Linda Mwananchi leaders in a meeting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino convened a high-level meeting alongside other Linda Mwananchi leaders to discuss the country’s political direction. In a statement, Orengo said the meeting focused on charting the way forward amid what he described as growing indifference by the government, particularly following the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. “Despite the blatant attempts at intimidation by the state machinery, our resolve remains unshaken,” Orengo stated. He reaffirmed that the ODM-linked dissenting faction would not be intimidated into abandoning its agenda, insisting that their mission to advocate for Kenyans would continue. Orengo further confirmed that the Linda Mwananchi team will proceed with its planned rally in Nakuru, expressing confidence in public support. “They tried to silence us, but they forgot that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Let us meet in Nakuru. Nani WANTAM!” he said. Leaders present at the meeting included Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi. The group condemned the recent attack on Osotsi, who was assaulted by unknown individuals in Kisumu, and called for accountability. Sifuna urged authorities to conduct thorough investigations and bring those responsible to justice. He also maintained that the Linda Mwananchi faction will proceed with its planned rallies in Kisumu and Homa Bay, daring those behind the attacks to desist. Separately, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o condemned the incident and called on the national government to guarantee the safety of all Kenyans, including leaders critical of the current administration.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the country has adequate fuel reserves, even as concerns grow over supply disruptions and rising pump prices. Appearing before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee on Monday, April 13, 2026, Wandayi dismissed fears of a nationwide shortage, stating that current stocks are sufficient to meet demand for several days. “I want to assure Kenyans that there is no shortage of fuel. As of today, we have 183,318 cubic metres of petrol and 152,750 cubic metres of diesel, enough to last us for many days. More shipments are also on the way,” he told lawmakers. The CS attributed reports of shortages in some areas to the actions of oil market players rather than a lack of national supply. “There is no shortage of fuel in the country. If there is any shortage, it has been caused by oil market players,” he said. His remarks come amid increased scrutiny of oil marketing companies, with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority stepping up enforcement against firms suspected of hoarding fuel and manipulating supply chains. Earlier in April, EPRA revealed it had received complaints that some marketers were withholding fuel from independent retailers in anticipation of higher prices. Preliminary findings indicated that certain companies restricted sales to non-franchised dealers, a practice the regulator termed unlawful under the Petroleum Act. The authority also flagged cases where wholesale prices exceeded regulatory caps, worsening supply challenges and fuelling consumer anxiety. On procurement concerns, Wandayi addressed questions surrounding a controversial fuel consignment, explaining that it had been initiated through technical recommendations before raising red flags. “Procurement of the consignment was recommended by a technical committee. The PS approved it in his wisdom. On March 30, it emerged that this consignment came out of G2G, and I moved swiftly and briefed the President. His Excellency advised me to stop the second vessel, which was coming in,” he said. Wandayi emphasised the need for proper authorisation in such transactions, noting that any deviation from established procedures should be escalated for higher approval. “Such a deviation should require a higher approval. The approval of the CS was not sought. If it did, I would have escalated to the President,” he added. On fuel pricing, the CS urged Kenyans to remain patient ahead of the regulator’s next review, assuring that the disputed consignment would not influence pump prices. “We cannot pre-empt what EPRA will announce tomorrow. Take it from me, the cost of this consignment will not be factored. We ask Kenyans to be patient and wait to see the measures the government has taken to cushion them,” he said. Meanwhile, EPRA acknowledged that some regions, including Nairobi and Machakos, have experienced temporary shortages, leading to long queues at petrol stations. The regulator attributed the situation partly to panic buying, even as inspections confirmed that most stations still had fuel while a few awaited resupply. Authorities say ongoing enforcement measures and stable national reserves are expected to restore confidence in the fuel supply chain and prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation.

