Members of the Akorino church convened at State House Nairobi for a thanksgiving service. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the Akorino church following a thanksgiving service held at State House, Nairobi, on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Reacting to the event, Gachagua claimed that the religious leaders attended the function in their individual capacities and did not represent the Mt Kenya community. He further alleged that the clerics had been influenced by financial incentives to attend the State House gathering, terming the move as political optics. “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 to fill their stomachs. KSh100 million has been prepared for you,” he said. Gachagua also took issue with recent events involving Kikuyu elders in Githunguri, where a confrontation with police occurred during cultural rites linked to a disputed shrine. According to him, the use of force against the elders was an affront to the Mt Kenya community. “William Ruto, 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 stated. He argued that the State House prayer meeting would not repair what he described as strained relations between the government and the community. “You have now summoned members of the Akorino sect to State House to pray for you and sanitise you for profiling and persecuting our community,” he added. At the same time, Gachagua declared a political onslaught against Mt Kenya leaders allied to President Ruto, accusing them of betraying the community. He urged his supporters not to re-elect Members of Parliament who backed his impeachment in 2024, maintaining that working with the President amounted to siding with an adversary of the region.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a health alert after residents in Thika, Kiambu County, killed and slaughtered a hyena. In a statement released on the night of Saturday, April 11, KWS said the animal was found feeding on dumped poultry remains in Kamenu Location. According to the agency, angry residents confronted the hyena, chased it down and killed it before KWS response teams could arrive at the scene. KWS further revealed that several individuals fled with parts of the carcass, including internal organs, raising serious public health concerns. “This morning at around 0800hrs, a hyena was found feeding on dumped poultry remains in Kamenu Location, Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County (near Thika). The animal was surrounded by residents, chased, killed, and slaughtered before response teams arrived. Several individuals fled with parts of the carcass, including internal organs,” the statement read.

Kenya Ugada and Egypt launched a space-based climate monitoring camera, ClimCam, with the Falcon 9 on Friday. The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has announced the successful launch of the Climate Camera (ClimCam) payload to the International Space Station (ISS). In a statement issued on Saturday, April 11, 2026, KSA said the ClimCam payload was deployed aboard Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL commercial resupply mission (NG-24). “The ClimCam is among several payloads and other supplies to the ISS aboard Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL commercial resupply mission (NG-24),” the agency stated. The liftoff took place aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 1:41 pm East African Time. According to KSA, the spacecraft is expected to rendezvous with the ISS on the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026, before docking as part of its scheduled resupply mission. The ClimCam project is a collaborative effort involving the Kenya Space Agency, the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), and the Uganda National Space Programme. Its development went through multiple stages, including design, assembly, integration, testing and validation. KSA noted that key milestones included successful Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) at EgSA facilities in Cairo, followed by end-to-end testing and fit checks at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Houston, Texas. The agency said ClimCam is equipped with artificial intelligence-powered capabilities designed to provide near real-time weather and climate data. The innovation is expected to support environmental monitoring, natural resource management, disaster preparedness and climate resilience efforts across Eastern Africa. The project was selected under a competitive opportunity issued by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, under the Access to Space for All initiative. KSA described the successful launch as a major milestone in strengthening Africa’s presence in the global space ecosystem. “This successful launch marks a major step forward in strengthening Africa’s presence in the global space ecosystem and reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development, environmental stewardship and regional cooperation,” the agency said. The development comes three years after Kenya launched its first operational Earth observation satellite, Taifa-1, on April 14, 2023. Taifa-1 was sent into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and was developed by Kenyan engineers following intensive training by EnduroSat, at an estimated cost of about KSh50 million.

