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National Assembly during a past session.

Since obtaining independence in 1963, Kenya has seen a number of high-profile political killings. These sad incidents have frequently highlighted the political unpredictability of the country and the difficulties encountered by leaders who advocate for reform. Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kenya who were killed while serving are listed below:

Pio Gama Pinto (1927–1965)

A fervent socialist and freedom warrior, Pinto worked as a journalist and politician. While waiting for his gate to be opened, he was slain on February 24, 1965, in the Parklands neighbourhood of Nairobi.

Pio Gama Pinto

He was well-known for his support of socialist programs and anti-colonial action while he was an MP. In independent Kenya, his assassination was the first political murder.

Tom Mboya (1930–1969)

Tom Mboya, the Minister for Economic Planning and Development and a major contributor to Kenya’s independence, was a dynamic and powerful politician. On July 5, 1969, he was killed in Nairobi on Moi Avenue. It is generally accepted that his death was politically motivated and caused a great deal of turmoil.​

Tom Mboya

JM Kariuki (1929–1975)

Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, often known as “JM,” was an outspoken opponent of inequity and corruption in government. His mangled body was later found after he vanished in March 1975.

JM Kariuki

Although a commission of inquiry was constituted, the murder is still officially unexplained despite the worldwide demonstrations that followed his death.

Robert Ouko (1931–1990)

In February 1990, Robert Ouko, who was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was discovered dead. His burned body was found close to his Koru residence.

His death’s circumstances are still up for debate, and multiple investigations have not been able to identify the culprits.

Tony Ndilinge

The former Kilome MP was assassinated in 2001 after gunmen shot him twice in the head as he parked his car outside a bar in Nairobi’s Githurai Estate.

Tony Ndilinge

A section of opposition leaders at the time termed it a political assassination as Ndilinge was considered a major critic of former President Daniel Moi’s government.

Mellitus Mugabe Were (1968-2008)

On January 29, 2008, Mugabe Were, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) member and Embakasi MP, was killed outside his Nairobi house.

Mellitus Mugabe Were

He passed away amid a violent post-election era. For his murder, three people were found guilty and given the death penalty.

David Kimutai Too (1968–2008)

On January 31, 2008, Too, an ODM MP for Ainamoi, was shot and killed in Eldoret. The shooting was a crime of passion, according to the attacker, a police officer. But because the murder happened so soon after Were’s assassination, there was a lot of conjecture regarding possible political motivations.​

George Muchai (1955/6–2015)

George Muchai was a Jubilee Alliance MP and trade unionist who represented Kabete Constituency. On February 7, 2015, he was killed in the Central Business District of Nairobi. As of January 2020, the trial was still going on despite the arrest of seven suspects.

George Muchai

Charles Ong’ondo Were (1973–2025)

The most recent case, Ong’ondo Were was an ODM MP for Kasipul Constituency. He was assassinated on April 30, 2025, in Nairobi.

Charles Ong’ondo Were

According to police reports, the attack was targeted and premeditated. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motives and perpetrators

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Kasipul constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong’ondo Were is dead.

Reports indicate that Ong’ondo Were was on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, gunned down by unknown people in Nairobi. Reports further indicate that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker was shot by a gunman who was on a motorcycle along Ngong Road.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai is among to the politicians that have since confirmed the incidence.

In a short statement made via his official social media accounts, Alai regretted the incident.

“MP Ong’ondo Were killed in Nairobi,” Alai stated.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has also taken to social media to mourn the MP.

According to Amisi, Ong’ondo Were had on Wednesday afternoon informed him that things were not looking good when they had a chat at Parliament buildings.

“I was with my colleague just this afternoon in parliament, chatted, laughed, and he told me I need a conversation with you ,mambo si mazuri. His exact words . Five hours later, he is no more. The news is shocking,” Amisi stated.

Police have since launched investigations into the unfortunate incident.

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Joseph Waswa distributing umbrellas

In a bold and impactful initiative aimed at uplifting local women entrepreneurs, Hon. Joseph Waswa, through his JLW Foundation, has distributed over 2,000 umbrellas and aprons to small-scale businesswomen operating in Webuye West.

