Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he privately warned Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata against attending Sunday’s Ol Kalou by-election, saying he had prior knowledge of a plot targeting the event.

In a statement issued Sunday, Gachagua said he enlisted Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu to pass on the warning after he himself chose to stay away from the by-election.

“I told Joe Nyutu to find Irungu Kang’ata and tell him that I had stayed away from the Ol Kalou by-election because of what had been planned,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President said he specifically cautioned Kang’ata against making the trip, arguing that his political rivals were looking for an opportunity to exploit his presence at the event.

“I asked him to stop going to Ol Kalou because they would use that opportunity. Linda Mwananchi was in Kisii, and Kisumu was attacked. He did not listen, so I had to say it publicly,” he added.

Gachagua also moved to dispel claims of a rift between his camp and the Linda Mwananchi movement, insisting there was no hostility between the two groups. He cited a recent political gathering in Thika, where he said he had encouraged his own supporters to rally alongside leaders affiliated with the movement.

“We do not quarrel with Linda Mwananchi. In fact, when Sifuna and Babu came to Thika, I asked my supporters to join them,” he said.

One Dead, Several Injured in Kisumu and Nyahururu Clashes

Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that one person died and multiple others were injured after violence broke out during Linda Mwananchi events held in Kisumu and Nyahururu on Sunday.

NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned the violence, warning that such incidents threaten national cohesion and undermine public order.

“The National Police Service wishes to apprise the public of incidents of violence that occurred today, 12th July 2026, in Kisumu City and Nyahururu Town. The Service strongly condemns these acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism. Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities,” Nyaga said in a statement.

According to Nyaga, the Kisumu violence stemmed from a confrontation between two rival groups, leaving one person dead, several others injured, nine motorcycles torched and a police vehicle damaged.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that, in Kisumu City, a violent confrontation between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle,” he said.

Police have since arrested eight suspects in connection with the Kisumu unrest and are pursuing additional individuals believed to have taken part in the violence.

In Nyahururu, Nyaga said a separate group attempted to disrupt a political rally by hurling stones at attendees, causing minor injuries to several members of the public. Among those affected was Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury.

“In Nyahururu Town, a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including one Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged,” Nyaga said.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

The education fraternity and residents of Siaya County are mourning the death of veteran educator Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, the elder brother of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi, who passed away after a short illness.

In a funeral announcement released by the family, Daniel is remembered as a dedicated teacher, mentor and family man whose unwavering commitment to education touched countless lives over a career spanning more than three decades.

“It is with profound sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the untimely demise of our beloved Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi after a short illness,” the family said.

Born to Mzee Elly Wandayi and Mama Florence Wandayi, Daniel was the first-born son in the family. Throughout his teaching career, he served in several schools across the Nyanza region, earning admiration for his passion for academic excellence, discipline and mentorship.

He retired from the teaching profession in 2005 after dedicating more than 30 years to shaping the lives of young learners.

Beyond the classroom, Daniel was celebrated as a pillar of his family and community. He was the loving husband of Herine Oluoch and a devoted father to Gilbert Wandayi, Josiah Marakalu, Merab Oluoch, Leovine Oluoch, Hellen Achieng and the late Albania Masawa. He was also a proud grandfather of 11 and a respected elder within the Josiah Marakalu and Wandere Obanda families.

His family described him as a humble and wise man whose influence extended far beyond his profession. As an uncle, cousin and mentor, Daniel offered guidance and support to many people who sought his counsel over the years.

His passing is a significant loss not only to his immediate family but also to the wider community. He is survived by, among others, his younger brother, Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi, and another brother, Michael Wandayi, both of whom have joined relatives and friends in mourning the respected educator.

Family members, friends and well-wishers have been gathering daily from 5:00 p.m. at his home in Yiro-Muhola for prayers and funeral preparations.

According to the funeral programme, the cortege will leave Aga Khan Hospital Funeral Home on Thursday, July 16, and proceed to All Saints Muhola ACK Church for prayers before heading to his home for an overnight vigil.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Sikalame ACK Church, after which Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi will be laid to rest at the family farm in a private interment ceremony.

As tributes continue to pour in, many have described Daniel as an educator whose legacy will endure through the generations of students he taught, mentored and inspired. His life of service, humility and dedication to education leaves behind a lasting imprint on Siaya County and the wider Nyanza region.

Motorists using the upgraded Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway will pay a toll of Sh8.50 per kilometre once the road becomes operational, following the publication of the project’s concession agreement by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

The 94-kilometre highway will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd selected as the preferred private partner to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the road.

According to KeNHA, the project will be implemented under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) framework. The concessionaire will manage the highway for a 30-year period before handing it back to the government in accordance with the concession agreement.

The authority said the toll tariff has been set at Sh8.50 per kilometre, although future adjustments may be made subject to government approvals and the terms of the concession agreement. The project is expected to rely primarily on private financing, with any government financial commitments limited to those stipulated in the agreement.

