KBC Channel 1

Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • Azimio founders clash over 2027 flagbearer selection 

    Azimio founders clash over 2027 flagbearer selection 

    A storm is brewing inside the Azimio la Umoja coalition as founding members openly challenge Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s plan to handpick the 2027 presidential candidate through a closed-door retreat. 

    The dissenters warn that secrecy risks fracturing the coalition, insisting that only a transparent and participatory process can produce a credible flagbearer to face President William Ruto.

    Reports indicate that a boardroom retreat was being planned to settle on the coalition’s next standard-bearer. But senior figures within Azimio argue that such a move would amount to imposing a “boardroom candidate”—a leader chosen by a small circle rather than through consultation.

    Omondi K’Oyoo, Secretary General of the National Liberal Party (NLP), said the coalition must resist exclusionary tactics. “A boardroom candidate remains a closed-circle candidate,” he noted, urging Kalonzo to convene all parties for an open discussion.

    Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli, NLP Party Leader, echoed the call: “We request that you shelve that plan as indeed it exists and give room to all parties and participants in this critical process. A boardroom candidate remains a closed circle candidate, but we require a participatory process that births an all-inclusive candidate for the coalition.”

    Saulo Busolo added that Azimio’s credibility hinges on openness, warning that a secretive retreat could alienate grassroots supporters and weaken the coalition ahead of the 2027 showdown.

    As the debate intensifies, the coalition now faces a defining question: whether its next flagbearer will emerge from behind closed doors or through a process that reflects the will of its diverse membership.

  • CS Duale advocates for regional digital-sharing with ECSA-HC

    CS Duale advocates for regional digital-sharing with ECSA-HC

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday advocated for the effective use of technology in healthcare with the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC).

    CS Duale said the move will promote the advancement of digital health interoperability and harmonised regional data-sharing standards, positioning ECSA-HC as a key platform for coordination.

    Speaking after holding bilateral talks with the ECSA-HC delegation led by Ntuli Kapologwe at Afya House, the Health Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening regional health collaboration.

    The discussions further aligned Kenya’s priorities with resolutions of the 76th Health Ministers Conference, with a focus on Universal Health Coverage, primary healthcare, and digital health transformation.

    The meeting also placed a strong emphasis on sustainable health financing—highlighting pooled funding, blended finance, and public-private partnerships as critical to reducing donor dependence. Both sides also underscored the need to strengthen regional health emergency preparedness through early warning systems, coordinated response mechanisms, and cross-border collaboration.

    On health workforce development, the CS pointed to ongoing investments in training and retention, while encouraging regional cooperation on skills recognition and mobility.

    Kenya also highlighted its ambition to position itself as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing through policy harmonisation and resilient supply chains.

    He reaffirmed Kenya’s support for ECSA-HC and called for strengthened partnerships, accountability, and regular progress reviews, noting ongoing regional initiatives including the World Bank-funded Health Emergency Preparedness Project implemented with ECSA-HC and IGAD.

    The meeting was attended by Mary Muthoni, Patrick Amoth, alongside ECSA-HC officials Dr. Evelyne Wesangula and Dr. Khalid Azam.

  • Ruto to hold talks with Mozambique’s Francisco Chapo at State House

    Ruto to hold talks with Mozambique’s Francisco Chapo at State House

    President William Ruto is set to hold talks with his Mozambique counterpart Daniel Francisco Chapo today (Thursday) at State House, Nairobi.

    President Francisco Chapo jetted into the country on Tuesday at the invitation of President Ruto for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

    Speaking after receiving the Mozambique Head of State, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described the visit as a key opportunity for both countries to review the state of diplomatic ties and explore cooperation across political, economic and security sectors.

    He noted that the engagements will focus on enhancing collaboration and deepening the longstanding partnership between Kenya and Mozambique.

    “This visit will provide an opportunity for the two Heads of State to assess the current state of bilateral cooperation and diplomatic ties, as well as to exchange views on the political, economic, social, peace and security situation of their respective countries, the continent, and the globe,” said Mudavadi.

