The Online Kenyan

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has warned that escalating political violence and the proliferation of armed militias could lead Kenya toward state failure, urging citizens to register and vote to hold the current administration accountable. Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged President William Ruto to ban political rallies due to rising tensions and intolerance that could destabilize Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has publicly defended his decision to double cash handouts to constituents from Ksh500 to Ksh1,000, stating the money is part of his salary and personal resources.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a public health warning after residents in Kamenu Location, Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County, killed and consumed a hyena on Saturday morning. The KWS warned residents of Thika to avoid consuming bush meat following the public slaughter of a hyena, citing significant public health concerns due to the dangerous diseases hyenas can carry. This follows a separate incident where residents in Thika killed and slaughtered a hyena found feeding on dumped poultry remains.

Billions of shillings intended for textbook procurement in Kenyan public schools are at the center of a high-stakes conflict involving publishers, the Ministry of Education, and state agencies, exacerbated by the rollout of competency-based education. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has expressed serious concern over the significant teacher shortage in rural schools, calling for urgent government intervention to ensure equitable deployment. The Deputy Registrar of Companies has officially dissolved and removed over 1,300 companies from Kenya's official register, a significant clean-up exercise impacting multiple economic sectors.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah, known as President William Ruto's loyal foot soldier, is facing mounting criticism for his confrontational political style characterized by insults and threats against dissenters. The Majority Leader in the National Assembly has been labeled a 'polished goon' as his aggressive rhetoric intensifies. He has traded accusations with the United Opposition over the chaos that erupted in Kikuyu town on April 11. Meanwhile, leaders from a broad-based coalition are also criticizing him in connection with broader political developments, while his polished goon tag continues to grow amid the political controversy.

Kikuyu town experienced violent confrontation on April 11 when police reportedly blocked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from addressing residents at a planned rally. The event was marred by police heavy-handedness, alleged assault, use of teargas and live ammunition, with reports of hired goons unleashing terror and robbing attendees. Journalists were also attacked during the confrontation. The United Opposition and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah traded accusations over who bears responsibility for the violence. An opposition meeting in Kikuyu was disrupted by police using tear gas to disperse attendees.

Kenyan athletes Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet have been crowned the 2026 Sports Personalities of the Year, marking their second consecutive win after a similar triumph in 2025. The world champions successfully defended their titles at the 22nd SOYA Awards in the male and female categories respectively. Additionally, Athletics Kenya has announced national squads selected to compete in the upcoming World Relays and African Championships, both scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana. The Masters Swimming Championship took place at Bandari Maritime Academy, attracting 35 teams demonstrating impressive swimming prowess.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has launched a crackdown on fuel stations selling fuel at inflated prices. A land dispute has erupted in Turkana between local residents and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) over a request for community land. Meanwhile, Kenyan farmers are demanding the elimination of middlemen and seeking direct, fair market access while calling for increased government support. Kenyan leaders are calling for increased support and an end to the stigma surrounding autism, while also highlighting the substantial financial burden of treatment costs.

A family in Nyeri is demanding justice after their 1 year and 8 month old child was found murdered, with their body dumped in a river. Residents of Isiolo County are in shock following two separate murder incidents that have raised concerns about rising insecurity in the region. Chaos erupted at a funeral in Kakamega, resulting in several injuries and significant property damage. The Southern Bypass has been effectively paralyzed due to a surge in violent incidents, with gangs reportedly operating under the influence of the nation's political class.