The program, which commenced early last year, is being hailed as a practical empowerment move that directly supports grassroots economic development.

The initiative targeted roadside vendors and market women, who are often exposed to harsh weather conditions while conducting their daily trade.

The provision of umbrellas offers much-needed shelter from rain and sun, enabling the women to work in more dignified and comfortable conditions. The aprons, branded with empowering messages, also contribute to their professional appearance and hygiene.

The women beneficiaries have expressed deep gratitude to Hon. Waswa for what they describe as a “visionary and thoughtful” act of leadership. Many noted that the gesture was not only timely but also rare, as few leaders take the time to address the specific challenges faced by informal sector traders.

Hon. Waswa, who is vying for the Webuye West parliamentary seat, has made empowerment of women and youth a central pillar of his campaign. His foundation, the JLW Foundation, continues to implement community-driven projects in education, entrepreneurship, and health.

Observers note that this umbrella and apron distribution marks the beginning of broader people-focused development projects spearheaded by Hon. Waswa. His approach blends hands-on involvement with a deep understanding of community needs, setting a new tone for servant leadership in the region.

As Webuye West gears up for the next election, many residents believe that Hon. Waswa’s tangible commitment to uplifting the vulnerable speaks louder than promises.

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President William Ruto

Another political party has yet again cut its ties with the President William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

The Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), popularly known as Mbus, which is associated with former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, has cited exclusion from key government processes and neglect of the ordinary Kenyans’ needs as the reason for ditching Kenya Kwanza.

The party’s top leadership in a press briefing said it would now shift focus to building its grassroots base ahead of the Mbeere North by-election after the parliamentary seat fell vacant following Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment as Public Service Cabinet Secretary.

Kiraitu Murungi distanced the party from any formal agreement with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza.

“The Mbus party is independent. We are not in any formal coalition political party. In a coalition, there must be agreements filed with the Registrar of Political Parties. We have no such agreement with UDA,” Murungi said.

Blow to Ruto

This comes days after the Farmers Party, which recently named former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu as its party leader, succeeding Irungu Nyakera, wrote to Kenya Kwanza to issue a 30-day notice of intention to exit.

Nyakera, who was recently fired by Ruto as the KICC board chairman, cited a consistent pattern of dishonesty, political infidelity, and outright disregard for both the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the spirit of their coalition agreement by their major coalition partner, UDA, as the reason for their exit.

Nyakera said the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Farmers Party met on April 7, 2025, and unanimously resolved to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

“While the Farmers Party in good faith entered into a Coalition Agreement with like-minded parties under the Kenya Kwanza Coalition on 23rd March 2022, it is with deep regret that we note a consistent pattern of dishonesty, political infidelity, and outright disregard for both the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the spirit of our Coalition Agreement by our major coalition partner. Accordingly, the National Executive Committee of the Farmers Party met on 7th April 2025 and unanimously resolved to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition,” Nyakera wrote on X.

Prior to the Farmers party’s exit from Kenya Kwanza, Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party had also quit.

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ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna signing a condolences book for Pope Francis at Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi. PHOTO/@edwinsifuna/X

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Friday, April 25, 2025, skipped a meeting between the Orange party and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

ODM hosted the UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar at Chungwa House for what the Orange party says was a discussion on various matters of national and mutual interest, including the NADCO report and the recently signed MoU between the two parties.

Omar was hosted by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen.

ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen pose for a photo with UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar at Chungwa House. PHOTO/@TheODMparty/X

ODM, in a statement shared via social media, says the two parties agreed to have the pertinent issues raised by Kenyans resolved and ensure that the ten points highlighted in the MoU document are implemented to the later to avoid a backlash and mistrust by Kenyans.

