The Online Kenyan

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua as a "small timer" and predicted a decisive victory against him in the August 2027 elections, intensifying the political battle for the Mt Kenya region's voting bloc. Kindiki stated that only former Prime Minister Raila Odinga truly understands President William Ruto's campaign capabilities. In contrast, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah was suspended from the Kenyan Senate for three sitting days after refusing to withdraw the word "yapping" used to describe President Ruto's remarks on undocumented immigrants. Omtatah stated he remains "unshaken" following the suspension.

President William Ruto stated that his administration did not overpromise Kenyans during the last general election, making these remarks on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in Bomet Shopping Centre, Bomet County. During his working tour of Bomet and Kericho counties, a Sotik MP's accidental endorsement of a "one term" presidency for President Ruto overshadowed the President's event. In Kericho, Ruto launched a strong defense of his administration's performance, asserting that he has successfully fulfilled key campaign promises amidst criticism from the opposition. A heated exchange has erupted between the Kenyan government and the opposition, focusing on accusations of financial mismanagement and stalled development projects.

Edwin Sifuna, Secretary-General of ODM, has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy to mend a brewing fallout within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party. Sifuna met with Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i as opposition figures intensify closed-door consultations to strategize against President William Ruto's administration. The United Opposition is working to determine a presidential candidate formula for the 2027 general election. Meanwhile, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga is currently in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up following a brief hospital visit in Nairobi. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal previously upheld ODM's decision to remove Sifuna as Secretary-General, concluding a dispute over disciplinary powers.

Absa Bank Kenya has officially appointed Yusuf Omari as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 10, 2026, following regulatory and internal approvals. Kenya's Competition Authority has separately approved Diageo's sale of its 65 per cent stake in East African Breweries Plc to Japan's Asahi Holdings. Additionally, alcoholic brands from East African Breweries, Zheng Hong Kenya Limited, and Kenya Wines Limited are reportedly the most targeted by counterfeiters in Kenya, according to the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.

Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway achieved a significant financial milestone, posting an operating profit of Sh3.2 billion ($24.7 million) in the 2025/26 fiscal year. This comes as Kenya actively promotes Lamu Port as a key logistics hub for American companies seeking access to landlocked markets in East and Central Africa. Meanwhile, financial sector leaders are urging for improved data sharing and interoperability between financial platforms to enhance credit access for borrowers, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya's financial infrastructure.

President William Ruto launched a strong defense of his administration's performance in Kericho, asserting that he has successfully fulfilled key campaign promises amidst criticism from the opposition. A heated exchange has erupted between the Kenyan government and the opposition, focusing on accusations of financial mismanagement and stalled development projects as the nation looks towards the 2027 general election. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki declared that only former Prime Minister Raila Odinga truly understands President William Ruto's campaign capabilities. Separately, opposition figures are seeking a formula for selecting their 2027 presidential candidate.

Alexis Mac Allister scored a spectacular late winner to cap a Liverpool comeback against Atletico Madrid, securing a 2-1 victory in the Champions League. In a separate development, the French Football Federation announced it will not support Gianni Infantino's re-election bid for FIFA President in March 2027. At the same time, the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest features elite athletes vying for Sh19 million in prize money per race, bringing together Olympic and World champions, record holders, and rising stars.

South African polo stars are set to compete in the Six-Goal-Kenya International tournament at Northern Kenya Polo Club, Timau, starting today. This event serves as a prelude to the main 12-Goal-International-Championships next week. Meanwhile, the National 7s Circuit title is set for a thrilling conclusion at the 60th Christie Sevens this weekend in Nairobi, with the championship remaining finely balanced between KCB Rugby and Kabras Sugar heading into the final tournament. Additionally, reigning champion Elvis Muigua is aiming for back-to-back victory at the NCBA Malindi Open which tees off today at the Malindi Golf & Country Club.