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5 storiesGeorgina Njenga and Jackie Matubia speak out on personal struggles and spiritual journeys. Meanwhile, Ruth K denies "wicked" allegations regarding her infant son.
The Cabinet Secretary for Interior announced the deployment of KDF and NIS to Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, and Meru counties to tackle persistent banditry. Meanwhile, the Senate is challenging a Ministry of Education circular that aims to merge ECDE and primary teacher training, citing constitutional concerns. On the financial front, new NSSF deductions will take effect this month, increasing pension contributions for both employees and employers. KRA is also intensifying scrutiny on eTIMS compliance, moving towards real-time transaction monitoring. The CBK has warned against "money bouquets," deeming them currency defacement and threatening arrests. In other news, matatu operators are threatening weekly Monday strikes over unresolved grievances. The High Court has dismissed applications to suspend a ruling that nullified presidential adviser appointments. Clinical officers and nurses have secured a significant pay rise following a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement, but Public Service CS Ruku has criticized senior civil servants for poor work ethic, threatening salary action.
Kalonzo Musyoka has been appointed the new leader of the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition following a leadership overhaul ratified on February 2, 2026, which also saw the replacement of Secretary General Junet Mohamed. In events concerning the executive, the High Court of Kenya rejected a request to halt its earlier ruling that invalidated the appointment of 21 presidential advisors, with Justice Bahati Mwamuye deeming the applications res judicata. This decision dismissed applications seeking to suspend the nullification of the appointments. Separately, Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after serving since 2015.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly facilitating talks between former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to form a formidable opposition against President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. This comes as Rigathi Gachagua stated he and Uhuru Kenyatta are to blame for making William Ruto popular in Mt Kenya, and he now vows to correct his mistake by mobilizing against Ruto. Gachagua also denied orchestrating an attack on himself at a church in Nyeri County, instead calling it an attempted assassination and accusing President Ruto of authoritarian tendencies. These negotiations represent recent efforts to reconcile Kenyatta and Gachagua despite their past antagonistic relationship. Broadening the coalition, former Chief Justice David Maraga has signaled his intention to unite with other opposition leaders to challenge President Ruto, emphasizing his commitment to fighting corruption.
Kenyans will experience higher salary deductions from February due to new National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contribution rates taking effect, a move aimed at boosting long-term retirement savings but reducing monthly take-home pay. Separately, the use of movable assets as loan collateral surged by 43.02 percent in 2025, with security notices filed at the Movable Property Security Rights registry reaching 151,057. This increase reflects growing credit demand amidst easing monetary conditions. Concurrently, Kenya is intensifying efforts to expand its livestock and livestock product markets through the De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) Project to boost jobs, exports, and incomes.
Georgina Njenga and Jackie Matubia speak out on personal struggles and spiritual journeys. Meanwhile, Ruth K denies "wicked" allegations regarding her infant son.
Gachagua blames himself and Uhuru for Ruto's 2022 win, vowing to oppose him in 2027. Former CJ Maraga signals alliance with opposition for 2027, citing corruption. Kindiki defends Ruto's economic agenda, highlighting youth programs. ODM faces internal strife over party zoning. MP Mohammed Ali opposes Ruto, eyeing Mombasa gubernatorial seat.
Kabras Sugar extends its Kenya Cup unbeaten run. Gor Mahia dominates Sofapaka for a four-point lead in the SportPesa Premier League. Manchester United beat Fulham in a late comeback.
Google partners with African institutions to launch WAXAL, an AI speech dataset to empower over 100 million Africans. WhatsApp is reportedly developing an optional premium subscription plan with advanced features.
Interior CS Murkomen announced KDF and NIS deployment in Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, and Meru to combat banditry. The Senate seeks to block a Ministry of Education circular merging ECDE and primary teacher training, citing constitutional concerns. New NSSF deductions taking effect in February 2026 will increase pension contributions for employees and employers. KRA is heightening scrutiny on eTIMS compliance, moving to real-time transaction monitoring. The CBK has warned against "money bouquets," citing currency defacement, with potential arrests for offenders. Matatu operators threaten weekly Monday strikes over unresolved grievances. The High Court dismissed applications to suspend a ruling that nullified presidential adviser appointments. Clinical officers and nurses secured a significant pay rise after a landmark CBA was signed. Finally, Public Service CS Ruku criticized senior civil servants for poor work ethic and threatened salary action.
