September 1 - September 7, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, September 1 to Sunday, September 7, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
September 1
EACC Summons Governor Barchok; ODPP Seeks Withdrawal of Charges Against Ex-Governor Obado - September 2025
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok for prosecution over corruption allegations, after receiving consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The High Court denied Governor Barchok's request to halt his arrest and arraignment. In a separate case, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is seeking to withdraw Ksh505 million graft charges against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado as part of a plea bargain. However, the EACC clarified that it had not signed the deal. Amid these developments, the EACC has affirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Presidential Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption (MAT-WAC), provided its constitutional independence remains uncompromised.
Signature Collection Campaigns Launched to Oust Governor Sakaja and CS Duale - September 2025
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing an impeachment push as Nairobi County Assembly MCAs have begun collecting signatures to oust him. The members have collected 70 signatures to table a motion and are nearing the required threshold. Despite the political pressure, Sakaja has received surprise public backing from Irungu Nyakera, an ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Concurrently, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna announced a new effort to oust Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale by urging Members of Parliament to collect signatures. Sifuna's plan is a reaction to allegations of widespread fraud and misappropriation of funds within the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Political Struggle for Mt. Kenya Involving Ruto, Gachagua, and Uhuru - September 2025
A political power struggle is brewing in Kiambu, Mt. Kenya, involving President William Ruto, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. These leaders are vying for political control of the significant Kiambu region, which is critical for future Mt Kenya votes. In a separate development, former Deputy President Gachagua has accused the government of silence regarding what he claims are foreign troops occupying parts of Mandera. Gachagua stated this has led to five deaths and displacement. His concerns follow similar ones raised by Governor Mohamed Khalif regarding Jubaland troops in the area.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
September 2
Governors Barchok and Wangamati Arraigned Over Graft Allegations - September 2025
Two governors were arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday over graft allegations. Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok was charged with seven criminal counts, including conflict of interest and money laundering, related to an alleged indirect private interest amounting to Ksh.2 million. He pleaded not guilty and was released on Ksh5 million cash bail. Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati also faced graft allegations stemming from an alleged embezzlement of over Ksh70 million involving private companies. Wangamati was released on a bond of Ksh5 million or a cash bail of Ksh1.5 million. His lawyers have accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula of orchestrating his troubles, claiming the charges are politically motivated.
Education and Legal Bodies Announce Deadlines and Directives - September 2025
Several institutions in the education and legal sectors have issued new deadlines and directives. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) extended its loan application deadline for university and TVET students following a directive from the Education Cabinet Secretary. The Kenya School of Law (KSL) has announced a 60-day application window, until October 31, 2025, for its Advocates Training Programme for the 2026 academic year. Similarly, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) opened applications for the Senior Counsel rank for the 2025 cycle. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) issued strict demands to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), warning against political interference in teacher employment and promotions just a week after schools reopened.
Government Announces New Systems for Public Servants and SHA Coverage - September 2025
The Kenyan government has announced several new initiatives targeting public servants and citizens. President William Ruto's administration plans a mass transfer of public servants to streamline employment and eliminate bias, as outlined in the draft Affirmative Action Regulations of 2025. Additionally, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced that a new digital system to monitor public servants' activities will be launched by the end of 2024, with piloting set to begin in October. President Ruto also announced that the government will cover Social Health Authority (SHA) fees for 1.5 million Kenyans who are unable to pay. This initiative to ensure universal health coverage is scheduled to begin next week.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
September 3
Officials Clash Over Alleged Presence of Jubaland Forces in Mandera County - September 2025
Mandera Senator Ali Roba issued a strong warning to President William Ruto regarding the presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera town, stating it threatens Kenya's sovereignty and security (6). Roba claimed the situation has led to school closures and business paralysis (9). Several leaders, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, called on President Ruto to address the alleged violation of national sovereignty (23). In contrast, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured Kenyans there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that national security remains intact (13). Murkomen denied the presence of Jubaland forces, suggesting that Somali residents are fleeing insecurity in their country and attributed the allegations to political motivations (17).
