November 24 - November 30, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, November 24 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
November 24
Police Disperse Gachagua Rally in Narok Ahead of By-Elections - November 2025
A campaign rally in Narok led by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua was disrupted by police who fired teargas. On November 24, chaos erupted as Gachagua, wearing a helmet, entered Narok town before officers dispersed the crowd. Ahead of the Mbeere North by-election on Thursday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged heightened security and vowed firm action against any attempts to disrupt the polls. In relation to a separate election, Gachagua has demanded the immediate removal of all presiding officers for Thursday’s Magarini Constituency by-election, accusing IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah of interference. The upcoming by-elections also prompted the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to warn journalists against publishing unverified opinion polls. For the Mbeere North race, the UDA candidate Leo Wa Muthende was notably absent from an aspirants' debate on November 23.
President Ruto Secures Malaysian Trade Deal and Attends AU-EU Summit in Angola - November 2025
President William Ruto has traveled to Luanda, Angola, to attend the 7th African Union–European Union Summit and the Second Session of the Ad Hoc Oversight Committee on African Union Institutional Reform. The president departed for Angola hours after a meeting with Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni. His visit to Angola will focus on reviewing cooperation and addressing funding gaps. Separately, Kenya has secured duty-free access for its agricultural produce and beef to the Malaysian market. This followed an agreement between President Ruto and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement was part of a landmark 60-year partnership deal forged on Monday, January 24, 2025, which eliminates trade barriers and enhances cooperation across multiple sectors.
Government Scrutinized Over Ksh4B Maize Subsidy and Withholding County Funds - November 2025
The Kenyan government is under scrutiny for spending Ksh4 billion on a maize flour subsidy program in FY 2022/23 without parliamentary approval, an action raising concerns about the misuse of public funds. In addition, former Chief Justice David Maraga strongly criticized President William Ruto's economic management, accusing him of escalating the national debt without tangible benefits for Kenyans. Mumias East MP Peter Salasya also launched an attack on President Ruto, accusing him of paralyzing county governments by withholding funds. Salasya claims the government's rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement (EGP) system has halted essential services.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
November 25
Parties Condemn Gachagua's By-Election Rigging Claims; Narok Rally Disrupted - November 2025
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua demanded the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja following violent clashes in Narok on Monday. A subsequent campaign rally led by Gachagua in Narok was disrupted by police who fired teargas. Gachagua also accused IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah of misconduct and planning to rig the Magarini by-election. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) condemned the accusations as a "political tantrum," while the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) threatened legal action. IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon defended his deputy against Gachagua's allegations.
Enhanced Security Measures Deployed for November 27 By-Elections - November 2025
The Kenyan government has significantly increased security for the upcoming November 27 by-elections. Security agencies have deployed both uniformed and plainclothes officers to 22 electoral areas to address rising tensions and isolated incidents of violence. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is deploying these officers to specific areas like Mbeere-North, Malava, and Kasipul. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged heightened security for the Mbeere North by-election, vowing firm action against any attempts to disrupt the polls. In addition, the IEBC has issued a stern warning to its staff against colluding with candidates, stating that those caught face prosecution.
Players and Managers Comment Ahead of Upcoming Champions League Matches - November 2025
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is set to face Arsenal in a new, deeper role. Inter Milan faces a critical match against Atletico Madrid amidst doubts about their performance in "big games" under new coach Cristian Chivu. Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi stated that Mason Greenwood "paid dearly" for past allegations as the forward prepares to face Newcastle on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has played down comparisons between teenage winger Estevao and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal ahead of their Champions League match.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
November 26
Leaders Allege Rigging and Intimidation as IEBC and Police Issue Warnings for By-Elections - November 2025
The United Opposition Alliance, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, alleged a government plot to rig Thursday’s by-elections through ballot stuffing. In a counter-claim, Kenya Kwanza leaders Geoffrey Ruku and Cecily Mbarire alleged a plot by the opposition to intimidate voters in Mbeere North. Mohammed Ali also accused the Mombasa Governor of a plot to rig the Magarini by-election, while Senator Boni Khalwale claimed his security was withdrawn ahead of the polls. In response, IEBC Chairperson Ethokon Edong prohibited candidates from bringing supporters to tallying centers. The National Police Service warned politicians against interfering with the November 27 by-elections, while leader Justin Muturi criticized the IEBC's decision to deploy plain-clothed police officers.
