Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of inciting violence and warning him to desist or face the full force of the law.
“He is the father of violence and a chief blackmailer. I want to tell you that your days of preaching violence, spreading hatred, and branding people as betrayers have come to an end,” the CS said.
Murkomen also said Gachagua tactfully retreated after attempting to orchestrate violence in Ol Kalou, but insisted that the Government would not negotiate with anyone over maintaining peace and order.
“It is not ‘please.’ We are not begging you, Gachagua, for peace. We are ordering you to behave yourself, respect the law, and allow Kenyans to live in peace,” he said.
The CS was speaking at Kaptarkok, Elgeyo Marakwet County, where alongside other leaders they accompanied Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki during the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme.
What began a decade ago as an effort to restore the degraded Kaptagat Forest has evolved into a national model demonstrating how conservation can improve livelihoods, strengthen food security and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities living around forests.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) had shown that environmental restoration succeeds when communities are placed at the centre of conservation efforts and are allowed to directly benefit from protecting natural resources.
Speaking during the programme’s 10th anniversary celebrations in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Saturday, the Deputy President commended KICP Patron and National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo for championing a model that integrates ecosystem restoration with livelihood empowerment.
“A good and sound healthy environment is good for the community. Environmental conservation will give us rain and enough water so that our country can have food security and development,” said Prof. Kindiki.
He noted that involving communities living adjacent to forests had transformed conservation from a government responsibility into a shared community mission.
“This project ensures forest-adjacent communities are involved in environmental conservation. It is very important to involve the local community in the conservation of the environment,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki highlighted initiatives such as the distribution of grade dairy cows, access to clean cooking energy and other income-generating projects that have improved household incomes while reducing dependence on forest resources.
“I have seen that the programme gives farmers grade cows so they can get more milk compared to what they are getting. I have seen others are getting cooking gas and many livelihoods that will help them put money in their pockets, pesa mfukoni,” he said.
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi said the Kaptagat model had already been replicated in 31 sites across the country in line with Kenya’s ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
“To date, more than 231,000 hectares are under rehabilitation and over 31 million trees have been planted in these sections through community participation and partnerships,” said Mugambi, adding that Kaptagat had become a benchmark for community-led restoration efforts.
Reflecting on the programme’s ten-year journey, Dr. Kiptoo said KICP had demonstrated the power of building an economy around conservation.
“Never underestimate an economy powered by the forest. Today, I am proud of what those ten years have given birth to: Mazingira Safi, Maji Safi Nyumbani, Kawi Safi na Pesa Mfukoni. These are community-driven solutions born from listening to the very needs that once pushed people into the forest,” he said.
As KICP embarks on its next decade under the theme “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”, leaders expressed confidence that the Kaptagat model will continue to shape the future of conservation and community development in Kenya.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has reaffirmed that peace, security and an efficient public service remain the bedrock of national development, economic growth and social cohesion.
Speaking during an engagement with security officers and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) drawn from Tiriki East and Tiriki West sub-counties in Kaimosi, and later when he met elders from Tiriki in Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of strengthening service delivery, enhancing public integrity and improving coordination in the implementation of Government programmes.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary commended the NGAO officers for their dedication and professionalism, describing them as the frontline custodians of peace, law and order whose work is essential in safeguarding national unity, protecting communities and creating a stable environment that attracts investment and supports development.
Mudavadi also listened to concerns relating to resource allocation, operational capacity and staff welfare, assuring the officers that their views would be escalated to the relevant Government agencies for consideration.
He noted that a well-equipped, motivated and accountable public service is critical to delivering quality services and meeting the expectations of wananchi.
At the consultative enegagement with more then 1,000 elders and stakeholders from Tiriki land in Vihiga County at the Kaimosi Friends University grounds Mudavadi dismissed the calls by the opposition to reverse the gains made by President William Ruto’s administration.
He noted that the opposition is now disorganised, disjointed and it can not offer any agenda on the table for Kenyans.
The Prime CS said this is part of his regular meetings being conducting to foster regional unity, build political support, and prepare for the campaign and electioneering period ahead of the 2027 polls.
Leveraging on cultural diplomacy, the Tiriki people presented their requests to the national government in relation to equal resource distribution, infrastructure and development, health, education, security, and community well-being.
“This meeting signifies a new journey that we will walk together in supporting the government’s agenda and looking forward to President William Ruto’s re-election as a pathway for the Luhya Presidency come 2032.” said Mudavadi.
