April 27 - May 3, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
April 27
Garissa Female Aspirant Arrested Over Incitement Linked to Deadly Tseikuru Attack - April 2026
A female political aspirant from Garissa County has been arrested for alleged incitement to violence, a day after a brutal attack in Tseikuru, Kitui County, that killed seven people. The Kenyan government has vehemently condemned the brutal killing of seven individuals in Tseikuru by suspected bandits. This incident has sparked outrage and calls for swift action. A wave of panic has hit Kitui County after a violent attack in Tseikuru on Saturday afternoon resulted in the deaths of seven people and left several others injured.
Mining Communities Accuse Govt of Withholding Millions in Royalties - April 2026
Mining communities in Kenya are disputing the nation's new mineral royalty sharing formula, arguing that the current allocation of 10 per cent to host communities is insufficient and that these funds are not disbursed directly, leading to delays and lack of transparency. The Kenyan Parliament is currently reviewing a new framework designed to govern how the country shares revenue generated from its mineral wealth. Residents of Vihiga County are speaking out about the profound impact of mining activities on their daily lives, highlighting both benefits and significant challenges. Kenya's Minister for Mining, Salim Joho, has articulated the nation's vision for mineral prospecting and its future implications. Additionally, a new system is being introduced in Kenya to guide the distribution of revenue generated from mineral resources.
Muite Urges High Court to Declare Gachagua Impeachment Unconstitutional - April 2026
Senior Counsel Paul Muite has urged the High Court to declare former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment unconstitutional, arguing the process was intentionally rushed to evade legal scrutiny. Lead lawyer Paul Muite argued in the High Court that the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was based on a misinterpretation of Kenya's presidential system, likening it to a parliamentary vote of no confidence. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is challenging his impeachment, arguing the process was unconstitutional and denied him a fair hearing at the Milimani High Court. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has renewed his legal bid against his impeachment at the Milimani High Court, seeking compensation for salary and benefits he claims he was deprived of.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
April 28
Ruto Clarifies Nigerian English Comment After Diplomatic Tensions - April 2026
President William Ruto has clarified that his remarks about Nigerian English were taken out of context after a private conversation was recorded and shared online, causing diplomatic tensions. Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, humorously responded during a conference in Nairobi, stating Nigerians have "mandated" him to confirm they also speak "good English." Meanwhile, Court of Appeal Judge Katwa Kigen assured the Judicial Service Commission of his impartiality during an interview for a Supreme Court judge position, addressing concerns about his past representation of President Ruto at the International Criminal Court. Former IPOA chairperson Anne Makori also faced questioning from the JSC for failing to submit her net worth declaration during her interview for a Supreme Court judge position.
Kenya Ends Haiti Security Mission as Final Police Contingent Withdraws - April 2026
Kenya has officially concluded its Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, marking the withdrawal of its final police contingent after an 18-month deployment aimed at restoring stability. Kenyan officials including CS Kipchumba Murkomen and IG Douglas Kanja visited Haiti to commend police officers as the mission concludes its drawdown phase. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is attending the Tana Forum on Security in Africa in Accra, Ghana, a high-level forum convening leaders and experts to discuss African-led solutions to peace and security challenges on the continent.
KAA Unveils Plans for Major Infrastructural Upgrades at JKIA, Moi and Several Airports - April 2026
The Kenya Airports Authority has launched a multi-billion tender program for significant upgrades across various Kenyan airports and airstrips, including JKIA and Moi International Airport. The Kenyan government is also seeking to acquire land in Gigiri, Nairobi to construct a new multi-storey office block that will house United Nations agencies. Separately, Kenya Railways has abruptly cancelled an international tender for 24 air compressors intended for its Diesel Multiple Unit trains, part of the World Bank-funded Ksh65 billion Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project, ahead of a May deadline.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
April 29
US Offers Kenya Multibillion Minerals Partnership Amid Ksh8.1 Trillion Mrima Hill Rare Earth Tender - April 2026
The United States has formally invited Kenya to join a multibillion-dollar critical minerals partnership, coinciding with Kenya's tender for the valuable Mrima Hill rare earth deposit. President William Ruto has led the opening of an investment conference focused on the mining sector in Kenya, which featured panel discussions on the latest developments and opportunities within Kenya's mining sector. The potential of Kenya's mining sector was highlighted in discussions identifying key factors needed for its unlocking. Kenya's Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi, discussed initiatives aimed at revitalizing the nation's struggling coffee sector, while President Ruto announced that Kenya has climbed to become the 6th largest economy in Africa, up from 8th largest in 2022.