“Executive Dir. @ongwen this morning hosted the @UDAKenya Sec. Gen. @HassanOmarH at Chungwa Hse for a discussion on various matters of national and mutual interest, including the NADCO report and the recently signed MoU between the two parties on 7/3/2025 and witnessed by Pres. @WilliamsRuto and Party Leader @RailaOdinga. They agreed to have the pertinent issues raised by Kenyans resolved and ensure that the ten points highlighted in the document are implemented to the later to avoid a backlash and mistrust by Kenyans,” ODM stated.

Edwin Sifuna absent

Sifuna, who is a signatory to the MoU signed between the ruling party and ODM, was absent during the Friday meeting.

The Nairobi County Senator attended the requiem mass for the late Pope Francis at Holy Family Basilica instead.

“Mass for the late Pope Francis at Holy Family Basilica this morning. We continue to Pray for his Holiness to rest in Peace,” Sifuna wrote on X.

Sifuna-ODM fallout

There have been speculations of a fallout between Sifuna and the ODM party. Allies of the Orange party leader Raila Odinga have on several occasions called out Sifuna over his stance on some of the issues affecting the country and his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.

During the signing of the deal between UDA and ODM, Sifuna made it clear that the Orange party would walk out of the agreement should the Kenya Kwanza administration go against any of the listed 10 points in the MoU.

On April 12, 2025, President Ruto clashed with Sifuna during the burial of Raila’s long-serving aide George Oduor and threatened to convene an ODM founding members meeting and take disciplinary action against the Nairobi Senator, should he continue criticising him.

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President William Ruto

President William Ruto has suffered another blow after another political party announced its exit from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance just weeks after Justin Muturi’s party, the Democratic Party, quit the ruling coalition.

The Farmers Party, which recently named former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu as its party leader, succeeding Irungu Nyakera, has written to Kenya Kwanza to issue a 30-day notice of intention to exit.

Nyakera, who was recently fired by Ruto as the KICC board chairman, has cited a consistent pattern of dishonesty, political infidelity, and outright disregard for both the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the spirit of their coalition agreement by their major coalition partner, UDA, as the reason for their exit.

Nyakera says the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Farmers Party met on April 7, 2025, and unanimously resolved to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

“While the Farmers Party in good faith entered into a Coalition Agreement with like-minded parties under the Kenya Kwanza Coalition on 23rd March 2022, it is with deep regret that we note a consistent pattern of dishonesty, political infidelity, and outright disregard for both the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the spirit of our Coalition Agreement by our major coalition partner. Accordingly, the National Executive Committee of the Farmers Party met on 7th April 2025 and unanimously resolved to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition,” Nyakera wrote on X.

Kenya Kwanza divorce

A letter from the party dated April 8, 2025, that has been seen by Daily Trends also termed the recent unilateral signing of a Broad-Based Government Agreement between the Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the ODM Party without consultation or involvement of the Kenya Kwanza constituent parties as political conmanship.

“On 23rd March 2022, Farmers Party entered into a coalition agreement with like-minded parties under the Kenya Kwanza Coalition. We did so in good faith, with a shared vision of empowering our farmers, guaranteeing fair prices for their produce under MGR, and uplifting the living standards of ordinary Kenyans through a principled, people-centered economic transformation,” the letter reads in part.

“The recent unilateral signing of a Broad-Based Government Agreement between the Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the ODM Party without consultation or involvement of the Kenya Kwanza constituent parties, such as ours, is the final confirmation of the political conmanship that has come to define the coalition. This move not only violates the trust upon which our coalition was founded but also undermines the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and mutual respect.”

“Accordingly, the National Executive Committee of the Farmers Party met on 7 April 2025 and unanimously resolved the subject matter. Therefore, the Farmers Party hereby issues a thirty (30)-day notice of intention to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, pursuant to Clause 8 (Termination) of the Coalition Agreement. This notice takes effect from the date of this letter.”

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Gathoni Wamuchomba

Githunguri Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) has publicly accused her predecessor, Gabriel Kago Mukuha, of orchestrating a campaign of political intimidation and abusing his position as a National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) board member to undermine her leadership.

In a statement shared via her official X account on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Wamuchomba outlined a series of incidents that she claims are aimed at derailing her work and intimidating her staff.