File imag of Mike Sonko former Nairobi Governor at Capitol hill police station Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has moved to court seeking to block the proposed degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station, warning that the move could compromise security in the Upper Hill area. In a statement, Sonko said he had instructed his lawyers to urgently file a petition challenging the decision, citing various constitutional provisions, including Articles 22, 23, 10, 247 and 258 of the Constitution of Kenya. “As a resident of Upper Hill, and pursuant to the Constitution, I have instructed my lawyers to move to court with urgency to challenge and block the proposed degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station,” he said. “We cannot and will not allow the security of Upper Hill to be compromised.” Sonko described Upper Hill as a critical nerve centre of the country, noting that it hosts key government offices, financial institutions, hospitals, courts and diplomatic missions. He warned that removing or downgrading the police station would expose the area to heightened security risks. “Upper Hill is not just any location; it is a critical nerve centre of our nation,” he said. “Weakening security in such a strategic area is not just reckless—it is a grave risk to lives, critical institutions, and the economic stability of our country.” The area is home to major institutions such as Milimani Law Courts, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and leading health facilities including Kenyatta National Hospital and The Nairobi Hospital. It also hosts the headquarters of top banks and insurance firms, alongside international hotels and various government ministries. Sonko further noted that embassies, religious institutions, schools and commercial hubs are concentrated in the area, making it a high-security zone that requires a constant police presence. Beyond security concerns, the former governor raised legal issues tied to ongoing court cases in which he is involved, noting that Capitol Hill Police Station holds crucial records linked to the proceedings. “Capitol Hill Police Station holds crucial records, including OB No. 17/26/07/2025, which I rely on in my ongoing case,” he said. “The OCS has already testified, more officers are expected to testify, and there is a real possibility that the court may need to visit the station physically.” He added that another case in which he is the complainant, reported under OB No. 02/17/01/2026, is currently under investigation at the same station, raising concerns over the continuity and integrity of evidence if the station is degazetted. “Any attempt to remove or weaken this vital security installation is a direct threat to justice, public safety, and the rule of law,” Sonko said. “We must stand firm. We must protect our people. We must defend our institutions. And we must do so at all costs,” he added.

File image of Leon Major Malala, the son of DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala Leon Major Malala, the son of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, has declared his interest in vying for a Member of Parliament seat in the 2027 General Election. Leon made the announcement on Saturday, April 12, 2026, during the launch of the DCP Youth League Nyeri Chapter, an event attended by his father, who represented party leader Rigathi Gachagua. While addressing attendees, Leon said his decision to enter politics was not influenced by his family background but by what he described as poor leadership in the country. “I am not a politician; I do not aspire to be one. I have never dreamt of being a politician, but I am going to vie for an MP seat. It’s not because of my dad but because of the kind of leadership this country has offered,” he said. He criticised challenges affecting young people, pointing to rising cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings, and questioned why such incidents persist under the current leadership. Leon also called on the youth to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future, noting that they have both the numbers and the capacity to drive change. Using a software analogy, he likened the country to a system that requires constant updates to remain effective, advocating for a leadership overhaul driven by young leaders with fresh ideas. Leon’s emergence in the public space dates back to April 10, 2025, when his father was arrested over the controversial Echoes of War  play. At the time, he appeared alongside a group of Gen Z protesters, holding placards and demanding his father’s release, marking his first major public appearance. He later resurfaced during his father’s birthday celebration on June 30, 2025, where he delivered a bold speech echoing his father’s political stance, including claims that the current president would only serve one term. During the same event, Cleophas Malala argued that individuals above 35 years should not vie for MCA seats, maintaining that such positions should be reserved for young people.

Photos: Oga Obinna and Mbavu Destroyer. Source: Facebook Amateur boxer Mbavu Destroyer has dismissed claims that he filed a lawsuit against show host Oga Obinna and rival Majembe, distancing himself from a case currently before the Sports Disputes Tribunal. Speaking during a recent interview, Mbavu denied any involvement in court proceedings, insisting he does not believe in pursuing disputes through legal channels. “Hizo no manyoya ni wapi umeniona kortini mimi. Mimi ni mnyama, huezi niona kortini. Mimi siwezi taka aende kortini, nataka kumtrace one man,” he said. The boxer further claimed that even his lawyer was unaware of any such case, raising questions over the origin of the lawsuit filed in his name. “Ata my lawyer hayuko aware of such thing, so sijui huyo ni nani. Mimi siwezi mstaki mtu,” he added. His remarks come just days after Obinna revealed he had been served with court papers linked to the controversial “Vurugu Fight,” which saw Majembe knock out Mbavu in the fourth round at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. According to Obinna, the case—filed at the Sports Disputes Tribunal—lists both him and Majembe as respondents, with the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission named as an interested party. The dispute stems from Mbavu’s earlier complaints that the decisive blow was an illegal low punch, and that the referee failed to take appropriate action, ultimately awarding Majembe the victory. Court documents indicated that the claimant was seeking to overturn the result, be declared the rightful winner, or have the bout ruled a technical draw with a rematch ordered. The tribunal certified the matter as urgent and scheduled it for mention on Wednesday, April 15. However, Mbavu’s latest statements appear to contradict the legal action, casting uncertainty over whether the case was filed with his consent or driven by external advisers.

