Did the good governor of Kisii consider that normal at the time? Have we reached a point where the scoreboard of an administration is by how many people it has killed? Because surely, there is no prize for winning that comparison. We used to believe leadership is a position of responsibility where things that are said and done are weighed way before they are said and done. Where everything is weighed way in advance before it is said and done. Nowadays, it seems, we shoot first and aim later.In armoury terms, we are misfiring big time, and here is the latest from the Governor of Kisii County.As he himself says, he was on the receiving end of those police bullets during the ‘Baba While You Were Away’ rally.Did the good Governor of Kisii consider that normal at the time? Have we reached a point where the scoreboard of an administration is by how many people it has killed? Because surely, there is no prize for winning that comparison.Is accountability a comparative exercise? So, fewer people have been killed under this administration and that is OK, or…better?Furthermore, if we are to go by his argument that the previous administration killed many more people, why then did they gladly accept the leader of that administration to support and endorse their presidential candidate in 2022?Or maybe, going by his logic, is it that the Uhuru administration killed fewer people than the prev...
Read briefing ‘The Government Inspector’ is the title of a play written by Russian playwright Nikolai Gogol. It was a comedy about a little town that was preparing to receive a revered government inspector, and the comedy revolved around frenzied preparations to receive some powerful and much-feared government inspector. On my kicker tonight, I recently was an accidental witness to events when the presidential motorcade rolled into town. You know, it’s normally quite a spectacle. For whatever reason, everyone appears to be in a rush; even those standing still have this frantic appearance of a rocket on a launchpad.And talking of a launch, who in the athletics world can beat Kenya? Well, from my roadside fly-on-the-wall position, I observed the big day as it unfolded. There was a tent, complete with a VIP red carpet in the middle of nowhere. I have previously seen a donkey pulling a cartful of water jerricans on that spot. But on this day, the place was a sharp contrast hours apart.I rolled down my window for a clearer view, and all I could see was a live replay of that timeless Russian epic called ‘The Government Inspector’. For those not familiar with that title, ‘The Government Inspector’ is the title of a play written by Russian playwright Nikolai Gogol. It was a comedy about a little town that was preparing to receive a revered government inspector, and the comedy revolved around frenzie...
Read briefing The cake baked last year was worth about Ksh.5.2 trillion. Part of it we baked with our taxes and service fees. The rest we borrowed at home and away. And the report is out.Some 83 per cent of the cake went into recurrent expenditure. Only 17 per cent went into development. Tonight on my sense, I am reflecting on the ordinary Kenyan’s daily life and drawing a parallel with the Government of Kenya.You see, in your typical household: father, mother and a few children, money is a critical question.Families have targets and priorities. If they do not own the home they live in, there is rent to pay. There is water, electricity, food, school fees and all the other essentials that make life bearable, even at the most basic level.If both parents are lucky enough to have a regular income, they must plan. They must share responsibilities. Because running a home, any home, requires practical decisions.Children have demands. When they are young, perhaps it is toys and little things that bring them joy. As they grow older, the demands become bigger.But the children have no income of their own. They depend on the parents.And sane parents understand that while entertainment and comfort matter, they cannot come at the expense of the household’s basic needs.The adults in the room must decide where they want to take the family; in the short term, the medium term and, importantly, the long term.T...
