A Swedish National accused of conspiring to defraud her stepmother of a piece of land in Eastleigh, Nairobi, valued at Ksh.110 million has obtained orders to suspend lower Court case.
When Nadra Modhihiri Mohamed appeared before lower Court today,she informed the court through her lawyers that she has since obtained orders from a higher court to suspend that case.
The court directed the matter to be mentioned on May 20,2025 to confirm that position.
Nadra has since pleaded not guilty to three charges: conspiracy to defraud, forgery, and obtaining land registration by false pretences.
According to the prosecution, the offences were allegedly committed on or before November 5, 2011, at an undisclosed location within Kenya, with others not present in court.
In the case, Nadra is charged that on November 5,2011 at unknown place,jointly with others not before court,conspired to defraud the late Modhihiri Mohamed Modhihiri of a property known as LR NO. 36/VII/465 measuring approximately 0.2085 Ha locared in Eastleigh Nairobi valued at Sh 110,000,000.
She is said to have falsely drawn a forged indenture of conveyance purportedly registered pursuant to presentation number 447 of 8/12/2011 under volume N44 Folio 14/4 file 13552,knowing it was untrue.
She has been charged in the second count with forging a title deed of the said land against the law.
The court has been informed that on November 5,2011 at unkown place within the country, with intent to defraud the estate of the late Modhihiri Mohamed Modhihiri of the said land.
In the last count,Nadra is charged with obtaining registration of the said parcel of land by falsely preparing an indenture of conveyance in consideration of the sum of Sh 30,000,000 pretending that he had bought from the late Modhihiri Mohamed knowing it was untrue.
A Nairobi-based forex trader Michael Gitonga who is battling charges of defrauding clients of Ksh 215.3 million now wants the case at lower court withdrawn.
When he appeared before magistrate Benmark Ekhubi,the court was informed that Capital Markets Authority which is a complainant in this case has an investigation department and this matter will be dealt with inhouse.
Magistrate Ekhubi directed parties to file formal applications as he gives other directions.
Gitonga, who is also known as Tosh, is accused of contravening CMA regulations by directly handling client funds, an act prohibited for licensed money managers.
Court documents indicate that between April 2022 and August 2024, he allegedly diverted Ksh 212.16 million of clients’ money for personal use.
He is also accused of fraudulently obtaining an additional Ksh 3.14 million from three individuals after falsely claiming he would invest the money on their behalf.
According to Kenya’s online forex trading regulations, a money manager is only allowed to oversee a client’s portfolio in return for a fee but cannot access or withdraw client funds.
Clients are required to deposit funds into their own trading accounts, which they open through an online foreign exchange broker.
However, Gitonga allegedly flouted these rules, accessing investor funds and misusing them.
Additional details from the charge sheet show that between April 2023 and April 2024, Gitonga allegedly obtained Ksh 1.3 million from an investment company, Ingotse 95, under false pretenses.
He is also accused of fraudulently acquiring Ksh 1.54 million from Chepkembol Labbat between March and April 2024 and Ksh 300,000 from James Mwaura Mbugua between March 2022 and September 2024, all while claiming the money would be invested in forex trading.
The CMA, which suspended Trade Sense Limited’s licence for 90 days on March 3, cited governance failures, financial non-compliance, and anti-money laundering concerns as reasons for its decision.
The regulator had been engaging the firm over these breaches since 2023, indicating that Gitonga had been on its radar for some time.
Trade Sense Limited required a minimum investment of Ksh 258,380 ($2,000) for retail clients and Ksh 1.2 million ($10,000) for corporate and high-net-worth investors.
The firm also imposed a 90-day lock-in period for the principal investment and charged a three percent management fee, prorated daily.
Kenya’s forex trading market has witnessed a rise in fraudulent schemes as more investors seek to capitalise on the lucrative but high-risk sector.
CMA has only licensed non-dealing brokers, meaning they do not engage in market-making activities but only provide trading platforms and accounts.
However, some traders have found ways to bypass regulations, resulting in significant investor losses.
The forex market is one of the largest and most liquid in the world, with daily transactions exceeding $7.5 trillion.
Kenya has seen a surge in participation from tech-savvy investors but the risks associated with unregulated forex trading prompted the CMA to introduce the Online Foreign Exchange Trading Regulations in 2017 to safeguard investors.
The CMA has warned against fraudulent traders who lure investors with promises of high, unrealistic returns.
Gitonga’s case now serves as a major test for enforcement in the sector, with regulators keen to clamp down on violators.
CMA will use the 90-day suspension period to review whether to lift or extend Trade Sense Limited’s suspension or to take further regulatory action.
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 30 — Members of Parliament have sharply criticized the BBC over its recent documentary Blood Parliament, accusing the broadcaster of promoting a foreign agenda and unfairly tarnishing Kenya’s democratic institutions.
The exposé, aired on Monday, investigates the deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in June 2024. It alleges that Kenyan police and military forces received covert “shoot-to-kill” orders even before official deployment was authorized.
The documentary has sparked fierce debate in the National Assembly, with several lawmakers dismissing it as sensationalist and misleading.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie questioned the timing and intent behind the film’s release.
“Mr. Speaker, no one here condones violence against our people, but this documentary reeks of a foreign agenda. We must ask whether this is BBC journalism or the voice of British foreign policy. Kenya cannot be lectured by a country whose own soldiers have committed atrocities on our soil,” Kiarie said.
He also referenced Parliament’s previous decision to attach conditions to the renewal of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) agreement, which now requires British soldiers to be held accountable under Kenyan law.
“There’s no member of this House who would support atrocities by uniformed officers against Kenyans. While we can’t pass judgment on the Kenya Defence Forces, it’s worth noting that in the last Parliament, we declined to assent to the renewal of BATUK’s terms of service,” Kiarie added.
Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi criticized local media for amplifying the documentary without context, accusing them of helping to vilify Parliament.
“The documentary is tragic and inflammatory, especially in its use of the title Blood Parliament. Yes, our democracy faced challenges that day, but we are a sovereign nation capable of reconciliation. Why didn’t the BBC produce such a film after Capitol Hill or about Gaza, where women and children are dying every day?” he posed.
Bashir acknowledged the loss of lives but emphasized that the country has since moved forward in a spirit of reconciliation.
“It was tragic that we lost fellow Kenyans. Shameful that Parliament’s democracy was nearly infringed. But we have moved on, and we continue working to reconcile the country.”