Government Announces Payments for NHIF Bills and Financial Aid for Vulnerable Households - September 2025
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that the government will clear outstanding bills owed to healthcare facilities by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) within the next two months (12). In a separate initiative, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) announced a Ksh294,494,400 disbursement under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) (24). This funding will provide Ksh2,700 each to 109,072 households in eight arid Kenyan counties to cushion them from drought and poverty (24). Furthermore, President William Ruto announced that the government will pay for the health cover of 1.5 million vulnerable Kenyans (26).
System Failures Impact NTSA Payments, School Funding, and Nakuru County Staffing - September 2025
Motorists faced significant frustration after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) experienced a payment system malfunction on September 3, causing issues like double payments and incorrect invoices (19). In the education sector, thousands of students are at risk of missing national examinations because schools sent them home over unpaid fees amidst delayed government capitation funds (10). Separately, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika faced intense scrutiny from a Senate committee over her administration's failure to fill critical positions. The committee highlighted the absence of key accounting professionals and a qualified Head of Accounting Services in the county (1).
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
September 4
Kenya and US Deepen Cooperation on Haiti Security Mission and Labour Migration - September 2025
Kenya has strengthened its partnership with the United States through new agreements on security and labour. The United States and Panama have proposed changes to the United Nations to bolster the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Mission (MSS) in Haiti, potentially increasing its size from under 1,000 to over 5,000 officers. Separately, Kenya signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S. State of Nebraska to deepen bilateral cooperation. This includes a labor migration agreement creating new job opportunities for Kenyans in the US, particularly in the trucking and medical sectors, to address labour shortages in Nebraska. President William Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to its partnership with the United States.
Sinkhole on Nakuru Highway and Overturned Lorry on Southern Bypass Cause Major Traffic Disruptions - September 2025
Motorists on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway faced severe delays lasting hours due to a significant sinkhole that formed on the Nakuru-bound carriageway at the Eveready Roundabout. The disruption began on Wednesday, September 3, and continued into Thursday morning. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) later announced it had successfully repaired the sinkhole and reopened the Nakuru–Eldoret (A8) Road. In a separate incident on Thursday, September 4, traffic on the Southern Bypass was severely disrupted after a lorry overturned and fell onto a private car, causing a major gridlock.
NTSA Implements Matatu Crackdown and Overhauls Vehicle Processes - September 2025
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken action against non-compliant public service vehicles and initiated system changes. Popular Nairobi 'nganya' matatus, known for extravagant modifications, have been impounded and banned from the Central Business District. Following a viral clip showing a matatu crew performing dangerous stunts, the NTSA had the driver arrested and charged with various traffic offenses. Concurrently, the authority announced significant overhauls to its motor vehicle inspection and number plate application processes. These processes will be moved to the eCitizen platform to increase efficiency and transparency.
More from Thursday:
Friday
September 5
Government Acts on Public Funds: Tax Recovery, SHA Deductions, and UHC Worker Salaries - September 2025
The Kenyan government has initiated a plan to reclaim unused funds held by public offices in commercial banks, a move preceding the launch of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. The National Treasury and the Central Bank of Kenya developed the system to consolidate government finances. In a separate action, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) successfully recovered Kshs. 123 million from a company involved in a tax fraud scheme at a Mombasa based container freight station. Additionally, the government has issued a 5-day notice to employers regarding Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions, warning of penalties for failure to remit payments by September 9, 2025. President William Ruto also affirmed that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms, stating that funds have already been released to cover their salaries.
Legal Actions and Challenges Involve Isiolo Governor, Artist Samidoh, and LSK President - September 2025
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has ordered the arrest of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and seven others on charges of kidnapping and robbery with violence. The incident allegedly occurred on June 19, 2025, in Machakos County. In a separate case, the High Court in Nairobi has issued crucial directives to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding rape allegations against artist Samuel Muchoki, also known as Samidoh, to preserve evidence and protect the accuser. Meanwhile, Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo is facing calls to resign after accepting an appointment by President William Ruto to a panel of experts. Advocate Levi Munyeri has vowed to file a petition for her removal, arguing her new role violates the Constitution and LSK Statutes.
