President Ruto confirmed the death of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti, leading to family demands for answers, as former aide Moses Kuria linked the mission to US diplomat Meg Whitman. Locally, a bill proposes age and term limits for police bosses. The Interior CS warned foreigners against disrespecting the flag. Nairobi leaders protested alleged bias in KDF recruitment. Senator Okiya Omtatah questioned a 14.5 billion Kenyan Shillings currency printing deal by CBK, while an IMF team began new loan talks. Parliament is addressing a petition to cap loan interest rates, and university lecturers continue their strike over unmet CBAs.
Four Members of County Assembly (MCAs) in Kericho County have been suspended for 90 days after being caught on CCTV allegedly stoning Governor Eric Mutai's office and the county assembly building on August 15. In a separate case, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) is urging Kenya and the United Kingdom to expedite the extradition of a British soldier linked to the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, seeking prosecution in a Kenyan court. Meanwhile, the High Court in Nairobi has ordered the transfer of the Baby Samantha Pendo murder trial from Nairobi to Kisumu, citing the convenience of witnesses and crime scenes. The court also directed the National Police Service Commission to facilitate the transport and subsistence for the accused officers.
A new bill in the National Assembly seeks to impose age and term limits for the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector Generals of police, requiring appointees to be under 60 and introducing a five-year term for DIGs. In another legislative push, MPs are calling for the reintroduction of special land zoning laws to protect dwindling agricultural land from urban and infrastructural development. MPs are also urgently pushing for the nationwide removal of all asbestos roofing due to health risks, following a public petition. Furthermore, the National Assembly is addressing a petition to amend the Consumer Protection Act to enforce the in duplum rule, aiming to limit interest charged on loans.
Kenyan senators are demanding stronger penalties, including fines and censures, for Cabinet Secretaries who fail to appear before the House after Lands CS Alice Wahome snubbed a summons. Separately, the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) has directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate alleged financial irregularities in Trans Nzoia County's revenue collection system. This follows Governor George Natembeya's admission of significant underperformance in revenue generation. Additionally, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised concerns over a "secretive" Ksh14.5 billion currency printing deal awarded by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), citing irregularities in the tendering process based on the Auditor-General's report.
A TIFA survey reveals that Kenya's dominant parties, UDA and ODM, have lost significant support since the August 2022 General Election, with a dramatic increase in Kenyans identifying as non-affiliated. Another TIFA Research poll indicates that despite many Kenyans believing Raila Odinga will support President William Ruto's 2027 bid, a significant portion still views him as the face of the opposition. Amidst this, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is leveraging upcoming by-elections as a strategic "dress rehearsal" for the 2027 General Elections. However, the party's primaries for the Kasipul Constituency by-election were delayed due to violent disruptions, with the party accusing one aspirant of intimidating officials and using "goons".
The High Court has halted the release of Sh7 billion in pension funds to 629 retirees of Standard Chartered Bank due to a dispute over legal fees. The injunction was issued by Justice Moses Ado following an application by lawyer Ruth Wanyonyi. In a separate case, the High Court ordered the seizure and auction of EcoBank Kenya’s assets to recover KSh 284 million owed to the estate of former cabinet minister Mbiyu Koinange, a ruling that redefines banks’ obligations in managing estate accounts. Concurrently, a new petition has been filed in the Kenyan Parliament seeking stricter regulation of loan interest charges to combat predatory lending practices by banks, digital lenders, and shylocks.
Kenyan content creators Oga Obinna and Presenter Ali admitted their widely publicized online "beef," which began in 2023, was entirely staged as a tactic for increasing engagement. In a separate reveal, content creator Kabi wa Jesus explained he registered his family's first property under his wife Milly Wa Jesus's name to protect their children's future in unforeseen circumstances. Comedian Eric Omondi suggested that the empowerment of women and the resulting shift in traditional gender roles are contributing factors to rising failed marriages. Additionally, controversial Forex trader Kenyan Prince, real name Raymond Omosa, sparked outrage with insensitive comments regarding Kenyans who earn less than KSh 50,000 per month.
President William Ruto has confirmed the death of Corporal Benedict Kabiru, a Kenyan police officer, in Haiti. Kabiru had been reported missing during a security operation in Haiti following an ambush attack in March, and is now identified as one of three Kenyan security officers who have died. His family in Kiambu is mourning and demanding answers from the government following the President's statement confirming his death. Grief has struck the family as they confirm the death, bringing uncertainty.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and parents of Hillside Endarasha students are suing the government following the deaths of 21 students in a school fire. Human rights activists have filed two lawsuits demanding justice and compensation for the families of the victims. They are advocating for the families of the children who died to receive their rights and compensation. Separately, parents of students who died in the 2020 Kakamega Primary School stampede are protesting the government's failure to compensate them, claiming the government has not fulfilled its promise regarding financial restitution.
The Treasury faces a 32 billion shillings income tax shortfall from SHIF and housing levy reforms. Kenya seeks more IMF loans as a petition seeks stronger predatory lending laws. Smuggling of substandard goods through Kwale's porous borders continues as two are arrested in Kisumu for stolen power equipment.
Kenya finished second at the World Athletics Championships with 11 medals. Meanwhile, KDF won the third leg of the league championships in Nakuru but remains second overall behind Kenya Police.
Kenya recorded over 7 billion cyber threats this year; CBK launched a Cybersecurity Operations Centre after 1.59 billion Kenyan Shillings was lost to attackers. ARC Ride secured 10 million US dollars for EV battery infrastructure, while Bonto Kenya exited the fintech scene. Google AI Plus expanded to Kenya for 500 shillings monthly.
President Ruto confirmed the death of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru in Haiti, sparking demands for answers from his family. This comes as former presidential advisor Moses Kuria attributes the Haiti mission to US diplomat Meg Whitman. Locally, a new bill proposes age and term limits for the Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of police. Interior CS threatens deportation for foreigners disrespecting the flag. Nairobi leaders protest KDF recruitment, citing bias. Sen. Okiya Omtatah questions a "secret" 14.5 billion Kenyan Shillings currency printing deal by CBK. An IMF team is in Kenya for new loan talks. Parliament is addressing a petition to limit loan interest rates, benefiting borrowers. University lecturers continue their strike over unmet Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), despite court orders.