    The visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen structured engagement through the Kenya-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), established in 1991.

    More to follow…

  • Crime: Four charged over murder as suspect ferrying illegal ethanol nabbed in Kiambu

    Crime: Four charged over murder as suspect ferrying illegal ethanol nabbed in Kiambu

    Four suspects linked to a series of robbery with violence and murder incidents in Kuria West Sub-County have been formally charged in court following their arrest earlier this month.

    The suspects—Lekishon Simion Nawapa, Marwa Samuel Nyamohanga, Melchizedek Marwa Chacha, and Julius Mwita Juma alias Kehogo—were arrested on 5th March 2026 and presented before the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court on March 9, 2026 under Miscellaneous Application No. E023/2026, where custodial orders were granted pending completion of investigations.

    On 23 March 2026, they four were arraigned for plea taking and were subsequently charged under three separate case files where they faced seven counts of robbery with violence and two counts of attempted murder.

    The prosecution opposed their release on bail, citing ongoing inquiries into other unresolved cases of a similar nature in which the suspects are believed to be involved.

    The matter is scheduled for mention on March 31, 2026 for bail hearing and pre-trial conference.

    Elsewhere, DCI detectives have arrested one suspect and recovered suspected methanol during an intelligence-led operation along the Nairobi–Thika Highway.

    The operation, conducted Gwa Kairu area near Spur Mall, led to the interception of a grey Toyota Fortuner whose driver, identified as Thomas Ochieng Wamura was arrested at the scene.

    A search of the vehicle uncovered multiple containers suspected to contain methanol, concealed within the vehicle.

    Two mobile phones were also seized as exhibits. The suspect is in custody at Muthaiga Police Station pending completion of investigations and arraignment. The vehicle and recovered substances have been secured at DCI Headquarters for forensic analysis.

  • EACC hosts Justice Sector Dialogue to strengthen anti-corruption efforts

    EACC hosts Justice Sector Dialogue to strengthen anti-corruption efforts

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is this week convening a high-level stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at reviewing progress, identifying opportunities, and charting future actions in the fight against corruption.

    The justice sector forum, taking place in Nakuru, brings together key institutions to align efforts within their respective mandates and enhance coordination in combating corruption and economic crimes.

    The dialogue was officially opened by Mwaniki Gachoka, Judge of the Court of Appeal, on behalf of Chief Justice Martha Koome. He was joined by George Murugara, Chairperson of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, EACC Chairperson David Oginde, and EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud.

    In a speech delivered on her behalf, Chief Justice Koome underscored milestones achieved through the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), which she chairs. She noted that the council has strengthened efficiency and effectiveness across the justice chain, from investigation to prosecution and adjudication of corruption cases.

    She highlighted key gains made over the past year, including the rollout of the Anti-Corruption Strategic Guidelines Framework for Kenya’s Justice Sector and the Guidelines for the Expeditious Trial of Corruption and Economic Crime Cases in Special Magistrates’ Courts, launched in March and October 2025 respectively.

    “The primary objective of these guidelines is to ensure the just, fair, timely and expeditious disposal of corruption and economic crime cases,” she said.

    The Chief Justice further challenged stakeholders to critically examine investigation timelines, prosecutorial preparedness, and case management within the courts. She urged sustained coordination among institutions and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening its role in the justice chain.

    In his welcoming remarks, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud emphasized the need for a cohesive and coordinated justice sector that delivers on public expectations. He noted that the dialogue is anchored on the NCAJ’s mission to promote a consultative approach in the administration of justice by bringing together key actors to jointly develop and implement reform priorities in the criminal justice system.

    EACC Chairperson David Oginde called for a united front in the fight against corruption, stressing the interdependence of institutions despite their constitutional independence.

    “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. Working together presents an opportunity to defeat the dragon of corruption,” he said.

