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Nyamita: Ol Kalou By-Election should not be used to predict Ruto’s 2027 chances

By
Binti Wangila
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Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita has dismissed assertions that the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is an indication of President William Ruto’s chances in the 2027 General Election.

Nyamita argued that the by-election cannot be interpreted as a referendum on the presidency because President Ruto was not a candidate in the contest.

“I don’t think this election has any bearing on the presidency because the president was not on the ballot. To say that the opposition should now get excited and claim it has shown that a sitting president can be removed is misplaced. There was no sitting candidate in that by-election defending a seat,” he said.

The legislator also criticized the opposition, describing it as “a batch of people collected together by hate for one individual,” while arguing that the coalition has failed to demonstrate unity by fielding a single candidate in recent by-elections.

Nyamita further maintained that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has successfully conducted credible by-elections since the 2022 General Election, saying the polls have helped restore public confidence in the country’s electoral process.

His remarks follow the July 17 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, in which Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho secured 35,440 votes to defeat United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina, who garnered 5,450 votes.

Nyamita joins other Kenya Kwanza leaders who have sought to downplay the political significance of the Ol Kalou results amid claims by opposition figures that the outcome reflects shifting public sentiment ahead of the next general election.

He also observed that parts of the Mt. Kenya West region appear to have gravitated towards the opposition and urged politicians with leadership ambitions to better understand the concerns and priorities of the people they seek to represent.

Garissa family demands arrest of police reservist over alleged shooting of herdsman

By
Dominic Barasa
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A family from Masalani in Garissa County has called for the immediate arrest of a National Police Reservist (NPR) attached to Hola in Tana River County over allegations that he shot and seriously injured a herdsman during an attack on local pastoralists.

According to the family, the officer allegedly shot Hussein Mohamed Bagaja in the thigh, leaving him with serious injuries, before assaulting other herders and fleeing the scene. Residents claim the reservist has been intimidating and harassing pastoralists in the area for some time.

The herders alleged that a group of armed National Police Reservists, dressed in full combat gear, attacked them while they were grazing their livestock in an open pasture near the Tana River. They claimed the officers, who are reportedly from Mikunduni village in Tana River County, opened fire indiscriminately, critically injuring Hussein Mohamed Bagaja.

“We were grazing our goats in an open pasture near the Tana River when more than ten armed men suddenly appeared and began firing at us,” said Ahmed Yasin, one of the herders.

Yasin said he was also assaulted during the attack, adding that the armed men fled the scene, leaving the injured victims bleeding.

Bagaja was rushed to Hola Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Garissa County Referral Hospital, where he is receiving specialized medical care.

Relatives and members of the local community gathered at the referral hospital, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

“When we found him in Hola, he was extremely weak and had lost a lot of blood. We want those responsible arrested and brought to justice,” said his aunt, Meynun Arte.

By the time of publication, police had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Efforts to reach Tana River Sub-County Police Commander (OCPD) George Madolio for comment on the alleged shooting and the status of investigations were unsuccessful.

Local human rights activists have also joined calls for the immediate disarmament and arrest of all National Police Reservists allegedly involved, warning that such attacks on civilians could fuel insecurity and escalate tensions in the region.

“We urge the National Police Service to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the shooting, disarm the officers implicated, and ensure they are held accountable under the law,” said Noor Bashir, a local human rights activist popularly known as Toolkey.

Bashir also urged communities in the area to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means rather than violence, warning that continued attacks could result in more deaths, permanent injuries, and heightened insecurity.

The incident has once again highlighted the recurring conflicts between pastoralists and farming communities in parts of Garissa and Tana River counties. Previous clashes have claimed lives, destroyed livelihoods, and led to the loss of livestock, prompting renewed calls for the government to strengthen security and implement lasting solutions to prevent further violence.

Mobile clinics take primary healthcare to nomadic Pastoralists

By
Newton Ingui
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In a major move to bridge Northern Kenya’s deep health inequality gap, Wajir County has officially launched a fleet of specialized mobile clinics. The initiative directly targets nomadic pastoralist communities who have long been isolated from traditional, fixed medical facilities.

Remote nomadic routes leave families days away from fixed clinics, making routine care and chronic disease management virtually impossible.

Fully equipped, vehicle-based mobile clinics bringing maternal checks, immunizations, and diagnostic tools straight to temporary settlements.

Planned integration with centralized digital health databases to sync patient records across all mobile units.

For generations, healthcare in Wajir relied on fixed regional centers — a design fundamentally at odds with populations that move continuously in search of pasture and water. This structural mismatch contributed to historically high rates of infant and maternal mortality, alongside widespread, unchecked preventable illnesses.

The new mobile system acts as a direct structural fix. Instead of forcing pastoralists to choose between their herds and medical care, healthcare teams come directly to them.

