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DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses party HQ ahead of major national statement.

By
Newton Ingui
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Former Deputy President and Democracy and Civic Power (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua addressed party members and the press following recent events at party headquarters.

Gachagua met with DCP members, officials, and delegates as part of a series of regional consultative meetings.

Speaking at the party’s headquarters, Gachagua alleged that state handlers and security agencies had attempted to spy on and pre-emptively access the contents of his scheduled address regarding the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The DCP party leader announced the release of a detailed assessment—dubbed “Ruto at 4”—evaluating President William Ruto’s administration after four years in power.

Gachagua disclosed that he drafted the political statement privately to prevent leaks before its public presentation.

The gathering comes amid heightened political activity, marked by regional consultative forums, parliamentary group discussions in Naivasha, and increasing friction between key political factions. Further public updates and official briefings are expected from the DCP leadership as they roll out their countrywide party engagements.

Barcelona preparing third & final bid for City star Rodri

By
Newton Ingui
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FC Barcelona are readying a third and final proposal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri after seeing their first two bids rejected by the English champions.

The Spanish giants had their opening €45 million bid laughed off before returning with an improved offer of roughly €60 million (£51 million), which Manchester City turned down as it fell short of their valuation.

Barcelona’s financial strategy relies on keeping the guaranteed fee at €60 million while bridging City’s valuation gap with €10 million in achievable performance-based add-ons.

Rodri—who captained Spain to the World Cup trophy and won the 2024 Ballon d’Or—has made it clear to City leadership that his preferred destination is Barcelona.

Recognizing Rodri’s desire to leave, City have been exploring potential replacements. They have expressed interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, though Chelsea’s £120 million valuation has proven a major hurdle. To help fund further market activity, City have agreed to sell midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah for €60 million.

Negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester City are expected to reach a critical phase in the coming days as Barça attempt to finalize the agreement before the transfer window closes.

Siaya governor James Orengo rejects Ombudsman’s findings over irregular county appointments

By
Newton Ingui
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Siaya County Governor James Orengo has firmly rejected an advisory opinion issued by the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Ombudsman, which called for the revocation of five key administrative appointments within his county executive.

The standoff marks a deepening rift between the County Executive, the Constitutional Commission, and the Siaya County Assembly.

The CAJ concluded an investigation recommending the immediate termination of five appointments and acting roles.

The CAJ reported that several executive appointments—including acting positions—were extended indefinitely without mandatory County Assembly approval or proper statutory recruitment steps.

The Commission highlighted concerns regarding the Siaya County Public Service Board, noting that the board currently operates with one female and five male members, violating the two-thirds gender principle set under Article 27(8) of the Constitution.

The watchdog agency stated that continuing to maintain these roles in defiance of County Assembly resolutions constitutes maladministration and an abuse of public power.

Governor Orengo issued a statement refuting the findings and threatening legal countermeasures.


“It is deeply troubling that a constitutional commission established to safeguard administrative justice would publicly issue adverse findings against a public institution before according that institution the basic right to be heard.”

The Governor stated the County Executive was never formally served with the findings nor given a fair hearing or right of reply prior to public distribution.

He alleged the CAJ relied heavily on claims submitted by the Siaya County Assembly without conducting an impartial audit with the County Executive.

The county government has formally demanded full documentation, original complaint records, and supporting evidence relied upon by the Ombudsman before taking further legal action.

While the Ombudsman’s advisory opinion urges immediate revocation of the affected contracts and appointments, Governor Orengo maintains that administrative decisions made by the executive do not constitute unlawful conduct. The dispute remains active as the county administration considers formal court proceedings.

Mungatana defends early transition to vision 2060 ahead of vision 2030 deadline

By
Newton Ingui
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Long-term national development planning should not be paused until every current goal is met, according to Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana. He has defended Kenya’s move to begin crafting the Vision 2060 framework before fully executing Vision 2030.

Senator Mungatana addressed growing public debate on why the government is launching discussions on a new long-term roadmap while implementation gaps remain under the existing framework.

According to Mungatana, Kenya has already accomplished approximately 66% of Vision 2030 targets.

“We shouldn’t stop at that and say that we need to finish this first. No, because Vision 2060 is going to start in three years,”

He emphasized that Vision 2060 is not meant to replace or abandon unfinished projects under Vision 2030, but rather serve as the next phase of structural continuity as the current 20-year blueprint nears its timeline.

Mungatana noted that the national dialogue surrounding Vision 2060 represents a shared responsibility to guide the country’s economic and social trajectory for future generations.

