UDA Party Issues Notice on Nominations Ahead of May By-elections

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March 17, 2026

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has invited aspirants to apply for party nominations ahead of the May by-elections.

In a notice dated Monday, March 16, the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) announced that nominations will be conducted on Saturday, March 28.

“Following the declaration of vacancies in the offices of: Member of the National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency; Narok County, and Members of the County Assembly for Porro Ward, Samburu West Constituency; Samburu County, and Endo Ward, Marakwet East Constituency; Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“Notice is hereby given that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party Nominations shall be held on Saturday March 28, 2026,” the notice read in part.

UDA declared that all aspirants must register through its official online platform before being eligible to participate in the nomination exercise.

“Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for nomination by registering through the UDA party portal accessible at www.uda.ke,” the notice added.

According to the NEB, the registration window opened on Tuesday, March 17, and will close on Friday, March 20, at 5:00 p.m.

File image of an IEBC official during a past voting exercise

UDA also outlined strict application procedures, noting that registration is mandatory and must be completed before any payment is made.

“All aspirants MUST first register on the UDA Portal. Upon completing the registration process, the system will automatically prompt the aspirant to pay the nomination fee through MPESA STK Push directly from the portal,” the notice further read.

In terms of nomination fees, those seeking Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions will pay Ksh50,000 for male candidates, while female, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will each pay Ksh25,000.

Aspirants for Member of the National Assembly (MP) positions will pay Ksh250,000 for male candidates, with female, youth, and PWD candidates required to pay Ksh125,000.

UDA clarified that all nomination fees are non-refundable and can be paid either via MPESA Paybill number 888092 or through a designated bank account held at Equity Bank.

“Registration is only considered complete after both registration and payment are successfully done through the portal,” the notice reiterated.

ODM Nairobi Delegates Back Winnie Odinga for Deputy Party Leader Role Amid Internal Power Shift

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Editor

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March 17, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Delegates of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Nairobi have endorsed East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga for the position of Deputy Party Leader, signaling a potential shift in the party’s leadership dynamics.

The endorsement was made during a delegates’ meeting held on Tuesday, at a time when the party is grappling with internal disagreements and growing generational contest within its ranks.

Winnie, the daughter of veteran opposition leader late Raila Odinga, received backing for the influential position that plays a key role in shaping party strategy and decision-making.

The meeting, which was overseen by Makadara MP George Aladwa, who also serves as the ODM Nairobi branch chairperson, further endorsed her as Nairobi’s number one party delegate.

The position of number one delegate in Nairobi was previously held by Raila Odinga, reflecting the significance of the role in one of ODM’s strongest political bases.

The endorsement is seen as part of a broader push by younger leaders within the party to take up more prominent roles, even as internal wrangles continue to shape ODM’s evolving leadership structure.

China to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq

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John Mutiso

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March 17, 2026

China has decided to offer emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq in the hope of easing the humanitarian plight faced by local people, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently warned that the current crisis in the Middle East has reached a critical humanitarian emergency, with some 25 million people affected.

In Iran, a growing number of innocent civilians have been killed or injured, while around 800,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced. Jordan, Iraq and other neighboring countries have also felt the impact of the escalating conflict.

At a press briefing, Lin expressed deep concern over the humanitarian toll.

“The ongoing conflict has caused severe human suffering in Iran and other regional countries,” Lin said. “China extends its sympathy and condolences to the people affected.”

Lin emphasized that China has consistently upheld the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and remains committed to the principles of internationalism and humanitarianism.

“China has decided to provide emergency humanitarian aid to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, with the hope of easing the difficulties faced by local populations,” he said.

He added that China will continue its efforts to promote peace, end hostilities and restore stability in the region, aiming to prevent further escalation of the humanitarian crisis.

Gov’t Begins Construction of First Public Ferry on Lake Victoria

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John Mutiso

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March 17, 2026

The Kenya Shipyards Limited has commenced the construction of its first-ever public ferry on Lake Victoria.

In an update on Tuesday, March 17, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the development is part of the government’s efforts to invest in water transport infrastructure.

“As part of the government’s ongoing strategy to harness the Blue Economy, Kenya Shipyards Limited has commenced construction of a 29-metre shallow-draft ferry at the Kisumu Shipyard. The vessel will be the first public ferry operated by Kenya Ports Authority on Lake Victoria,” he said.

Omollo revealed that construction of the vessel is already at an advanced stage, with key structural work nearing completion.

He added that additional technical works are currently underway as the project moves closer to completion.

“The project is now at 50% completion, with most welding works finalised, structural joining and fitting completed and the passenger area ready. Ongoing works include electrical piping and painting of sub-structural components,” he added.

