January 12 - January 18, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, January 12 to Sunday, January 18, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
January 12
ODM Holds Central Committee Meeting Amid Internal Rifts and 2027 Strategy Discussions - January 2026
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a Central Management Committee meeting in Kilifi County, chaired by Senator Oburu Oginga, to address internal wrangles and shape the party's future. The meeting proceeded amidst deepening party rifts, with senior figures including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Senators Godfrey Osotsi, Odour Ong’wen, and Ledama Ariko boycotting the event. The wrangles are reportedly over leadership and strategy for the 2027 General Election. Following the meeting on Monday, January 12, ODM announced plans to initiate structured political negotiations with various formations, including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Senator Oginga emphasized a member-driven approach to address the growing divisions within the party.
Kenyan Teams & Athletes Secure Victories in Golf, Polo, Athletics, and Football - January 2026
Kenyan teams and athletes achieved significant wins across several sports. In golf, Duncan Kivuitu successfully defended his title at the Minet golf tournament held at the Karen Country Club. In polo, the Mgamery team, led by Amani Nzomo, secured a dominant 8-1 victory over NPC in the Davis Cup final at Nairobi Polo Club. On the international stage, Kenya defended its overall title at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, topping the medal table with nine medals. In local football, AFC Leopards seized the top spot in the SportPesa Premier League after defeating Tusker 4-0 at Nyayo Stadium. This win, fueled by Samuel Ssenyonjo’s hat-trick, moved them three points clear after rivals Gor Mahia drew 0-0.
Eliud Owalo Resigns to Challenge Ruto in 2027 Presidential Election - January 2026
Eliud Owalo has declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections, positioning himself to challenge President William Ruto. Hours after his announcement, Owalo resigned from his role as Deputy Chief of Staff in Ruto's administration, stating his presidential bid made his position untenable. The declaration was dismissed by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo as "hot air" and "politically unrealistic" without major party backing. Meanwhile, President William Ruto began a tour of the Mt Kenya region, where he challenged the opposition for the 2027 elections, stating it will be a contest of records.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
January 13
Misconduct & Failures Involving Police and Prison Officers Investigated - January 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is searching for a traffic police officer who fled an anti-bribery operation along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, an incident where three other officers from Kyumbi Traffic Police Base were arrested. In a separate case, the Director of Public Prosecutions secured the conviction of prison officers for their involvement in the 2021 escape of terrorist inmates from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, which the court found was a planned event. Elsewhere, medics from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital protested at Eldoret Central Police Station over the killing of their colleague, Richard Rotich. The medics accused security agencies of failing to protect frontline workers and demanded action.
Govt Pursues Airport Expansions and Reallocates Prison Land for Housing - January 2026
Kenya is reviving a Ksh 250 billion mega expansion plan for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to solidify its status as a regional aviation hub, with the project being led by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). Complementing this, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir urged the national government to redevelop Moi International Airport, possibly through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), citing its neglect. In a separate national development initiative, the State Department for Correctional Services is realigning its priorities under Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. The plan includes releasing prison land to support the government's Affordable Housing Programme and to increase food production.
Zambia Seeks IEBC Support for 2026 Elections as Uganda Shuts Down Internet - January 2026
A delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) visited Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for a peer learning and benchmarking tour. This visit is to help strengthen Zambia's electoral process ahead of its August 2026 general election, especially after adopting a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system. In neighboring Uganda, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services. The directive, effective January 13, 2026, aims to curb misinformation and prevent incitement to violence during the country's presidential and parliamentary elections.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
January 14
ODM Seeks UDA Coalition and Navigates Post-Raila Leadership Changes - January 2026
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is holding its first major public rally in Kibera since the death of its founder, Raila Odinga, to discuss the party's future and potential coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This move is part of a proactive strategy to seek a pre-election coalition with President William Ruto's UDA for the 2027 General Election. While these strategic talks are underway, ODM Deputy Party leader Otiende Amollo has refuted claims that the Luo community will support Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka in 2027. Internally, the coalition is experiencing tension as seven Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya affiliate parties are demanding the immediate removal of National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed from all leadership positions. The parties cite what they term "reckless and defamatory utterances" as the reason for their demand.
