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3 storiesHigh food and fuel costs are dampening Kenyans' Christmas cheer. Meanwhile, Venezuela denounces a second US seizure of its oil tanker, and a majority of Germans support reduced asylum immigration.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew is in effect in Trans Mara after tribal clashes displaced over 1,800 and burned 253 homes, leading to the arrest of an MCA. Meanwhile, Luo Elders rejected President Ruto's proposed nuclear plant in Siaya due to health fears. The Ministry of Education will reopen the KJSEA placement portal on December 23 for revisions. Rights group Amnesty Kenya urged against the deportation of a Turkish family arrested in Nairobi, while a land dispute in Maragwa, Murang'a County, sparked local clashes.
Police were deployed to the Nyahururu Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church on December 20 after two factions clashed over a leadership dispute, disrupting services for the fourth time. In Maragwa, Murang’a County, a dispute involving 4,000 acres of land escalated into a standoff between MP Mary Wamaua and Lands CS Alice Wahome after violent clashes between residents. Meanwhile, a group of Luo Elders has unanimously rejected President William Ruto's proposed Ksh500 billion nuclear power plant project in Siaya County. The elders cited significant health and environmental concerns, which follows an earlier rejection of the project by residents in Kilifi.
A week-long public feud between President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is intensifying, with both leaders exchanging strong criticisms and trading barbs regarding control of the Ukambani vote. Analysts suggest Kalonzo is a significant threat to Ruto's re-election bid. Concurrently, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing a potential internal crisis stemming from leadership disagreements and emerging factions, including within Raila Odinga's family. These internal ODM tensions are highlighted by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi challenging party leaders who oppose President Ruto's re-election to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP party. This dare follows uncertainty within the ODM leadership regarding its support for Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, which threatens to polarize the party.
High food and fuel costs are dampening Kenyans' Christmas cheer. Meanwhile, Venezuela denounces a second US seizure of its oil tanker, and a majority of Germans support reduced asylum immigration.
TIFA survey shows only 17% of Kenyans believe the country is headed right under Ruto. Meanwhile, Mulamwah seeks reconciliation with Ruth K and Gody Tennor addresses Australian theft allegations, citing a "misunderstanding" over gifts.
Ugandan teams will join the Enterprise Cup rugby as Kabras Sugar defend their title. Kenya Police lead the Premier League after rivals drew. Kenyan boxers shined at Elite Worlds, and KVF season champions Pipeline and Postbank won. Lionesses named a squad for SVNS 2, and youth swimmers are in Angola for African Youth Games.
Vivo launched the X300 Pro in Kenya with a 40,000 Kenyan Shillings ZEISS telephoto extender. Infinix unveiled the XPAD Edge tablet, featuring a 13.2-inch screen and 8000mAh battery, targeting the large-tablet market.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in Trans Mara following tribal clashes that displaced over 1,800 residents and burned 253 homes. An MCA has been arrested in connection with the violence. Separately, Luo Elders rejected President Ruto's proposed nuclear power plant project in Siaya, citing health concerns. The Ministry of Education will reopen the KJSEA placement portal for revisions from December 23. Amnesty Kenya is concerned about the potential deportation of a Turkish family arrested in Nairobi to Türkiye. A land dispute in Maragwa, Murang’a County, led to clashes between residents.
The Kenyan government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Transmara West and Transmara South sub-counties following renewed tribal clashes. The violence has resulted in numerous fatalities and displaced over 1,800 residents from the Angata Barikkoi area. According to reports, 253 households have been burnt down and destroyed. In connection with the deadly clashes in Trans Mara South, an MCA and another individual have been arrested. Police are continuing efforts to apprehend additional suspects as the area remains tense.
A National Police Reserve (NPR) officer was arrested in Igembe South Sub-County as part of a robbery investigation. An AK-47 rifle, allegedly used in a robbery with violence at Kirindini Shopping Centre on December 19, was recovered by detectives. An official Government G3 rifle issued to the officer was also found. The NPR officer is linked to a series of robberies in the area. In a separate operation in Nairobi, detectives arrested a murder suspect in Eastleigh. A firearm was recovered during the operation, and the suspect is believed to be linked to serious crimes in the area.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issued a stern warning to long-distance Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators against tampering with speed governors. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) also issued a travel advisory, urging Kenyans to plan journeys in advance due to heavy traffic. The advisory noted that the Nairobi-Nakuru highway has been gridlocked for four days during the festive season. Additionally, several passengers have been scammed by fake online bus bookings after paying for tickets on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
Chinese tech giant Huawei and Kenya’s Safaricom have launched a low-cost internet service specifically for residents of Kenya’s Affordable Housing Program. In a separate development, Kenyan agri-tech firm UjuziKilimo has introduced SoilPal Pro, a new smartphone-based soil testing solution. This device aims to significantly reduce the cost and time of soil analysis for farmers by providing instant, laboratory-grade soil health insights. Meanwhile, the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, stated that the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence is likely to displace jobs. He emphasized the necessity for Kenya to invest in training and education to prepare its workforce for this technological shift.
Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are demanding new agreements with the Kenya Kwanza government and calling for renewed discussions with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections. ODM leaders are also urging President Ruto to fulfill the ten-point agenda that was agreed upon with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during the signing of a past Memorandum of Understanding. This political maneuvering is reportedly causing division among leaders within the ODM party over the possibility of a broad-based government.
Kenya finished in seventh place at the 2025 Africa Youth Games held in Luanda, Angola, securing a total of 35 medals. The nation's performance was boosted by strong showings in athletics, weightlifting, and martial arts. A 2025 review of Kenya's athletics superstars highlights their competition in global events, showcasing moments of historic performances. In another competition, Kenya's top-seeded darter, David Munyua, has advanced to the second round of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship in London, UK. Munyua defeated world number 18 Mike de Decker of Belgium 3-2. This marks a historic achievement for Kenyan darts players.
The Ministry of Sports has launched a national program aimed at identifying, nurturing, and developing young athletes across Kenya. The ministry also pledged to implement comprehensive plans to nurture talent and boost sports development within the country. Separately, Ferdinand Omanyala has launched Bingwa Fest, an initiative aimed at empowering and showcasing Kenya's sprinting talent. This event is designed to provide a platform for athletes to develop their skills and gain exposure in the world of athletics.
Shabana has moved joint-top in the SportPesa Premier League standings after a 3-1 victory over KCB at Kasarani Stadium. They now share the lead with record champions Gor Mahia. In a review of 2025 for the Harambee Stars, the team's journey included a significant moment when Ryan Ogam scored during the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) quarter-final match. Meanwhile, in Canada, AFC Leopards Toronto FC secured silver at their debut Pamoja Soccer Tournament. The team lost to Zanzibar Heroes in the final, an achievement that highlights growing football interest in Canada ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.