Nairobi formally bids to host 2029 World athletics championships

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August 10, 2026

ODM is facing renewed pressure to settle its internal political differences, with party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga warning members opposed to the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto that they must either support the new direction or leave.

Speaking during a broad-based government meeting in Naivasha, Oburu defended ODM’s partnership with Ruto’s administration and challenged dissenting leaders to openly state their position instead of remaining within the party while opposing its political strategy.

“Do not be a fence sitter. Decide where you are because we want to know who is with us and who is not with us,” Oburu said.

His remarks come as divisions within ODM continue to expose competing views over the party’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration and its strategy for the 2027 General Election.

The disagreement has been particularly evident in the political fallout between Oburu and former ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, with their respective camps taking different positions on the party’s leadership and cooperation with Ruto.

Oburu has previously urged members uncomfortable with ODM’s engagement with Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance to leave, arguing that the party cannot allow internal dissent to derail its chosen political path.

The disagreement has also extended to the question of electoral alliances. In April, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo joined fellow ODM legislators in opposing a proposed political zoning arrangement, warning that such a deal could place the interests of politicians ahead of those of their constituents.

The debate has also drawn in ODM’s younger members, with a section of the party’s youth previously expressing support for Sifuna after he came under criticism from senior officials.

Despite the divisions, Oburu portrayed the partnership with Ruto as a pragmatic political decision following ODM’s failure to capture the presidency in the 2022 election.

“We missed the presidency and we said it is okay, life must move on,” he said.

He recalled the period when ODM supporters staged demonstrations against the Ruto administration, saying the political landscape had since changed dramatically.

“Ruto could feel our presence on the streets, but as fate could have it, we are together and we are now tied together by this umbilical cord,” Oburu said.

The shift has transformed ODM’s position from a leading opposition force after the 2022 election into a partner in the broad-based government, creating a delicate balancing act for the party.

While supporters of the arrangement argue that working with Ruto gives ODM greater influence in government and an opportunity to advance its interests, critics fear the partnership could weaken the party’s traditional opposition identity.

Oburu also sought to reinforce ODM’s claim to being one of Kenya’s most established political parties, contrasting its grassroots organisation with what he described as temporary parties that emerge around election periods.

“Our party is the longest-serving party. We are organised from the grassroots all the way to the polling stations,” he said.

He added that other political formations were interested in replicating ODM’s grassroots structure.

The growing disagreement leaves ODM facing a crucial political test ahead of 2027: maintaining party unity while managing its alliance with Ruto and the competing ambitions of its leaders.

Oparanya to Sifuna: Focus on party unity before seeking political blessings.

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August 10, 2026

A political rift is emerging within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s appeal to Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for political blessings and endorsement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi movement rally in Kakamega, Sifuna—who is also the ODM Secretary General—addressed the former Kakamega Governor as a “political father” and asked for his backing. Sifuna declared that the Western Kenya region was done playing second fiddle in national politics and insisted it was time to support his presidential ambitions.

Sifuna publicly asked Oparanya to offer him political blessings (gweth) to lead the opposition push against President William Ruto in 2027.

Sifuna’s call comes amidst growing alignment between ODM leadership and the broad-based government, a stance Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi faction have actively criticized.

Oparanya and allies linked to the government faction maintained that political leadership and blessings are earned through party loyalty, structured consensus, and grassroots strengthening rather than individual rally proclamations.

The public exchange highlights deepening friction within ODM as different factions navigate their engagement with President Ruto’s administration versus mounting an independent opposition campaign for 2027.

Ruto takes Kenya Kwanza record to voters as 2027 campaign looms

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August 10, 2026

President William Ruto has begun framing his administration’s record as the foundation of his bid for another mandate in 2027, telling Kenya Kwanza leaders that the government has enough achievements to defend its performance before voters.

Speaking during a joint broad-based parliamentary group meeting in Naivasha on Monday, Ruto said the administration had made notable progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, social security, access to credit and housing, while acknowledging that some commitments remain unfinished.

