An **Infotrak** poll highlights Raila Odinga's passing as the most consequential event of 2025, with half of Kenyans reporting economic stress and a quarter facing mental health challenges due to financial strains. Divisions deepen within ODM as Edwin Sifuna calls for a vote on the party's future amid potential UDA alliance discussions, and Co-operatives CS Oparanya expresses readiness to leave ODM. The Ministry of Education has set new Grade 10 senior school placement review dates. Separately, a domestic flight at JKIA veered off a taxiway with 50 passengers, while police urge patience in the Cyrus Jirongo death investigation, and a Turkish refugee suspected of terror links was freed on bond.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is grappling with significant internal turmoil, factional wars, and a potential implosion as it looks towards the 2027 elections. Following its 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, the party is reportedly at a crossroads. Senior ODM leaders are pursuing a pre-election pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with a power pact meeting reported in Kilgoris. In contrast to a potential UDA alliance, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has reignited calls for the Luhya community to field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election. Sifuna criticized Luhya leaders who are supporting the government, urging them instead to back a community-supported presidential bid.
Vitron Kenya addressed a YouTube outage affecting its 2 to 3-year-old Smart TV models, blaming the issue on older hardware and offering a browser-based workaround. Separately, Kenyans are being warned about fake "Starlink Bundles" for Safaricom and Airtel users circulating on TikTok, which promise "pure speed" with "no dish needed" at low prices to defraud users. These scams capitalize on the recent Airtel Africa and Starlink partnership announcement. In a promotional move, Google One AI Pro is now offered for KES 0 for the first month in Kenya, a 100% discount from its standard KES 3,700/month price. This limited-time deal gives subscribers access to advanced features including Gemini 3 Pro, Veo, and Jules.
The burial of former Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo took place in Lumakanda, Kakamega. The funeral was attended by prominent political figures, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose arrival drew cheers from mourners. PCS Mudavadi conveyed President Ruto's condolences, and CS Oparanya announced that President Ruto had promised to support Jirongo's large family. Amid the condolences, some figures questioned the circumstances of his death, with former minister Fred Gumo suggesting foul play. Deputy Inspector of Police Gilbert Masengeli assured Jirongo's family that the government's investigation into his death is ongoing, utilizing modern technology. In a notable claim during the event, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli stated he gave Jirongo Sh100 million without any conditions.
The family of reserve police officer James Lojorin Learipanae of Isiolo is demanding answers from security agencies regarding his disappearance on December 23. The family is calling for urgent action following the abduction of the police reservist, which has highlighted security concerns in the area. In a separate case, the family of Derrick Omanga Tom is demanding a swift investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after his body was found at a Nairobi funeral home. Omanga, a digital marketing manager, had been missing for three weeks. His family is now urging for the arrest of individuals who were last seen with him as police continue their investigation.
Several teams secured their spots in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last 16. Morocco advanced as group winners after a 3-0 victory over Zambia, with Ayoub El Kaabi scoring two goals. South Africa also qualified for the knockout stage by defeating Zimbabwe 3-2, thanks to a late penalty converted by Oswin Appollis. Egypt secured the top spot in Group B and confirmed their passage into the knockout stage after a 0-0 draw against Angola. Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania, co-hosts for the 2027 AFCON, are assessing their progress at the ongoing tournament in Morocco as they face potential early elimination.
The nation was shaken by the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on October 15, 2025. The year 2025 was marked by significant political events, including nationwide Gen Z-led anti-government protests. Odinga's death coincided with a period of intense political competition. This was highlighted by a series of fiercely contested and contentious by-elections held in November 2025. These by-elections were viewed as signaling a political power struggle in the country following the former prime minister's passing.
Manufacturers demand tax and power cost reforms in 2026. The government aims to release 5.3 billion Kenyan Shillings in NG-CDF funds next month. Dutch TUI Airlines secured a one-year licence for the Amsterdam-Zanzibar-Mombasa-Amsterdam route.
Sonko intervened in Oga Obinna's legal woes. Chiki Kuruka defended childless women amid pressure on Bien. Betty Kyallo and Charlie Lemmy announced pregnancy.
An *Infotrak* poll identifies Raila Odinga's passing as 2025's most consequential event, while half of Kenyans report economic stress and a quarter mental health challenges due to financial strain. ODM divisions deepen as Edwin Sifuna calls for a vote on the party's future amid potential alliance talks with UDA, while Co-operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya states he is ready to leave ODM. The Ministry of Education sets new dates for Grade 10 senior school placement reviews. CBK has now licensed 195 digital lenders. The US changed UN humanitarian funding rules, impacting countries like Kenya. Separately, a domestic flight with 50 passengers veered off a JKIA taxiway. Police urge patience in the Cyrus Jirongo death investigation, while a Turkish refugee suspected of terror links was freed on bond.
