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.
Strife Within ODM Party Over Cooperation with President Ruto's UDA - January 2026
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed is facing internal strife within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over his support for cooperation with President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. This stance has caused friction and put him at odds with other party factions. Concurrently, Makadara MP George Aladwa has publicly dismissed political meetings led by a faction including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo. Aladwa accused these leaders of undermining party unity and attempting to "auction the party." These divisions are surfacing as the ODM considers potential coalition talks, including with President Ruto's UDA.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
January 13
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More from Thursday:
Friday
January 16
Authorities Seize Illegal Goods, Arrest Officials in Graft Case, and Recover Firearms - January 2026
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) intercepted a shipment of illegal goods, specifically contraband cigarettes valued at Ksh280 million, at the Port of Mombasa. In a separate operation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested four former Homa Bay County officials on January 16 over alleged procurement irregularities totaling Ksh 348 million. Additionally, the National Police Service (NPS) announced that nine illegal firearms were surrendered in Tana River County as part of a voluntary disarmament exercise. This initiative is under the government’s ongoing amnesty programme aimed at restoring peace in insecure areas.
IPOA Investigates Police Assault on Youths in Nandi Hills After Viral CCTV Footage - January 2026
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into a viral CCTV video from Nandi Hills showing police officers assaulting young men. The incident, which occurred at a pool hall on January 10, 2026, sparked widespread online condemnation. The footage depicts at least eight officers forcing the youths to lie down and then demanding their national identity cards. The young men were instructed to hold the IDs in their mouths while being caned. In response to the public outrage, IPOA dispatched a Rapid Investigations Team.
KeNHA Announces Nairobi Road Closures and Disruptions for Highway Projects - January 2026
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced significant traffic disruptions for a major road expansion project along the 27-kilometre stretch from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to James Gichuru. The works, which commenced on Thursday, January 15, aim to enhance safety and reduce congestion. KeNHA also announced the temporary closure of parts of Uhuru Highway and the Haile Selassie Roundabout in Nairobi City for road maintenance. This closure is scheduled from Friday, January 16, to Sunday, January 18, 2026, occurring in intervals between 10 pm and 5 am.
More from Friday:
Saturday
January 17
Yoweri Museveni Wins 7th Presidential Term Amidst Violence and Opposition's Rejection of Results - January 2026
Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of Uganda's presidential election, securing his seventh term with 71.65 percent of the vote. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, rejected the provisional results, calling them "fabricated" and "fake." Bobi Wine reported that security forces raided his home and he escaped, but his wife and family remain under house arrest. Following the elections, violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters resulted in at least 12 confirmed deaths in central Uganda and the capital, Kampala. The Pan-African Solidarity Group, a coalition of civil society organizations, condemned the violence, reporting over 13 people were killed and accusing the Ugandan government of state-sponsored manipulation.
Government Reserves 10,000 Acres for Military Camps as KDF Emphasizes New Strategies - January 2026
The National Land Commission has officially reserved over 10,000 acres of land in Garissa and Tana River counties for military use, as gazetted on January 16, 2026. In a separate development, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) leaders are emphasizing the critical role of cultural intelligence as a "force multiplier" in modern conflict resolution. This strategic focus aligns with evolving global security dynamics. Furthermore, the KDF and National Police Service continue to justify strict physical recruitment requirements, such as those for height and dental health, for reasons of operational readiness and equipment handling.
President Ruto Initiates Government Appointments and Announces New International Airport - January 2026
President William Ruto has initiated a wave of reappointments to critical government positions across Kenyan state corporations and public institutions. As part of these changes, the President appointed former Mining Chief Administrative Secretary John Kipngetich Mosonik as the new Chancellor of Rongo University for a five-year term. Several cabinet secretaries also made significant appointments within their ministries. President Ruto also announced that construction of a new world-class airport will commence in April or early May 2026. This project aims to boost the country's national infrastructure and alleviate congestion at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
More from Saturday:
Sunday
January 18
Kenyan Political Leaders Outline Strategies and Launch Programs - January 2026
President William Ruto outlined his 2027 political strategy at a meeting in Nyeri, emphasizing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party's focus on collaboration with other parties to build a strong political force. In a separate development, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga vowed to lead tough negotiations with the UDA ahead of the 2027 General Election, insisting ODM must secure a fair deal. In Kirinyaga County, Woman Representative Njeri Maina launched a new Sh15 million skills and empowerment drive, the Tupange Kesho Program. This initiative will provide over 2,000 youths with funding and TVET sponsorship. The program's goal is to economically empower young people and reduce unemployment in the county.
Political Parties Including ODM, UDA, and DCP Face Internal Struggles - January 2026
The ODM party, led by Oburu Oginga, is reportedly facing a critical decline as he pursues a political deal with President William Ruto, leading to fears the party is weakening. Critics suggest ODM is suffering from indecisiveness under Oginga's leadership. Concurrently, President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party is struggling to conduct credible grassroots elections, prompting the President to order a repeat of polls in areas with low turnout or failures. In another development, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is experiencing an exodus of members. These defections are attributed to cash, bullying, and betrayal, contradicting claims of the party's strength in the Mt Kenya region.
AFC Leopards, Oilers & KPA Secure Wins in Kenyan Domestic Leagues - January 2026
AFC Leopards returned to the SportPesa Premier League summit after defeating APS Bomet 2-1 with two stoppage-time goals at Nyayo Stadium, propelling them three points clear. In the Kenya Cup rugby derby, the Menengai Oilers triumphed over Nakuru RFC with a 43-7 victory at the ASK Nakuru Showground, marking their fourth consecutive win against their rivals. In the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Kenya Cup, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) defeated Administration Police of Kenya (AP-Kenya) 3-0 at Nyayo Gymnasium. In another volleyball match, Eldoret Water and Sewerage Company (Eldowas) secured a win against Trailblazers Volleyball Club.