Agriculture featured prominently in his assessment, with the President pointing to fertiliser subsidies, farmer registration, efforts to tackle cartels, improved producer prices and the opening of new export markets.

“We have done exceptionally well in agriculture, whether it is fertiliser subsidy, registering farmers, dealing with cartels, improving farmer prices, opening new markets,” Ruto said.

He said negotiations led by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui had helped Kenya secure better access to international markets, including the European Union and China.

Under the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, Kenyan products such as flowers, coffee, tea, fruits and vegetables have duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market. Kenya has also secured a China “Early Harvest” arrangement allowing 98.2 per cent of Kenyan exports to enter the Chinese market duty-free.

Ruto also used the meeting to defend his government’s record in education, saying it had increased the number of teachers and classrooms while addressing challenges surrounding the curriculum and learner financing.

“We can proudly face the nation today and say we have done what was required of us,” he said.

In healthcare, he said the expansion of coverage under Universal Health Coverage and the flow of funds to health facilities through the Social Health Authority were evidence of progress towards the government’s health agenda.

The President further highlighted changes to the retirement savings system, saying National Social Security Fund savings had grown from Sh312 billion to Sh680 billion, with a target of Sh1 trillion by June next year.

On the economy, Ruto cited increased access to credit and said about seven million people had been removed from credit listing. He also pointed to lower interest rates, improved foreign exchange reserves and declining inflation.

“We’ve made more people access credit, interest rates have come down, exchange rates have come down, our dollar reserves have gone up, inflation rates have come down,” he said.

The Affordable Housing Programme was another project Ruto presented as both an economic and social intervention, saying it was providing homes while creating employment opportunities for young people.

But beyond the achievements, the Naivasha meeting carried a clear political message: Kenya Kwanza intends to take its record directly to voters as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Ruto said the administration must explain to Kenyans what it had done with the mandate they were given and present a new programme for the years ahead.

“You gave us a mandate, what have we done with that mandate?” he asked.

He said the government’s achievements would form part of its case for another mandate, while the remaining commitments would continue to be implemented under the broad-based arrangement.

The meeting therefore served both as a review of Kenya Kwanza’s performance and an early political positioning ahead of the next election, with Ruto urging his allies to defend the administration’s record while seeking support for its next phase.

Three suspects held for 30 days over Dr Victoria Mutiso murder

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August 10, 2026

Police officer Elijah Kibelion Kimoi, Daniel Njoroge and Kevin Kinuthia have been arraigned in court in connection with the murder of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seeks 30 days to complete investigations.

In an affidavit filed in court, DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau officer Corporal Romana Odour said preliminary investigations had established the alleged roles of the three suspects.

Odour said Kimoi is suspected of firing the fatal shot, while Njoroge allegedly drove a black Toyota Prado, registration number KDH 600A, which investigators say blocked the Uber Toyota Passo, KDJ 609D, in which Dr Mutiso was travelling.

Kinuthia is accused of using a motorcycle, registration number KMGZ 980D, to transport Kimoi to and from the scene.

The three were arrested on August 7, 2026, in what the DCI described as an intelligence-led operation. They were subsequently held at Ruaraka, Pangani and Gigiri police stations respectively.

Dr Mutiso, a former Director of the African Institute of Mental and Brain Health, was shot dead on July 29, 2026, in Upper Hill, Kilimani Sub-County, Nairobi, while inside the Toyota Passo.

The incident was reported at Kibra Police Station under OB Number 35 of July 29 before the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau took over the case.

Investigators recovered two spent cartridges and two bullet fragments from the scene. A Mini Jericho pistol, serial number 47302127, was later recovered and subjected to ballistic examination.

According to the DCI, preliminary ballistic findings linked the recovered cartridges and bullet head to the firearm. Investigators further said the pistol had been issued to a senior police officer who is yet to be traced.

The investigation has also focused on a land dispute involving the deceased. Dr Mutiso was involved in a dispute over L.R. Number 1504/13, a matter pending before the Machakos court.