Deaths Reported as Floods Wreak Havoc in Nairobi - April 2026
At least three people are feared dead after being swept away by floodwaters following heavy rains in Nairobi on Monday and Tuesday night. The downpour caused widespread flooding, particularly around the Ruai Bypass, paralyzing transport and submerging roads. The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) have been deployed to Nairobi for search-and-rescue operations following extensive flooding that submerged around 100 homes in Kasarani. The National Police Service (NPS) has issued warnings about potential widespread flooding in over 10 Nairobi estates due to persistent heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued an overflow alert for the Seven Forks dams due to heavy rainfall upstream, warning residents along the Lower Tana River to move to higher ground. At least 700 households in Tana River County are facing potential displacement due to rising river levels. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has also closed a section of the Iten-Kabarnet Road due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall.
Rush at IEBC Centres as Enhanced Voter Registration Closes - April 2026
Kenyans rushed to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) centers across Nairobi as the 30-day Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise concluded on April 28. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) successfully concluded its continuous voter registration exercise, registering over 1.8 million new voters. This high turnout comes as the country prepares for future electoral processes, with increased civic engagement observed during the registration period.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
April 30
Mwingi-Garissa Corridor Faces Escalating Violence and Security Crisis - April 2026
The Mwingi-Garissa road corridor has become the epicenter of deadly violence that has claimed multiple lives and disrupted transportation. Leaders from the North Eastern region have condemned the attacks, with the NLP demanding declaration of a national emergency over escalating incidents that threaten peaceful coexistence. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua is demanding urgent government action following a series of bandit attacks that claimed at least eight lives. MP Adan Keynan has called for the immediate arrest of perpetrators behind the surge in violent incidents along the route. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Mwingi over insecurity along the Tana River border, with residents disrupting transportation services. The Nairobi-Garissa highway has been closed for a second consecutive day due to demonstrations sparked by recent killings in Kitui, significantly disrupting travel and commerce.
JSC Nominates Justice Mohamed Warsame to Supreme Court - April 2026
The Judicial Service Commission has nominated Court of Appeal Judge Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame for appointment to the Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by the late Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim. Justice Warsame brings 32 years of experience in the legal profession, including his tenure at the Court of Appeal since 2012. The JSC concluded interviews for the vacant Supreme Court judge position and will announce a nominee within seven days, with the selected candidate to be forwarded to President William Ruto for appointment. This nomination follows the commission's commitment to begin publishing individual performance data for judges and judicial officers starting July 1, 2026, an initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the Judiciary.
School Fires Prompt Safety Concerns as Second Institution Closes - April 2026
Sacred Heart Girls' Secondary School in Mirithu, Limuru, has been indefinitely closed after a devastating dormitory fire that destroyed the facility. Parents have expressed concerns over potential additional costs and demanded a thorough investigation. This incident follows a separate fire at Dr Aggrey High School in Taita Taveta County, where students and teachers scrambled for safety during the afternoon of April 30. Additionally, a night fire razed a girls dormitory at Mirithu Girls High School while students were in evening classes, with preliminary reports suggesting an electrical fault as the cause. These incidents have raised serious questions about safety standards in educational institutions.
More from Thursday:
Friday
May 1
Ruto Announces Salary Increase for All Kenyan Workers - May 2026
President William Ruto announced a significant increase in minimum wages during the 2026 Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County. The celebrations marked the first time the national event was held outside Nairobi, taking place at Chavakali Boys High School. Workers across Kenya commemorated the 61st Labour Day celebrations with events held nationwide. However, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli demanded the administration expedite ratification of international labour conventions, citing broken promises. Separately, members of the National Assembly are demanding prosecution of employers who have failed to remit mandatory training levies to NITA.
