Kenya: Ruto and Gachagua rivalry intensifies in Kakamega, Meru forest cleared for airstrip, and school discipline debated
via Tuko6 min read
Kakamega is set to become a political battleground as President William Ruto and opposition leaders, including former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, hold separate engagements just five kilometers apart. Ruto will launch a Sacco delegates' meeting, while Gachagua and allies will address a public rally. This marks Gachagua's first major political appearance since his impeachment was upheld. The United Opposition, comprising leaders like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, aims to present a united front against the Kenya Kwanza administration, with Gachagua urging opposition leaders to settle on a single presidential candidate for 2027. Meanwhile, controversy has deepened in Meru after the government proceeded with clearing part of Imenti Forest for a proposed airstrip project despite public opposition and a court order. The project, which includes plans for a state lodge and a golf course, is expected to occupy about 100 acres. Separately, the National Assembly's Committee on Education has launched an inquiry into rising student unrest, with some lawmakers suggesting the possible return of corporal punishment. This follows a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed 16 lives. The committee will summon Ministry of Education officials and conduct public hearings. In other news, the High Court has frozen bank accounts linked to suspended Nairobi county Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo and his wife, Damaris Sindavi Kayugira,
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union KEHPHPU has strongly criticized the Council of Governors CoG for allegedly delaying the absorption of Universal Health Coverage UHC healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable employment. KEHPHPU Secretary General and CEO Brown Ashira condemned remarks by CoG Finance Committee Chairperson and Kakamega governor, Fernandes Barasa, regarding a lack of funds. Ashira accused governors of undermining commitments by national and county governments to transition 7,414 UHC healthcare workers. The union states the dispute arises from the CoG's proposal to shift UHC funds from conditional grants to county equitable share allocations, which KEHPHPU believes could delay payroll absorption and leave thousands without contracts, salaries, or pension security. UHC workers have served under difficult conditions since the COVID-19 pandemic, facing delayed gratuity and job insecurity. KEHPHPU demands immediate absorption of all active UHC healthcare workers, rejection of further contract extensions, and prompt release of funds. The union warned of nationwide industrial action if commitments are not honored, stating, "We will not retreat, compromise, or negotiate on the dignity of our workers," and that failure to implement the agreement could paralyze public health services.
The Kenyan government has refuted recent media reports suggesting a new ban on Kenyan domestic workers in Kuwait. Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime clarified that a recent communication from Kuwaiti authorities updated existing recruitment procedures and regulations, rather than imposing new restrictions on Kenya. He stated that Kenya voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait approximately a decade ago, and this position remains unchanged. The Ministry of Labour emphasized that this is not a new policy targeting Kenya but a continuation of the long-standing operational framework. The restrictions apply only to domestic workers, with other Kenyan professionals still eligible for employment in Kuwait. Kenya and Kuwait are currently engaged in consultations to develop a bilateral framework for the domestic labor sector, aiming to establish mutually agreed procedures and safeguards. Kuwait remains a significant destination for Kenyan migrant labor across various sectors.
Must ReadThe Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI has refuted a viral claim alleging that an Indian man confessed to receiving KSh 300 million to poison former prime minister Raila Odinga. The DCI labeled the claim as false, sharing the circulating image on its official X account with "FAKE NEWS!" and a prominent red "FAKE" mark. The graphic, designed to resemble a legitimate news alert, falsely stated that an Indian doctor admitted to using a toxin in a plot targeting Raila. The DCI's intervention aimed to curb misinformation and warned Kenyans against treating the circulated claim as factual. The agency clarified that the allegations were unverified and not authentic, countering the spread of the narrative.