The DCI says the dispute could have been one of the motives for the killing.

Investigators are also looking into an earlier incident in which Dr Mutiso reported being threatened.

On July 7, 2026, she reported that two-armed men riding a motorcycle confronted her near Junction Mall along Ngong Road. The men allegedly pointed a gun at her, but she managed to escape and later reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station under OB Number 63 of July 7.

Investigators allege that Kimoi was one of the men involved in the earlier incident.

Dr Mutiso’s husband has been identified as a key witness, although investigators say he has not yet recorded a comprehensive statement because of the traumatic circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.

His evidence is expected to assist investigators in establishing previous threats against the deceased and identifying people suspected of trailing her before the murder.

The DCI told the court that several aspects of the investigation remain outstanding, including tracing other firearms suspected to have been used, analysing CCTV footage and call-data records, examining the recovered vehicles and motorcycle, recording additional witness statements and establishing the roles of other suspected accomplices.

Some of the alleged accomplices remain at large.

The State argues that releasing the three suspects could allow them to interfere with witnesses, coordinate their accounts, destroy documentary or electronic evidence or obstruct efforts to apprehend other suspects.

“Continued detention is therefore necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigations,” Corporal Odour said.

The DCI is seeking 30 days to complete the investigations before deciding whether to formally charge the suspects.

The case is scheduled for mention on September 10, 2026.

Government puts 18 counties on high alert as El Niño threat grows

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August 10, 2026

Kenya has stepped up preparations for a potentially severe El Niño season, with the government placing 18 counties on a high-risk list ahead of forecasts of above-normal rainfall from October.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said authorities had mapped areas likely to face flash floods, landslides, drought, disease outbreaks, displacement and damage to infrastructure.

“Areas exposed to various risks, including flash floods, landslides, drought, disease outbreaks and infrastructure damage, have been mapped as part of the wider plan to mitigate the effects of El Niño,” Murkomen said.

The risk assessment by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) identifies parts of the Coast, Lake Basin, Rift Valley and North Eastern regions as particularly vulnerable.

In the Coast region, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and Kwale have been identified as vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion and infrastructure damage.

The government warned that flooding could force residents in some areas to leave their homes.

In the Lake Basin, Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori face risks including flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks and displacement.

Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu have also been classified as high-risk urban centres, with authorities warning of possible flooding, blocked drainage systems, pressure on infrastructure and disruption of essential services.

The expected weather conditions could bring a different set of challenges to parts of the Rift Valley and North Eastern regions.

Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot and Narok could experience drought, flash floods, landslides, livestock losses and food insecurity.

Meanwhile, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera are considered vulnerable to drought, water shortages, loss of livestock, poor pasture and food insecurity.

Murkomen said the affected counties had been prioritised in government response planning according to their level of vulnerability.

“The identified counties have been prioritised in the response planning based on their vulnerability to various risks,” he said.

The government said the list could be expanded if further assessments identify additional areas at risk.

National and county emergency response teams have been placed on high alert as authorities prepare for the anticipated weather conditions.

“The National Emergency Multi-Agency and County Emergency Response teams have been put on high alert and are being sensitised on their roles in view of the expected weather situations,” Murkomen said.

The preparations come amid warnings from international weather agencies that El Niño is strengthening. The World Meteorological Organization has warned of the potential for a strong event between August and October, with wetter-than-normal conditions expected in parts of the Greater Horn of Africa.

Murkomen said there is an 81 per cent probability of a strong El Niño, while there is a 97 per cent probability that its effects could persist into early 2027.

The government says the risk mapping will help guide preparedness, resource allocation and emergency response in areas considered most exposed.

Noordin Haji urges Garissa residents to maintain peace amid political tensions

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Dominic Barasa

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August 10, 2026

National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji has urged residents of Garissa County to maintain peace, unity and brotherhood amid rising political tensions in various parts of the country.

Speaking during a wedding ceremony in Garissa town, Haji called on residents to uphold democratic principles and allow every individual interested in contesting for a political seat to exercise their constitutional right without intimidation or unnecessary opposition from fellow politicians.

