ODM Factions Battle for Control Ahead of 2027 Election: Coast ODM leaders met in Vipingo, Kilifi County on April 18, 2026, expressing growing impatience with the broad-based government and asserting the region's political worth ahead of the 2027 General Election. Simultaneously, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders declared themselves 'ODM orphans,' charting a new political path after feeling rejected within the party. The Linda Mwananchi faction announced three-day protests for June 24, 25, and 26, while the movement associated with ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo is strategizing with a dual approach of grassroots mobilization while keeping presidential ambitions open. President William Ruto is reportedly employing a strategy to weaken ODM by exploiting these internal divisions. IEBC Proposes New Rules as Small Parties Position for 2027: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission proposed new rules impacting political nominations, election offenses, and diaspora voting, aiming to streamline electoral processes and address gender representation before the August 10, 2027 General Election. Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi criticized Nyanza leaders for aligning with what he described as a punitive government during the launch of the party's new office in Siaya town. Meanwhile, Kadu Asili is rebranding with former Knut chairman Mr Mudzo Nzili as its new party leader, aiming to become a significant political force in the Coast region and across Kenya.

Gachagua atoa makataa ya siku saba kushusha bei ya mafuta: Kenya's Deputy President Rigatha Gachagua has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto to reduce fuel prices, threatening nationwide protests if the demand is not met. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that government measures including a VAT cut and fuel subsidy prevented pump prices from exceeding Ksh215 per litre, warning that petrol could have sold at Ksh236 without intervention. President William Ruto explained Kenya's higher fuel prices compared to Tanzania and Uganda, attributing them to significant infrastructure investments. Kenya's government is defending its measures to control fuel prices amidst global market volatility caused by the Middle East conflict, while Kenya Kwanza leaders have asserted that the government is managing oil prices effectively. President Ruto Undertakes Three-Day State Visit to Italy: President William Ruto is undertaking a three-day state visit to Italy this week for high-level bilateral talks. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced a trade and investment-focused agenda for the visit, aiming to unlock economic opportunities between Kenya and Italy. The visit aims to bolster bilateral relations and secure trade and investment partnerships. Junior Starlets thrash Namibia 5-0, advance to next round of FIFA U-17 qualifiers: The Junior Starlets secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Namibia, advancing to the next round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers after an emphatic 7-1 aggregate victory. In volleyball, Post Bank Queens asserted their dominance in the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League with a straight-sets victory over Young Spykers. Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya Embu conducted county trials to select athletes for the Eastern Region Games, aiming to defend the title Embu won last year. Naivas launches Kikapu Kibonge promotion to ease cost of essentials: Naivas supermarket launched the Kikapu Kibonge promotion to help consumers save money on essential household items, offering customers value and chances to win prizes. The retailer also announced a 50% price reduction on selected products as part of this initiative. This campaign provides relief to Kenyans facing high living costs by reducing prices on daily essentials. Gachagua Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum to Ruto Over Fuel Prices: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto to reduce fuel prices, threatening nationwide protests if the demand is not met. The government, through Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi, is defending its fuel price control measures amidst global market volatility caused by the Middle East conflict. Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, asserted that the government is managing oil prices effectively. Father Kills Child in Kakamega While Anthrax Outbreak Claims One Life in Vihiga: In Kakamega, a father killed his own child in a tragic domestic violence incident, while a similar tragedy unfolded in Vihiga where another father killed his child. An anthrax outbreak in Vihiga resulted in one confirmed death and exposed over 200 individuals after they consumed contaminated meat. These incidents mark a disturbing trend of violence and health crises in the region. Teachers Threaten Strike Over Pay Delays, SHA Cover Crisis Ahead of School Reopening: Kenyan teachers are threatening to go on strike days before schools reopen due to delayed salary payments and a crisis in their SHA health cover. The Cotu union is demanding immediate implementation of previously agreed salary increments. Trade unionist Francis Atwoli issued a strong warning to employers regarding employee welfare and rights. Meanwhile, President William Ruto continues to inaugurate new university campuses despite significant outstanding debts owed to existing higher education institutions.