The upgraded highway will include rehabilitation and expansion of the existing road, construction of interchanges, bridges and viaducts, drainage systems, tolling infrastructure and additional road safety features aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing accidents.

The Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit corridor forms part of the busy Northern Corridor, linking Nairobi with western Kenya and neighbouring countries. It serves as a critical transport route for cargo moving to and from the Port of Mombasa.

KeNHA projects that the upgraded road will significantly reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs and improve connectivity between Nairobi, Nakuru and the wider Rift Valley region. The project is also expected to boost trade, tourism and regional investment while creating employment opportunities during both construction and operation.

The authority said publication of the concession agreement is intended to enhance transparency and public accountability in the implementation of the PPP project. Members of the public have also been invited to submit feedback and seek clarification as preparations for implementation continue.

President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to evaluate his administration based on its performance rather than political rhetoric, saying his government’s record should be the ultimate measure of its leadership.

Speaking during a church service in Embu County on Sunday, the President said his administration has remained focused on delivering tangible development despite growing political criticism ahead of the 2027 General Election. He argued that the government’s achievements in key sectors demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

Ruto pointed to progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, affordable housing and infrastructure, saying these initiatives reflect the promises his administration made when it took office. He maintained that development projects underway across the country are evidence that the government is fulfilling its mandate.

The President also urged leaders to prioritize service delivery over political campaigns, noting that national development should take precedence over divisive politics. He said leaders should be judged by the impact of their work rather than the intensity of political debate.

His remarks come amid heightened political activity, with alliances beginning to take shape ahead of the next general election. In recent weeks, the President has defended his administration’s development agenda while responding to criticism from political opponents and former allies.

Ruto reaffirmed his confidence that voters will assess his presidency based on the outcomes of government programmes rather than campaign narratives. He said his focus remains on implementing policies aimed at improving livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening public services.

The President reiterated that his administration will continue rolling out development projects across the country, expressing confidence that the government’s performance will speak for itself when Kenyans eventually return to the ballot.

A police officer attached to the Wajir command died on Sunday, June 1, after collapsing moments after participating in the Madaraka Day parade attended by President William Ruto at Wajir Stadium.

The officer, identified as Hassan Juma Moyo, had just completed the march-past during the national celebrations when he suddenly collapsed at approximately 9:05am, shocking fellow officers, dignitaries, and members of the public gathered for the event.

News of Moyo’s death was confirmed by Kwale County Woman Representative Fatuma Masito, who paid tribute to the fallen officer and his service to the country.

“It is with great sadness, on behalf of myself, my family, and all the people of Kwale County, that I receive the news of the death of the late Hassan Juma Moyo, a police officer who dedicated himself to serving our nation until his last breath when he suddenly passed away while on duty during the national Madaraka Day celebrations at Wajir Stadium,” she said.

Masito extended her condolences to the officer’s family, friends, colleagues, and residents of the Golini Lake area, describing him as a respected member of the community whose death is a significant loss.

Following the incident, Moyo was rushed to Wajir County Referral Hospital, where medical personnel attempted to save his life. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at around 10am, less than an hour after he collapsed.

Authorities indicated that the cause of death was a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. The medical emergency reportedly occurred without warning in full view of hundreds of spectators attending the national celebrations.

President Ruto had been presiding over the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, where thousands of Kenyans gathered to commemorate the country’s self-governance milestone.

By Sunday evening, the National Police Service had not issued an official statement regarding the officer’s sudden death.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the welfare and health of security personnel deployed during major national functions. Over the years, several incidents involving officers collapsing during official events have been reported across the country.

In December last year, an administrator collapsed during a graduation ceremony at Embakasi National Police College presided over by President Ruto. In 2021, a Kenya Navy officer fainted during Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu.

More recently, a sergeant attached to the Presidential Escort Unit died after collapsing at State House Nairobi in April 2025. In February this year, detectives launched investigations into the sudden death of another police officer stationed at State House in Mombasa.

The latest incident is likely to renew calls for enhanced medical screening, welfare support, and working conditions for officers tasked with providing security during high-profile state events.

Eight students are currently in custody as Kenyan authorities investigate a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County, that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens more injured.

In a press statement released Friday, May 29, 2026, Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is holding and questioning the eight students as persons of interest. Investigators are working to establish each individual’s role in the planning and execution of what has been officially declared an act of arson. Those found culpable will face charges under the Penal Code and other relevant laws.

The scale of the tragedy is significant. Of the 808 learners on school premises at the time of the incident, 16 lost their lives. Their remains have been transferred to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification, with parents and guardians directed to the facility for testing. A further 79 students sustained injuries of varying degrees, with seven still hospitalized as of the statement’s release.

Investigators also revealed that two teachers had received prior warning of planned unrest from Form Three learners but failed to act before the fire broke out. Those teachers now face disciplinary proceedings alongside the school principal.

The school’s Board of Management has been dissolved for failing to meet safety standards, including dormitory overcrowding and a locked exit door — violations of the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations.

Investigations are ongoing.