May 18 - May 24, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, May 18 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
May 18
Transport Operators Paralyze Operations Over Record Fuel Price Hike - May 2026
Kenya's transport sector commenced a nationwide shutdown from midnight after 14 industry groups announced no vehicles would operate until the government reverses record-high fuel price increases. Major public transport operators across Kenya suspended services on Monday, May 18, in a nationwide protest against record fuel prices, causing widespread commuter disruption and fears of economic paralysis. Chaos erupted in Nairobi's CBD on Monday as police clashed with protestors and a nationwide transport strike over fuel prices paralysed the capital. The strike, which began early on May 18, 2026, saw a drastic reduction in operating matatus, leaving thousands of commuters stranded on the Thika Superhighway. At the same time, the demonstrations led to widespread destruction and looting, paralyzing transport operations across the country with at least two people killed in Kiambu and Nakuru as protests turned deadly.
Kenyan Leaders Clash Over Rising Fuel Prices - May 2026
Opposition leaders, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have strongly criticized the government over a significant increase in fuel prices across the country. Leaders from Kenya Kwanza and ODM have defended the government amidst the criticism. A Nairobi-based activist has filed a High Court petition to halt the recent fuel price increases, citing illegality and significant economic harm to Kenyans. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged until the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority review on June 14, amidst ongoing transport disruptions caused by a matatu strike.
Murkomen Vows Crackdown on Hate-Fuelled Political Violence After Artist Wandetto Attack - May 2026
Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja have ordered a swift investigation after a female gospel singer was severely attacked and set on fire in Mwiki, with the incident potentially linked to political motives. Gospel artiste Rachel Wandeto died after being doused with petrol and set ablaze, an act reportedly linked to her political beliefs. President William Ruto has vowed justice for Rachel Wandetto, a woman who tragically died after being set on fire over tattoos of the President and pro-government messages on her body. Murkomen has vowed that justice will be served for the disturbing incident, with the attack occurring on May 16 in Mwiki, Kasarani.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
May 19
Matatu strike to continue as govt, operators fail to agree on fuel price cuts - May 2026
A nationwide matatu strike continues as government officials and matatu operators failed to reach an agreement on fuel price cuts Monday, May 18, 2026. However, the strike was suspended for one week following negotiations, allowing for high-level talks to continue between now and Tuesday, May 26. Super Metro announced it will lower bus fares after a temporary agreement secured a Ksh10 per litre reduction in diesel prices, with another Ksh10 drop expected next week. The Matatu Owners Association and digital cab operators agreed to resume normal public transport operations across the country. Meanwhile, a sector official publicly contradicted government ministers regarding a supposed agreement on fuel prices, stating 'With All Due Respect, There's No Deal'. Additionally, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi suggested that achieving cheaper fuel for matatus might necessitate increased prices for kerosene.
LSK wants IPOA to probe protest deaths and Central OCS's arrest - May 2026
The Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group are demanding an investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority into alleged intimidation and the arrest of Nairobi Central Police Station commander Chief Inspector Angoya, who reportedly released 64 protesters on police bond. The Officer Commanding Station at Nairobi's Central Police Station, Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya, was arrested for allegedly releasing 64 fuel protest suspects without authority. The OCS has been hospitalized after his arrest concerning the release of fuel protest detainees. Kibera Law Courts have released 220 suspects arrested during recent fuel price protests on a Sh5,000 cash bail each, charged with obstructing traffic after allegedly barricading Moi Avenue on May 18. Several youths have been arrested in connection with recent protests.
Four killed, 348 arrested in nationwide protests over high fuel costs - May 2026
Nationwide protests over soaring fuel costs on Monday resulted in the deaths of four people and the arrest of 348 individuals, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Four people have been confirmed dead and over 30 others injured following protests that erupted in Kenya, with journalists also looted during the violence. Protests against fuel price hikes in Kitengela, Kajiado County, turned violent as unidentified individuals reportedly took control, leading to widespread destruction and looting. The Machakos and Kitui counties became a scene of cat-and-mouse games between police and protesters. Nairobi was engulfed in chaos following nationwide protests by matatu operators against soaring fuel prices, with several shops in Westlands forced to close. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations launched an investigation after a United Democratic Alliance politician's car was torched along Thika Road.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
May 20
PSV Strike Disrupts Healthcare, Triggers Business Losses and Legal Action - May 2026
A nationwide Public Service Vehicle strike driven by soaring fuel prices severely disrupted healthcare services across Kenya, leaving patients struggling to reach hospitals. The Law Society of Kenya subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration's new fuel prices, citing an opaque pricing formula and mismanagement of the Sh5 billion Petroleum Development Levy Fund. Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appealed to financial institutions for loan relief for matatu operators following the strike, which was suspended for a week of negotiations with the government. Kenyan businesses are tallying significant losses following the protests against rising fuel prices, which were marred by looting and destruction of property.
