馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Opposition in Kenya faces disquiet over claims of Gachagua backing Kalonzo for 2027 presidential bid
via Tuko6 min read
Fresh divisions have emerged within Kenya's opposition following reports that Democracy for the Citizens Party DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has reportedly chosen Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as his preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. This development has caused concern among key coalition figures, who fear the flagbearer could be decided through private negotiations rather than a transparent process. Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni has voiced strong opposition, insisting that the candidate must be selected by Kenyans, not political elites. Kioni supports former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and warns against imposing any candidate through backroom deals. The debate intensified after Kalonzo appeared to confirm Gachagua's support, citing remarks from Senator Enoch Wambua who claimed opposition leaders had already agreed on Kalonzo's candidature. These claims have created uncertainty for other presidential hopefuls, including Matiang'i, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Edwin Sifuna, and Justin Muturi. Despite the speculation, Gachagua's allies have denied claims that he has excluded other contenders, stating he remains committed to consultations and that defeating President William Ruto is more important than individual ambition. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have raised concerns about Kenyans reported missing after the June 25 memorial protests, accusing security agencies of unlawful detentions, a claim the National Police
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The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse NACADA has reinforced its collaboration with the Kenya Scouts Association KSA to prevent drug abuse among young people. This renewed partnership was highlighted during the 2026 Regional Inter-Patrol Competitions in Nairobi. Stephen Mairori, NACADA Board Chair, emphasized that youth-focused organizations like the KSA are crucial in preventing substance abuse by instilling values such as discipline, integrity, leadership, and community service. He stated that empowering young people with information, positive role models, and opportunities helps them resist alcohol and drug abuse. NACADA officers conducted preventive education sessions during the competitions, engaging participants through interactive discussions and distributing informational materials. Mairori urged Scouts to use their leadership skills to positively influence peers and advocate for a drug-free Kenya. He also acknowledged the vital role of Scout leaders, teachers, and parents in providing mentorship and support, which are effective protective factors against substance use. NACADA has expressed concern over the escalating drug crisis in Kenya, noting that approximately 4.7 million people are battling substance abuse, with Mombasa County having a prevalence rate of 34.4%.
Must ReadThe High Court has ordered the immediate release of Halima Ngache, who was under investigation for allegedly operating an X account that tracked and published President William Ruto's flight movements. Ngache successfully challenged her detention, arguing that police arrested her without a warrant and did not inform her of the reasons for her arrest before transferring her from Mombasa to Nairobi. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI are investigating alleged cyber harassment and computer misuse. They claimed the X account disclosed details of Ruto's travel itinerary and aircraft registration numbers, raising security concerns. The DCI had initially sought to detain Ngache for seven days to conduct forensic analysis of electronic devices and gather evidence, but a lower court granted only three days. Ngache denies being solely responsible for the account's activity, noting that new posts appeared even after her arrest, suggesting other administrators. The High Court has directed Ngache to appear before the judge on Monday, July 6, for further directions as investigations into the alleged cyber offenses continue. This ruling follows a recent High Court decision nullifying sections of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2025, which allowed website blocking without court orders.
Nation Media Group journalist Simon Ciuri has obtained a temporary injunction against Ejidio Kinyanjui Gitau and Victor Muusya Cosmus, directors of Willstone Homes Limited, preventing them from making further alleged defamatory statements. High Court Justice Nixon Sifuna ruled that Ciuri established a prima facie case, highlighting the severe impact of reputational harm in the digital age, especially concerning professional reputation. The suit stems from statements made on social media platforms, including YouTube, following Ciuri's August 2024 Nation newspaper article about the company. The court, however, declined to order the removal of the disputed content from social media, noting that mandatory injunctions are granted only in exceptional circumstances. Justice Sifuna observed that an alleged statement accusing the journalist of accepting a KSh 500,000 bribe to tarnish the company's reputation "would ex facie appear defamatory" and could lower his standing. The judge emphasized that at this interlocutory stage, the court was not determining actual defamation but whether the threshold for temporary protection was met, which Ciuri satisfied. The court awarded Ciuri the costs of the application.