Motorists Face Disruptions for Rironi-Nakuru Highway Launch as Kenya Secures Ksh24B for Nairobi Traffic System - November 2025
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced significant traffic disruptions for Friday, November 28, on the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Road. Motorists have been advised to consider alternative routes due to the official launch of the highway's dualling project by President William Ruto. In a separate transport initiative, Kenya secured a new Ksh24 billion (USD 185 million) loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. This loan is set to finance the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Project in Nairobi. The project's goal is to modernize urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion in the capital.
Ruto Allies and Opposition Clash in Campaigns Ahead of Thursday's By-Elections - November 2025
Upcoming by-elections in Kenya have intensified political rivalries, with aggressive campaigns being waged by President Ruto's allies and the opposition. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi are actively campaigning to counter the opposition's influence, directly confronting the United Opposition. Deputy President Kindiki has also assured Kenyans of comprehensive security measures for the polls, vowing to deal with any attempts to disrupt the process. The by-elections are being viewed as a critical "miniature referendum" and a test ahead of the 2027 General Election. The outcomes are of significant interest to influential political "godfathers" who have a stake in the results despite not being on the ballot.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
November 27
Rigging Claims, Voter Intimidation, and Calls for Action Surround Kenyan By-Elections - November 2025
The by-elections were preceded by the United Opposition Alliance alleging a government rigging plot, a claim the UDA party refuted (29, 25). On election day, ODM's candidate in Magarini alleged his agents were denied access to polling stations (19), while a rival candidate accused ODM officials of intimidating voters at polling stations (20). Following violent events, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa called for the disqualification of the UDA candidate in Malava (23). Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei demanded the immediate arrest of former CS Justin Muturi for alleged aggravated assault and election malpractice (10). Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna called on Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to take full responsibility for the election insecurity (12), while the IEBC refuted separate claims of ballot stuffing (6).
Candidates Attacked, Vehicles Torched, and Arrests Made Amidst By-Election Violence - November 2025
Pockets of violence were reported across 22 voting areas during the November 27 by-elections, highlighting a volatile political climate (18). In Butali, a vehicle belonging to Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa was torched (17). Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was attacked by a mob in Kasipul, sustaining a head injury while his bodyguard's firearm was stolen (22). DAP-K parliamentary candidate Seth Panyako claimed he was the target of an assassination attempt on the eve of the election and was later arrested after another of his vehicles was set on fire (24, 21, 17). Authorities also arrested seventeen youths in Kasipul Constituency for patrolling with crude weapons like machetes (4).
President Ruto Promotes Housing and Hustler Fund at Joyful Women Initiative's 16th Anniversary - November 2025
First Lady H.E. Rachel Ruto's Joyful Women Initiative (JoyWo) celebrated 16 years of empowering Kenyan women at an event at Kasarani Stadium (2, 13). At the celebration, President William Ruto urged women to utilize government affirmative action initiatives, such as the Hustler Fund, for economic empowerment (8). The President also encouraged women to purchase homes in the government's Affordable Housing Projects (13). To date, the JoyWo initiative has circulated over KSh 4 billion through its innovative Table Banking model. The program is estimated to have helped launch 300,000 businesses (2).
More from Thursday:
Friday
November 28
Political Leaders Offer Divergent Reactions to By-Election Outcomes - November 2025
The results of the recent by-elections triggered strong and varied reactions from Kenya's political leadership. President William Ruto stated the heavy losses suffered by the opposition were a clear warning signal from voters. Nandi Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei asserted that the results guarantee President Ruto's victory in the 2027 General Elections. In contrast, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused the Ruto administration of using "goons and heavily armed police" to manipulate results in Malava and Mbeere North. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki congratulated the winners and called for national unity.
UDA, ODM and DCP Secure Victories in November By-Elections - November 2025
The November 27 by-elections resulted in wins for several political parties across the country. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Wa Muthende, won the Mbeere-North Constituency seat with 15,802 votes. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) retained the Ugunja seat with Moses Omondi declared MP-elect, and also won the Magarini parliamentary by-election where Harrison Kombe secured 17,909 votes. Additionally, Rigathi Gachagua's new Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) secured three county assembly seats in the Kariobangi North, Narok Town, and Kisa East Wards.