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, however, defended the documentary, saying it exposed hard truths that Kenya has failed to confront.
“We have not dealt with this issue well. The BBC is highlighting what we’ve failed to address ourselves. It’s time we take responsibility and ensure justice for the victims,” she said.
She further cautioned against the reflex to blame foreign actors instead of acknowledging internal failures.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma took a hardline stance, calling for the revocation of the BBC’s operating license in Kenya.
“This documentary is not journalism; it’s propaganda dressed as investigation. It is reckless, partial, and designed to incite unrest. If the BBC cannot operate within the bounds of fair and factual reporting, they have no business in Kenya,” Kaluma said.
In response, the BBC defended the documentary, stating it was based on the analysis of over 5,000 images and eyewitness testimonies.
The broadcaster maintains that its reporting aimed to shed light on events of national importance and stands by its findings.
MOMBASA – The Mombasa High Court has temporarily removed all top managers of the Coast Water Development Agency (CWWDA) from office following a legal challenge questioning the legitimacy of their appointments.
Labor and Relations Court Judge Monica Mbaru issued conservatory orders suspending Eng. Martin Tsuma, who has served as the agency’s acting Chief Executive Officer for three years, and barred him from withdrawing the salary and allowances associated with the position.
“Conservatory orders are hereby issued staying the appointment of the 3rd Respondent (Tsuma) as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the 1st Respondent (CWWDA),” Justice Mbaru stated in her ruling.
The court also revoked the appointments of six deputy directors who were elevated from departmental managers to directorship positions three years ago.
The affected officials include Simon Charo, David Kanui, Stephen Kivuva, Salim Ali, Mary Okiema, and Amad Mwanzito.
The case was filed by Mombasa resident John Oucho, who accused the water agency of bias in its employment practices and failing to follow proper procedures in the appointment of the CEO and directors.
According to the petition, Tsuma was promoted to acting CEO and later had his terms converted to permanent and pensionable status without following due process, despite having only 18 months remaining on his contract.
“The deputy director of project development in the department of infrastructure was promoted to the acting CEO without any interviews or public participation carried out as required by law,” Oucho stated in his petition.
The petitioner further alleged that the CWWDA board failed to advertise vacancies or invite applications for these positions, effectively denying Kenyan citizens the opportunity to participate in a competitive employment process.
Oucho also claimed that all department heads from the defunct Coast Water Service Board were automatically promoted to deputy director positions with permanent and pensionable terms without following established procedures, while other officials of equal rank were not given the chance to apply for these positions.
The court order cited the agency’s board members as respondents, including Katana Mwaringa, Hamid Mbarak, Mohammed Mwahima, Judith Mwamburi, George Kariuki, Walter Oselu, Edwin Murimi, and Hafswa Deleate.
This legal challenge comes amid ongoing concerns about the management of water resources in the Coast region, with Governor Mwadime previously calling for the winding up of the water agency.
The court’s decision will remain in effect until the case is fully determined, leaving the water agency’s leadership in limbo as the legal proceedings continue.
NAIROBI – A businesswoman has moved to court seeking an arrest warrant against Lamu West Member of Parliament Stanley Muthama over an unpaid Sh7.1 million debt stemming from a vehicle purchase made nearly nine years ago.
Yvonne Njoki Njiru, operating as Newday Motors Limited, is pushing for the arrest of Muthama and his company, Stansha Limited, after obtaining a favorable decree from a Nairobi magistrate court on April 23, 2025.
According to court documents, the initial debt of Sh3.5 million was incurred in June 2016 when Stansha Limited purchased an Isuzu ELF truck.
The amount has since accumulated interest of Sh3.6 million, bringing the total to Sh7.1 million.
The businesswoman alleges fraud in her court claim, stating that despite numerous promises to pay, including one made during a chance meeting at a Nairobi restaurant in February 2023, the MP failed to honor his commitments.
“When it became apparent that he had no intention to pay for the vehicle, the plaintiff reported the incident at Industrial Area Police Station,” her lawyer Robinson Kigen stated in court filings.
MP Muthama has denied the debt, arguing it was improper for the court to hold him personally liable for a company’s obligations, even though he served as its director.
“I have been condemned and found liable for debts that are not mine but of the company without any justifiable reason and as such puts me and my property at risk of execution,” Muthama stated in his defense.
However, Principal Magistrate H.M. Ng’ang’a dismissed Muthama’s defense as “mere denial and a sham,” noting that the MP had admitted to purchasing the vehicle and taking possession of it without providing evidence of payment.
“The court has noted that Mr. Muthama executed the agreement for sale and nowhere did he indicate that he executed it as a director of Stansha,” the magistrate observed.
The MP has since appealed the decision, but High Court Judge Moses Ado declined to suspend the magistrate’s ruling pending determination of the appeal.
Muthama contends that the trial court ignored facts including a Sh500,000 payment made to Newday Motors and an agreement stipulation that the vehicle could be repossessed if the purchase price was not paid in full.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on May 19, 2025, when the court will consider Ms. Njiru’s application for an arrest warrant against the MP.
This is not the first time Muthama has faced legal issues over unpaid debts. In 2023, he faced arrest over a Sh2.3 million debt, and in 2019, he was charged with evading nearly Sh488 million in taxes between 2013 and 2017.
In a scorching open letter that has ignited social media, ODM Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure has launched what many are calling an unprecedented public challenge to President William Ruto, demanding justice for slain protesters while warning of dire consequences if his demands go unheeded.
“As the custodian of this republic, I ask for the heads of those who murdered my generation,” McOure declares in his most incendiary passage. “This is both a request—and a prophecy.”
The letter, addressed directly to Dr. Ruto, paints a harrowing picture of last June’s Finance Bill protests, where peaceful demonstrators carrying “smartphones, water bottles, placards, white handkerchiefs, and roses” were met with “batons… water cannons… and bullets—that split our skulls open.”
“The smartphones that once streamed civic education now stream funerals,” McOure writes in one particularly vivid passage.
“The white handkerchiefs now bear the four colours of our flag—but mostly red. Our placards have turned into obituaries.”
McOure frames his demands through Newton’s laws of physics, a pointed nod to Ruto’s academic credentials as a PhD holder.
His most ominous warning comes through his explanation of Newton’s Third Law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction… If the law does not speak, we shall. We may be patient—but not forever.”