Wamuchomba, who defeated Kago in the 2022 general elections, alleged that her predecessor has been leveraging his proximity to President William Ruto to interfere in constituency matters.

She stated that the former MP, now a senior official at the NGCDF headquarters, has been “politicking every day in funerals and public meetings” and using his position to intimidate Githunguri NGCDF staff.

Wamuchomba’s CDF offices attacked

On Saturday morning, she reported, he went as far as storming her CDF offices, verbally threatening her staff, and warning that no CDF projects would proceed in Githunguri under his watch. The incident has been reported to the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) in Githunguri.

“Political chauvinists attacking women MPs in Kenya: my case study. I am the current elected MP for the Githunguri constituency. I defeated the DUDE in 2022. He ran to President Ruto, and he was appointed as an NGCDF board member at headquarters. He’s now politicking every day in funerals and public meetings and using his position and proximity to power to intimidate Githunguri NGCDF staff. On Saturday morning, he had the AUDACITY to come to my CDF offices to attack my staff and verbally threaten to harm them. This is reported to the OCPD Githunguri,” Wamuchomba stated.

Inciting the public

The MP further accused Kago of inciting the public against her, citing a public meeting in Nyaga last year where he allegedly promised to build a laboratory using NGCDF funds—despite lacking the authority to do so as he is no longer the elected representative.

Former Githunguri MP Gabriel Kago

Wamuchomba protested this to the NGCDF Board, but the interference persisted. She also highlighted unfulfilled promises made by the former MP during President Ruto’s visits, including the delivery of 30 coolers for dairy farmers in 2023 and the completion of the stalled Githunguri Uplands road, earning him the local nickname “Kagogo ka maheni” (a crawl of lies).

In a recent development, Wamuchomba revealed that on Saturday, President Ruto tasked the former MP with tarmacking the 3.1 km Kaaria-Lioki road, allocating Ksh 50 million for the project.

“He brags about how he walks into the statehouse and can do anything under their cover. On Saturday, the president tasked him to tarmac Kaaria Lioki Road and was publicly awarded Ksh 50M (unconstitutionally) to tarmac a 3.1 km stretch. He was the MP before me; why didn’t he tarmac it then? During the 2023 presidential visit, he was tasked to deliver 30 coolers for daily farmers, and he never fulfilled it (again, unconstitutionally). He was tasked to ensure the stalled Githunguri uplands road is completed; it’s still incomplete,” she argued.

She called the allocation unconstitutional, arguing that such decisions should involve the elected MP. Wamuchomba questioned why the road was not tarmacked during her predecessor’s tenure as MP, while expressing hope that the Lioki community would benefit from the promised infrastructure within the two-week timeline given by the former MP and his allies.

Wamuchomba framed the attacks against her as part of a broader pattern of political chauvinism targeting women MPs in Kenya. She tagged several high-profile figures and organizations in her post, including Chief Justice Martha Koome, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) party leader Martha Karua, anti-corruption bodies like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and international women’s rights groups such as UN Women and Women Rights International. She also mentioned former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, signaling her intent to draw global attention to the challenges faced by female politicians in Kenya.

“Nothing will stop me from defending the truths and pressing for my constituents,” Wamuchomba declared, reaffirming her commitment to her role. “I am the woman for the job.”

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Githunguri to see whether Wamuchomba’s call for accountability and justice will lead to action from the authorities and organizations she has appealed to, or if the political tensions in the constituency will escalate further ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Ichung'wah struggled to address the residents of Lari in Kiambu County as Ruto finalised his tour of the Mt. Kenya region.

National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah was on Saturday, April 5, 2025, jeered and heckled again as President William Ruto watched helplessly.

Ichung’wah struggled to address the residents of Lari in Kiambu County as Ruto finalised his tour of the Mt. Kenya region.

In a video that was being streamed live on President William Ruto’s social media pages, Ichung’wah was heard trying to tell off the crowd by telling the head of state not to be intimidate by the noises, but the residents could not hear none of it.