Interior Ministry Details Police Reforms, Recruitment Plan Ahead of 2027 Elections - May 2026
Kenya's government is implementing sweeping reforms within the National Police Service to improve officer discipline, welfare, and operational effectiveness, addressing public concerns over police brutality. The Ministry of Interior is simultaneously seeking a supplementary budget of approximately Ksh2 billion to boost police recruitment and enhance officer welfare, aiming to address critical gaps in the National Police Service ahead of next year's General Election. Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat announced significant senior police transfers impacting traffic command and regional leadership, describing these changes as routine administrative adjustments. Separately, Siaya Governor James Orengo is calling for an urgent independent investigation into alleged police brutality during recent anti-government protests, citing excessive force and violations of constitutional rights.
KRA Leadership Changes Trigger Legal Challenges - May 2026
Adan Mohamed has been officially sworn in as the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority following his appointment, succeeding previous leadership. However, the appointment has been challenged in court, with legal proceedings questioning the process. Separately, the Kenya Revenue Authority is proposing to advance the tax filing deadline from June 30 to April 30, citing improved taxpayer systems and a growing tax base, and has been sending messages to businesses regarding this change.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
May 21
Nationwide Matatu Strike Suspended After Fuel Price Protests - May 2026
The nationwide matatu strike in Kenya has been suspended for one week following crucial meetings aimed at addressing operator concerns over rising fuel prices. The Kenyan government is targeting a deal with Matatu operators by Friday, May 23, to end fuel price protests. A nationwide matatu strike is underway across Kenya as operators protest the recent surge in fuel prices, with the Mt Kenya region emerging as a new hotspot for anti-government demonstrations. The Motorists Association of Kenya has accused leaders from the PSV and Transport Sector subsectors of betraying a transport alliance by suspending the strike without full consultation. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has stated that no further immediate fuel price cuts are expected despite ongoing talks with public transport operators, pointing to a recent reduction in diesel prices.
Rights Groups Issue 40-Day Ultimatum Over Gender-Based Violence Crisis - May 2026
A coalition of Kenyan rights groups has issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government to address the escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, threatening nationwide protests and legal action if demands are not met. Several advocacy groups are urging the Kenyan government to officially declare gender-based violence a national disaster in response to increasing incidents of violence and killings against women. Women in Nandi County held a peaceful protest against the alarming rise in femicide incidents across Kenya. A taxi driver has been arrested in connection with the arson attack that tragically killed gospel singer Racheal Muthoni, while a group of women in Nairobi are demanding justice for the late gospel artist Rachael Wandeto, who died following severe burns. The family of the murdered gospel singer has denied viral social media claims that a tattoo was the reason for their relative's death.
Rachel Ruto Highlights Need for Greater Autism Support in Kenya - May 2026
Kenyan First Lady Rachel Ruto visited the Asyl Miras Center in Astana, Kazakhstan, highlighting Kenya's need for greater support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. She drew inspiration from the comprehensive model of the Asyl Miras Center in Astana, Kazakhstan. Kenya and Kazakhstan have forged a new partnership aimed at transforming trade and investment ties into concrete commercial agreements during President William Ruto's state visit, which saw leaders and business executives from both nations lay out a roadmap for cooperation.
More from Thursday:
Friday
May 22
Matatu Operators Call Off Strike After Talks with Ruto - May 2026
Matatu operators have called off their planned strike after successful negotiations with President William Ruto, averting potential transport disruptions. The CEO of the Federation of Public Transport, Kushien Muchiri, apologized after admitting that criminal elements and politicians infiltrated their protests and torched vehicles. Kennedy Kaunda, the viral figure behind the "with all due respect" statement during protests, was notably absent from the meeting between Ruto and transport operators in Mombasa. President Ruto summoned transport sector stakeholders to Mombasa for urgent high-level talks aimed at averting the nationwide strike scheduled for next week.
