Tragedy struck in Nyamira as four family members died in an arson attack. This comes as Interior CS Murkomen investigates alleged police brutality against journalists during DP Gachagua's return, an incident Martha Karua links to a state-supported militia. Meanwhile, the EACC is probing five governors for corruption but cleared MPs of bribery claims. The National Archives will relocate from Nairobi for security reasons. Senate Speaker Kingi has gazetted special sittings for Kericho Governor Mutai's impeachment trial, while KeNHA closed the Marigat-Loruk highway due to flooding.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced multiple road closures for different reasons. A section of the Bomas-Kiserian (B19) Road is temporarily closed for two months to facilitate the construction of two box culverts. In a separate announcement, KeNHA indefinitely closed a section of the Marigat-Loruk highway due to severe flooding caused by rising water levels in Lake Baringo. Additionally, sections of Thika Superhighway have been closed with diversions in place ahead of the Kenya vs Madagascar CHAN Quarter-final clash at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Motorists and commuters have been advised to expect delays in affected areas.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is actively investigating five sitting governors over a range of corruption allegations, including embezzlement, conflict of interest, and unexplained wealth. Eleven former governors are also under scrutiny for similar offenses. Separately, the EACC has stated it has no evidence to support President William Ruto's recent claims of bribery among Members of Parliament (MPs). EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud clarified that while they are investigating some MPs, these cases are unrelated to the president's allegations. The commission reiterated that it has no credible evidence or formal complaints linking MPs to bribery or extortion.
Following chaotic events during DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua’s arrival from the United States, the government has launched an investigation into violent attacks against journalists. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that stern action would be taken against those responsible. In response to the events, Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, accused President William Ruto’s administration of forming a police-backed militia to target political opponents. Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua is scheduled to make his first official appearance by attending the Harambee Stars vs Madagascar quarter-final match in Kasarani.
Kenya has entered into agreements to support its domestic automotive sector. Japan has pledged up to Sh22 billion (25 billion yen) in Samurai Financing to boost the local vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing industry. Similarly, Kenya and Germany have renewed a cooperation agreement aimed at increasing local vehicle production and affordability. This focus on local industrialization was echoed by President William Ruto at the TICAD conference in Japan, where he urged Africa to add value to its products to foster local wealth and correct global trade imbalances.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has re-emerged as a vocal opposition figure challenging President William Ruto. Gachagua returned to Kenya after a 43-day trip to the United States, where he spent a month criticizing the government. His return, which excited the Opposition, was met by crowds of supporters at JKIA. After being removed from office a year ago, his return is viewed as setting up a direct political contest ahead of the 2027 general election. A promised rally at Kamukunji Grounds, intended to cap his return, stalled on Thursday after Gachagua failed to appear.
Several companies have announced promotions and product availability updates for consumers in Kenya. Infinix launched a Back-to-School promotion offering discounts of up to KES 2,000 on its HOT 60 series smartphones. The Vivo V40 Lite has received a KES 6,500 price cut at Safaricom shops and comes with a free backpack. In the streaming market, Spotify is offering a limited-time deal for eligible former subscribers to get two months of Premium service for KES 169. Additionally, Safaricom's Huawei 5G router is now back in stock on its Masoko platform for KES 2,999, addressing previous shortages.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is conducting an exhumation of bodies in Kilifi's Kwa Binzaro village after the discovery of 27 graves. In one report, five bodies were exhumed from six graves in what is being investigated as a potential connection to a “Shakahola 2” cult. Another report from the second day of the operation noted four additional bodies had been unearthed, bringing the total number of recovered bodies to nine. The operation continued for a second day at KwaBinzaro with investigators aiming to exhume a total of 27 graves. The investigation is ongoing in the Kwa Bi Nzaro area of Malindi.
Kenya's national football team, the Harambee Stars, are set to face Madagascar in the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) today at Kasarani Stadium at 5 pm. This match presents Kenya with a historic opportunity to reach the semi-finals for the first time. The team has excelled in the tournament, topping Group A with 10 points under head coach Benni McCarthy. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi is highly motivated for the quarter-final match following his Man of the Match performance against Morocco. Due to the match, police are warning motorists about significant traffic disruptions and roadblocks on the Thika Superhighway on Friday, August 22.
Bribery persists for public services. Kenya's VASP Bill aims for a regulated crypto future. Fintech is boosting insurance access. Prime Bank saw a 22% profit growth to 2.68 billion Kenyan Shillings. COMESA probes a KQ aircraft acquisition. Kenyan doctors performed a rare heart procedure. Konza graduated its first virtual production cohort. CA cracked down on unlicensed couriers. Kenya-Uganda tourism grew by 37%.
Deputy President Gachagua returned to Kenya to large crowds at JKIA. Separately, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, 40, discussed why he remains single.
Gachagua's return was marred by journalists' attacks and a cancelled Kamukunji rally. Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Wetangula criticized Ruto's claims of parliamentary corruption, likening it to a 'hyena eating its young.'
Traffic disruption expected Friday on Thika Superhighway for the Harambee Stars CHAN quarterfinal at Kasarani, approved at 80% capacity. East African nations impressed, all making the CHAN quarterfinals. Kisii School won the East Africa rugby 15s title, while Muthoni Njuguna teed to victory in the Limuru Ladies Medal.
Britam launches EV insurance, Premier Bank offers a smart payment wristband, while Spotify gives a premium deal for Kenyans. Twitch stops monetization citing new regulations, impacting local streamers.
In Nyamira, four family members were burned alive in their house by unknown assailants. Meanwhile, Interior CS Murkomen is probing attacks on journalists during DP Gachagua's return, which Martha Karua links to a police-backed militia targeting opponents. Separately, the EACC is investigating five governors for corruption, while clarifying they have no evidence of MPs' alleged bribery and extortion. In other news, the government plans to relocate the National Archives from Nairobi CBD due to security. Senate Speaker Kingi has gazetted special sittings for Kericho Governor Mutai's impeachment trial, and KeNHA has indefinitely closed part of the Marigat-Loruk highway due to flooding.
