Mandera plot; Sudan spat; Raila's gamble

Dear reader,

Today we are covering Kenya's foiled Mandera abduction plot, its shaky peacemaking role as Sudan's RSF eyes Nairobi to unveil a parallel government and Raila Odinga's next move amid Ruto's 2027 courtship. Stay tuned for updates?as the political drama unfolds.

Kenfrey Kiberenge,

Newsletters Editor

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THE BIG TAKE

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Mandera kidnap plot foiled

Detectives in Mandera have arrested two suspects in a foiled kidnap plot involving foreigners. One of them allegedly entered Kenya illegally and planned the abduction. The suspects reportedly paid Sh100,000 to carry out the plan. Authorities believe they were coordinating terrorist activities. Their arrest follows heightened security following recent kidnappings, including five tribal chiefs taken to Somalia. ?

Sudan war: Kenya's peacemaker role under scrutiny ?

Sudan's RSF plans to set up a parallel government in Nairobi led by commander Hemedti, putting Kenya's neutrality under scrutiny. Critics accuse Kenya of favouring the RSF and undermining its regional mediation role. Tension is rising as Sudan's SAF opposes the move and Kenya's relations with DR Congo remain strained over similar issues. ?

Prime Minister Raila? Why his next move is fueling speculation?

Opposition leader Raila Odinga remains silent on talk of a constitutional amendment to make him prime minister after losing the AUC chairmanship. President Ruto is seeking his support for the 2027 elections, potentially reshaping Kenya's political landscape. Analysts suggest Raila could push for a co-presidency or key government roles, while allies hint at ODM's future strategies.

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'Playing with fire'. Business Daily leads with 'Banks fight KRA link amid customer data leak worries'?Taifa Leo leads with 'ATUPWA JELA MIAKA 150'.

Quick hits

• Lifestyle:?50 shades of nope: Why Kenyan men fear experimenting in bed.

• Business:?Security, education, healthcare big winners in Treasury’s Sh86bn budget boost.

• Education:?The cost of keeping a student in secondary school for a day.

• Politics: President Ruto, Raila Odinga parties stalemate over Budget committee.

• Lifestyle:?Mohammed Amin spoils party for DCI officer who sneaked relatives on India tour.

• Business: Why KRA Sh35m tax win against UN staffer spells trouble for other Kenyans.

• Sports:?Ntabeni Dukisa: Meet the professional rugby player who put aside the South African flag to play for Kenya.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Abducted Mandera chiefs: Local elders left to negotiate as families say victims were sickly
2. Mombasa County suffers blow in Sh32m port parking fees bid
3. Governor Kihika, water company boss fined Sh2m over Lake Nakuru pollution
4. Nakuru mortuary workers suspended after baby's body disappears
5. Father of murdered Karatina University student recalls last chat with his daughter

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VIDEO OF THE DAY

DP Kindiki: For the first time in 16 years, Kenya will not import even one bag of maize this year