The Online Kenyan

President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party secured a significant victory by winning all three by-elections held in Narok, Samburu, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, bolstering the ruling party's position ahead of the 2027 elections. David Kipsang Keter of UDA won the Emurua Dikirr Constituency by-election, securing the parliamentary seat while defeating DCP. The Maendeleo Chap Chap Party has announced its decision to remain an independent political entity within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, rejecting proposals for a merger with the ruling UDA. Meanwhile, Members of the National Assembly are challenging the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over its Sh1.5 billion funding request and effectiveness in curbing hate speech.

Former Mathioya MP Francis Njakwe Githiari has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a couple of Sh6.4 million in a fraudulent land deal in Ngong. DCI officers raided a Karen residence to effect the arrest. In a separate development, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has been granted permission by a Nairobi anti-corruption court to withdraw a Ksh73.5 million graft case against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his co-accused. Meanwhile in West Africa, Saleh Mamman, Nigeria's former minister of power, has received a rare 75-year prison sentence for laundering over 33.8 billion naira ($24.7 million), highlighting the pursuit of corrupt officials.

The Kenyan government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on rising Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and child abduction cases in the Central Region following a high-level security meeting addressing critical protection issues. The Kenyan Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has launched a 90-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to combat escalating violence against children in Nyeri, Murang'a, and Tharaka Nithi counties. Magereza Academy in Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following a suspected arson incident that destroyed a dormitory and injured several learners. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has directed school heads and education directors to strengthen communication and establish early warning systems to prevent school closures due to unrest.

Following a Tifa poll projecting intense competition for the 2027 general election, key political figures have signaled potential collaboration. Opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna have discussed the possibility of collaborating to remove President William Ruto from power. Kenyan opposition leaders have pledged to unite and work together as they look ahead to the 2027 general election. The Kenyan opposition is reportedly uniting behind a single ticket to challenge President Ruto in the upcoming 2027 general election.

A recent opinion poll by TIFA indicates that Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki is the most preferred choice to be President William Ruto's running mate in the upcoming elections. The poll shows Prof Kindiki with a commanding 59 percent support. A recent poll from Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) reveals that ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna is an emerging political force, potentially complicating plans for both President William Ruto and the opposition ahead of the August 2027 General Election. Recent TIFA polls indicate President Ruto leading in potential 2027 presidential election matchups, while Edwin Sifuna has surged to fourth place.

A united opposition candidate is projected to secure a commanding 76% of the vote in the 2027 presidential elections, significantly defeating President William Ruto. A new analysis suggests that a unified opposition front could secure a significant victory in the 2027 Kenyan general election, potentially defeating the incumbent President William Ruto. A recent report suggests that a united opposition could decisively defeat President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.

UDA candidate Festus Kiprop won the Endo Ward by-election in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday, May 14, 2026. David Keter of UDA was also declared winner of the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election on May 15, 2026. The Emurua Dikirr constituency by-election was a high-stakes political battleground, primarily a contest between President William Ruto's UDA party and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP. Archrivals David Keter (UDA) and Vincent Kibet Rotich (DCP) met at the vote tallying centre for the first time following a contentious campaign. Tension marked the Emurua Dikirr by-election, with one person injured in an attack by suspected goons in the Chelemei area. A poignant moment unfolded as late MP Johana Ngeno's widow, Nayianoi Ngeno, cast her vote during the by-election.

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd has secured regulatory approval in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to acquire a majority stake in East African Breweries PLC without issuing a mandatory takeover offer to minority shareholders. The Postal Corporation of Kenya is shutting down 125 of its post offices as part of a Sh1 billion cost-cutting initiative to achieve profitability. CPA Roble Said Nuno has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Commission on Revenue Allocation following a competitive recruitment process aimed at enhancing leadership and efficiency in the management of devolved funds.

Matatu operators are implementing a 50 percent fare increase and planning a nationwide strike starting Monday in protest against recent fuel price hikes. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced significant price hikes for petrol and diesel in Kenya, effective May 15, 2026, due to rising global fuel costs and the reinstatement of 8% VAT. Public transport operators have expressed concern following the fare increases. The Kenyan government defended the fuel price surge, citing Middle East conflict-driven global oil market volatility as the primary cause for increased pump costs. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is urging the government to implement significant tax reductions and levy removals to combat soaring fuel prices.