Kindiki's big day; envoys' rebuke; American pastor's link to Shakahola

Today we are camped at the KICC for Prof Kithure Kindiki's swearing-in as deputy president after a whirlwind succession. Meanwhile, revelations link the Shakahola tragedy to an American pastor's influence on cult teachings. In other news, European envoys urge President Ruto to tackle Kenya's rising rights abuses, highlighting abductions and unlawful detentions—all this and more in today's Daily Briefing.

THE BIG TAKE

Kindiki to be sworn in as DP

Today is a big day as Prof Kithure Kindiki will be sworn in as Deputy President on Friday at KICC, Nairobi at 10am. This comes after the High Court lifted an order blocking his swearing-in . Acting Interior CS Musalia Mudavadi declared today a public holiday. The succession follows the recent impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, which saw Kindiki's swift nomination and approval by the National Assembly . President Ruto, who returned from a visit to Burundi, appointed a 21-member committee to organise the event. The ceremony, a milestone for Kenya's political class , will follow constitutional protocols before the Chief Justice. ?

Shakahola: American pastor's preaching led to tragedy

The teachings of American pastor Yeshaiah Alexander are said to have influenced the tragic deaths at Shakahola . Alexander promoted the concept of the 'kibbutz', encouraging communal living in remote areas such as a forest. Paul Mackenzie embraced the concept , leading his followers to believe they would find divine protection there. Amid the Covid-19 lockdowns, Mackenzie convinced his congregation that the end times were near and urged them to isolate themselves in the Shakahola forest . Many reportedly starved to death as Mackenzie preached about 'manna from Christ'. A former GNI pastor exposed the manipulation and tragic consequences in court, shedding light on how Alexander's teachings took root. ?

European envoys urge Ruto to end rights abuses

European envoys have urged President Ruto to investigate Kenya's rising tide of abductions and human rights abuses. Diplomats from nine European countries called for accountability and condemned abductions, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings reportedly targeting critics . They cited Kenya's constitutional protections and criticised telecommunications companies for assisting rogue agencies in violating privacy. A recent report detailed more than 60 cases of extrajudicial killings and 71 enforced disappearances since June. Human rights groups, backed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, are calling for urgent reform, accountability for abuses and support for victims' families .

Quick hits

• Politics: The six laws of power that Gachagua broke .

• Politics: After Gachagua ouster, which way Mt Kenya ?

• Crime: MCAs to shut down county assemblies in protest over missing Wajir colleague .

• Crime: Ayieko murder: How police traced, smoked out suspect at Kisumu guesthouse .

• News: NMG journalists Macharia Gaitho, Steve Otieno honoured .

• Politics: Lamu Governor Timamy back to drawing board as MCAs reject his deputy nominee .

• Health: A day in the life of women with albinism fighting to make a living.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Eldoret court hands 40-year-jail term to man who raped 6-year-old
2. How corrupt KTDA clerks steal from South Rift tea farmers
3. Meru's 'descendants of thieves' five-decade struggle for 42,000 acres
4. Eldoret court hands 40-year-jail term to man who raped 6-year-old
5. How land grabbing dampened Nyandarua's Kasuku Town

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'Second in command'. Business Daily leads with 'HowTax pain signal in new Sh78bn IMF loan deal' sale blocked'. Taifa Leo leads with 'HII IMEENDA'.

Cartoon of the day

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru questions the legitimacy of swearing in Kindiki without verification by IEBC

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