Francis Atwoli has been re-elected as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) for an unprecedented sixth term, securing his leadership until 2031.

• Atwoli secured his sixth term during the federation’s 15th Quinquennial Delegates Conference in Kisumu.
• The re-election extends his leadership of COTU (K), the country's largest labour umbrella body, since he first assumed the position in 2001.
• Under his leadership, COTU (K) membership has grown from approximately 300,000 in 2001 to over 4 million workers.

The Court of Appeal of Kenya has granted a temporary reprieve to President William Ruto's 21 advisors, suspending a High Court ruling that declared their offices unconstitutional.

• The order allows the advisors to remain in office pending a full appeal, a significant boost to the Executive.
• Key figures such as David Ndii, Monica Juma, and Makau Mutua are among those affected.
• The appellate court cited the risk of disrupting presidential operations and creating a vacuum if the officials were removed immediately.

Concerns are being raised about press freedom in East Africa following the acquisition of Nation Media Group (NMG), a major media conglomerate, by politically connected billionaire Rostam Aziz.

• Rostam Aziz, through his company Taarifa Ltd, has purchased a controlling 54% stake in NMG.
• NMG, founded in 1959, is a significant media entity in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
• Critics worry that Aziz's close ties to regional politicians, including Kenya's President William Ruto, could influence editorial independence.