Present were area MP Charles Gimose, Principal Secretary Jane Imbunya, MCAs, national and regional leaders.
Earlier Mudavadi toured the Mudete Tea factory in his Sabatia backyard for a fact finding mission.
“Tea remains one of Kenya’s most valuable cash crops, sustaining hundreds of thousands of families, generating foreign exchange and driving rural economic growth.” said Mudavadi
“I have toured this facility to gain firsthand insight into the journey of tea from the farm to the cup. Since its establishment in 1997, the factory has played a transformative role in improving the livelihoods of more than 12,000 tea farmers across Vihiga and Kakamega counties.” he added.
He encouraged farmers to continue investing in tea production and challenged the young people to view agriculture, particularly tea farming, as a modern, profitable enterprise by embracing technology, innovation and value addition to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
“The Government remains committed to implementing reforms in the tea sector aimed at increasing farmers’ earnings, improving bonus payments, expanding Kenya’s tea export markets and ensuring sustainable incomes for tea-growing communities. These efforts will strengthen one of our country’s leading export industries while creating more jobs and driving inclusive economic growth.” Mudavadi said.
Uganda’s Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna has urged the over 1,000 Ugandans repatriated from South Africa to tap into government wealth creation programmes and invest in small-scale value addition to generate income.
Addressing the returnees at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, Tanna told them not to lose hope, saying Uganda remains a land of opportunity where they can rebuild their lives.
He cited several examples of people who lost everything but went on to succeed elsewhere. Indians expelled from Uganda in the 1970s who relocated to the UK and Canada started from nothing, he said, yet many are now among the wealthiest people in those countries. He also mentioned white farmers who were kicked off their land in Zimbabwe, as well as refugees from the Second World War, as further proof that displacement does not have to mean the end.
“You are not the first ones to experience this. Many have been oppressed and displaced from the places they called home, but managed to start over and succeeded. The good thing is that the government of Uganda is very much willing to support you to start over,” Tanna said.
He asked returnees to put the skills and experience they picked up in South Africa to use by starting small businesses in areas such as honey processing, cocoa processing, shea butter processing, avocado oil processing, tailoring, embroidery, leather production and cassava starch production. His ministry, he added, would back them with advisory services, training, market access and links to sources of capital.
Tanna pointed to Uganda’s economic growth as reason for optimism, noting the country’s GDP currently stands at $65 billion, with government targeting $500 billion by 2040.
“As you are being integrated into society, I encourage you to interest yourselves in the different government programmes like PDM, Emyooga, and others which provide opportunities for financing, enterprise development and improved livelihoods,” he said.
He also pledged ministry support in helping the returnees form cooperatives, arguing that working collectively would make it easier for them to secure financing, access markets and benefit from government support.
Tanna closed by appealing to Ugandans not to retaliate against anyone, saying such actions run counter to the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
The Government has taken a major step towards safeguarding Kenya’s natural resource wealth for future generations following President William Ruto’s assent to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr.Raymond Omollo, has said.
Speaking during a Women Empowerment Forum in Gem, Siaya County, Dr. Omollo said the new law establishes a framework for the prudent management of revenues generated from the country’s natural resources, ensuring that current and future generations benefit from the exploitation of national assets.
He noted that for many years, Kenya has exploited natural resources without a comprehensive mechanism to account for and preserve the proceeds for future generations. The Sovereign Wealth Fund, he said, will ensure that a portion of revenues generated from natural resources is invested and safeguarded for the longterm welfare of Kenyans.
“The President has now made this a reality. As a country, we must ensure that the wealth generated from our natural resources benefits our people today while also securing the future of generations to come,” said Dr. Omollo.
The PS added that the new legal framework will also enhance transparency and accountability in the management of revenues from natural resources while creating confidence among investors interested in partnering with Kenya in resource-based development projects.
Dr. Omollo further emphasized the need to attract private investment to complement Government efforts in driving development and creating economic opportunities across the country. He said investments in natural resources must translate into better livelihoods, jobs and improved public services for local communities.
On governance and service delivery, the PS revealed that the Government has operationalized more than 1,800 administrative units across the country since President Ruto assumed office, including several new locations and sub-locations in Siaya County.
He said the expansion of administrative units has brought government services closer to wananchi, making it easier for citizens to access national identity cards, civil registration services and other essential government programmes.
