This week in Kenya
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dominated headlines, accusing the IEBC of plotting to rig the 2027 election and declaring his own presidential bid after a 55-day strategy conclave. Amidst these political developments, the IEBC released the 2027 election calendar, while retired President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized growing political intolerance and state agencies faced scrutiny for failing to curb political violence.
About Kenya
Kenya, a dynamic East African nation, is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife, diverse landscapes, and as a vital economic and cultural hub in the region. Its vibrant capital, Nairobi, serves as a significant center for international media, reflecting a relatively free and diverse media market that shapes public discourse.
Visiting Kenya
Media landscape
Kenya boasts a relatively free and diverse media market, with Nairobi acting as a key hub for international media covering East Africa. Both public and private outlets operate across various platforms.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Kenyan news, seek out both English and Swahili language outlets, and be aware of the regional focus of some vernacular media.
Sources we track 1
Court closes Chemutai burial dispute after husband withdraws case
Milimani Court has closed the burial dispute involving Rosemary Chemutai Kimwatu after her husband withdrew the case. The decision followed confirmation that the late Kenya Commercial Bank Head of Dat…
Police officer linked to Dr. Mutiso murder arrested in Uganda
A Kenyan police officer linked to the murder of Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso has been arrested while hiding in Kampala, Uganda. Police Constable Collins Kiplangat Bett was arrested on Saturday at Kyanj…
Questions Swirl Over Ruto Family's Link to Sh2.8 Billion Police Uniform Deal
A Sh2.8 billion contract for Kenya's new police uniforms has become the center of controversy, with significant questions emerging about the supplier, Nalitex Limited. The company's listed office in N…
The Ritual of Return: Why Back-to-School Season Matters
As schools across Kenya reopen for the final learning session of the year, the first day back transcends the simple exchange of sharpened pencils and polished shoes. It is a complex period marked by p…
Billions budgeted for new police uniforms spark debate in Kenya
Kenya is poised to spend billions of shillings on a new uniform for its police officers, marking the first change in eight years. The rollout of these new uniforms for general duty officers is schedul…
Kenyan Ex-DP Gachagua Accuses IEBC of Plotting to Rig 2027 Election
Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has leveled serious accusations against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alleging a plot to rig the upcoming 2027 General Ele…
Gachagua declares 2027 presidential bid after 55-day opposition strategy conclave
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged from a lengthy 55-day retreat at his Wamunyoro residence, signaling a significant political maneuver ahead of the 2027 general elections. The inten…
Wamunyoro's report on road to 2027
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has concluded a 45-day conclave held at his Wamunyoro residence in Mathira constituency, Nyeri County. The intensive retreat, which began on June 9, was conven…
From fraud to audit obstruction: Why eCitizen empire is under scrutiny
Webmasters Kenya Ltd, the firm responsible for developing Kenya's widely used eCitizen digital government services platform, faces a severe international setback. The World Bank has imposed a five-yea…
Uhuru: Don't claw back our freedoms as political intolerance grows
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has strongly condemned the increasing political intolerance and disruptions targeting opposition rallies across the country. Speaking at the 24th anniversary mem…
Murkomen's remarks on political violence expose his aloofness
Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is under intense public scrutiny for his recent statements downplaying public concerns over rising political violence. Murkomen's remarks, which di…
Kenya's IEBC releases 2027 election calendar
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially announced the roadmap for the 2027 general elections, publishing a detailed calendar that governs all electoral processes. Thi…
Let the games begin: IEBC gazettes 2027 election calendar amid opposition concerns over preparedness
Kenya's electoral body has officially set the stage for the 2027 general elections by gazetting a detailed roadmap for the electoral process. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)…
Kenyans left to fend for themselves as state agencies fail to curb political violence
Kenya's independent institutions are failing to curb political violence, leaving citizens vulnerable as disruptions and by-elections result in injuries and deaths. The article highlights a significant…
Public officers eyeing elective posts must resign by February 10: IEBC
Public officers in Kenya aspiring to run for elective positions in the 2027 General Election must resign from their posts by February 10, 2027. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEB…
Kenya's opposition invites ICC to probe security crisis and political violence
Kenya's opposition leaders are demanding an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the nation's deteriorating security situation, which they describe as a worrying descent into anarchy.…
Untouchable goons: The brazen political militia reigning terror on opposition
