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Location: Kenya
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Category: Politics
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Time: Weekly Daily
Language: English

Kenya Top Stories

for the 25 Aug - 31 Aug

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Aug 27 declared Katiba Day
1. Aug 27 declared Katiba Day

President William Ruto declared August 27 as Katiba Day to be observed annually in commemoration of the adoption of the 2010 Constitution. Katiba Day was celebrated publicly in Kenya and among the diaspora, with official messages and events organized by various government departments and missions. There is still debate over whether it is a national holiday or a commemorative day.

The 2027 presidential race
2. The 2027 presidential race

Activist Boniface Mwangi announced that he will contest for the presidency of Kenya in 2027, with an anti-corruption and youth-first agenda. His announcement has been noted for its potential impact on initial coalitions among political elites and civil society in Kenya. Political parties have begun reaching out to him, while some analysts note that his support may be concentrated in Nairobi.

Shakahola: Five more graves found
3. Shakahola: Five more graves found

Police uncovered at least five corpses and found other human remains in the area off the location of Shakahola/ Kwa Binzaro in Kilifi County, reopening attention on the 2023 cult murder cases. Police claim dozens of shallow graves are still under investigation. Several suspects have been arrested while the forensic teams attempt to identify the victims. There are demands to prosecute and support victims more quickly by locals and human rights groups.

UK pays £2.9M over Kenya wildfire
4. UK pays £2.9M over Kenya wildfire

The UK has ended up paying 7,723 Kenyans and an environmental organization about £2.9 million right over the 2021 Lolldaiga Hills wildfire, which was caused by British soldiers. Some victims say the payouts are insufficient, while activists want the UK-Kenya defense pact reviewed. The settlement is seen as a precedent for suing foreign forces in Kenyan courts.

Assaults on Kenyan journalists
5. Assaults on Kenyan journalists

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered an investigation into the attacks against journalists and chaos following the return of former DP Rigathi Gachagua. Government officials indicate that the police will investigate the failures at JKIA and lapses in crowd control. Media groups are calling for measures to protect reporters who have been covering the political events.

Church barred at State House
6. Church barred at State House

The High Court has barred the government from putting up a permanent church or any religious structure on the grounds of the State House in Nairobi. Justice Chacha Mwita emphasized the need for the creation of secular spaces within state premises. The ruling highlights constitutional limits on the use of state property for religious purposes.

EACC probes five sitting governors
7. EACC probes five sitting governors

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating five current and 11 former governors on grounds of embezzlement, irregular tenders, and unexplained wealth. The commission has indicated that it has submitted several high-profile cases to be prosecuted. The commission said it is also recovering assets and cash linked to corrupt practices, while expressing concern over public frustration about corruption levels in the country.

Gachagua alleges plot on return
8. Gachagua alleges plot on return

 

Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, claimed that plain-clothed police officers attempted to detain or harm him upon his arrival in Nairobi from the USA. Government officials denied the allegations. The incident has intensified political tensions between Gachagua and the ruling government.

$2.1M US lobbying strategy defended
9. $2.1M US lobbying strategy defended

The Kenyan government justified its move to employ US lobby groups, describing the $2.1 million contract as a normal diplomatic practice to enhance bilateral relationships. The contracts became public through mandatory US disclosures. Officials say the measures are needed to enhance trade, security, as well as investment interests in the run-up to a scheduled high-profile visit of President Ruto to Washington.