Dr. Omollo urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing national registration and voter registration exercises, noting that identification documents are critical in enabling citizens to access government services and participate in democratic processes.
He observed that the Nyanza region has the potential to register close to one million new voters and encouraged eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18 years to register and exercise their democratic rights.
The PS also lauded women for their contribution to economic growth and community development, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting women empowerment initiatives through programmes that enhance entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and household incomes.
He called for unity, peaceful coexistence and collective participation in development programmes, noting that sustainable progress can only be achieved when citizens work together with government to advance shared development goals.
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community health systems through reliable data and collaboration with county governments.
Speaking during the Community Health Assessment Data Verification exercise in Karau Ward, Ol Kalou Sub-County, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni underscored the importance of accurate community health information in guiding service planning, resource allocation and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.
The Ministry of Health is undertaking the exercise with Community Health Promoters to review assessment findings and validate household health data for evidence-based planning and stronger primary healthcare services.
Muthoni said the assessment findings indicate progress in Karau Ward, with 59 pc of households registered under the Social Health Authority and more than half of respondents reporting improved access to healthcare over the past three years.
She noted that residents identified the availability of medicines, improved medical equipment and additional health workers as key priorities for strengthening service delivery.
Further, the PS said that the findings will guide targeted interventions and strengthen preventive and promotive healthcare at the community level.
Thousands of runners converged in the heart of the Kaptagat Forest in Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County on Saturday for the 2026 Kaptagat Forest Marathon, turning one of the world’s most celebrated high-altitude training destinations into a powerful stage for conservation action.
The event, a flagship Sports for Conservation initiative under the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), featured four race categories, the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km races, all winding through the scenic Kaptagat landscape before culminating at Kaptarkok Primary School.
This year’s edition marked a major milestone with the introduction of the event’s first-ever 42km full marathon distance, underscoring the growing stature of the race within Kenya’s sporting and environmental calendar.
Entry to all categories was free, with organisers confirming that every race distance sold out ahead of the event.
Set within the 32,941-hectare Kaptagat Forest, part of the larger Elgeyo Hills-Cherangany ecosystem, the marathon highlighted the critical role forests play as water towers, carbon sinks and biodiversity reservoirs while showcasing Kenya’s rich sporting heritage.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme Patron and Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr Chris Kiptoo, said the marathon had become more than a sporting event, serving as a platform that unites communities, athletes and conservation partners around a shared commitment to environmental restoration.
“As we celebrate ten years of restoration in Kaptagat Forest, we are laying the foundation for another decade of action to restore, sustain and transform this critical ecosystem for future generations,” said Dr Kiptoo.
The marathon formed part of celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of KICP under the theme “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.” The programme has become a leading model for integrated landscape restoration by combining conservation with community livelihoods and sustainable development.
Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the initiative demonstrates that protecting forests and improving livelihoods can go hand in hand.
“Healthy forests are central to resilient communities and sustainable national development,” he said.
Winners of the various race categories will later be crowned during the main celebrations attended by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki at Kaptarkok Primary School.
Team Kenya for the World Athletics under-20 championships ramped up its training in Kasarani stadium in preparation for the global event set for the 5th to 9th next month in Oregon, USA.
The team of 12 boys and 11 girls reported to the residential training camp early this week, almost six weeks after the trials, which were held at Nyayo Stadium.
For the first time, Kenya will be represented in the field event at the global championship, with African U-20 silver medalist Kelvin Bii participating in the triple jump.
According to team co-captain Nehemiah Kipng’eno, training has progressed well since they reported to camp, as he aims to retain the 5,000m title won by Andrew Alamisi in 2024.
“Training is progressing well. We appreciate that we have everything we need at the camp. I’m now working on speed, which was one of my challenges during the trials, and I have improved greatly am sure I will be okay by the time we travel to the USA,” said Kipngeno
Kipng’eno also exuded confidence with the team’s performance, “We hope for the best performance as the team is well disciplined and focused on their training.”
The team’s co-captain, Joyline Chepkemoi, hailed the good cooperation in training amongst athletes.
“The team’s training is good, no complaint so far, my focus is to bring a medal in 5,000m, this being my last junior outing,” said Chepkemoi
Head coach Robert Ng’isirei is confident in the team and is hopeful of a better medal haul in Oregon, USA.
