Mambo Mseto X

Frustration pours through a public appeal that links Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks and actions to a lack of restraint at home, with the writers asking Dorcas Rigathi to step in and guide him toward humility. Read more: mambomseto.co.ke/open-letter-to…

Nick Mararo is giving Nyeri youth a real chance to show their dance and music skills. Two competitions are now open on TikTok and Facebook with cash prizes up for grabs until April 30th. Read more: mambomseto.co.ke/nick-mararo-op…

Gachagua accuses Ruto of betrayal, warns against dragging Mt Kenya into political attacks Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of betrayal in a growing political fallout between the two leaders. Speaking during the memorial service of Ol Kalou Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho, Gachagua addressed what he described as repeated remarks from the President that he found disrespectful. He urged Ruto to avoid dragging ethnic issues into political disagreements, warning that such statements risk deepening divisions. Gachagua said the support that helped Ruto win the presidency came from a wide range of communities, including those from the Mt Kenya region. He stressed that voters backed the President based on trust and shared political goals, not ethnic identity. According to him, it was unfair for that support to now be questioned or dismissed. “ We gave you our votes but you were not called Njoroge or Kamau. Going forward, the President leaves the people of Mt Kenya. Don’t insult or abuse as tribal. Leave us in peace,” he said. His remarks signal a continued strain in the relationship between the two leaders, who previously worked closely together during the 2022 general election.

Pressure mounts on CS Wandayi as fuel row exposes rift between government and motorists Concerns are rising across the country as many motorists remain stranded at petrol stations despite earlier assurances from the government that fuel supply is stable. The situation has sparked sharp criticism from the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK), which now claims that the shortage may not be genuine. In its statement, MAK alleged that some downstream fuel stations are deliberately hoarding fuel to create artificial scarcity. According to the association, this move is meant to justify a possible increase in pump prices. It further claimed that these actions are happening with the knowledge of officials, suggesting that regulators are unlikely to take action against those withholding supply. The association also questioned the handling of the reported Ksh.4.8 billion fuel scandal involving the importation of 128,000 tonnes of petroleum products outside the Government-to-Government framework. It argued that the G-to-G system is applied selectively, depending on convenience, and dismissed ongoing reports around the issue as distractions meant to mislead the public. MAK raised concern over the silence of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, saying its lack of response has only deepened uncertainty among consumers. The association has now called for the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, accusing him of failing to manage the sector effectively and losing the confidence of the transport industry. In addition, MAK is pushing for strict action against oil marketers found hoarding fuel, including cancellation of licenses. It also wants transparency in how the fuel Stabilisation Fund is used to protect consumers from high costs. Meanwhile, the government has taken action against One Petroleum Ltd, ordering it to withdraw invoices and export a 60,000-metric-tonne consignment of super petrol imported outside the G-to-G arrangement. The Ministry of Energy stated that the shipment violated established procedures and could have disrupted supply stability and increased fuel prices. The government maintains that the G-to-G framework, introduced in March 2023, continues to support steady fuel supply, stabilize prices, and protect the country’s foreign exchange.

Inside the Sh12 billion fuel mess that left motorists and industries counting losses Fresh details have emerged in the Sh12 billion bad fuel scandal, raising new concerns about how widely the problem has affected the country. Investigations now suggest that the contaminated fuel was distributed across several regions, causing damage not only to private vehicles but also to businesses that depend on reliable fuel supply. Experts involved in the probe say the fuel contained harmful impurities that interfered with normal engine performance. Many motorists reported engine failure, while companies in the transport and manufacturing sectors faced disruptions that led to financial losses. The situation has placed additional pressure on industries already dealing with high operating costs. The scale of the issue has alarmed stakeholders, with questions being raised about how such fuel passed through existing quality checks. Some industry players argue that gaps in monitoring systems may have allowed the substandard fuel to enter the market and spread quickly before action was taken. The government has responded by promising a full investigation into the matter. Authorities say they are working to identify those responsible, including suppliers and any officials who may have failed in their oversight roles. There are also calls for stronger enforcement of fuel standards to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future. Consumers and businesses affected by the scandal are now pushing for compensation, saying the losses they suffered were avoidable.

