Ruto-Gachagua phone call; Zambia’s flight fight; taxi tragedy

Good morning. Today, we are covering a phone call between President Ruto and his beleaguered deputy Rigathi Gachagua, details of why Kenya banned Zambian Airways and the retaliation that followed. We also tell you how Mombasa taxi driver Victoria Muloki died and much more. Happy reading!

THE BIG TAKE

Ruto-Gachagua phone call and a failed church mediation

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received a crucial phone call from President Ruto on the eve of his impeachment hearing. Gachagua was hoping for support or reconciliation, but the brief call left him on his own. Religious leaders had tried to mediate between the two, but their efforts failed. Tensions rose, with MPs refusing any dialogue to stop Gachagua's impeachment. Despite church-led peace efforts, the MPs have remained adamant, urging the Senate to proceed with the trial. Meanwhile, a petition by SDA leaders seeks judicial intervention as Gachagua's political future hangs in the balance.

Ethiopian connection fuels Zambia Airways dispute

The dispute between Zambia Airways and Kenya stems from Zambia's use of an Ethiopian-registered aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines, which owns 45 per cent of Zambia Airways, wet-leased a Boeing 737-700 to Zambia, raising regulatory concerns. Kenya banned the flights because the Ethiopian aircraft was not registered in Zambia, in breach of international aviation protocols. Wet leasing meant that Ethiopian Airlines was technically operating the Nairobi route, raising oversight issues. The dispute, which almost led to Zambia suspending Kenya Airways flights, was resolved after Zambia complied with aviation regulations. However, questions remain about Ethiopian Airlines' role in Zambia Airways.

How taxi driver Victoria Muloki died

An autopsy has revealed that taxi driver Victoria Mumbua Muloki was brutally beaten with a blunt object before being strangled. State pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor confirmed that Mumbua fought her attacker, indicating a violent struggle. The suspect, Edwin Ngetich Kipkemoi, was arrested while driving her stolen vehicle and has been linked to several other murders of taxi drivers across Kenya. Investigators suspect Ngetich may be part of a violent gang that targets drivers to steal vehicles. Police are gathering forensic evidence and reviewing CCTV footage from key crime scenes as the investigation continues.

Quick hits

• Counties: Homa Bay, where the dead rest in trash.

• Politics: How impeaching Gachagua will scramble coalitions.

• Africa: Cameroon bans media discussion on President Biya's health.

• Politics: Wamalwa Kijana: Tom & Jerry, eloquence and wit.

• Lifestyle: 'In 6 six months, my cancer cells had cleared'.

• Lifestyle: Sex, screens, and shadows: How Nairobi’s sex trade went global.

• Business: Parliament summons ex-NBK boss over Sh7.7m Moi University fees fraud.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Revealed: Nairobi disaster management ‘a ticking time bomb’
2. Court stops county from disposing toxic waste into Lake Nakuru
3. Nakuru MCAs storm War Memorial Hospital, demand facility’s reopening
4. Missing Kirinyaga woman found dead in boyfriend's home
5. Mombasa church sued for alleged land grabbing

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'Ruto’s call and failed attempts to save Gachagua'. Business Daily leads with 'Property auctions surge as defaults hit Sh674bn' sale blocked'. Taifa Leo leads with 'ALIKATAA PATANISHO'.

Cartoon of the day

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Eldoret man expresses frustration over NHIF to SHIF transition