The youth leader explicitly distances himself from seeking personal gain, revealing he once shook Ruto’s hand “not out of allegiance, but out of respect for H.E. Raila Odinga.”
He adds bitingly: “I received nothing for it. No contract. No favour. Yet I see lesser men, less principled, less informed, less accomplished eking millions out of you every day.”
In what appears to be a direct threat to Ruto’s political future, McOure writes: “Your administration is losing the youth. Not just their votes. Their faith. Their patience. Their fear.”
He concludes with an apocalyptic biblical reference—”Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin”—the divine warning of judgment that appeared on the wall before Babylon fell.
This comes after a haunting reminder that Kenya’s median age is just 19, stating: “The youth are not a special interest group. We are the republic.”
The letter emerges as President Ruto recently extended clemency to certain offenders, a move McOure explicitly references while demanding justice be served to those responsible for protest deaths.
His message closes with the chilling promise that if he is “ever silenced—for whatever reason—millions more will take my place, and speak with greater force and clarity.”
Full Letter to Ruto from Kasmuel McOure:
Kasmuel McOure.
Dr. William Samoei Ruto,
I write this because I am still alive. And I am alive either because I am a coward, or because I have been spared by chance. I believe it is both—but mostly the former. I write with a quivering voice, unsteady hands, and a disillusioned mind.
Social media may not be the most dignified forum for addressing a Head of State. But it is where you first heard my name. I will not seek a meeting. The gatekeepers around you will not permit it, and even if they did, I would have little to say that has not already been spoken: some of it in the crimson blood of slain youth, some of it in the haunting silence where their laughter once lived, and some of it in the yawning voids they’ve left behind.
Mr. President, I invoke your own story not to flatter, but to awaken your empathy. I do not seek your sympathy. Sympathy is the child of privilege. Empathy, however, is a bridge between equals.
Like you, I am a young man of humble, some might say ignoble, origin. And anyone who has ever been poor never forgets it, no matter how many riches they acquire. My generation carries a burden your generation struggles to define. To us, it is unmistakable. It is called: Justice.
Your peers accuse us of entitlement. Laziness. Fragility. Perhaps. But if we are weak in patience, we are strong in conviction. If we lack decorum, we compensate with moral clarity. When Parliament sought to impose a Finance Bill that would render our lives even more unbearable, we took to the streets—not for clout, but for survival. For bread. For bus fare. For menstrual pads for our lovers, and diapers for our children.
We asked for accountability. For an end to the theft that masquerades as public service. For a debt audit, because our futures are auctioned off every fiscal year. For an end to police brutality. These are not radical demands. They are the bare minimum conditions of a functioning society. But under your administration, they remain mirages.
Since you hold a PhD, permit me to engage you in the language of science—physics, specifically, the laws of motion.
Newton’s First Law: An object remains in a state of rest or motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Kenya’s youth remain unemployed, disillusioned, and depressed—a state-sponsored condition since colonial times. The burden of changing that now sits squarely on your desk, for it is your party that governs—until something else acts upon us.
Newton’s Second Law: Force equals mass times acceleration.
Larger masses require greater force. The youth bulge is an extraordinary mass. And for decades, this country has never summoned the force sufficient to move it. But in the second year of your rule, we found the force ourselves. We rose. We impeached a Parliament that would not hear us. And on June 26th, 2024, you agreed—not by words alone, but by action. You declined to assent to the Bill.
Now, Newton’s Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
And that, Mr. President, is why I write.
We came to the streets armed with smartphones, water bottles, placards, white handkerchiefs, and roses. In return, we were met with batons—not to conduct the music we sang, but to break our bones and our spirits. With water cannons—not to quench our thirst, but to drown out our cries for justice. And bullets—that split our skulls open.
The smartphones that once streamed civic education now stream funerals.
The water bottles, once used to rinse tear gas, now overflow with the tears of grieving parents.
The white handkerchiefs now bear the four colours of our flag—but mostly red.
Our placards have turned into obituaries.
Our roses now wither on unmarked graves.
Justice has not been done.
The violence we endured has not been answered by any force equal in morality or consequence.
This letter is a request—but also a warning.
If the law does not speak, we shall.
We may be patient—but not forever.
I once shook your hand—not out of allegiance, but out of respect for H.E. Raila Odinga, whom you call your brother. I received nothing for it. No contract. No favour. Yet I see lesser men, less principled, less informed, less accomplished eking millions out of you every day for doing far less than my generation.
I do not want a job. I do not want money.
I want justice.
Shake my hand, Mr. President. I need it now, for my generation. We are nearing a year since the blood of our comrades soaked this soil—and not one of their killers has been brought to justice. Today, you extended clemency to offenders. I ask for a double portion on the other side of the scale.
As the custodian of this republic, I ask for the heads of those who murdered my generation.
This is both a request—and a prophecy.
Your administration is losing the youth.
Not just their votes. Their faith. Their patience. Their fear. We are punished when we speak—and punished when we remain silent.
Our sweat, our tears, and our blood are stolen—daily, publicly, shamelessly. Those who seek your attention and those around you mock our deaths. To them, we are worth less than the watches on their wrists, the truncheons in their fists, or the tracts of land they’ve grabbed.
I may not earn enough in this economy to advise a president, but I have read enough scripture to know this:
If we do not get justice, the writing is already on the wall.
Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin.
Shake my hand, Mr. President.
It may not change everything.
But it would be the first act in restoring the laws—not just of science, but of justice.
Our Constitution is our stone tablet. Hold it high.
Then swing the sword of justice against those who break it in uniform.
The youth are not a special interest group.
We are the republic. The median age in Kenya is 19.
I am only one voice in this generation.
But I am also one of many leaders within it, serving in the ODM Youth League.
And if I am ever silenced—for whatever reason—millions more will take my place, and speak with greater force and clarity than I ever could.
As a fellow Christian, I leave you with the words of the hymn writer:
Once to every man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood,
For the good or evil side.
Some great cause, God’s new Messiah,
Offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever
’Twixt that darkness and that light.
In a move aimed at tightening fiscal discipline and realigning national priorities, the Cabinet has approved major budgetary adjustments in line with the Kenya Kwanza’s commitment to fiscal consolidation.
During a Cabinet meeting held Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, and chaired by President William Ruto, ministries and State departments were directed to collaborate closely with the National Treasury to implement various expenditure reviews.
“These adjustments are part of broader austerity measures designed to strengthen fiscal discipline, reduce public debt vulnerabilities, and create the fiscal space necessary to deliver essential public goods and services,” the dispatch read in part.