    Dr. Oginde further urged participants to candidly confront existing challenges, collaborate across institutional boundaries, and commit to translating deliberations into concrete action.

    The forum has drawn participation from a broad spectrum of institutions, including the Judiciary, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and Transparency International Kenya, among others.

    The dialogue continues with expert presentations and stakeholder engagements aimed at advancing Kenya’s anti-corruption agenda.

  • Kisumu: Motorists urged to exercise caution after River Nyando bursts its banks

    Kisumu: Motorists urged to exercise caution after River Nyando bursts its banks

    Motorists plying the Kericho–Awasi–Kisumu road have been urged to be on high alert after River Nyando burst its banks at Ahero Bridge.

    Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura through a statement Monday evening said the high water levels caused the road impassable as a result of the heavy rains recorded in the region and posed a significant risk to road users.

    Traffic snarl ups were experienced on both sides of the road with traffic to and from Kisumu diverted through to Timboroa – Lesos – Kapsabet – Chavakali – Kisumu.

    “Accordingly, in line with an advisory from the Traffic Commandant of the Nyanza Region, all motorists and other road users along this route are advised to use alternative routes,” said Dr. Mwaura.

    He assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide necessary updates. He further urged motorists to exercise caution and fully comply with the directive

    So far, the nationwide death toll from flooding in Kenya stands at 81 as heavy rains continue to trigger flash floods and widespread destruction across several parts of the country.

    The National Police Service said in its latest update on Sunday that Nairobi was the hardest-hit region, with 37 fatalities. The Eastern Region has recorded 21 deaths, followed by Rift Valley with eight, Nyanza with seven, Coast with five, and the Central Region with three fatalities.

  • We will dismantle opposition lies and propaganda, Kindiki declares

    We will dismantle opposition lies and propaganda, Kindiki declares

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the opposition do not have anything to offer Kenyans and their lies and propaganda will be ruthlessly dismantled.

    The DP said going forward they will go eyeball to eyeball with the opposition he said are only interested in propagating insults, lies and tribal division.

    Speaking on Tuesday when he inspected several projects in Buuri Constituency, Meru County that are funded by the government to a tune of billions of shillings, the Second in Command said falsehoods will not be allowed to prosper.

    “They are small people who want to bully us. They don’t know us well. We will handle them eyeball to eyeball, man to man. No one will come here to incite our people through falsehoods and useless propaganda,” DP declared.

    The DP said the agenda-less opposition cannot offer anything better than a development-filled plan being rolled out by the government targeting every part of the country.

    “They have been Vice Presidents, Deputy Presidents and very senior ministers. All they pursued during their term in office were personal interests. Now that they are no longer in office, they want to come here, lie to our people through propaganda and incite them to abandon the government yet we are witnessing real and tangible development. We cannot allow such games,” he noted.

    The DP said Meru will not be a place where the opposition will be playing games and propagating their lies promising an enhanced counter to their propaganda.

    “For every one trip the opposition makes to Meru, I will make 20 times. I know how to deal with these people because they are clueless. I downed them in by-elections in Mbeere yet they had beat their chests and insulted us. But they didn’t know what hit them during the elections,” DP emphasized.

    The DP inspected the ongoing Kwa Mumero-Kithithina-Mia Moja-Timau-Ngusishi-Ngare Dare Road being constructed at Ksh 1.7 billion, the Timau Affordable Housing costing Ksh 766 million and Timau ESP Market.

    He said Meru County is one of the biggest beneficiaries of roads being constructed by the administration after it was allocated Ksh 39 billion for 736 kilometres of road projects in the devolved unit. Meru town has also received Ksh 3.7 billion for 17 kilometres of town roads.

    At least 18 modern markets costing Ksh 3.3 billion are in various stages of completion in the county.

    The government has also set aside Ksh 2.3 billion to connect electricity to 27, 000 additional homes in Meru.

    The DP also promised two mega dams for Buuri constituency once the National Infrastructure Fund is activated.