Burning tyres used to block a section of the Southern Bypass in Kikuyu Constituency on Saturday morning. Police later moved in to restore order. Police moved in on Saturday morning to restore order after sections of the Southern Bypass and nearby roads in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, were blocked by unidentified groups ahead of a planned rally by Rigathi Gachagua. Traffic was disrupted at Thogoto and Gitaru after the groups lit bonfires using tyres and placed trailers across the road, paralysing movement along the busy highway and affecting motorists travelling to and from Nairobi’s western corridor. Witnesses reported heavy congestion, with spillover effects on feeder roads as some motorists were forced to turn back or seek alternative routes. Security agencies were later deployed to the area and successfully cleared the barricades, allowing traffic flow to resume. An officer involved in the operation confirmed that the situation had been contained and normal movement restored.

Former CS Raphael Tuju, when he appeared before the Kibera Law Courts on April 8, 2026. Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has declared that he wishes to be buried within 48 hours of his death and that no state officials should attend his funeral, amid an ongoing legal and property dispute linked to his Karen estate in Nairobi. Speaking on Friday at his rural home in Rarieda Sub-County, Tuju said he had made peace with life and death as tensions persist over his multimillion-shilling business interests and contested Karen property. “I have made peace and am ready for anything, including any mental torture that anybody may want to visit on me. Nobody lives forever,” he said. In an emotional address, Tuju outlined his burial wishes, revealing that he had already identified possible resting places and informed his family of his preferences. “I have told my people that in the event I die, I would like to be buried within 48 hours. I do not want any state officer to participate, pretending that they have anything to do with me. I have shown my family two spots where I can be laid, and it will be up to them to decide,” he added. The former Rarieda MP, who is facing charges over an alleged self-abduction incident, also reflected on his personal struggles, saying that despite past accidents and challenges, he remains spiritually grounded. Tuju’s remarks come amid a prolonged dispute over his Karen property and business interests, which have been the subject of legal and enforcement actions. In March, he claimed that police officers from a rapid response unit forcibly entered his Karen residence at around 3 am, removed his security team, and took control of the premises without a court order, sparking public controversy. On Tuesday, Tuju appeared before the Kibera Law Courts, where he denied charges of providing false information to a public officer in relation to the alleged abduction incident. The court heard that Tuju had reported being trailed and abducted by unknown individuals, claims the prosecution argues were false and intended to prompt police action. Through his lawyer, Tuju sought release on bond, noting that the offence is a misdemeanour and citing his long record of public service. Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Atambo granted him a personal bond of Ksh100,000 and directed the prosecution to supply witness statements and evidence ahead of pre-trial proceedings scheduled for April 15, 2026.

NASA's Artemis II splashes down off southern U.S. California coast Four astronauts have safely returned to Earth after completing a 10-day mission around the Moon, the NASA has confirmed. The Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at about 17:07 local time (0007 GMT Saturday), roughly 96 kilometres off the coast of San Diego, California. The mission marked the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17. Following the landing, Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman said all four crew members were in good condition. The crew also included Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency. NASA reported that the astronauts travelled approximately 1.12 million kilometres during the mission. Weather conditions at the recovery site were favourable, with wind speeds and wave heights within required safety limits. The Orion capsule re-entered Earth’s atmosphere using a modified flight path aimed at reducing heat stress on the heat shield. The adjustments were made following issues identified during the Artemis I test flight. A U.S. Navy recovery team aboard the USS John P. Murtha was deployed to retrieve the crew shortly after splashdown. “We are back in the business of sending astronauts to the Moon and bringing them back safely,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. NASA noted that the crew set a new record for the farthest distance travelled by humans from Earth, describing Artemis II as a major milestone in its Artemis programme. The initiative aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028 and eventually establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.

File image of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Former DP Rigathi Gahagua A section of governors has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespecting and publicly lecturing President William Ruto. The leaders, including Anne Waiguru, Muthomi Njuki, Ahmed Abdullahi, Gladys Wanga, Abdi Guyo, Irungu Kang’ata and Mahmood Mohamed, said Gachagua’s remarks undermined the dignity of the presidency. Speaking in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, during the burial of the mother of Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti, the governors urged Gachagua to exercise political tolerance and maturity despite his differences with the Head of State. Waiguru maintained that the Mt Kenya region will continue supporting President Ruto’s re-election, dismissing the opposition as lacking a clear agenda for wananchi. “We will stay in government and not join the opposition. Like his predecessors Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto should be allowed to complete his two terms,” she said. She further called on politicians to stop fence-sitting and clearly declare their political positions ahead of the 2027 General Election, accusing some leaders of sending mixed signals to their constituents. Njuki termed it unacceptable for any leader to lecture the President in public, saying such conduct fuels division and undermines national unity. “You cannot lecture the President when he is seated next to you. Show respect for the office he holds. If you are former, you remain former even after that,” Njuki said, referring to Gachagua’s remarks during the burial of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho. On his part, Abdullahi warned that continued public attacks on the President could set a dangerous precedent as the country heads towards the next election cycle. “The presidency is a symbol of national unity and must be respected at all times. Disrespecting the office is disrespecting the nation,” he said. Kang’ata urged leaders to tone down political rhetoric and focus on service delivery, noting that the country is only sixteen months away from the elections. Meanwhile, Wanga, Guyo and Mahmood steered away from political exchanges, instead calling on Kenyans to maintain peace and cohesion.

