Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has fired back at Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga over remarks that the ODM Party has its eyes on the Deputy President’s seat.
Speaking on Thursday, February 12, Ruku defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, insisting that the position is occupied and not up for political negotiations.
The Cabinet Secretary made it clear that any such opportunity would only arise in the future and when Kindiki is the president.
“Prof. Kithure Kindiki is the current Deputy President of Kenya. He will continue serving as Kenya’s Deputy President from 2027 to 2032.
“If ODM wants the Deputy President’s seat, we are ready to give them that position in 2032 when Kithure Kindiki becomes President. But for now, the seat is not vacant,” he said.
File image of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku
This comes days after Oburu clarified the ODM Party’s position on the Deputy President seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday, February 11, he said the seat remains a key target for the Orange Democratic Movement.
Oburu addressed claims that his earlier remarks had been misunderstood regarding ODM’s interest in the position and the current office holder.
“There was something that people misinterpreted. They claimed that I said that ODM does not want the DP seat, but that’s the position we have our eyes on. What I said is that we do not have a personal grudge or issue with Kindiki, but that seat is a public position,” he said.
Much earlier, President William Ruto had hinted at partnering with ODM in the 2027 General Election to form the next government.
Speaking during Raila Odinga’s funeral on Sunday, October 19, Ruto said he would not stand by and watch the ODM party crumble under political divisions.
The Head of State urged politicians seeking to destabilize the party to desist.
“By the grace of God, ODM will either form the government or be part of the next government. What I cannot allow, out of respect for Raila, and I will do everything I can with God’s help, is for those who want to destroy the ODM party and go play opposition politics outside. That will not happen,” he said.
The Lamu County government, in partnership with the United Kingdom (UK) government through the Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) Programme, has commissioned a coconut processing plant, which is set to benefit over 5,000 smallholder farmers.
Speaking on Friday February 13 during the commissioning of the plant, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said the plant will add value to the coconut sector and add income to farmers.
“The commissioning of the Kentaste coconut processing plant marks a major milestone in Lamu County’s economic transformation. By adding value to our coconut sector here at home, we are creating jobs, strengthening farmer incomes, and positioning Lamu as a competitive agro-processing hub.
“This investment reflects what is possible when county leadership, development partners, and the private sector work together to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth for our people,” said Governor Timamy.
Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director at the British High Commission, Diana Dalton, reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth in Kenya through programmes that help counties attract private investment.
File image of Lamu Governor Issa Timamy with Diana Dalton.
“This facility is a positive demonstration of the progress that can be achieved when Kenya and the UK work together to add value to products before they are exported. Coastal farmers are at the heart of this initiative, enabling them to sell more produce for more money,” said Dalton.
She continued, “We are proud to support a project like this that brings inclusive growth to a historically marginalised region, offering new work opportunities to young people, women and too often excluded groups, including people with disabilities.”
Kentaste Products Limited, Director Kyle Denning, on his part, said the plant demonstrates the company’s commitment to local value addition and to collaborating with farmers and county authorities.
Denning highlighted that by processing coconuts locally, Kenstate aims to strengthen the coconut value chain and ensure a reliable market for farmers in Lamu.
“For Kentaste, this factory represents a long-term commitment to Lamu to its farmers, its people, and its future. By investing in local processing, we are strengthening the coconut value chain, creating jobs, and ensuring farmers have a reliable market for their produce.
“With the support of Lamu County, SUED, and FSD Kenya, this plant allows us to grow sustainably while building resilience across the communities we work with,” he stated.
The processing plant is expected to strengthen local agricultural value chains by providing a reliable market to coconut farmers and creating more than 90 full-time employment opportunities.
Coconut farmers in Lamu will now have the chance to earn more from value‑added products like coconut milk and cream instead of selling raw coconuts.
The plant will use zero‑waste, climate‑friendly methods to ensure that every part of the coconut is put to good use.
The coconut products will reach the international markets faster and more efficiently thanks to the Lamu Port, which is nearby.
The SUED programme, which is implemented by FSD Kenya as the managing agent, supports selected counties in Kenya to unlock sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
In 2023, SUED partnered with Equator Kenya Limited (EKL) to set up a chilli processing plant in Malindi, Kilifi County.
The project seeks to integrate more climate-smart technology at the chilli processing facility and to expand its network of farmers.
The UK government contributed Ksh 43 million in seed funding, while EKL invested Ksh 154 million into the project.
With SUED’s support, EKL is expected to double its annual dried chilli production from 70 metric tonnes to 150 metric tonnes.
US President Donald Trump has reversed a key Obama-era scientific ruling that underpins all federal actions on curbing planet-warming gases.