A Collage of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and Radio 47 Presenter Billy Miya Tanzanian government is allegedly operating inside Kenya in what has been described as a surveillance operation targeting Radio 47 journalists Billy Miya and Mbaruk Mwalimu over their critical on-air commentary. According to claims made by Billy Miya, the Tanzanian government is angered by their coverage on Maskani 47, a Radio 47 programme, and has allegedly escalated efforts to monitor their movements in Kenya. “Serikali ya Tanzania inaniwinda mimi personally na mwenzangu Mbaruk Mwalimu… mnanake hawapendi tunavo fanya,” Billy said, alleging that they are being pursued because of their broadcasts. He further claimed that efforts to track them involve intermediaries and individuals allegedly working to expose their locations. “Tunasema ukweli… sisi kama maskani tukiangazia wanatuwinda, wametutumia watu lakini tumewaresist,” he added. Billy also alleged that a Kenyan insider was allegedly paid to obtain sensitive details about their whereabouts, including vehicle number plates. “So sasa hivi naskia wanatumia mfanyikazi… wamempea 150 million ili adisclose numberplate ya magari zetu mahali ambapo tunaishi,” he claimed. He further stated that the alleged operation is aimed at silencing their journalism, insisting that they will not back down. “A journalist is not a criminal… hatutanyamaza,” he said. Billy also made broader political allegations against the Tanzanian government, describing it as an “imla” administration and raising claims about election conduct. “Tunasema ya kwamba… serikali ile ni ya ki-imla… ilikua serikali ambayo imeiba kura na ikaua watu,” he alleged. He further questioned electoral legitimacy in Tanzania, citing claims of irregularities during past elections. “Kama umechaguliwa na asilimia tisini na saba kisha sherehe inakua held ndani ya kambi ya jeshi… hio ni ukweli ama umeiba kura,” he added. Billy maintained that despite the alleged pressure, they will continue with their work, saying they remain unfazed by the situation. “Let them come… we are not afraid,” he said. The allegations come amid concerns raised by the journalists over their safety and press freedom, though no independent verification has been provided regarding the claims of a cross-border surveillance operation or involvement of state actors. Kenyan authorities and security agencies have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Former Public Service CS Justin Muturi during the interview with NTV on April 4, 2025. Former Cabinet Secretary and Attorney General Justin Muturi has revealed details of his political discussions with President William Ruto during the 2022 General Election, including alleged assurances of a running mate position within the Kenya Kwanza alliance. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kameme TV on Monday, April 13, 2026, Muturi said Ruto had initially promised him a senior role as a potential deputy presidential candidate during the campaign period. However, he claimed the proposal faced resistance within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), where some members insisted that the running mate position should be reserved for a party member. “Before I joined Ruto in 2022, he had promised me the running mate position,” Muturi said. Muturi, who is also the Democratic Party of Kenya leader, said he became aware of internal objections but clarified that he was not interested in the position of Speaker, which was also being discussed at the time. Instead, he maintained that his focus was on securing an executive role in government. “There were also instances when I overheard people in UDA speaking, and they even informed me that the running mate position was to be filled by a UDA candidate since I was a DP candidate,” he added. He further stated that during his discussions with Ruto, he made it clear he was not seeking parliamentary leadership positions but was instead interested in serving in the executive arm of government. “I informed him I had nothing against that, but I was not seeking the Speaker’s office. I was seeking the executive,” Muturi said. Muturi added that Ruto appeared receptive to his position, although internal coalition dynamics ultimately influenced the final political decisions ahead of the election. The remarks shed light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations and competing interests that shaped the Kenya Kwanza coalition during the build-up to the 2022 polls.

