The Online Kenyan

Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale has publicly clashed with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged claims concerning SHA teacher coverage. Duale accused Gachagua of having ties to suspended insurers and providers linked to fraud. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has criticized Deputy President Gachagua over his allegations of corruption within the SHA health insurance scheme, dismissing Gachagua's claims as baseless and challenging him to provide evidence. Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the Kenyan government, alleging involvement in political violence and directly accusing the administration of orchestrating chaos.

Kenya is set to participate in the Baseball5 World Cup following their recent triumph over Zambia, marking a significant achievement for Kenyan baseball. Kenya is gearing up for the Baseball5 World Cup, signaling a significant step for the sport in the country with the team's preparation highlighting national efforts to boost baseball's profile. In a separate sporting development, Chema secured a thrilling victory over Prisons Western in a dramatic match with the outcome decided in a nail-biting finish. Njoroge has taken an early lead at the Sunshine Tour event in Thika.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party insists on maintaining its demand for political zoning, signaling a commitment to protect its established strongholds from internal competition within its coalition. Leaders from ODM have strongly criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for alleged interference in the party's affairs, accusing him of attempting to destabilize the ODM and sow discord among its members. Internal divisions within ODM are escalating, with one faction demanding a leadership overhaul and the nullification of recently endorsed party officials. ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga revealed that former party leader Raila Odinga wanted Secretary General Edwin Sifuna removed from office.

President William Ruto has defended the current fuel prices in Kenya, dismissing comparisons with neighboring countries. He stated that the price of fuel is influenced by various global and local factors. At a church service in Karen, Ruto acknowledged the concerns of Kenyans regarding increased fuel prices while justifying Kenya's high prices due to regional parity and road levies. He addressed calls for tax reductions on fuel, maintaining his stance despite public outcry over the cost of living.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto to reduce fuel prices, threatening nationwide protests if the demand is not met. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that government measures, including a VAT cut and fuel subsidy, prevented pump prices from exceeding Ksh215 per litre, warning that petrol could have sold at Ksh236 without intervention. Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have asserted that the government is managing oil prices amidst global market volatility caused by the Middle East conflict. President William Ruto explained that Kenya's higher fuel costs compared to Tanzania and Uganda are due to significant infrastructure investments and Kenya's status as a middle-income economy.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly warned Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale against making further remarks about former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Separately, Gachagua has rejected overtures from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's emissary seeking leniency amid escalating political tensions. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has also accused the Kenyan state of a cover-up in the investigation of his violent assault in Kisumu, alleging irregularities in arrests and court proceedings following the April 8 incident.

President William Ruto is undertaking a three-day state visit to Italy this week for high-level bilateral talks aimed at bolstering relations and securing trade and investment partnerships. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced a trade and investment-focused agenda for the visit, aiming to unlock economic opportunities between Kenya and Italy. This visit represents Kenya's effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with European partners.

The Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans for three days of protests scheduled for June 24, 25, and 26. Separately, a group of Nandi clergy has urged opposition leaders to suspend planned protests against rising fuel prices, arguing the issue is global and being politicised. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi have defended Kenya's government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel deal amidst rising fuel prices, attributing the surge to global Middle East tensions.