Ruto Launches Coast Land Drive, Issues 33,000 Title Deeds: President William Ruto has launched a significant land initiative at the Coast, aiming to resolve decades-old land ownership disputes and resettle thousands of families. During his Coast tour, he issued 33,000 title deeds to local residents. He also inspected the ongoing construction of the Kwale-Kinango Road as part of the government's infrastructure development push in Kwale County alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Nairobi City Marathon Set for June 7 With Record 17,000 Runners: The Nairobi City Marathon 2026 is set for a record turnout, with 17,000 runners registered, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The marathon is scheduled for June 7, with prominent athletes John Langat and Jonathan Korir expected to headline the event. Meanwhile, Catherine Reline and Mathew Kimeli emerged victorious at the inaugural Cherangany Hills 10km race held in Elgeyo Marakwet. Central Kenya Faces Rise in Child Violence Linked to Alcohol Abuse: Central Kenya is experiencing a disturbing surge in child violence cases, with alcohol abuse identified as a primary contributing factor. Reports highlight the direct correlation between increased substance abuse and the rise in incidents affecting children. In Nyeri County, there is a disturbing rise in the prevalence of illicit liquor, which is directly linked to an increase in social injustices, including gender-based violence and suicides. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a warning about the increasing proliferation of fake certificates across Kenya, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections. Ruto Stops NTSA Move to Ban Graffiti on Matatus: President William Ruto has stopped the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) from banning graffiti and decorations on public service vehicles (matatus), reversing a proposed regulatory move that had drawn criticism from transport operators. This decision came amid ongoing tensions in the transport sector following recent fuel price protests. The President summoned transport stakeholders to Mombasa for urgent high-level talks aimed at averting a nationwide strike scheduled for next week. Kennedy Kaunda, the viral figure behind the 'with all due respect' statement during transport sector protests, was notably absent from the meeting between Ruto and transport operators. Meanwhile, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a biofuel blending program to reduce Kenya's reliance on imported fuel and stabilize prices, following the implementation of the Biofuels Regulations of 2025. Ruto Launches Coast Land Drive, Issues 33,000 Title Deeds: President William Ruto has launched a significant land initiative at the Coast, issuing 33,000 title deeds to resolve decades-old land ownership disputes and resettle thousands of families. During his Coast regional tour, Ruto defended his administration's investment initiatives, stating the region has been neglected due to 'retrogressive politics of discrimination' and emphasizing the government's commitment to equitable development across the country. The President, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, also inspected the ongoing construction of the Kwale-Kinango Road as part of the government's infrastructure development push in Kwale County. The tour included issuance of title deeds to Mombasa residents as part of a pledge to distribute 200,000 more title deeds. Lobby Groups Warn Finance Bill Favours the Rich: Several Kenyan civil society groups, under the Okoa Kenya campaign, have raised concerns about the Finance Bill, 2026, warning it disproportionately benefits the wealthy and burdens ordinary citizens. Kenya's banking sector is strongly opposing proposed taxes in the Finance Bill that could significantly increase the cost of digital payments and potentially lead to financial exclusion. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has separately warned Kenyan county governments to strengthen oversight and fully implement the new Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, citing massive losses of public funds due to weak accountability systems. Matatu Operators Call Off Strike After Talks With Ruto: Matatu operators have called off their planned strike after successful negotiations with President William Ruto, averting potential transport disruptions. President Ruto announced a forthcoming reduction in the price of diesel by Sh10 in the next pricing cycle and reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16% to 8%. The CEO of the Federation of Public Transport, Kushien Muchiri, had apologized after admitting that criminal elements and politicians infiltrated their protests. Religious leaders in Kiambu have urged President Ruto to address the escalating cost of living. Despite the suspension of the nationwide matatu strike, citizens are expressing anger as the cost of living remains high. Wanga Responds to Orengo Over Sexist Remarks Amid Impeachment Threats: Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has publicly responded to Siaya Governor James Orengo, accusing him of using sexist remarks that demeaned women in leadership amidst political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Wanga wrote an open letter expressing hurt and humiliation over his remarks, stating 'I Choose Forgiveness' while calling for greater respect for women in leadership. A lobby group, the Centre for Litigation Trust, has filed a lawsuit at the High Court seeking the immediate reinstatement of security officers allegedly withdrawn from Siaya Governor James Orengo. Separately, petitioners challenging the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are set to present their final arguments before a three-judge High Court bench. Newton Kariuki Challenges Wa Muthende's Election Win at Court of Appeal: Newton Kariuki, the Democratic Party Candidate, is appealing to the Court of Appeal to overturn the election win of UDA's Leo Wa Muthende in the Mbeere North Parliamentary by-election. This legal challenge comes amid ongoing electoral disputes in the region. The US government has sanctioned a senior Tanzanian police officer, Faustine Mafwele, for his alleged role in the detention, torture, and sexual assault of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire during their visit to Dar es Salaam in May 2025. Human rights actors in Kenya are separately sounding the alarm over a significant and troubling increase in femicide cases, highlighting a period of heightened risk for women and human rights defenders. Rhino Charge 2026 Gets Safaricom M-Pesa Sponsorship: The Rhino Charge 2026 has received a substantial boost with an Sh114 million sponsorship from Safaricom and M-Pesa. The 2026 Rhino Charge off-road challenge also secured KSh 116 million in additional sponsorship, ensuring robust support for conservation efforts. Over 65 competitors are set to take part in the 2026 event in Samburu.