Read briefing Diana wore the daring off-the-shoulder gown to a gala dinner in London in 1994 on the day that her husband, now the king, admitted during a TV interview to being unfaithful. A photo of Princess Diana's famous revenge dress. Photo/CourtesyPrincess Diana's famous "revenge dress" that she wore on the evening that then-Prince Charles made a public admission of adultery is to be auctioned in New York in December.Diana wore the daring off-the-shoulder gown to a gala dinner in London in 1994 on the day that her husband, now the king, admitted during a TV interview to being unfaithful."Princess Diana turned the dress into one of the most powerful messages she ever made, during one of the most scrutinized and emotionally charged episodes of her life," said Morgane Halimi of Sotheby's, which announced the upcoming sale on Thursday.It "gave license to anyone, but especially women, to use fashion beyond adornment and much more intentionally and meaningfully: as a shield, a weapon or both," she said.The dress, designed by Christina Stambolian, is estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000, with some proceeds going to charity.It was previously auctioned for cancer and AIDS charities in 1997, shortly before Diana died in a car accident in Paris at the age of 36. ©Citizen Digital, Kenya
Read briefing The crowdsourced notes system, modeled on the one used by Elon Musk's X, is designed to supplant checks carried out by accredited newsrooms and fact-checking agencies, which Meta ended in the United States last year The logo of Meta is seen at the entrance of the company's temporary stand ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland January 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File PhotoMeta said Wednesday it had begun testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, a step toward replacing the professional fact-checking program it runs with partner organizations across the region.The crowdsourced notes system, modeled on the one used by Elon Musk's X, is designed to supplant checks carried out by accredited newsrooms and fact-checking agencies, which Meta ended in the United States last year.Meta said it hoped the notes would become the standard way it adds context to misleading posts on Facebook, Instagram and Threads, ending the need for the fact-checking program.The company gave no timeline for that transition, saying only that full rollout would come when it was confident the product worked.Users in the 16 countries can sign up as contributors from Wednesday, but Meta said no notes would be visible to the public during the test and that independent fact-checking would continue unchanged in the meantime.The list covers Argentina, Bolivia,...
Read briefing A flash flood on August 26 caused by a glacier and rockslide, which began on the China-Nepal border, has left at least 1,410 people dead and 5,651 missing. AS Roma's Spanish defender Mario Hermoso (C) kicks the ball during a training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League first round day 1 football match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma, at the Fenerbahce Chobani stadium in Istanbul on September 9, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)Roma said Wednesday they will play this week's Champions League match against Fenerbahce in jerseys supporting the relief effort in Nepal, after being banned from displaying their usual sponsor in Turkey.A flash flood on August 26 caused by a glacier and rockslide, which began on the China-Nepal border, has left at least 1,410 people dead and 5,651 missing."The visitors will take to the pitch with the World Food Programme (WFP) logo on the front of their shirts," the Italian club said ahead of Thursday's game in Istanbul.Roma's usual shirt sponsor is a sports betting company which is banned from advertising under Turkish law.The one-off jersey bearing the logo of the WFP, a Rome-based agency of the United Nations, will also feature the message "Together for Nepal"."The shirts worn by Gian Piero Gasperini's players during the match will be auctioned, with all funds raised going towards supporting the people of Nepal through the WFP's relief ef...
Read briefing What was once a compact grouping of major emerging economies has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, alongside its original members. A staff worker stands behind the national flags of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and India to tidy the flags before a group photo during the BRICS Summit at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center in Xiamen, southeastern China's Fujian Province, China September 4, 2017. REUTERS/Wu Hong/PoolBy Onyango K’Onyango,As leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping prepare to meet in New Delhi this weekend, the September 12-13 summit arrives at a moment when the Global South is demanding more than recognition.It is seeking more space to shape the decisions that influence trade, finance, development and international governance. India’s hosting of the 18th summit therefore carries significance beyond the gathering itself. It offers a window into how emerging economies are increasingly organising around shared interests in a changing world.BRICS has travelled a distance since its original formation. What was once a compact grouping of major emerging economies has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, alongside its original members.Its growing membership is perhaps the clearest indication that many developing countries see...
Read briefing Carrick earned his position as permanent United boss after leading the Red Devils to third place in the Premier League in his interim spell last season. Manchester United's English head coach Michael Carrick (C) takes a team training session at their Carrington Training Complex in Manchester, northwest England on September 9, 2026 on the eve of their UEFA Champions League football match against Sabah. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)Michael Carrick believes Manchester United are strong enough to compete with Europe's best on their return to the Champions League for the first time in three years.Carrick earned his position as permanent United boss after leading the Red Devils to third place in the Premier League in his interim spell last season.Having secured a place in Europe's elite club competition, United kick off their league phase campaign on Thursday when they face Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford."It's a magical competition. It's where we all want to be. When you're out of it, you realise how special it is and when you're in it, you want to make the most of it," Carrick told reporters on Wednesday."I think we've all seen some special, special nights and felt some special things in this competition over the years. It's the best competition to challenge yourself and to push against the best."We're delighted to be here, but we're not here to just enjoy the occasio...
