A suspected robber is in critical condition at Londiani Sub County Hospital in Kericho County after being shot in the shoulder by a police officer during an attempted robbery on Saturday night.

The incident unfolded as the suspects were targeting motorists on the Kericho-Nakuru Highway when they encountered the officer.

According to the police report, the suspect was part of a group of three, including the driver, who had initially picked up the police officer, James Mudambi, along with other passengers from Kisumu, claiming they were heading to Nakuru.

The vehicle had seven occupants, but two exited in Kericho. After stopping at Brooke trading center to pick up another passenger, the driver parked the vehicle at Kapkatungur.

He then produced a machete and a firearm, handing them to an accomplice seated behind him, and demanded that the passengers hand over their valuables.

Realizing the imminent threat, Mudambi, who was seated behind the driver and armed with his Cesca pistol, fired at the suspected robber, hitting him in the shoulder.

A shootout followed, allowing the driver and another accomplice to escape into the nearby Kapkatungur tea estate.

The injured suspect was apprehended and taken to Londiani Police Station before being transported to the hospital.

On Sunday, President William Ruto will welcome at least five fellow heads of state to engage in discussions about proposed reforms for the African Union Commission.

As a leading advocate for these reforms, President Ruto will preside over the discussions, which aim to outline a clear strategy for implementing significant changes within the organization.

The meeting will also feature key officials from the African Union Commission, including outgoing chairperson Moussa Faki, as Ruto seeks to garner political support for these ambitious reforms.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the retreat will focus on institutional reforms within the AU.

“Participants will engage in targeted discussions on restructuring AU organs, institutions, and agencies to enhance operational efficiency and improve decision-making,” the ministry noted.

In terms of financial independence, the agenda will include exploring innovative funding mechanisms to ensure the AU’s sustainability, reducing its dependence on external donors.

“The retreat will also consider strategies to empower the Pan-African Parliament, activate the African Court of Justice, and strengthen governance and accountability across AU institutions to rejuvenate the AU’s operations,” the ministry added.

Expected attendees include Comoros President Azali Assoumani, Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, and Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie.

Newly inaugurated Ghanaian President Johan Mahama, who took office this month, will also participate in the discussions.

Most of the presidents arrived in the country on Saturday, including Embalo, who is on a two-day state visit.

During a meeting with Embalo at State House, Ruto emphasized that the visit reflects the strong ties of friendship and collaboration between their nations.

He reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to promoting reforms within the African Union as the designated Champion for these institutional changes.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised alarms about a supposed conspiracy orchestrated by the state, involving unnamed agents, aimed at ousting Chief Justice Martha Koome and dismantling the Supreme Court prior to the 2027 elections.

During a sermon at Meru PCEA church on Sunday, Gachagua expressed his concerns, stating, “We have witnessed a plot to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome from her position.” He pointed to the recent withdrawal of her security detail as a tactic to intimidate her into resigning.

“I urge my sister, Lady Justice Martha Koome, to stand strong. Do not let them intimidate you. You are performing admirably. Keep up the fight for the rule of law and constitutional governance,” Gachagua encouraged.

In his candid address to the congregation, he also disclosed that the administration of President William Ruto is planning to disband the Supreme Court.

“There is a larger scheme at play to dismantle the Supreme Court ahead of the 2027 elections. A budget has been allocated through the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the petitions you see against Martha Koome and the Supreme Court judges are part of the state’s strategy,” Gachagua asserted.

He contended that the ultimate aim is to establish a court that aligns with the interests of the executive.

“They want to create a Supreme Court that will cater to the desires of those in power. This is unacceptable. We call on the international community to monitor the situation in Kenya closely.”

Gachagua’s comments come amid significant controversies surrounding the Supreme Court. Recently, Chief Justice Koome’s security was withdrawn and subsequently reinstated, which Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described as a standard procedure within the National Police Service (NPS). He explained that Koome’s security personnel were due for promotions and training.

Murkomen would subsequently reprimand the Chief Justice for being overly public about the matter. In addition, there is a petition from former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi, who is calling for the removal of Koome and all the Supreme Court judges.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has pushed back against members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who expect him to criticize President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking to mourners in Siaya County on Saturday, Wandayi emphasized that those who wish to voice their critiques of the Kenya Kwanza government are free to do so.

“There’s a time for everything. No one has prevented you—those outside the cabinet—from expressing your opinions about the government. You can keep criticizing it indefinitely. I also welcome constructive criticism as an executive member to help me serve better. However, don’t expect me to join in the criticism of the executive; that’s not my role,” Wandayi stated.

He further explained that party leaders who oppose the inclusive government cannot compel him to denounce the administration he is part of.

“It is the responsibility of parliament, both the national assembly and the senate, to oversee the executive,” he remarked, adding, “To expect me, as a member of the executive, to engage in criticizing the government I serve is quite a stretch.”

