AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Governance: President Ruto’s official website (president.go.ke) was hit by a suspected hack, defaced with a ransom demand of 5 bitcoins (about KSh41.3m) and threats to leak information; State House says ICT teams are restoring and securing systems after a similar wave of government site breaches last November. Courts & Accountability: The Supreme Court upheld Kenya–Japan tax waivers for Japanese firms and personnel on major infrastructure projects, dismissing a challenge to the legal notice that introduced the exemptions. Judiciary Under Pressure: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced a nationwide one-day court boycott on Wednesday July 22 over corruption concerns, case delays and weak accountability, with an additional targeted boycott against judges who block investigations. Ebola & Rights: Katiba Institute accused government of defying a court order after reports that seven American aid workers potentially exposed to Ebola were admitted to the Laikipia isolation facility for quarantine. Labour & Transport: Kenya Aviation Workers Union issued a seven-day strike notice, warning of disruption at airports and aviation agencies if labour disputes and stalled CBA issues aren’t resolved. Politics 2027: Western Kenya leaders renewed calls for Ruto to pick a running mate from the region after the Ol Kalou by-election setback, while IEBC-related court and campaign activity continues to draw legal scrutiny. Public Safety: A High Court cleared the way for the Mau Mau Road through Aberdare National Park, dismissing a bid to stop the project over environmental concerns. Justice & Society: A court upheld the 20-year sentence for a man convicted of defiling a classmate in Kwale, stressing that minors cannot consent.

Ol Kalou Aftermath & 2027 Politics: ODM’s Oburu Odinga urged Rigathi Gachagua to “embrace peace” after the by-election, arguing the IEBC proved the process could be independent. Mt Kenya UDA Reset: Mt Kenya UDA leaders hinted at a major shake-up after their Ol Kalou loss, with Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi saying a “major political decision” is coming. Ruto’s Message: President William Ruto told leaders to forget the political fallout and focus on development, hosting Bungoma grassroots leaders at State House. Judiciary Under Pressure: The Law Society of Kenya announced a nationwide court boycott starting Wednesday, citing corruption, delays and accountability failures. Parliament & Politics: A constitutional challenge is set over whether Speakers Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi can campaign in partisan politics. Public Safety & Claims: Police dismissed Gachagua’s allegations of rape and deaths during Ol Kalou, saying no such reports were recorded. Health & Diplomacy: Seven Americans tied to Ebola response in Congo were quarantined in Kenya under US travel restrictions, despite a court order. Economy & Debt: Treasury faced scrutiny over diverting Sh30bn from a Eurobond to cover domestic debt shortfalls. Environment & Energy: Greenpeace renewed calls for an independent review of Dangote’s proposed Lamu refinery before permits advance.

Ol Kalou Shock: IEBC declared DCP’s Sammy Kamau Waweru winner of the parliamentary by-election, beating UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah 35,440 to 5,450, dealing a blow to Jubilee’s already fading grip (it polled just 198 votes) and intensifying talk of Mt Kenya’s mood ahead of 2027. Political Tensions: President Ruto urged Kenyans to keep unity after elections, while DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua alleged police rape of 68 women during the violence—claims not confirmed by authorities. Security & Media: Journalists and polling-day operations were disrupted amid reports of goons and police standoffs, with calls for tougher action. Nairobi Governance: Kamukunji Police Station was picked as the proposed Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit HQ, with construction set to start in August. Health & Diplomacy: Kenya and the US signed a five-year Sh325b health cooperation framework for Universal Health Coverage, while seven US Ebola aid workers began quarantining in Kenya after new US travel rules. Livestock Exports: CS Mutahi Kagwe pitched ANITRAC as the digital backbone for traceability to unlock premium export markets. Disability Inclusion: Education CS Julius Ogamba flagged off Phase III assistive devices for special needs learners across all 47 counties. AI on the Agenda: Kenya is among countries signing up to the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), pushing a new global AI governance platform.

Ol Kalou By-Election Fallout: Kenya’s Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election stayed tense as voters and journalists reported goonism, tear gas and alleged bribery at polling stations, while Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered investigations into claims of police interference and warned rogue officers will face the law. Opposition Power Shifts: In Parliament, ODM’s Edwin Sifuna was removed as Senate Deputy Minority Whip, replaced by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, amid claims of State House pressure after an ODM meeting. Mt Kenya Political Signals: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki congratulated DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho ahead of IEBC’s final declaration, while CS Geoffrey Ruku reignited Mt Kenya East-West rivalry after Ol Kalou provisional results. Local Governance & Transparency: Nairobi City Hall mayor Danny Avula proposed tweaks to restart a more detailed payment register, but Council action and hearings may push the plan to September. Regional/Global Watch: Uganda began a 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free after discharging its last patient; UN says Sudan’s looted gold and gum arabic are funding the war. Infrastructure: Kenya appointed Dar Al-Handasah to oversee JKIA modernisation design review and supervision under the KSh154.2bn expansion.

