The High Court has temporarily halted President Ruto's new anti-graft team following a legal challenge, even as Senators demand Ruto appears before Parliament over alleged 150 million Kenyan Shillings bribery claims. In other Senate news, Gloria Orwoba’s expulsion was reversed by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, despite her replacement being sworn in. Moi University lecturers are on strike, jeopardising first-year admissions, over a stalled 8.6 billion Kenyan Shillings pay agreement. Tragically, a fatal head-on collision was reported on a major highway.
A petition was filed by Dr. Magare Gikenyi and three other petitioners challenging the legality of the Presidential Multi-Agency Team on the War Against Corruption (MAT-WAC), arguing that President William Ruto had overstepped his constitutional mandate. Hours after the team's announcement, the High Court in Kenya suspended the president's executive order establishing the taskforce. On Wednesday, August 20, Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued conservatory orders halting the implementation of the Presidential Proclamation. This decision temporarily blocks the initiative to form the multi-agency team, pending determination of the petition challenging its legality.
Several companies have announced new technology-focused initiatives and events. Vertiv is hosting its AI Solutions Innovation Roadshow in Cairo, Egypt, on August 20, 2025, to address the growing AI economy. In Kenya, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ has been launched, designed to support professionals and students with hybrid work. Additionally, Anza Grow Academy has opened applications for its 12-week Cohort 7 program to equip creative and impact-driven founders. Safaricom has also partnered with the Kenya Judiciary to integrate technology and make justice more accessible, a key theme at the 2025 Judges Colloquium in Mombasa.
President Ruto woos Japanese investors for Kenya's economic growth. Old Mutual partners to launch a super cover for boda boda riders. Absa Bank introduces a Shariah-compliant account for women entrepreneurs. Kakuzi reports a significant half-year profit of 295.5 million shillings, driven by macadamia and blueberries despite an avocado slump.
Kenya Power announced nationwide outages. Baba Dogo Grounds, a key Nairobi football pitch, was secured for public use on President Ruto's directive. Pritty Vishy resumed Ozempic despite Ministry of Health warnings. Jackie Matubia embraced her "intimidating" personality citing it as part of her brand.
MPs demand Ruto be summoned over bribery claims, while former CS Kuria criticizes a new anti-graft team under the presidency. Separately, the Senate will decide Kericho Governor Mutai's impeachment fate. Nurses' strike affects 15 counties, and a new senator was sworn in.
Harambee Stars advance unbeaten to CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, fueled by President Ruto's pledges. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda make historic "Pamoja" progression in the tournament. St Joseph's eye hockey gong retention as St Peter's Mumias win rugby sevens title.
Zipline urges Kenya to adopt a national medical supply chain for equitable healthcare. Meanwhile, Liberty Kenya's H1 net earnings dropped 59% due to higher claims and its Tanzania exit. A new report shows Africa leads global stablecoin adoption, and TECNO is giving away phones and power banks this August.
The High Court has temporarily blocked President Ruto's new multi-agency anti-graft team following a petition challenging its legality. Separately, Senators are demanding Ruto be summoned to Parliament to substantiate claims of up to 150 million Kenyan Shillings in bribes. In Senate news, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal reversed Gloria Orwoba's expulsion despite a replacement being sworn in. Meanwhile, Moi University lecturers are on strike, threatening first-year admissions over a stalled 8.6 billion Kenyan Shillings agreement. Elsewhere, a fatal head-on collision occurred on a major highway.
The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, along with Haitian officers, conducted a joint anti-gang operation on Tuesday, August 19, in the Dofunor area, forcing local gangs to flee. The operation restored security and allowed rice farmers to access their stores. President William Ruto held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, where discussions primarily focused on supporting the Haiti peacekeeping mission. During the call, President Ruto urged the creation of a United Nations support office to strengthen the MSS mission. Both leaders emphasized the need for a UN Security Council resolution to formally establish such an office.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is offering free motor vehicle inspection services for school transport vehicles as part of its "Watoto Wafike Salama" safety campaign ahead of school reopening. The NTSA also issued a critical advisory to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to adhere to safety standards, after random checks revealed issues like faulty speed limiters. Concurrently, the Kenyan government, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched an initiative to curb road accidents by developing a national database. This project will employ big data and digital intelligence to modernize accident recording and investigation.
A rift has emerged between President William Ruto and Parliament after he accused the institution of abetting graft, alleging it has become a "marketplace for extortion." The President specifically claimed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) accepted bribes to block an anti-money laundering bill. In response, MPs have strongly denied the allegations and demanded that President Ruto provide evidence, with some calling for him to be formally summoned to testify before parliament. Following the president's claims, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) initiated investigations into Members of Parliament and Senators facing allegations of bribery. Separately, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi defended senators against allegations made by the President that some demand bribes of up to Ksh 150 million.
In a historic first for CAF Competitions, co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have all advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. Kenya's Harambee Stars reached the quarter-finals unbeaten, with midfielder Boniface Muchiri's participation helping propel the team. Sudan also advanced to the quarter-finals after a goalless draw with Senegal, topping Group D on goal difference. This set up a potential all-East African final. Conversely, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were eliminated from the tournament despite a 2–0 victory over Congo in their final match, as they finished third in Group D.
Deputy President Gachagua is expected to arrive in the country tomorrow, a move some are calling a new political awakening. The Interior Cabinet Secretary has stated that Gachagua's planned rally at Kamukunji grounds requires prior police clearance and notification for security reasons. Meanwhile, supporters of the DCP are planning a welcome celebration. Members in Nakuru have declared they will not be intimidated from holding the event. In Embu, supporters warned the government they will stage protests if Gachagua is arrested upon his return.
Several companies have recently launched new operations and products in Kenya. Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation, a global leader from India, launched its first African operations, selecting Kenya as a strategic gateway to the continent to meet demand for smart electrical infrastructure. In the financial sector, Absa Bank Kenya introduced La Riba Sultanah, the nation's inaugural Shariah-compliant bank account exclusively for women entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to foster financial inclusion by offering tools for savings, investment, and business growth. Additionally, Old Mutual, in partnership with the Kenya Boda Boda Association and others, has launched the Boda Riders Super Cover, a new insurance solution providing financial support for hospitalization and last expense benefits.
