The Online Kenyan

Kenya has pledged to expedite investigations into a helicopter crash in Samburu County that killed Ecuador's intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi Ycaza and his wife, Stephany María Hollihan. Meanwhile, a Greek multinational, Amaco Energy Group, is planning a significant investment in Kenya, proposing a Ksh194 billion ($1.5 billion) AI data centre in Mombasa. In a separate international development, India has confirmed the rescue of 22 Indian seafarers following the hijacking of two foreign-flagged vessels near Somalia and Yemen, with the seafarers aboard the MV Lutuf and MT Sibu seized on August 17 and August 20, respectively.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has directed security agencies to take proactive steps to prevent political rallies from being disrupted by goons, including arresting their facilitators before they can act. This warning comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election. Three youths were shot and several others injured during a meeting addressed by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir at Bomu Stadium on Friday, August 21, following a confrontation between the governor's security team and attendees. In a related development, Murkomen has accused Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of mobilizing youth, warning that the governor could face prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged use of goons.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is actively working to shed his regional image and establish himself as a national opposition leader, aiming to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. He has been actively courting the Rift Valley, urging the Kipsigis community in Narok County to support his political bid to unseat President William Ruto in 2027. Gachagua also visited Emurua Dikirr in Narok County, urging residents to support the opposition and his candidature. Separately, he has urged President William Ruto to involve Scotland Yard and the FBI in investigating the helicopter crash that killed former MP Johana Ng'eno and five others on February 28.

An intelligence report reveals that at least 500 machetes were distributed to youths during violent clashes in Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, highlighting the growing use of the farm tool as a weapon of intimidation.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed to defeat his political rival Rigathi Gachagua in the contest for control of the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gachagua responded by vowing to thwart President William Ruto's alleged efforts to divide the Mount Kenya region politically. Meanwhile, Ndia MP George Kariuki is urging a shift in Mt Kenya's political strategy, warning against divisive tactics as the region prepares for the 2027 General Election. Additionally, Kindiki has stated he is unwilling to resign from his position despite facing political pressure, emphasizing his commitment to his role and the mandates entrusted to him.

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr. Fred Matiang'i has called for the resignation of President William Ruto and his administration, citing a failure to address escalating political violence and gang activity. The Party of National Unity (PNU) has endorsed former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, made by PNU Deputy Leader Peter Munya, signaling a strengthened opposition challenge to President William Ruto in the Meru region. Recent events at a burial in Malinya have revealed underlying tensions within the Mulembe political family, highlighting a struggle for leadership and influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has accused President William Ruto and his allies of being in "panic mode" due to declining political support, particularly noting hostility towards the president's allies in Western Kenya. This backing comes as the launch of the Linda Mwananchi party approaches, with Sifuna and his allies in a race against time to secure a political vehicle for the 2027 General Election, facing a dispute over their preferred party name and a tight deadline for party registration. The funeral of Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, wife of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, on August 21, 2026, became a political battleground with leaders clashing over the 2027 elections and the future of Western Kenya.

BOC Kenya reported a 39.8% decline in net profit for the first half of 2026 but increased its interim dividend by 60% to Sh4 per share, continuing a trend of rising payouts. Separately, a Tax Appeal Tribunal ruled that the Kenya Revenue Authority cannot solely rely on third-party information to deny a taxpayer's legitimate claim for input Value Added Tax, faulting KRA's faith in such data for tax assessments. At the same time, Kenya is working to significantly expand its mortgage market by targeting one million mortgages through its affordable housing program, which aims to include more Kenyans in formal housing finance by considering alternative creditworthiness measures.