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Rigathi Gachagua Confirms He Will Run for President in 2027

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Rigathi Gachagua Confirms He Will Run for President in 2027
Rigathi Gachagua Confirms He Will Run for President in 2027

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Gachagua affirmed his resolve to be on the ballot, stating that he is well-qualified and confident of securing the support needed to mount a formidable campaign.

“I am a candidate to be president of the Republic of Kenya. I am qualified and I have support. I am looking for more support and I will be on the ballot as a candidate for President,” he stated.

Gachagua defended his eligibility despite questions surrounding his impeachment and ongoing legal battles.

He argued that the Constitution provides for every Kenyan to run for elective office as long as legal remedies have not been exhausted.

“The Constitution guarantees your right to vie for elective office even if you have been convicted, if you have not exhausted the remedies available in law. The Supreme Court has not made a ruling on my impeachment,” Gachagua said on Citizen TV.

He cited the case of Sirisia MP John Waluke, who was convicted but allowed to vie for office after he successfully appealed his case.

The former DP is among the opposition leaders seeking to fly the opposition flag in the 2027 race.

During the interview, he dismissed accusations that he is a tribal leader, insisting that he is a nationalist committed to Kenya’s unity.

He also dismissed claims that he promotes ethnic divisions, saying his love for his community has been misinterpreted.

“The man before you is a great nationalist. I have never uttered anything against other communities. Loving my community does not mean I hate others. I challenge anyone to bring a single utterance where I have spoken against other Kenyans,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua pointed to his support for President William Ruto in the 2022 general elections as evidence that he does not engage in tribal politics.

He argued that the accusations are being driven by political rivals seeking to damage his reputation following his fallout with the President.

“Some of the leaders who embraced me when I was in government are now pushing the tribal narrative against me because of politics,” he said.

Ouma Oluga: Hospitals hiked painkiller prices from Ksh30 to Ksh1,500 to defraud SHA

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Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Ouma Oluga, has slammed private and public hospitals for inflating medical charges, citing cases where painkillers costing Ksh30 were sold for Ksh1,500.

Speaking at an interview on a local radio station on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Oluga highlighted the systemic nature of the problem, noting that ordinary Kenyans are bearing the brunt of inflated medical costs.

“The level of overcharging is unacceptable. Basic healthcare services are being exploited, and it is our duty to ensure citizens are not defrauded,” he said.

“That Panadol costs Ksh30 bob, but you’ve been charged Ksh1,500 in the hospital. And citizens don’t know. So, in fact, forget about even the claims. Does that happen, though? Yeah, it happens all the time in the private sector,” the PS added.

The PS explained that both private medical insurance providers and government systems are impacted by such irregularities.

He cited an example where a CT scan valued at Ksh 16,000 was being billed at Ksh 35,000, forcing private insurers to suspend services from the offending hospitals.

“This is not limited to a few facilities; the problem is widespread, and we are determined to hold everyone accountable,” Oluga noted.

Oluga confirmed that the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Social Health Authority (SHA), is conducting audits and strengthening oversight of hospitals that inflate costs or submit fraudulent claims.

The reviews have already resulted in the closure or downgrading of hundreds of facilities, both private and public, found violating regulations.

He emphasised that all claims submitted to SHA or other medical schemes must reflect actual services provided.

“If a service was not offered or the charges are exaggerated, action will be taken against the offenders. This is a country-wide issue that requires decisive measures,” Oluga said.

The crackdown follows a wider investigation into SHA payments, which comes after the government revealed claims worth Ksh 5.1 billion are under re-evaluation amid concerns of fraudulent billing.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also noted that the government had observed a worrying trend involving healthcare facilities, including double-charging of patients to defraud the public health insurance scheme.

Peter Kaluma: Only Raila Will Beat Ruto in 2027 Election

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Peter Kaluma: Only Raila Will Beat Ruto in 2027 Election
Peter Kaluma: Only Raila Will Beat Ruto in 2027 Election

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has declared that only former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has the political strength to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential race.

According to Kaluma, Raila remains the only opposition figure with a truly national following, strong enough to mount a serious contest against the Head of State. He dismissed the influence of other opposition leaders, arguing that even united, they would struggle to secure more than 15 percent of the vote.