Gachagua family publishes will to address dispute over late governor’s estate The executors of the estate of Nderitu Gachagua have made his will public after concerns were raised by some beneficiaries over how his wealth was shared. The will was published in local newspapers on Wednesday, April 8, with the executors saying the move was meant to clarify the situation and address claims of possible wrongdoing. The executors, including Rigathi Gachagua, stated that only five out of the 23 listed beneficiaries had raised concerns. The will names close family members such as his mother, two wives, and children, and gives clear directions on how the estate should be divided. According to the document, a house in the Lang’ata or Karen area was left to his first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, to hold in trust for the family. She has lived there since it was built, and the transfer has already been completed. Two other houses in Karen and Nyeri were given to the second wife, Margaret Waithiegeni, and the titles have also been transferred to her. The ancestral home, sitting on four acres, was left to his two eldest sons, Kenneth Gachagua and Jason Kariuki, in equal shares. They have been living on the property since 2022. Shares in Mweiga Homes were allocated to Rigathi Gachagua. The executors explained that all other assets not specifically listed were to be sold, with the money first used to clear debts before any further distribution. They also revealed that some properties were sold above their reserve prices. Olive Gardens Hotel, Queensgate Estate, and Vipingo Estate together brought in about Ksh 1.25 billion. This development comes shortly after some family members wrote to William Ruto asking for an investigation into alleged fraud and interference in the management of the estate. The president assured them that the matter would be handled seriously and that justice would be done.

Catch up on today’s top stories from Kenya’s leading newspapers; Daily Nation, The Standard, Taifa Leo, People Daily, The Star, and Business Daily. Here’s what’s making headlines this 8th of April, 2026.

The ongoing probe into NYS activities has placed Nicholas Makokha at the centre of suspected proxy dealings, with investigators trying to understand how complex financial transactions may have been used to conceal key beneficiaries. Read more: mambomseto.co.ke/inside-the-new…

Francis Awino attacked after calling for Opiyo Wandayi resignation over fuel scandal Former Bunge la Mwananchi President Francis Awino was attacked moments after holding a press conference at Milimani where he called for the resignation of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi over the ongoing fuel scandal. Awino had addressed the media to express concern about the Ksh 2.9 billion substandard fuel importation issue, urging Wandayi to step aside as investigations continue. Witnesses say the attack happened shortly after he finished speaking, when a group of suspected goons confronted him. The motive behind the assault has not been officially confirmed, but the timing has raised suspicion among observers. The incident has drawn strong reactions from civil society groups, who say it reflects growing tension around the scandal. Some have described the attack as an attempt to intimidate individuals who are openly questioning those in power. They warn that such actions could discourage citizens from speaking out on matters of public interest. Awino has been among the vocal critics pushing for accountability in the fuel importation issue. His calls for transparency and responsibility have placed him at the center of the debate surrounding the scandal. The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of activists and members of the public who engage in criticism of government officials. There are now calls for authorities to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. By the time of reporting, there had been no official communication from Wandayi’s office or the police, leaving key questions about the attack unanswered. (Video credit/Cyprian Is Nyakundi)