Kenya Railways Demolishes Property for AFCON; Plot Alleged to Repossess Nairobi Stalls - January 2026
Kenya Railways has announced it will conduct further demolitions in Nairobi as it repossesses land for new railway infrastructure vital for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This follows a dawn demolition operation that flattened multiple structures and vehicles on Douglas Wakiiuri Road, opposite Rubis Nyayo Stadium. The demolished properties included a carwash and other businesses belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who later inspected the site. In a separate development concerning business premises in the city, Irungu Nyakera, an ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has alleged a plot by Nairobi County to repossess market stalls after a recent data collection exercise.
Government and US Embassy Issue Alerts on Fraud, Protests, and Citizen Safety - January 2026
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an urgent alert warning the public about a fraudulent recruitment scheme for ranger positions that is circulating online. In a separate security notice, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya warned its citizens about a planned demonstration in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 14. The protest was expected to take place near the embassy's premises in the Gigiri neighbourhood. Meanwhile, to enhance the protection of its citizens abroad, the Kenyan government has launched a 24-hour toll-free emergency hotline for Kenyans in Saudi Arabia. This initiative by the Kenya Consulate in Jeddah aims to provide immediate consular support for those in distress.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
January 15
UDA Authorizes ODM Coalition Talks and Orders Repeat Grassroots Polls - January 2026
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is moving to formalise a coalition with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at State House, Nairobi, UDA has authorized President William Ruto to initiate negotiations with ODM to strengthen political cooperation. The NEC, chaired by President Ruto, also decided that the party will conduct repeat grassroots elections within 30 days. These repeat polls are scheduled for polling centers where voting was inadequate or did not take place during the initial exercise.
MPs Koimburi and Nyoro Announce Splits from DCP and UDA Parties - January 2026
Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi has announced his departure from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), stating he plans to join President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Koimburi cited corruption, intimidation, and the sidelining of long-serving members as reasons for leaving DCP. In response, the DCP has vehemently denied Koimburi’s claims, with Secretary-General Hezron Obaga asserting that the MP was never a member of the party. In a separate development, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has publicly criticized the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing a split due to the party's perceived abandonment of key economic and education promises made during the 2022 campaign.
EACC Freezes Governor Wamatangi's Accounts; Finland Scholarship Case Resumes - January 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured court orders to freeze bank accounts linked to Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi. The High Court action freezes five bank accounts belonging to six companies and also affects 12 others, including the governor's family, as part of a Ksh813 million civil recovery case over alleged graft. The accounts are set to remain frozen until February 4, 2026. In a separate legal matter, the trial for the Sh1.1 billion Finland Education Scholarship program has resumed in Nakuru. Senator Jackson Mandago and his co-accused, Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono, face charges related to the alleged unlawful diversion of public resources from the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education Trust Fund.
More from Thursday:
Friday
January 16
Security Agencies Act Against Extortion, Illegal Arms, and Human-Wildlife Conflict - January 2026
A blogger, who is a former President of Bunge la Mwananchi, has been arrested and charged with attempting to extort money from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) by using court documents. In a separate incident involving the agency, KWS killed a predatory crocodile in Turkana County near Lodwar town that had been terrorizing residents and livestock. This action followed an attack on a resident in Kalokal amid rising human-wildlife conflict. Concurrently, the National Police Service (NPS) announced that nine illegal firearms were surrendered in Tana River County as part of a voluntary disarmament exercise under the government's ongoing amnesty programme.
Kenya Engages in International Trade, Diplomacy, and Consular Affairs - January 2026
Kenya has secured an "early harvest" trade agreement with China that allows 98.2 percent of Kenyan exports to enter the Chinese market at zero duty. This landmark deal aims to boost Kenya's competitiveness and diversify its export basket. On the diplomatic front, former President Uhuru Kenyatta is in Lomé, Togo, participating in a high-level summit to address the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In a separate international case, a 20-year-old Kenyan man, Anthony Mwangi, faces a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence in Thailand for using an irregular passport. His family in Nakuru is appealing to the Kenyan government for intervention.
Kenyan Parties Engage in By-Election, Internal Politics and Election Petition Hearing - January 2026
The Jubilee Party has nominated Hon. Bina Mohamed Tubi as its candidate for the upcoming Isiolo South Constituency by-election on February 26, 2026. This sets up a rivalry where she will challenge her brother, who is the candidate for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. In a separate electoral matter, the formal hearing of a petition challenging the election of Leo Wa Muthende as Mbeere North Member of Parliament is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026. Amid these events, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has issued a warning to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) regarding internal conflicts. He asserted that the party risks weakening itself and urged members to prioritize unity, stating, “The elections are in 2027, not February 2026.”