Top news items in major Kenyan media outlets

News highlights of leading Kenyan media outlets on Thursday.

-- Ruling coalition Jubilee and Opposition Cord join forces to support proposal that seeks to block last-minute defections by aspirants before the General Election. (Daily Nation)

-- Two-time 3,000m steeplechase Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi loses his bronze medal hours after being beaten by compatriot Conseslus Kipruto in Rio Games. Kemboi, who announced retirement after completing the race, was stripped off his medal for stepping off the track. (The Standard)

-- New report shows bribery, nepotism and flouting of tender rules rife in counties as the devolved units become the bastions of corruption. (The Star)

-- Large banks will protect their profit margins by pushing more loans to the public if capping of interest rates is introduced in Kenya, an international rating agency says. The assertion contradicts that offered by banks, which said they will shy away from offering loans if capping is introduced. (Business Daily)

-- Opposition leader Raila Odinga urges President Uhuru Kenyatta to consult political players before picking new electoral agency officials to stem disputes. (People Daily) Endit