The County Diary

OFFICIAL HANDOVER: Prof. John Okumu receives authority instruments from Chancellor Amb. Francis Muthaura, becoming Kenyatta University’s 7th Vice-Chancellor. By Maximilla Wafula, Sub-Editor   NAIROBI, KENYA - In a landmark ceremony held at the Graduation Square on Friday, Kenyatta University officially installed Prof. John Okumu as its 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor. Addressing a distinguished gathering led by KU Chancellor Amb. (Dr.) Francis Muthaura, Council Chairperson Prof. Clara Momanyi, senior government officials, faculty, and students, Prof. Okumu formally accepted the appointment with a pledge to drive holistic transformation anchored on unity, innovation, and institutional sustainability. "I accept this responsibility not as a stranger to the institution, but as a servant who knows its history, understands its strengths, appreciates its challenges, and above all, believes deeply in its possibilities," Prof. Okumu stated, paying tribute to his predecessors for ...

LEADERSHIP FOCUS MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mangeni addresses Masinde Muliro University first-year students, urging them to embrace economic leadership and business enterprise By Maximilla Wafula, Sub-Editor, The County Diary News KAKAMEGA, KENYA - Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Mangeni, has urged first-year students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) to shift their focus from political ambitions toward becoming economic and business leaders. Speaking during an address to the incoming university cohort, PS Mangeni emphasized that nation-building requires entrepreneurial visionaries who can drive enterprise rather than relying solely on political office. "The problem, professors, is that many people think leadership is only political," PS Mangeni stated. "Leadership is not only political we are looking for economic leaders." In her speech, the Principal Secretary challenged the students to draw inspiratio...

  Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses the press in Nairobi during the 16th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution promulgation.   By Maximilla Wafula, Sub - Editor The County Diary News  Nairobi, August 27, 2026 - Marking sixteen years since the 2010 Constitution was promulgated, Wiper Party Leader Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka has called out the current administration over what he termed as "second-class compliance" with a first-class supreme law. Addressing the nation on Katiba Day, the former Vice President the sole surviving principal among those who presided over the historic August 2010 signing alongside the late President Mwai Kibaki and the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga emphasized his duty to uphold the constitutional legacy. "The Constitution is not a document for seasons. It is our shield and defender," Kalonzo stated, reflecting on the 2007 post-election crisis that underscored the necessity of the 2010 legal framework. Kalonzo expressed deep conce...

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino addresses the media in Nairobi, warning that social media misinformation threatens Kenya’s democracy and national unity. By Maximilla Wafula, Sub Editor The County Diary News  NAIROBI, Kenya - The Government of Kenya has warned that the uncontrolled spread of misinformation and disinformation across digital channels poses an immediate threat to the nation’s democratic governance, public order, and social cohesion. Speaking during an official media briefing in Nairobi, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino cautioned that the widespread availability of smartphones in both urban and rural communities has accelerated the reach of unverified claims, leading to public decision-making grounded in false narratives. "We are sitting on a time bomb following the rise of misinformation, disinformation, and basically making decisions based on false information," stated Owino. Owino emphasized that mitigating digital fake news requires a unified ...

  Government officials gather to announce new funding and support strategies aimed at empowering Kenyan MSMEs for regional market expansion.  By  Maximilla Wafula  Sub-Editor  , The County Diary News  Kenya is stepping up its efforts to propel micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into regional and continental trade networks. Speaking ahead of the 26th East African Community (EAC) MSME Trade Fair in Kigali, Rwanda, MSME Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni reiterated the government's push to connect local entrepreneurs particularly women and youth with cross-border markets. To back this effort, the ministry is seeking approximately KSh 200 million from the National Treasury to directly facilitate 500 Kenyan MSMEs, with plans to expand the total delegation up to 1,000 exhibitors through strategic partnerships. Representatives from all 47 counties will attend, including at least 100 young entrepreneurs from the National Youth Opportunitie...