Wandayi warns fuel prices could rise by up to Ksh14 over costly petrol shipment Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has warned that fuel prices could increase by as much as Ksh14 per litre if a recent Super Petrol shipment not covered under the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) agreement enters the market. Speaking on Tuesday, April 7, Wandayi said a 60,000-metric-tonne consignment of Super Petrol was brought into the country without following the established import procedures. He noted that the shipment was more expensive than usual, raising concerns about its impact on consumers if its cost is included in fuel pricing. According to him, the unauthorised consignment was purchased at Ksh198,000 per metric tonne, compared to Ksh140,000 under the G-to-G arrangement. He explained that the difference of Ksh58,000 per metric tonne would have pushed pump prices higher if the cost had been passed on to consumers. Wandayi said such actions could disrupt the stability of the fuel supply system in the country. He added that following proper importation procedures is important in maintaining predictable fuel prices and protecting consumers from sudden increases. To prevent this, Wandayi directed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to leave out the 60,000 metric tonnes of Super Petrol from its monthly fuel price calculations. He said this step is aimed at ensuring that fuel prices remain stable and are not affected by irregular imports that do not follow agreed systems.

Fuel prices could rise to Ksh231.68 as pressure builds on new supply costs Kenyans may soon face a sharp rise in fuel prices, with petrol expected to reach as high as Ksh231.68 per litre in the next pricing review. This follows growing pressure from global oil markets and local supply challenges that are beginning to affect the country. Speaking on April 7, Martin Chomba, Chair of the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya, warned that prices could increase by between Ksh30 and Ksh60. He explained that the current prices at the pump are still based on fuel imported earlier, before global prices went up. As newer and more expensive shipments begin to arrive, the impact will likely be felt by consumers. Chomba pointed out that nearby countries like Tanzania have already raised fuel prices by over 30 per cent, and Kenya may follow a similar path. He cautioned that failing to adjust prices could lead to fuel shortages, as suppliers may struggle to sustain operations under rising costs. He also raised concerns about Kenya’s limited fuel reserves, noting that the country relies heavily on continuous imports. According to him, the fuel currently available in the system can only last between 21 and 30 days if no new shipments arrive. On the other hand, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said there are no immediate plans to raise prices. He explained that the government has already received new fuel shipments and is monitoring the situation before making any decisions. Meanwhile, distribution challenges are being reported in some parts of the country, especially in rural areas where smaller fuel stations are struggling to access supply. There are also concerns about the quality of some imported fuel, with reports suggesting higher sulphur content in certain shipments. Although the government may try to cushion consumers using available measures, industry players say global market forces will largely determine the final prices at the pump.

Heavy rains expected across Kenya with high flood risk Heavy rainfall expected across several parts of Kenya this week has raised concerns about possible flooding and related health risks. The Kenya Meteorological Department has cautioned that areas including Nairobi, Murang’a County, and Kisii County are likely to experience significant downpours between April 7 and April 13. According to the latest weather bulletin, several regions in the Highlands east of the Rift Valley such as Nyeri, Embu, Kirinyaga, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi could receive more than 50mm of rainfall. This level of rain increases the risk of floods, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Counties in western Kenya including Bomet, Migori, Homabay, Kericho, Narok, Vihiga, Busia, and Kakamega are also expected to receive heavy rains. In northern Kenya, Moyale has been identified as a high-risk area despite recently experiencing dry conditions. Meanwhile, parts of Kitui County and Taita Taveta County may also record above-normal rainfall. Health officials warn that stagnant water from flooding could lead to a rise in diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Rift Valley Fever, and Chikungunya. Waterborne illnesses like Cholera, Typhoid, and diarrhoea are also expected to increase where water sources are contaminated. Colder temperatures are expected in highland areas such as Nyandarua, Nyeri, and Meru, with some places recording 10 degrees Celsius or lower. In Nyahururu, the cold weather may raise cases of respiratory illnesses including Pneumonia and asthma, especially among children and the elderly. Residents are being advised to take precautions such as draining stagnant water, using mosquito nets, avoiding flooded areas, and keeping warm as the country faces a week of potentially dangerous weather conditions.

