October 27 - November 2, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, October 27 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
October 27
ODM Announces Memorials and Future Plans Following Raila Odinga's Death - October 2025
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) announced a series of memorial services across Kenya to honor its late party leader, Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15. The party has pledged to uphold his values and ideals, focusing on unity and democratic principles during its transition. ODM has also demanded Ksh12.6 billion from the National Treasury for outstanding disbursements from the Political Parties Fund to support its operations. Regarding the future, ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir indicated that Gladys Wanga could be a running mate for President Ruto in 2027 if the party organs approve. In a separate tribute, residents of Njiru in Kasarani constituency named an estate road "Raila Odinga Road" in his honor.
Government Issues Warnings as 2025 National Exams Commence for 3.4 Million Learners - October 2025
The 2025 national examination season has commenced, with 3.4 million learners participating. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba issued a strong warning against examination malpractice. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued final guidelines for the KPSEA and KJSEA exams, which began on Monday, October 27, and run concurrently with the KCSE exams. Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok officially began the season by opening exam containers in Kibra, Nairobi, assuring the nation of comprehensive preparation for the KJSEA, KCSE, and KPSEA. PS Bitok also warned schools against barring students from exams, stating the government has released all necessary funds, including capitation.
President Ruto Launches Housing, Forest, and Highway Projects - October 2025
President William Ruto officially handed over keys for 220 affordable housing units to new homeowners at the Boma Yangu Elburgon Estate in Nakuru County. The President also led the launch of a government project to restore 33,000 degraded hectares in the Mau Forest, which is part of a broader plan to plant 15 billion trees. This initiative aims to integrate community livelihoods with conservation. Additionally, President Ruto announced the expansion of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway to extend to Kisumu, Kericho, Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), and Busia (Malaba). The highway project will use a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to improve connectivity and trade.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
October 28
Arrests Made in Cases of Fake Lawyers and Student Deaths - October 2025
Authorities have made arrests in multiple criminal investigations across the country. In Kisii County, police, in collaboration with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), arrested three individuals for illegally practicing law. In a separate case, a 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of University of Nairobi student Jane Atila, whose body was found in Kiambu County. Furthermore, a police officer has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Dalphine Mwangi, a 22-year-old college student in Kitale, an incident which the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating.
Government Agencies Announce Over 1,300 Job Vacancies - October 2025
Several government entities have announced mass recruitment drives. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection announced a drive to connect over 1,000 Kenyans with jobs in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The Social Health Authority (SHA) announced over 200 job vacancies across various departments, inviting applications by November 18, 2025. Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) announced over 100 job vacancies, with KRA re-advertising for its Commissioner of Investigation and Enforcement position.
Plane Crashes in Kwale County, 12 Feared Dead - October 2025
A light aircraft crashed in Kwale County, Kenya, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with 12 people feared dead. The plane was carrying tourists from Diani to Kichwa Tembo and went down shortly after takeoff. Another report stated the aircraft was carrying 10 passengers and one crew member. There were no survivors from the incident.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
October 29
Tanzania Imposes Curfew and Internet Shutdown Amid Election Day Protests - October 2025
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered a nationwide night curfew and blocked internet services on Tuesday, October 29, following unrest during the general election. A nationwide internet outage was confirmed by the global internet observatory Netblocks, coinciding with the election marred by protests. Police in Dar es Salaam fired tear gas to disperse opposition supporters protesting the ongoing election, which was boycotted by the main opposition party amidst accusations of government repression. Following the escalating protests, the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania issued a safety advisory to American citizens, advising them to shelter in place and avoid large gatherings.
SHA Executives Arrested for Fraud as Agency Faces Funding Gaps and Inherited NHIF Debt - October 2025
Several Social Health Authority (SHA) executives, including former acting CEO Robert Ingasira, were arrested in connection with fraud cases cleared by the ODPP. The suspects face charges including conspiracy to defraud and misuse of funds. This comes as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) left behind a staggering Sh10 billion debt, crippling health facilities, particularly faith-based, private, and county hospitals. Amid these challenges, CS Duale has urged Parliament to increase funding for the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF) and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), stating the SHA is suffering from inadequate resources.
Govt Recovers Over 600 Illegal Guns Amid Regional Clashes and Cross-Border Tensions - October 2025
President William Ruto announced that over 600 illegal firearms have been recovered in Kenya's Kerio Valley as part of a government effort to curb insecurity. The President urged those still possessing illicit weapons to surrender them voluntarily. This security operation occurs as clashes along the Kajiado–Taita Taveta border have resulted in several deaths and widespread destruction over a long-standing land dispute and grazing rights. In a separate incident highlighting regional tensions, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has demanded that the Kenyan government compensate Uganda for the deaths of five individuals, including three geologists and two soldiers, allegedly killed by Turkana warriors in March 2022.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
October 30
Unrest, Deaths, and Internet Shutdown Disrupt Tanzanian Elections - October 2025
Tanzania's general election has been marred by protests, violence, and accusations of democratic backsliding. President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered a nationwide night curfew and blocked internet services following unrest. Protests erupted along the Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga, with the Kenyan government issuing a warning against participation. The European Parliament declared the elections "not free and fair," citing fraud and the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Amid the unrest, Amnesty International confirmed the deaths of a police officer and a civilian during protests on October 29. Following the election, the Tanzanian government ordered all civil servants to work from home.
