Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has announced a cooperation deal with the Party of National Unity(PNU).

Matiang’i met with PNU Party Leader Peter Munya on Wednesday, February 18, and the two have agreed to formally work together.

As part of the deal, PNU has agreed not to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

“PNU has endorsed Dr Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.  Matiang’i represents discipline in public service, courage in decision-making, and a track record of results in education reform, security coordination, and public administration,” the Jubilee Party wrote.

The Jubilee Party stated that the partnership was a commitment to rescue the economy, restore dignity to public institutions, empower young people, and return honesty to government.

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni lauded the political pact, terming it a sacrifice for the greater good.

“There comes a moment in the life of every nation when patriotism must rise above personality, when country must be placed firmly above individual ambition.

“The journey ahead will demand courage, unity, and truth. But today, we choose nation over noise, integrity over intrigue, and hope over hollow slogans,” Kioni wrote.

Earlier, Jubilee Party had insisted that Matiang’i was better placed to lead the charge to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.

Kioni declared that the party would undertake a campaign drive to popularise the party and amass a huge following.

He argued that numbers will be a crucial factor when the United Opposition sits down and selects its presidential flagbearer.

Matiang’i will face off with Eugene Wamalwa, David Maraga, Rigathi Gachagua, and Martha Karua for a chance to face Ruto on the ballot.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina schooled senior colleagues in the National Assembly who complained about the prevalence of sexual and explicit content on TikTok.

Speaking while making submissions in Parliament on Tuesday, February 17, Maina told the MPs that they received the videos based on their interests.

She explained that TikTok works on a pinpoint algorithm that recommends content to users based on predicted behaviour.

“I have heard Members say that they saw very graphic videos on TikTok. TikTok operates on a very sequential algorithm. It feeds you what you search for and the information that you look for,” she explained.

Maina commended the Parliamentary Committee on Public Petitions’ recommendation to reject the ban on TikTok but questioned the stringent regulations it had proposed.

She questioned whether the regulations recommended by the Committee would empower the government to frustrate the freedom of expression of the youth.

“We have seen autocratic governments that seek to govern absolutely stifle communication used by the young people to engage with each other. Will the regulations be used to stifle dissent and key fundamental rights and freedoms?” Maina posed.

Maina reiterated the sentiments of MPs who recommended regulating TikTok as opposed to banning it.

The MPs demanded that the regulation be focused mostly on explicit content, fake content and access to age-inappropriate content by children.

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Petitions proposed an amendment to the law to allow the state agencies to regulate social media.

” We recommend that the Departmental Committee on Communication introduce an amendment to the Kenya information and ommuniations akt kap 411 a to mandate the Communications Authority of Kenya to regulate social media platforms in the country,” the report read in part.

Furthermore, the Committee asked the Ministries of Interior and ICT to establish a mechanism for the enhancement of age verification on social media platforms.

In addition, it pushed for discussions with TikTok towards monetisation, which will allow content creators to earn from the app.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga was treated to a hostile reception in Tharaka Nithi County after his convoy was pelted with stones.

Maraga was in the County on Tuesday, February 17, on a campaign to popularise his United Green Movement party when students from Tharaka University blocked the road.

The students hurled stones at the convoy, cutting short the campaign trail.

Speaking to the press, the rowdy youth claimed that Maraga had disrespected Deputy President Kithure Kindiki by campaigning against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Here in Tharaka, we are ‘Tutam’. We do not want any other policies apart from Kindiki’s. So, anyone who says wantam will not be allowed in Tharaka.

“We do not subscribe to the politics of insults, and to us, anyone who says Wantam is insulting us because this is Kindiki’s backyard. All the leaders who insult Kindiki and undermine him will not be allowed,” they remarked.

Maraga accused President William Ruto of being intolerant of the opposition and alleged that he masterminded the attack.

“I condemn attempts by President Ruto and his political acolytes to use political violence and intimidation to stop our voter registration #UkatibaCaravan in Tharaka University today,” he stated.

The retired CJ maintained that he would not be intimidated and urged the youth to register as voters.

“Let us register in large numbers and vote out Ruto and his regime. With our vote, with our voices, we will send this violent and thieving regime home,” he stated.

The attack on Maraga came barely days after he sided with the members of the United Opposition in condemning attacks by the police and goons sponsored by the government.

Efforts by the Opposition to meet with Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja proved futile after the latter staged a no-show.

Consequently, the leaders hinted that they would mobilise the members of the public to occupy the police headquarters and physically remove the IG from office.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has been hospitalised after he was involved in a minor accident.

In a statement dated Wednesday, February 18, Kang’ata disclosed that he injured his foot while attending a meeting with Nutritional International in Nairobi.

He intimated that he tripped and injured his foot, after which he was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

“Murang’a County Government wishes to inform the public that H.E. Gov. Irungu Kang’ata was today attending a meeting in Nairobi when he unfortunately tripped and sustained an injury to his heel tendons. The Governor is currently receiving treatment,” the statement read in part.

The governor has been placed on bed rest for one month, during which the Deputy Governor will take charge. 

“The Governor has been advised to remain away from physical office engagements for approximately one month to allow for full recovery. 

“During this period where the Governor’s physical presence is required, the Deputy Governor, Stephen Munania, will represent him,” the statement read.

However, official meetings will continue online as of next Monday, February 23.

Furthermore,  the Murang’a County Executive Committee (CEC), Prof Joseph Kiarie, will handle designated engagements as appropriate.

Kangata explained that the meeting was organised by Nutrition International, a Canadian Government-supported organization that partners with Murang’a County and other counties in the implementation of key nutritional and public health programmes.

Murang’a County expressed gratitude to the people for standing with the Governor through prayers and goodwill.

The County and fellow politicians have wished Kang’ata a quick recovery.