December 1 - December 7, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, December 1 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
December 1
Police Investigate Unrelated Violent Crimes Including Deaths, Assault, and a Gang Rape - December 2025
Police are investigating several separate violent crimes. In Kilimani, a 48-year-old woman is facing charges for allegedly pushing her boyfriend to his death from a 14th-floor apartment. DCI detectives are also searching for a suspect who fatally stabbed a digital taxi driver, Kenneth Kimani Gachoka, in Nairobi's Kitusuru area. In Meru County, police arrested three suspects in connection with a gang rape in Laare, where attackers filmed the incident. Additionally, a Kenyan Member of Parliament allegedly stormed a hotel in Kisii town and physically attacked a civilian on November 27th. In a separate case involving the death of Daystar University student Lorna Kathambi Karani on November 23, new CCTV footage has cleared seven initially suspected students.
President Ruto Directs IG Kanja on Hooliganism and Issues New Directives to Chiefs - December 2025
President William Ruto has instructed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take decisive action against individuals instigating violence and using youth for hooliganism, following a surge in violent incidents. Shortly after, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua renewed his criticism of IG Kanja, accusing him of bias in handling politically motivated violence. President Ruto also urged chiefs and assistant chiefs to identify and address criminal elements like cattle rustlers during the graduation of 5,892 National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs). Additionally, the President issued new directives for chiefs, emphasizing mandatory training and their involvement in government policy implementation and infrastructure projects.
EACC Arrests Officials and Probes Bribery Schemes at KIHBT Kisii Campus and JKIA - December 2025
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating a large-scale bribery and extortion scheme at the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) Kisii Campus. Following a raid on November 28, 2025, the EACC arrested two technical college instructors in connection with a Ksh40 million bribery scheme for test-drive exams. The instructors are accused of demanding "facilitation fees" for passing grades and running an illegal parallel fee collection system. Separately, on November 30, 2025, the EACC arrested three Ministry of Labour officials at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). They are accused of extorting recruitment agents facilitating the travel of Kenyan migrant workers to the Middle East.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
December 2
Boni Khalwale Removed as Senate Majority Whip and Security Reinstated - December 2025
The UDA party has ousted Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale as the Senate Majority Whip, a decision confirmed by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. He was immediately replaced by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli Wafula. Khalwale was one of several politicians facing removal from parliamentary positions due to alleged disloyalty to their parties. This followed their campaigning for opposition candidates in recent by-elections. Separately, the High Court ordered the reinstatement of the security details for both Senator Khalwale and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Their security had been controversially withdrawn, prompting a legal challenge that alleged the move was unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Senate to Hear Governor Nyaribo's Impeachment Amid Forgery Allegations - December 2025
The Kenyan Senate is set to convene on Wednesday to address the impeachment charges against Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo. To accommodate the hearing, the Senate has altered its calendar for morning and extended afternoon sittings. Governor Nyaribo faces charges that include gross misconduct and abuse of office, and he has unveiled a seven-member legal team for his defense. The impeachment proceedings have been complicated by a new development, as three Members of the Nyamira County Assembly filed a forgery complaint. These MCAs deny participating in the impeachment vote and have accused the assembly of forging their signatures.
Salah Benched at Liverpool; Onana Dropped by Cameroon; Arsenal Draws with Chelsea - December 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot revealed that Mohamed Salah was unhappy after being benched for the team's 2-0 victory against West Ham, a decision which followed 9 defeats in 12 games. In another English Premier League match, Arsenal managed a 1-1 draw against title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with manager Mikel Arteta praising his team's resilience. In other news involving a Premier League player, Cameroon dropped Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. This decision, along with the firing of coach Marc Brys, follows the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
December 3
Trump Administration Spares Kenya from Immigration Ban Amid New Deals and Allegations - December 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new directive pausing all immigration applications from 19 non-European countries, but Kenya was notably spared from the ban. This development coincided with President William Ruto's visit to the U.S. on Trump's invitation. In a separate development, the White House implicated Kenya as a recipient of alleged fraud proceeds from a scheme involving Somali migrants in the United States, as part of the Trump Administration's criticism of US refugee and asylum policies. Whistleblower Nelson Amenya also revealed an alleged 25-year health security pact between the Kenyan government and the Trump administration. This deal would reportedly grant the US real-time access to all Kenyan health records and allow sharing of disease specimens.
