Deputy President William Ruto has asserted that the 2022 presidential race in Mt. Kenya is exclusively between him and ODM leader Raila Odinga, dismissing concerns over Raila’s running mate Martha Karua. Speaking in Kirinyaga, Ruto accused Karua of lacking influence in the region, claiming her appointment was a tactic to mislead voters.
EACC Targets Governors Over Illicit Wealth ¶
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has initiated legal actions to recover billions of shillings in assets from six sitting and former governors allegedly acquired through corruption. Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, Migori’s Okoth Obado, Samburu’s Moses Lenolkulal, Garissa’s Ali Korane, and former Nairobi and Kiambu governors Evans Kidero and Ferdinand Waititu are under scrutiny. The agency recently began recovering Ksh2 billion from Waititu, who amassed wealth between 2015 and 2020.
Kenyans Warn Against CBC Overhaul ¶
Ruto and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi have pledged to abolish the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) if Kenya Kwanza wins the August election, citing frustrations among teachers, parents, and students. The government is constructing classrooms to accommodate students transitioning from Grade Six to Junior Secondary in the upcoming academic year.
UDA Official Joins Raila’s Camp ¶
UDA Vice-chair Kipruto Arap Kirwa defected to Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition, accusing Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza of authoritarianism. Kirwa revealed Ruto had favored Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki over Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate, contradicting public announcements.
Cabinet Secretary Predicts Raila’s Victory ¶
ICT CS Joe Mucheru claimed Raila Odinga would defeat Ruto in the first round of the presidential election, vowing to ensure all votes are counted. Ruto’s allies have demanded Mucheru’s resignation, alleging election manipulation through technology.
MP Dies in Highway Accident ¶
Rabai MP William Komote died in a road crash on the Kilifi-Mombasa highway hours after submitting his election nomination papers. Police confirmed he succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.
Governor Challenges Electoral Disqualification ¶
Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria confronted IEBC officials after being disqualified from the presidential race, questioning the commission’s independence. He alleged bias, stating he met all requirements for candidacy.
Court Conflict Over Prosecution Powers ¶
A legal dispute erupted between DCI boss Joseph Kinoti and DPP Noordin Haji over authority to handle suspect interrogations. Kinoti halted police procedures after Haji’s new guidelines restricted charge sheet drafting to state counsel, prompting calls for judicial intervention.
MP Accused of Assaulting Rival ¶
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri faces calls for arrest after a video surfaced showing him and supporters assaulting female candidate Irene Njoki during a campaign event. Njoki vowed to pursue legal action against the lawmaker.
Azimio Secures Nairobi Zoning Agreement ¶
The Azimio la Umoja coalition has allocated Nairobi’s 17 constituencies to ODM, Jubilee, and Wiper, with ODM and Jubilee each sponsoring eight candidates. Wiper will field one candidate, while ODM will lead senatorial and Woman Rep nominations to maximize electoral gains.
