Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that the government has withdrawn his personal security, warning that the move has left him exposed despite what he terms his continued senior status in national politics.

Speaking on Monday, Gachagua described the decision as unjustified and dangerous, arguing that his public profile and political influence still warrant state protection.

“I want to tell the people of Kenya that Rigathi Gachagua is not safe. The government withdrew security from him despite his senior status in the country,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President maintained that although he is no longer in office, he remains a high-profile public figure with significant support across the country, making him a potential target.

“Despite the fact that he was removed from office, he commands a serious following. Millions of Kenyans are behind him, hence he is a senior leader who deserves protection because of his seniority in public service and his key role in determining the next presidential election,” he stated.

Gachagua linked the alleged withdrawal of his security to political disagreements with the current administration, particularly over the Mt Kenya region. He claimed the move is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening his political influence.

According to Gachagua, there is an alleged plan to divide the Mt Kenya voting bloc in order to dilute its power in future elections.

“The plan is to divide the mountain between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West and sometimes telling Kiambu to get out of the mountain,” he claimed.

He further said that his political activities in the region, which he described as efforts to promote unity among leaders and communities, have made him a target.

Gachagua insisted that the restoration of his security detail is necessary not only for his personal safety but also as recognition of his stature and continued involvement in national political affairs.

The Ministry of Education has announced that the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results will be released on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu is expected to preside over the official release ceremony in Eldoret, starting at 9.30 am.

Nearly 996,000 candidates sat the national examination in 2025 across various examination centres countrywide. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has been finalising the marking and processing of the results ahead of Friday’s announcement.

According to the ministry, candidates will be able to access their results shortly after the official release.

The announcement comes amid concerns from some parents over what they viewed as a delay in releasing the results. However, Education CS Julius Ogamba maintained that the process was proceeding as scheduled, noting that KCSE results are traditionally released in January.

Ogamba assured the public that the 2025 KCSE results timeline had not changed.

In a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of withheld certificates, the ministry has introduced a new system under which candidates will collect their KCSE certificates from sub-county education offices rather than from their former schools. The move is intended to curb delays often linked to unpaid school fees.

The 2025 KCSE examinations were conducted between October 21 and November 14, 2025. During the examination period, 418 candidates were flagged for various irregularities.

Marking of the exams briefly stalled on November 30, 2025, after about 800 examiners stationed at Maryhill Girls High School in Thika downed their tools, citing concerns over working conditions and poor communication from the ministry.

KNEC later confirmed that the dispute had been resolved, stating that all examiners had been paid and dismissing claims that coordination payments were still outstanding.

Last month, KNEC also warned schools against withholding KCSE certificates under any circumstances. The council reminded institutions that the law requires the immediate release of certificates and urged candidates facing challenges to seek assistance from the sub-county director of education.

The directive followed persistent complaints from learners who said some schools were retaining certificates to compel parents to clear fee arrears. While some institutions have argued that the practice helps mitigate financial risks or address unreturned learning materials and unresolved disciplinary issues, KNEC reiterated that such actions are unlawful.

The examinations body urged affected candidates to report any cases of certificate withholding to education officials for prompt intervention.

The County Government of Uasin Gishu has issued a directive banning the establishment and operation of children’s play areas within or near premises licensed to sell alcoholic drinks.

In a public notice released by the County Department of Health Services, the county warned that children’s play facilities must not be located close to bars, pubs, clubs or any other alcohol-selling establishments.

The move, officials said, is aimed at protecting children from exposure to alcohol-related environments while promoting their safety, health and overall wellbeing.

Under the directive, business owners and operators have been ordered to remove any children’s play areas situated within or near drinking premises. The notice further states that children should not be allowed to access or remain in alcohol-licensed establishments.

County officials clarified that the ban applies to all premises licensed to sell alcohol across Uasin Gishu County.

The Department of Health Services cautioned that failure to comply with the directive will attract strict enforcement measures, including fines, closure of affected businesses or prosecution in line with existing laws.

According to the county government, the ban forms part of broader public health and child protection initiatives aimed at creating safe and child-friendly environments.

Officials noted that exposure to alcohol-selling venues poses several risks to children, including normalising alcohol consumption at a young age and exposing them to potentially unsafe social settings.

The directive has elicited mixed reactions from residents. While many parents and child rights advocates have welcomed the move, terming it long overdue, some business owners have raised concerns over implementation and the costs associated with making adjustments.

The county government has urged all affected operators to comply voluntarily, warning that enforcement teams will conduct inspections to ensure full adherence to the new regulations.