Kenyan Teams Compete in Autocross Championship, Kabeberi Sevens, and CAF Qualifiers - September 2025
The Tai Racing/Shell 2025 Autocross and Autocross Plus Championship kicks off on Saturday at Stoni Athi Resort and Ranch, boasting over 50 entries, the highest in more than a decade. In rugby, KCB RFC aims to dominate the Kabeberi Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds this weekend, currently leading the National Sevens Circuit standings with 82 points. The bankers have reached all four finals so far in the circuit. In women's football, Kenya Police Bullets began their CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA Zone qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Kampala Queens, with substitute Emily Moranga scoring the winning goal. In golf, Kenya's Naomi Wafula also achieved a 'Hole-in-One' during the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship in Kigali on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
More from Friday:
Saturday
September 6
Protests Over DCP Leadership, Muhoroni Redundancies, Rider Fatality; Hospitals Issue Ultimatum - September 2025
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Leader Rigathi Gachagua addressed internal party chaos after protests erupted in Meru over leadership changes. In a separate incident, workers at Muhoroni Sugar Company are protesting “illegal redundancy” letters that omit entitlements after the mill was leased to West Valley Sugar Company. In Vihiga, boda boda operators torched a 14-seater matatu on the Kisumu-Busia highway after a rider was killed, and attacked a responding fire engine. Meanwhile, the Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (Rupha) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to clear Ksh76 billion in outstanding National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Social Health Authority (SHA) debts or face service withdrawal.
Govt Introduces Policy Changes on Pensions, Land Rates, Karura Forest Fees and Excise Duty - September 2025
A new proposal, the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to allow public service employees to access their pension savings before retirement. In Taita Taveta, Governor Andrew Mwadime announced a waiver on unpaid land rates, including a 100 per cent waiver on penalties and a 40 per cent reduction on the principal. The government has also directed that Karura Forest entrance fees be paid through the eCitizen platform, a move criticized by Karura Ward Representative Kamau Thuo. Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has invited public feedback on the Draft Excise Duty (Remission of Excise Duty) Regulations, 2025, with a 20-day submission deadline.
ODPP Orders Arrest of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo; Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji Acquitted - September 2025
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has ordered the arrest of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and seven others on charges of kidnapping with intent to cause grievous harm and robbery with violence. The incident allegedly occurred on June 19, 2025, in Machakos County and involved the abduction and assault of a former Isiolo County Chief Officer of Health. In a separate case, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has been acquitted on terrorism-related charges. Following his acquittal, the MP, a vocal critic of the administration, accused state agencies like the ODPP of misusing the law. He called on President William Ruto to ensure national security.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
September 7
Gachagua Addresses DCP Leadership Disputes and Affirms Opposition Unity - September 2025
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Leader Rigathi Gachagua has addressed internal party matters. He publicly responded to his deputy Cleophas Malala's criticism regarding the appointment of Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson for the United Opposition. Gachagua also spoke after protests erupted in Meru over leadership changes, assuring members of transparency in candidate selection. Separately, speaking at PCEA Miharati Parish in Nyandarua County, the former Deputy President affirmed the Kenyan Opposition's continued unity in its bid to remove President William Ruto from office. Gachagua stressed the coalition's cohesion and their plan to present a single presidential candidate.
Violent Incidents Involving Boda Boda Riders Lead to Deaths, Arson, and a Planned Crackdown - September 2025
A police officer shot dead two bodaboda riders in Thika Town near Makongeni police station following a confrontation after a road accident. The incident occurred on a Sunday morning after the officer was pursued by a group of riders. In a separate event in Thika’s Makongeni estate, boda boda riders set a private vehicle on fire after a fatal crash reportedly killed a rider and his passenger. In response to such issues, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a crackdown on boda boda gangs and drug traffickers in Vihiga County. This initiative aims to address disruptions caused by motorcycle gangs and combat drug abuse linked to mental health issues in the region.
Police to Recruit 10,000 Officers Online; Kenyan Indicted in US for Laundering COVID-19 Funds - September 2025
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has announced it will recruit 10,000 new police constables this month through a new online system. This historic move is aimed at curbing graft and streamlining the process, following the adoption of the new National Police Service Commission Recruitment and Appointment Regulations Act, 2025. In crime news, Nairobi County's Chief Environment Officer warned about thieves in the Central Business District posing as police officers after a suspect was arrested with National Police Service handcuffs. Separately, a 28-year-old Kenyan man has been indicted in the United States for international money laundering of COVID-19 relief funds, allegedly channeling the money into Nairobi construction projects.