According to the directive, Kenya’s fiscal deficit is supposed to reduce to 4.5% of GDP in the 2025/26 financial year, down from 5.3% in 2023/24 and 5.1% in 2024/25.
The medium-term target is set at 2.7%.
As part of these reforms, the initial KSh4.3 trillion budget will be significantly revised before submission to Parliament.
Finance Bill, 2025
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Cabinet also gave its nod to the Finance Bill, 2025, which focuses on tightening tax administration rather than introducing new tax hikes.
The Bill aims to close long-standing loopholes, particularly those around tax expenditures and inflated tax refund claims.
Key reforms proposed in the Bill include streamlining tax refund processes, closing legal gaps that delay revenue collection, and amending key tax laws—such as the Income Tax Act and VAT Act—to reduce disputes and improve efficiency.
“Small businesses will benefit from provisions allowing full deductions for everyday tools and equipment in the year of purchase, while retirees will now enjoy full tax exemptions on all gratuity payments,” it added.
Employers will also be mandated to apply for all applicable tax reliefs during PAYE calculations, removing the burden from employees.
Emergency preparedness and judicial reforms
In response to shortcomings exposed during the 2023 El Niño rains, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Finance Management Act requiring counties to establish Emergency Funds.
The move, discussed during last year’s IBEC summit, is expected to bolster disaster response at the county level.
In the judiciary, the Cabinet endorsed the Judges Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025, creating a dedicated pension system for judges.
“The law introduces a defined benefit scheme for current judges and a defined contribution plan for future appointees, offering improved retirement security and reinforcing judicial independence,” the brief stated.
Healthcare expansion
As part of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, the government will construct two new Level VI teaching and referral hospitals in Bungoma and Kericho counties.
These projects will be developed in partnershipwith the African Development Bank to improve healthcare access in underserved regions.
In efforts to attract investment and boost financial markets, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Capital Markets Act to lift shareholder limits in regulated institutions.
Agriculture, foreign relations approvals
The Cabinet further approved the Draft Pest Control Products Bill, 2024, which proposes the creation of a new regulatory authority to oversee pest control products.
The legislation is expected to improve food safety, support agricultural exports, and align with international standards.
In foreign affairs, the Cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a Consulate General in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The diplomatic post will support Kenya’s role in ongoing international peacekeeping efforts in the Caribbean nation.
“This decision underscores Kenya’s commitment to promoting global peace and security while expanding diplomatic presence in the Caribbean nation,” the brief read.
Nigerian financial crime authorities have launched an international manhunt for four Kenyan nationals allegedly involved in a cryptocurrency scam that has left investors across multiple African countries with significant losses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has identified eight suspects, including four Kenyans, in connection with the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) platform breach that occurred approximately two weeks ago. The platform’s collapse wiped out user accounts across Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt.
According to a public notice issued by the EFCC on Friday, the Kenyan suspects are John Okiroh Otieno, Israel Mbaluka, Joseph Michiro Kabera, and Serah Michiro. All four had reportedly been residing in Lagos, Nigeria. Four Nigerian nationals were also named in the investigation: Seyi Oloyede, Emmanuel Uko, Adefowora Oluwanisola, and Adefowora Abiodun Olaonipekun.
“The public is hereby notified that the persons whose photographs appear above are suspected foreign accomplices wanted by the EFCC for fraud allegedly perpetrated on an online trading platform called Crypto Bridge Exchange,” the watchdog stated in its notice.
The CBEX platform had attracted significant attention across several African countries by promising investors AI-powered trading returns of up to 30 percent within just 30 days, along with lucrative referral bonuses and supposedly easy withdrawal processes.
These promises came crashing down when users discovered their accounts had been emptied and withdrawals were suddenly impossible.
Nigerian investigators have determined that CBEX was never properly registered or licensed to operate as a digital asset exchange in Nigeria or any other African jurisdiction.
The Securities Exchange Commission of Nigeria found that CBEX “engaged in promotional activities to create a false perception of legitimacy, in order to entice unsuspecting members of the public into investing monies, with the promise of implausibly high guaranteed returns within a short timeframe.”
The collapse of CBEX came to public attention earlier this month when users reported their cryptocurrency wallets had been “wiped clean” in what the platform initially claimed was a hacking incident.
CBEX subsequently promised refunds beginning April 19, 2025, but later postponed this timeline to June 2025, citing an alleged audit by UK authorities.
In a development that further alarmed investors, CBEX announced that users would need to pay verification fees ranging from $100 to $200 (approximately Ksh 12,961 to Ksh 25,929) before any refund processing could begin.
The EFCC has reportedly engaged Interpol and the FBI to help track down the suspects.
Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have yet to publicly comment on the situation or launch their own investigation, despite Kenya having an estimated 730,000 cryptocurrency users who could potentially be affected.
This case highlights the risks within Kenya’s active but currently unregulated cryptocurrency market, which the National Treasury intends to bring under the regulatory control of the Central Bank of Kenya and the Capital Markets Authority in the future.
In what political analysts are calling the first major consolidation of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has emerged from his political hiatus to join key opposition figures in a high-stakes strategy meeting.
The closed-door gathering, which marks Matiang’i’s first public political appearance since quietly returning to Kenya several weeks ago, included political heavyweights former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that discussions centered on forming a unified political front capable of unseating President William Ruto in the next general election.
The coalition appears to be taking shape just two years before Kenyans return to the polls.
“We are looking at all possibilities to ensure Kenya gets the leadership it deserves,” said a source who requested anonymity.
Gachagua, who was impeached from his deputy president position, has been vocal about his presidential ambitions but emphasized unity over personal gain.
“I am vying for presidency, so is Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and we continue to look for votes. In the end, we shall talk and agree to back one candidate. Even if it’s not me, I will support whoever we agree on,” Gachagua stated recently.
The former deputy president dismissed concerns about his impeachment, noting: “I was not impeached by the people. I was impeached by MPs who did not elect me. Impeached or not, I am still a leader.”
Political insiders suggest that Matiang’i, who has reportedly been endorsed as Jubilee Party’s presidential flagbearer, has spent recent weeks in private meetings with regional and national leaders, carefully positioning himself within the opposition landscape.
Also present at the strategy session were former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi, Justin Muturi, and former UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi, signaling broad support across multiple political constituencies.
However, the emerging coalition faces criticism from youth leaders who question whether these established political figures represent genuine change.
