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2 storiesAuditor General flags irregular 21.2 million shillings in allowances at NSSF. Separately, a South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb accidentally paid out 40 billion US dollars in bitcoin but largely recovered it.
The government has repatriated nearly 20 Kenyans lured into the Russia-Ukraine war, confirming three bodies recovered, and is intensifying efforts for others caught in the conflict. In Coast, Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno issued a 'shoot-to-kill' order against armed criminals and 'panga boys' amid rising violence; this sparked protests in Huruma after a girl was allegedly shot by police. Teachers' unions threaten a strike over healthcare access challenges under the new SHA. President Ruto announced plans to clear Dandora dumpsite. Matatu operators have suspended their nationwide strike for two weeks, and Mombasa County will now manage bursary and scholarship issuance.
The Kenyan government has announced an expansion of diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens who were irregularly recruited to serve in the Russia-Ukraine war. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the government has repatriated nearly 20 Kenyans lured into the war through fake job scams. This follows the recovery of three Kenyan bodies from eastern Ukraine on February 6, 2026. Meanwhile, fourteen families of Kenyans who traveled to Russia for promised jobs gathered at Jevanjee Gardens in Nairobi to demand answers from the government. These families shared accounts of relatives who left Kenya between October and November of the previous year and with whom communication has since ceased.
An internal dispute has emerged within the Azimio la Umoja coalition over recent leadership changes. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused State House of blocking the gazettement of the coalition's new leadership in the Kenya Gazette. Kalonzo stated the appointments were lawfully effected and acknowledged by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). Suna East MP Junet Mohamed criticized Kalonzo, alleging that due process was not followed according to the coalition’s founding legal framework. This public clash between Kalonzo and the Minority Leader highlights growing divisions within the opposition party.
Several security officers have been arrested in separate incidents involving extortion and fraud. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled an alleged extortion ring in Mtito Andei, leading to the arrest of a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer and a National Police Service (NPS) counterpart. They, along with a civilian, are accused of posing as security operatives to intimidate bar owners and the public to demand money. In a separate case, a police recruit has been arrested at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus. The recruit allegedly defrauded a civilian of Ksh687,000 in a fake Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) job scam by promising a guaranteed job opportunity for a fee.
The National Police Service (NPS) is intensifying efforts against insecurity in various parts of the country. In Baringo County, the NPS recovered four illegal firearms through security operations as part of the ongoing disarmament campaign against banditry. In the Coast region, Police Commander Ali Nuno authorized the use of lethal force against the notorious "Panga Boys" gang, which is responsible for a surge of violent robberies. Commander Nuno issued a "shoot-to-kill" directive against armed criminal suspects in Mombasa County and warned criminals to abandon crime or leave the region. He emphasized that officers will use firearms when legally justified.
A new political figure, Oketch Salah, is emerging and reportedly working to align the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with President William Ruto's political agenda. Salah's actions, which include distributing cash, have caused division within the ODM leadership and its support base. This enigmatic aspirant gained prominence following Raila Odinga's death, despite claims from ODM insiders and Ida Odinga that they do not know him. However, Ida Odinga has acknowledged knowing Salah's father years ago, which adds a layer of mystery to his sudden appearance in the political landscape.
The Auditor General has flagged the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) over irregular payments of acting and special duty allowances exceeding Sh21.2 million. This was due to employees serving in acting capacities beyond the allowed six months without proper approval. In a separate directive, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has mandated that all banks must achieve a minimum core capital of KSh 5 billion by December 2026, and KSh 10 billion by the end of 2029. This directive has caused unease among smaller Tier 3 banks. Additionally, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui is facing a lawsuit for allegedly failing to implement a part of the Finance Act 2025. The lawsuit concerns a provision that exempted unprocessed glass used by local manufacturers from excise duty.
Auditor General flags irregular 21.2 million shillings in allowances at NSSF. Separately, a South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb accidentally paid out 40 billion US dollars in bitcoin but largely recovered it.
Murugi Munyi sparked debate on poverty and mindset in Nairobi. Samidoh's cryptic post hinted at his relationship with Senator Karen Nyamu, while content creator Ruth K celebrated her son Calvin's second birthday.
Public officers eyeing 2027 elections must resign by February. The IEBC CEO position remains turbulent. Azimio faces leadership struggles as Uhuru's changes stalled. Gachagua urges Mt Kenya to have more children, promising free education. Kalonzo rallies diaspora support in the US. Ruto appoints Lusaka as Western Kenya campaign coordinator as Nakuru alliances face rifts. The court dismissed a petition on Raila's AUC campaign expenditure. Oketch Salah causes rifts in ODM.
The Rising Starlets beat Tanzania 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier. The Magical Kenya Open golf tournament begins, set to inject over 643 million shillings into the economy and nurture young talent. The Baseball Federation is training teachers to popularize Baseball5 in schools, and KCB RFC thrashed Blak Blad 62-7 to reach the Enterprise Cup semi-finals.
The government has confirmed the repatriation of nearly 20 Kenyans lured into the Russia-Ukraine war through fake job scams, with three bodies recovered, and is expanding diplomatic efforts for others trapped. Meanwhile, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has issued a "shoot-to-kill" directive against armed criminals and 'panga boys' gangs due to surging violence, prompting protests in Huruma estate after a girl was allegedly shot by police. In other news, teachers face healthcare access challenges under the new SHA, leading to unions threatening a boycott. President Ruto announced plans to clear Dandora dumpsite. Matatu operators have suspended their planned nationwide strike for two weeks, and Mombasa County will now manage bursary and scholarship issuance.
Residents of Kiamaiko, Nairobi, are protesting after the death of student Sherly Adhiambo. In the same area, a student from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) was fatally shot during a police operation, leaving the community in mourning. Separately, protests also occurred in Huruma after police shot dead a 22-year-old girl. The demonstrations in Huruma escalated as police clashed with protesting residents. During these clashes, vehicles were torched and shops were looted.
The Baseball Federation of Kenya (BFK) is training sports teachers nationwide to introduce Baseball5 into the secondary school games calendar. This initiative targets the popularization of the sport and talent development ahead of the Dakar Youth Olympics. Similarly, the 57th Magical Kenya Open (MKO) golf tournament is emphasizing nurturing young talent. The MKO is achieving this through the Absa 'Beat the Pro' Challenge, which integrates junior golfers into the main event. In women's football, the U20 team, the Rising Starlets of Kenya, secured a 1-0 victory against the Tanzanite Queens of Tanzania. This win in the 2026 Fifa U20 Women's World Cup qualifier keeps their World Cup aspirations alive.
A severe drought is wreaking havoc across Kenya, devastating communities and impacting 23 counties, with 10 of them now in a critical alert phase. Residents in Samburu are facing severe hardship due to the harsh drought, leading to widespread hunger and critical water shortages. A recent report highlights that the severe drought in Turkana has also reached alarming levels, posing significant challenges for the region. The crisis continues to lead to widespread death and destruction across the affected communities.