The so-called 2009 “endangerment finding” concluded that a range of greenhouse gases were a threat to public health. It’s become the legal bedrock of federal efforts to rein in emissions, especially in vehicles.
The White House called the reversal the “largest deregulation in American history”, saying it would make cars cheaper, bringing down costs for automakers by $2,400 per vehicle.
Environmental groups say the move is by far the most significant rollback on climate change yet attempted and are set to challenge it in the courts.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said the 2009 ruling was “a disastrous Obama era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers”.
“This radical rule became the legal foundation for the Green New Scam, one of the greatest scams in history,” added the Republican president, about the Democrats’ climate agenda.
Former President Barack Obama, who infrequently comments on the policies of sitting presidents, said that repealing the finding would make Americans more vulnerable.
“Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change — all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money,” he wrote on X.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken of a defining moment and a “new era” as he travels to Europe for a major speech to the Munich Security Conference.
Rubio will lead the US delegation at the first major global event since President Donald Trump threatened Danish sovereignty with a pledge to annex Greenland.
French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted Europe must prepare for independence from the US, while Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has stressed that transatlantic bonds are as close and important as ever.
The war in Ukraine, tensions with China and a potential nuclear deal between Iran and the US are also on the agenda as the security conference gets under way.
”The world is changing very fast right in front of us,” Rubio told reporters, when asked if his message to Europeans would be more conciliatory than a year ago.
“We live in a new era in geopolitics, and it’s going to require all of us to sort of re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be”.
At last year’s conference, US Vice-President JD Vance attacked Europe, including the UK, for policies on free speech and immigration. His speech triggered a year of unprecedented transatlantic tension.
Some 50 world leaders are set to attend the conference, which will discuss European defence and the future of the transatlantic relationship at a time when US commitments to Nato have been called into question.
Tensions have been heightened in recent months as Trump has repeatedly said that Greenland is vital to US national security,stating without evidence that it was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place”.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters on Friday she planned to meet with Rubio to discuss the US threats to seize Denmark’s semi-autonomous territory from its Nato ally.
The US threats have been viewed by many European leaders as a watershed moment that has eroded trust with its biggest ally.
Ahead of the conference, eight former US ambassadors to Nato and eight former American supreme commanders in Europe issued an open letter calling for Washington to maintain its support for the Western defensive alliance.
“Far from being a charity”, they said Nato was a “force-multiplier” that allowed the US to assert its power and influence “in ways that would be impossible – or prohibitively expensive – to achieve on its own”.
The transatlantic relationship has come under increasing strain following the Republican president’s introduction of tariffs and a suggestion in the US national security strategy that European nations may not remain “reliable allies” in the long term.
The State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy has announced that applications for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project’s On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component are closing today.
In a statement on Friday, February 13, the department urged eligible young people to submit their applications before the deadline lapses.
Officials highlighted the importance of taking immediate action, stressing that applicants had only a limited amount of time left to secure a chance
“Today marks the final deadline for applications to the NYOTA Project On-the-Job Experience (OJE) component. You have only a few hours remaining to take a decisive step toward building practical skills and unlocking meaningful employment opportunities,” the statement read.
The department further guided applicants on the process, urging them to use the USSD application channel to complete their submissions.
“Dial *254#, select the OJE option, and complete your application today. Your future starts with the action you take now. Apply before the deadline closes,” the statement concluded.
The department confirmed that the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) workplace learning application closes today at midnight.
File image of President William Ruto addressing Nyota Programme beneficiaries in Mombasa
This comes two days after the World Bank dismissed a statement circulating online purporting to reaffirm the bank’s partnership with the government on the NYOTA programme.
In an update on Wednesday, February 11, the World Bank flagged the statement as fake, noting that no such statement has been issued.
“The World Bank Kenya wishes to clarify that the news release currently circulating regarding an alleged response to concerns about the NYOTA program is fake. No statement of that nature has been issued by the World Bank Kenya,” read the statement in part.
NYOTA also dismissed the statement, saying it did not originate from the World Bank.
“This document is fake and should be disregarded. The World Bank has not issued any official communication or statement in relation to this matter,” NYOTA stated.
The clarification comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hit out at President William Ruto for politicizing the NYOTA project.
“The NYOTA program is a World Bank program happening in other African countries like Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, Togo, yet we have not seen their presidents turn this into re-election campaign rallies across their countries,” he said.
CS Mutahi Kagwe has secured assurance from the Government of Zambia to supply up to 1M 90kg bags of maize if drought worsens and local stocks decline.
This comes as about 3.3M Kenyans face acute food insecurity, projected to rise to 3.6M by June 2026.