“This is unity without vision, unity without purpose,” said Morara Kebaso, leader of the INJECT Party, in a scathing critique. “I urge all young people of Kenya to reject this coalition of tumbocrats and projects funded by the guy who stole 6 trillion from this nation.”
As Gachagua prepares to launch his political party next month and other opposition leaders continue consolidating their bases, political observers note that while the opposition’s efforts to form a grand coalition are gaining momentum, they face significant challenges in aligning diverse interests and presenting a unified policy platform that resonates with Kenyan voters.
Whether this emerging “Dream Team” can overcome internal rivalries and present a compelling alternative to President Ruto’s administration remains the central question in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
NAIROBI — Self-proclaimed “billionaire” lawyer Raymond Ndunga is nursing more than just a wounded ego after a bedroom encounter turned into a bloody nightmare when his girlfriend allegedly transformed his manhood into a late-night snack in what sources close to the scandal are calling “the bite heard across Kileleshwa.”
The flamboyant attorney, known for his flashy lifestyle and frequent social media boasts about his wealth, is currently recovering at Coptic Hospital after what he describes as a savage attack where his paramour, Sylvia Omulo (known as Sly Nnard), reportedly bit off a chunk of his prized possession during what should have been a passionate encounter at his upscale Kileleshwa apartment.
“She chewed my dick like jaba,” lamented the lawyer in a series of explosive and increasingly graphic social media posts that have set Nairobi’s elite gossiping overtime. “My dick is now damaged… When will I have sex again?” he woefully questioned, sharing what he claims are actual photos of his injured appendage to his shocked followers.
According to his neighbors at Mideya Apartments, residents were awakened by blood-curdling screams around midnight. “We thought someone was being murdered,” said one neighbor who requested anonymity. “Then we saw the lawyer being carried out with blood-soaked pants while a woman was being restrained by security guards. It was like a scene from a horror movie!”
According to Ndunga, who previously made headlines for allegedly slapping his ex-wife Doris ten times last year, the bedroom nightmare was just the beginning of his troubles. While he was bleeding profusely from his injured member, Sylvia allegedly snatched his phone and transferred “all his money” to herself before attempting a dramatic escape with her sister Mitchell and daughter Asia.
“After leaving me half dead, Sylvia quickly took my phone and sent all the money to herself,” Ndunga claimed in his typical melodramatic fashion, adding that his quick-thinking friend Simeo Ochieng rushed him to hospital while security guards prevented the women from escaping in an Uber that was suspiciously already waiting outside.
In what must have been an awkward medical examination, Ndunga revealed with surprising candor: “When I reached the hospital, all the doctors who were attending to my dick were beautiful ladies. Wueh. Waliguza na ikajam kuamka!”
The lawyer, who recently disclosed he’s battling cancer, claims the attack came after he discovered text messages between Sylvia and a mysterious man saved as “Warra” in her phone. “I saw something strange on Sly’s WhatsApp. She was talking with a guy called ‘Warra’ but deleting texts. I was quiet,” he revealed, suggesting infidelity may have been the spark that ignited this explosive situation.
Sources close to Sylvia paint a different picture, however. “Ray has been controlling and manipulative,” claimed a friend of Omulo who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He constantly flaunted his money and expected her to be at his beck and call. What happened was unfortunate, but there are always two sides to every story.”
The situation allegedly escalated when Ndunga brought his daughter Tillett to stay at his apartment. “Apparently, Sly became jealous when my daughter was here. She expected me to treat her daughter better than Tillett!” he fumed, adding that Mitchell made “nasty comments” about his daughter that pushed him over the edge.
Following the incident, the women were reportedly detained at Kileleshwa Police Station in a scene that witnesses describe as “pure drama,” with Ndunga claiming Sylvia’s mother Catherine Mbaika rushed to the hospital to pay his bills in a desperate attempt to persuade him to drop the charges.
“Her mom knelt down and started crying for forgiveness saying that they had no money at home and the matter should not reach the court. She started calling me, ‘my son, forgive us please…’,” he wrote, apparently unmoved by the mother’s pleas.
This isn’t the first time the lawyer has courted controversy. Known for his explosive temper and larger-than-life persona, Ndunga has frequently used social media to air his dirty laundry. Last year, he admitted to slapping his ex-wife in another scandal that rocked Nairobi’s social circles.
Now, as he recovers from his injuries, Ndunga has vowed to never date single mothers again, declaring dramatically: “I will never ever date a single mother. They never have any good intentions,” and warning his followers, “Awuoro experience mar Single mothers on tactics on how to grab and chew Billionaire’s dick! En wach malich ainya!”
The incident has left Ndunga walking in an unusual manner, as he colorfully described in his native dialect: “Sahizi naatembea tu legs ikiwa 10 Kilometres apart!”
Police investigations are reportedly ongoing, with the lawyer promising to pursue charges despite the settlement attempts. “Does this woman know that by the time I am with her in Court, she will be leaving for Lang’ata?” he threatened, referring to the women’s prison.
Meanwhile, beauticians and hairdressers across Nairobi can’t get enough of the juicy scandal. “This is better than any telenovela,” laughed one salon owner in Kilimani. “Everyone is talking about the lawyer whose girlfriend took a bite out of his pride. It’s the perfect cautionary tale about mixing money, jealousy, and bedroom affairs!”
As Ndunga continues his recovery, Nairobi’s gossip mills churn overtime, with social media ablaze with memes and jokes about the lawyer’s predicament, proving once again that when it comes to scandal in Kenya’s high society, truth is always stranger—and more painful—than fiction.
Hon. Joseph Waswa Empowers Webuye West Through Health, Youth, and Women Initiatives
Hon. Joseph Waswa, through the JLW Foundation, is driving community development in Webuye West Constituency with practical, people-centered programs targeting women, youth, and healthcare access.
1. Supporting Women in Business: Umbrella and Apron Distribution
In early 2023, Hon. Waswa launched a program to support small-scale businesswomen in Webuye West.
Over 2,000 women received free umbrellas and aprons through the JLW Foundation, offering protection from harsh weather while boosting their visibility and confidence at work.
“Providing umbrellas to roadside vendors may seem small, but it’s a powerful act of dignity and respect,” said a beneficiary from Misikhu.
The initiative was praised as a grassroots empowerment model, directly reaching women working in informal markets.