Ol Kalou By-Election: Voting is underway in Nyandarua’s high-stakes contest, with long queues reported from dawn as 73,480 registered voters choose a new MP after the death of David Njuguna Kiaraho—an election widely seen as a proxy fight between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza and Rigathi Gachagua’s camp. Security & Credibility: Lawmakers and residents are pushing for transparency in policing, with calls to avoid hooded officers and concerns over alleged voter bribery and intimidation as more than 1,000 police are deployed. Youth Turnout Debate: A Gen Z-led online mobiliser’s arrest and social media claims of low youth presence in queues have reignited debate on whether young voters are translating online energy into ballot participation. Human Rights & Justice: In Kisii, a court awarded a woman Sh7.37m after ruling she was trafficked to Myanmar for forced labour in a crypto scam. Governance & Openness: Ruto says Kenya will run an “open government,” pointing to a State of Openness report meant to strengthen public trust through transparency. Cost of Living: EPRA kept fuel prices unchanged despite lower global oil costs, citing subsidy arrears and fuel stabilisation fund replenishment. Infrastructure Watch: KeNHA updated progress on the KSh172b Rironi–Mau Summit Road PPP project.

Ol Kalou By-Election Security: IEBC says it’s ready for Thursday’s Ol Kalou parliamentary vote, with KIEMS biometric verification and a ban on photos inside booths—while reports warn voter bribery and intimidation could sway results. Election Integrity & Police Deployment: Over 1,000 police officers are deployed in Ol Kalou amid fears of malpractice, as IEBC and officials trade warnings over interference. High Court on IPOA: Kenya’s High Court temporarily suspends President Ruto’s order moving IPOA under the Interior Ministry, pending a constitutional challenge—protecting IPOA’s independence for now. Corruption Probe: A payroll scam linked to 14 State agencies and counties is tied to a Sh6.4 billion loss in a forensic audit, renewing pressure on accountability. Economy & FX Buffers: CBK says Safaricom sale proceeds, KPC receipts and World Bank funding are set to lift reserves toward seven months of import cover, supporting shilling stability. Health Diplomacy: Kenya and the US sign a five-year health cooperation framework worth about $1.6bn to back UHC, disease control and digital health. Sports Funding: Government confirms Sh10m for Harambee Starlets ahead of WAFCON in France camp. Youth Governance: Nairobi youth back a proposed county youth council bill to boost representation, skills and entrepreneurship.

Ol Kalou By-Election Security Row: Rigathi Gachagua accuses the police boss of losing command, alleging plain-clothes officers will intimidate voters after a reported 2,000-strong deployment; he demands officers be uniformed, identifiable and in marked vehicles. IEBC Integrity Push: The IEBC confirms it is investigating videos of UDA-linked officials distributing mattresses and gas cylinders in Ol Kalou, while opposition leaders urge strict action against electoral law violators. Digital Government Upgrade: The DCI says it will roll out a new Multi-Biometric Identification System for faster Certificates of Good Conduct, cutting processing time from weeks to quicker turnaround. Gender Justice Courts: Chief Justice Martha Koome vows to expand specialised Gender Justice Courts to speed up survivor-centred responses to GBV and femicide. Cannabis Court Ruling: Kenya’s High Court dismisses Rastafarians’ bid for a religious exemption to smoke weed, though it calls for a national debate on drug policy direction. Youth & Tech Partnerships: Musalia Mudavadi highlights Kenya–France youth agenda cooperation, while ByteDance’s Volcano Engine plans a Kenya-based creator platform (Tazama) to help monetise content using AI. Energy Cost Pressure: The promised cheap cooking gas facility is delayed to 2028, dashing hopes of lower LPG prices. Trade & Diplomacy: Kenya opens a resident diplomatic mission in Kingston, Jamaica, and ships its first green coffee consignment to Italy as it eyes EU market growth.

COMESA Summit in the spotlight: Zimbabwe will host the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit on October 22, with a COMESA Business Forum on October 20 and a Foreign Affairs ministers meeting on October 21, aiming at “one market one future” for industrialisation and investment. Fuel relief, but prices still bite: Kenya’s EPRA has kept petrol, diesel and kerosene prices unchanged for the next month (July 15–Aug 14), citing Middle East-driven oil volatility, a further three-month 8% VAT relief, and use of KSh 945m from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund. Ol Kalou by-election under pressure: As voters head to the polls, reports highlight lingering questions over violence and intimidation, with IEBC deploying over 1,000 police and water cannons, while observers warn Kenya could face heightened election violence in 2027. Courts and accountability: The Supreme Court temporarily lifted a block on the Kenya–South Sudan fuel import arrangement pending appeal, while in Nairobi a South C MCA aspirant Rashid Biliki was arrested over alleged raw sewage dumping. Security upgrade for Nairobi: President Ruto says the Nairobi Metropolitan Policing Framework will roll out soon, focusing on community-led priorities and tighter coordination between residents, county and the National Police Service. Digital lending keeps expanding: CBK licensed 25 more digital credit providers, bringing approved lenders to 252, with loans now reported at KSh150.56bn by May 2026. Health and justice: The Supreme Court fuel case runs alongside a life sentence for ex-KDF Major Peter Mugure over the murder of his wife and two children, as Nairobi continues to grapple with public safety and accountability.