President William Ruto has announced that he will undertake an official visit to Italy next week, where he is expected to seek funding for the upgrade of Nyamira County Referral Hospital. Speaking on Monday, April 13, in Ikonge, Nyamira County, the Head of State said one of his key priorities during the trip will be to secure approximately KSh1 billion to improve the facility. Ruto noted that he had already dispatched a team to assess the hospital’s condition, which recommended urgent upgrades to enhance service delivery. “Your hospital needs a bit of work; it is in a rather poor state. I have sent my people to the county government to conduct a survey, and we have agreed that we want to upgrade your hospital,” he said. “I will be going to Italy next week. Among the things I will be seeking is KSh1 billion for the Nyamira hospital. Shouldn’t we upgrade that hospital?” he added. At the same time, the President reaffirmed that Nyamira will benefit from a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station, confirming plans to construct a KSh300 million facility in Ikonge to enhance transport of passengers and goods across the region. “I am the one extending the railway from Naivasha, and here in Ikonge I am constructing a major station worth KSh300 million that will help transport passengers and goods,” Ruto said. “The people of Nyamira should prepare the goods they want taken to Nairobi. I am putting up a station for you,” he added. His remarks come as part of ongoing development engagements in Kisii and Nyamira counties, where the government is promoting major infrastructure and health sector investments. Notably, Ruto’s planned trip to Italy comes two years after his last official visit to the country. On January 28, 2024, he attended the Italy-Africa Summit in Rome, which brought together African heads of state to discuss cooperation in key development areas. During that visit, he also held bilateral talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on strengthening relations between Kenya and Italy.

Presiden Ruto/PCS President William Ruto has dismissed claims that Nyamira County will miss out on a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station, assuring residents that the project will include a key stop in the region. Speaking in Nyamira on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Head of State announced that the government will construct a KSh300 million SGR station in Ikonge. He said the facility will enhance the movement of passengers and goods to Nairobi and other parts of the country. “I am the one extending the railway from Naivasha, and here in Ikonge, I am constructing a major station worth KSh300 million that will help transport passengers and goods,” Ruto said. “The people of Nyamira should prepare the goods they want taken to Nairobi. I am putting up a station for you,” he added. The president is currently on a three-day development tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties, which began on Sunday, April 12, and is set to conclude on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. His remarks come amid criticism from a section of leaders in the Gusii region who accused the government of excluding Nyamira from the SGR passenger network. Ruto reiterated that the extension of the SGR from Naivasha to Kisumu, launched on March 19, 2026, is aimed at unlocking the full economic potential of the railway. He noted that the current line is incomplete as it does not reach key production zones in western Kenya. “A railway that terminates at Narok is incomplete because it does not reach the major production zones of western Kenya, does not connect with the lake transport system in Kisumu, and does not capture the full volume of outbound freight that sustains a modern rail economy in the eastern African region,” he said. The president explained that the extension will link Nairobi’s industrial corridor with key agricultural counties including Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho, Busia, and Kisumu. He noted that the region holds significant economic potential, driven by production of tea, maize, sugar, and rice, as well as a vibrant fishing industry in Lake Victoria. According to Ruto, the 475-kilometre railway extension to Kisumu and Malaba will feature 79 bridges, eight tunnels, 376 culverts, and 26 stations. The project is estimated to cost KSh645.8 billion.

File image of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has warned that President William Ruto could secure an easy victory in the 2027 General Election if opposition leaders fail to unite. Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s podcast aired on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the outspoken legislator and Nairobi gubernatorial hopeful stressed that unity remains the opposition’s only viable path to power. “If the opposition is united, if Ruto is to go home, it will be a 100 per cent win for them,” Owino said, warning that divisions would hand the president a straightforward victory. "He urged opposition principals to set aside personal ambitions and rally behind a single candidate, noting that failure to do so would split votes and weaken their chances. “They should not be selfish; each one of them should be ready to shelve their ambitions,” he added. Owino’s remarks come at a time when opposition leaders have publicly committed to backing one flagbearer when the right time comes, in a bid to mount a strong challenge against the incumbent. The Linda Mwananchi movement, where Owino plays a key role, has also signalled willingness to collaborate with the broader opposition to strengthen its chances in the next election. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was among the first to express openness to such an alliance, stating that there is growing consensus among Kenyans that defeating Ruto will require a unified political front. Sifuna further cautioned against repeating past mistakes that led to vote splitting, noting that like-minded leaders should align strategically ahead of the polls. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi also echoed the call for unity, saying that although it may be too early to formalise a coalition, discussions will eventually take shape as the election approaches. Similarly, Siaya Governor James Orengo has backed the idea of a united opposition front to challenge the current administration. At the same time, the opposition bloc led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has extended an olive branch to the Linda Mwananchi team, indicating a willingness to support a joint candidate if a consensus is reached. The growing calls for unity underscore increasing political realignments as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the high-stakes 2027 General Election.

