United Opposition vows to back single candidate against Ruto in 2027: The United Opposition in Kenya has pledged to unite and present a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 election. Opposition leaders, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, have vowed to unite and work together to unseat President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 general election. President William Ruto has declared the opposition to be in disarray, highlighting it as a contrast to the perceived unity within his government. Meanwhile, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi alleges that the political persecutions he endured over the past four years were orchestrated to pressure him into supporting land grabbing schemes. Oburu Odinga Resigns as Chairperson of Powerful Committee: Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga Odinga has resigned as the Chairperson of the powerful Senate Energy Committee, announced on August 11, citing circumstances beyond his control. Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga has been barred from his office by the Labour Court following a petition challenging the legality of his continued tenure. The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has recommended the immediate revocation of five appointments in the Siaya County Government, citing unlawful and irregular practices. Additionally, a GSU police corporal, Henry Okello Omondi Ojudi, was killed in a brutal home invasion in Got Nyapong Village, Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County. Washukiwa watatu wa mauaji ya Dkt. Victoria Mutiso kuzuiliwa kwa siku 30 zaidi: Three suspects in the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso have been ordered to remain in custody for 30 more days. A new Gender-Based Violence (GBV) office has been launched at Mukuru Kwa Reuben Police Station to provide a safer space for survivors of abuse. Two families in Mombasa are desperately searching for their loved ones who disappeared on Friday night after their release by anti-terrorism officers. IEBC Starts Procuring KIEMS Kits, Ballot Papers Ahead of 2027 Polls: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched major tenders for crucial election technology and materials, signaling an accelerated start to preparations for the 2027 General Election. This includes procurement of KIEMS kits and ballot papers. Separately, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has established a new division specifically to prosecute electoral offences ahead of the 2027 General Election. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is seeking to enhance the security of national examination papers by procuring new storage containers and conducting related repairs ahead of the 2026 examination cycle. Kenya to Import Maize as Flour Prices Hit Ksh163: Kenya plans to import one million 90-kilogram bags of maize to address a projected shortfall in the 2026 harvest, driven by adverse weather conditions. The country faces a potential deficit of up to 5.4 million bags. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government is planning a Ksh12.9 billion palm oil processing plant in Lamu County to reduce reliance on imports, coinciding with Dangote Refinery Plans. Kenya is also seeking financing from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to boost irrigation infrastructure and agricultural projects, including the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project. Uchaguzi Platform calls for 10 key electoral reforms ahead of 2027 polls: A coalition of civil society organizations, under the name Uchaguzi Platform, is urging swift implementation of 10 key electoral reforms in Kenya before the 2027 polls. DP Leader Justin Muturi has demanded IEBC clarity on boundary delimitation ahead of the 2027 polls. Questions have arisen regarding IEBC's preparedness for the general election due to a budget shortfall. The ICJ has also warned Kenya about the threat of political violence ahead of the 2027 election. Gold discovery reported in West Pokot sparks rush to Cheparor village: A reported gold discovery in West Pokot County has triggered a significant influx of fortune seekers to Cheparor village, all hoping to find wealth beneath the soil. The Kenyan government has identified 18 counties that are at high risk of experiencing adverse effects from the impending El Niño phenomenon. Residents of Bori in the Moyale Constituency, Marsabit County, have staged a protest demanding swift government action to improve essential services in the area. Ruto Announces Kenya Kwanza-ODM Coalition for 2027 Election: President William Ruto has confirmed that the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will formally unite to contest the 2027 General Election. The two parties previously agreed to form joint committees to negotiate a coalition agreement and power-sharing framework. They also formed a joint 10-member team to draft a common manifesto for the 2027 general election. However, high-profile Mt Kenya leaders, including Governors Irungu Kangata and Kimani Wamatangi, notably skipped a crucial three-day joint UDA-ODM leadership retreat in Naivasha aimed at establishing a power-sharing coalition and outlining the 2027 political roadmap. KeNHA Issues Major Update on Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway: The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has initiated the process to bring a private investor onto the Nairobi-Mombasa Road through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has also extended the bid submission deadline for Phase II of Nairobi's Ksh10 billion smart traffic project, aiming to integrate CCTVs and e-police units into city junctions for real-time traffic monitoring. In a separate incident, the busy Isebania-Sirare Highway has been closed following the collapse of the Migori Bridge, a critical crossing in Migori County, paralyzing transport in the early hours of Wednesday morning.