Read briefing The latest controversy began with a presidential directive that triggered anxiety among thousands of Burundian nationals, many of whom camped at the Burundi High Commission seeking clarity and intervention from their government. President William Ruto addresses the people of Youth Farmers in Longisa on September 9, 2026. Photo/PCSIn recent weeks, President William Ruto has been forced to intervene in a series of crises involving Kenyans and government institutions. The latest controversy began with a presidential directive that triggered anxiety among thousands of Burundian nationals, many of whom camped at the Burundi High Commission seeking clarity and intervention from their government.Some of the President's own public statements have since triggered confusion, forcing government officials into damage-control mode.It started with what appeared to be a routine State House meeting with a delegation of small-scale traders who had gone to present their grievances against the Kenya Revenue Authority.The traders had earlier taken to the streets to protest the increase in the minimum tax benchmark for consolidated cargo imports from Ksh.2.5 million to Ksh.3.2 million.At State House, President Ruto yielded to their demands.“It will not even be Ksh.2.5 million. It will be Ksh.2 million,” President Ruto stated.But in what appeared to be a separate and unexpected directive, the Presid...
Read briefing Citing a Norwegian court order, the governor of Svalbard on September 2 announced the seizure of the Professor Molchanov -- a vessel used to shuttle people between Russia and Barentsburg, a Russian mining community in the Norwegian archipelago located 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) south of the North Pole. Norwegian authorities said Tuesday they helped repatriate 69 Russians who got stranded in the Arctic after a Russian ship was seized at the demand of Ukrainian state energy group Naftogaz.Citing a Norwegian court order, the governor of Svalbard on September 2 announced the seizure of the Professor Molchanov -- a vessel used to shuttle people between Russia and Barentsburg, a Russian mining community in the Norwegian archipelago located 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) south of the North Pole."After good dialogue with the consul general of the Russian Federation in Barentsburg and representatives from (Russian state-owned coal mining company) Trust Arktikugol, the governor has today assisted 69 Russian citizens back to Russia," a statement from the governor's office said.The Russian nationals returned via Kirkenes, a town in northern Norway near the Russian border, on Tuesday afternoon, it added.The vessel was seized as Naftogaz sought $4.2 billion from Russia in compensation for the seizure of its assets following Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea.In 2023, a Hague-based arbitratio...
Read briefing "I think it's correct that you see these kind of players that they start to be tired," Maresca said at the Dragao Stadium before Tuesday's match. Manchester City’s manager Enzo Maresca (C) coaches the team during the open training ahead of their friendly football match against Inter Milan for the Asahi Super Dry Trophy at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 31, 2026. (Photo by May JAMES / AFP)Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca said on Monday finding form early in the season "was not easy" for his World Cup players ahead of the club's Champions League opener at Porto."I think it's correct that you see these kind of players that they start to be tired," Maresca said at the Dragao Stadium before Tuesday's match.Maresca was responding to remarks by Erling Haaland posted on the striker's his YouTube channel earlier in the day.The Norwegian has three goals in three league matches but did not play in warm up games, following Norway's run to the World Cup quarterfinals."The new season started and I didn't even have a pre-season. I normally have a bit of pre-season but this time, just nothing," said Haaland."The physical side will come, if you manage to stay injury free, but you need to be sharp mentally as well, and that's not easy."We need to have that eager feeling to go back but we don't because there is no time to properly stay away from football because there are so many games an...
Read briefing Two more Americans face off in Tuesday's other men's quarter-final, with charismatic 11th seed Frances Tiafoe taking on 22-year-old Alex Michelsen. Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka hits balls to the crowd after defeating Czech Republic's Linda Noskova in their women's singles quarter-final tennis match on day ten of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 8, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka rallied in the final set to beat Linda Noskova in a match tiebreaker on Tuesday and reach a sixth straight US Open semi-final.Sabalenka triumphed 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) over the 21-year-old Wimbledon champion, striking 42 winners but converting just two of her nine break point chances against the resilient Czech in a fierce duel on Arthur Ashe Stadium.Trailing 4-2 in the third, Sabalenka appeared headed for another Grand Slam disappointment in a season in which she has so far been unable to add to her stash of four major titles.Clearly frustrated, Sabalenka nevertheless regrouped and broke Noskova to love to pull level at 4-4. They hurtled to the tiebreaker -- where Sabalenka dropped the first two points before climbing back and finally sealed victory with a courageous second-serve ace.Noskova fired 18 aces -- 46 winners in all -- as she became the first player to take a set off Saba...