File image of Senator Methu and President Ruto Nyandarua Senator John Methu has opened up about his relationship with President William Ruto, revealing that he was once among the Head of State’s closest political allies as he defended his recent remarks that sparked public debate. Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Methu maintained that his comments directed at the president were neither disrespectful nor out of line, stressing the need for leaders to strike a balance between respect and independence. “I have known President William Ruto for quite some time, especially since I was elected. Among his most favourite legislators then was myself. I have visited most of his farms. " He campaigned for me, and I campaigned for him. It would be inappropriate for anybody to say that what I said was not appropriate before the president,” Methu said. He added that while he respects the president as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, he does not fear him, noting that fear would compromise his ability to serve effectively as a leader. “I don’t fear him. I respect him as the head of state, as the commander in chief, as a parent; his sons are my age mates. It would be wrong for me to disrespect him, but it would also be wrong for me to fear him because if I fear him, I will not be a good leader,” he stated. The senator also addressed criticism over remarks he made during a recent public event in Ol Kalou, where he argued that leaders should not feel obligated to show unquestioned loyalty to the president. “I am not the first person to tell a president ‘nakuheshimu lakini sikuogopi’. You have seen Ruto telling Uhuru Kenyatta he doesn’t fear him. I said it on the podium at Ol Kalou; it is not my work to clap for William Ruto. That is not what has been provided in this Constitution. "If you read it cover to cover, you cannot see a provision that a senator is supposed to clap for the president, but you will see that a senator is supposed to play oversight on the national government,” he added. Methu further defended his decision to speak candidly during public gatherings, including funerals, saying leaders have a responsibility to represent the views of the people who elected them. “If I die someday, I would want politicians to come and play a lot of politics at my funeral because I am a politician. My family must acknowledge and appreciate that I have been speaking at so many funerals. It cannot be that I have been speaking in so many funerals, but I do not want them to speak in mine,” he said. “I lost my dad, and people came to bury my dad on January 2, 2024, and there were many politicians. I never heard anybody from my family complain that politicians came to that funeral. I would never have forgiven myself if I left that podium without mentioning the things I had been sent by the people of Nyandarua,” he added. His remarks come amid heightened political discourse on whether elected leaders should openly critique the executive or maintain loyalty to the administration. Methu insisted that effective leadership requires courage and accountability, warning that fear of authority undermines the constitutional oversight role entrusted to lawmakers.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that unnamed senior security officials are operating what he termed a “goons headquarters” based in Lavington, Nairobi, which he claims is being used to coordinate political violence in the country. Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, during a church service at PEFA Works in Kajiado County, Gachagua said he had information suggesting that disruptions witnessed in various political gatherings were being planned from a central point. “Hii maneno ya goonism, kuna ofisi imefunguliwa pale Lavington. Kazi ya goonism, ile yote inaendelea Kenya ndio wanapanga,” he claimed. He accused elements within the security apparatus of failing to uphold their mandate, alleging that they were instead enabling intimidation and violence against political opponents. Gachagua further linked the alleged coordination to recent incidents in Kiambu and other parts of the country, saying the same group was responsible for multiple attacks on political meetings and even church events. He also alleged that youths had recently been approached and offered money to participate in violent activities, claiming a deposit of KSh5 million had been used in an attempted recruitment. “Ile maneno imetokea jana, huyu mjumbe alijaribu kupanga goons vijana na akawapatia deposit ya five million,” he said. According to him, the youths later declined the offer after consulting elders and returned the money. “Usiku vijana wakafanya mkutano na wazee, wakamrudishia pesa yake,” he added. Gachagua further claimed that the alleged organiser later issued threats, saying he would resign if he did not receive assistance from police. “Ndio akakimbia akasema tukikubaliwa kufanya mkutano ataisha, na ataresign. He threatened that asiposaidiwa na polisi atawacha kazi,” he said. He also alleged that the same group was behind earlier disruptions targeting political and church gatherings, describing them as a coordinated unit operating across different incidents. “So the unit that attacked us in Kiambu was not the local police… it is the same squad that attacked us at the Witima Church,” he claimed. The remarks add to growing political tensions, with opposing camps trading accusations over alleged use of organised groups to interfere with public and political events.