    “I want to make it clear that the difference between us and our opponents is as clear as day and night. We will beat them hands down in the 2027 elections. There is no place for these people. They have specialized in insults and chest thumping. They are going nowhere,” he stressed.

    Present were Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, Woman Representative Kailemia Karambu, Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi, host of MCAs among others.

  • PCS Mudavadi arrives in Moscow for a two-day State Visit

    PCS Mudavadi arrives in Moscow for a two-day State Visit

    Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi Sunday evening arrived in Moscow ahead of a two-day bilateral meeting with top Russian Government officials.

    Mudavadi’s visit will seek to deepen Kenya–Russia relations, particularly in areas of Education, Labour Mobility, Health, Infrastructure and Energy, while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Russia.

    Top of the agenda while in Moscow include Kenya’s efforts to protect its citizens who were recruited into the Russian military.

    PCS Mudavadi is expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to engage directly with Russian authorities through dialogue, to prevent further risks arising from misleading recruitment or false promises of employment.

    “To safeguard the Kenyan citizens affected by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, he will include a push for the facilitation of the affected Kenyans through a safe process for their repatriation,” read the statement.

    During the two-day visit, Mudavadi will hold bilateral meetings with, Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, later with Ministers of, Education, Labour, before giving a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).

    The visit also aims at establishing a clear and transparent framework that will enable Kenya to safeguard the welfare of its nationals residing, studying, and working in Russia.

  • Mapping identifies 37 flood-prone areas in Nairobi

    Mapping identifies 37 flood-prone areas in Nairobi

    A mapping exercise conducted under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme has identified 37 neighbourhoods located along major river corridors and locations vulnerable to flooding.

    In Nairobi East, the areas identified include Kiambu, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kayole, Komarock, Njiru, Ruai, Mwiki, Donholm, Savannah, Tassia, and Fedha, many of which lie downstream along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries.

    In Nairobi West, flood-prone locations include Madaraka, Nairobi West, Lang’ata, Kawangware, Kangemi, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Kitisuru, Spring Valley, Kileleshwa, and Chiromo, areas situated along upstream and midstream sections of the river network.

    In the Nairobi North corridor, neighbourhoods such as Mathare, Korogocho, and Lucky Summer have been identified along the Mathare River, where dense settlements closely border the river banks.

    Within Nairobi Central, key locations along the river corridor include the Central Business District (CBD), Globe, Gikomba, Eastleigh, and the Industrial Area, where sections of Nairobi River pass through.

    In Nairobi South, the mapping highlights Kilimani, Kibera, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and Kwa Njenga, many of which lie along the Ngong River corridor.

    As multi-agency disaster response teams continue to coordinate relief and response efforts, residents living near riparian and in low-lying areas are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during periods of heavy rainfall.

  • Ruto: Govt is ready to respond to effects of ongoing floods

    Ruto: Govt is ready to respond to effects of ongoing floods

    President William Ruto on Sunday assured Kenyans that the Government mobilized a multi-agency team to respond on the effects of flooding.

    In a statement, the President expressed sympathy with families and communities that have already been affected, noting that the floods continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.

    “The ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of our country continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk. My thoughts are with the families and communities that have already been affected during this difficult period,” said President Ruto.

    Last week, the Head of State directed the activation of a multi-agency response team that brought together emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams and technical departments to coordinate efforts and manage the situation effectively in Nairobi and across the country.

    Ruto, further, said that relevant agencies have been deployed to assist with rescue and evacuation operations, as well as clearing blocked drainage systems and restoring access routes in affected areas.

    “The National Government is working closely with county governments to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens. Emergency food supplies and medical assistance are already being delivered to all people affected by the floods,” he added.

    He urged Kenyans to adhere to advisories from relevant authorities to protect themselves during the challenging period.

    “We continue to closely monitor the situation, and I urge all Kenyans to strictly follow the guidance issued by relevant authorities, including the Kenya Meteorological Department and the police,” said the Head of State.