Interior CS Murkomen has ordered a police probe following an alleged teargas attack on former Deputy President Gachagua at an Othaya church service. Gachagua, who denies abduction claims, is positioning himself as a 2027 challenger to President Ruto. This comes amid outrage over a viral video depicting police assaulting youth in Kikuyu. In infrastructure news, the government plans to terminate contracts for over 500 stalled road projects, worth more than 2 trillion Kenyan Shillings, reassigning them to new contractors. In political developments, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is collecting signatures to compel an ODM NDC if Oburu Oginga fails to convene one.
A church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was disrupted by teargas, which caused panic and forced congregants to flee. Following the incident, Mr. Gachagua confirmed his safety, dispelling claims of abduction that had circulated. He claimed there was an assassination plot against him, accusing the government of sponsoring militia and police. In response to the alleged attack, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the police to conduct an investigation into the matter.
Political leaders are making strategic moves ahead of the 2027 General Election. Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is positioning himself as a challenger to President William Ruto, with plans to tour Othaya and Kieni constituencies. In the Western Kenya Region, Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa announced his intention to work with Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to reinforce regional unity. Within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has stated his plan to gather 1,000 delegate signatures to initiate a National Delegates Conference if one is not convened by the party leadership.
Several incidents have raised safety concerns on Nairobi's roads. Traffic fully resumed on the Nairobi Southern Bypass after an oil tanker accident and fire. On Ngong Road, a billboard collapsed on a taxi near Prestige Plaza around 3 am on Sunday, January 25, leaving a passenger seriously injured and disrupting traffic. Amidst these events, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria has voiced alarm over a persistent pattern of night-time road accidents in the city. He suggested the potential involvement of organized cartels in these persistent accidents.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is visiting Kenya as part of an Africa tour to discuss commercial engagement, counter-terrorism, and regional security. This is part of a broader US effort to strengthen economic and security cooperation. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning after the United States finalized its withdrawal from the UN health body, stating the decision increases global insecurity and negatively affects countries like Kenya. In a separate development concerning the region, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, has called for sanctions against Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over rights abuses following the recent Ugandan general election.
A faction within Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is reportedly eager to form a pre-election pact with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election. Leaders in Nyanza are endorsing the decision by Raila Odinga's ODM party to begin formal pre-election coalition talks with President William Ruto's UDA for the 2027 polls. This move occurs amidst an internal rift within ODM regarding the talks. Separately, Kenyan opposition parties face a significant challenge in forming a united front for the 2027 General Election. Their primary hurdle is the selection of a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto.
A church service at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, was disrupted by a violent incident targeting former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua. According to reports, police used tear gas on worshippers during the service. This was another instance of a disruption at one of Gachagua's public engagements. As a result of the chaos, Gachagua and the clergy reportedly fled the scene through a fence. Following the attack, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka issued a stern warning to President Ruto. Additionally, there were allegations from UDA's Malala that the former DP was abducted during the incident.
The second leg of the 2025–2026 SportPesa Premier League season starts this weekend with round 18 matches, focusing on the battle to avoid relegation. In the Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League, the Kenya Police Bullets will play against Zetech University Sparks today, with the Bullets aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, in the 2025–2026 Kenya Cup, the race for playoff spots and individual honors is intensifying as the regular season progresses. After five rounds of matches in the Kenya Cup, teams are solidifying their positions while players compete for top awards in try-scoring and kicking.
A ban on direct empty container loading at Mombasa Port is causing business gridlock. Meanwhile, KenGen assures stable power despite low water levels, and the government has cleared all arrears owed to Mwea rice farmers. Insurers plan to boost AI investment for faster returns. A think tank warns funding cuts could stall agricultural growth.
Geoffrey Mosiria clarified his involvement in a past case, stating he's stepping aside to maintain public trust. Meanwhile, Sky Kanyari, Betty Bayo's daughter, shared dating advice, confirming she's single and focusing on her content creation career.
MPs retreat in Naivasha to discuss 2027 election preparedness, CBE challenges, and the Social Health Authority. Former Deputy President Gachagua assures free and fair primaries for DCP.
Kenya bids to host the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships, with results expected in September. Meanwhile, John Korir will race world champion Alphonce Simbu at the Boston Marathon on April 20th.
Nigerian giant Zenith Bank has fully acquired Kenya's Paramount Bank, entering the local market. Meanwhile, Flutterwave now offers stablecoin balances (USDC, USDT) for African merchants, allowing crypto transactions through its platform.
Interior CS Murkomen has ordered a police probe after an alleged attack on former Deputy President Gachagua in Othaya, where teargas disrupted a church service. Gachagua, denying abduction claims, positions himself as a 2027 challenger to President Ruto. Separately, a video showing police assaulting youth in Kikuyu has sparked outrage. On infrastructure, the government plans to terminate contracts for stalled road projects, reassigning them to new contractors to address over 500 nationwide projects worth more than 2 trillion Kenyan Shillings. Globally, the WHO has warned the US after its withdrawal, with the Director-General calling the reasons "untrue." Meanwhile, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is visiting Kenya to strengthen economic and security ties. Locally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is mobilizing signatures for an ODM NDC if Oburu Oginga does not convene one.