  Hon. John Kamangu addresses the press alongside Jubilee Party officials and aspirants during a press briefing in Nairobi.  By Maximilla Wafula- Sub Editor, The County Diary News NAIROBI, KENYA - The Jubilee Party has unmasked the motives behind recent high-profile exits from its ranks, exposing that key individuals framing their departure as political "defections" were actually suspended months ago following serious extortion and misconduct allegations. Speaking during a joint press briefing at Daraja House, Hon. John Kamangu led a delegation of party aspirants including Hon. Njuguna Mwangi and Hon. Kiminda Muchiri to address the media and set the record straight on the party's official position. The party revealed that it had received grave complaints regarding suspended officials soliciting money from political aspirants, alongside persistent interference with internal democratic structures. Jubilee leadership stressed that its disciplinary actions were mandatory...

  Linda Mwananchi Aspirants address the press at The Meridian Hotel, Nairobi, condemning political intolerance and rising violence across the country. By Maximilla Wafula   The Linda Mwananchi (LM) Aspirants movement has issued a strong statement condemning the escalating wave of political intolerance, violence, incitement, and the deliberate use of organized groups to intimidate, threaten, and disrupt citizen rights across Kenya.   Addressing the growing concern over civil space, the movement documented a disturbing timeline of targeted attacks over the past two months. On July 3, 2026, an LM convoy was attacked in Keumbu, Kisii County, leading to the death of Vincent Osiemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi. On July 12, 2026, disruptions hit a rally in Nyahururu alongside a church service at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Kisumu attended by leaders including Party Leader James Orengo and Edwin Sifuna resulting in the death of Dickson Oduongo. Most recently, on August 16, 20...

  KMRC CEO Johnstone Oltetia speaks at the Kenya Affordable Housing Conference 2026, outlining strategies to expand sustainable homeownership financing nationwide. By Maximilla Wafula NAIVASHA, KENYA - Kenya is shifting its affordable housing strategy to address one of the sector’s biggest hurdles: enabling millions of non-salaried workers to secure long-term home loans. Speaking at the 5th Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (KAHC 2026) in Naivasha, Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga emphasized that building homes is only half the equation. The true measure of success lies in expanding mortgage access to everyday Kenyans. Currently, Kenya has over 280,000 housing units under construction valued at KSh 731.5 billion, with more than 45,000 units worth KSh 52 billion slated for completion by December. However, traditional mortgage requirements heavily favor salaried employees, locking out traders, farmers, freelancers, and small-business owne...

Martha Karua addresses the media alongside James Orengo, condemning political violence and calling for peaceful engagement and democratic accountability. By Maximilla Wafula August 19, 2026 NAIROBI, KENYA - The United Alternative Government alongside the Linda Mwananchi Movement held a joint press briefing today in Nairobi, raising alarms over a concerning wave of political violence and targeted intimidation across the nation. Addressing members of the press, coalition leaders collectively condemned recent attacks against opposition figures, journalists, and private citizens. They characterized the rising tensions as a systemic pattern of organized hostility escalating ahead of the upcoming 2027 General Election. The political leaders stressed that unchecked political intolerance undermines the nation's democratic foundation, social cohesion, and the rule of law. They urged investigative bodies to conduct swift, impartial, and transparent inquiries into all reported acts...

Hon. Swanya Victor Ogeto championing sustainable economic development, innovation, and unity for a brighter future. A new Nyamira is possible By Maximilla Wafula - Sub Editor The County Diary News Speaking on the sidelines of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Annual Conference in Mombasa held under the theme "Business Unusual: Legal Practice in the Era of AI" Advocate Swanya Victor Ogeto called for visionary leadership, institutional consensus, and transformative local governance. Addressing broader political dynamics and presidential leadership, Advocate Swanya emphasized the critical need for political party leaders to unite behind a single candidate through consensus, mediation, and structured negotiation. Highlighting the experience and national stature of veteran leaders, he noted that diplomatic issue resolution remain central to achieving political stability and effective governance in Kenya. Shifting focus to local development and his gubernatorial ambitions for ...