The lawmaker was forced to hurriedly finish his one sentence speech in which he thanked the president for the development projects in Kiambu, and handed over the microphone.

“Rais nataka nikuambie ile kazi umetuambia ya Kiambu, out of the housing fund, ile pesa tumeeka Kiambu is a total of Ksh46 billion yenye inafanya kazi hapa Kiambu. Na tunakushukuru na tunakuambia uendelee na hiyo kazi. Kazi ya kelele isikuweke uoga hata kidogo kwa sababu ile kazi ambayo tulikupea ni ile ya maendeleo. Asante na Mungu akubariki,” Ichung’wah said.

Ichung’wah heckled in Nyandarua

This comes just two days after he was again heckled in Nyandarua, in front of President Ruto.

Despite the noise, Ichung’wah tried to weather the storm through a greeting, which was only met with louder jeers.

“Mr. President, the people of Kware know affordable housing is here, and all the work (placing cabro in affordable housing units) here should be given to the youth,” Ichung’wah added in an apparent attempt to appease the crowd, who shouted down his address in protest.

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William Ruto

President William Ruto has opened up on what he will do if he loses the 2027 presidential elections.

Speaking in in Othaya, Nyeri County during his tour of Mt. Kenya region, President Ruto told the residents that he is ready to go home in 2027 if he fails to meet their expectations.

According to Ruto, the 2027 presidential candidates will be subjected to an exam which will be marked by Kenyans based on every individual’s performance.

Ruto on losing elections

Ruto revealed that if it happens that he loses the 2027 elections, he will be more than ready to retreat to his home to do farming.

Tumekuja kupanga mambo ya watoto wetu; tuwachane na siasa ya kubishana, tufanye kazi. Mambo ya siasa yako na siku. Si mlitupatia kazi? Si kila mtu ako na yake? Si wakati wa mtihani utafika? Mimi nimejenga barabara, nimetengeneza kilimo… ikifika wakati wa kusahihisha mtihani, mimi niko tayari… nikipita mtihani yenu, sawa, nisipopita mtihani yenu, mimi naenda nyumbani kulima,” he said.

Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour

Ruto is on the final day of his development tour of the Mt. Kenya region, with him traversing Nyeri and Kiambu Counties.

He made several stopovers in the Nyeri County where he inspected ongoing government projects, including the construction of the 468-unit Ruring’u Affordable Housing in Nyeri Town and the Ruring’u Stadium, before proceeding to Othaya.

After Nyeri, he proceeded to Lari in Kiambu County where he visited the section of Mau Mau Road under construction.

From Lari, he will proceed to Githunguri constituency.

Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba however, says that she has been summoned by the Kiambu County Criminal Investigation Officer (CCIO).

This comes just hours before President Ruto’s planned tour of Githunguri, where he is expected to inspect the ongoing construction of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIPS) and visit the modern fresh produce market that is under construction.

Taking to her official social media accounts on Saturday, April 5, 2025, Wamuchomba, a great critic of the Head of State and an ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, linked the summons to Ruto’s tour of her constituency.

According to her, she has been summoned because the people of Githunguri refused to be lured to what she has termed as fake promises and projects that never materialised.

She further stated that the number of arrests against the government critics would not change the fact that the Kenya Kwanza administration has not delivered on most of its promises to Kenyans.

“The CCIO Kiambu has, through a telephone call, summoned me because the great people of Githunguri refused to be lured to fake promises and projects that never materialised. Arrests you can do, but that will not change the facts! No more lies! You promised, deliver!” Wamuchomba wrote on X.

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Kimani Ichung'wah was heckled in Nyandarua during President William Ruto's development tour.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah on Thursday, April 3, 2025, had a hard time while addressing the crowd in Ol Kalou Town, Nyandarua County, during President William Ruto’s tour of the Mt. Kenya region.

Ichung’wah was heckled and jeered in front of Ruto.

The crowd erupted into jeers as soon as Ichung’wah received the microphone, making it difficult for him to convey his message.