Wandayi also pointed out that the nation is currently on a positive path, with the economy showing signs of recovery. He referenced a credit rating from Moody’s, which indicated that Kenya is experiencing a potential reduction in liquidity risks and an improvement in debt affordability over time.

“It’s crucial to recognize that Kenya is moving in a positive direction. The government has taken all necessary steps to get the economy back on track,” he concluded.

Over 100 deceased dolphins have been discovered along the shores of Somalia’s Puntland region, and officials are still investigating the cause of their demise.

Abdirisak Abdulahi Hagaa, the region’s fisheries minister, informed Reuters that at least 110 dolphins have been found near the port city of Bosaso, with samples collected for further analysis to determine the cause of death.

“We have ruled out injuries from fishing nets, as there are no visible wounds or cuts on the dolphins,” he stated, noting that officials do not suspect toxic substances since local fish populations appear unaffected.

Local residents and military personnel gathered to witness the tragic scene, covering their noses due to the overwhelming stench from the carcasses.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua are signaling their intention to forge a powerful political coalition aimed at dethroning President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 elections.

This development follows Gachagua’s visit to Karua’s residence in Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, where the two leaders committed to rallying additional political supporters to liberate the nation.

In a move that appeared to underscore their commitment, Gachagua and his entourage arrived with gifts, including goats, sheep, and various farm products—items rich in symbolism within Kikuyu culture, representing peace and fresh starts.

Accompanied by his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, and several political allies, Gachagua and Karua agreed to set aside past differences and unite to create a robust political front against President Ruto’s administration.

“Martha, we hold you in high regard, and I want to express that even during our disagreements, I admired your leadership. I wished you were part of our team. Now that we are united, we will build a strong coalition with all Kenyans,” Gachagua remarked.

Karua responded, “When those intent on oppressing a community come together, those who seek liberation must also unite. This is why all Kenyans of goodwill need to collaborate. We must stand firm and reclaim our rights.”

Gachagua, now a vocal critic of the government he once served, accused his former boss of mismanaging the country and condemned the alarming rise in abductions.

“The nation is in a downward spiral regarding the economy, public fund theft, corruption, intolerance, and despair. Unlike the brutal colonialists, who never targeted our children, this government is the first to go after our youth… our Gen Z. I want to reassure our children that they are on the right side of history,” Gachagua stated.

We are firmly rejecting the idea of making Kenya the epicenter of abduction in East Africa. It’s time to stand our ground. We cannot let fear dictate our actions. Even if you feel afraid, they will pursue you no matter where you try to hide,” Karua emphasized.

The leaders criticized the President for what they labeled a dictatorial approach to governance.

Karua declared, “We will not permit you to evolve into a dictator. We will put an end to that transformation.”

Gachagua added, “When you weaken the opposition, you undermine the institutions meant to keep power in check. Nature detests a void, and in its absence, another group will rise. This is why the youth have stepped up to fill that space.”

He also distanced himself and his community from the label of “tribal politics.”

“We understand he is discontent, frustrated, and resentful that our people have distanced themselves from him. But the rejection is not ours. I warned him not to interfere with the mountain, yet he did. I told him our people despise betrayal—he betrayed us. I cautioned him that deception is loathed here—he deceived us. This predicament is of his own making. So, as frustrated and bitter as he may be, he should take a step back. If we were truly tribal, we would have supported our own candidate, Waihiga Mwaure, instead of him and Raila,” he stated.

Following his impeachment, the former Deputy President has been eager to stage a political comeback, engaging in numerous discussions with leaders from various sectors at his residence in Nyeri County.

He has described these gatherings as consultative as he maps out his political future. His approach has elicited mixed responses from regional political figures, with some urging him to moderate his political language.

“For now, let’s concentrate on serving the people. As leaders, we must hold the government accountable for its promises. The time for forming political parties and engaging in politics will come later,” said Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki.

Gachagua’s true challenge will likely be maintaining this political momentum as we approach 2027.

Authorities are looking into a tragic incident involving the death of a farm worker found in his room in Ololua, Ngong.

The deceased, who lived alone while tending to chickens and sheep at a private farm, is believed to have been murdered by unidentified attackers who also made off with several chickens and other valuables early Friday morning.

John Dangiri’s body was discovered with a head injury, indicating he had been deceased for some time. Neighbors noted that they hadn’t seen him for most of the day, and the animals in his care had not been fed.

One neighbor mentioned that it was unusual for Dangiri not to gather food for the animals as he typically did. Investigations revealed that the assailants not only attacked him but also stole solar panels equipped with security cameras and 19 chickens from the property.

Police responded to the scene, retrieving Dangiri’s body for transport to the local mortuary, where an autopsy and further investigations will take place.

Authorities have identified a suspect who is currently at large, and efforts to locate him for questioning are underway.