continues its countrywide tour across multiple counties to rally opposition forces ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Dp Kindiki convenes special high-level meeting on county industrial parks

By
Newton Ingui
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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is convening a special high-level session focused on the infrastructure, commissioning, and operationalization of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs).

The directive follows resolutions adopted during the 30th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), which DP Kindiki chaired at his Karen residence in Nairobi.


The specialized meeting brings together national officials and leadership from seven front-runner counties—Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Garissa, Wajir, and Migori—whose industrial park projects are approaching completion.

Discussions center on reviewing road connections, power grid access, and utility setups necessary to make the parks fully operational. The council is also coordinating with Parliament to push for the reinstatement of Sh3.25 billion under the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (CGAAB) to support the remaining 13 CAIP facilities nationwide.

Describing CAIPs as foundational to Kenya’s post-2030 industrial roadmap, Kindiki emphasized that localized processing facilities are vital for agricultural value addition, job creation, and boosting rural economies.

The collaborative initiative between the National Treasury, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, and the Council of Governors aims to eliminate logistical bottlenecks so these primary economic zones can open on schedule.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has highlights the growth of the county’s flagship Dishi na County

By
Newton Ingui
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NAIROBI, KENYA — Nairobi County’s flagship school feeding initiative, Dishi na County, has reached a major milestone by providing daily hot meals to more than 316,000 public primary and ECDE school children across the capital.

Initiated under Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, the programme addresses chronic hunger among school-aged children while boosting classroom attendance, concentration, and academic retention.

Meals are prepared and delivered daily across 230 public primary schools in Nairobi.

The operation relies on 17 central mega-kitchens—one situated in each sub-county—to prepare fresh meals every morning.

Parents pay a subsidized rate of Ksh5 per child per day via digital payment tokens. For ultra-vulnerable families unable to pay, the county absorbs the full cost to ensure no child is turned away.

According to County Hall reports, primary school enrollment has spiked by over 40% in participating schools since the launch, sharply reducing chronic absenteeism.

“Before Dishi na County, one in four children in Nairobi attended school on an empty stomach,” said Governor Johnson Sakaja during an address on the programme’s progress. “Today, that narrative has completely shifted. We are not just feeding children; we are keeping them in class, improving learning outcomes, and easing the burden on hard-pressed parents.”

Building on the success of the 17 central kitchens, City Hall is mapping plans to extend the feeding programme to thousands of learners in informal schools (community and non-formal centers) in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

To fund the next growth phase, Governor Sakaja has formally called on the national government and the Ministry of Education to honor matching-fund commitments to help scale the infrastructure and sustain operations long-term.

President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags at federal buildings and grounds across the country to fly at half-staff for one week

By
Newton Ingui
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WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump has ordered U.S. flags at federal buildings across the country and abroad to fly at half-staff for one week following the death of country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton.

Parton passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer, according to statements from her publicist and family.


In a statement issued via Truth Social, President Trump directed the directive to take effect immediately, praising Parton’s unmatched legacy in American culture:

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

Parton’s career spanned nearly six decades, during which she earned 10 Grammy Awards, sold over 100 million records, and penned legendary classics such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Beyond her musical contributions, she was widely revered for her extensive philanthropic work, including founding the Imagination Library children’s literacy program and funding critical medical research.

The one-week period of flag-lowering marks a rare national honor bestowed upon a cultural and entertainment figure, reflecting her widespread appeal across generations and geographic boundaries.

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