Octopizzo Opens Up About Being Dumped By First Baby Mama Over Poverty: Kenyan hip-hop artist Octopizzo has shared a poignant story about his past, revealing that his first baby mama left him due to his struggles with poverty in Kibera. At the same time, Nurse Judy shared a poignant account of her family's descent from comfort to hardship, a dramatic shift triggered by her father's death from HIV and the subsequent loss of their wealth. Meanwhile, CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has revealed a surprising past ambition: he once aspired to become a Catholic priest. Additionally, Kenyan lawmaker Peter Salasya has shared his ambitions for his young daughter, wishing for her to become a surgeon and own a hospital, while also reminiscing about the day she was conceived.

Maraga Blasts Ruto Over Death of Elderly Man in Cash Handout Stampede: Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized President William Ruto's administration, attributing the death of a 97-year-old man to a stampede for Sh200 cash handouts following a presidential address. Maraga accused the government of rampant corruption and fostering a culture of dependency. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has separately warned President William Ruto of potential street protests over escalating fuel prices, threatening nationwide mass action as early as next week if the situation isn't addressed. Gachagua has also publicly endorsed planned Gen Z protests, framing them as a constitutional right and urging the government against a harsh response. ODM Leaders Hit Back at Gachagua Over Party Interference: Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have strongly criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for alleged interference in the party's affairs. They accuse him of attempting to destabilize the ODM and sow discord among its members. Internal divisions within ODM are escalating, with one faction demanding a leadership overhaul and the nullification of recently endorsed party officials. ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has revealed that former party leader Raila Odinga wanted the Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, removed from office. ODM Plans Youth Convention to Chart Way Forward Amid Rift with UDA: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is planning a youth convention to gather input from supporters on the party's future direction amidst rising tensions with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). A faction of ODM youth leaders has rejected planned demonstrations, advocating for a development-focused agenda and internal reform ahead of the 2027 General Election. Meanwhile, the party is launching an aggressive campaign to revive its grassroots structures and combat perceived encroachment by President William Ruto's UDA, amidst growing tensions within the broad-based government. The ODM party also insists on maintaining its demand for political zoning, signaling a commitment to protect its established strongholds from internal competition within its coalition. UDA-ODM War of Words Exposes Fragility of 2027 Pre-Election Pact: A reported decision by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to pause coalition talks has put pressure on the partnership with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), potentially jeopardizing their 2027 pre-election arrangement. Politicians allied with President William Ruto have strongly defended the government's development record while criticizing opposition figures Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino for their perceived divisive politics. A new song by popular Kikuyu musician Kamande wa Kioi is sparking debate about the influence of music on Mt Kenya politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Civil Society Demands Immediate Halt to Gold Mining in Western Kenya: Civil society groups and human rights activists are demanding an immediate halt to all gold and mining activities in Western Kenya, specifically in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Siaya counties. The calls come amid allegations of illegal land acquisition by mining companies, with rights groups sounding the alarm over the impact on local communities. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has also opened public participation on Draft Reparations Guidelines 2026, seeking input to enhance justice and compensation for victims of human rights violations. CS Duale Clashes with Deputy President Gachagua Over SHA Insurance: Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has publicly clashed with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged claims concerning SHA teacher coverage. Duale accused Gachagua of having ties to suspended insurers and providers linked to fraud. Duale criticized Gachagua's allegations of corruption within the SHA health insurance scheme as baseless and challenged him to provide evidence. Deputy President Gachagua has also criticized the Kenyan government, alleging involvement in political violence and directly accusing the administration of orchestrating chaos. Meanwhile, planned protests against the Kenyan government over the high cost of living will proceed as scheduled within the next week. Civil Society Groups Demand Halt to Mining Activities in Western Kenya: A coalition of civil society groups is demanding an immediate cessation of all gold and mining activities in western Kenya, citing widespread concerns about the impact of these operations. Despite a recent court ruling, fear persists among Kipteber residents concerning an ongoing land row, leaving them apprehensive about their future on the disputed territory. These groups join activists who have been calling for mining activities to be stopped in Western Kenya, with concerns about environmental and social impacts on local communities. Duale Reveals Failed Plan to Impeach Ruto: Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has claimed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta attempted to impeach William Ruto when he served as Deputy President but lacked the necessary numbers in the National Assembly. Duale has also publicly clashed with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged claims concerning SHA teacher coverage, accusing Gachagua of having ties to suspended insurers and providers linked to fraud. Meanwhile, Gachagua has criticized the Kenyan government, alleging involvement in political violence and directly accusing the administration of orchestrating chaos. Ruto Defends Fuel Prices Against Regional Comparisons: President William Ruto has defended the current fuel prices in Kenya, dismissing comparisons with neighboring countries like Uganda and Rwanda. Ruto stated that the price of fuel is influenced by various global and local factors and that the high cost is justifiable, defending the Sh25 infrastructure levy. This comes amidst pressure to remove fuel taxes, with Ruto acknowledging concerns raised by Kenyans regarding increased prices while maintaining his position on fuel pricing at church services in Karen. Kakamega Father Machete Attack Kills Daughter, Survives Mob: A 43-year-old man in Kakamega County allegedly attacked his three children with a machete, resulting in the death of his daughter and critical injuries to his twin sons. The suspect, identified as Nathan Shimenga from Imabusi village in Ikolomani constituency, is under police guard at Shibwe Hospital after surviving a mob attack. In a separate violent incident in Kisumu's Nyalenda area, a 34-year-old woman is in critical condition after being attacked with acid by assailants on a motorbike. These incidents highlight concerns over rising violence in the region, with the Kakamega case drawing attention to community justice practices and mob attacks. ODM Insists on Zoning Demand Amid Internal Party Conflicts: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has insisted on maintaining its demand for political zoning, signaling a commitment to protect its established strongholds from internal competition within its coalition. Internal divisions are escalating, with one faction demanding a leadership overhaul and the nullification of recently endorsed party officials. ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga revealed that former party leader Raila Odinga wanted Secretary General Edwin Sifuna removed from office. Leaders from ODM have also strongly criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for alleged interference in the party's affairs, accusing him of attempting to destabilize the party and sow discord among its members. Ruto Defends Fuel Prices Amid Rising Cost of Living Concerns: President William Ruto has stated that the high cost of fuel in Kenya, compared to other African nations, is justifiable, defending the Sh25 infrastructure levy amidst pressure to remove fuel taxes. While attending a church service in Karen, Ruto acknowledged the concerns of Kenyans regarding increased fuel prices. Political analyst Prof Peter Kagwanja stated that the primary challenge facing President Ruto's administration is not political opposition, but rather the country's economic situation. The Deputy Governor of Kakamega has called for President Ruto to be given more time to address the rising cost of living in Kenya.