Postmortem exams revealed that Daniel Nuthu, 45, and James Nzau, 29, died from severe blunt force trauma and torture after an alleged assault at Kenyatta Market, with findings showing red pepper and maize were forced down their throats, intensifying allegations of police involvement. In a separate case, the Kenyan government has launched an investigation into the deaths of nine people believed to be part of Nairobi's street families following their mass burial on January 29, 2026. The probe aims to confirm their identities and causes of death. Additionally, the mother of missing security analyst Mwenda Mbijiwe has pressured the government to account for his disappearance from nearly five years ago. During a habeas corpus hearing, she claimed he was abducted by State agents and accused the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of stonewalling.
A Turkish businessman, Osman Erdinc Elsek, has been charged in a Mombasa court with multiple terrorism-related offenses, including alleged membership in the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and illegal possession of a firearm. His co-accused, Gokmen Sandikci, is facing charges for consorting with him and assault. In a separate security incident, two suspects were arrested in Kitui County. Police discovered 30 rounds of live ammunition in a backpack on a passenger bus traveling along the Garissa-Thika Highway. The discovery was made during a routine security operation in Kanyonyoo.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has officially defected from DAP-K to UDA, a move described as a significant political realignment in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. Savula pledged to deliver 2.6 million Western votes to UDA. Separately, the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) has denied claims of an impending merger with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). PAA's Secretary General Kenneth Tungule affirmed that the party will remain independent and intends to compete in the Coast region. This denial comes as leaders of the PAA party in Kilifi County are divided over claims that the party may be dissolved.
Leaders from Western Kenya have indicated that a political alliance between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is being formed, suggesting significant political shifts. In ongoing bipartisan talks, leaders in Kakamega County rejected a proposal by Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga for a 50-50 power-sharing formula between President William Ruto and the ODM party. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki advocated for an expansion of political leadership, calling for the inclusion of ODM and other parties to strengthen national unity. However, Oburu Oginga, a leader in the ODM Party, stated that the party is not interested in the deputy president position in the ongoing talks. This comes as discussions about the country's political future continue.
Several county governors are facing scrutiny from oversight bodies regarding the use of public funds. Governor Paul Otuoma of Busia appeared before EACC officials as part of ongoing efforts to address corruption and accountability within public service. In a separate event, Kitui Governor Julis Malombe was grilled by the Senate regarding audit queries. Additionally, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki reportedly fled Parliament to avoid responding to audit queries. These incidents highlight accountability measures being directed at county leadership.
Arbantone star VJ Patelo has confirmed that he and his wife, Diana, are expecting a new addition to their family, addressing recent speculation about the pregnancy. Separately, Kenyan content creator Mulamwah celebrated a significant family milestone involving the first meeting between his two children, Keilah and Calvin (Kalamwah). This reunion was shared on social media on Sunday, February 1. The event marks a new chapter in successful co-parenting for Mulamwah. In another development, Cartoon Comedian’s boyfriend, known as ‘Rotimi’, confirmed that the couple broke up and are now co-parenting.
Communities in several regions are voicing alarm over insecurity. In Laikipia, residents are accusing the government of conducting a one-sided disarmament exercise. Business operators in Lodwar are expressing concerns over an alarming increase in insecurity, leading to fears of more attacks that threaten local commerce. Similarly, residents of Kwangindu village in Kitui Central Constituency staged a protest outside the local Member of Parliament's office. The protesters were decrying the escalating insecurity in their area.
Sugar factory workers in Kenya have suspended their nationwide strike following an agreement with the Government. The deal involves KSh 10.8 billion to begin payment of long-standing salary arrears and terminal benefits. In a separate development, clinical officers have also secured a significant pay raise of 25–30% after months of protests. This was achieved after the signing of a collective bargaining agreement with all 47 counties. Following the agreements, both the sugar workers and the clinical officers called off their respective strikes.
