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Linda Mwananchi Movement unveils party registration plan ahead of 2027 general election.

By
Newton Ingui
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Leaders aligned with the Linda Mwananchi political movement have announced formal plans to register the initiative as a fully-fledged political party. The coalition, led by key opposition figures including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, aims to establish a dedicated vehicle to field candidates—including a presidential contender—against President William Ruto in the August 2027 polls

The team is transitioning the grass-root lobby movement into a registered political party to formalize its national structures ahead of 2027.

Movement leaders unveiled a three-pillar platform centered on economic accountability, citizen protection, and governance reform.

Grassroots campaigns and fundraising tours are underway across various counties, including recent rallies in Taita Taveta, Bungoma, and the Western region.

The move has prompted internal realignment within opposition ranks, with leaders calling on supporters to consolidate backing under the new Linda Mwananchi umbrella.

CCTV footage contradicts senior police Officer’s account in Mlolongo businessman’s disappearance

By
Vincent Amara
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Businessman Jimmy Mwanzia Mutava|courtesy photo

A week after businessman Jimmy Mwanzia Mutava vanished without a trace, newly retrieved CCTV footage has cast serious doubt on the official narrative, placing a senior officer from the Mlolongo Police Station at the center of growing suspicion.

While Mutava’s family remains desperate for answers, the video recordings provide a detailed timeline of his final known movements, directly contradicting statements previously given by police to his relatives.

The surveillance footage lays out a precise sequence of events leading up to Mutava’s sudden disappearance on the afternoon of his abduction.

At 12:30 PM, Mutava arrived at a local entertainment venue in Mlolongo after being dropped off by a white vehicle, where he was soon joined by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) from Mlolongo Police Station.

By 7:04 PM, a third unidentified man joined their table. Later, at 8:15 PM, Mutava was seen seated and using two mobile phones while a nearby man wearing a cap stood watching the area closely while speaking on his phone.

Five minutes later, at 8:20 PM, Mutava walked outside toward the main gate while continuing his call, leaving the senior officer seated inside with a woman. Eyewitnesses state it was during this exact window at 8:20 PM that Mutava was forcibly abducted by masked, armed assailants.

This footage directly refutes the account allegedly provided by the senior officer to Mutava’s family, in which he claimed he was away in the restroom when Mutava vanished.

Mutava’s friend, Paul Ngunda, recalled finding the OCS sitting at the table with another woman and three bottles, where the officer claimed Jimmy had been taken while he was away in the washroom.

Contrary to that statement, the CCTV footage shows the officer remaining at the table throughout the entire incident, calmly continuing his drink as several men briefly approached and spoke to him before leaving.

At approximately 9:23 PM nearly an hour after the alleged abduction the officer finally exited the establishment accompanied by the woman.

For Mutava’s family, the video evidence and phone records raise troubling questions about who orchestrated the abduction and why no one present attempted to intervene.

Mutava’s wife, Margaret Mutuku, expressed her deep distress, asking how someone could invite her husband out, take him from their home, and then allow him to disappear under his watch while his children constantly ask when their father is coming home.

Phone tracking records indicate that Mutava’s last mobile signal was traced along Kamiti Road, yet despite growing public outcry and clear inconsistencies surrounding the case, neither the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) nor the National Police Service (NPS) has issued an official statement regarding the latest developments.

Ruto to opposition: “BRING IDEAS, NOT NOISE”

By
Newton Ingui
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President William Ruto has issued a sharp challenge to the opposition, calling on critics to present alternative policy proposals rather than relying on political rhetoric and division.

Speaking to residents during a regional development tour in Homa Bay, the Head of State defended his administration’s economic record and urged opposition figures to focus on constructive engagement.

Ruto emphasized that citizens are prioritized around development outcomes—including infrastructure, healthcare, food security, and job opportunities—rather than political campaigns.

The President challenged political adversaries to outline clear, alternative manifestos, stating, “You cannot lead this country without a plan, without an agenda, and without a track record.”

Ruto warned against political leaders resorting to ethnic divisions, reiterating that national unity remains essential for economic progress.

Highlighting his administration’s inclusive government model, the President maintained that all regions are receiving an equitable share of national development projects.

The President’s remarks come as political realignment continues ahead of upcoming general elections, with the administration doubling down on its economic development strategy while calling on opposition coalitions to engage on performance and policy substance.

Matiang’i rejects vision 2060, accuses Ruto of masking real Governance issues

By
Vincent Amara
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Former cabinet minister Fred Matiang’i|File Photo

Rejecting President William Ruto’s drive to replace Vision 2030, former Cabinet Minister Fred Matiang’i has dismissed the Vision 2060 agenda as a deliberate political diversion meant to sidetrack public focus from pressing governance and constitutional issues.