2. Promoting Public Health: Free Medical Camps and SHA Registration
Between late 2023 and early 2024, Hon. Waswa led a free medical outreach campaign across all four wards of Webuye West.
The JLW Foundation organized health camps offering free consultations, treatment, and referrals to advanced facilities. The camps also included SHA (Social Health Authority) registration for hundreds of residents, helping them access government health coverage.
“Access to medical care should not depend on where you live,” Hon. Waswa said during one of the camps.
Residents welcomed the effort, citing improved awareness, early diagnoses, and relief for families that could not afford hospital visits.
3. Youth Empowerment Through Sports and Talent Development
In December 2023, Hon. Waswa hosted a large youth tournament at Webuye DEB Grounds. The event brought together local football teams, fans, and leaders to celebrate talent and discipline.
“This is more than football. It’s about saving our youth from crime, drugs, and hopelessness,” he told the crowd.
The tournament was part of his broader plan to engage youth through sports, nurture local talent, and promote unity across the constituency.
Residents praised his hands-on approach, noting that his presence and support showed genuine concern for young people’s future.
Community Response and Outlook
Hon. Waswa’s activities have won support from various groups in Webuye West.
Women see him as a leader who listens to grassroots needs.
Families appreciate his healthcare outreach.
Youth look up to him for creating safe, engaging platforms.
With these programs, the JLW Foundation continues to show that development doesn’t need to wait for big promises — it can start with umbrellas, footballs, and a medical tent.
Kenya has firmly denied allegations from Sudan’s military administration that it is supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s civil conflict, calling the accusations “baseless tirades” in an official statement released yesterday.
The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to a diplomatic circular reportedly distributed by Sudan’s Sovereign Armed Forces (SAF) administration to diplomatic missions worldwide, which attempted to shift blame to Kenya for the two-year conflict that has devastated Sudan.
“While it is not in Kenya’s interest to engage in needless exchanges, especially on a matter so grievous and intractable, it is nonetheless incumbent to put the record straight and to urge people and nations of goodwill to disregard those tirades as baseless,” the ministry stated in its April 29 press release.
Tensions between the two East African nations escalated following Kenya’s hosting of a meeting of Sudanese nationals in Nairobi, which the SAF administration has characterized as an attempt to establish an exile government.
Kenya’s statement directly addresses this misconception, clarifying that “the convening of this dialogue forum in our capital, Nairobi, neither equates to endorsing any forum’s outcome nor constitutes the formation of an exile government as has been alleged.”
The diplomatic rift has already had economic consequences, with Sudan banning all imports from Kenya in March, following what it perceived as Nairobi’s engagement with RSF leadership.
Kenya defended its position as a regional peacemaker, noting its extensive efforts within the IGAD framework to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The statement emphasized that Kenya has met with leaders from both warring factions “both simultaneously and at separate intervals” in accordance with its “unrivalled credentials for peaceful conflict mediation.”
The Kenyan government expressed deep concern over the humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has left “thousands dead, millions displaced, and countless others without access to lifesaving humanitarian aid.”
It called on international stakeholders to pressure both sides toward finding “a pathway to peaceful resolution and end the bloodletting.”
The statement concluded with Kenya’s pledge to remain actively engaged in regional peace efforts, asserting that “Kenya will not remain passive” as the conflict continues to affect the broader region.
A businessman has been charged with defrauding Muthaiga ABC Forex Bureau over Sh 4.2 million.
Mohamed Sumeer is accused of obtaining USD 2,500 (Apprx Sh 326,250)from the bureau by falsely pretending that he was issuing genuine cheque in Kenyan currency equivalent to the said US dollars, a fact he knew to be false.
Sumeer is alleged to have committed the offense on 1st March 2025 at Muthaiga ABC Forex within Westlands, Nairobi, with intent to defraud.
The accused is also charged with obtaining USD 30,000 (Apprx Sh 3,915,000) from the said bureau by falsely pretending that in exchange, he was issuing genuine cheque in Kenyan currency equivalent to the said US dollars.
This offense was allegedly committed on 3rd March 2025 at Muthaiga ABC Forex.
Sumeer faces five other charges of issuing bad cheques in favor of Muthaiga ABC Forex Bureau.
The accused is accused of issuing the said cheques on the DTB bank account knowing the said account had insufficient funds.
He denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego.
The accused person told the court that he had entered into an agreement with the bureau on how to repay the said money in installments.
The court heard that he had already paid the first installment of Sh 500,000 and was only arrested after a delay in paying the second installment which was as a result of his mother falling sick.
Sumeer was granted a bond of Sh 2 million with alternative cash bail of Sh 500,000 and two contact persons.
Edward Carey Kwach, a beloved figure in Kenya’s radio broadcasting landscape for over two decades, passed away on Monday evening while receiving treatment for meningitis at a Nairobi hospital, his family has confirmed.
In a statement released last night, Kwach’s family expressed “profound sadness” at his “untimely passing” on April 28, 2025.
The veteran presenter had been admitted to Coptic Hospital in Nairobi earlier this month with critically low iron and hemoglobin levels that required blood donations, according to fellow media personality Caroline Mutoko who had made a public appeal on behalf of the family.
Kwach, who most recently worked as a talk show host at Urban Radio Kisumu, had built a distinguished career spanning many of Kenya’s top radio stations, including Easy FM, Kiss FM, and Spice FM.
His distinctive voice and engaging on-air personality made him a household name across the country.
“He will be remembered not only for his warmth and humor but also for his exceptional taste in music, which brought joy and comfort to so many,” the family noted in their statement.
“His passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him personally and the many more who connected with him through his work.”
Kwach’s reflections on his own career path earlier this year now stand as a poignant testimonial to his journey in broadcasting.
In January, while advising an aspiring radio presenter, he wrote candidly about the challenges of fame, noting that “there will be a point where you will be the number one, you will have the number one show on radio and on TV.”
The family expressed gratitude for the public’s support during Kwach’s illness, particularly those who donated blood, visited, or kept him in their thoughts.
Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
As news of his death spreads, Kenya’s media fraternity finds itself in mourning once again, having lost a seasoned broadcaster whose voice had become “a trusted and familiar companion to listeners across the country.”
A new legal challenge has emerged against Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who recently returned to Kenya after an extended stay in the United States. Peter Kuria Mwaniki, a Nakuru County voter, has filed an urgent petition with the Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court seeking her immediate removal from office, claiming she’s an American citizen illegally holding Kenyan office.