President William Ruto has responded sharply to remarks by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who criticised members of the Akorino sect for attending a State House function. Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, during a meeting with Akorino faithful at State House, Nairobi, Ruto defended his decision to host the group, maintaining that the residence is open to all Kenyans regardless of religion or background. In an apparent rebuttal to Gachagua’s claims, the President emphasised unity, saying his administration does not discriminate along ethnic or religious lines. “Hii jamii ya Akorino, nilianza na nyinyi. Mlikuja kunitafuta na mimi nikawatafuta. Tumetembea safari moja. Katika safari yetu, hatujaulizana wewe ni wa kabila gani… Tumeungana hapa kwa sababu ni mapenzi ya Mungu tufanye kazi pamoja,” Ruto said. He dismissed suggestions that inviting ordinary citizens to State House diminishes its status, arguing instead that such engagements bring wananchi closer to the presidency. “Mwingine anasema nimeshusha hadhi ya State House, lakini sio hivyo. Nimeinua wananchi wakuje juu wafike hapa State House. Watazoea tu, hii State House ni ya Wakenya wote,” he stated. Ruto also took aim at critics questioning his engagements and authority, asserting that he alone determines who accesses State House. “Hii ni nyumba ya taifa letu. Kila Mkenya akipata nafasi afike hapa bila kuulizwa maswali. Mimi ndiye rais, ndiye ninaamua nani anakuja na nani haingii,” he said. He further ridiculed concerns raised over hospitality during such events, telling off those questioning arrangements. “Unauliza mambo ya chakula kama nani? Chakula sio yako, mwenye kupika sio bibi yako, na mwenye kualika sio wewe. Nyinyi karibuni State House, na wakiendelea kulalamika nitawakaribisha tena,” Ruto added. The President’s remarks come in response to Gachagua’s earlier outburst in which he accused Akorino members of betraying their community by attending the State House meeting. In a statement shared on Sunday, Gachagua claimed the religious leaders had been invited to “sanitise” the President amid what he described as the profiling and persecution of sections of the Mt Kenya region. “You have now crossed the red line. Destroying our cultural shrine and sending police to beat and humiliate our elders is declaring war on our community,” Gachagua said. He also criticised the Akorino faithful who attended the event, urging them not to claim to represent the wider community. “For the Akorino going to State House, please speak for your stomachs, not us. You join the long list of traitors who have turned against their own,” he said. The exchange highlights growing political tensions, with leaders taking divergent positions over the State House engagements and broader issues affecting the Mt Kenya region.