A brazen political militia is allegedly terrorizing opposition supporters in Homa Bay County, Kenya, creating an atmosphere of fear and violence. Residents describe the group as well-known, loud, and …
Inside Homa Bay political gang and its reign of terror on the opposition
A political gang in Kenya's Homa Bay County is reportedly instilling fear and violence against opposition supporters and anyone perceived to oppose President William Ruto's re-election or the agendas …
Kenya's Interior Chiefs Face Questions Over Homa Bay Violence
Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other interior chiefs are under intense pressure to explain their response to political violence that erupted in Homa Bay. Critics accuse the …
Homa Bay violence leaves vehicles, church and hotel vandalised
Property valued in the millions of shillings was destroyed during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay town on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The violence saw six vehicles set on fire and significant damag…
Linda Mwanainchi brigade defies odds, storms Homa Bay
Despite facing significant challenges including blocked roads, violence, threats, and intimidation, the "Linda Mwanainchi" brigade, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has made a triumphant entry int…
Gachagua: Opposition doesn't need Uhuru's money to oust Ruto
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly refuted allegations that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is financially backing opposition efforts aimed at unseating President William Ruto. Spea…
Panic Grips Ruto's Camp as Opposition Wave Threatens Western Support Base
President William Ruto's administration is reportedly in a state of "panic mode" as a "political avalanche" of uncertainties sweeps through Western Kenya, threatening to dismantle a crucial support ba…
Opposition wave forces State House back to the drawing board as support falters
President William Ruto is reportedly experiencing significant political pressure as his support base in Western Kenya shows signs of erosion. This development poses a threat to a crucial bloc of voter…
Gachagua: We will protect ourselves against goons
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to fight back against individuals he claims are disrupting his political rallies, stating his supporters will defend themselves if the police do not offer p…
Falling apart: Leaders flee Ruto party as 2027 political storm gathers
A wave of defections is hitting President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, as politicians scramble to secure their political futures ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gatundu S…
Ruto putting roadblocks on bumpy road to Singapore
President William Ruto has launched 'The National Conversation - Beyond Vision 2030,' an initiative intended to reshape Kenya's development path. This marks the latest in a series of ambitious plans f…
Ruto Aide Declares Interest in Turbo Parliamentary Seat for 2027 Elections
President William Ruto's personal assistant, Farouk Kibet, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Turbo parliamentary seat, signaling a potential shake-up in the region's political landscape ahead o…
Police Officer, Two Others Detained for 30 Days in Dr. Victoria Mutiso Murder Case
A police officer, identified as Elijah Kibelion Kimoi, along with a motorcycle rider and a driver, will remain in custody for 30 days as investigations into the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso intensify…
Kenyan Senator Vows to Crush Sugar Cartels, Eyes Presidency
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is intensifying his presidential campaign for 2027, targeting Western Kenya with promises to dismantle sugar cartels and revive the region's struggling sugar industry. Lea…
Mystery deepens over whereabouts of rogue officers linked to Dr Mutiso's murder
The whereabouts of two police officers linked to the daylight execution of mental health researcher Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso remain unknown three days after investigators connected them to the crim…
Mystery of whereabouts of rogue officers linked to researcher's murder
Two police officers, Inspector Kenneth Kipkemboi Sang and Constable Collins Kiplangat Bett, are currently fugitives following their alleged involvement in the murder of mental health researcher Dr. Vi…
Police officer in Dr Mutiso murder had character issues, colleagues say
The Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, has revealed that police officers were involved in the assassination of city psychiatrists. This latest development casts further doubt on the in…
Charlene Ruto's Traditional Wedding Lights Up Kilgoris
Kilgoris was transformed into a vibrant spectacle of love, culture, wealth, and political influence as Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, underwent a significant traditional cer…
Mt Elgon politician's killing linked to controversial cleansing ritual
Nathan Wasama, a politician from Mt Elgon, was shot and killed outside his home on Thursday evening, with his death strongly linked to a planned cleansing ritual involving the felling of two significa…
Kenyan DCI Names Police Officers in Dr. Mutiso Assassination Case
The investigation into the assassination of renowned mental health expert Dr. Victoria Mutiso has taken a disturbing turn with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) naming three active poli…
Degrees of debt: Ruto's new varsity funding plan to drown students in debts
Kenya's higher education system is on the brink of a significant transformation as the government proposes to eliminate undergraduate scholarships. Instead, funds previously allocated for scholarships…
Betting firms fight new gambling rules as court weighs massive fee hikes