Delegates follow engaging presentations during Day One of the LSK Annual Conference, exploring legal practice in the AI era. By Maximilla Wafula- The County Diary News Sub - Editor  The Annual Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Conference kicked off its first day with a high-stakes focus on the future of the legal profession, bringing together members of the Africa Bar Association (ABA) Board to deliberate on technology, governance, and the rule of law. Centered around the timely theme, "Business Unusual: Legal Practice in the Era of Artificial Intelligence," day one established a compelling narrative on how rapidly advancing technology is redefining traditional legal frameworks across the continent. Legal practitioners and industry leaders engaged in deep discussions regarding the integration of AI tools, automation in legal research, and the evolving ethical responsibilities facing modern advocates. Beyond technological disruption, pivotal conversations throughout the openi...

E Katerina Handa Enters Race for LSK Representative to Judicial Service Commission By Maximilla Wafula ,  Sub-Editor, The County Diary News Advocate E Katerina Handa has officially announced her candidacy for the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) female representative seat to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), pledging to champion integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of justice. Handa, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 2007, brings a wealth of expertise to the race. As a Partner at Gitonga, Kinyanjui & Co. Advocates, a legal scholar, lecturer, and certified mediator and arbitrator, her multifaceted career spans legal practice, academia, and alternative dispute resolution. Speaking during a legal conference, Handa highlighted her active service across key LSK structures including the Commercial Practice, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and Editorial Committees. She noted that these roles h...

  BHigh Court advocate Phylis Wangui addresses journalists on key legal reforms during the 2026 Law Society of Kenya Annual Conference.y Maximilla Wafula The County Diary News Sub - Editor  NAIROBI, KENYA -  Legal practitioners from across the country have gathered for the annual Law Society of Kenya (LSK) conference to confront emerging practice trends and address the nation's political and legal direction. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Phyllis Wangui , an advocate of the High Court and 2027 Kiambu County Woman Representative aspirant under the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), underscored the relevance of this year’s assembly. Key discussions focused heavily on artificial intelligence, evaluating its ethical boundaries, court submission standards, and the future implications of AI-assisted judicial decisions. “We are interrogating the impact of technology on our practice,” Wanjiku stated. “From managing ethical issues when drafting court documents to questionin...

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Gentlemen’s Breakfast Addresses Legal Profession's Private Cost Speakers and guests pose at the LSK Gentlemen’s Breakfast during the 2026 Annual Conference in Kwale County. Kwale, Kenya — Members of the legal fraternity convened today at the Leisure Golf Club during the LSK Annual Conference 2026 for a Gentlemen’s Breakfast discussion themed “Winning Cases, Losing Homes? A Conversation on Modern Responsibility, Provision & Masculine Leadership.” Delivering key perspectives during the moderated session, Prof. Githu Muigai, SC, challenged male advocates to re-examine the balance between professional success and domestic presence. The conversation addressed the paradox facing many practitioners: securing victories in courtrooms while experiencing breakdown in personal and family life. Prof. Muigai noted that the skills defining effective advocacy—relentless argument, cross-examination, and refusal to concede—are often destructive when importe...

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka leaves Muthaiga Police Station after securing the release of activist Urbanus Wambua on Friday evening. By Maximilla Wafula, Sub-Editor, The County Diary News Friday, August 7, 2026 NAIROBI, KENYA - Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio la Umoja Coalition Party Leader, H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, on Friday evening led a delegation of opposition leaders to Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi, successfully securing the immediate release of political activist Urbanus Wambua, popularly known as Kanzala Kana . The intervention followed what leaders termed an arbitrary crackdown on political opponents. Wambua was reportedly abducted on Thursday night in Matiliku by unidentified individuals operating six unmarked Subaru vehicles a operational tactic that opposition figures have repeatedly raised alarms over. Despite being presented in court earlier on Friday, authorities failed to bring formal charges against Wambua, prompting his subsequent detention a...