File image standard Chartered The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi has ruled in favour of former Standard Chartered Bank branch manager Carolyne Mithano, awarding her KSh2.68 million after finding her termination unlawful. In the case Mithano v Standard Chartered Bank of Kenya Limited (Cause E018 of 2021) , Justice K. Ocharo Kebira held that Mithano’s dismissal in February 2018 was both procedurally and substantively unfair. Mithano had joined the bank in 2013 as a branch manager in Nanyuki, earning a monthly salary of KSh275,000, which later rose to KSh335,000 at the time of her dismissal. She told the court that her performance had consistently been strong throughout her tenure. “Throughout my employment with the Respondent, my performance was thoroughly evaluated and consistently rated very highly. The various monthly incentives awarded to me are testament to this,” she said. However, her relationship with her supervisor reportedly deteriorated, culminating in events that led to her dismissal. The situation escalated in October 2017 when Mithano proceeded on leave and delegated duties to an acting branch manager. During that period, a sexual harassment complaint was raised by a member of staff. Mithano maintained that she took steps to ensure the issue was handled. “I impressed upon Mr. Mwangi to finalize the issue, as it had been reported to him directly. I kept tabs on the progress from time to time,” she told the court. Despite this, she was later summoned to a disciplinary hearing and accused of failing to act on the complaint, breaching confidentiality, and creating a hostile work environment. The bank further alleged that she had threatened a staff member and engaged in misconduct. Mithano denied the claims, arguing that the process leading to her dismissal was flawed. “The accusation was unfounded. I was not given a fair hearing. The Respondent didn’t conduct any investigations to establish the truth concerning the accusations against me,” she said. In his judgment, Justice Ocharo found that the bank had failed to substantiate the allegations and did not follow due process in terminating her employment. “Having noted that the Claimant’s termination was both procedurally and substantively unfair, I am convinced that the Claimant is entitled to compensation under section 49(1)(c) of the Employment Act to the extent of eight months’ gross salary, KSh2,680,000,” the judge ruled. The court, however, declined to award general damages, noting that such relief is not provided for under the law. “The Employment Act 2007 does not provide for general damages as a remedy for wrongful termination. I am not persuaded to grant the relief,” the judge stated. The court ordered Standard Chartered Bank to pay Mithano KSh2.68 million in compensation, along with interest from the date of judgment until full payment, as well as the costs of the suit. Mithano had initially sought a higher award equivalent to 12 months’ salary, amounting to over KSh7 million, alongside general damages and other reliefs. In his ruling, Justice Ocharo emphasised that compensation in such cases is intended to address unfair dismissal rather than punish employers. “Courts have asserted that the damages payable to the employee for unfair dismissal or termination is that which is equivalent to salary in lieu of notice and compensation awarded to the Claimant is not awarded to punish the employer,” he said.

President with Akorino members at thanksgiving service at statehouse President William Ruto has pledged to address long-standing discrimination against members of the Akorino church, citing the need for inclusivity regardless of religious beliefs and cultural practices. The President made the remarks on Sunday, April 12, 2026, when he hosted Akorino faithful at State House, Nairobi, for a thanksgiving service. During his address, Ruto acknowledged that the church—whose roots trace back to the colonial period as a movement resisting colonial rule—has faced marginalisation even after independence. He noted that members of the sect have often been sidelined in socio-economic opportunities due to their distinctive way of life, including their mode of dressing. “I have recognised members of the Akorino church as faithful people who trust in God. Since you have asked to be included in leadership in various capacities, I am going to do that. No one should be discriminated against because they wear a turban—it is a cloth like any other,” Ruto said. He added that religion is a matter of personal conviction, while competence is determined by skills and knowledge, stressing that the two should not be conflated. Ruto further revealed that he had interacted with professionals from the Akorino community who had demonstrated their ability to deliver effectively when given opportunities. As part of efforts to enhance inclusion, the President announced the allocation of 50 additional teaching positions to members of the community, citing their strong performance in the education sector. “Because you have done a good job, I will add you 50 more positions. Bring your children so that we can employ them as teachers,” he said. He directed Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gatheca to oversee the fair distribution of the positions across different regions where Akorino members are based. According to the President, the recruitment process will be expedited to allow successful candidates to begin work in the second term of the current academic year. The development comes weeks after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) extended a nationwide exercise requiring registered but unemployed teachers to update their records. In a notice issued on March 31, the commission said the exercise—initially set to close on March 16 after starting on March 4—had been extended to April 7. TSC explained that the data update aims to improve workforce planning by establishing the supply and demand of qualified teachers, which will inform future recruitment and policy decisions. Teachers were required to submit details such as their qualifications, subject specialisations and training levels through the commission’s online portal. The agency assured that all submitted information would be handled securely in line with the Data Protection Act and its privacy guidelines.