Liban, Sang and Kiptoo released pending decision on KSh 4.8 billion fuel case Three former senior officials in Kenya’s energy sector have been released on bail as investigations into the Ksh4.8 billion fuel importation deal continue. Mohamed Liban, Joe Sang, and Daniel Kiptoo were freed from police custody on Monday, April 6. Their release comes as authorities review the case to determine whether formal charges will be filed. Lawyers representing the three officials told the media that their clients acted within the law and should not be blamed for the controversial fuel deal. They insisted that the decisions in question were based on guidance from a government security organ. According to documents cited in reports, the National Security Council Committee had issued recommendations on March 9 advising the sourcing of emergency fuel from alternative suppliers. The move was reportedly aimed at protecting the country from possible fuel shortages linked to tensions in the Middle East. The legal team argued that the officials were implementing these recommendations and had no personal involvement in any alleged wrongdoing. They maintained that their clients followed due process in responding to a situation that could have disrupted fuel supply across the country. Despite their release, uncertainty remains over the next steps in the case. Investigators are still examining the details of the fuel importation process, and it is not yet clear whether prosecutors will move forward with charges. The case continues to attract public attention due to the large amount of money involved and its potential impact on Kenya’s energy sector.

Internal records show that Opiyo Wandayi was kept fully informed about the irregularities surrounding the KSh 4 billion fuel import. Read more: mambomseto.co.ke/opiyo-wandayi-…

Catch up on today’s top stories from Kenya’s leading newspapers; Daily Nation, The Standard, Taifa Leo, People Daily, The Star, and Business Daily. Here’s what’s making headlines this 7th of April, 2026.

Atwoli criticizes Uhuru’s role in 2022 campaign points to weak Azimio mobilization Remarks by Francis Atwoli have caused public debate after he criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his political role and influence. Speaking in a recent address, Atwoli accused Uhuru of what he described as political laziness, arguing that the former head of state did not put in enough effort during critical moments in his career. Atwoli further claimed that Uhuru’s rise to the presidency was significantly supported by William Ruto, suggesting that without that backing, Uhuru may not have succeeded in his bid for power. His remarks have added a new dimension to ongoing discussions about past political alliances and their impact on leadership in the country. The outspoken union leader also took issue with Uhuru’s involvement in the 2022 general election under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. According to Atwoli, although Uhuru publicly endorsed Raila Odinga as his preferred successor, his efforts did not go far enough to secure victory for the coalition. Atwoli argued that Uhuru failed to actively mobilize voters across the country or fully use his political network to strengthen Azimio’s campaign. He suggested that this lack of visible engagement may have contributed to the coalition’s underperformance in the election. The comments have triggered mixed reactions, with some leaders and observers agreeing with Atwoli’s assessment, while others have defended Uhuru, saying his support for Azimio was clear and consistent. The debate highlights ongoing divisions and differing views about the roles played by key political figures during the 2022 elections.

Ruto Praises Majembe vs Mbavu fight, plans State House invite after call with Oga Obinna Media personality Oga Obinna shared details of a phone call he had with President William Ruto after the recent boxing match between Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer. The event, held on April 4 at the Karasani Indoors Arena, drew a large crowd and caught the President’s attention. Ruto had already pledged Ksh1 million to each boxer before the fight. In their call, the President praised the event and the young people involved. Obinna said Ruto is now checking his schedule to plan a visit for the boxers, referees, and key organisers at State House to celebrate their success. Obinna asked Kenyans not to politicise the planned meeting. He said, “Do not block their blessings.” He also requested that every boxer receive about Ksh1 million and that referees and officials get Ksh300,000 for their efforts. Obinna thanked all participants for a smooth event, calling it the biggest sporting activity in Eastern Africa. He noted that he refused to let politicians use the event as a platform and made them pay to attend. Eight governors and many MPs have since praised the match. Obinna now plans to take similar boxing events to other counties like Busia, Mombasa, and Uasin Gishu. A rematch between Majembe and a Somali boxer is already being considered.

The fuel scandal that started with alleged manipulation of Kenya’s fuel reserves data has now put Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi squarely in the spotlight, as many demand his resignation or arrest. Read more: mambomseto.co.ke/calls-grow-lou…