The future of Kenya's gambling industry hangs in the balance as betting firms fight new regulations that threaten to dramatically increase licensing fees. Online bookmakers could face Sh50 million fee…
Ruto's trial-and-error presidency
President William Ruto's administration in Kenya is facing scrutiny over what critics describe as a "trial and error" approach to governance, marked by frequent political and policy shifts. This strat…
Uhuru Kenyatta leads Azimio coalition talks for 2027 election challenge against Ruto
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is spearheading the formation of a grand coalition within the opposition Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council. The primary objective is to strategize for the 202…
Kenya Election Bill Sparks Battle Over Livestreaming of Results
A contentious amendment to Kenya's election laws is poised to ignite a fierce debate over electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has alr…
Kenya: Battle looms over plan to scrap livestreaming of election results
A contentious proposal to eliminate the mandatory livestreaming of election results from polling stations has placed the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, at the center of a brewing political battle. …
House of bribes
Revelations that Kenyan MPs and senators accepted bribes have brought the issue of corruption within the 13th Parliament to the forefront. The alleged bribes were reportedly linked to the impeachment …
Kenya's Opposition Courts Ex-CS Aisha Jumwa After UDA Exit
Kenya's political landscape is buzzing as two opposition factions, the Linda Mwananchi wing and the Wiper Patriotic Front, vie for the allegiance of former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa following her …
CS sued in bid to kick out Railways boss, audit SGR contracts
Kenya Railways Corporation is facing a legal challenge as a petitioner seeks to oust its Managing Director, Phillip Mainga, and scrutinize the corporation's contracts, including those for the Standard…
State House Leaks: Gachagua's moles embarrassing President Ruto
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has consistently preempted official state announcements, revealing President William Ruto's national addresses and leaking details on long-term policy targets.…
How Dr Victoria Mutiso's killing is linked to lawyer Kyalo Mbobu
Kenyan investigators are examining a potential connection between the recent killing of clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Mutiso and the earlier assassination of prominent Nairobi lawyer Mathew Kyalo…
Property dispute may link lawyer and psychologist murders in Nairobi
Nairobi investigators are examining a possible connection between the recent murder of clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Mutiso and the earlier assassination of prominent lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu. D…
DP, poisoned chalice that leaders are scrambling for
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is reportedly facing a serious challenge to his political standing within Kenya's government and the ruling UDA party. Despite holding the position of President Willia…
Stripped: Why Kindiki has lost key intergovernmental role to Mudavadi in Ruto's shake-up
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been stripped of his intergovernmental coordination role through a directive from President William Ruto. The Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Kosk…
The Renaissance: Rise of Sifuna
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has concluded an "electric tour" of Kenya's vote-rich Western region, culminating in a rally at Mwangaza grounds in Kitale town. The "Linda Mwananchi" movement's trip was …
Sifuna Tapped as Potential Challenger to Ruto
The political landscape in Kenya is heating up as the Linda Mwanainchi brigade has thrown its support behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. This endorsement positions Sifuna as a potential contender to…
Scammed and abandoned: Uasin Gishu parents face ruin after education program suspects acquitted
Heartbreak gripped Uasin Gishu county as parents, victims of the Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada overseas education saga, expressed deep disappointment following the acquittal of suspects by a Nakuru…
Scammed, abandoned-Parents who hoped for justice in Uasin Gishu Finland education plan plead
Heartbreak and disappointment gripped Uasin Gishu county yesterday as victims of the Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada overseas education saga learned of the acquittal of suspects in the botched scheme…
Obado guilty of Sharon Otieno murder, court rules
Former Migori Governor Zachariah Okoth Obado has been convicted of the 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno, the Milimani High Court ruled Thursday. Justice Cecilia Githua found Obado…
Kenya's New Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Faces Scrutiny Over Past Remarks
Charles Owino, a former spokesperson for the National Police Service known for his combative defense of the institution, has been appointed as Kenya's new government spokesperson. The Head of Public S…
Charles Owino: State's new spokesperson faces an uphill credibility test
The appointment of Charles Owino as Kenya's new government spokesperson has ignited debate over his capacity to serve impartially and communicate government affairs transparently. Owino, formerly the …
CCTV Footage Shows Blogger's Final Hours Before Alleged Murder at Police Station
Chilling CCTV evidence detailing the final hours of blogger Albert Ojwang before his alleged murder at Nairobi's Central Police Station was presented by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (I…