Mungatana’s remarks follow the official rollout of public discussions on the Vision 2060 development framework, presided over by President William Ruto. The administration has framed Vision 2060 as a people-driven, long-term national agenda intended to succeed Vision 2030 once the current Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023–2027) concludes.

Opponents argue that the government must deliver an honest accounting of unfinished Vision 2030 goals—particularly regarding job creation, living costs, and basic service access—before rolling out another long-range development plan.

Kalonzo Musyoka leads Coast mobilisation tour in Malindi

By
Newton Ingui
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Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during interview at his command Centre in Karen, Nairobi in this photo taken on November 4, 2021. Photo | Jeff Angote |Nation

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka is set to lead a high-profile political mobilisation tour across the Coast region, starting with key engagements in Malindi, Kilifi County.

The tour forms part of a broader grassroots drive aimed at consolidating support, bolstering party infrastructure, and unifying opposition voices in the region.

As part of the regional schedule, the Wiper party leader is slated to engage local community leaders, host town hall meetings, and oversee party activities in Kilifi County. Key highlights of the itinerary include:

Opening local party offices in Malindi to strengthen operational structures and improve grassroots coordination ahead of upcoming political cycles.

Engaging local opinion leaders, party delegates, and youth groups to discuss socioeconomic priorities for the Coastal region.

Conducting roadside addresses and public gatherings across Kilifi County to rally support and outline opposition platform agendas.

The Coast region has historically served as a vital battleground in Kenyan politics. Opposition leadership has routinely targeted the coastal counties—including Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale—to address local concerns surrounding land tenure, economic development, and port operations.

Political observers note that this mobilisation campaign is part of a series of regional tours undertaken by opposition coalition leaders to fortify their political bases and maintain active engagement with voters outside election windows.

Gachagua forms 7-Member panel to vet political defectors joining DCP

By
Newton Ingui
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Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has established a seven-member committee to screen politicians defecting from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and other political outfits before admitting them into the party.

The announcement was made by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala during an interview with local media outlets. Malala stated that the party would not serve as a landing spot for politicians whose political conduct and core values conflict with DCP principles.

According to party officials, the newly formed panel will scrutinize all prospective members, with specific attention given to political history and recent voting records.


“Our party leader has formed a seven-member committee to vet those defecting from UDA and other parties to our party. We will not allow each and every one to just join DCP; we will scrutinise them properly,” Malala noted.

Politicians linked to the impeachment proceedings against Gachagua or those involved in questionable political conduct will face rigorous evaluation.

Applicants must demonstrate political integrity and adherence to the party’s platform before receiving official membership.

The party leadership has cautioned politicians from the Mount Kenya region who remain aligned with the ruling coalition, urging them to make their stance clear ahead of upcoming political realignments.

The decision comes amidst a wave of defections from the ruling party, including prominent figures such as Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe, who recently broke ties with UDA citing policy disagreements and regional grievances.

Further updates on the full membership of the committee and its operational guidelines are expected to be released in subsequent party briefings.

West Pokot security boosted as NGAPU assesses new grassroots policing structure

By
Hellen Nanjala
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WEST POKOT – Security operations in West Pokot County are set for a major boost following a high-level visit by the leadership of the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU). The delegation visited the region to evaluate the implementation of a new grassroots security framework designed to decentralize policing and enhance safety at the community level.

A team led by NGAPU Commandant Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Charles Mutuma arrived in West Pokot on Wednesday to inspect and monitor the progress of the pilot programme. West Pokot is currently among 16 counties selected to test the decentralized security framework ahead of a proposed nationwide rollout.

Speaking during the inspection tour, Mutuma emphasized that the core objective of the new structure is to bring law enforcement closer to citizens. The model aims to foster seamless collaboration between police officers, local chiefs, assistant chiefs, and community members. He explained that deployed officers will support local administrators, protect government officials, oversee grassroots security operations, and ensure local actions remain aligned with national security goals.

West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni warmly received the initiative, noting that decentralizing security forces will significantly improve both government operations and public safety. By positioning police officers directly within communities, the administration expects faster response times and better coordination in tackling local security challenges.

The initiative holds particular strategic value for West Pokot County due to its proximity to neighboring counties and the international border with Uganda, where effective grassroots coordination is essential for maintaining peace and border stability. Insights and recommendations gathered from West Pokot and the other 15 pilot counties will ultimately be used to refine the model before it is expanded across the country.

Police launch investigations into tragic apparent suicides in Nairobi and Kitui

By
Vincent Amara
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​NAIROBI — Police in Nairobi have launched an inquiry following the death of a 71-year-old Rwandan Catholic priest at a seminary along Lang’ata Road.

