March 23 - March 29, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, March 23 to Sunday, March 29, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
March 23
DCI scales up search for Tuju after failing to trace him on Sunday - March 2026
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is intensifying its search for former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju after his vehicle was found abandoned in Nairobi's Karen suburb with his phone switched off. Tuju was reported missing by his family on Sunday, March 22, and subsequently resurfaced two days later, stating he went into hiding due to fears for his safety after being followed by unidentified individuals. The DCI has accused Tuju of staging his own abduction and faced challenges accessing his residence during the investigation. Political leaders including ODM's Oburu Oginga and party officials have demanded answers from the government regarding the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, while Sifuna urged the State to produce Tuju.
Motorists rerouted as floods damage key road to Lodwar - March 2026
Heavy rains have caused significant damage to the Kitale–Morpus Road, forcing authorities to reroute traffic due to a washed-away section disrupting traffic flow towards Lodwar. The Kenya National Highways Authority issued warnings about severe traffic disruptions on the Chapareria–Morpus stretch. Meanwhile, heavy floods have also disrupted transport on the Suswa–Narok highway after intense rainfall caused river overflow. These incidents occur as the WMO reported the period from 2015 to 2025 as the hottest 11-year stretch on record, with global temperatures approximately 1.43°C above pre-industrial averages, deepening the climate crisis.
Night riot rocks UoN over water shortages - March 2026
A protest turned into a riot at the University of Nairobi's main campus on Sunday night as students expressed frustration over a severe water shortage lasting over two weeks, particularly affecting female hostels. Students are threatening to block University Way in protest. The disturbances occurred as Kenya marked World Water Day, with the government highlighting gender inequalities in water access and emphasizing the disproportionate burden carried by women and girls. Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa pledged to expand access to clean water, acknowledging that women bear the burden of water shortages.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
March 24
Kenya Floods Death Toll Rises to 85 After Landslide Kills Two Children - March 2026
Heavy rainfall has caused major rivers to burst their banks in Kenya, leading to flood emergencies in Kisumu, Tana River, and Uasin Gishu counties. Tragedy struck in Eldoret after heavy rains triggered a landslide, resulting in the deaths of two children. The death toll from floods has risen to 85 following the tragic deaths of two children in a mudslide in Kitende, Makueni County. Kenya faces a potential return of the El Niño weather phenomenon later in 2026, according to a new climate outlook report.
DCI Accuses Tuju of Staging Own Abduction After Reappearing - March 2026
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has accused former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju of staging his own abduction after he reappeared two days after initially being reported missing, supported by mobile tracking and forensic evidence. Former Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka stated Tuju's life was in danger at Karen Police Station following a severe medical emergency. President William Ruto has accused the opposition of exploiting Tuju's troubles for political gain, urging them to show restraint. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for severe judicial sanctions against politicians who allegedly stage their own abductions, warning of consequences for national stability. Lawyer Maanzo has stated that Tuju cannot orchestrate his own abduction, urging the DCI to treat the matter with seriousness.
Probe Opened Into 14 Bodies Buried in Kericho Cemetery - March 2026
An unsettling discovery in Kericho County has prompted a national outcry after 14 bodies were found buried in a single grave in a local cemetery, catching local authorities by surprise. Street boys contracted to dig the grave have come forward to recount their alleged involvement in the mysterious mass burial at Makaburini. A court in Kericho has approved 30-day detention for two suspects in connection with the probe.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
March 25
Governors Demand Larger Share of KSh 2.9 Trillion Budget - March 2026
The Council of Governors (CoG) is pushing for a Ksh 534 billion budget share for counties in the 2026/27 fiscal year, citing increased responsibilities and financial strain. The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) proposes a lower figure, creating a row with the national government. This demand comes as President William Ruto announced over $2.9 billion in new investment deals expected to create 63,000 jobs at the Kenya International Investment Conference in Nairobi, with tendering and construction works for the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway set to begin soon to transform Kenya into an industrial nation.
33 Bodies Exhumed from Kericho Mass Grave, 25 Confirmed to be Infants - March 2026
In a shocking discovery in Kericho Town, authorities exhumed 33 bodies from a mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery, with 25 of the victims confirmed to be infants. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) carried out the exhumation exercise, revealing a significantly higher number than initially reported. The remains include both adults and minors, with a large proportion believed to be children. This grim finding follows ongoing investigations into the tragic incident.
CoG pushes for UHC funds shake-up - March 2026
The Council of Governors (CoG) is advocating for a significant restructuring of funding for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives, with governors demanding that UHC funds be treated as an equitable share of revenue rather than a conditional grant for the 2026/2027 financial year. A new government proposal aims to streamline the UHC program and prevent financial delays at the county level. This push comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to combat tuberculosis, aiming to eliminate it as a public health threat while addressing a gap in diagnosis and treatment, with cases hitting 90,900 despite a 48% decrease in TB-related deaths. Health CS Susan Nakhumicha Wafula has issued stern warnings regarding the persistent burden of TB nationwide.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
March 26
Government Declares Parts of Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo Security-Disturbed - March 2026
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared parts of Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties as security-disturbed and dangerous areas, effective March 26, 2026, for 30 days. This escalated anti-banditry operation follows the government's announcement of significant progress in security sector reforms, with approximately 55% of planned reforms implemented. The National Police Service is also set to roll out body cameras for officers soon as part of a broader strategy to enhance accountability and integrate technology into security operations.
Treasury Uses Petroleum Levy to Stabilize Fuel Prices - March 2026
Kenya's Treasury CS John Mbadi has ruled out new taxes in the Finance Bill 2026, shifting focus to improving revenue collection efficiency by the Kenya Revenue Authority. The Treasury plans to utilize the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) to stabilize fuel prices, rejecting calls for direct subsidies. Meanwhile, Vivo Energy Kenya is addressing temporary fuel shortages across its network, attributing the issue to an unexpected surge in customer demand. President William Ruto has also reassured Kenyans that the government has implemented measures to secure fuel and commodity supplies amidst rising Middle East tensions.
