Kindiki challenges Mt Kenya leaders to rethink Gachagua alliance: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is challenging leaders from the Mt Kenya region, specifically Peter Munya, Justin Muturi, and Lenny Kivuti, to abandon their political association with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has urged key leaders from the Mt Kenya East region to support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, while accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of divisive politics and undermining regional leaders. In contrast, Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has embarked on a week-long political tour across Kiambu, Kajiado, Narok, and Nakuru counties to bolster grassroots support for his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ahead of the 2027 General Election. 27 Counties on Notice as Senate Flags Spending Failures: A new Senate report reveals that 27 out of 47 counties failed to meet the statutory 35% development spending threshold in the 2024/2025 financial year. The report highlights Nairobi and Taita Taveta among the worst performers, with only six out of 47 counties meeting the legal threshold for development spending in the 2024/25 financial year. At the same time, President William Ruto is urging Kenyan leaders to prioritize development and economic policies over political rhetoric to address the rising cost of living and accelerate national progress. Murkomen: Over 2,000 illegal guns seized from bandits and terrorists: Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that security agencies have seized over 2,000 illegal firearms and 15,000 rounds of ammunition from bandits and terrorists, attributing this success to the crucial role of the Special Operations Group (SOG). Kenya has strengthened its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) with 122 new officers, enhancing its counterterrorism capabilities amid a surge in suspected Al-Shabaab attacks. Separately, six people were injured, one critically, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to be an Al Shabaab attack in Mandera County on Thursday evening. Additionally, Kenya has commenced construction of an advanced ammunition production line at the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret, marking a significant step in bolstering the Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) domestic manufacturing capabilities. Police Arrest Two Suspects in Eldoret Woman's Murder: Police in Eldoret arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a 26-year-old woman whose body was found in a gunny sack. The horror incident adds to growing concerns about safety in the region. Meanwhile, families of four missing men MacMilan Kiarie, Michael Oloo, Evans Otieno, and Abdul marched through Nairobi demanding their release or appearance in court. Separately, mothers called on Inspector General Kanja to account for the disappearance of their children. Treasury Officials Among Top Suspects in Ksh 1.87B Scandal: Kenya's Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is pursuing the recovery of approximately Ksh 1.87 billion lost to corruption and economic crimes, with a significant portion linked to the National Treasury. The EACC has arrested a former Deputy Director of Audit at the Office of the Auditor General for allegedly using a forged academic certificate to secure employment. Moreover, gambling firms in Kenya have taken legal action, challenging new regulations that drastically increase licensing fees and compliance costs for the industry. Nurses Continue Strike Despite Court Order as Health Workers Protest: Nurses refused to end their strike despite a court order to resume work, leading to dozens of health workers staging a protest outside the Council of Governors' headquarters. In a related development, Narok County announced plans to hire over 200 health workers to improve medical services. The protests continue amid ongoing disputes over working conditions and county debt obligations, with counties collectively owing KSh156.8 billion despite improved revenue collection. Murkomen Orders Arrest of Camouflage-Impersonators at Political Gatherings: Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered the arrest of individuals impersonating police officers by wearing camouflage uniforms at political gatherings. President William Ruto separately ordered the elimination of the term watchman from all Kenyan government legal documents and policies, replacing it with security officer. Meanwhile, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr. Fred Matiang'i accused President Ruto of misusing State House resources by hosting large delegations amid economic hardship for Kenyans. Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji added that without Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the opposition would be significantly weakened. NTSA Cracks Down on Pedestrians as Senate Exposes County Spending: Hundreds of pedestrians were arrested as the National Transport and Safety Authority cracked down on people dodging footbridges. The Senate exposed counties over ballooning wage bills and poor spending practices, highlighting financial mismanagement concerns. Additionally, a Senate ranking listed the top 10 best-performing governors, showcasing differences in county governance performance. Takaba Mixed School Achieves National Recognition as St. Joseph Kitale Advances: Takaba Mixed School achieved national recognition after finishing fourth in a national competition, shaking the nation. St. Joseph Kitale advanced to the East Africa regional competition after a dramatic 7-6 penalty victory over Nyakach. Meanwhile, Nairobi's street photographers are finding ways to make a living through their craft, demonstrating that passion can translate into a paycheck despite the prevalence of smartphone cameras.