Speaking during the 49th Session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council in Italy, the CS said he held bilateral talks with Zambia’s Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo, who confirmed Zambia can release over 1M bags from its grain reserves if needed.
Kagwe noted that while Kenya may gazette duty-free imports if local stocks fail to replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve, maize from Zambia would not require gazettement under Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) trade arrangements.
An initial 250,000 bags could be cleared to stabilize supply as the government continues monitoring the food security situation and protecting the local market.
The meeting was also attended by PSs Jonathan Mueke and Eng. Julius Korir.
President William Ruto to depart Kenya this afternoon for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly.
Ruto will meet up with African leaders to set continental priorities and advance Agenda 2063.
As AU Champion for Institutional Reform, Ruto is set to present a progress report on enhancing the Union’s effectiveness, credibility, and financial sustainability.
“Our goal is to ensure the African Union works efficiently for the people it serves, with transparency, accountability, and robust financial management,” State house spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said in a statement on Friday.
President Ruto will also chair the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change and table its report, reinforcing Africa’s collective stance on climate action, adaptation, resilience, and climate finance.
“Africa must speak with one voice on climate matters. We are committed to practical solutions that protect our continent while driving sustainable growth,” Hussein said.
In addition, he will chair the inaugural African Continental Free Trade Area Committee meeting, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to deeper regional integration and expanded intra-African trade. “AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is a platform to unlock Africa’s economic potential and create jobs for our youth,” he said.
On the summit margins, he is expected to hold bilateral meetings to strengthen partnerships in trade, investment, health, and security, while mobilising support for Kenya’s national transformation agenda, which includes infrastructure development, agro-industrial growth supported by expanded irrigation, and energy security.
“President Ruto’s engagements at the AU Summit are aimed at consolidating Kenya’s leadership in Africa, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring the country’s strategic interests are advanced,” he said.
The AU summit comes at a critical time as Africa navigates economic pressures, climate challenges, and opportunities for deeper continental integration.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has begun an enforcement operation to remove illegal structures and other encroachments along the Machakos-Katumani-Wote Road.
In a statement on Friday, February 13, the authority said the move comes as part of ongoing efforts to protect road reserves and pave the way for infrastructure improvements.
KeNHA said the enforcement follows an earlier awareness campaign conducted among residents and road users to explain legal boundaries and regulations governing road reserves.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Lower Eastern Region Team, has commenced the removal of encroachments along the Machakos-Katumani-Wote (B62) Road.
“This exercise follows an earlier public sensitization program, during which road users and communities living adjacent to the Road Corridor were informed of the legal requirements governing road reserves and the implications of encroachment,” the statement read.
KeNHA explained that the ongoing operation is tied directly to planned safety upgrades along the route, particularly the construction of dedicated pedestrian walkways.
“The ongoing enforcement is intended to facilitate construction of pedestrian walkways, a key road safety intervention aimed at enhancing mobility and protecting vulnerable road users.
“Through this initiative, KeNHA reaffirms her commitment to improving road safety, safeguarding road infrastructure, and creating a safer and more accessible transport corridor for all users,” the statement added.
File image of the KeNHA demolitions
This comes days after KeNHA issued a notice directing roadside traders operating along sections of the Thika Superhighway to vacate the road reserve.
According to a notice issued on Monday, January 9, the directive targets traders at Roysambu in both directions and Githurai on the Nairobi-bound side.
KeNHA instructed all traders operating within the affected sections to remove their wares from the road reserve within seven days from the date of the notice.
“Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify all roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu (Both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi direction) sections to clear their wares from the road reserve within seven (7) days of this notice,” the notice read.
KeNHA stated that the clearance is intended to create space for the construction of bus bays to improve public transport and ease congestion.
“This is to pave the way for the construction of designated bus bays, aimed at ensuring safe and orderly passenger pick-up and drop-off, as well as reducing traffic congestion along the affected sections,” the notice added.
KeNHA added that the planned construction is part of its wider road safety program aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring smooth traffic flow along the highway.
“The project is part of KeNHA’s ongoing road safety improvement initiatives that seek to reduce accidents and ensure the unobstructed flow of traffic along the Highway,” the notice concluded.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into the alleged misuse of public funds amounting to Ksh5 million, reportedly spent on a housewarming event at the residence of the Speaker of the Vihiga County Assembly.
In a letter dated February 12, 2026, addressed to the Clerk of the Vihiga County Assembly, the anti-graft agency requested the urgent submission of documents to facilitate the inquiry.