Oparanya, Wetang'ula battle for western Kenya's political crown ahead of 2027
A quiet political contest is unfolding in western Kenya, with Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula reportedly pursuing distinct strategies. T…
Oburu Oginga's early Ruto endorsement weakens ODM's bargaining power, analysts say
Political analysts have voiced concerns over ODM leader Oburu Oginga's premature declaration of support for President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 General Election. This move is seen by many as s…
Kindiki's Political Future Uncertain After Ol Kalou Setback
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is navigating an increasingly precarious political landscape, with recent events casting doubt on his influence, particularly within the crucial Mt Kenya region. His p…
Whitewashed: Ol Kalou delivers a crushing blow to UDA as Gachagua's ally seals victory
Sammy Kamau Ngotho, the candidate for the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), has established an unassailable lead in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. Ngotho is poised for a landslide victory over…
Kenyan School Sued After Suspending Student for Alleged BNB Booking with 'Lover'
A Grade 8 student at Hospital Hill Comprehensive School has been sent home and faces a lawsuit against the institution and its headteacher. The suspension, issued on July 3, 2026, followed allegations…
LIVE BLOG: Ol Kalou voters head to the polls as UDA, DCP battle for Nyandarua seat
Ol Kalou, Kenya – Voters in Ol Kalou are heading to the polls today for a crucial by-election to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant by the death of MP David Kiaraho in March. The election sees 73…
Integrity of Ol Kalou By-Election Under Scrutiny Amidst Violence and Bribery Allegations
Voters in Kenya's Ol Kalou constituency are heading to the polls today to elect their new Member of Parliament in a by-election marred by significant controversy. The electoral process has been plague…
The Irony of Incompetence and Embarrassment at Kenya's Interior Ministry
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen projects an image of unwavering confidence when addressing the public, particularly residents of Elgeyo South. His pronouncements are often laced with pol…
Kenya: Interior Ministry accused of 'clownish' rhetoric on security
Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently addressed residents of Elgeyo Marakwet County, projecting an image of confidence and control over the nation's internal security. However…
Madness of a nation: Ol Kalou violence exposes Kenya's deepening political tensions
Political violence flared across Kenya during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election campaign, with the Linda Mwananchi movement claiming it was the target of a government-orchestrated crackdown. The …
Gunfire, masked men, and bribery claims shake Ol Kalou by-election race
The race for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Kenya has been marred by violence and allegations of electoral malpractice. Masked gunmen, traveling in vehicles with obscured or missing license…
IEBC Accused of Double Standards in Ol Kalou By-election Enforcement
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is under fire for allegedly applying double standards in its enforcement of electoral laws, particularly concerning the upcoming Ol Kalou by-…
Cash, Projects Dominate Ol Kalou By-Election Amidst Electoral Code Breach Allegations
The campaign for the Ol Kalou by-election is heating up, with cash and development projects taking center stage in the political discourse. The government's engagement with residents has notably inten…
Why Ol Kalou by-election could be postponed
Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning that the upcoming July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election faces potential postponement. This drastic measur…
Saba Saba fever: Police lockdown a strategy or fear?
Nairobi experienced a significant police lockdown during the recent commemorations of the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests and Saba Saba Day. This unprecedented security operation saw key road…
DCI launches probe into Sh42 million prisons payroll fraud
Kenyan authorities have initiated a formal investigation into a significant payroll fraud within the prisons' finance department, involving an estimated Sh42 million. Detectives from the Directorate o…
Broad-based family: Speaker's network in State jobs sparks storm
Moses Wetangula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, is at the center of a political storm as questions arise about the significant number of his family members appointed to government jobs. Dubbed …
How ODM has traded Raila's legacy for Ruto's power
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, once a champion of democratic ideals, is now accused of trading its foundational principles for political power under President William Ruto's administratio…
Ruto allies spend millions on cash handouts ahead of Kenya's general election
Politicians in Kenya, led by President William Ruto and his allies, are reportedly splashing millions of shillings on cash handouts as part of "lavish empowerment drives" ahead of next year's General …
Season of dishing out dubious cash in voter buying spree as polls loom
As Kenya's elections loom, a wave of financial generosity from politicians is sweeping the nation. Constituents are reportedly receiving cash handouts at rallies, and lavish donations are being made t…
PS Omollo denies abductions as families search for missing kin
Kenya's Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, has firmly denied that abductions are taking place under the current administration, asserting that such practices are a relic of a "previous regi…
