“I deported her myself.”

That explosive statement from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ignited fresh controversy across East Africa.

The powerful military chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni publicly claimed responsibility for the deportation of Kenyan politician and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, saying she is no longer welcome in Uganda.

Taking to X on June 23, Muhoozi dismissed suggestions that his father was behind the decision.

“Do not blame my great father for this decision. I deported her myself. She’s no longer allowed in our country,” he posted.

The remarks quickly triggered fierce reactions online, with supporters praising the move while critics accused Uganda of undermining regional cooperation and the rule of law.

The dramatic declaration comes just days after Karua was blocked from entering Uganda through Entebbe International Airport and informed she had been declared persona non grata.

Karua had travelled to Kampala to join the legal team representing veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is currently facing treason charges.

The decision has raised serious questions from both the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Uganda Law Society (ULS), which argue that Karua held a valid special practising certificate authorising her participation in the high-profile case.

Pressure is now mounting after the East Africa Law Society condemned the deportation and announced plans to challenge the move in court.

The controversy deepens as Besigye recently accused Muhoozi of making public statements and alleged death threats that could compromise his right to a fair trial. Muhoozi has since asked Uganda’s High Court to dismiss the claims, describing them as baseless.

Besigye, one of President Museveni’s longest-serving political rivals, has remained in detention on treason charges since his controversial arrest and return to Uganda from Kenya in late 2024.

With Karua barred, legal battles intensifying, and Muhoozi openly taking responsibility, the diplomatic and political fallout is only getting bigger.

The countdown to Kenya’s next political battle has officially begun.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that Kenyans will head to the polls on Tuesday, August 10, 2027, setting the stage for one of the country’s most anticipated General Elections.

But there’s already a major deadline that could shake up the political landscape.

Speaking during the launch of the Election Operation Plan 2025-2027, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu announced that all public officers planning to run for elective positions must resign by February 9, 2027.

That means senior government officials, civil servants, and state officers eyeing political seats have less than a year before they must make a crucial career decision.

The Commission also unveiled a packed election calendar.

Political parties must submit their membership registers by March 16, 2027. The same deadline applies to parties planning primaries, with details of candidates, venues, and dates required by the IEBC.

Party primaries and all internal disputes must be settled by May 9, 2027.

Independent candidates have also been put on notice. Anyone seeking to run without a party ticket must cut ties with any registered political party by May 9, 2027.

The race will intensify between May 29 and June 11, 2027, when candidates officially submit nomination papers.

Any nomination disputes must be filed by June 12 and resolved within ten days.

Campaign season will officially kick off on May 29, 2027, and run until August 7, just 48 hours before Kenyans cast their votes.

With the election date now locked in, political parties, aspiring candidates, and millions of voters are officially on the clock as the road to the 2027 General Election begins.

No matatu shutdown.

As Kenya braces for the highly anticipated June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has moved to calm public fears with a clear message: public transport will operate normally across the country.

MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha said matatus will continue serving all routes on Thursday, June 25, dismissing speculation that operators could suspend services because of the planned demonstrations.

The announcement comes as tension builds ahead of nationwide commemorations marking two years since the historic Gen Z protests that shook the country and left dozens dead and hundreds injured during anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in 2024.

While confirming normal operations, the association also expressed solidarity with families who lost loved ones during the protests and called for justice, accountability, and national unity.

At the same time, security agencies have intensified preparations amid concerns that criminal elements could infiltrate otherwise peaceful gatherings.

Newly appointed GSU Commandant Johana Kiplangat Tonui has directed officers to remain on high alert, maintain professionalism, and prioritize the protection of lives and property.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also revealed that he has instructed Inspector General Douglas Kanja to ensure police operate within constitutional limits and apply only the minimum force necessary during crowd control operations.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has dismissed reports of a possible shutdown, insisting that June 25 remains a normal working day and not a public holiday.

As Kenyans prepare for a day expected to attract nationwide attention, transport services will remain on the road, businesses are expected to open, and security agencies will be watching closely.