The commission is seeking original or certified copies of key financial and procurement records linked to the event, including requisitions from the user department, approved budgets for the 2023/2024 financial year or any other relevant period, procurement documentation, payment vouchers, and any additional materials relating to the expenditure.
“Please endeavour to provide the documents by 13th February, 2026. Our officers Brian Shigoli and Kevin Lagat, or any other authorised EACC officer, will be available to receive the requested documents and information,” EACC Regional Manager for Central Nyanza, Abraham Kemboi, stated in the letter.
The investigation is part of the Commission’s mandate to monitor the use of public resources and ensure compliance with procurement and financial management laws.
The EACC has not indicated whether any individuals have been formally implicated, stating that the inquiry is ongoing and intended to establish the facts surrounding the alleged expenditure.
Stanbic Holdings Plc has announced a major leadership transition that will see its current chief executive step down at the end of February.
In a notice on Friday, February 13, the company confirmed the retirement of Chief Executive Patrick Mweheire and the appointment of Joshua Oigara to lead the company from March.
The Board confirmed that the current chief executive will leave his role at the end of February while remaining within the broader group in a senior capacity.
“The Board of Directors of Stanbic Holdings Plc announces the retirement of Mr. Patrick Mweheire as Chief Executive and Director of the Company, effective 28 February 2026. Mweheire will continue to serve in a senior executive capacity within the Standard Bank Group,” the notice read.
The board highlighted Mweheire’s impact during his tenure, noting that his leadership helped strengthen the bank’s position within the wider regional network.
It credited his stewardship with executing key strategic priorities that contributed to long-term value creation.
“Appointed Chief Executive on 3 March 2020, Mweheire provided decisive leadership in the execution of the Company’s strategic priorities. Under his stewardship, the Company delivered consistent growth and sustainable value creation, and was instrumental in building Stanbic Kenya into an enviable and well-positioned franchise within the Standard Bank Group,” the notice added.
In acknowledging his contribution, the board expressed gratitude for his leadership and wished him success as he continues his career within the group’s wider structure.
“The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Mweheire for his exemplary leadership and contribution to the Company, and wishes him every success in his continued career within the Group,” the notice further read.
File image of Patrick Mweheire
The company also confirmed the appointment of Joshua Oigara as the incoming chief executive and director, with the transition scheduled to take effect in March 2026 once all regulatory requirements are completed.
“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joshua Oigara as Chief Executive and Director of Stanbic Holdings Plc, effective 1 March 2026. This appointment is subject to requisite regulatory approvals,” the notice read.
The new appointee currently holds a regional leadership role within Standard Bank Group, overseeing operations across multiple East African markets.
The board indicated that he will combine both responsibilities moving forward.
“Dr. Oigara is the Standard Bank Regional Chief Executive for East Africa, a position he has held since September 2025, overseeing operations across six countries (Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, South Sudan and Ethiopia). He will assume the role of Chief Executive of Stanbic Holdings Plc in addition to his regional mandate,” the notice added.
The board noted that Oigara brings substantial regional banking experience, including previous leadership roles that involved institutional transformation and market expansion.
“Having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of a regional bank in East Africa, Dr. Oigara brings in-depth knowledge of the East African markets and a proven record of institutional transformation,” the notice continued.
It also detailed his academic background, noting qualifications in business and finance that underpin his experience in the sector.
The statement further outlined his professional credentials and memberships in key industry institutions.
“Dr. Oigara holds an MBA with Distinction in International Business Management from Edith Cowan University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi.
“He is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya, CPA (K), and a member of both the Kenya Institute of Bankers (KIB) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). He is a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme at the International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland,” the notice further read.
The board said it believes the Oigara’s background in financial inclusion, regional growth and transformation will help position the company for continued expansion and innovation.
“The Board is confident that Dr. Oigara’s proven track record in banking sector transformation, regional market development, and financial inclusion will position the Company for its next phase of growth. The Board looks forward to his leadership and contribution,” the notice concluded.
Oigara joined Stanbic in 2022 and was appointed the Chief Executive Officer for Stanbic Bank Kenya and South Sudan.
Oigara’s appointment took effect on December 1, 2022, and he took over from Charles Mudiwa, who left the bank at that time.
The former KCB Managing Director reported directly to Standard Bank East Africa Regional CEO, Patrick Mweheire, after taking up his new role.
Oigara left KCB in May after serving the bank for nine and a half years, having joined as the managing director in 2013.
He was replaced by Paul Russo in an official statement by the bank.
“The KCB Group PLC Board has today appointed Paul Russo as the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) effective May 25, 2022. He replaces Mr. Joshua Oigara, who has been the GCEO for the last nine and a half years,” KCB stated.