He can be heard saying that he was not a coward, but the crowd could hear none of it.

“Mimi siuziwa uoga,” Ichung’wah can be heard saying as the crowd kept on heckling.

Not even shifting to the local Kikuyu dialect could save Ichung’wah from being heckled, a clear indication that the mountain has become more slippery to climb, further dimming his chances of getting re-elected in 2027.

Ichung’wah was among the dignitaries who accompanied the president during the launch of the Last Mile Connectivity at Ol Kalou Town, as Ruto continues to launch state projects in Mt. Kenya.

“Let me tell you. No one can shout me down. I cannot be intimidated,” Ichung’wah can be heard saying after the first round of heckling. 

Despite the noise, Ichung’wah tried to weather the storm through a greeting, which was only met with louder jeers.

“Mr. President, the people of Kware know affordable housing is here, and all the work (placing cabro in affordable housing units) here should be given to the youth,” Ichung’wah added in an apparent attempt to appease the crowd, who shouted down his address in protest.

Ichung’wah, seemingly overwhelmed by the jeers from the mammoth crowd, gave in and passed the microphone back, but not without a parting shot.

Before handing over the microphone, Ichung’wah fired a warning to the crowd, saying, “I want to tell you, President Ruto, that here in Ol Kalou and the whole of Nyandarua, no one can intimidate me.”

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A collage photo of former DP Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto

President William Ruto has, for the first time, opened up on how his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua used to blackmail the Members of Parliament (MPs).

Speaking on Monday, March 31, 2025, during an interview with Mt Kenya media houses ahead of his development tour of the region, Ruto said that the blackmail led to the fallout between Gachagua and the MPs, leading to his impeachment.

According to Ruto, Gachagua used to threaten the MPs to worship him, failure to which they would lose their jobs as legislators.

Gachagua, Ruto said, had given the MPs a December 2024 deadline to start bowing to his demands lest they lose their jobs, but the lawmakers decided to fight back, thus impeaching him before December 2024.

“Nikamwabia (Rigathi Gachagua) tufanye kazi ya Wakenya, tuwache hii makesi kidogo kidogo. Ndio huyu yeye ameanza vita na Wabunge, hao wabunge wenye kumuondoa Bunge. Kabla ya Desemba msiponipigia magoti mtaenda nyumbani. Wabunge wakasema kabla Desemba sisi tutakushughulikia. Vita mwenyewe ameanzisha na wabunge,” Ruto said.

Ruto went ahead to claim that the blackmail extended to him, with Gachagua demanding Ksh10 billion to streamline the Mt Kenya region so that the head of state does not become a one term president.

Ruto said he refused to bow to the demand, and subsequently leading to his fallout with Gachagua.

“Wabunge wakaanza vita kwa sababu wameambiwa wasipopiga magoti, wataenda nyumbani. Ikafika mahali nikaelezana na huyu bwana apunguze vita na hawa watu wote. Ikanifikia mimi, unajua mimi (Rigathi) naweza kukufanya one term president, nahitaji bilioni kumi ndio niende niongee na watu wa mlimani nikupangie siasa. I said I will not do it. Kama wewe ndio kuamua one term, amua vile unataka,” he said.

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A collage photo of former DP Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto

President William Ruto has received a warning from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua before to his upcoming trip to Central Kenya.

On Monday, March 31, Gachagua visited Wangige in Kiambu county for a quick public meeting in what appeared to be a calculated political maneuver.

As anticipated, the former DP attacked his former boss, claiming that he had started projects that weren’t part of the Kenya Kwanza government.

Gachagua claims that most of the initiatives Ruto plans to start were started by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I want to tell the President. You are coming to Mount Kenya to tell us which projects you are working on….But we must say the truth: the projects that are in Central Kenya are those that were initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and you have refused to complete them,” Gachagua said.

Ruto is scheduled to appear on all Central Kenyan vernacular stations before to his tour, a move Gachagua says is intended to deceive the public ahead of the President’s arrival.

