Rights Groups Issue 40-Day Ultimatum Over Gender-Based Violence Crisis: A coalition of Kenyan rights groups has issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government to address the escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, threatening nationwide protests and legal action if demands are not met. Women in Nandi County held a peaceful protest against the alarming rise in femicide incidents across Kenya. Several advocacy groups are urging the Kenyan government to officially declare gender-based violence a national disaster in response to increasing incidents of violence and killings against women. A taxi driver has been arrested in connection with the arson attack that tragically killed gospel singer Racheal Muthoni. A group of women in Nairobi are demanding justice for the late gospel artist Rachael Wandeto, who tragically died following severe burns. The family of a murdered gospel singer has strongly denied viral social media claims that a tattoo was the reason for their relative's death. NCIC Under Scrutiny Before 2027 General Election: The National Cohesion and Integration Commission is facing scrutiny over its performance and preparedness ahead of the 2027 general election. The newly appointed chairperson of NCIC, Bishop Kepha Omae Nyamweya, has officially taken office with a pledge to rebuild public trust in the commission and tackle divisive issues impacting Kenya's national unity. Separately, Siaya County Governor James Orengo has protested the alleged arbitrary withdrawal of his security detail, penning a protest letter to the Inspector General of Police. LSK Seeks Court Review of Fuel Prices as Punitive: The Law Society of Kenya is seeking a High Court review of current fuel prices, calling them punitive and detrimental to the economy. Opposition politicians are demanding transparency in Kenya's fuel pricing mechanism to understand the reasons behind rising costs. They are urging Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government is actively working to reduce the current high fuel prices. Police Investigate Multiple Murder Cases Across Kenya: Police in Kakamega are investigating the gruesome murder of a man found buried inside his Matungu homestead. Officers are actively searching for a farmhand accused of killing his employer and burying the body on the farm. In a separate case in Njoro, police are hunting a suspect after a Grade Six pupil from Sinendet Primary School was discovered murdered, her body abandoned in a maize plantation. A woman has also been arrested in Kisii County after being on the run for over six months, suspected of murdering a bodaboda operator. Sakaja Targets Friday Deadline for Deal with Matatu Operators: The Kenyan government is targeting a deal with matatu operators by Friday, May 23, to end fuel price protests. The agreement aims to provide relief to Kenyans while ensuring the government continues to collect taxes. The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has accused leaders from the PSV and Transport Sector Vehicle subsectors of betraying a transport alliance by suspending a nationwide fuel strike without full consultation. Meanwhile, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has stated that no further immediate fuel price cuts are expected, despite ongoing talks with public transport operators, pointing to a recent reduction in diesel prices as evidence of their actions. The nationwide matatu strike has been suspended for one week following crucial meetings aimed at addressing operator concerns over rising fuel prices. A nationwide matatu strike is underway, paralyzing transport services as operators protest a recent surge in fuel prices, with the Mt Kenya region emerging as a new hotspot for anti-government demonstrations. Rachel Ruto Highlights Need for Greater Autism Support in Kenya: Kenyan First Lady Rachel Ruto visited the Asyl Miras Center in Astana, Kazakhstan, highlighting Kenya's need for greater support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. She drew inspiration from the comprehensive model of the Asyl Miras Center in Astana, Kazakhstan. During the same state visit, Kenya and Kazakhstan forged a new partnership aimed at transforming trade and investment ties into concrete commercial agreements to drive mutual prosperity. President William Ruto was accompanied by key government officials, and leaders and business executives from both nations laid out a roadmap for cooperation. Police Hunt Suspects in Multiple Violent Deaths Across Kenya: Police in Matungu are actively searching for a farmhand who is accused of fatally assaulting his employer and subsequently burying the body on the farm. Police in Njoro are searching for a suspect following the tragic discovery of a Grade Six girl's body in a maize plantation. Kenya is increasing disease surveillance and emergency preparedness following a World Health Organisation (WHO) declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Nairobi Women Demand Justice for Gospel Artist Rachael Wandeto: Nairobi women are demanding justice for gospel artist Rachael Wandeto, who died after a brutal petrol attack. The family has called for speedy investigations into her death. This killing is part of a broader wave of gender-based violence that has sparked outrage across Kenya. Women in Nandi County held a separate peaceful protest demanding action against the alarming rise in femicide incidents. Several advocacy groups have issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government, urging official declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster. Kagwe Announces Crackdown on Milk Hawking as Govt Unveils Sweeping Dairy Reforms: The Kenyan government, led by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, is launching a comprehensive crackdown on unregulated milk hawking due to public health risks and its negative impact on the dairy industry. Kenya is actively pushing to finalize a significant meat export deal with China, aiming to leverage the country's new zero-tariff trade policy for African nations. Kenya is pioneering a new approach to agricultural finance by securitizing loans to smallholder farmers, aiming to attract institutional investors through structured credit markets. Matatu Operators Nationwide Strike Over Rising Fuel Prices: A nationwide matatu strike is underway in Kenya as operators protest the recent surge in fuel prices. The strike has caused significant disruption to daily commutes across the country. Following crucial meetings, operators suspended the strike for one week. However, the fuel crisis continues to ripple through the economy. Schools are facing new financial strain nationwide due to the fuel price increases. Meanwhile, traders in Githurai and Kitengela are counting losses running into millions of shillings after their businesses were raided during protests.
