October 13 - October 19, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, October 13 to Sunday, October 19, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
October 13
GSU Officer Killed in Spear Attack at State House, Nairobi - October 2025
A General Service Unit (GSU) officer guarding State House in Nairobi was killed on Monday, October 13, after being attacked by a civilian. The attack occurred at Gate D while President William Ruto was reportedly on the premises, prompting a security lockdown. The assailant, who was posing as a street family member, used a spear hidden in a sack to fatally attack the officer. A 56-year-old man was subdued and arrested, with reports indicating he claimed he was "sent by satan." Following the incident, police have launched a probe into the security lapse.
Protests Erupt in Kirinyaga, Garissa, Taita Taveta and Machakos - October 2025
Protests took place across several counties over separate local grievances. On Monday, October 13, hundreds of Kirinyaga residents protested against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, lighting bonfires and voicing support for Governor Anne Waiguru. In Garissa, learning was paralyzed as hundreds of teachers and boda boda operators protested the fatal stabbing of a 27-year-old lecturer. In Taita Taveta County, over 300 residents are protesting unlawful evictions from a 1000-acre land parcel and the issuance of defective title deeds. These titles reportedly contain errors such as mobile phone numbers instead of ID numbers. A separate land dispute in Katani, Machakos County, on Sunday led to protests where one person, a local land broker, was shot dead.
Lejirima, Gichigi, Mideva, and Muchai Win Various Golf Tournaments - October 2025
John Lejirima of Royal Nairobi Golf Club was crowned the 2025 NCBA Nyanza Open Hippo Pot champion at Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu on October 12, 2025, finishing with a three-round total of 209. At a different event, Zipporah Gichigi emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 I&N Partners’ Classic Golf Tournament at Sigona Golf Club with 40 points. Meanwhile, Golf Park's junior Doris Mideva secured the overall gross winner title at the 2025 Kakamega Ladies Open with a score of 87 gross from a field of 64 players. In another tournament, Mombasa lawyer Lumatete Walubengo Muchai emerged as the overall champion of the 2025 Sweet Banana golf tournament. Muchai beat 167 other golfers at the Nyali Golf and Country Club course to secure the top prize.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
October 14
GSU Officer Killed in Bow and Arrow Attack at State House - October 2025
An armed assailant launched a bow and arrow attack at State House, Nairobi, on Monday morning, killing a General Service Unit (GSU) officer and prompting a security lockdown. President William Ruto was reportedly on the premises during the incident. An autopsy later revealed that the officer, Police Constable Ramadhan Mattanka, died from excessive bleeding after being shot with an arrow. Following the attack, a suspect accused of the killing was ordered by a Kibera Law Court to be detained for 14 days and to undergo treatment. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since urged Kenyans to exercise restraint following a surge in violence against police officers.
Government Announces National Infrastructure Fund, Ulinzi Construction Company, and Last Mile Project - October 2025
President William Ruto announced the upcoming creation of a National Infrastructure Fund to finance massive infrastructure projects. This fund will support energy generation for industries, dam construction for food security, and extensive road network expansion. The President also announced the formation of the Ulinzi Construction Company, a new military-run entity tasked with undertaking infrastructure development in Kenya's challenging and underserved regions, following a 2021 mandate. Separately, the government aims to connect 1.18 million new homes to electricity by 2027 through the renewed Last Mile Connectivity project. Initiated in 2015, this project provides free electricity connections to new customers.