According to Omollo, once operational, the ferry is expected to boost movement across Lake Victoria, benefiting residents in remote and island areas.

“The ferry will bridge a critical gap in public maritime transport, improving connectivity to island-rich areas such as Homa Bay County, including Mfangano Island, while linking the riparian counties of Busia, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori,” he further said.

Beyond the ferry project, Omollo said the Kisumu Shipyard is also playing a role in local boat manufacturing, supporting both transport and fishing activities across the lake.

“In addition to large vessel fabrication, the shipyard also manufactures smaller fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, commonly used for fishing, patrol and transport operations across Lake Victoria,” he concluded.

ELDOWAS Announces 4-Day Water Supply Interruptions in Select Areas

By

John Mutiso

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March 17, 2026

Residents in Eldoret have been notified of an upcoming four-day water supply interruption by the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS).

In a public notice, ELDOWAS said the interruption will run for four days and urged residents to prepare in advance for the temporary shortage.

“This is to inform you that the water supply from the Chebara Treatment Plant will be temporarily interrupted. The water supply interruption will begin on Wednesday, 18th March 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and continue until Saturday, 21st March 2026, at 9:00 a.m,” the notice read.

ELDOWAS said the interruption is necessary to facilitate essential routine maintenance works.

Areas set to be affected by the interruption include Kimumu, University of Eldoret, and their environs; Marakwet farm, Kapchumba, the upper parts of Maili-nne and their environs; Munyaka, Kapsoya, Action estates and their environs; Rift Valley Bottlers, Bio-Corn and their environs; and Upper Elgon View, Eldoret Polytechnic, Annex, Langas, Racecourse, Kapseret and their environs.

Chepkanga, Marura and their environs; Kamukunji, Mwanzo, Old Uganda Road and their environs; as well as all the customers along the Chebara-Eldoret Pipeline will also be affected.

ELDOWAS further noted that alternative emergency water services will also be limited during this period, although efforts have been made to maintain supply in unaffected zones.

“During this period, the water bowser services will also be unavailable; however, the other water treatment plants will remain operational to ensure the continuity of water supply to unaffected areas,” the notice added.

President Ruto Breaks Silence on Nairobi Hospital Saga

By

John Mutiso

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March 17, 2026

President William Ruto has finally broken his silence in the saga surrounding the Nairobi Hospital.

Speaking on Tuesday in Bungoma County, Ruto said the hospital’s officials approached him seeking his intervention in an alleged takeover of the facility.

“As president of the Republic of Kenya and as patron of Nairobi Hospital, senior doctors and professionals from Nairobi Hospital approached me to save Nairobi Hospital from conmen, fraudsters, and charlatans who wanted to expropriate Nairobi Hospital,” he said.

President Ruto noted that he directed legal action to be taken against those involved in the alleged disruption of Nairobi Hospital.

“There is no way I am going to allow it to be taken hostage by conmen and fraudsters. That is why I have instructed with clarity that all those who were involved in fraudulent activities in Nairobi hospital be removed, taken to court, and charged,” Ruto added.

The Head of State pledged to protect the hospital as a crucial facility in the country, saying he would safeguard it from fraud.

“It is an institution that serves the public of Kenya, and we are going to defend the right of Nairobi Hospital to exist,” Ruto remarked.

Ruto’s remarks come after Dr. John Obwaka, Nairobi Hospital Board vice-chairman Samson Kinyanjui, another director, Valery Gaya, and former director Chris Bichage were arrested under mysterious circumstances.

The four were arraigned on Monday, March 17, before the Milimani Law Courts and charged with conflict of interest, unlawful receipt of benefits, and failure to comply with financial reporting requirements.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) threatened to call for a strike over what it termed mysterious arrests.

Court Orders Former Homa Bay Health Official to Refund Ksh10.9 Million in Irregular Salaries

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Editor

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March 17, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured a court order requiring a former Homa Bay County health official to refund over KSh10.9 million in salaries found to have been irregularly earned.

In a judgment delivered on March 13, 2026, Justice B.M. Musyoki ordered Odhiambo Ottoman Adel Walter, a former Deputy Director of Health – Preventive and Promotive in Homa Bay County, to repay Ksh10,991,712 received between June 2016 and August 2021.

The case arose from investigations by the EACC which established that during the period in question, Odhiambo was simultaneously employed on permanent and pensionable terms by the County Government of Homa Bay while also holding a similar position at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Kisumu County.

The Commission moved to court on June 12, 2024, seeking recovery of the funds on grounds that the dual employment amounted to a conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public resources.

In its determination, the Anti-Corruption Court held that it was both unlawful and unethical for a public officer to draw salaries from two government institutions in a manner that undermines efficient service delivery.