​Authorities were alerted on Thursday evening after the leadership of the institution discovered the deceased inside his quarters. Preliminary findings by crime scene investigators indicate an apparent suicide, as the priest was found suspended by a nylon rope attached to a door frame. Initial examinations revealed no visible signs of physical trauma or struggle.

​During scene processing, investigators retrieved key personal items, including the priest’s passport and a notebook containing contact details for his immediate family members. Further inquiries are underway to establish the full context of the tragedy.

​The body was subsequently moved to the Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home pending a postmortem examination. Colleagues noted that the priest had displayed no prior outward signs of emotional distress, prompting police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

​In a separate incident in Kitui County, authorities in Lower Yatta are investigating the apparent suicide of a 70-year-old man found hanging inside his home on the evening of Thursday, August 13, 2026.

​The deceased, identified as Matheka Mbaluka, was discovered by a local resident in Mingetoni Village. Police reported that Mbaluka used a rope inside his house and left no suicide note. Crime scene personnel processed the site before transferring his body to the Kiusyani Hospital Mortuary for an autopsy.

​These incidents highlight growing national concerns over mental health and rising suicide rates across Kenya. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major drivers of suicidal ideation include severe emotional distress, financial hardship, loss, relationship strains, and underlying mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

​Police and health officials urge anyone experiencing overwhelming emotional distress or suicidal thoughts to seek immediate support from healthcare professionals, trusted loved ones, or emergency mental health helplines.

Sh740 million Turkana County headquarters remains unused months after handover

By
Nanyei Dorcas
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TURKANA – The Sh740 million Turkana County Government headquarters in Lodwar remains largely unoccupied months after its formal handover, despite taking more than a decade to finish. Contractor Landmark Holdings Limited officially handed over the four-storey facility on July 28, 2025. Construction on the flagship project originally began in 2015 under the administration of former Governor Josphat Nanok.

Initially awarded at Sh695 million, subsequent contract variations pushed the total expenditure to Sh740,724,014. The prolonged timeline attracted investigation from the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations. Contractor Manjit Singh informed the committee that while main structural works wrapped up by 2019, unresolved subcontracts for plumbing and electrical installations—alongside delayed approval processes—caused years of lingering delays.

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai acknowledged the historical delays but maintained that the facility is over 90 percent complete, with only final power connections, carpet installation in select offices, and minor finishing touches remaining. Governor Lomorukai emphasized that Turkana funded the entire Sh740 million project independently, without receiving the Sh500 million national government subsidy granted to several other counties. He added that Sh24 million remains legally payable to the contractor, subject to final consultant assessments.

Despite the delays, County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai hailed the completion as a major milestone. Once fully operational, the modern complex will house the Office of the Governor alongside key departments to ease congestion, streamline administrative coordination, and improve service delivery.

Finance Executive Roseline Aite noted the headquarters would boost operational efficiency, while Public Works Executive Benson Lokwang attributed past setbacks to budgetary constraints, procurement hurdles, and alterations in project scope.

The decade-long project has sparked strong concern among Lodwar residents, with some demanding formal investigations into the allocation of public funds. Local resident Joseph Egialan contrasted Turkana’s slow progress with Trans Nzoia County’s timely headquarters completion, urging investigative agencies to determine whether official malpractice occurred and hold any responsible parties accountable.

Although full occupation remains pending, the complex has already hosted high-profile county functions, including the swearing-in of County Executive Committee members and the launch of the Turkana County Education Fund bursaries.

Local business owners are also anticipating commercial opportunities; Richard Taiswa, owner of Nanyorai Gardens, noted that landscaping and property maintenance around the modern elevated building could soon stimulate local enterprise. However, questions persist regarding exactly when the county administration will fully relocate and maximize the Sh740 million public investment.

President: Kenya’s future depends on quality human capital

By
Vincent Amara
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President William Ruto has emphasized that Kenya’s future hinges on the quality of human capital built today.

Speaking during the handover of a new school bus to Moi Barracks Senior School in Uasin Gishu County, the President affirmed that the government is investing heavily in education to equip young Kenyans with the skills required to drive national development.

To boost local capacity, construction is currently underway at Moi Barracks Senior School for a new multipurpose hall and dormitory to accommodate more students.

President Ruto noted that these developments are part of a broader national education strategy. Over the past four years, the government has recruited 100,000 new teachers to improve instruction quality and lower student-to-teacher ratios nationwide. Additionally, 23,000 new classrooms, hostels, and dormitories have been constructed across various learning institutions.

To ensure equitable access to tertiary learning, the administration introduced a new student financing model designed to guarantee that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from pursuing higher education.

The President reiterated that these investments aim to equip young people with modern knowledge and practical competencies, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of driving Kenya toward an inclusive and prosperous future.

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