Conflicting Assessments of IEBC's Conduct in November 27 By-Elections - November 2025
Following by-elections on November 27, 2025, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) received varied assessments. The Election Observers Group (ELOG) commended the IEBC for conducting free and fair elections despite some reported challenges. Conversely, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) declared the IEBC unfit to conduct the 2027 General Election, citing the chaotic by-elections and warning of political chaos. In Malava, after the IEBC declared David Ndakwa of the UDA party as the winner, DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako rejected the results, alleging widespread manipulation.
More from Friday:
Saturday
November 29
Observers and Politicians React to November 27 By-Elections - November 2025
The Election Observers Group (ELOG) has commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting free and fair by-elections across Kenya on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Despite this praise, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i criticized the government, accusing it of leveraging state power and using intimidation tactics during the mini-polls, particularly in Mbeere North and Malava. Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party leader Moses Kuria refuted claims that he was used by the government to split votes during the by-elections. In a separate statement, Minority Whip in the National Assembly, Millie Mabona, cautioned politicians against relying on online political supporters, asserting that this led to losses for many in the same by-elections.
Trump Administration Halts All Asylum Claim Decisions - November 2025
The Trump administration has halted all asylum claim decisions following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC. According to USCIS director Joseph Edlow, this pause will continue until all aliens can be vetted and screened thoroughly. Former US President Donald Trump confirmed the halt on all asylum decisions will last until enhanced security procedures for vetting are fully implemented, and he also reversed all executive orders signed by his predecessor. These policy changes come as cuts in foreign aid initiated by the former president threaten to exacerbate terror risks in Kenya by impacting over one million refugees, creating conditions for extremist recruitment.
Government Issues Company Dissolution Notice and Orders Inquiry into KUSCCO - November 2025
The Kenyan government has launched a new inquiry into the KUSCCO Housing Co-operative Society Limited (KHC) following concerns from members about its management and governance. This investigation will scrutinize the co-operative's operations, financial practices, and the conduct of its management committees. In a separate action, the government has issued a notice of intended dissolution to over 700 companies, a move that threatens thousands of jobs. Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a 30-day ultimatum for owners to collect goods, including high-end vehicles, from various Container Freight Stations (CFSs) in Mombasa or face auction.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
November 30
Clashes Erupt During Rigathi Gachagua's Kariobangi Visit Amid New Political Alliance - November 2025
Chaos erupted in Kariobangi on Sunday, November 30, when rival political groups clashed outside a PCEA church where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attending a service. Police intervened, firing shots and using teargas to disperse the crowd in the Kariobangi North Estate. The incident occurred as Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), announced a new political alliance. He revealed a partnership with Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper Party with the aim to dominate Nairobi's political landscape and secure all top political positions in the capital during the 2027 general elections.
ODM Leaders Address Party's Stance on Cooperating with President Ruto's Government - November 2025
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has publicly suggested a potential extension of the party's cooperation with President William Ruto beyond the 2027 General Election. Upon his return from Dubai, Oginga affirmed ODM's commitment to working with the government, citing recent by-election successes as proof of their "unbeatable force." Concurrently, ODM Vice Chairperson Otiende Amollo warned party members against "chest-thumping" over their involvement in the broad-based government. Speaking on Saturday, November 29, the Rarieda MP emphasized that such bragging could reduce the party's bargaining power ahead of the 2027 elections.
Politicians Allege Bribery and Misuse of State Power in By-Elections - November 2025
Allegations of irregularities have emerged following recent by-elections. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i accused the Kenyan government of leveraging state power to influence mini-polls in Mbeere North and Malava, stating, "Power comes and goes." In a press briefing on November 29, 2025, Martha Karua questioned voters' choices after the by-election in Malava Constituency was marred by violence and bribery, including the distribution of mattresses. Furthermore, former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba alleged that a missing Ksh300 billion, flagged by the Auditor General, was used for voter suppression in the by-elections held on Thursday, November 27, 2025.