As the government prepares to launch nationwide public consultations on August 12 to draft a new long-term development charter, Matiang’i questioned the timing of the rollout, insisting that the administration must prioritize immediate economic pressures and unresolved legal questions over distant post-2030 blueprints.

His pushback aligns with growing opposition pushback including recent criticisms from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as political tensions escalate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

President Ruto has vigorously defended the initiative, arguing during a Sunday church service in Uasin Gishu County that Vision 2030 pre-dates Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and requires a modernized update insulated from political cycles.

Emphasizing that the upcoming public engagements will encompass the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, and professional bodies, Ruto maintained that the initiative represents a legally binding, citizen-driven conversation about the nation’s future.

‘Pure lies’: CS Murkomen shreds Gachagua’s state house mole claims

By
Vincent Amara
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in a Sunday service at ACK St. Stephen’s Chepkoilel in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County

Allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding security informants leaking State House plans have been flatly rejected by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. Addressing the claims surrounding President William Ruto’s proposed Vision 2060 framework, Murkomen labeled the whistleblower narrative entirely baseless and untruthful.

Speaking while accompanying President Ruto at a Sunday service at ACK St. Stephen’s Chepkoilel in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the Interior Minister accused Gachagua of peddling rumors in an effort to falsely project himself as a figure with access to sensitive intelligence.

Murkomen clarified that the details Gachagua claimed were leaked by security agencies were actually made public by the Head of State himself via his official Facebook page early on the morning of July 27, well before any official report was unveiled.

The Cabinet Secretary condemned Gachagua’s statements regarding the country’s security architecture, warning against the politicization of national security matters. He described Gachagua’s posture as highly irresponsible for someone who previously held the second-highest constitutional office in the country.

Murkomen’s defense comes in response to recent assertions made by Gachagua during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora. In the conversation, the former Deputy President alleged that sources within State House alerted him hours before President Ruto’s planned address, claiming the administration intended to use a long-term development framework originally dubbed Vision 2060 before being framed as a “post-2030 vision” to divert public attention from pressing national challenges.

President Ruto pledges cheaper farm inputs to boost food production, defends proposed ‘Vision 2060’ plan

By
Vincent Amara
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President William Ruto in a church service at ACK Moiben in Uasin Gishu county

President William Ruto has announced government plans to reduce the cost of fertilizer and seeds starting next year, aiming to support farmers returning to their fields following severe crop losses caused by erratic weather patterns.

Speaking during a church service at ACK Moiben in Uasin Gishu County, the President urged farmers across the country to take advantage of the short rains expected between August and December to resume active cultivation and bolster national food security.

He reassured producers that the government would step in directly to lower input costs, emphasizing that increasing domestic yield is critical to preventing widespread hunger and stabilizing food supplies nationwide.

Beyond agricultural interventions, President Ruto defended his administration’s plan to launch Vision 2060, explaining that the existing Vision 2030 introduced under former President Mwai Kibaki is drawing to a close.

He noted that because Vision 2030 was formulated prior to the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, a new long-term development framework is required to fully operationalize constitutional provisions and anchor future national development in law.

To shape this long-term strategy, the President called for an inclusive national dialogue where citizens can submit their views and reach a consensus on Kenya’s future trajectory. Rebuffing criticism from opposition leaders opposed to the initiative, President Ruto questioned their objections to public participation and firmly rejected claims that the plan is connected to the 2027 General Election, accusing critics of lacking a constructive vision for the nation.

Marsabit marks world Ranger Day, pushes for netter conservation tech & community support in conservation

By
Ebinet Apiyo
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MARSABIT— Marsabit County on Friday joined the world in celebrating World Ranger Day at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters in Marsabit town.

Presiding over the event at Ahmeds Gate, Marsabit County Deputy Commissioner Mathew Wambugu urged residents to take part in environmental conservation and wildlife protection. 

He said communities should be sensitized on the importance of conserving the environment to boost tourism.

Wambugu also called on wildlife officers to work closely with other security agencies to strengthen security in game reserves and ensure tourist safety. 

He noted that improved security in Marsabit has contributed greatly to the increase in visitors to Marsabit National Park and other tourist sites.

He described peace and security as key pillars for growing tourism and driving economic development in the region.

Wambugu commended the collaboration between security agencies, KWS, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and other conservation stakeholders, saying it has played a major role in protecting wildlife, forests and other natural resources. 

He said the partnership has enhanced protection of conservation areas, reduced poaching and deforestation, and built tourist confidence in visiting Marsabit.

However, he cited challenges in parks and forests such as outdated technology, and called for the adoption of modern technology in conservation. 

He added that KWS will also engage community elders to find ways of providing livestock feed to prevent destruction of wildlife habitats.

Marsabit County Forest Conservator Kennedy Iriungu said pasture conditions in many parts of the county have improved following recent rains, with adequate grass available outside forests and wildlife reserves. 