The petition, filed under a certificate of urgency, claims that Kihika’s previous employment as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County, Texas—a position “exclusively reserved for US citizens”—constitutes irrefutable proof of her American citizenship. According to Article 78(2) of Kenya’s Constitution, individuals with dual citizenship are disqualified from holding state office unless they have formally renounced their foreign citizenship.
“A declaration be issued that Kihika is not a fit and proper person with due regard to her honesty, dignity, personal integrity, and suitability, and hence, her election was inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid,” states Mwaniki in the petition.
Through his lawyer Omar Siraji, Mwaniki argues that Kihika never renounced her US citizenship before running for governor in the 2022 General Election. The petitioner claims he wrote to the governor requesting documentation proving she had renounced her American citizenship, but received no response.
“No public record exists showing that Kihika has ever formally renounced her US citizenship,” Mwaniki asserts. “Her silence on this matter speaks volumes and constitutes a gross breach of public trust.”
The lawsuit names Kihika as the first respondent, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party as the second respondent, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as the third. Mwaniki accuses the IEBC of neglecting its constitutional mandate to properly vet candidates, calling it “a serious dereliction of duty” that undermines electoral credibility.
If successful, the petition would declare the Nakuru County governor’s seat vacant, paving the way for Deputy Governor David Kones to be sworn in.
The legal challenge comes amid growing public frustration over Kihika’s prolonged absence from the county. During her time away, Nakuru residents submitted petitions and held protests questioning her whereabouts and leadership. Over 2,000 residents reportedly submitted a petition to the County Assembly demanding an explanation for her absence.
Kihika’s return also coincides with intensifying criticism of her administration’s management of the healthcare system, particularly following the death of a young mother at the Margaret Kenyatta Mother and Baby Unit, which her family has attributed to negligence.
The petitioner argues that the case has national significance, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching. “If left unchecked, this violation will set a dangerous precedent. It will tell future leaders that constitutional requirements can be flouted without consequence,” Mwaniki warns in his petition.
The Government plans to increase the number of National Youth Service (NYS) recruits fivefold—from the current 20,000 to 100,000—by the year 2027, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced.
Speaking during a tour at NYS Yatta Field Unit in Machakos County, the CS emphasized the pivotal role NYS plays in youth empowerment, national development, and job creation.
He revealed that the expansion is part of a broader government strategy to harness the potential of the youth while addressing unemployment and enhancing service delivery across the country.
In a bid to make NYS more self-reliant and productive, CS Ruku called for the commercialization of NYS activities.
Particular focus will be placed on agriculture, with products such as avocados, maize, and beans earmarked for large-scale production and sale.
He called on members of Parliament to accelerate the commercialization of selected government agencies in a bid to improve efficiency, generate revenue, and reduce the financial burden on the national budget.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of maintaining under performing or non-essential government institutions.
During a recent parliamentary session, legislators across party lines emphasized the urgency of implementing long-standing recommendations to restructure and commercialize entities that have the potential to operate profitably.
In a significant boost to Kenya’s environmental restoration initiatives, the CS announced that over 5,000 officers from the NYS will be enrolled to participate in the ongoing cleanup of Nairobi River.
The move, he said, is part of the broader programme that aims at rehabilitating the city’s water bodies and providing employment opportunities for the youth.
The CS lauded NYS officers for their dedication and patriotism and urged other civil servants to emulate them for effective service delivery in the country.
Kenya’s authorities have pressured the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to cancel a screening of its investigative documentary “Blood Parliament,” which details police brutality during anti-tax protests at the Kenyan Parliament in June 2024.
The documentary, which was set to be screened at a Nairobi restaurant, focuses on the fatal shooting of University of Nairobi finance student Eric Shieni, who was reportedly shot in the back of the head while leaving parliament grounds during the protests.
“A screening of BBC Africa Eye’s ‘Blood Parliament in Kenya’ was cancelled due to pressure from the authorities. We are very disappointed not to have been able to share the documentary and panel discussion as planned,” a BBC spokesperson stated, noting that the film remains available on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel.
Through analysis of more than 150 images taken before and after Shieni’s death, BBC investigators claim to have identified the shooter as a member of Kenya’s armed forces.
The documentary suggests that Shieni was unarmed when he was killed.
The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) has rejected the BBC’s findings. KDF Spokesperson Paul Njuguna told the Nation that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had begun investigations into the protests but had not contacted KDF regarding any alleged involvement of its personnel.
“IPOA has so far not forwarded any enquiries, information or request to investigate any KDF personnel that were involved in the operations in support of NPS during the period, nor have they published the report,” Njuguna said, adding that KDF “remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law.”
The deployment of military forces during the protests was unusual, as KDF is primarily tasked with securing the country’s borders.
Then-Defense Minister Aden Duale authorized their deployment under Article 241 of the Kenyan Constitution to support the National Police Service during what was deemed a security emergency.
According to government figures released by former Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who is now Deputy President, the protests resulted in 42 deaths, 132 disappearances, and 1,208 arrests.
A 2024 report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights placed the death toll higher, stating that security forces killed at least 63 people and injured 600 others during what became known as the Gen-Z protests.
Law Society of Kenya member Hosea Manwa, who has been monitoring cases of disappearances linked to the protests, called the allegations concerning. “It is time the details in the expose are investigated. If anyone is found guilty, then action should be taken against them,” he said.
The BBC documentary reportedly analyzed over 5,000 images, concluding that those killed during the protests were unarmed and posed no threat to security forces.
The June 2024 demonstrations erupted in response to a controversial finance bill, with protestors storming Parliament buildings in scenes that ultimately led to significant political shifts in the country.
A wealthy Kenyan investor has purchased six luxury properties worth over Sh350 million in Dubai, sparking widespread speculation about their identity and the source of their wealth.
The discovery came to light when a video emerged showing Dubai-based real estate agents celebrating recent sales achievements at what appears to be their office headquarters.
In the footage, sales executive Anjal Singhv is called to the front to be recognized for closing a substantial deal.
“I closed six units…for ten million [AED],” Singhv announces in the video, revealing that the buyer of all six properties was from Kenya. When asked by the event’s master of ceremonies about the client’s nationality, Singhv emphatically replies, “He’s from Kenya!”
The purchased properties include a two-bedroom unit with a pool in Binghatti, with each unit priced at approximately AED 2 million, totaling more than AED 10 million (approximately Sh352 million).
