Marjan's exit: Inside IEBC's credibility test
When IEBC and the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) have announced a partnership to mobilise voters on February 4, 2026. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says it has not extended the controversial contract for voting technology provider Smartmatic. Chairman Erastus Ethekon also maintained that the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan was in the best interest of the nation, but declined to confirm if it had anything to do with the contract for Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits.
Source:Standard Digital
February 05, 2026 04:34 UTC
Ruto's 'bottom-up' was never about a new economic order
We must build a new political order based on our constitutional economic order statecraft. President William Ruto has not changed the structure of the economic system. Dr Ruto sold a political narrative packaged as the hustler economy (bottom up). He quickly abandoned his hustler economy narrative. His political narrative of the hustler economy was never a new economic order.
Source:Standard Digital
February 05, 2026 03:02 UTC
Rising cancer diagnoses highlight urgency of early care as Kenya marks world cancer day
Health PS Ouma Oluga during a visit at Kenyatta National Hospital Oncology centre centre on World cancer day 2026. Against this backdrop, the country joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Cancer Day 2026 on February 4, under the theme 'United by Unique', which places people and their lived experiences at the centre of cancer care. “Early detection and early diagnosis remain critical if we are to improve outcomes and ensure patients have the best possible experience in the care system,” he said. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents worldwide. Kenya has six public cancer centres and six private centres, including advanced facilities at KNH and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Source:Standard Digital
February 05, 2026 01:53 UTC
'I'll ensure Ruto goes home without retirement package,' says Maraga
[File, Standard]United Green Movement (UGM) party presidential flag-bearer David Maraga has said his quest to oust President William Ruto remains on course. The former Chief Justice said he was out to ensure Ruto goes home without a retirement package because the Kenya Kwanza government has condoned graft and impunity. "I am out to mobilise youths to register as voters for the 2027 General Election," he said. UGM leader Agustino Neto, who was flanked by young party aspirants, said they have lined up several party activities in the region during their five-day tour. He revealed that the party has young aspirants across the country who are out to ensure a change of leadership.
Source:Standard Digital
February 05, 2026 01:53 UTC
EXPLAINER: What exit of IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein reveals about role of the commission’s secretariat
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Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 21:26 UTC
![[PHOTOS] Ruto, Kindiki hosts over 10,000 UDA aspirants at inaugural forum](https://cdn.radioafrica.digital/image/2026/02/62966b16-14a0-438d-8e66-de27d5d7ee69.jpg?1770298864482)
[PHOTOS] Ruto, Kindiki hosts over 10,000 UDA aspirants at inaugural forum
The inaugural UDA Party Aspirants Forum at State House, Nairobi, on February 4, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto and Embu governor Cecil Mbarire during the inaugural UDA Party Aspirants Forum was held at State House, Nairobi on February 4, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, on Wednesday hosted over 10,000 aspirants who have expressed an interest in vying for various elective seats in 2027 on the UDA ticket. The inaugural UDA Party Aspirants Forum was held at State House, Nairobi. Only aspirants who received a direct invitation from the party were allowed to attend the highly publicised forum. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, during the inaugural UDA Party Aspirants Forum, was held at State House, Nairobi on February 4, 2026/PCSAccording to Ruto, the high turnout reflects both the party’s national reach and the intense competition expected during the primaries. Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, during the inaugural UDA Party Aspirants Forum, was held at State House, Nairobi on February 4, 2026/PCSFormer Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, during the inaugural UDA Party Aspirants Forum, was held at State House, Nairobi on February 4, 2026/PCS
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 21:24 UTC
CNN probe uncovers Russian clandestine recruitment of Africans to fight in Ukraine
They were made to sign military service contracts in Russian without lawyers or translation provided, they said. Even though Russian law states that only foreigners who know the language can become soldiers, none of the Africans interviewed by CNN were Russian speakers. The translated clauses of the Russian military service contract obtained by CNN paint a far more binding and long-term picture of service than recruitment agents typically advertise. “So long as you’ve stepped into the Russian military, you escape or you die,” he said. “If they’re on the front lines, they’re our enemies and Ukraine defends itself,” Ukraine’s ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, told CNN.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 20:09 UTC
Murang’a Governor opposes adjournment in LGBTQ appeal
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has opposed the adjournment of a Court of Appeal hearing after LGBTQ activist Eric Gitari sought a postponement on health grounds. Through his lawyer, Senior Counsel Harrison Kinyanjui, Kang’ata objected to the application by Gitari’s lawyer, Sande Ligunya. Ligunya told the Court of Appeal that her client was unable to attend court due to health issues. But Kinyanjui argued that an open-ended adjournment would be unfair to the Murang’a governor and the public, given the significance of the case. In submissions opposing the appeal, Kang’ata argued that the High Court properly evaluated the evidence and correctly dismissed the petition.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:42 UTC
