Devastating landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet have claimed 26 lives, including 14 students, with 25 still missing, prompting concerns about the disaster's causes. Despite this, national exams in Marakwet East will proceed. Separately, 140 companies face imminent closure and potential mass layoffs. In regional news, President Ruto congratulated his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu, and urged peace after she vowed to crush post-election protests, even as the ICC eyes investigations into deaths involving Kenyans. Closer to home, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino warned against legislation he claims targets churches, while tea farmers anticipate 99,000 metric tonnes of subsidized fertilizer.
A devastating landslide in Marakwet East on Saturday, November 1, 2025, has claimed 26 lives, including 14 learners, with an additional 25 people reported missing. The tragedy was triggered by heavy rains. A new mudslide struck the Kibendo Area in Keiyo South on Sunday night amid continuous rainfall, raising fears of more fatalities. Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich confirmed the second disaster. These events, which have caused over 20 deaths in total, have destroyed homes and disrupted national examinations. Despite the disaster, the Ministry of Education has implemented measures to ensure national exams in Marakwet East will proceed as scheduled.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has vowed to crack down on post-election protests, stating her government will safeguard the nation's peace "through all means and at all cost." Her remarks came during a swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma, where she accused foreign actors of fueling unrest after the disputed October 29 general election. The International Criminal Court (ICC) faces growing pressure to investigate the deaths of hundreds of protesters, with reports indicating Kenyans are among the casualties. Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, has called for international intervention from the United Nations and the ICC. In response to the situation, Kenyan President William Ruto congratulated President Suluhu on her re-election and urged Tanzanians to uphold peace and the rule of law.
The unexpected death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has created a significant political void in Kenya, leading to intense competition for his traditional support bases ahead of the 2027 General Election. Following Odinga's death, President William Ruto is intensifying his political efforts and focusing on Western Kenya, a region historically considered a stronghold for Odinga. Concurrently, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has addressed its own leadership transition. Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga revealed he was unaware of his appointment as the acting party leader of the ODM following his brother's passing. Dr. Oburu was considered a natural choice for the role, having long been associated with leadership positions within the party and family.
The Kenyan government has allocated Sh1 billion to finalize the construction of the Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital. President William Ruto announced the hospital will be upgraded to a national referral facility and is expected to be completed within 10 months. In Machakos County, the Kenya Poultry Breeders Association (KPDA) is protesting a new law that imposes a Sh20 fee on every chicken moved out of the county. The KPDA warns this fee will devastate the poultry industry and livelihoods. In a separate issue, tour operators are decrying a ‘hidden’ 5pc charge in new KWS park fees.
The Trump administration is facing a legal challenge at the US Supreme Court regarding the legality of its tariffs, with small businesses and states contending the tariffs are illegal. The challengers are demanding refunds for billions of dollars collected. Separately, the White House announced that China will ease its export ban on automotive computer chips. This measure is a key component of a new trade deal struck between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In another matter, former US President Donald Trump pardoned crypto billionaire Changpeng Zhao last month, but later claimed in a CBS News’ 60 Minutes interview that he does not know him.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have commenced nationally, with over 990,000 candidates sitting for the tests under stringent security and technological surveillance. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok launched the exams in Kwale and Nairobi, assuring a smooth process. However, the exams have been marred by allegations of misconduct. A KCSE official in Narok has been removed from their post due to irregularities. Additionally, a teacher in Narok County was suspended pending an investigation into exam irregularities, and a high school in Kajiado is under scrutiny for alleged exam theft. Authorities in Migori County, where 31,627 candidates are sitting the exam, have implemented strict measures to combat malpractice.
Devastating landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet County have resulted in a rising death toll, which has climbed to 32 following the discovery of four additional bodies. Reports indicate two other people died in separate incidents, while another earlier report put the death toll at 26. Among the deceased were children, with one report stating 15 children died and another specifying 14 students perished. In Kipkenda Village, Keiyo North Constituency, a tragic mudslide also resulted in the deaths of two people. The ongoing natural disaster has caused profound sadness in the region as landslides continue to claim lives.
AFC Leopards, after a sluggish start to the 2025–2026 season, are now strong contenders in the SportPesa Premier League title race and remain unbeaten. The team secured a vital 2-0 victory over Mathare United, propelling them to within touching distance of the top two spots. In contrast, defending champions Kenya Police FC are struggling in the relegation zone. The club has appointed Serbian Dusan Stojanovic as its new head coach, following the departure of Etienne Ndayiragije. Meanwhile, newly promoted Nairobi United is also experiencing a difficult run of form.
Kenya dominated the New York Marathon on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Benson Kipruto won the men's race in what was the closest finish in the event's history. In the women's race, Kenya's Hellen Obiri powered to victory, setting a new course record. Obiri's performance included a decisive late kick that saw her finish ahead of fellow Kenyan competitors. Together, Kipruto and Obiri sealed a Kenyan double at the marathon.
Violent unrest has occurred in Tanzania following the disputed October 29, 2025, general election. Residents in several cities are being forced to collect bodies from the streets after clashes between security forces and demonstrators left dozens dead. Activist Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa, raised an alarm over reports that Kenyans, including a teacher named John Okoth Ogutu, have allegedly been killed in the post-election violence. The election saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote. In response to the protests, President Hassan's administration has issued a warning about alleged foreign interference, accusing unnamed foreign nationals of illegal entry to escalate demonstrations.
Tour operators decry a new 5% hidden charge in KWS park fees. Separately, Emirates has flown 6.6 million Kenyans and 16,000 tonnes of flowers over 30 years. The CAJ CEO faces disciplinary action over alleged AOMA fund mismanagement.
Tanzanian President Suluhu warns foreigners against meddling in post-election protests. Kenyan rapper Stevo Simple Boy and wife Brenda welcome son Dragon Junior, vowing to keep him off social media.
MPs laud DP Kindiki's one year in office, citing his calm leadership and loyalty. Separately, the Odinga family has forgiven Governor Kahiga for past offensive remarks about Raila Odinga's death.
Nairobi United FC faces tough CAF Confederation Cup draw. Police FC welcomes new Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic. AFC Leopards rise steadily, remaining unbeaten in the league. Vihiga Queens top FKF Women's Premier League after a dominant win.
Steve Chege returns to Safaricom as Group Chief External Affairs Officer, supporting both Kenyan and Ethiopian operations. Meanwhile, Jumia Kenya is offering up to 70% off during its month-long Black Friday 2025 sale.
Devastating landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet have claimed 26 lives, including 14 students, with 25 missing after a new mudslide hit Keiyo South. National exams will proceed in Marakwet East as national attention turns to the disaster's causes. Meanwhile, 140 companies face imminent shutdown, threatening mass layoffs. In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu vows to crush post-election protests, which President Ruto addressed by congratulating Suluhu and urging peace, amid ICC pressure to investigate deaths involving Kenyans. Additionally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino warns against a bill he says aims to control churches, while tea farmers are set to receive 99,000 metric tonnes of subsidized fertilizer.
