IEBC Probes Ol Kalou By-Election Amid Political Accusations: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has launched investigations into alleged electoral malpractices, including bribery and violence, surrounding the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. The Linda Mwananchi movement has accused the Kenyan government of using state resources to unfairly influence the by-election, while also accusing President William Ruto's administration of fostering a 'mafia nation' characterized by violence, intimidation, and a breakdown of law and order. Separately, a student from St Francis Girls High School Mang'u was shot and injured by a stray bullet during chaotic scenes at a public event in Gatundu North Sub-County. Clinical Officers Strike in Bomet, while MPs Protest New Agricultural Taxes: Clinical officers in Bomet have commenced a strike, citing the failure to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Meanwhile, Kiambu tea farmers have rejected new taxes, issuing a stern warning that proposed levies could cripple the tea farming sector. MP Kagombe opposes Kiambu County's new levy on agricultural products, stating they cannot afford to pay such charges. Treasury Defends Economic Policies While Managing Major Infrastructure Projects: National Treasury CS John Mbadi has defended the government's economic reform agenda, particularly the newly enacted Sovereign Wealth Fund, asserting it will secure Kenya's future. Treasury also justified scrapping the original Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway contract, opting for a new toll-based model to improve fiscal sustainability. Separately, Mbadi appointed six members including Lawrence Kibet and James Mworia to the National Infrastructure Fund Board, signaling progress in operationalizing the new fund. Additionally, a constitutional lawyer has given President Ruto a one-week ultimatum over the proposed Ksh2.59 trillion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, demanding public participation before construction proceeds. Govt Clears Examiner Payments While TSC Identifies Teaching Shortages: The National Treasury has released Sh1.5 billion to clear outstanding payments for examiners involved in the 2025 KCSE and KJSEA examinations. Teachers who marked these examinations are now receiving their allowance arrears as the government fulfills its financial commitments. Meanwhile, the Teachers Service Commission has identified critical shortages of specialized teachers needed for Kenya's transition to the Competency-Based Education curriculum, urging universities to adapt their training programs. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service is also reassuring students who have not yet received university placement notifications, explaining that messages for unsuccessful applicants are still being sent, with a one-month window opening for course changes and late applications. DCI Arrests Fake NIS Recruiters While Former Journalist Faces Sh1.17bn Fraud Charges: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested four individuals suspected of running a fake recruitment scam, conning job seekers out of Ksh600,000 by promising them positions within the National Intelligence Service. In a separate development, a former KTN and NTV journalist and his wife face 12 charges for allegedly orchestrating a Ksh1.17 billion land fraud in Syokimau. Additionally, the Kenya Police Service has arrested 25 foreign nationals in Kisumu County as part of an intensified crackdown on human smuggling operations. High Court Rules on Speaker Conduct and Inheritance Rights: The High Court has prohibited National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from utilizing their official capacities for partisan political activities. In a separate ruling, the High Court ordered the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to pay advocate Abdinoor Maalim Ismail KSh6.9 million in damages for prosecuting him without sufficient evidence in relation to the 2019 DusitD2 terror attack. Additionally, the High Court has ruled that a second wife, whose marriage was legally invalid because the deceased was already married, is entitled to inherit from his estate under Kenya's succession laws, upholding inheritance rights despite the invalid marriage. Security Agencies Launch Major Operations to Recover Illegal Firearms in Tana River: Kenyan security agencies have initiated significant operations in Tana River County to retrieve illegally held firearms, with owners urged to surrender them voluntarily. The Kenyan government has also launched a major operation in Tana River and Bangale targeting illegal firearms in 11 areas. These operations come amid ongoing protests nationwide and follow concerns about security challenges in Lamu East, which have prompted schools to implement new defense strategies to ensure the safety of students and staff. Kisumu Unveils Baby Pendo Park, Renewing Calls to End Police Brutality: Kisumu has officially opened Baby Pendo Park, a new recreational space dedicated to the memory of Samantha Pendo, a toddler who died during protests in 2017. The newly launched Baby Pendo Park in Kisumu has been unveiled as a memorial to Baby Pendo, who tragically died during the post-election violence. This development coincides with growing demands for justice and is linked to ongoing protests across the country. CS Ruku Hands Sh6.2bn Payroll Audit to DCI for Criminal Investigations: Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Moses Ruku has handed over a Sh6.2 billion payroll audit to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for criminal probe. Separately, the Law Society of Kenya is strongly condemning the recent murders of two advocates, Esther Wairimu Keige and Edward Muthee Kariuki, calling it an attack on the administration of justice. The family of advocate Edward Muthee is urging for swift and thorough investigations into his killing. 57,000 Students Miss University Placement as Digital Learning Expands: Approximately 57,000 students in Kenya have missed out on university placement, according to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). In contrast, the Kenyan government has accelerated the implementation of the digital learning program in public schools. Leaders in Kilifi are also strongly advocating for the Kenyan government to expedite the expansion of Malindi International Airport and ensure the timely opening of Ronald Ngala Utalii College.