Beyond immediate healthcare, local officials expect a significant socioeconomic boost:

Minimizes time away from livestock and daily economic tasks.

Regular health check-ups allow medical teams to spot and treat childhood malnutrition early — critical in drought-prone landscapes.

Upcoming sync capabilities will allow mobile teams to view patient histories instantly, regardless of which unit hits their settlement next.

By adapting public health delivery to the realities of pastoral life, Wajir County sets a functional precedent for decentralized, inclusive healthcare across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.

Garissa 2027 Gubernatorial Race heats up as senator Haji warns against clan-based politics

By
Dominic Barasa
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The race for the Garissa County gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election is gaining momentum, with Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji urging residents to move away from clan-based politics and instead focus on candidates’ policies and leadership abilities.

Speaking during a meeting with Somali community elders in Garissa town, Haji said it was time for residents to elect leaders based on their capacity and development agendas rather than the clans or communities they come from.

“It is time to move away from clan politics. Citizens should choose leaders based on their policies and ability to serve them, not because of the clan they come from,” Haji said.

The senator, who has declared his intention to contest for the Garissa gubernatorial seat in 2027, also urged elders to take the lead in resisting politicians who use inflammatory messages and divide residents along clan or community lines while seeking elective positions.

He emphasized that leaders who promote division should not be given space in the county’s political landscape.

“Any leader found dividing residents along clan or community lines should be opposed strongly in order to protect the unity of Garissa,” he said.

Haji also stated that every Kenyan has the right to support or join any political formation they believe in, without being pressured or forced to align with a particular political side.

His remarks come as the race for the Garissa governor’s seat in 2027 continues to gain attention, with several aspirants expressing interest in the position.

Those expected to compete for the seat include former Garissa County Assembly Speaker and former Ijara MP Ahmed Ibrahim Abass; Abdiqani Dubat; former Water Resources Authority Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Moulid Shurie; former Lagdera MP Mohamed Mukhtar Shidiye; former Garissa Governor Ali Bunow Korane, who served from 2017 to 2022; and current Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji.

Orengo accuses Ruto of undermining ODM

By
Vincent Amara
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Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused President William Ruto of weakening the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), alleging that the Head of State is attempting to reduce the party into a regional Luo Nyanza outfit while using political violence and hired goons to disrupt opposition rallies.

Speaking during his tour of Homa Bay County on Wednesday, Orengo claimed that President Ruto had failed to honour the commitments contained in the 10-point agenda signed with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga before the co-operation agreement between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Addressing the President directly, Orengo said Ruto had not implemented any of the agreed reforms despite repeatedly expressing support for the Luo community.

“President Ruto, if you really love the Luo people, you must keep the promises you made to Raila Amolo Odinga. Those commitments were put in writing in the 10-point agenda, yet you have not implemented even one,” Orengo said.

The governor further accused the President of fuelling divisions within ODM, arguing that the emergence of the Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi factions was a direct result of interference by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Orengo maintained that Raila Odinga had made it clear that any political coalition with President Ruto would only be considered after the full implementation of the 10-point agenda. He alleged that the President had instead weakened ODM by drawing some of its leaders into his camp.

“You have taken away Raila’s party the strongest party in the Republic of Kenya. You want to turn it into a Luo party,” Orengo said.

He also criticised ODM leaders backing President Ruto’s re-election bid, accusing them of betraying the party’s ideals and insisting that members aligned to the Linda Mwananchi faction would not be intimidated.

Tension marked Orengo’s visit to Homa Bay Town after a group of youths attempted to block his entry into the central business district. The youths barricaded the Homa Bay–Rongo road using stones and construction materials, triggering clashes with Orengo’s supporters.

The rival groups engaged in stone-throwing before Orengo’s convoy eventually made its way into the town, where he addressed residents and condemned what he described as the use of hired goons to disrupt political meetings.

Aston Villa agree deal for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho

By
Newton Ingui
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Aston Villa have reached a full agreement with Chelsea to sign 22-year-old winger Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine international joins Villa on an initial one-year loan with a conditional buy obligation that becomes mandatory once basic appearance thresholds are achieved. Upon activation of the permanent clause, Garnacho is set to sign a four-year contract at Villa Park.

Garnacho moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester United for £40m but struggled to find consistency. New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed earlier this month that the winger was not part of his plans.

The deal represents the second major transfer negotiation between the two clubs within 48 hours, following Morgan Rogers’ record £117m move to Chelsea.

Unai Emery views Garnacho as a high-upside attacking force capable of reinvigorating Villa’s wide threat ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Chelsea’s squad dilemma: 38 senior players, 25 registration spots.

By
Newton Ingui
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Chelsea Football Club faces a major squad management challenge due to the sheer size of their senior first-team roster. With around 38 first-team players under contract, the Blues far exceed the maximum allowance permitted for official league and European competitions.