Haji also urged political leaders in Garissa County to avoid using politics to create divisions among residents, stressing that political competition should not come at the expense of peace and unity.

He said the people of Garissa should focus on working together to promote development rather than constantly engaging in divisive politics and political rivalries.

The NIS Director-General further called on leaders in the county to play their role in bringing residents together and promoting development, noting that Garissa has significant resources that can be utilised to improve the lives of its people.

Haji emphasized that Kenya is a free and democratic country where citizens have the right to hold different political opinions and support political movements of their choice.

However, he cautioned against individuals who misuse democratic freedoms to incite violence, disorder and divisions in the country.

He said political differences should not lead to violence, insults or hostility, stressing that Kenyans can hold different political views while still maintaining peace and respecting one another.

Haji also expressed concern over cases of insecurity reported in Garissa County, calling for security to be given greater priority.

He urged security agencies to carry out their duties professionally and without political interference or partisan divisions.

The NIS chief further encouraged Garissa residents to promptly report any security threats or suspicious activities to the relevant authorities so that appropriate action can be taken.

He stressed that cooperation between residents, political leaders and security agencies remains essential in ensuring that Garissa remains peaceful and creates an environment conducive to development.

Edwin Sifuna pitching political realignments ahead of 2027

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August 10, 2026

Nairobi Senator and former ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is making headlines as his Linda Mwananchi movement continues to expand its footprint across the Ukambani region.

Sifuna and key allies have taken the Linda Mwananchi campaign to Kitui, pitching an alternative opposition vehicle aimed at challenging the current administration in 2027.

The visit emphasizes forging ties with local Ukambani political figures and Wiper Party leadership as opposition forces explore unified strategies.

Addressing local gatherings, Sifuna highlighted the movement’s public fundraising model via small-dollar M-Pesa contributions, asserting that Linda Mwananchi remains independent of state or billionaire patronage.

Discussions during the tour focused on key issues affecting local residents, including high taxation, rising living costs, and fair treatment for local agricultural and informal sector workers.

Following recent internal shake-ups within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and his exit from the Secretary General role, Sifuna has doubled down on building Linda Mwananchi into a national movement. His stop in Kitui underscores an effort to solidify partnerships across Western, Nairobi, and Eastern Kenya ahead of upcoming electoral realignments.

Incident at Mombasa Maize Millers in Majengo as fire breaks out

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August 10, 2026

A fire broke out earlier today at the premises associated with Mombasa Maize Millers in the Majengo/King’orani neighborhood of Mombasa County, drawing a swift response from emergency crews and local authorities.

Plumes of thick black smoke were seen rising above the residential and industrial hub of Majengo, causing panic among local residents and business owners. Bystanders reported hearing loud pops and seeing flames emerging from the facility before emergency services were alerted.

“We saw heavy smoke gathering around the site, and within minutes, people were shouting for everyone to move back. Traffic on the nearby access roads came to a standstill,” said a local vendor operating near the location.

Firefighters from the Mombasa County Fire Department, assisted by private security water tankers and local volunteers, arrived at the scene to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to adjacent commercial units and residential buildings.

Security personnel cordoned off the affected perimeter to manage crowd control and clear way for emergency vehicles. Traffic police redirected vehicles away from the immediate area as responders focused on extinguishing remaining hotspots.

No official fatalities have been confirmed. Emergency responders provided first aid on-site to individuals suffering from light smoke inhalation.

The exact extent of structural damage and loss of inventory remains under assessment by facility management and emergency teams.

Nearby residents have been advised to keep windows closed and avoid the area due to heavy particulate smoke.

The cause of the fire is yet to be established. Officers from the Kenya Police Service and county disaster management officials have launched a preliminary investigation to determine whether the blaze was triggered by an electrical fault, mechanical malfunction, or operational risk. Further updates will follow as authorities issue official statements.

Kalonzo claims Xi Jinping promised to visit Kenya only after he becomes President.

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August 10, 2026