“Only Baba, Raila Odinga, can beat President William Ruto if he runs in 2027. The other so-called ‘opposition leaders,’ working together, can’t muster even 15% of Kenya’s total vote,” Kaluma said in a post on X.

The legislator, a staunch ODM member, further suggested that if Raila were to join forces with President Ruto, the 2027 election would effectively be decided in advance.
“We don’t need to spend money on a presidential election in 2027 were Baba to go into a coalition with President Ruto – it would be done,” he added.

Kaluma’s remarks come as the political landscape begins to shift ahead of 2027, with speculation over alliances and strategies intensifying.

Opposition leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, have been exploring ways to build a united front to challenge Ruto. Others said to be involved include Martha Karua, Mukhisa Kituyi, and leaders from emerging parties.

Their plan centers on fronting a single candidate capable of mounting a serious bid to unseat President Ruto in the next general elections.

Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel Dies After Road Accident

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Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel Dies After Road Accident
Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel Dies After Road Accident

Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel has died following a tragic road accident that occurred last week in Rongai.

Lempurkel, who suffered severe injuries during the crash, had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, where doctors fought to save his life. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

The former legislator, who served in the 11th Parliament between 2013 and 2017, was widely known for his steadfast advocacy of the Maa community. He earned a reputation as a bold and outspoken leader committed to addressing historical injustices and promoting the rights of marginalised groups.

News of his passing has drawn an outpouring of tributes from across the political divide. Leaders praised him as a courageous and selfless servant of the people.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua described Lempurkel as a strong voice in national dialogue and grassroots politics.

“I learnt of the untimely passing of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel with a heavy heart. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may Almighty God grant strength, comfort, and fortitude to his family, loved ones, and all who cherished him during this moment of grief. My deepest sympathies to you all,” Gachagua said in a statement.

He also acknowledged Lempurkel’s affiliation with the Democracy for the Citizens Party, noting that although he is gone, “his legacy will live on in our hearts.”

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), under which Lempurkel was first elected in 2013, also paid tribute, stating:
“We mourn the passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel, who served as MP for Laikipia North in the 11th Parliament. May God’s peace and comfort be with his family and the people of Laikipia during this time of grief.”

For the Maa community, Lempurkel’s death marks the loss of a prominent defender of land rights, cultural heritage, and inclusive development.

The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.

Actress Wilbroda Opens Up on Painful Miscarriage Experience

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Actress Wilbroda Opens Up on Painful Miscarriage Experience
Actress Wilbroda Opens Up on Painful Miscarriage Experience

Veteran actress and radio presenter Jacqueline Nyaminde, popularly known as Wilbroda, has for the first time spoken publicly about one of the most painful experiences of her life—a miscarriage that changed her outlook on motherhood.

Speaking in a candid interview with media personality Alex Mwakideu on his YouTube channel on Friday, August 22, 2025, Wilbroda revealed that after the birth of her son, she became pregnant again but tragically lost the baby.

The Papa Shirandula star admitted the experience discouraged her from trying for more children. “After I got my son, I got pregnant again, and I had a miscarriage. That is what discouraged me from getting pregnant again because it was a very difficult time, and I really wanted to go through it alone,” she shared.

Wilbroda disclosed that only a few close family members and friends were aware of her loss, as she chose to grieve privately.

Actress Wilbroda Opens Up on Painful Miscarriage Experience
Actress Wilbroda Opens Up on Painful Miscarriage Experience

What made the miscarriage especially painful, she said, was the emotional bond she had already formed with her unborn child.

“I had already given her a name, I used to talk to her, and I was very excited. When the miscarriage came, it really hit me hard,” she said, describing it as one of her lowest moments in life.

Despite the painful chapter, Wilbroda said she has since found peace in raising her son as a single mother and no longer feels pressured to have another child.

“Even now, if someone tells me, ‘Jacky, why don’t you get another child?’ I tell them it’s not my wish. If it is God’s will, then it will happen, but as a human being, I’m content,” she affirmed.

SHA Denies Claims of Ksh20M Payment to Ghost Nyandiwa Hospital

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SHA Denies Claims of Ksh20M Payment to Ghost Nyandiwa Hospital
SHA Denies Claims of Ksh20M Payment to Ghost Nyandiwa Hospital

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has strongly denied reports claiming it disbursed Ksh20 million to a non-existent health facility, terming the allegations false, misleading, and irresponsible.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi clarified that the payment was made to Nyandiwa Level 4 Hospital in Homa Bay County.

