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
Murkomen Vows Crackdown on Hate-Fuelled Political Violence After Artist Wandetto Attack - May 2026
Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed a crackdown on political violence following a brutal attack on artist Rachel Wandetto, who was reportedly doused with petrol and set on fire on May 16 in Mwiki, Kasarani, allegedly due to her political views. This attack followed another incident where a woman identified as Rachael Muthoni was allegedly attacked and doused in petrol over a tattoo of President William Ruto's image. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi condemned what he called the "barbaric petrol attack" on Muthoni, linking it to the tattoo incident involving the President. Meanwhile, former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici is challenging what she calls "imposed leaders" and gender-based political messaging in the county's 2027 elections, warning against using gender politics tovetica political outcomes.
Kenyan Goes to High Court Seeking Halt to Fuel Price Increase - May 2026
A Kenyan citizen has approached the High Court seeking to halt the recent increase in fuel prices. Meanwhile, opposition leaders led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have strongly criticized the government over significant fuel price increases in Kiambu County. In response, leaders from Kenya Kwanza and ODM have defended the government amidst opposition criticism regarding the high cost of fuel. Additionally, bus and matatu operators are threatening to halt transport services starting Monday, citing unresolved grievances with the government, which many observers link to rising fuel costs.