Kenya Roundup: Constitution amendment bill, world championship gold, digital coin

Digital coin

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced on his social media platforms that Kenya is preparing to launch a national digital coin built on the Solana blockchain. He described the initiative as “an ambitious step towards strengthening financial systems and supporting sustainable economic growth.” Odinga emphasised that the project aims to empower youth through innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities in the digital economy.

Kenyan athlete fighting for Ukraine

Kenyans have expressed shock after footage emerged of a Kenyan athlete, identified only as Evans, captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Evans told Ukraine’s 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade that he had travelled to Russia as a tourist but was tricked into joining the Russian army. “I joined the Russian military not knowing I was being recruited. I have never been in military and I have never wanted the military job,” he said in a video statement.

High court halts constitution amendment bill

Kenya’s High Court has issued a temporary order stopping Parliament from forwarding the Constitution Amendment Bill to President William Ruto for assent. Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the Bill raised “serious constitutional questions” flagged by a petition filed by Katiba Institute. The petition has now been consolidated with other related challenges, with the court set to make a final determination after full hearings.

World Championship gold

Kenya celebrated a major triumph after 21-year-old Faith Cherotich stunned Olympic and world champion Winfred Yavi to win gold in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships in Tokyo. Cherotich clocked a championship record of 8:51.59, powering past Yavi on the final stretch. “I wanted to let it go, but I turned on the afterburners,” Cherotich said after the race, dedicating her win to her faith and resilience.

Robbery suspect in Samburu

Police officers in Samburu have arrested 20-year-old Christopher Ayok Lemarkele in connection with a string of violent robberies in Maralal town. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Lemarkele was armed with an AK-47 rifle when he and an accomplice attempted to rob a shop. A cashier was grazed by a bullet during the incident but was treated and discharged from hospital in stable condition.