Police Service Faces Recruitment Halt, Stolen Firearms, and New Compensation Orders - October 2025
The Employment and Labour Relations Court has nullified the planned recruitment of 10,000 police officers, ruling that the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) lacks the legal authority for such an exercise. In separate security incidents, three police firearms were stolen in Nakuru and Thika, and one officer was attacked and robbed of his rifle. A Senate Committee has directed insurance companies to pay all pending compensation claims for officers injured on duty within 14 days. Meanwhile, a Dutch national who assaulted police officers in Diani will be detained for an additional 14 days as investigations continue.
ODM Party Manages Transition and Tributes Following Raila Odinga's Death - October 2025
Following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, from cardiac arrest, the ODM party is undergoing several changes. The late leader's social media accounts will now be managed by The RAO Foundation. To address growing internal tensions, acting party leader Oburu Odinga met with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to promote unity. As a tribute, doctors from Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Hospital in Kerala, India, where Odinga was receiving treatment, are in Kenya to pay their final respects.
More from Thursday:
Friday
October 31
Post-Election Protests in Tanzania Turn Violent, Killing at Least 10 - October 2025
Following Tanzania's October 29 general elections, protests have entered their third day, resulting in at least 10 deaths amid extended curfews and an internet shutdown. Kenyan and international human rights organizations have condemned escalating repression under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government. Demonstrators have defied the army chief's orders, and the UN has urged security forces to avoid excessive force. At the Namanga border post, two Kenyans were critically injured and two Tanzanians were killed after being shot by suspected police during demonstrations. The Kenyans were reportedly attempting to cross the border to join the protests.
Government Waives Fees for ID Replacement and Particulars Change for Six Months - October 2025
The Kenyan government has announced a six-month waiver on fees for replacing national identity cards and changing personal details. The directive, issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen via a special gazette notice, takes effect immediately. This measure aims to improve citizen access to the crucial identification document. The waiver covers both the replacement of lost or damaged cards and the process of updating personal particulars on the ID.
Police Incidents Include Officer's Fatal Shooting, Stolen Firearms, and a Suspect's Death in Custody - October 2025
Four police officers from Mai Mahiu Police Station were arrested after fatally shooting their colleague, Constable Hassan Lolkidid, in a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred during an early morning response to a suspected criminal report. In a separate event in Thika, Kiambu County, police arrested at least 72 suspects following the disappearance of two rifles and over 170 rounds of ammunition from the Maguguni Patrol Base. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man arrested in Kisumu County for firing at police during a botched robbery reportedly died by suicide while in custody at Kisumu Central Police Station.
More from Friday:
Saturday
November 1
JKUAT Closes Indefinitely and Treasury Approves Sh7.7bn Payout Amid University Staff Strike - November 2025
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has indefinitely suspended classes due to an ongoing nationwide strike by university staff. As a result of the closure, all non-exempt students were ordered to vacate the campus by Sunday, November 2, 2025. This closure contributes to the disruption across Kenya's 39 public universities caused by the prolonged lecturers' strike. In response to the month-long strike, the National Treasury has approved a Sh7.76 billion payout plan for salary arrears owed to public university staff. The payment for the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) arrears is intended to end the strike and will be disbursed in three instalments.
Government Responds to Deadly Floods and Landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County - November 2025
The Kenyan government has deployed a multi-agency team to respond to the devastating impact of heavy rains which have caused significant loss of life and property damage. A landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County claimed 13 lives, according to one report, with rescue operations ongoing. A separate report stated that deadly floods and a mudslide triggered by heavy rains tragically claimed the lives of nine people in the same county. In response to the disaster, the state plans to airlift candidates in Elgeyo Marakwet who are sitting for national exams.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan Faces Protests Ahead of Elections - November 2025
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the nation's first female head of state, is facing significant public backlash and unrest. Widespread protests have occurred in major cities, with thousands demonstrating against her administration's alleged autocratic rule. Her government, once seen as a beacon of change, is now criticized as being increasingly autocratic. This public discontent intensified leading up to critical elections held on a Wednesday. Following the polls, the results and outcome remain uncertain.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
November 2
Landslide in Marakwet East Kills 22; KeNHA Closes Road as Rescue Efforts Continue - November 2025
The death toll from a devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Kenya, has risen to 22, with 29 people still unaccounted for. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the Chesongoch area. In response, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has closed the Kapyego-Chesoi-Kilangata Road in Elgeyo Marakwet County due to the torrential rains and mudslides. Kenya is intensifying rescue operations in the region as heavy rainfall continues. Despite the disaster, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that KCSE examinations in Marakwet East will proceed as scheduled, with contingency plans in place.
Samia Suluhu's 98% Election Win in Tanzania Sparks Opposition Rejection and International Controversy - November 2025
After her victory in the 2025 General Election, Tanzania’s President-elect Samia Suluhu Hassan called for national unity. However, Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party, rejected her 98% win as "illegitimate," citing a deadly crackdown on protests, mass arrests, and widespread intimidation. The party is demanding a fresh election overseen by an independent body. The African Union (AU) Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, faced widespread criticism for congratulating Suluhu while simultaneously regretting lives lost in post-election violence. Leaders from the African Union Commission (AUC) and East African Community (EAC), as well as from Burundi and Somalia, also congratulated Suluhu on her re-election, with the AUC urging respect for human rights.
Political and Judicial Leaders Visit Raila Odinga's Grave in Bondo - November 2025
Following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, prominent leaders have made visits to his home in Bondo, Siaya County. On November 1, 2025, Chief Justice Martha Koome led a Judiciary delegation, including Supreme Court judges, to condole with Odinga's family at his grave. Opposition leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, are also planning a visit next Thursday to mourn and pay tribute to his legacy. In a related event, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared his intention to follow in the political footsteps of the late Raila Odinga.