“Since we reported to camp, we have been doing well, the athletes are in good shape, and we hope for a better outing. Currently, we are working on endurance and speed as well as avoiding injuries,” said coach Ngisirei
Despite being optimistic about getting between 6 and 8 gold medals, coach Ng’isirei is wary of the threat from other countries such as the USA, Australia,Uganda, and Ethiopia.
“I have a disciplined and hardworking team that is ready. We expect stiff competition from many countries, unlike before, when we only expected competition from Ethiopia and Uganda. We also have the USA and Australia, and that is why we want to train to be on par with them. ” I’m expecting between 6 and 8 gold medals this time round,” continued Ng’isirei
Athletics Kenya Youth Director Barnaba Korir, who visited the team’s training camp, assured them of full support to ensure they deliver the best results.
“I have seen their faces; they are very young, and these are the categories we want to have as we are committed to ending age cheating. I want to see that they get all the requirements as they continue with their training,” Korir stated
Korir added that they are using the team to prepare for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.
“It’s not only about Oregon, it’s about the future, but also about the 2028 and 2032 Olympics and whatever we get from here is about the future,” Korir added
Kenya is targeting to better its 2024 outing in Lima, Peru, where it finished 5th overall with 3 gold,3 silver, and a bronze.
Team Kenya U-20 officials
The 21st World Athletics Championship is set to be held in Oregon, USA, from the 5th to the 9th of next month.
The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, on Saturday morning joined Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, in flagging off this year’s edition of the annual Kaptagat forest Marathon.
Athletes competed in the 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races.
The marathon, a flagship Sports for Conservation initiative under the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), brings together athletes, communities, and conservation partners to promote environmental stewardship while celebrating Kenya’s rich sporting heritage.
Alongside the races, a comprehensive medical camp is underway at Kaptarkok Primary School, providing a range of healthcare services to residents, athletes, and visitors.
The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots administration and bringing public services closer to wananchi through the operationalization of administrative units across the country.
Speaking during a worship service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mutumbu, Siaya County, Dr. Omollo noted that the Government has operationalized more than 1,800 administrative units, including 74 sub-counties, to enhance service delivery, security coordination and citizen access to Government programmes.
The PS observed that Siaya County has benefited from the initiative through the establishment of new administrative units, including in Bondo and Alego Usonga, enabling residents to access critical services closer to their communities.
He called on residents to support the recruitment of qualified and people of integrity to serve as chiefs and assistant chiefs, noting that National Government Administrative Officers play a critical role in facilitating access to national identity cards, supporting voter registration exercises and coordinating development programmes at the grassroots level.
Dr. Omollo further urged residents, especially young people, to embrace peace, unity and responsible citizenship as the foundation for sustainable development. He cautioned against divisive politics and actions that undermine social cohesion, emphasizing that leadership should be anchored on service, integrity and commitment to the welfare of citizens.
Dr. Omollo further urged residents, especially young people, to embrace peace, unity and responsible citizenship as the foundation for sustainable development. He cautioned against divisive politics and actions that undermine social cohesion, emphasizing that leadership should be anchored on service, integrity and commitment to the welfare of citizens.
The PS called on communities to work together in supporting development initiatives and creating an environment where opportunities can flourish. He encouraged the youth to take advantage of Government programmes aimed at expanding access to education, skills development and economic empowerment.
On development, Dr. Omollo highlighted the Government’s continued investment in education, noting that the Kenya Kwanza Administration has prioritized learning infrastructure, teacher recruitment and expanded access to quality education. He described education as the greatest equalizer and a key driver of national transformation.
The PS also pointed to ongoing investments in infrastructure and energy as critical enablers of economic growth. He noted that enhanced electricity connectivity and strategic energy projects are opening up opportunities for industrialization, job creation and improved livelihoods across the country.
Dr. Omollo further welcomed the recent operationalization of the Sovereign Wealth Fund framework, describing it as a strategic step towards ensuring that proceeds from the country’s natural resources benefit both current and future generations. He observed that resource-rich counties such as Siaya stand to benefit from responsible and sustainable exploitation of minerals while attracting greater private sector investment.
The PS reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches every part of the country without discrimination, stressing that national progress can only be achieved when all regions are included in the country’s growth agenda.
He concluded by calling on religious institutions to continue partnering with Government in promoting moral values, national unity and peaceful coexistence, while urging Kenyans to support initiatives that advance development and improve the lives of wananchi.