Senate Holds Impeachment Trial for Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo - December 2025
The Kenyan Senate altered its calendar to convene on Wednesday to address the impeachment charges against Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo. Senators held a closed-door meeting in Nairobi before the trial began to establish the rules for the impeachment proceedings. During his trial before the Senate, Governor Amos Nyaribo pleaded not guilty to all impeachment charges brought against him by Members of County Assembly (MCAs). He claimed the impeachment vote in the Kisii County Assembly did not meet the required threshold. The Senate's hearing accommodates extended morning and afternoon sittings to address the charges.
Reports Allege Irregularities and Disappearances Following November 27 By-Elections - December 2025
The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) voiced serious concerns regarding the integrity of the November 27 by-elections, citing widespread irregularities despite the IEBC's technical competence. ELOG lauded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for its strong technical performance but highlighted significant electoral malpractices that undermined the polls' credibility. Separately, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala accused the government of orchestrating the disappearance of at least 14 Kenyans during the by-elections held across 24 regions. Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, Malala also highlighted alleged state brutality and widespread violence during the polls. ELOG's findings pointed to a contrast between the IEBC's technical delivery and the overall integrity of the elections.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
December 4
President Ruto Secures Health and Debt-Swap Deals in Washington D.C. - December 2025
President William Ruto arrived in Washington, D.C., to witness a peace agreement signing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. During the visit, Kenya secured a Health Cooperation Framework Agreement with the U.S., which provides $1.6 billion (Ksh207 billion) over five years for the healthcare system. In addition, an agreement was reached for a debt-for-food swap to boost food security. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved a Sh162 billion (approximately $1 billion) debt-for-food-security swap to replace expensive loans. Another account of the deal reported it as USD 1 billion (Ksh129 billion) after a meeting between President Ruto and DFC CEO Ben Black.
UDA Announces January 10 Elections Amid By-Election Integrity Challenges - December 2025
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party announced it will hold grassroots elections in 20 counties on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This decision was made after a joint meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Election Board (NEB). Concurrently, President William Ruto's UDA party is facing a legal challenge to a recent by-election victory. Two voters have petitioned against the win of Leo Wa Muthende in Mbeere North, alleging irregularities and claiming he was not a registered voter. In a related development, rights organizations led by Vocal Africa gave the IEBC and EACC a 14-day ultimatum to act on alleged widespread electoral offences during recent by-elections, threatening legal action.
Kenyan Politician Found in Uganda; UN Warns Museveni Over Detained Activists - December 2025
Kenyan politician Shadrack Maritim, who disappeared in October, has been found alive in Mbale, Uganda. His family had previously alleged threats from a senior officer at the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). Another report identified the man as a missing Nandi politician found alive in Uganda. In a separate incident, the United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued a warning to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The warning regarded the arbitrary arrest and detention of activists and opposition politicians, specifically highlighting the enforced disappearance of two Kenyan activists.
More from Thursday:
Friday
December 5
Kenya and US Sign Ksh207 Billion Health Cooperation Agreement Amid Data Breach Concerns - December 2025
Kenya has sealed a Health Cooperation Framework Agreement with the United States, securing $1.6 billion (Ksh207 billion) over five years to bolster its healthcare system and support reforms including the Social Health Authority (SHA). President William Ruto witnessed the signing, making Kenya the first nation to enter such a partnership. The deal sparked concerns about a potential data breach, following allegations that it would grant the U.S. unrestricted access to Kenya's national health databases. Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale addressed these claims. The US Embassy clarified via Charge d’Affaires Susan Burns that the health data to be shared will be aggregated and not personally identifiable.
U.S. Places Tanzania Ties Under Review Amid Accusations of Meta Enabling Repression - December 2025
The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of its relationship with Tanzania, citing serious concerns over the Tanzanian government’s recent actions regarding governance, human rights, and security. The U.S. Department of State announced the review on Thursday, December 4. This follows accusations that Meta is enabling state repression. US Senator Jim Risch criticized Meta for restricting social media access for Tanzanian activists at the request of the Tanzanian government. Activist Maria Sarungi accused Meta of complicity after the company restricted access to her Instagram account in Tanzania just days before planned anti-government protests, claiming the move suppresses dissent under President Samia Suluhu.