Read briefing Fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch both had their stays at Anfield lengthened, but Mac Allister said his agent was told the club was "not in a position" to offer him a contract extension. Liverpool's Argentinian midfielder #10 Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring the team's first goal in additional time during the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said Tuesday he could have left during the summer transfer window given how sad he felt at not being offered a new contract when other players were having their deals with the Premier League giants renewed.Fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch both had their stays at Anfield lengthened, but Mac Allister said his agent was told the club was "not in a position" to offer him a contract extension.Argentina international Mac Aliister did not have his best season with Liverpool last term, but that was equally true of several team-mates during a lacklustre defence of their Premier League title that culminated in the sacking of manager Arne Slot.Mac Allister, 27, was linked with a move away from Merseyside, including to Atletico Madrid -- the Reds' Champions' League opponents at Anfield on Wednesday.He has t...
Read briefing The committee will be led by the Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai on behalf of the government and Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited CEO Swaminathan Nagarajan representing the company. Mining CS Hassan Joho speaking during the Ministerial Forum on Critical Minerals and Beneficiation, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on July 10, 2026.Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has overseen the establishment of a high-level technical committee to resolve outstanding compliance issues surrounding the suspended operations of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.The committee follows a meeting between Joho and executives of the soda ash manufacturer on Tuesday, a day after the Cabinet Secretary accused the company of failing to comply with government directives governing mining operations in Kenya.The committee will be led by the Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai on behalf of the government and Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited CEO Swaminathan Nagarajan representing the company.It will conduct a technical review of the outstanding issues and submit its findings to Joho for consideration and further direction.Among the issues the committee will examine are mineral beneficiation and in-country value addition, outstanding community benefits and royalty obligations, unresolved land matters, opening up the area for multiple mineral extraction and pending m...
Read briefing "Fiorentina announce that Fabio Grosso has been relieved, effective today, of his duties as coach of the men's first team," Fiorentina said in a short statement posted on social media. Coach Fabio Grosso has been sacked after just three Serie A matches and as many defeats in charge of Fiorentina, the club announced on Sunday.The 48-year-old, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy as a player, was appointed boss in June after a successful two-year stint with Sassuolo.But Fiorentina have made a disastrous start to their Serie A campaign, having also struggled early last season before eventually avoiding relegation.Grosso's men were thrashed 4-0 by Roma on the opening weekend, before a 3-0 home loss to promoted Frosinone and then a 2-1 home defeat by Torino on Saturday."Fiorentina announce that Fabio Grosso has been relieved, effective today, of his duties as coach of the men's first team," Fiorentina said in a short statement posted on social media.Grosso's predecessor Paolo Vanoli was fired in May, despite leading La Viola to safety after replacing Stefano Pioli. ©Citizen Digital, Kenya
Read briefing Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing'Oei has apologised to Burundian nationals living in Kenya over recent attacks linked to the government's crackdown on undocumented foreign traders, pledging enhanced security in areas with large Burundian populations.Speaking alongside Burundian Ambassador Evelyne Habonimana, whom he thanked for her cooperation during the crisis, Sing'Oei acknowledged that many Burundians have lived peacefully alongside Kenyans for years before the recent tension."For many years, many of you have lived in Kenya like other Kenyans. You have lived with your neighbours, your brothers, and you have lived well," he saidThe PS said the government's directive was targeted at those operating small businesses without the required licences, and regretted that a lack of clear communication had left some Burundians vulnerable to attacks from neighbours who misunderstood the directive."We are saying sorry because those who do small businesses without a licence are not allowed to continue operating. There are many who do not understand you well, and because you are not able to explain yourselves, many of you have been attacked by your neighbours and friends. We are saying sorry for that," Sing'Oei said.He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that all Africans, including Burundian nationals, live together with Kenyans as brothers, and urged affe...
