Kenyans’ cry from Lebanon; Rigathi's rumble; MPs' term fallout

MPs are tightening their impeachment case against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who has raised concerns about fairness and public participation.?Meanwhile, Nandi Senator Cherargei's proposal to extend political terms is sparking outrage. Kenyans caught up in the ongoing Lebanon crisis are calling for help. We are revisiting the June 25 siege on Parliament with this immersive story by Mike Yambo and Geoffrey Onyambu—all?this and more in today's Daily Briefing.

THE BIG TAKE

MPs gear up for Rigathi showdown

The National Assembly is gearing up for the possible impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua has raised concerns about fairness, citing public participation and the impartiality of the Speaker. The Assembly will hold a nationwide public consultation to gather views. My colleague Samuel Owino writes that lawmakers have drawn lessons from the annulment of the 2017 presidential election, focusing on ensuring the process, not just the outcome, is sound. Gachagua argues that his removal should involve the millions who voted for him alongside President Ruto, not just a few MPs. His impeachment will test the country's constitutional provisions for the first time under the 2010 Constitution. ?

MPs' term extension proposal sparks backlash

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei's proposal to extend the terms of elected leaders from five to seven years has sparked outrage. Critics, including some MPs and governance experts, say the plan is impractical and undemocratic. They argue that it undermines Kenya's democratic progress and requires a referendum, not just a parliamentary debate. The bill also seeks to create the post of Prime Minister and increase the powers of the Senate. Critics see the move as a distraction from pressing national issues and a threat to democratic principles. Some fear it will align Kenya with authoritarian regimes, while others call for a focus on implementing the constitution. ?

Kenyans stranded in Lebanon plead for rescue

Hundreds of Kenyans stranded in Lebanon amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah feel abandoned by their government. While the Kenyan authorities say they are in contact, the workers who spoke to my colleague Mercy Simiyu describe a harrowing ordeal of bombings, food shortages and employers withholding their passports. Migrant workers, mostly women in domestic roles, are pleading for evacuation as their situation becomes increasingly desperate, highlighting concerns about Kenya's strategy of sending workers abroad without proper safeguards. The government has since asked any Kenyan in Lebanon to register online for assistance.

Quick hits

• Health: Trapped in agony: Patients stranded in hospitals as Kenya’s new health system fails.

• Court: Blogger gang rape: High Court allows LSK, Mombasa Law Society to join case.

• Politics: UDA disowns Cherargei Bill on 7-year term for President and MPs, calls it ‘repugnant’.

• Sports: Omanyala: I've picked lessons that will make me better.

• Business: Real estate: Tricks fraudsters use to con property sellers and buyers online.

• Devolution: Puzzle of broke counties with Sh42bn in accounts.

• Health: Uptake of HIV prevention drugs rises in Kisumu, Siaya.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Shock of county education boss who doesn’t understand English
2. Health sector crisis in unending staff strikes in Trans Nzoia
3. Sh176.3m travel costs raise queries as Taita Taveta Governor Mwadime defends spending
4. Duale threatens to close 145 factories for dumping waste into Nairobi River
5. Kajiado County resists petitioners’ push to evade land rates

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'SHIF nightmare'. Business Daily leads with 'Safaricom eyes deals with Starlink rivals in data fight' sale blocked'. Taifa Leo leads with 'SHIF: MACHUNGU TELE'.

Cartoon of the day

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Wetang'ula on DP Gachagua impeachment motion: 'I have no dog in this fight'