Kenyan counties splurge billions on travel as development projects stall
Kenyan county governments are facing scrutiny over lavish spending on travel and international conferences, with billions of shillings diverted from crucial development projects. A new report by the C…
Lawyers seek to scrap Finance Act 2026
A legal challenge has been mounted against Kenya's Finance Act 2026, with two advocates arguing in the High Court that its passage was unconstitutional. The petition, filed in Lodwar, targets the Spea…
Kenya's prosecution of protesters shifts two years after anti-Finance Bill demonstrations
As Kenya commemorates the second anniversary of the anti-Finance Bill protests that took place on June 25, 2024, a closer examination of court records reveals a notable shift in how demonstrators have…
Of political bait and broken promises: Inside William Ruto's 'six months'
When William Ruto assumed the presidency on September 13, 2022, he inherited a Kenya grappling with a severe cost of living crisis, a devastating drought, and widespread citizen fatigue. During his ca…
Six Months In: Ruto's Deadlines Under Scrutiny in Kenya
Six months after taking office, questions are emerging about whether President William Ruto's administration has delivered on the ambitious deadlines set during his campaign. Ruto assumed the presiden…
Kenya's security surrendered to 'goons' under Ruto regime, claims report
President William Ruto's administration is accused of plunging Kenya into a "darker chapter of uncertainties, fear, injuries and death." The core of the criticism lies in the alleged surrender of the …
How Kenya lost billions: Wanjigi links debt crisis to 2014 law change
Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has asserted that Kenya's escalating debt crisis may involve billions of shillings borrowed illegally, potentially stemming from a 2014 amendment to the Public Finance…
Kenyan MPs who loudly opposed Finance Bill skip crucial vote
A number of Kenyan MPs who were highly vocal in their opposition to the Finance Bill appear to have been conspicuously absent when it mattered most. These lawmakers actively engaged in numerous press …
From Buried Secrets to Bitter Feuds: Ntimama Carries Controversy in Death
An initiative to document the life of Ntimama, a significant Maasai political figure in Kenya, has spiraled into a major dispute. What was intended as a biographical project has become entangled in al…
Who's fooling whom on JKIA deal? Chirchir triggers more questions
The Kenyan government has officially denied awarding a contract to IMC Construction Kenya, a firm associated with businessman Wicknell Chivayo, for the modernization and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta Int…
Ruto's tax plan faces fresh acid test as MPs poke holes in proposals
President William Ruto's administration is facing a significant hurdle as members of parliament are scrutinizing and challenging the proposed tax measures within the Finance Bill 2026. The National As…
Blood money: Will compensation heal a bleeding nation, end police cruelty?
The Kenyan government's plan to compensate victims of police brutality, without issuing an apology as recommended by a taskforce, is drawing criticism from observers who fear it will fail to address t…
Suspended Finance CECM Kerich Fails to Appear Before MCAs
Charles Kerich, Nairobi's County Executive Committee Member for Finance, remains unaccounted for nearly a month after his conviction for contempt of court. Despite being suspended by Governor Johnson …
Zimbabwean fraudster's firm secures stake in Sh375b JKIA deal
Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo's company, IMC Construction Kenya, has been awarded a stake in the substantial Sh375 billion ($2.9 billion) tender for the expansion of Jomo Kenya…
Ruto's Kakamega Visit Disrupts Opposition Rally
President William Ruto made a swift visit to Kakamega to launch a Savings and Credit Co-operative Society (Sacco) on the same day that opposition rivals were scheduled to hold a major rally in the tow…
Panic or intolerance as Ruto and Opposition visit Western Kenya
President William Ruto made a swift visit to Kakamega, Kenya, to launch a SACCO at Masinde Muliro University grounds, a move that coincided with a planned mega-rally by opposition rivals in the same t…
Why couples should undergo medical screening before "I do"
Medical screening before marriage can help couples proactively address potential health challenges, including fertility issues and inherited risks. This proactive approach allows for early identificat…
Mbadi heads to Parliament for budget reading
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is heading to Parliament to deliver the 2026/27 national budget, a significant financial plan totaling Sh4.84 trillion. Mbadi departed the Treasury building in th…
Mbadi's Sh4.8tr budget raises taxes fears amid economic stress
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is scheduled to present the national budget this afternoon, facing a daunting economic landscape. The Kenyan economy is under severe strain from a barrage of shoc…
Gachagua's impeachment verdict: The absurd judgment pitting lawyers against Judiciary
A recent High Court judgment affirming the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ignited fierce debate among Kenyan legal professionals. While the court ruled that Gachagua's imp…
Kenya's Missing Persons: Gaps and Silence Plague Cases Like Mbijiwe's
Jane Gatwiri has spent 1,820 days counting since her son, Mwenda Mbijiwe, disappeared. Mbijiwe, a former Kenya Air Force officer, security analyst, and aspiring politician, vanished in June 2021. His …