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Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in Nandi County. Speaker Moses Wetang'ula confirmed the tragic accident, which survivors described as terrifying, and an investigation has been launched. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for a thorough probe, with Gachagua alleging Ng'eno had faced threats. In international news, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in US-Israeli airstrikes, prompting vows of revenge from Iran. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged restraint and dialogue amid escalating Middle East tensions, warning of global consequences. The Kenyan Embassy in Qatar issued an advisory to citizens there. Kenyan athletes are also preparing for international events. The Harambee Starlets have travelled to Ivory Coast for friendlies as they gear up for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Masters swimmers are training for a championship in South Africa, while the Kenya Volleyball Federation confirmed preparations are over 50% complete to host the 2026 Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship. A cooperation agreement has also been signed with the Japanese Olympic Committee to enhance athlete development. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old student in Nairobi West is missing and feared dead after falling into an open sewer and being swept away by floodwaters.

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MP Ngeno dies in a helicopter crash

Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng'eno died in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep, Nandi County, along with five others. The helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, reportedly attempted an emergency landing due to bad weather before catching fire. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has launched an investigation into the fatal crash in Mosop, Nandi County. President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow, leading the country in mourning alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who paid tribute to the 'fearless and vocal' late MP. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula ordered the transfer of bodies from the crash site to Nairobi, while also forming a special team to support funeral preparations.

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Iran vows to avenge Supreme Leader’s death

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed following massive air strikes by the United States and Israel. The Iranian President has vowed revenge for the leader's death. Khamenei, who held power in Iran for three decades, died after large-scale US and Israeli air strikes, with death confirmed on Iranian state TV. Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi warned that the renewed conflict could lead to disruptions in global supply chains and broader security dynamics, urging restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict and warning of global economic and security consequences.

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Gachagua alleges NIS spied on talks with Ng’eno

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleges National Intelligence Service (NIS) agents spied on his 2023 conversations with the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno, and is now demanding an independent probe into Ng'eno's fatal helicopter crash. Gachagua claims the late MP was intimidated by President William Ruto to sign the impeachment motion against him. He has demanded a thorough investigation into the crash that killed the MP and five others in Mosop Constituency, Nandi County.

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Hassan Joho Actively Positioning Himself as Ruto's 2027 Running Mate

Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is actively positioning himself to be President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 general elections, evidenced by recent political engagements. As Mining and Blue Economy CS, Joho is making a strategic move to secure the VP nomination. Meanwhile, leaders within the Oburu Odinga faction of the ODM are reportedly sending mixed messages regarding their support for President William Ruto's administration. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is reportedly balancing efforts to strengthen her ODM party with support for President William Ruto's reelection, raising concerns among some party faithful.

Politics & Governance

Orengo Publicly Criticizes ODM Leadership Faction

Siaya Governor James Orengo has publicly criticized Dr. Oburu Oginga's leadership potential for ODM and declared his support for ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi faction. President William Ruto's meeting with Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) leaders and elected MPs has reportedly thrown the party into disarray. An advocate has filed a lawsuit against the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the High Court, challenging the party's nomination of President William Ruto as its 2027 presidential flag bearer, alleging betrayal over a promised Cabinet Secretary position.

Politics & Governance

Ruto's UDA Rejects ODM Zoning, Builds Grassroots Machine

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has rejected a push for political zoning by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 elections, dealing a blow to ODM's pre-election coalition agreement plans. President William Ruto's UDA party secured key by-election victories through a meticulously built grassroots campaign machine, largely orchestrated by two of his closest aides, Farouk Kibet and Dennis Itumbi. Kenya is experiencing premature political campaigning for the 2027 elections, over 500 days ahead of schedule, leading to significant economic and social costs including weekday rallies, lost income, and deaths.

Politics & Governance

Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed on Saturday in joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, with mourning beginning on the streets of Tehran on Sunday. Thick smoke billowed over Tehran as the United States and Israel initiated large-scale combat operations targeting Iranian military sites. Iran responded by striking Israeli and US assets throughout the region. Kuwait International Airport was reportedly struck in an Iranian attack, with the incident captured on CCTV, causing partial damage to the airport. The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning to Kenyans in the Middle East following Iranian retaliatory attacks, with Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urging citizens to report to the nearest Kenyan embassies. The Kenyan Embassy in Qatar also issued an advisory to Kenyan citizens residing in the nation due to rising tensions in the Middle East following the strikes on Iran.

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MP Johana Ng'eno dies in Nandi helicopter crash

A tragic helicopter crash in Nandi County claimed the lives of six people, including Emurua Dikir Member of Parliament Johana Ng'eno. The incident occurred in Mosop near Endebess shortly after takeoff. The bodies of the victims, including pilot George Were, were transported to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue in Eldoret and later to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi. Governor Stephen Sang mourned the passing of Ng'eno, describing him as a devoted leader and a friend to all. Speaker Moses Wetangula announced the tragic death in Parliament. Opposition leaders are demanding a thorough investigation into the crash, with some calling for FBI involvement to ensure an international probe.

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Ruto says his administration's performance will determine 2027 re-election

President William Ruto has stated that his administration's performance across various sectors will be the key factor in convincing Kenyans to re-elect him in the upcoming 2027 general election. Political leaders from the Coast region are advocating for Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to be selected as Deputy President for Ruto in 2027. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has criticized the Kenyan government for its perceived lack of communication and accountability regarding national tragedies.

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Prisons Crowned Japanese Ambassador's Cup Champions in Judo

Prisons emerged as the overall champions of the 2026 Japanese Ambassador's Cup national judo tournament held at Kasarani Gymnasium on Saturday. Meanwhile, Nairobi has taken an early lead in the National Intermediate Boxing Championships held in Thika, winning their opening matches to position themselves for the overall title. In basketball, The Zetech University Sparks kicked off their Kenya Basketball Federation Women's Premier League campaign with a thrilling 51-50 overtime victory against Strathmore University Swords. Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia extended their lead at the top of the SportPesa Premier League to nine points after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mathare United. Separately, Kenya has been officially removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency watchlist after successfully implementing comprehensive reforms to its anti-doping systems.

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