Court extends freeze on bank accounts linked to Governor Wamatangi
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi/fileThe High Court has extended interim injunctive orders freezing bank accounts linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and several other individuals in an asset recovery suit filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Parties were also granted liberty to file and respond to pleadings arising from an application by Governor Wamatangi, seeking to strike out the suit. The extended orders prohibit the Governor and other respondents from dealing with funds held in several bank accounts identified in the proceedings. In earlier proceedings, the High Court issued preservation orders freezing bank accounts associated with Governor Wamatangi, his wife, children, and 10 other individuals and entities named in the suit. Governor Wamatangi has previously opposed the proceedings, insisting that he is being unfairly targeted.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:34 UTC
IEBC boss Ethekon calls for calm as 2027 politics gather pace
As the country begins to edge toward the 2027 General Election, IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon has urged political, religious and community leaders to moderate the political temperature, warning that heightened rhetoric could trigger instability. Speaking during an engagement with religious leaders, Ethekon said churches have a critical role to play in shaping ethical conduct among politicians, noting that faith institutions remain trusted spaces for guiding values-based leadership. “Let us intensify calls for peace and moderate the temperature in the country,” Ethekon said. People know what I am talking about.”Drawing from his experience during the 2007–2008 post-election violence, Ethekon said religious leaders played a decisive role in calming communities at a time when security agencies were overstretched. “The role of religious leaders cannot be downplayed,” Ethekon added, urging them to consistently champion peace, dialogue and ethical conduct as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:34 UTC
Kanini Kega ditches Jubilee, joins Gachagua's DCP
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Kanini Kega has officially joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). In a message shared on social media, Gachagua said, “Welcome home Hon Kanini Kega”, and described the DCP as “the home of progressive leaders who desire leadership in the future”. Gachagua’s leadership of the DCP has been part of broader efforts to build an inclusive political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the party emphasising fair competition and support for committed leaders. More to follow...
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:30 UTC
Nyanza groups declare support for Owalo’s presidential bid
Some residents of Siaya and Kisumu counties have declared support for former Information, Communication and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo’s 2027 presidential bid. A Siaya-based group led by coordinator Philemon Wachara said Owalo’s 10-point development agenda provides a structured plan aimed at boosting production, value addition and regional connectivity. The group said Owalo’s development agenda addresses these concerns through investments in irrigation, industrial revival, improved logistics and support for small and medium enterprises. The Kisumu group also expressed support for Owalo’s plans to form a political party ahead of next year’s elections, saying it would serve as a platform to advance economic reforms and regional development. With the endorsements calls for farmers, fisherfolk, professionals, youth, women and entrepreneurs across the Lake Region to rally behind Owalo’s candidature were made.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:28 UTC
State to spend Sh6 billion on drought mitigation — PS Mueke
Livestock Principal SecretaryJonathan Mueke has outlined measures the government is putting in place to combat drought currently affecting various parts of the country. “In terms of budget, we are expecting for the next three or five months to spend about Sh6 billion or so on different drought interventions,” the PS said. Mueke mentioned cash transfers, emergency hay to farmers, livestock insurance and off-take programmes as part of the viable strategies for mitigating the drought. Additionally, he encouraged livestock farmers to sell their animals in order to receive high prices this season. The intensity of the drought diminished livestock production in the county, a vital source of livelihood for the Mandera community.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:26 UTC
We argued a lot! Ruto recalls bitter tussle with Isaac Rutto over Bomet university location
President William Ruto on Tuesday reflected on the long journey that saw the setting up of Bomet University, now officially a fully-fledged public university, and he joked about the spirited debates over its location. I remember the beginnings of Bomet University,” Ruto said amid laughter from the attendees. “I am very happy that today we are here together, including my brother Isaac Rutto, to actualise the charter for Bomet University,” he said. When national leaders including Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta allocated parcels of land in Bomet town to establish the Moi University campus (now Bomet University College), the county government under Rutto objected. Awarding the charter, Ruto said the university had earned its place among Kenya’s public universities through persistence and institutional discipline.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:22 UTC
Territory Changes and Deals: KDP. Buffalo Rock. Nestle. Coke Consolidated. Coke India. Reyes Coke. Bero. Coco5
The Breeze with Beverage DigestAn original podcast that brings you into the kinds of conversations that we have here every day at Beverage Digest.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 19:14 UTC