Election Risk & Civic Space: Kofi Annan Foundation flags Kenya’s 2027 polls as extremely violent-prone, estimating an 84.1% chance of electoral violence, while rights groups demand probes into alleged state surveillance and attempted raids on civic groups like TISA. Ol Kalou By-Election: The by-election remains a flashpoint for political tension, with fresh claims of violence and voter inducement risks and calls for IEBC to act. Court & Public Safety: Milimani High Court sentences ex-KDF Major Peter Mugure to life imprisonment over the 2019 murder of his wife and two children; meanwhile, police report anti-drug arrests in Machakos and Bungoma. Digital Economy & Consumer Protection: CBK licenses 25 more digital credit providers, pushing digital loans to Ksh 150.5B, and a court orders DTB to pay after SIM-swap fraud. Health & Disaster Watch: El Niño forecasts raise flood and disease fears across East Africa; WHO says a second Ebola patient was transferred to Germany, not Kenya. Sports & Culture: Tusker signs Ivorian winger Aboubacar Doumbia as Kenya’s football and sports calendar heats up.

Election Violence & Goonism: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen says 20 suspects were arrested after weekend violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu, and orders a nationwide intelligence-led crackdown on armed gangs, their financiers and political violence ahead of 2027. Ol Kalou By-Election: The High Court temporarily suspends IEBC’s Sh1.5m fine against Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia over alleged hate speech, pending a hearing—while the by-election remains tense amid violence and bribery claims. Security Accountability Row: Kisumu’s Kondele OCS Daniel Ogechi denies links to the St. Stephen’s Cathedral attack, saying his team warned attackers and made arrests, as MP Babu Owino pushes allegations. Women in Peacebuilding: A Denmark-funded Women, Peace and Security programme launches in 10 counties (including Nairobi) to boost women’s participation in peace and electoral preparedness through 2028. Clean Cooking Push: The IEA-backed initiative announces $900m in new clean-cooking commitments for Africa, targeting supply-chain resilience and policy progress for millions still using polluting fuels. Media & Tech: StarTimes Kenya explores AI tools to improve production and distribution while keeping local creatives at the centre.

IEBC/Ol Kalou By-Election Fallout: IEBC has summoned Nakuru Town West MP David Gikaria to appear in person after he failed to turn up for a code-of-conduct hearing tied to alleged voter bribery and Ol Kalou campaign utterances—his representative cited illness but failed to produce the required medical and authorisation documents. Political Violence Watch: A new report paints Kenya’s “goon” economy as election-fuelled, with armed thugs hired for as little as Ksh500–1,000 a day and police allegedly turning a blind eye, raising fresh fears ahead of 2027. Courtroom & Media Rights: A High Court decision striking down key parts of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act is being framed as a win for constitutionalism and media freedom, after provisions that allowed website blocking without prior court approval were declared unconstitutional. Nairobi Politics: Veteran journalist Tony Gachoka has declared his bid for Nairobi governor, promising to tackle corruption and “dismantle cartels” in city management. Youth & Sports: Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko hands Kenya’s Junior Starlets Sh1m after they qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Public Safety: DPP Renson Ingonga warns students against school arson, saying suspects could face life imprisonment, citing the Utumishi Girls Academy tragedy.

Ol Kalou By-Election Under Fire: Amnesty International Kenya urged IEBC, ODPP and EACC to investigate and prosecute alleged voter bribery, political violence and misuse of state resources ahead of the July 16 poll, warning the election could be compromised if minimum credibility standards can’t be guaranteed. Political Violence Escalates: In Nyahururu, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata alleged his driver was shot during a Linda Mwananchi rally, while Kisumu saw clashes that left one dead, several injured and property damaged as police moved to arrest suspects. Church vs Politics: Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo warned leaders against using church pulpits to spread hatred and tribalism, saying churches must stay sanctuaries of peace and unity. 2027 Campaign Pressure in Mt Kenya: DP Kithure Kindiki told Mt Kenya residents not to “gamble” with 2027, arguing Ruto’s re-election is the region’s best path to the presidency. Sports & National Pride: President Ruto congratulated Kenya’s Junior Starlets after they qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with a 5-1 aggregate win over South Africa. Health & Governance: Africa CDC called for stronger domestic financing and accountability to improve maternal and child health, as donors shrink and imported commodities strain systems.