Read briefing Inter beat Bayern 2-0 in the Champions League final at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium, winning the trophy for the first time since 1965 and becoming the first Italian team to win the treble. Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Schalke 04 v Real Madrid - Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany - August 16, 2026 Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachWhen Jose Mourinho left Inter Milan for Real Madrid in the summer of 2010, after leading the Italian outfit to Champions League glory, he was at the peak of his powers.The Portuguese coach claimed an historic treble with Inter, clinching Serie A in the last week of the season and lifting the Coppa Italia.Inter beat Bayern 2-0 in the Champions League final at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium, winning the trophy for the first time since 1965 and becoming the first Italian team to win the treble.The day after the final Mourinho said it was likely his last match in charge and around a week later his appointment at Real Madrid was finalised.Now 16 years on, and beginning his second stint at Madrid, Mourinho kicks off the record 15-time Champions League winners' European campaign against Inter on Tuesday at the Bernabeu.Neither the veteran coach nor Inter have been able to reproduce that level of European success since.Inter have reached the final on two subsequent occasions, beaten in 2023 by Manchester City and th...
Read briefing He called for "cast-iron guarantees" to secure AI in a speech ahead of the start of his unprecedented second term, in which he also demanded accountability over deaths in U.S. immigration custody and condemned Russia's reported use of autonomous drones. U.N. rights chief Volker Turk warned on Monday that artificial intelligence could pose a threat to humanity, and pledged to press AI firms to reduce risks that his office said included disruptions to services, communications and democratic systems.He called for "cast-iron guarantees" to secure AI in a speech ahead of the start of his unprecedented second term, in which he also demanded accountability over deaths in U.S. immigration custody and condemned Russia's reported use of autonomous drones.The wide-ranging address was his first to the 47-member council since he won the four-year term in July in the face of opposition from Moscow and Washington.'HORROR' AT AUTONOMOUS DRONES"I share the concerns of industry insiders that advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity," Turk told the body in Geneva."I am calling here, today, for an all-out effort to put cast-iron guarantees in place around the safety and security of AI, before it is too late."Turk did not elaborate on the nature of the risks but a spokesperson for his office said failures involving powerful AI systems could disrupt critical infrastructure and d...
Read briefing Britain's King Charles III attends a Parliamentary reception at Parliament House in Canberra on October 21, 2024. (Photo by LUKAS COCH / POOL / AFP)But in a surprise move last month Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, returned to live in the UK with their two young children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.In the letter Charles makes clear that the couple's position is "akin to private citizens" and that they should not be addressed as his and her royal highness.So-called "working royals" are members of the royal family who carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch. They receive administrative and other support from the Royal Household to do so.A letter issued by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the Royal Household, said that following the couple's relocation there had been "a number of requests for guidance"."It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the sovereign, and are no longer working members of the royal family," it said."This position, distinct from the state and royal duties undertaken by the working royal family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected."Current senior working royals are: Charles, his wife Queen Camilla, son and heir Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, as well as Charles's sister Princess Anne and brother Edward and his wife Sophie, known as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.Harry and Meghan, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly living in central England's Cotswolds region and are said to have enrolled their children at private schools there for the coming academic year.Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth stripped them of their "Royal Highness" titles, police protection and public funding when they quit royal duties in 2020."The charitable work of the duke and duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."The clarification comes amid uncertainty over what, if any, security the Sussexes will have paid for by the state.Britain's Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) -- an independent body overseen by the interior ministry -- decides which politicians, royals and others get police protection.Harry battled the ministry in the courts after Ravec downgraded his security following his 2020 move.He lost his bid to reverse the decision but with his permanent return, Ravec's risk management board will likely be re-evaluating the threat level he faces.Citizen Digital wants to hear from you. Send us your stories, videos, and photos.
Read briefing While PM hits the road in 2027 alignments, Linda Mwananchi continues to struggle with party registration. Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has claimed to have been a founding member of Linda Mwananchi, a political faction he has since ditched to form the People Renaissance Movement (PM).The legislator claims that he had the blessing of the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga to form parallel political outfits.He referred to the Kenya Moja outfit, which was made up of a number of parliamentarians opposed to President William Ruto’s ruling party.“I founded Linda Mwananchi in the sense that I brought all these new figures, so to speak. By the way, Baba Raila Odinga, before he died, gave me permission to form what you called Kenya Moja,” Amisi told Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange on Sunday.This was after questioning on his decision to abandon Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi and form his own political outfit.According to the MP, unnamed persons in ODM know of Raila’s nod to create the parallel political outfits. Amisi officially launched PM party in August 2026, seeking to position himself as a key player in the 2027 general election.The party, he said, would champion economic liberation, justice and a renaissance for Kenyans.It is also intended to mobilise Kenyans around an economic agenda while positioning itself to form the next government.While PM...