“Don’t lie to the people of Mount Kenya. I hear he is going to make an appearance on the radio tonight. Will you listen to him?” Gachagua remarked.

Two days prior, Gachagua had warned the residents of Mount Kenya to be cautious of the President’s purported use of financial inducements to win over the voting bloc.

For the first time since August 2024, when Gachagua was still his deputy, Ruto will be making a thorough tour of the Mount Kenya region. It is anticipated that Ruto, whose tour starts on April 1, will start a number of projects in several counties, including Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu.

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A collage photo of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Farouk Kibet

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has publicly clashed with President William Ruto’s long-time aide, Farouk Kibet, over development in Western Kenya.

Natembeya, who has been a strong critic of Ruto’s administration, told Farouk to face him if he has any misgivings about his leadership.

“Do not think that because you are close to the President, you can lecture us. I do not fear you; come and face me. Do not speak from the periphery. It is as simple as that,” the governor told a public meeting over the weekend.

Natembeya told Kenyans to respect those in leadership positions but not to fear them.

“I was taught by my mother to respect people and leaders, for that matter. And I respect President Wiliam Ruto, but I do not fear him because he is also a human being,” he stated.

“When we start fearing the leadership, we are bringing dictatorship to our country.”

The governor emphasised that the country belongs to all Kenyans and not a group of people.

“The President eats ugali and sour milk just like me, he sleeps just like me, he has bad and good dreams just like me, and he was born by a woman just like me. Why the should we fear each other yet Kenya belongs to all of us,” he posed.

Speaking in Malava in Kakamega County earlier, Farouk accused Natembeya of being a stumbling block to development in Western Kenya.

“I heard a complaint, and I want to ask you something. Natembeya is saying I should not visit Malava; is that possible?” he said.

Natembeya has strongly criticised Ruto’s recent tour of Western Kenya, arguing that the region has been neglected in terms of development.

Natembeya further called out Ruto’s handlers, accusing them of misleading the president on the needs and priorities of the people of Western Kenya.

He urged Ruto to reconsider his close circle of advisors, arguing that they deceive him rather than relay the true needs of the people on the ground.

Natembeya expressed disappointment over Western Kenya’s lack of development and emphasised that the region deserves equal infrastructure projects like other parts of the country.

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Nyandarua Senator Methu Muhia.

Nyandarua County Senator Methu Muhia has rejected a pay rise of Ksh 366,011 in mileage that has been offered to the lawmakers by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Methu, in a statement shared via his official social media accounts, argued that he never asked for the salary increase and urged other lawmakers in the National Assembly and the Senate to follow suit.

According to Methu, President William Ruto had committed to reducing government expenditure due to the tough economic times, terming the increase in the salaries of the lawmakers as untimely and saying that it will just end up overburdening the taxpayers.

Methu’s letter to SRC

Methu further stated that he would be writing an official letter to the SRC rejecting the salary increment, arguing that it is wrong for a few of them to live in opulence whilst the rest of Kenyans suffer.

“SRC has given me an increase of 366k starting in the month of April; however, I never asked for an increase from SRC. I don’t want my salary to be increased. I will be writing an official letter to that effect and am urging all my colleagues to do the same. How can a few of us live in opulence when millions of Kenyans are suffering? This has to stop; these games we keep playing with struggling Kenya have to stop, and any leader who is on the side of the people should come out and reject this offer,” Methu stated.

SRC increases MPs’ salaries

The salary increment is supposed to take effect from April 1, 2025.

In addition to travel reimbursement claims that the lawmakers submit based on the distance between their rural constituencies and the capital, Nairobi, the pay rise will reflect on the MPs’ pay slips as a fixed monthly mileage allowance.

A report by Daily Nation on Saturday, March 29, detailed that the 416 MPs in the National Assembly and Senate will cost taxpayers Ksh 4.4 billion for the 29 months leading up to the general election in August 2027.

Each month, the MPs receive a lump sum payment for their allowances and reimbursement claims, in addition to the KSh 739,600 gross salary that SRC set in the July 27, 2022, and August 9, 2023, gazette notices.