National Assembly Probes Missing Ksh9.4 Billion on eCitizen Platform - March 2026
The Kenyan government faces intense scrutiny over alleged mismanagement and irregular withdrawals totaling Ksh9.4 billion from the eCitizen platform. The National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee is investigating the matter. An audit has uncovered significant financial irregularities and a potential data breach within the eCitizen platform, raising serious concerns about the security and management of public funds and sensitive user information. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission had previously recovered Ksh13 million linked to a separate Nairobi cemetery land scandal.
More from Thursday:
Friday
March 27
ODM Officially Elects Party Leader, Deputies - March 2026
Oburu Odinga has been officially elected as the Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following a Special Delegates Conference, with full authority handed to him at the party's SessionalDC. Gladys Wanga was voted in as National Chair of ODM during the same conference. However, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has publicly declared the National Delegates Conference meeting held at Jamhuri Grounds to be fake, highlighting deepening party divisions. Winnie Odinga has signaled a new political direction for ODM, aligning with her uncle Dr Oburu Oginga and championing an aggressive youth recruitment plan, dialogue and reconciliation.
Kenya Shilling Could Hit Ksh168 as War Fuels Dollar Surge - March 2026
The Kenyan Shilling is facing significant pressure and could plummet to Ksh168 due to the ongoing Middle East war, leading to a surge in the U.S. dollar and increased cost of living. The Embassy of Iran in Nairobi has strongly refuted claims that a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz will lead to increased fuel prices in Kenya. Meanwhile, Kenyan flower exporters have suffered financial losses amounting to $4.8 million due to the ongoing conflict, which has disrupted critical air cargo routes. The World Bank Group has pledged financial aid and support to vulnerable countries, including Kenya, facing fuel and fertilizer shortages exacerbated by the ongoing Middle East war.
Murkomen Declares Parts of Three Counties as Disturbed & Dangerous - March 2026
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared parts of Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties as security-disturbed and dangerous, effective March 26, 6pm for 30 days. This declaration enables a major security operation to combat escalating criminal activities and banditry. The government had previously deployed KDF soldiers to the region, and two KDF soldiers along with four civilians have been detained for 10 days in Nairobi as police investigate a plot to rob and murder a senior military officer, Major General George Okumu. The gazette notice issued on March 26, 2026, marks a significant escalation in anti-banditry operations targeting these three counties.
More from Friday:
Saturday
March 28
Iran calms Kenyan markets over gulf shipping route closure fears - March 2026
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kenya has issued a statement to Kenyan stakeholders dismissing reports of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, attributing such narratives to US and Israeli propaganda. This followed the Embassy of Iran in Nairobi strongly refuting claims that a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz will lead to increased fuel prices in Kenya. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US-Iran tensions has severely disrupted Europe's fuel supply. Meanwhile, UN humanitarians reported mounting civilian casualties and damage in Iran and Lebanon, while FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account has been compromised by an Iran-linked hacking group.
President Ruto to address Ambassadors' Conference in Nairobi - March 2026
President William Ruto is set to address the 19th Ambassadors' Conference in Nairobi, focusing on Kenya's diplomatic strategy in a changing world. He has urged Kenyan diplomats to prioritize the nation's interests in their foreign engagements, emphasizing the importance of representing Kenya with integrity and purpose. He also urged Kenyan ambassadors and high commissioners to adopt an aggressive diplomacy approach to attract foreign investment and position Kenya as a leading global partner. Additionally, President Ruto announced a significant reduction in passport processing times, stating that applications for those seeking jobs abroad can now be completed within 72 hours. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced a 30-day Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration drive commencing on March 30, 2026.
Kenya strengthens National Health Security, launches Integrated Strategic Frameworks - March 2026
Kenya has launched integrated national health security frameworks under the Kenya National Public Health Institute, signaling a move towards a more proactive, data-driven, and coordinated approach to public health threats. The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers is threatening to withdraw its members from the Social Health Authority scheme due to persistent service delivery failures. Separately, Huduma Kenya is set to introduce a new Customer Service Excellence Standard across public institutions to significantly improve the efficiency and accountability of government services. The National Assembly's Public Debt and Privatization Committee, in partnership with the World Bank Group, is initiating reforms to improve Kenya's public-private partnership landscape.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
March 29
NTSA Announces Crackdown After 15 Killed in Nyeri-Nyahururu Crash - March 2026
A tragic road accident on the Nyeri–Nyahururu highway claimed 15 lives when a lorry carrying logs collided with a matatu near Dedan Kimathi University on Saturday evening. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is enhancing enforcement following the incident, with Transport Cabinet Secretary Chirchir pledging to investigate. Four people were killed on the spot with multiple others injured in a separate report from the same highway location. Police in Njoro, Nakuru County rescued 67 girls from a facility operated by a travel agency allegedly preparing them for overseas employment.
President Ruto Leads Nation in Mourning Ol Kalou MP Kiaraho - March 2026
President William Ruto has led tributes following the death of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, who passed away while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital at age 62. The third-term lawmaker died as announced by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula. Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has reopened applications for 21 medical courses at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), offering a second chance for admission in 2026.
Han Zheng Visit Signals Shift in China-Kenya Economic Ties - March 2026
Vice President Han Zheng's visit to Kenya signals a shift in China-Kenya economic ties, focusing on increased market access through zero-tariff initiatives. Meanwhile, the head of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), General Roland Walker, has addressed long-standing allegations of misconduct against British soldiers, including murder, sexual violence, and environmental damage.