Top of The Day: Raila’s ODM Makes a Pact with Ruto’s UDA and other Headlines
On March 7, 2025, at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance party (UDA) and official opposition party Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU agreement. The Raila-led party agreed to join government in pushing critical government policies, reducing tensions, and promote cohesion.
The two leaders noted that their “handshake” pact is not a political alliance and is only gearer in putting the national interests first.
Kenyans on social media were quick to say its a hostile opposition takeover. Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the pact as “the biggest betrayal of Kenyans.” This is the fourth time Odinga has entered into an agreement with a ruling president, after Moi, Kibaki (2007/8) and Uhuru (2013) Kenyatta in 2018.
Standard Gauge Railway link From Naivasha to Kisumu Commences
The standard gauge railway (SGR) is adding a new route from Naivasha to Kisumu. The plans have taken off and building has commenced after an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
This project which covers approximately 262 kms, is being assessed for potential environmental hazards and social impacts of local communities effectively.
The Kenya Railways team Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) study has successfully delineated and marked the Phase 2B alignment route. This is in preparing for the final construction.
Social Health Authority (SHA) Advertises Positions That Were Under NHIF
In an internal memo seen dated March 7, 2027, the new Social Health Authority (SHA) informed NHIF staff about an upcoming recruitment that is underway.
The requirement seeks to fill 28 assistant director positions, 97 principal officers positions and principal assistant officers, and 422 senior officer and senior assistant officer roles.
According to the memo, applications can be submitted through the SHA recruitment portal or physically delivered to the SHA headquarters. “Applicants can submit their applications via the application portal https://recruitment.sha.go.ke/ or physically deliver them to SHA Building, 10th floor, clearly marking the position applied for on the envelope and addressing it to Chairman, Social Health Authority, P.O. Box 30443-00100, Ragati Road, Nairobi,” the memo states.
Samidoh Mourns Pilot Gitahi Nguyo, Calling him Father
Samidoh, renowned Benga star and police officer, has today mourned the passing of veteran pilot James Gitahi Nguyo. The late pilot’s vehicle crashed head-on with an oncoming truck along the Mombasa Highway on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
In an emotional tribute on social media, the musician narrated how Gitahi took him as his own and mentored him like his own father.
In his 44 years of service, he had the rare privilege to fly two former sitting presidents, Kibaki and Moi. After retirement, Nguyo continued flying commercial fixed-wing aircraft at Wilson Airport and coaching upcoming pilots.
Nguyo was married to nominated senator Betty Batuli Montet. His vehicle suffered a head-on collision, veered off the road and burst into flames. He was burnt beyond recognition in the wreckage. He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the incidence.
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