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 Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 was published on 30th April 2026. It proposes changes to several tax laws and most provisions take effect 1st July 2026, while some kick in 1st January 2027. If passed, it will guide how KRA collects an extra KSh 201 billion in 2026/2027, with KSh 120 billion expected directly from the new measures. 391a8d63 Contents of the 2026 Finance Bill 1. PAYE & Income Tax Changes Tax-free threshold increase: The Bill seeks to raise the tax-free income threshold from the current KSh 24,000. Proposals want the lowest PAYE band expanded from KSh 24,000 to KSh 30,000. New PAYE bands: Introduce a 25% tax rate for monthly income between KSh 30,000 and KSh 50,000. Top rate debate: Kenya Bankers Association and World Bank have pushed for the highest PAYE band to drop from 35% to 30%, with relief increased to KSh 3,000 to create a KSh 30,000 tax-free base. World Bank also suggested funding healthcare through the budget instead of the SHIF levy, and repealing the housing...

The High Court upheld Rigathi Gachagua’s 2024 impeachment on June 8, 2026, but awarded him KSh50 million in constitutional damages. The ruling came from a three-judge bench (Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Murima and Freda Mugambi) at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. It confirmed that the National Assembly and Senate followed constitutional procedures under Articles 145 and 150 overall, despite finding a violation of Gachagua’s right to a fair hearing (the Senate refused an adjournment when he was ill).  The court did not reinstate him, affirmed Kithure Kindiki as the current Deputy President, and left issues like pensions for other proceedings. Background of Gachagua's case 1. Impeachment process (Oct 2024): The National Assembly passed an 11-charge motion (initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse) with a massive 281-44 vote, citing gross misconduct, corruption, ethnic division, and undermining the President/government. The Senate upheld key charges days later. Gachagua (who ser...

 Kenyans are reacting strongly to remarks by some UDA leaders that many interpret as hints at election manipulation ("ukarabati ya kura" / "voters repair") ahead of the 2027 presidential election. What Happened On or around May 23, 2026, NTV Kenya and other outlets aired footage from a UDA meeting at Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula's home.  Leaders including Savula and MP Charles Gimose reportedly used phrases like "tutafanya ukarabati ya kura" (we will repair/do maintenance on the votes).  Some comments referenced high victory margins in places like Tanzania under Samia Suluhu or Museveni-style wins. This has been widely seen as implying plans to "fix" or pad results in favor of President William Ruto's reelection, rather than a literal call for better voter registration or system maintenance. Public Reaction 1. Surprise and outrage: Many Kenyans on X and social media expressed shock, viewing it as arrogant or desperate signaling am...

Nakuru town experienced significant disruption as the ODM-linked "Linda Mwananchi" brigade, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo held a major rally and caravan tour. The convoy entered the city, drawing large crowds that brought parts of Nakuru to a temporary standstill—with traffic slowing down and even stopping, pedestrians surging toward the roads and normal movement affected in some areas.  Supporters turned out in big numbers at spots like Mazembe Grounds, where the group held a rally after starting with prayers/church service.  Videos and reports describe energetic welcomes, charged atmospheres and claims of "tsunami"-like crowds. Context on Linda Mwananchi "Linda Mwananchi" (Protect the Citizen) is a faction/movement within or aligned to ODM (Orange Democratic Movement), often positioned as a more grassroots or opposition-leaning wing amid ongoing party tensions and splits.  It...

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisumu County arrested three suspects on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in connection with the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. Quick background on the incident The attack took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Java House restaurant inside West End Mall in Kisumu.  A group of armed goons confronted Senator Osotsi, assaulted him, and robbed him, leaving him with injuries.  He was initially treated locally before being airlifted to Nairobi for further medical care. CCTV footage from the scene (which quickly circulated online) clearly captured the assault, and Java House management handed over the full unedited video to police. CCTV footage shows Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi being attacked by goons inside  a Java House in Kisumu. The arrested suspects The three men now in custody are: 1. Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje (24 years old) – from Nyalenda, Kisumu 2. Eric Otieno alias Dude (39 years o...

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as a notable figure in Kenya's early 2027 presidential discourse, particularly as a vocal opponent of President William Ruto.  However, claims that he is currently the "strongest contender" remain largely speculative, driven by media hype, his anti-Ruto rhetoric, youth/Gen Z appeal via the Linda Mwananchi movement, and social media buzz rather than comprehensive polling data. Sifuna's Positioning Sifuna has been outspoken against President Ruto, especially post the broad-based government/MoU involving ODM and the government after the late Raila Odinga's era. Key points from recent statements: He leads the Linda Mwananchi ("Protect the Citizen") movement, which is conducting a "digital census" of supporters and aims to build a "people-led wave" to defeat Ruto decisively in 2027 — targeting a 5-million-vote margin as a "lesson" to any government that ignores citizens. He has...