Relief for Motorists as MOJA Expressway Suspends Toll Fees - May 2026
The Nairobi Expressway temporarily waived toll fees for motorists exiting via the Southern Bypass and Eastern Bypass (Exit A) due to severe flooding on Mombasa Road. Heavy overnight rains caused widespread flooding across Nairobi, rendering key transport routes impassable and disrupting daily life. A tragic head-on collision occurred along the Narok-Bomet highway, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. The Kenya Meteorological Department announced that heavy rains are expected to significantly ease by mid-May, providing respite after weeks of downpours.
Ruto Approves New Naivasha-Malaba SGR Station After Public Uproar - May 2026
President William Ruto has approved the construction of new railway stations along the Naivasha-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension, allocating Ksh 250 million for a station in Luanda, Vihiga County. This came after public outcry. The President also announced an extension of the Mau Summit-Malaba expressway, with tenders and construction set to begin before the end of the year, extending the highway to 300KM.
More from Friday:
Saturday
May 2
Workers Demand Fulfillment of Promises on Labour Day - May 2026
Kenya's Labour Day celebrations were marred by widespread discontent as teachers and healthcare workers expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises and delayed reforms. Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has clarified that the recently announced 12 per cent wage increase applies broadly to all workers, not just those earning the minimum wage, and has outlined its implications for Kenyan workers. Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri has criticized President William Ruto over unfulfilled promises to the nation, while teachers and healthcare workers have expressed frustration over reforms that are delayed and agreements that remain unfulfilled.
Police Arrest Woman in Dr Job Obwaka Death Investigation - May 2026
Police have arrested a 45-year-old woman as a person of interest in the death of veteran Nairobi Hospital gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka, who was 83 years old. The doctor collapsed in Kitengela on Friday evening while running personal errands and was pronounced dead on arrival at Nairobi Hospital. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) is mourning the death of the veteran obstetrician and gynaecologist who also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at The Nairobi Hospital. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praised Dr Obwaka as a courageous defender of institutional integrity following his sudden death, while Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also mourned his passing.
Heavy Rains Cause Fatalities and Transport Disruption Across Kenya - May 2026
Heavy rains across Kenya have resulted in at least 10 fatalities nationwide, with the Eastern region bearing the brunt of the impact. A section of the Iten-Kabarnet Road has been blocked by a landslide near Kolol due to heavy rainfall, causing significant disruption to transport. Intense rainfall has also caused severe flooding in several areas, submerging homes in Syokimau, Kiambu, and Nairobi, with swept-away vehicles and submerged businesses reported. The National Police Service reported the casualties and significant infrastructure damage as thousands continue to flee their homes.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
May 3
Thieves Break Into 3 Churches, Steal Ksh1 Million in Goods - May 2026
Three churches in Kirinyaga County have suffered significant losses after a robbery incident that occurred on the night of Saturday, May 2. Thieves broke into the sanctuaries, stealing property valued at over Ksh1 million and desecrating sacred items. In a separate security incident, authorities intercepted a Nairobi-bound passenger bus carrying a significant cache of ammunition and suspected government stores along the Thika–Garissa Highway. A bus ferrying ammunition from Lamu to Nairobi was also intercepted.
Gov’t Maps 59 Tana River Flood Zones as Death Toll Rises to 18 - May 2026
Kenya's Government has identified 59 flood-prone areas in Tana River County as rising water levels from the Seven Forks Dam escalate risks. The nationwide death toll from ongoing floods has tragically climbed to 18. Separately, the Machakos County government has announced impending demolitions of houses built on riparian land to combat flooding, following heavy rains that have caused widespread damage and loss of life in the region. These developments highlight the escalating flood crisis affecting multiple counties across Kenya.
Transport Paralysed Along Northern Bypass as Protests Erupt - May 2026
Transport along the Northern Bypass was disrupted as Marurui squatters protested alleged land grabbing by a private developer. The demonstrators blocked the road, vowing to remain on the disputed land. Meanwhile, residents of Kangemi are concerned about a significant crack that has appeared on the Kangemi inbound slip road along Waiyaki Way, raising fears about the road's structural integrity. Additionally, Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed delays in its new digital patient data system, leading to some patients being stranded, though the hospital denied reports of a complete system collapse.