Ruto Orders EPRA to Make Fuel Price Cut, Sets Deadline - May 2026
President William Ruto has ordered a Ksh10 price cut on diesel for the June-July period to stabilize pump prices and ease the burden on consumers. This decision follows discussions with public transport operators regarding recent fuel price increases. Ruto announced a significant reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16% to 8%. The president also admonished Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro to cease political opportunism regarding the fuel price crisis, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority is simultaneously launching a biofuel blending program to reduce Kenya's reliance on imported fuel and stabilize prices.
Ruto Launches Coast Land Drive, Issues 33,000 Title Deeds - May 2026
President William Ruto has launched a significant land initiative at the Coast, issuing 33,000 title deeds and pledging mass resettlement to resolve decades-old land ownership disputes and resettle thousands of families. Ruto defended his administration's investment initiatives at the Coast during a development tour, stating the region has been neglected due to 'retrogressive politics of discrimination.' President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also inspected the ongoing construction of the Kwale-Kinango Road as part of the government's infrastructure development push in Kwale County.
More from Friday:
Saturday
May 23
Matatu Operators Initiate Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Costs - May 2026
Matatu operators across Kenya have initiated a nationwide strike, leaving commuters to fend for themselves as transport services halt. The protest is a direct response to escalating fuel prices, significantly impacting the cost of operation. Fifty-seven protesters arrested during the matatu operators' strike in Machakos Town have been released on bail. They were arrested on Monday and Tuesday. The public transport strike has been officially suspended following discussions between President William Ruto and sector leaders, with President Ruto announcing a reduction in diesel prices.
Kenya Heightens Ebola Preparedness Amid Regional Outbreak Concerns - May 2026
Kenya is enhancing its Ebola preparedness and emergency response measures due to the recent outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures for the Ebola virus following an outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The Ministry of Health has put in place emergency response systems to prevent any potential spread into the country. The Congo national football team faces a mandatory 21-day isolation period in Belgium before entering the United States for the World Cup due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in their home country.
Law Society of Kenya Advocates for PAYE Reforms in Finance Bill - May 2026
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and tax advisory firms are advocating for significant cuts to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) rates and a higher tax-free salary threshold in the Finance Bill 2026. Sharon Kisire has been appointed as the new Vice Chairperson of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), effective May 21, 2026. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is developing a new university admission system to align with the competency-based education (CBE) curriculum for the first cohort transitioning in 2029.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
May 24
NTSA Warns Motorists Over Fraudulent Traffic Violation SMS - May 2026
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a warning regarding a rise in fraudulent SMS messages targeting Kenyans, with these fake messages falsely claiming individuals owe traffic violation fines and directing them to suspicious payment links. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released a step-by-step guide for taxpayers to update their phone numbers on the iTax portal following login issues related to One-Time Passwords (OTPs). Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has established Ad hoc Committees to assess six townships for elevation to town status, a move aimed at spurring urban development and enhancing service delivery.
EACC Recommends Prosecution of Kajiado County Officials Over Sh463m Graft - May 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recommended the prosecution of two senior Kajiado County officials and several company directors for alleged graft totaling Sh463 million. The implicated officials are a former Legal Advisor to the Governor and the current Chief Officer for Finance. A Kenyan lobby group, Centre for Multiparty Democracy-Kenya (CMD-Kenya), has filed an urgent petition at the High Court against the National Treasury and Parliament over the alleged persistent underfunding of the Political Parties Fund. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar has issued an apology following public outcry over remarks he made that were perceived as fueling ethnic division.
Security Agencies Foil Terror Plot on Garissa-Dadaab Road - May 2026
Security agencies have successfully foiled a suspected terror attack after intercepting a suspect carrying an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Garissa-Dadaab Road on Saturday, May 23. A suspect, identified as Nasire Best, was killed in a gunfight with Secret Service agents outside the White House on Saturday evening after opening fire, having a documented history of mental health conditions and prior encounters with law enforcement. Questions are being raised over the death of Brian Njunge Ndungu, a Kiambu National Polytechnic student, who reportedly died by suicide in police custody at the Kiambu police station under unclear circumstances.