Kenyan National Teams Compete in Boxing, Rugby, and Football Events - October 2025
Kenyan boxers are in Nairobi for the Africa Zone Three Boxing Championships, where they aim to win the overall title from defending champions, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tournament begins tomorrow, with the Kenyan team leveraging home advantage. In another sport, Kenya Shujaa successfully defended their Safari Sevens title at Nyayo National Stadium on October 12, 2025. This victory has boosted their confidence for the upcoming 2025-2026 World Rugby Sevens Series Division Two. Additionally, the Kenya Harambee Stars football team will face Ivory Coast tonight in Abidjan at 10 PM Kenyan time. The match is a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier where Kenya, though out of contention, can influence the outcome of Group F.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
October 15
Raila Odinga Dies at 80 in India; Kenya Declares 7-Day Mourning Period - October 2025
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80 in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk. President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning and convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council. Tributes came from international figures, including US officials and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed Odinga as a “cherished friend of India.” Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also mourned his passing. In response to the death, the government postponed the NYOTA verification exercises and the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference. Odinga's body is at a morgue in India awaiting repatriation, and his burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19.
Mourners Gather at Raila Odinga's Karen Home; Family and Party Officials Appeal for Calm - October 2025
Following the news of Raila Odinga's passing, supporters gathered at his Karen residence where grief reportedly turned to politically charged chants. The large gatherings led to overcrowding and reports of chaos. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, speaking from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, appealed to supporters to cease gathering at the house. Mama Ida Odinga also addressed the public, apologizing for the chaos at their home as supporters and leaders gathered to pay respects. During a condolence visit from the German Ambassador at her Karen home, Ida described her late husband as "half-German".
Kenyan National Teams Compete in Boxing, Rugby, and Football Events - October 2025
Kenyan boxers are in Nairobi for the Africa Zone Three Boxing Championships, where they aim to win the overall title from defending champions, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tournament begins tomorrow, with the Kenyan team leveraging home advantage. In another sport, Kenya Shujaa successfully defended their Safari Sevens title at Nyayo National Stadium on October 12, 2025. This victory has boosted their confidence for the upcoming 2025-2026 World Rugby Sevens Series Division Two. Additionally, the Kenya Harambee Stars football team will face Ivory Coast tonight in Abidjan at 10 PM Kenyan time. The match is a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier where Kenya, though out of contention, can influence the outcome of Group F.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
October 16
Raila Odinga to be Buried on Sunday, Oct 19; Friday, Oct 17 Declared a Public Holiday - October 2025
The Kenyan government declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. A State Funeral Service will be held on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The National Funeral Committee, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, confirmed the burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, in Siaya County, varying his wish for a burial within 72 hours. A full timetable was released for the State Funeral on Friday and subsequent events in Kisumu on Saturday. Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, at age 80.
President Ruto Leads State Reception as Raila Odinga's Body Arrives at JKIA - October 2025
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The Kenya Airways flight, designated RAO001 (formerly KQ 203), landed from India. President William Ruto led the State reception for Odinga's final return, joined by other dignitaries. Large crowds gathered at the airport to receive the body, which was en route from India after his death while receiving treatment. The arrival necessitated changes to planned public viewing locations.
Chaos Erupts at JKIA and Kasarani Stadium as Mourners Overwhelm Security - October 2025
Chaos erupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning as thousands of mourners overwhelmed security personnel during the arrival of Raila Odinga's body. The unruly crowds breached VIP gates, disrupting the planned State Reception and preventing President William Ruto from participating. Security was forced to form a barrier around the plane. Separately, police fired tear gas at Kasarani Stadium to disperse thousands who had gathered for a public viewing. This response occurred after some attendees reportedly threw stones, prompting a forceful police action.
More from Thursday:
Friday
October 17
Funeral Arrangements and Schedule for Raila Odinga - October 2025
Funeral arrangements for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were changed at the last minute, with his body to remain at Lee Funeral Home overnight instead of being taken to his Karen residence. The body had earlier arrived at Nyayo National Stadium in a military convoy for the State Funeral, attended by thousands of mourners and dignitaries. Due to the overwhelming turnout, the government extended the public viewing period. Following services in Nairobi, the body will be flown to Kisumu on Saturday. His burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, in a private ceremony at the Kang’o ka Jaramogi homestead in Bondo.