The hospital, operational since the 1970s, was formerly Nyandiwa Dispensary and retained its original bank account name after being upgraded, in line with standard practice across the country.

Dr. Mwangangi explained that the Ksh19,998,720 in question represented legitimate and accumulated claims, duly verified under SHA’s strict protocols. She added that since October 2024, the facility has received Ksh751,504 under the Primary Health Care Fund (PHC) and Ksh82,080,706 under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), all acknowledged by the hospital.

She dismissed images of an abandoned structure circulated in the media, clarifying that it was one of several incomplete facilities built by a former county administration and has never been contracted by SHA.

“The Social Health Authority does not and will never disburse funds to non-existent or uncontracted facilities. Every payment is subject to rigorous verification to safeguard public funds and strengthen health service delivery,” she said.

Dr. Mwangangi further noted that all disbursement data is publicly available on the SHA website after each release, stressing the Authority’s commitment to transparency and accountability. She urged the media to uphold accuracy and fairness by verifying facts before publication.

The SHA CEO added that current payouts cover a wide range of benefit packages, including outpatient, inpatient, maternity, dialysis, mental health, and cancer treatment, cautioning against misleading comparisons between facilities without considering service variations.

Police investigations into the false report have not been confirmed.

Woman dies while being baptized at the Indian Ocean in Kilifi

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A baptism ceremony in Kilifi’s Kijipwa area turned tragic on Wednesday, August 20, after a young woman died in the Indian Ocean moments after being baptised.

According to police, a pastor had gathered 24 people for the spiritual event at the Pope area. Nearly half of them had already undergone baptism when disaster struck.

Witnesses said 27-year-old Loice Kahindi Charo had just been immersed in water when she began convulsing and struggling to breathe. She was quickly pulled to the shore, but instead of receiving urgent first aid, pastors and church members continued praying over her, believing her condition to be spiritual.

By the time they realised her health was deteriorating, it was too late. She was rushed to Vipingo Health Facility, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. Police have launched investigations, with the body taken to the mortuary for postmortem.

In Nairobi’s Lindi area, a woman died in a late-night fire that swept through her home in Kibera slums.

Police said the blaze broke out on Wednesday night, engulfing the house. The woman managed to rescue her child but was overcome by thick smoke. She later died upon arrival at a hospital.

Her husband, who was away at the time, returned home only to be met with the heartbreaking news. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.

Meanwhile, police in Nairobi are investigating two mysterious deaths reported on Wednesday.

In Westlands, the body of 40-year-old Gabriel Omondi was discovered lying along Back Street Lane near Unga House, hours after his death.

Separately, in Donholm along Outering Road, the body of an unidentified man, believed to be about 30 years old, was also found. Both bodies were moved to the mortuary pending autopsies as police probe the circumstances.

Man Charged with Robbery After Allegedly Attacking Woman Who Rejected His Advances

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Man Charged with Robbery After Allegedly Attacking Woman Who Rejected His Advances
Man Charged with Robbery After Allegedly Attacking Woman Who Rejected His Advances

A Nairobi man has been arraigned in court for allegedly assaulting and robbing a married woman who had repeatedly turned down his romantic advances.

Ambrose Imoh faces charges of robbery with violence against Martha Mwikali, contrary to Section 295 as read with Section 296(2) of the Penal Code. The incident is reported to have taken place on August 13 at Kwa Maji, Njiru Sub-County.

According to police reports, Imoh had persistently pursued Mwikali despite her warnings that she was married and not interested.

After she blocked his calls and messages, he is said to have confronted her at her shop, snatched her mobile phone worth Sh15,000, and physically attacked her.

A pastor who witnessed the altercation told investigators that Imoh first requested to speak with Mwikali before grabbing her phone and assaulting her following a heated exchange.

Mwikali later informed her husband, who appealed to Imoh to return the phone peacefully. Authorities initially gave the accused an opportunity to resolve the matter by compensating the complainant, but he allegedly declined.

Officers from Mowlem Police Station eventually arrested him at his workplace, where they reportedly recovered the stolen phone.

In court, Imoh admitted he had “strong feelings” for Mwikali but claimed he was offended by her rejection. He was released on a Sh300,000 bond without the option of cash bail. The case will be mentioned on October 30.