Nairobi County Health: Governor Sakaja opened an expanded Renal Unit at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Embakasi West, adding hemodialysis and full renal support to cut referrals and improve access to kidney care. 2027 Politics: DP Kithure Kindiki urged Ruto’s allies to consolidate for the 2027 re-election and shelve early 2032 campaigns, warning against “directionless” politics. Ol Kalou By-election Fallout: National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah threatened to sue Rigathi Gachagua over claims linking him to alleged IEBC influence and bribery in the Ol Kalou race. Governance & Integrity: A new push by PMI Kenya in Mombasa targets ethical, professional project delivery, citing losses from poorly executed or abandoned public works. Regional Watch: Somalia’s presidential race is taking shape with four leading contenders emerging in Mogadishu ahead of the vote. Humanitarian Alarm: Burundian refugees in Nyarugusu say aid suspension and pressure are forcing them to “starve to death or return home.” Culture & Language: Burundi hosted a Kiswahili promotion conference, spotlighting Swahili’s growth through education, trade and AI.

Ol Kalou By-Election Turmoil: Gunfire, masked men and bribery claims have shaken the July 16 contest, with DCP campaign vehicles attacked and violence reported across the Gilgil–Ol Kalou corridor as the race tightens. Mount Kenya Political Chess: Rigathi Gachagua’s 45-day consultations in Nyeri are framed as a bid to shape 2027 leadership direction, including talk of a presidential run if court issues don’t bar him. IEBC Under Pressure: The electoral body has fined MP Wanjiku Muhia Sh1.5m over alleged incitement-related remarks tied to Ol Kalou campaigns, amid wider criticism that enforcement is inconsistent. State Officers in Campaign Crosshairs: Separate reports say state officers are facing legal and political heat over early 2027 campaign activity, adding to the sense that the campaign rules are being tested. Ebola Preparedness Debate: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo tested positive for Ebola, reviving scrutiny of Kenya’s Nanyuki quarantine plan and preparedness measures. Economy Watch: The World Bank warns up to 2.4 million more Kenyans could fall into poverty in 2026 as growth forecasts slide. Foreign Service Overhaul: Kenya launched reforms to make diplomacy more results-based, with a shift toward measurable outcomes for trade and investment. Conservation With Livelihoods: Deputy President Kindiki and officials marked 10 years of the Kaptagat Forest restoration model linking environmental recovery to community income. Regional Security: Mozambique says two citizens were killed in xenophobic unrest in South Africa, underscoring the spillover risks of anti-immigrant violence.

Ol Kalou By-Election Fallout: Kenya Railways says the Nairobi–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu train will keep running on its usual schedule despite safety claims raised in the run-up to the July 16 by-election, as the contest heats up around cash-and-bribery allegations. Electoral Integrity: NCCK has urged IEBC to act over rampant voter bribery and warned that money is distorting who can contest and win in 2027. Public Finance & Jobs: World Bank warns Kenya’s growth is losing pace and stresses reforms to protect jobs and shared prosperity. Taxman Update: KRA reports a record Sh2.84tn tax haul, with strong corporation tax performance. Security & Justice: DCI says Kenya extradited an Afghan drug suspect to the U.S. after court processes. Health & Society: KMTC student Ann Adhiambo’s family speaks publicly, alleging multiple wounds and demanding accountability. Economy & Daily Life: CAK reassures Sacco members their savings are safe and not targeted for infrastructure funds. Infrastructure: KeNHA gives an update on Rironi–Mau Summit highway expansion after inspection. Regional & Global: Lavrov’s Africa tour signals Russia’s continued engagement, while Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative draws international parliamentary delegates for climate action.

Digital Education Push: Airtel Africa says it will connect 5,000 schools to free internet by 2027 with UNICEF support, building on 3,296 schools already connected and 64 zero-rated learning platforms. Health & Rights: World Population Day highlights Kenya’s preventable maternal and newborn deaths, even as facility deliveries and antenatal care coverage have improved. Election Tensions: Rigathi Gachagua tells IEBC commissioners to resign if they can’t handle the Ol Kalou by-election, alleging double standards and a possible plot to postpone the poll. Local Accountability: Motorists give KeRRA a 48-hour ultimatum over the Ngong-Suswa Road’s rapid deterioration, rejecting blame on overloaded trucks and demanding repair plans. Youth & Jobs: NYOTA Phase II disbursements continue across counties, with thousands of youths receiving funding and fresh business-permit relief. Public Safety & Justice: Nairobi’s Milimani court convicts a man for impersonating a Nairobi City County enforcement officer to extort money over impounded motorcycles. Health Sector News: KMTC confirms the death of a Higher Diploma student found in a Nairobi campus hostel, with authorities investigating the circumstances.