Tributes to Raila Odinga from Political Leaders and Family - October 2025
During the State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, President William Ruto delivered a moving tribute, acknowledging Raila Odinga's role in steadying his administration and describing him as a statesman. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also delivered a eulogy, vowing to uphold Odinga's legacy and sharing personal anecdotes. Odinga's daughter, Winnie, recounted his final moments in India, stating he died "strong, with dignity, and with pride." His brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, recalled Raila's exceptional childhood brilliance, while his long-serving bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, described him as a mentor and father.
Security Failures and Violence During Mourning Events for Raila Odinga - October 2025
The mourning period for Raila Odinga was marked by security failures and violence. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen faced national embarrassment following chaotic incidents and a breakdown in security command at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Kasarani Stadium. At Kasarani, a shooting occurred when police opened fire on mourners during a public viewing, and a rights group identified two victims. Leaders in Kisumu have since urged for calm ahead of the body's homecoming, following chaotic scenes in Nairobi that left at least four people dead. Additionally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged a planned attack against him before the burial.
More from Friday:
Saturday
October 18
Raila Odinga's Body Arrives in Kisumu and Bondo for Public Viewing and Burial - October 2025
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, for public viewing, drawing thousands of mourners. The viewing, held at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Stadium, was extended beyond 3 PM due to the large turnout. Following the viewing in Kisumu, the body was transported by a helicopter draped in the Kenyan flag to his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County. It arrived at the farm for an overnight stay and vigil ahead of the burial scheduled for the following day.
Leaders Remember Raila Odinga as a Champion of Democracy and Transformational Figure - October 2025
Former US President Barack Obama eulogized the late Raila Odinga as a "true champion of democracy" whose life embodied sacrifice for Kenya's freedom. Kenneth Mwige, the Director-General of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat, paid tribute to Odinga as a transformational leader crucial to Kenya's multiparty democracy and the 2010 Constitution. A lawyer and former personal aide also reflected on his enduring legacy of dedication to democracy and service. The death of the political giant has triggered a battle for succession within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and a discussion on the future of Kenyan politics.
Two Deaths and Dozens of Injuries Reported at Raila Odinga's Public Body Viewings - October 2025
Two fatalities were confirmed following a stampede at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, as mourners viewed the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the incident occurred when crowds surged forward, crushing some attendees. Separate events in Kisumu also resulted in medical emergencies, with 46 people requiring attention at Mamboleo on Saturday, October 18, for issues including stab wounds and dehydration. At Kisumu's Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, health personnel were reported to be overwhelmed by the large number of mourners collapsing from overcrowding, emotional distress, and exhaustion.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
October 19
President Ruto Pledges Support for ODM, Hints at 2027 Coalition - October 2025
At Raila Odinga's funeral service in Bondo, President William Ruto pledged to strengthen the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from internal threats and preserve its integrity. President Ruto promised to support and respect ODM, affirming its role within his government and stating a strong opposition is crucial for Kenya's stability. He hinted at a potential coalition between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election. During the service, Ruto also announced that the government will offer a state job to Raila's personal bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta. Correspondingly, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi vowed loyalty to President Ruto, stating that the late opposition leader had found a "sincere partner" in him.
ODM Faces Succession Battle as Leaders Call for Party Unity - October 2025
The death of Raila Odinga has triggered a battle for succession within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Raila Odinga's sister, Ruth Odinga, has warned against emerging factions within the party, revealing that party unity was her brother's "dying wish." She made the remarks during the burial ceremony at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo. This call for unity comes as the ODM faces potential rifts ahead of the 2027 General Election. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also declared his commitment to unifying the party to preserve what he terms as Raila's legacy.
Details of Raila Odinga's Illness and Treatment in India Revealed - October 2025
During the funeral service, new information was shared about Raila Odinga's final weeks. President William Ruto revealed previously undisclosed details about the former Prime Minister's struggles with illnesses. Raila's elder brother, Oburu Odinga, disclosed that President Ruto was not only aware of Raila's illness but had also facilitated his travel to India for treatment. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi further revealed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally ordered military honors for Odinga in India. This included an airlift of his body from Kochi to Mumbai on a military aircraft.