File image of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, calling for heightened security in Kikuyu Town ahead of a planned rally by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026. In a letter dated April 10, 2026, Ichung’wah urged the National Police Service to ensure adequate protection for residents, businesses, and public facilities, citing growing tensions linked to the planned political gathering in the constituency. “The last two weeks have seen Rigathi Gachagua embark on a deliberate campaign of incitement, hate and violence targeting the people of Kikuyu Constituency, intending to create disharmony amongst my constituents,” he stated. Security concerns ahead of rally In his correspondence to the Inspector General, Ichung’wah noted that political mobilisation in the past two weeks had heightened tensions in Kikuyu Constituency. He warned that the planned rally could trigger unrest and called for early security planning to maintain order. The MP maintained that residents had resisted attempts to divide the community, adding that Kikuyu remains open to leaders from across the political divide. He said his responsibility as the area legislator includes ensuring the safety of residents and protection of property. Past incidents cited Ichung’wah referenced previous incidents of violence in the constituency, including the burning of Kikuyu NG-CDF offices on June 25, 2024. He also cited events on June 25, 2025, when the Kikuyu Law Courts and County Government offices were torched. He further pointed to attacks on his private residence and his parents’ home during the same period, noting that the incidents led to arrests and investigations and remain on public record. The Majority Leader also claimed that intelligence reports indicated mobilisation of groups from Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyandarua counties ahead of the rally. He said information received suggested coordination of transport for individuals travelling to Kikuyu Town, urging police to closely monitor the situation. Call for police deployment Ichung’wah raised concerns about possible targeting of businesses linked to his family in Kikuyu Town and asked the National Police Service to take preventive measures. He also cited remarks made during recent public gatherings, which he said had escalated tensions surrounding the event. “Kesho Ichung’wah aambiwe hakuna mtu ako na mtoto kwa mgongo, na hata yule ako na yeye atawachia nyanyake,” he quoted from remarks allegedly made during a funeral in Laikipia. He cautioned against any withdrawal of police presence in Kikuyu, stressing the need for adequate deployment to protect residents and property during the rally. Ichung’wah noted that the constituency has previously hosted leaders from different political formations without incident. He cited a rally held on March 12, 2026, where former Chief Justice David Maraga addressed supporters at Kikuyu Bus Park peacefully. The development comes days after Ichung’wah criticised Gachagua for what he described as inappropriate political remarks during a requiem mass in Ol Kalou attended by President William Ruto, accusing him of disrespecting the bereaved family.

A social media post attributed to Muhoozi Kainerugaba has triggered widespread outrage after appearing to threaten the life of veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye. In the post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kainerugaba allegedly stated that Besigye could be executed within a month, adding that if not hanged, he would be “shot dead,” and describing such an outcome as “a great day for Uganda.” The remarks have ignited intense backlash from political observers, human rights advocates, and sections of the public across East Africa. The statement has been widely condemned as inflammatory and dangerous, particularly given Kainerugaba’s position within Uganda’s military establishment and his proximity to power. Critics argue that such rhetoric undermines democratic principles and raises serious concerns about the safety of opposition figures. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of the government of Yoweri Museveni, has previously faced repeated arrests, harassment, and restrictions on his political activities. However, this latest development marks a significant escalation in tone, with observers warning it could heighten political tensions in the country. By the time of publication, there had been no official clarification or retraction issued regarding the post. This silence has further fueled calls for accountability, with activists urging authorities to distance themselves from the remarks and reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law. Political analysts note that statements of this nature—especially when directed at opposition leaders—risk normalizing political violence and eroding public trust in institutions. The incident is likely to draw attention from regional and international bodies monitoring governance and human rights in Uganda. It also raises fresh questions about the role of social media in shaping political discourse, particularly when used by high-ranking officials. As reactions continue to pour in, pressure is mounting on Ugandan authorities to address the situation and ensure that political competition remains within the bounds of constitutional and democratic norms.