Six people died and seven were injured in a multi-vehicle crash near Konza City, renewing road safety concerns. In Nairobi's South C, rescue efforts continue for two people trapped in a collapsed building. The KMPDC has launched an investigation against medics endorsing faith healing claims in Nakuru. Meanwhile, a police officer was arrested in Nyahururu in connection with a colleague's stabbing death.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing an imminent split and escalating infighting, reportedly fueled by the memorial service for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Amid these tensions, party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has dismissed claims that the party is being "auctioned" to President William Ruto. He affirmed that the ODM constitution designates the party leader as the automatic presidential candidate and declared his intention to run in 2027. Concurrently, the party's internal challenges are visible at the county level, where Siaya Governor James Orengo is facing a growing political rebellion. Elected leaders in his county, who previously supported him, now accuse him of poor service delivery, dwindling popularity, and threaten his 2027 re-election bid.
Oburu Oginga eyes ODM's 2027 presidential ticket if the party goes it alone. Meanwhile, Jimi Wanjigi urges the opposition to focus on policy ideas like free schooling and sales tax instead of just "Ruto must go." Kimani Ichung'wah has called on Uhuru Kenyatta to move on and assume his role as a statesman.
In local news, a multi-vehicle crash near Konza City killed six and injured seven, highlighting road safety concerns. In Nairobi's South C, rescue efforts continue for two people trapped in a collapsed building. The KMPDC has launched an investigation and vowed action against medics endorsing faith healing claims for serious illnesses in Nakuru. Separately, a police officer was arrested in Nyahururu in connection with a colleague's stabbing death.
President William Ruto is facing political challenges, with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro publicly criticizing him for allegedly using political allies to attack former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Nyoro claims this strategy is a distraction from pressing governance issues affecting Kenyans. In a separate development posing a challenge to President Ruto's influence, his key allies are facing a perceived "rejection" in the Western region. The struggles of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula indicate a challenge in maintaining the government's popularity among the Luhya nation. Meanwhile, President Ruto has escalated his own criticism of the opposition, targeting Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for an alleged lack of a development track record over 40 years.
A tragic road accident on Friday night along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway resulted in 8 fatalities. The collision, which occurred in the Katumani area of Machakos County, involved a passenger bus traveling from Mombasa and a matatu shuttle. In a separate incident, an accident in Kikopey resulted in 5 deaths. One report summarizing the day's events stated that tragic road accidents in Kenya resulted in 11 fatalities in a single day. This report specified that six people died in Konza and another five lost their lives in Kikopey.
The 2026 sporting year in Kenya is kicking off with the King of the Course golf tournament at the par-72 Machakos Golf Club, with around 160 players expected to participate. The year is anticipated to be a landmark one for local sports events in the country. At the same time, sports and music events are increasingly being used as significant political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections. Leaders are utilizing these tournaments to engage with youth and consolidate support. These events are highlighted as tools for both youth empowerment and political mobilization.