Both the Premier League and UEFA enforce strict regulations regarding first-team roster registrations:

Clubs are allowed to register a maximum of 25 senior players (over the age of 21) in their official squad lists.

Within the 25-man Premier League squad, a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players is allowed, requiring at least 8 players to qualify as homegrown.

Players born on or after January 1 of the designated U21 birth-year threshold do not count toward the 25-man limit and can play without occupying a primary squad slot.

To manage the surplus of senior talent without breaching regulations, Chelsea relies on several squad-management avenues:

Young stars and academy graduates under 21 do not take up senior spots, offering significant flexibility.

Excess players are routinely sent out on season-long or half-season loans across European leagues to keep match fitness high and trim domestic list numbers.

The club continues to work on trimming its bloated squad via permanent departures before registration deadlines lock in.

Any senior player not included on the official 25-man Premier League or UEFA “List A” list remains ineligible for competitive selection in those competitions until the next transfer/registration window.

Politicians handing out millions may be required to explain source of funds, says EACC

By
Binti Wangila
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Politicians who distribute millions of shillings during public empowerment events may soon be required to account for the source of the funds as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) steps up scrutiny of large cash expenditures by public officials.

EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the commission will compare the assets, income and liabilities declared by public officials with the amounts of money they publicly distribute If we discover assets that they cannot satisfactorily explain, we conduct investigations and present the matter before amid a growing number of public empowerment events where political leaders have been donating the commission will also require some politicians to explain whether the money used during such events comes from legitimate income such event took place in Suna East, where Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed donated KSh10 million, while to determine whether such spending is consistent with their lawful sources of income.

“Public officers are required to declare their assets every two years. If we discover assets that they cannot satisfactorily explain, we conduct investigations and present the matter before the court to determine whether the assets were acquired unlawfully,” Mohamud said.

His remarks come amid a growing number of public empowerment events where political leaders have been donating millions of shillings to residents, raising concerns over the source of the funds.

According to Mohamud, the commission will also require some politicians to explain whether the money used during such events comes from legitimate income, campaign funds or the abuse of public office.

However, he clarified that merely possessing or carrying large amounts of cash is not a criminal offence.

“Having money is not a crime. The question is, where did the money come from? Is it the proceeds of crime, or is it intended to facilitate bribery? Legal action can only be taken if the money is linked to criminal activity,” he said.

In recent months, several political leaders have held empowerment events across the country, distributing millions of shillings to members of the public.

One such event took place in Suna East, where Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed donated KSh10 million, while President William Ruto contributed an additional KSh10 million.

According to the official remuneration structure for public officers, Members of Parliament earn a monthly salary and allowances totaling approximately KSh1.45 million, a figure that has fueled public debate over the relationship between elected leaders’ known incomes and the large sums of money they distribute at public events.

DCI rescues two missing Meru girls in Kajiado, uncovers cross-border trafficking plot

By
Mike Kwoba
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In a coordinated intelligence-led operation, police detectives have rescued two teenage girls aged 13 and 14 who had been reported missing from Meru County, successfully thwarting a suspected cross-border child trafficking network.

The minors, who had disappeared separately from their respective homes, were located inside a house in Moi Township, Mashuuru, Kajiado County. According to authorities, the rescue occurred just moments before the girls were to be covertly transported across the border into Tanzania.

The joint security operation brought together officers from DCI Imenti Central, the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), and DCI Mashuuru. Their swift action led to the arrest of three key suspects linked to the ring: Magdalene Mwikali Miya, Emmanuel Stephen Leiyan, and Deoglacious Damas, a Tanzanian national.

Preliminary checks revealed that Damas was residing in Kenya without valid immigration documentation. All three suspects remain in police custody undergoing official processing ahead of their court arraignment.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed in an official statement that the operation successfully saved the juveniles while ensuring the perpetrators were apprehended to face legal charges.

The two rescued girls have been placed under the care of the local Children’s Officer and are undergoing mandatory medical examinations and psychosocial assessments while reunited safely with authorities.

Detectives are actively investigating the precise circumstances surrounding the girls’ initial disappearance from Meru to determine how they were recruited or abducted. The DCI expressed gratitude to members of the public whose timely tips and information proved crucial in tracking down the location and saving the minors.

Houthi Rebels claim attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea.

By
Newton Ingui
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Yemeni Houthi rebels claimed responsibility on Wednesday for attacking two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. The move threatens to further escalate tensions amid the broader U.S.-Iran conflict that has already spread across the Middle East.

According to statements from the Houthi movement, the group launched missile and drone strikes targeting two Saudi tankers, which they accused of violating a “maritime navigation ban.” The Houthis identified the two vessels as the Encelia and the Layla.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors and coordinates commercial shipping safety in high-risk areas, reported that the captain of one vessel documented an attack by an unidentified projectile approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia.

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