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses the press in Nairobi after announcing major party leadership realignments ahead of 2027. By Maximilla Wafula, Sub-Editor , The County Diary News NAIROBI, KENYA - Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) Party Leader H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has unveiled a major restructuring of the party’s leadership while taking a firm stance on the state of the nation and the country's readiness for the 2027 General Election. Speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi, Dr. Musyoka announced four strategic appointments pursuant to the mandate granted to him by the WPF National Delegates Congress in October 2025. In the new line-up, former Cabinet Minister and two-term Kigumo MP Hon. Jamleck Irungu Kamau steps in as WPF Chairman, while seasoned diplomat and veteran administrator Ambassador Siyat Osman Ibrahim takes up the role of Deputy Chairperson. Nyali MP Hon. Mohamed Ali, CBS, HSC, has been appointed Deputy Party Leader Designate under Article 1...

Former VP Kalonzo Musyoka hosts Rigathi Gachagua and Eugene Wamalwa for consultative talks on opposition unity and 2027 strategy. By Maximilla Wafula, Sub-Editor August 4, 2026 NAIROBI, KENYA - Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday hosted Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) chief Eugene Wamalwa for high-level consultative talks in Nairobi, signaling an accelerated push to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 General Election. The consultative meeting comes barely twenty-four hours after the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party’s Joint Council and National Executive Committee (NEC) officially conferred a mandate upon Kalonzo to spearhead unity initiatives and expand the coalition's umbrella. Speaking following the closed-door session, Kalonzo noted that the talks form a critical component of his ongoing engagements with like-minded political f...

By Maximilla Wafula Sub-Editor, The County Diary NAIROBI, Kenya - The Health Union Caucus held an urgent press briefing today at Upper hill Gardens Apartments on 3rd Avenue, Ngong Road, addressing the ongoing nationwide strike that has crippled public health facilities across Kenya. Addressing the media behind a wall of microphones from major news outlets including KTN and Hope TV union officials underscored that industrial action remains active and will continue until county governments and statutory authorities meet their core labor demands. The briefing highlighted growing frustration over the non-implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), delayed absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund staff into permanent and pensionable terms, and unfulfilled return-to-work commitments. Speaking on behalf of the caucus, the primary spokesperson emphasized that the decision to maintain the strike was taken after administrative avenues failed to prod...

By Maximilla Wafula, The COUNTY DAIRY Sub - Editor    EMBU, Kenya - Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio la Umoja Party Leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka attended Sunday service today at the ACK St. Paul’s Cathedral in Embu County, joining congregants for worship alongside a high-powered delegation of national and local leaders. The opposition leader was accompanied by Manyatta MP Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, Senators Lenny Kivuti and Agnes Kavindu, and Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi. The entourage also featured Embakasi South MP Hon. Julius Mawathe, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, former Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu, and former Principal Secretary Cyrus Njiru. Also present to show solidarity were Wiper Patriotic Front National Executive Council (NEC) members, including Advocate Ndegwa Njiru and Kamau Mbiu, alongside WPF Deputy Organising Secretary Muriuki Ndwiga. A large contingent of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from various parts of the country and other...

By Maximilla Wafula The afternoon sun blazed over Imaroro Ward in Kajiado County, casting a golden glow over a sea of eager faces. It was a defining moment as the county’s youth gathered for the historic Kajiado Youth Declaration event, officially endorsing Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio la Umoja leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka for the presidency. Taking to the podium, Kalonzo addressed the roaring crowd, tackling critical national issues head-on. He accused the current administration of misleading locals over the management of Amboseli National Park and marginalizing a region that heavily drives Kenya’s economy. With a firm stance on governance, he warned against any attempts to block the live streaming of election results, calling it a direct threat to democratic transparency. He also dismissed the proposed "Vision 2060" as empty rhetoric, contrasting it with the unmet promises of the previous Hustler agenda. Highlighting his over four decades of clean public service, Kalonzo...