The court directed that the full amount be refunded within 90 days, warning that failure to comply would allow the Commission to proceed with execution of the decree.

Court to Hear Urgent Petition Challenging Multi-Billion SGR Project Over Alleged Rights Violations

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Editor

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March 17, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

A constitutional petition challenging the legality of the Naivasha–Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B project has been filed at the High Court in Nairobi, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle over alleged violations of constitutional rights, public finance laws and procurement procedures.

The case, filed under a certificate of urgency by Collins Matasi before the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division, names Kenya Railways Corporation Managing Director Philip Mainga as the 1st respondent, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the National Land Commission and the Ministry of Roads and Transport listed as interested parties.

The petition raises concerns over the planning, procurement, financing and implementation of the railway project, particularly along the Suswa Railway Corridor and in areas such as Kerarapon in Ngong, where the petitioner alleges communities have been unlawfully displaced without due process or compensation.

Matasi argues that construction activities have already commenced in some areas and, unless the court intervenes urgently, the ongoing works could result in irreversible harm, including destruction of homes and significant financial loss to the State.

Through the application, the petitioner is seeking orders to stop further construction and financing of the SGR Phase 2B project until full legal compliance is demonstrated, as well as disclosure of documents relating to compensation, affected persons and the processes followed under constitutional requirements.

He also wants the National Land Commission to oversee resettlement processes and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the conduct of officials involved in the project.

In his supporting affidavit, Matasi states that the project involves hundreds of billions of shillings in public borrowing, yet key documents including loan agreements, procurement records and feasibility studies have not been made public.

He further claims that no Resettlement Action Plan has been disclosed despite ongoing evictions, arguing that the actions violate constitutional provisions on property rights, fair administrative action, environmental protection and accountability in public finance.

The matter is scheduled for hearing of the application on March 19, 2026, where the court will determine whether to grant interim orders as the case proceeds

DCI Launches Manhunt for Rape, Murder Suspect

By

John Mutiso

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March 17, 2026

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a nationwide manhunt for a suspect linked to a brutal rape and murder case, calling on members of the public to assist in tracking him down.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 17, authorities said the incident occurred in Kirinyaga County, adding that the suspect is accused of committing the crime against a young woman earlier this month.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, urgently seeks the assistance of the public in apprehending a suspect wanted in connection with the capital offences of rape and murder. The suspect is alleged to have raped and subsequently murdered a 28-year-old woman on March 12, 2026 at an unknown time within Kirinyaga County,” the statement read.

The DCI further also revealed details about the suspect’s origin and warned that he poses a serious threat to the public.

“He originates from Ngushui Village, Murinduko Location, Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County and remains at large. He is considered armed and dangerous,” the statement added.

The DCI urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or relevant information immediately, with assurances of confidentiality.

“Any person who sights the suspect or possesses information concerning his whereabouts is requested to report immediately and in strict confidence,” the statement further read.

The DCI provided multiple reporting channels, including anonymous options, to encourage the public to come forward without fear.

“Information may be shared anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI channels by calling the toll-free hotline at 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000. Alternatively, contact may be made at the nearest Directorate of Criminal Investigations office or nearest Police station,” the statement concluded.

Moses Kuria Hits Back At Gachagua Over ‘Traitor’ Remarks

By

John Mutiso

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March 17, 2026

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has slammed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he labeled him a traitor.

In a post on Monday, March 16, Kuria accused Gachagua of calling any politician who disagrees with him a traitor.

The former CS stated that Mt Kenya leaders who will secure positions in the 2027 General Election would take responsibility for shaping the future of the region since Gachagua is barred from holding a public office.

“You can call anyone who disagrees with you a traitor. The truth of the matter is, you stand impeached, and as it stands now, you cannot vie for any public office. That’s the bad and unfortunate situation, and I actually sympathize with you.

“The only consolation is that the rest of us who will hold public offices in 2027 will sit down and chart the future of our region irrespective of whichever party we will be elected on,” said Kuria.

Kuria’s clash with Gachagua came after he claimed that MPs who would be elected on Gachagua’s DCP party in the 2027 election would be bought off.

While speaking during a funeral in Kiambu County on Monday, Gachagua accused the former CS of betraying the Mt Kenya region.

The former DP went on to say MPs who will be elected under the DCP party won’t be bought off, since he is sure that President William Ruto won’t be re-elected.

Gachagua also said Mt Kenya leaders who will be elected in the 2027 election won’t betray the region.

“I saw one traitor from Gatundu South who is allied to Ruto, saying that all MPs from the Mt. Kenya region will be elected on the DCP ticket. He is right, but he went on to claim that once elected, Ruto will buy them off. Let me tell you, Ruto will not buy them because he will be in Sugoi,” said Gachagua.

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