He said herders therefore have no reason to take livestock into protected areas.

Iriungu warned that grazing in protected areas destroys the environment, degrades natural vegetation and increases human-wildlife conflict. He noted it is also a violation of forest and wildlife conservation laws.

He said KFS, working with KWS, security officers and local leaders, will continue to intensify patrols in forests and protected areas to ensure compliance and safeguard natural resources. 

He cautioned herders against grazing in forests and reserves, saying anyone found violating the law will face stern legal action.

Iriungu further urged communities to support government efforts in protecting forests and the environment, saying sustainable forest conservation is critical for protecting water sources, mitigating climate change, and securing resources for current and future generations.

During the event, it was also revealed that the process of compensating Marsabit residents affected by human-wildlife conflict is ongoing. 

According to KWS, a total of 1,102 claims have been submitted at the Marsabit office and are being verified to establish the actual loss incurred by each claimant.

Marsabit National Park Deputy Warden Gilbert Njeru said the government is committed to ensuring all eligible residents receive compensation on time once verification is complete. 

He said KWS officers are carefully reviewing each claim to ensure transparency, fairness and equity in line with set procedures, and asked affected residents to be patient as the process continues.

World Ranger Day is marked globally every year on July 31 to honor the vital work of park rangers in protecting nature and to remember those who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

This year’s theme is “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet.”

Marsabit County government urged to boost livestock budget

By
Susan Mbodze
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MARSABIT— The Marsabit County Government has been urged to increase budgetary allocation to the livestock department to strengthen the sector that supports the livelihoods of most residents.

The call was made by Marsabit County Nominated MCA, Mrs. Eve Darare.

Speaking to journalists in Marsabit town, Darare said more than 80 percent of Marsabit residents are pastoralists, and it is crucial for the county government to increase funding to the livestock department to enable it to deliver effectively.

Mrs. Darare expressed concern that the department has for long received inadequate funding, a situation she said has hampered growth in the livestock sector and limited essential services to pastoralists.

She also called on Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohammed Ali to ensure more resources are allocated to the department to facilitate livestock vaccination, improve production and quality of livestock products, and expand both local and international markets.

Darare further urged pastoralists to continue valuing their livestock, saying it is a unique source of wealth and the backbone of many families in the county.

On his part, Governor Mohamud Mohammed Ali assured pastoralists that his administration will continue investing in the livestock sector and ensure the resource is developed for the benefit of residents.

The Governor also challenged Marsabit residents to take pride in pastoralism, noting that the sector remains the backbone of the economy for many communities in the county.

Marsabit’s two surviving quintuplets rushed to KNH for ICU Care

By
Mike Kwoba
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The two surviving quintuplets born at Marsabit County Referral Hospital have been airlifted to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized neonatal intensive care.

The emergency transfer was approved after doctors said the premature infants required advanced medical support available at the national facility.

The airlift follows the death of three of the five babies from complications linked to extreme prematurity and very low birth weight. Despite sustained efforts by healthcare teams in Marsabit, the infants did not survive.

The two surviving infants are now receiving specialized care at KNH as doctors continue to monitor their condition.

The 26-year-old first-time mother from Oltorot, in Laisamis Constituency, Marsabit County delivered three boys and two girls through normal delivery on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Initial reports had indicated the mother was 20 years old, but it was established that she was 26 years old.

Marsabit County Referral Hospital CEO Kussu Abduba said the babies, born at an estimated 7 months, were placed in the new born unit-incubators immediately after delivery, because they had low birth weight between 840gms-1000gms.

Nurses vow to stay off duty until government meets their demands

By
Binti Wangila
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HOLA – Nurses in Tana River County have declared they will remain on strike until both the National Government and county governments implement the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and address their long-standing grievances.

The nurses, under the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), say they have formally notified the Tana River County Government that they will not resume work until their demands are met.

Among their key demands is the implementation of the 2017 CBA. They have also accused the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors of delaying the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nurses into permanent and pensionable employment.

KNUN Tana River Branch Secretary Richard Onchiri said the union is also demanding the reinstatement of nurses who were dismissed during a previous strike in the county.

“We have officially joined our colleagues across the country in this strike. Nurses have been patient for a long time since the signing of the 2017 CBA. The strike will continue until our demands are met,” Onchiri said.

He added that while nurses remain committed to caring for patients, they cannot continue working without their welfare concerns being addressed.

National Deputy Chair of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants chapter for nurses and midwives, Damon Kwaraa, said the strike would only end if the government demonstrates commitment by opening dialogue and allocating funds to implement the outstanding CBA.

Kwaraa maintained that UHC nurses should no longer be employed on temporary terms, insisting they deserve permanent and pensionable appointments.

He said the union would only consider calling off the strike once the government allocates the required budget and county assemblies approve funding for the implementation of the agreement. Until then, he said, the industrial action will continue.

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