Read briefing But has anyone truly seen Mary, the mother of Jesus? Hundreds of people are flocking to Emenwa village in Nyamache, Kisii County, after reports emerged of an image believed to be that of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, appearing on the wall of a mud-walled kitchen.Mzee Charles Onsombi’s once-quiet homestead has turned into a pilgrimage site, forcing the family to seek reinforcement from police officers to manage the large crowd.Young and old, they travelled from different parts of the country to a small village in Nyamache, Kisii County, Emenwa village. The centre of attraction.A small, soot-blackened kitchen, the kind you find in every Gusii homestead. This one, however, according to area residents, is no longer ordinary.This comes after reports emerged of an image, believed to be that of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, appearing on the wall."It was around here... that's where they say they saw whatever they saw. I don't know,” Mzee Charles Onsombi explains.Uninvited and unexpected, they came, eager to witness what they describe as a divine opportunity of a lifetime."People have come from Homa Bay without seeing it, people have come from Sirare without seeing it, people have come from South Mugirango in Osoro's area without seeing it. We want the government to organize the crowd so that everyone can see it, and when they return home, they can share the message of what they...
Read briefing The question of the United Opposition’s flagbearer remains a hot potato. United Opposition pose for a photo during the official launch of the People’s Renaissance Movement on August 11, 2026. Photo/CourtesyPrincipals in the United Opposition are tonight calling for selflessness among themselves when the time comes to decide on a flagbearer to face President William Ruto at the ballot.Led by Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua and Democratic Party (DP)’s Justin Muturi, the leaders say the formula to be used must produce a leader who surpasses all leadership parameters against the Head of State.With the clock ticking toward the 2027 general election, the question of the United Opposition’s flagbearer remains a hot potato.Attention has now shifted to the personalities of the principals in deciding the man or woman to face President Ruto and ensure a first-round win.Leading the call for selflessness from Washington in the United States, Gachagua expressed willingness to shelve his presidential ambitions if the flagbearer picked would be a sure bet to send Ruto packing."If we do our arithmetic and find Sifuna ndio atapeleka hii mtu nyumbani mapema, so be it. And there’s no problem. There’s no problem. Even I, Riggy G, I can deputise Sifuna, kwani iko makosa gani? Even Sifuna can deputise me. Sifuna can deputise Kalonzo. Kalonzo can deputise Sifuna,” said Gacha...
Read briefing Muturi said political leaders should avoid rhetoric that could revive tensions associated with the 2007–08 post-election violence and potentially intimidate communities from participating freely in the electoral process Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin MuturiDemocratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has called for the establishment of an International Criminal Court (ICC) outreach office in Nairobi, citing concerns over what he described as rising ethnic rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election.Muturi said political leaders should avoid rhetoric that could revive tensions associated with the 2007–08 post-election violence and potentially intimidate communities from participating freely in the electoral process.Speaking during a meet-the-people tour in Othaya, Nyeri County, Muturi warned against the use of ethnicity and memories of past violence as political mobilisation tools.“No Kenyan community should be threatened, collectively targeted or frightened out of exercising its constitutional right to vote,” he said.Muturi said his United Alternative Government was pushing for an ICC outreach presence in Nairobi as a preventive measure. He argued that such an office could provide a channel for victims, witnesses, civil society organisations and other institutions to raise concerns and facilitate the preservation of information that could be relevant to crimes falling under...
Read briefing Kenya is open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationalities, as long as they are well documented and have the necessary approvals. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei speaks at an innovation pavillion in Nairobi on May 10, 2026. Photo: Korir Sing'oei/XReports that President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses in Kenya are inaccurate, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oi now says.The PS, responding to a news report by French publisher Le Monde, said Ruto’s statements were taken out of context.According to Sing’oei, Kenya is open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationalities, as long as they are well documented and have the necessary approvals. “We assure that small or large traders & employees of all nationalities, with requisite documentation — work permits & licenses — are legally protected to operate in Kenya,” said Sing’oei.“Burundian nationals and all East Africans — and Africans for that matter — are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our law,” he added.The PS’s response follows unease over President Ruto’s statement on Wednesday, where he appeared to address hawking and other small-scale trading activities by foreign nationals.Speaking after meeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House o...
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