Rwanda and DRC Sign Historic Peace Deal in Washington - December 2025
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a historic peace deal in Washington, D.C., aimed at ending a 30-year conflict in Eastern Congo. The signing ceremony was hosted and witnessed by US President Donald Trump, who hailed the event as a "great day" for Africa and the world. President Trump presided over the signing of the Washington Accords and expressed confidence that the leaders of both nations would uphold their commitments. The ceremony was also witnessed by other world leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto. The agreement is intended to resolve over three decades of conflict in the region.
More from Friday:
Saturday
December 6
International Warnings and Aid Cuts Target Tanzania Over Post-Election Unrest - December 2025
The US and Israeli governments have issued travel advisories for Tanzania due to planned anti-government protests, with a significant event expected on December 9, 2025. The warnings follow post-election unrest after the October 29, 2025 general elections. Ghana has also raised concerns over the escalating violence, though Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has blamed foreign interference for the situation. In a related development, Sweden announced plans to gradually discontinue development aid to Tanzania, redirecting funds to other priorities. A US-based Tanzanian activist, Mange Kimambi, also alleged that the Tanzanian government influenced the deactivation of her social media accounts to silence reporting on alleged human rights abuses ahead of the protests.
Police and DCI Arrest Suspects in Land Fraud, Violent Protests, and Fake Number Plate Cases - December 2025
Kenyan law enforcement agencies conducted several major operations. The DCI arrested three suspects in connection with the fraudulent transfer of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) land valued at approximately KES 350 million. In Kakamega, sixty-three individuals, including two MCAs, were arrested in connection with violent protests in Ikolomani Sub-County that led to four deaths. Police in Nairobi also busted a fake vehicle number plate syndicate in Kariobangi South, seizing over 100 illegal items. During a separate incident in Kitale, a DCI officer was fatally stabbed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect.
President Ruto Revokes Appointment Amidst Political Realignments and Conflicts - December 2025
President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of Basil Criticos as the Chairperson of the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), a decision made effective December 5, 2025. In other political developments, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed the government blocked his flight to a ceremony in Kakamega, forcing him to deliver his speech via phone. Meanwhile, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru publicly denied claims that she was joining Mr. Gachagua's political faction. Waiguru asserted her political independence as the 2027 elections approach and warned supporters against premature alignments.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
December 7
Fatal Incidents Reported in Kakamega Mine Collapse and Voi Highway Collisions - December 2025
The Kakamega County Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Shiveye gold mine after three people died in a collapse. Deputy Governor Ayub Savula stated the closure is temporary to allow a safety audit by the Ministry of Mining. Separately, a tragic road accident on the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway near Voi town has resulted in seven fatalities after a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) collided head-on with a truck. The crash occurred around 4am on Sunday when the PSV was attempting to overtake another vehicle. Another head-on collision on the same highway in Masenyi, near Voi, on Sunday, December 7, between a PSV and a trailer resulted in an unspecified number of deaths. This followed another fatal crash on Friday, December 5, in Bumala, Busia County, where a PSV overturned and killed four people.
Political Parties Face Internal Shifts and Calls for New Alliances - December 2025
Kenya's political landscape is seeing significant shifts, with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) facing a fracturing of its once unified voting bloc, a process accelerated by its engagement in the broad-based government (BBG). In the opposition, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has publicly urged former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and the Jubilee Party to align with other opposition groups, warning against fracturing the fragile United Opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. On the government side, the ruling UDA party removed Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale as Senate Majority Whip. Following his ouster, Democracy Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa extended an invitation for Khalwale to join his party. Wamalwa claimed that Khalwale was being unfairly targeted by UDA for defending the Luhya community.
Kabras Wins in Kenya Cup as Football Leagues See Key Match-Ups - December 2025
The Kenya Cup saw dominant performances from KCB, Menengai Oilers, and defending champions Kabras Sugar, who all secured significant victories for the third consecutive week, with Kabras delivering a record-setting win. In the SportPesa Premier League, Gor Mahia is set to face AFC Leopards in the 98th Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium, aiming to solidify their lead. Meanwhile, in the FKF Women’s Premier League, the undefeated Kenya Police Bullets will face Ulinzi Starlets at Police Sacco Stadium. The Bullets are aiming for their sixth consecutive win to extend their flawless record, while the Starlets seek to stay in the title race.