The Online Kenyan

Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe faced a hostile reception while seeking forgiveness from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a church service, after defecting from UDA to DCP. The encounter comes amid heightened political tensions following Gachagua's recent statements defending the opposition movement against claims of external funding.

Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has issued a stern warning against the Linda Mwananchi movement ahead of their planned political rallies in Homa Bay County. Chaos erupted in Homa Bay during a Linda Mwananchi meeting, forcing the initiative to alter its route to reach the gathering. The unrest disrupted planned activities in the region. Kenyan opposition leaders have criticized President William Ruto's administration, accusing it of orchestrating disruptions at their political rallies. Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary-General of ODM, successfully de-escalated the situation.

Police in Kericho are investigating a disturbing incident where two students were found murdered and their bodies doused in chemicals in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. Funeral plans are underway following a tragic road accident in Kibwezi Mashariki, Makueni County, that claimed the lives of seven people. Shule ya Kabonge has regained its status following extensive renovations funded by the M-Pesa Foundation, significantly improving the learning environment for students.

Vihiga Cranes have been crowned the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season Five Western Region champions in the boys' category after a narrow victory in the final match. The opening round of the golf tournament at Ruiru resulted in a tightly contested leaderboard with four golfers tying for lead after scoring 2-under par 68. The Absa Ruiru Invitational remains finely poised after the opening round of the Sunshine Development Tour.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested 15 suspected gang members along the Kisumu-Kericho highway on Sunday, August 16, recovering a cache of crude weapons. In a separate incident, Nairobi police raided a busy stall in Platinum Plaza, Tom Mboya Street, recovering 38 mobile phones and arresting a suspect believed to be involved in flashing stolen devices. Kirinyaga County is experiencing a wave of church break-ins, with the latest incident at PCEA Karii Church seeing thieves steal equipment valued at approximately Ksh500,000.

Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria filed a police complaint and issued a demand notice against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alleging defamatory remarks linking him to violence and deaths during the Ol Kalou by-election. The Jubilee Party simultaneously refuted claims linking it and its presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i to violence during opposition gatherings in Naivasha and Nakuru, with Jubilee's Secretary General blaming security failures for the clashes. Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama denied allegations of organizing youth to confront Gachagua during his recent visit to Nakuru County.

The Standard Gauge Railway is operating at full capacity due to increased demand, prompting calls for more coaches. Kenya Railways has confirmed they currently have no additional coaches available to meet this surge. In a separate legal development, the High Court granted banks and financial institutions a temporary reprieve, allowing them to adjust loan interest rates without seeking prior approval from the National Treasury. Meanwhile, the Kenya Ports Authority is significantly enhancing security measures at the Port of Mombasa in response to escalating global maritime threats.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi unveiled the Magharibi Movement, a new lobby group aimed at consolidating political influence in Western Kenya and rallying voters behind President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid. The movement was launched ahead of the 2027 polls. Mudavadi also urged the region to strategize for the future beyond the 2027 general election and focus on long-term development, while launching a voter registration drive aimed at significantly increasing the region's registered voters by January 2027.