In a letter to PSC secretary and Senate clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, SRC secretary and CEO Anne Gitau states that the pay rise was approved at the SRC meeting on March 20, 2025, following his request.

Kenyan taxpayers would pay Ksh 1.83 billion annually, translating to Ksh 152.3 million monthly as a result of the new fixed mileage. According to the new SRC structure, all MPs whose counties or constituencies are more than 205 kilometers from the Parliament buildings in Nairobi will additionally get mileage claims for one weekly return trip at a rate of KSh 152.6 per kilometer.

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Caleb Amisi

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has warned of serious consequences as a result of frequent Cabinet reshuffles made by President William Ruto.

Amisi, in a statement shared via his official X account on Thursday, March 27, 2025, said the rapid reshuffles being made by Ruto with no regard to efficiency and competence are a recipe for disaster.

According to him, the frequent changes in the government will create job insecurity among state officers, prompting them to steal as much as they can due to the uncertainty of their jobs.

“Frequent shuffling, reshuffling, and jumbling of the cabinet at a speed faster than lightning, with no regard to efficiency and competence, encourages insecurity among state officers. It creates the idea of taking what you can; the future is not guaranteed,” Amisi warned.

Amisi urges Ruto to rethink strategy

Amisi further urged President Ruto to rethink his strategy and its far-reaching implications for the statecraft of the nation.

“Mobutu of Zaire reshuffled his cabinet 60 times for the period he ruled; I don’t know if that is an example to borrow from. I urge the president to rethink his strategy and its far-reaching implications for the statecraft of the nation. Kenya needs a Renaissance!” Amisi stated.

Ruto reshuffles Cabinet

His remarks come a day after Ruto reshuffled his cabinet in a move that saw Justin Muturi get sacked as public service cabinet secretary.

Ruto nominated Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku to replace Muturi.

Hanna Cheptumo has also been nominated as Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage CS, a position Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been holding in an acting capacity.

“THE TWO nominees are expected to bring to Cabinet not only the knowledge and experience acquired over the course of their illustrious careers but, above all, their wisdom accumulated from their inspiring and diverse life journeys,” a communique from the head of public service, Felix Koskei, issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, read.

The reshuffle has also affected CS Aden Duale, who has been moved from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to the Ministry of Health.

CS Deborah Barasa Mulongo has been moved to the Ministry of Environment.

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Sabina Chege

Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Sabina Chege has said that Bungoma County has a lot of houses made of mud.

Speaking during during an interview on Spice FM’s situation room show on Thursday, March 27, 2025, the former Murang’a County Woman Representative said she was shocked to also find a whole shopping centre made of mud in Bungoma.

Sabina Chege says she found this out when she toured the county when MPs attended the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother Ann Nanyama early this year.

According to Sabina Chege, mud houses are unheard of in the Central Kenyan region where she comes from. She attributted this to the cash crops from the region, especially tea and coffee, which she says aided their parents to build themselves decent houses and educate their children.

“Early this year when we went for the burial of the mother of the speaker of the National Assembly, I was shocked to find that in Bungoma county, we have a lot of mud houses, actually a whole shopping Centre that is made of mud. In Central Kenya this is something that is unheard of…..Our parents worked so hard, the tea and cash crops in central Kenya have made the people improve their lifestyles. That is where people would get even a loan from the bank and build decent houses,” Sabina Chege said.

Sabina Chege further attributed the development disparities to some of the regions staying out of government for long.

Sabina Chege on Nyanza

For instance, the vocal lawmaker argued that she had also toured the Nyanza region and found that there was no clean water, with locals attributing the issue to being in the opposition for long.

She maintained that she would not wish for the Central Kenya region to be out of government due to the consequences, such as lack of development.

“I went to Nyanza and found that there is no clean water. Someone said it’s because they have never supported the government and have always been in opposition. This worries me for my own people of Mt. Kenya— do we want to go into opposition and miss out on the benefits of the government? It is high time we, as a mountain, stop taking things for granted,” Sabina Chege said.

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