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2 storiesMaureen Waititu urges women to overcome challenges like "deadbeat fathers." Rev. Lucy Natasha also shared her "dowry deadlock" experience marrying her Indian-descent husband, highlighting cultural negotiation.
A tragic matatu accident on Thika Road claimed the lives of ten teachers and injured fourteen. Politically, ODM's Gladys Wanga outlined stern conditions for a 2027 coalition with UDA, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi dissolved ANC, urging members to join UDA. Fred Matiang'i, meanwhile, advocated for a 'six-piece' vote for Jubilee in Gusii. In other news, matatu operators called off their planned strike. The government plans to shut down over 100 non-compliant companies and launch a Nairobi clean-up in April. Exporters are set to benefit from VAT refund reforms, and the macadamia harvesting ban has been lifted. Separately, Senator Cherargei wants IG Kanja to face the Senate over police brutality allegations in Nandi Hills.
A horrific accident on Thika Road in Nairobi resulted in the deaths of at least 10 teachers and left 14 others injured when a 33-seater matatu with reported brake failure rammed into them. In a separate incident, a petroleum tanker crashed on the Eldoret–Malaba Highway at Maili Tisa, leading to dangerous scenes as residents attempted to siphon spilled fuel. Meanwhile, a nationwide strike by Matatu Operators and other motorists, initially planned for Monday, February 2, 2026, has been suspended. The postponement allows for dialogue between stakeholders to address pressing concerns within the public transport sector.
President William Ruto addressed political disruptions in churches, urging security forces to prevent them from being used for political agendas. His comments followed an incident where United Opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, demanded an investigation into police who allegedly disrupted a church service in Nyeri County. The United Opposition is now set to return to Othaya, Nyeri County, for a church service on Sunday, February 1, 2026, one week after the violent church attack targeting Gachagua. In a separate matter, allies of President Ruto defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against the United Opposition. This was in response to demands from the opposition to sack IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan and cut ties with Smartmatic.
Maureen Waititu urges women to overcome challenges like "deadbeat fathers." Rev. Lucy Natasha also shared her "dowry deadlock" experience marrying her Indian-descent husband, highlighting cultural negotiation.
Ruto allies defend IEBC from opposition demands as Kalonzo tours the US, seeking meetings with Trump officials. Meanwhile, the United Opposition plans another visit to Othaya following a previous attack.
Doshi joins Tabb to offer Kenyan SMEs interest-free credit for stock. Airtel Africa boosts customer base to 179.4 million via data and mobile money. Asopo Technologies spins off to globalize Bboxx’s AI-powered Pulse software.
Ten teachers died and 14 were injured in a tragic matatu accident on Thika Road. Politically, ODM leader Gladys Wanga sets tough conditions for potential 2027 coalition talks with UDA, demanding equal power. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi dissolved ANC, urging members to join UDA, while Fred Matiang'i seeks a 'six-piece' vote for Jubilee in Gusii. Matatu operators suspended their planned strike. The government will close over 100 non-compliant companies and will launch a Nairobi clean-up initiative in April. Exporters will save billions from VAT refund reforms, and the macadamia harvesting ban has been lifted. Separately, Senator Cherargei wants IG Kanja to face the Senate over police brutality in Nandi Hills.
Kenya's Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has lifted a seasonal ban on the harvesting and trading of macadamia nuts, effective February 1, 2026. The ban was implemented on December 1 of the previous year to ensure nut maturity. In other news, the government has introduced reforms in the Finance Bill 2026 aimed at resolving long-standing VAT refund delays, which will save agricultural exporters billions of shillings. Concurrently, the Ministry of Agriculture has warned Kenyans about fake social media accounts impersonating the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Authority (KALRO). KALRO explicitly stated it is not affiliated with nine such fraudulent accounts.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) ordered a city school to pay Ksh 637,500 for unlawfully advertising a minor's information in a national newspaper. Following this data protection ruling, parents can now sue schools for publishing their children's names without consent. In a separate action, the Registrar of Companies has struck off over 100 companies from the national register for being dormant or non-compliant, with hundreds more facing potential dissolution. Additionally, the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has intensified its crackdown on fake pest control products, leading to the arrest of 25 individuals.
President William Ruto announced a comprehensive clean-up initiative for Nairobi, commencing on April 1st, to transform the city's waste management system in collaboration with Nairobi County and residents. In another development, the Affordable Housing Project is being highlighted as a dual initiative that fosters both economic empowerment and skill development among Kenya's youth. To improve access to services, Kenyans can now book online appointments for birth and death certificates at Huduma Centres. This digital system allows users to select specific dates and times before visiting, thereby avoiding long queues.
President William Ruto issued a stern warning against church invasions, vowing to punish politicians who use hooligans and instructing police to ensure security for all places of worship. In response, the opposition has questioned the President's leadership regarding recent church attacks. Opposition leaders threatened nationwide protests if those responsible for a church attack in Othaya are not apprehended following their visits to Murang'a and Nyeri counties. Subsequently, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee's Fred Matiang’i spearheaded a United Opposition rally in Gitugi, Murang’a County. Prior to the rally, the opposition leaders attended a service at ACK St Mark Church in Gitugi, where security was significantly heightened with a substantial police presence.
The family of a 16-year-old boy in Kisii is demanding justice after their son was brutally attacked in their presence. In another incident in Kiamabundu village, Nyaribari Chache, Kisii, a family is seeking justice for their relative, Kevin Nyamweya, who was severely beaten by a mob. Separately, the family of a Busia businessman, Ibrahim Mohammed, is demanding answers from the government regarding his disappearance. He went missing shortly after being removed from a bus at a police roadblock, and his family alleges he was carrying Ksh 17 million at the time.
Kabras Sugar maintained their undefeated streak in the Kenya Cup by beating Kenya Harlequin 48-13, marking their seventh consecutive bonus point win. In football, Gor Mahia established a four-point lead at the top of the SportPesa Premier League after a 3-0 victory over Sofapaka at Nyayo Stadium. At the Nairobi Polo Club, Tusker Malt advanced to the finals of the 2026 Chairman’s Cup with a 5-3.5 victory over NPC. Tusker Malt will now face BMW in the final, who secured their spot by defeating Pure Travel 6-5.
A tragic mine collapse in Rubaya, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people. The incident occurred after a period of prolonged heavy rainfall, which caused a series of landslides that struck the mining sites. This devastating event has led to a significant loss of life in the region. Concurrently, the Eastern Congo is experiencing rapid territorial gains by the M23 rebel group. These advances are prompting concerns and questions regarding the stability and effectiveness of the region's army.