Trial Begins for Six Iranians in Sh 8.2bn High Seas Drug Trafficking Case: The trial has commenced in Kenya for six Iranian nationals accused of trafficking over a tonne of methamphetamine worth Sh 8.2 billion on the Indian Ocean. Prosecutors allege the drugs were intercepted on the high seas in a coordinated multinational operation. In a separate development, Kenyan authorities have disrupted a major Al-Shabaab terror network in Eastleigh, Nairobi, seizing a significant cache of suspected combat uniforms. The operation, initiated by intelligence from Jubaland, uncovered a sophisticated supply chain extending to China. A 29-year-old woman has also been charged in court after police seized 255 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at Sh7.65 million in Kilifi County. President Ruto Arrives for Memorial Service of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho: President William Ruto arrived in Nyandarua for the memorial service of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, delivering a strong speech at the requiem mass asserting his unwavering stance and determination. At the funeral service held at Ol Kalou stadium, Ruto stated that despite losing the 2022 election to Kiaraho, his success was due to the excellent work he had done for his constituents. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also delivered a speech urging President Ruto not to disregard the Kenyan people. The two leaders shared a podium at the event, their first public appearance together following reported friction. Meanwhile, MP Kwenya Thuku physically intervened during the proceedings, grabbing the microphone from Nyandarua Senator John Methu in an attempt to halt his speech. Ruto Asserts Presidential Authority in Nyandarua Amid Political Tensions: President William Ruto asserted his authority during the memorial events, stating he does not require permission to visit any part of Kenya, seemingly in response to perceived friction with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Ruto emphasized that Kenyans are intelligent and do not want mere rhetoric, instead desiring tangible action and results rather than noise, war, insults, or drama. Senator John Methu raised concerns about unfinished road projects in Nyandarua during the memorial, prompting Ruto's response. The dramatic intervention by MP Kwenya Thuku in grabbing Methu's microphone highlighted ongoing tensions within the political gathering. Pressure Mounts for Opiyo Wandayi, Lee Kinyanjui Resignation Over Oil Scandal: Calls have been made for Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui to resign amidst a looming oil scandal that threatens Kenya's economy. Pressure is mounting for their removal following controversies surrounding the importation of maize and fuel through government-to-government deals. Kenya is reportedly caught in a multi-billion fuel scandal following a G2G deal, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the energy sector. Boda boda operators in Kisii have been particularly hard hit, being forced to buy fuel worth at least Ksh.500 amid the shortages. The Local Content Bill has been proposed to address potential trillion-shilling annual economic losses if not adopted. KUCCPS Opens University Placement Portal for 2026 Academic Year: The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially opened its application portal for the 2026 placement cycle, allowing 2025 KCSE candidates and previous leavers to apply for university, college, and TVET programmes. The application window is open from April 7 to May 6, 2026. KUCCPS has also updated its list of private universities eligible for funding through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Meanwhile, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) graduates are experiencing high demand in Germany, particularly in the physiotherapy field. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is upgrading internet connectivity and digital infrastructure in 200 offices nationwide to support upcoming teacher recruitment drives and digitized operations. Ruto and Gachagua Exchange Heated Remarks at Nyandarua Burial: President William Ruto has publicly countered remarks made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a funeral ceremony in Nyandarua County, with the exchange occurring at the burial of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho. Former Deputy President Gachagua revealed that the late MP David Kiaraho was the architect behind his Wamunyoro residence. Gachagua has also stated he is open to working with President Ruto but has laid out specific conditions. Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has strongly criticized Gachagua for allegedly making reckless and tribal remarks and attempting to undermine national unity. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was seriously injured after an attack in Kisumu and will be airlifted to Nairobi for urgent medical attention. World Bank Approves Ksh71 Billion for Isiolo-Mandera Highway: The World Bank has approved an additional Ksh71 billion in funding to complete the 740-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera highway and install fiber optic cables along the route. The Ministry of Roads and Transport has announced significant progress on the Garissa-Isiolo Road, a key component of the LAPSSET Corridor Program, which is a 160km highway linking Kenya to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, the Attorney General's Office has launched Public Trustee services on the eCitizen platform, a digital initiative aimed at improving access to justice and modernizing government services. Kenya's Judiciary is launching innovative mobile truck courts to extend judicial services to remote and underserved areas. KRA Misses Tax Collection Target Despite Record Sh2 Trillion Collections: The Kenya Revenue Authority has collected a record Sh2 trillion in taxes but has fallen short of its collection target with only one quarter remaining in the financial year. KRA is now targeting Sh932 billion in the final quarter to meet its annual goal. The private sector has experienced a significant downturn in business activity, marking a challenging period for various industries. Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has appeared at Kibera Law Courts for plea taking on charges related to falsifying information, where he pleaded not guilty. Fuel Shortage Sparks Panic Buying Across Kenya: A nationwide fuel shortage has sparked panic buying, with motorists and bodaboda operators scrambling for scarce fuel. Long queues formed at petrol stations in major towns including Eldoret, where stations ran dry and displayed 'No Fuel' signs. The crisis has led to disruptions in transport and business activities, with some retailers warning of critically low stocks and some places charging Ksh189. The situation has been linked to a multi-billion fuel scandal involving a government-to-government (G2G) deal, raising questions about transparency. However, relief may be in sight as a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, brokered with Pakistan's help, could potentially stabilize global fuel supplies. One Petroleum Limited also blocked an illegal fuel import following a government directive, with the consignment priced significantly higher than approved rates. Fuel Crisis Leaves Eldoret Petrol Stations Dry, Kenyans Seek Fuel in Uganda: A severe fuel crisis is significantly impacting Eldoret, with petrol stations reportedly running dry and displaying 'No Fuel' signs, highlighting widespread shortages across Kenya. Kenyans have begun crossing to Uganda in search of fuel due to the acute shortage being experienced in Nairobi and other areas. The two-week fuel saga has left both authorities and the public baffled, with a swift resolution that defies explanation. Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised serious concerns, claiming Kenya is being sold contaminated fuel and alleging a conspiracy to push substandard products onto the market. The drivers' association has also alleged a deliberate conspiracy between oil sellers and officials within the energy sector.