NPS officially accepts Samidoh’s resignation as officer, ending 12 year of service

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NPS officially accepts Samidoh's resignation as officer
NPS officially accepts Samidoh's resignation as officer

Mugithi star Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, has formally left the National Police Service (NPS), bringing an end to a 12-year career in uniform.

The NPS confirmed that it had accepted his resignation, which took effect on July 20, closing the chapter on his role as a police constable and ending plans to prosecute him for alleged desertion.

In his resignation letter, the musician said he was stepping down for personal reasons, chief among them the desire to dedicate himself fully to his flourishing music career.

Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja acknowledged the decision, saying: “He is free to pursue whatever he wishes.”

Samidoh’s exit comes after a turbulent period marked by controversies touching on his private life, politics, and strained relations with his superiors. At one point, the NPS publicly accused him of deserting duty, prompting the service to initiate disciplinary action.

Trouble began when a video surfaced of the singer joining fans in chanting the slogan “wantam” (short for one-term), a rallying cry for critics opposed to President William Ruto’s re-election. Senior police officials viewed this as a violation of regulations barring officers from political activity.

As a result, Samidoh was transferred from the regular police to the Administration Police Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil, then posted to Baringo. He was also lined up for disciplinary proceedings over absenteeism. Instead, he left for the United States for a series of performances.

Fearing arrest, he sought anticipatory bail at the High Court last month. The court granted his request after learning a warrant of arrest had already been issued. Samidoh argued the charges were politically motivated, insisting that his case was less about desertion and more about his criticism of government.

Court documents revealed that he had in fact received formal travel clearance. A letter signed by Deputy Inspector-General Mathew Kutoh, and later presented in court, allowed him to visit the US from May 20 to June 9, 2025.

Samidoh’s political associations also drew attention. In May, he and several Mt Kenya musicians visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen residence, sparking backlash from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused them of betraying the Mt Kenya community. Gachagua even called for a boycott of their music.

Prof. Kindiki, however, defended the artists, noting they had sought government support in dismantling cartels in the creative industry and pushing for fair compensation.

The musician later crossed paths with Gachagua during tours in the United States, before returning to Kenya under the protection of the court-issued bail.

Samidoh now steps away from the police service to concentrate fully on his music, officially closing a contentious chapter in his dual career.

Babu Owino: Ruto’s government is rotten, he should fight corruption from within

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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused President William Ruto’s government of double standards in the fight against corruption, claiming the Executive is the “epicenter” of graft.

Speaking on Spice FM on Thursday, August 21, Owino said the administration is “shifting goalposts” and weaponising the war on corruption to target rivals while shielding insiders.

“He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. But the Executive is already rotten… If the president is genuine about fighting corruption, he must start with his own house,” the MP stated.

Owino pointed to alleged scandals, including claims of billions siphoned through the e-Citizen platform, and questioned the construction of a church at State House.

“How much does the president earn monthly? How much has he accumulated in three years? Is it enough to build such a church? The figures don’t add up,” he said.

The lawmaker dismissed Ruto’s assertion that Parliament is the “center of corruption,” arguing that any bribery in the House originates from the Executive.

“Where does the money come from? If MPs are bribed, it is money trickling down from the Executive. Therefore, corruption starts at the presidency,” Owino remarked.

He further questioned the creation of a new multi-agency team to tackle corruption, saying it undermines bodies mandated by the Constitution.

“Why form an unconstitutional body when we already have EACC and DCI? Corruption should not just be talked about. It should be fought,” he noted.

According to Owino, the renewed anti-graft drive is part of a political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are entering campaign mode. You will see handouts disguised as empowerment, but what are you empowering when mama mboga only receives 64 shillings, or 40 youths share one motorbike? This is deception,” he said.

On his absence from a recent joint ODM–UDA parliamentary group meeting, Owino said he was neither consulted nor convinced by the coalition deal.

“When the NADCO report and the broad-based government deal was being drafted, I was not consulted. If they didn’t consult me then, why consult me now?” he posed.

“On that day, I chose to perform my conjugal rites, which to me was more important than attending the meeting.”

Despite being branded a “rebel” within ODM, Owino affirmed his loyalty to Raila Odinga.

“I respect Baba. He is my Party leader, and I will never fight him in public. But ODM stands for democracy. I have a democratic right to oppose any wrongdoing, whether from the government or elsewhere,” he said.

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