Singhv, a specialist in luxury properties across Dubai including apartments, villas, townhouses, and plots, was named ‘Agent of the Month’ for March 2025.
He was previously recognized alongside colleague Hassan Bin Khalid for closing the most deals during October and November 2020.
The video quickly generated significant buzz on social media platforms, with many Kenyans on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting the mysterious investor likely hails from the country’s political class.
Some commenters speculated that the millions spent on the lavish Dubai properties might be proceeds of corruption, though these claims remain unsubstantiated.
While the buyer’s identity remains unknown, the purchase highlights a growing trend of wealthy Kenyans investing in Dubai real estate.
According to Dubai Nomad, several factors make the emirate particularly attractive to Kenyan investors, including its tax-free environment, lucrative rental yields, political stability, investment security, thriving real estate market, ease of foreign ownership, and access to UAE residency.
Alice Maigida of Danube Properties confirmed this trend, stating, “Kenya is emerging as an important market for us where affluent families are buying apartments to facilitate residence for their members pursuing an education or to house business partners who often visit Dubai.”
Industry experts note that many Kenyans are increasingly looking to Dubai for property investments due to the higher returns compared to local markets.
As speculation continues about the identity of the big-spending Kenyan investor, the purchase underscores the significant capital outflow from Kenya to overseas property markets, particularly in the luxury segment of Dubai’s real estate sector.
A prominent ODM parliamentarian has called for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to be banned from operating in Kenya following the release of a documentary that alleges security forces killed protesters during last year’s Finance Bill demonstrations.
Homa Bay Town MP George Kaluma issued a strong statement on social media demanding that “relevant agencies of the Government of Kenya must act fast to withdraw BBC licence in Kenya” after the BBC released a 37-minute investigative documentary titled “Blood Parliament” on Monday.
Documentary Claims and Allegations
The documentary, published on YouTube on April 28, uses 3D modeling, forensic video analysis, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the events of June 25, 2024, when demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 turned deadly.
According to the BBC investigation, security forces opened fire on protesters minutes after Parliament passed the controversial bill by a vote of 195 to 106.
The documentary specifically alleges that David Chege, 39, and Ericsson Mutisya, 25, were shot by a police officer who “opened fire indiscriminately” on Parliament Road.
These protests marked a significant moment in Kenya’s recent history as demonstrators breached the Parliament complex itself—the first such occurrence since Kenya’s independence.
MP’s Accusations of Media Irresponsibility
In his statement, MP Kaluma characterized the BBC documentary as “twisted, partial, reckless and intended to incite chaos in Kenya.”
He drew a controversial parallel to the role of media in the 1994 Rwanda genocide, suggesting that irresponsible journalism could threaten Kenya’s stability.
“The role played by the media in any democracy is too important to be discharged irresponsibly,” Kaluma stated. “The media can build greater democracy or destroy an otherwise stable State.”
Media rights advocates have expressed alarm at the call for a ban, noting that press freedom is protected under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
The Constitution guarantees “freedom and independence of electronic, print and all other types of media.”
“Calling for a media ban rather than addressing the substance of the allegations raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability,” said Jeff Mwiti on X.
As of publication time, neither the Kenya Defence Forces nor the National Police Service have issued formal responses to the specific allegations in the documentary.
Context of the Finance Bill Protests
The June 2024 protests erupted in response to the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed new taxes that many Kenyans, particularly from younger generations, found burdensome amid existing economic challenges.
Official government figures at the time acknowledged 39 deaths nationwide during the protests, though human rights organizations claimed the actual death toll was higher.
The government had previously attributed most deaths to “criminal elements” within the protest movement.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, pledging to abolish the controversial Housing Levy and expressing confidence that the opposition can secure victory without former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s support.
In an interview with Meru-based Weru TV on Sunday night, Gachagua outlined his vision for a post-Ruto Kenya while dismissing the need for an alliance with Odinga.
“I don’t know what he (Raila Odinga) will decide, I think they are together. To be honest, we don’t need him, we are fine,” Gachagua stated, referring to Odinga’s perceived alignment with President William Ruto’s administration.
Building Opposition Coalition
The former deputy president revealed he is building a formidable alliance with opposition figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of PLP, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, George Natembeya, and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i.
He announced plans to meet with these political leaders on Tuesday, April 29, to strategize on uniting Kenya against President Ruto’s administration.
“We will first look for votes and agree on one candidate later. I will stand down for whoever will get the most support in our camp because Ruto must go home,” Gachagua said, demonstrating willingness to prioritize coalition success over personal ambition.
The coalition aims to name their presidential candidate by the end of 2026, with Gachagua emphasizing they would “invest heavily in scientific research” to develop a winning formula against President Ruto.
Gachagua identified the 3.5 million Kenyans employed in the formal sector as the opposition’s core support base, arguing they bear the brunt of excessive deductions from their pay slips under the current administration.
“Our first assignment would be to restore the dignity of the pay slip,” Gachagua stated, referring to new deductions imposed on salaried workers that have reduced take-home income.
Under his proposed plan, houses constructed through the affordable housing program would be transferred to county governments, which would rent them out to refund taxpayers their deductions and reduce the financial burden on workers.
New Political Party and Legal Challenge
Despite his impeachment, Gachagua remains confident in his political future, maintaining that his case against removal from office has not been concluded.
“As long as my impeachment petition would not have been concluded by the Supreme Court, I will vie for the presidency,” Gachagua stated, signaling his intention to challenge his removal through all available legal channels.
“Our laws say if you have not exhausted all legal mechanisms, you are free to vie for any office. Rigathi Gachagua’s case has not even started, it will go to the high court, then to the court of appeal and if it will not go well, we go to the Supreme Court,” he explained.
Gachagua is set to unveil his political party next month, with former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi expected to hold a senior position in the new outfit. The party will focus on challenging President Ruto’s allies in Parliament, particularly targeting Mt. Kenya representatives.
Mt. Kenya Politics
The former deputy president accused Mt. Kenya MPs of betrayal, claiming they reported him to President Ruto whenever he attempted to rally them to defend regional interests.
“I was not impeached by the people. I was impeached by MPs who did not elect me. Impeached or not, I am still a leader and that is why people listen to me everywhere I go. I am in the politics of saving Kenya,” Gachagua asserted.
As Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 general election, Gachagua’s announcement and coalition-building efforts signal the beginning of what promises to be an intensely contested presidential race, with or without Raila Odinga’s involvement.
