September 14 - September 20, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, September 14 to Sunday, September 20, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
September 14
Police warns against revenge and hatred ahead of 2027 - September 2026
Kenya's Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Masengeli has issued a stern warning against revenge, hatred, and violence as the nation approaches the 2027 General Election, urging Kenyans to reject retaliatory actions and focus on national unity. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission is urging stakeholders to implement early measures to prevent election-related conflicts. President William Ruto has warned Kenyan political leaders against promoting chaos and violence, stating the nation has no space for leaders seeking to destabilize it, while urging opposition leaders to present a clear agenda for the 2027 General Election.
Scores Dead After Bus Collides With Car Along Busy Highway - September 2026
Five people have been confirmed dead following a head-on collision between an Easy Coach bus and a private car on the Gilgil-Nakuru highway on Sunday night, September 13. The accident occurred at Kikopey on the Nakuru-Naivasha highway when a saloon car collided with a passenger bus, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants of the private car. Nairobi's Central Business District experienced relative calm on Sunday despite heavy police presence and earlier planned restrictions for Linda Mwananchi rallies.
Gachagua says opposition has 'locked' Nairobi ahead of 2027 - September 2026
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims the opposition has solidified its control over Nairobi's political landscape, positioning it as a key battleground for the 2027 General Election. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has set critical deadlines for political parties to submit nomination rules and election-related documents. Separately, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has urged residents to maintain peace and avoid political violence as election campaigns intensify, emphasizing that political disagreements should not escalate into conflict, property destruction, injuries, or loss of life.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
September 15
Martin Kimani named UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa - September 2026
Kenyan diplomat Martin Kimani has been appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, marking a significant international role for Kenya. The appointment was announced on Monday, September 14, representing a prominent diplomatic achievement for the country. Ambassador Kimani's role will focus on fostering peace across the African continent. At the same time, Kenya is pursuing strategic infrastructure financing, with the National Treasury in talks with the China Development Bank for additional funding to boost infrastructure projects across the country. Kenya has also presented 13 priority infrastructure projects to global investors at the Global Infrastructure Cooperation Conference 2026 in Seoul, South Korea, seeking long-term financing.
Court Rules Retired Presidents Cannot Hold Political Party Office Beyond Six Months - September 2026
The High Court in Nairobi has ruled that retired presidents are barred from holding leadership positions in political parties for longer than six months after leaving the presidency. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has accepted this High Court ruling, paving the way for a leadership handover in the Jubilee Party. This court decision represents a major blow to Uhuru ahead of the 2027 elections, reshaping political party structures. In related political developments, President William Ruto has stated that Kenyans will not compromise the nation's future in the 2027 general election by choosing leaders without a clear vision or proven track record.
21 Counties Put on Alert Ahead of El Niño Rains as Ministry Issues Advisory - September 2026
The Ministry of Health has identified 21 counties in Kenya as being at high risk of disease outbreaks due to anticipated above-normal rainfall from October to December, linked to El Niño weather patterns. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority forecasts continued rainfall in Coastal, Rift Valley, and Western regions, attributed to the Madden-Julian Oscillation tropical weather system currently in phases one and two. In response, Kenya is set to host the Kenya Public Health International Conference, KEPHIC 2026, from October 27 to 29 in Nairobi, focusing on disease prevention, pandemic preparedness, and climate-related health risks. The Kiambu County Government is also defending its piglet distribution program against accusations that it contributed to an African Swine Fever outbreak that has killed 1,470 pigs on over 20 farms since mid-May.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
September 16
Ruto Intensifies Attacks on Uhuru, Accuses Him of Undermining Government Agenda - September 2026
President William Ruto has intensified his attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of sponsoring opposition leaders and hindering his government's development agenda during tours of Migori and Siaya counties. Ruto labelled Kenyatta a 'rebel leader' for refusing to act as a statesman and urged Siaya Governor James Orengo to stop being used to oppose government programs, claiming he was a puppet of Uhuru. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hit back at Ruto, asserting that Kenyatta is not Ruto's opponent in the 2027 election. Ruto predicted a 2027 landslide victory for the Broad-Based Government while accusing Uhuru of using the Siaya governor to undermine government projects.
Obado Faces Sentencing in Sharon Otieno Murder Case After Delays - September 2026
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado is facing sentencing at the Milimini High Court in the Sharon Otieno murder case, nearly eight years after the Rongo University student's death. The sentencing has been adjourned to November 27 after the victim's family requested a Dholuo interpreter for their court presentation. Sharon's mother has pleaded with the court to spare Obado a death or life sentence, citing forgiveness and a desire for him to support Sharon's children. The court issued new directives as the sentencing proceedings continue with delays.
IEBC Launches Enhanced Voter Registration Drive in Ol-Kalou Constituency - September 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced an extended voter registration drive in Ol-Kalou Constituency, running from September 16th until October 20th, in preparation for the 2027 General Election. The commission is undergoing a strategic review of its communication and voter education frameworks to prepare for the upcoming election. An opposition coalition is calling for the removal of the national tallying centre ahead of the 2027 General Election, asserting its unconstitutionality. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged that Kenya's 2027 General Election will be free, fair, secure, peaceful, and credible.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
September 17
Senior Police Officer Dies in Bandit Attack, Months After Haiti Mission - September 2026
A senior Kenyan police officer, reportedly having recently served in Haiti, was among five people killed in a suspected bandit attack in Gotu, Isiolo County. The attack also claimed the lives of two anti-stock theft officers. Following the incident, protests erupted in Isiolo town, leading to the blockage of the Isiolo-Moyale Highway. Meanwhile, Gideon Moi called for urgent security action, while Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit condemned both the attack and rising political goonism. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that 1,189 individuals have been sentenced for offenses related to political violence and goonism since 2022.
Government Calls for Stronger Protection of Kenyans Working Abroad - September 2026
The Kenyan government is advocating for enhanced protections for its citizens working abroad due to prevalent issues such as fraudulent recruitment, human trafficking, and unfair labor practices. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is urging Kenyans seeking overseas employment to verify all job offers through official government channels to prevent exploitation and trafficking. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has issued an arrest warrant for Elizaphan Michira, accused of running a fake jobs scam targeting Kenyans seeking employment in Canada.
High Court Grants Political Parties, Observers Access to IEBC Election Records - September 2026
The High Court has granted political parties and accredited election observers the right to access and examine electoral records and data held by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Additionally, the High Court has declared parts of Kenya's Public-Private Partnerships Act unconstitutional, ruling that Parliament must have oversight over PPP projects creating financial obligations for the national government, with the declaration suspended for six months. Separately, a High Court in Vihiga revoked a man's grant to administer his late father's estate for failing to include his daughters in succession proceedings, finding the omission to be fraudulent concealment.
More from Thursday:
Friday
September 18
Government steps up El Niño preparedness as 18 counties on high alert - September 2026
The Kenyan Government is intensifying preparedness for the October-November-December 2026 rainy season, anticipating potential El Niño conditions with 18 counties on high alert due to expected heavy rains and flooding risks. Residents of Garissa are being urged to take advantage of the ongoing El Niño season by planting trees to protect and conserve the environment. In Malindi, residents living in flood-prone areas have been urged to relocate to safer grounds in anticipation of the El Niño rains.
Petrol tanker explodes along Eldoret-Webuye highway - September 2026
A petrol tanker exploded along the Eldoret-Webuye road near Paul Boit High School on Thursday night, resulting in a mass casualty incident with at least two people confirmed dead and more than ten others seriously injured. The explosion occurred near Paul Boit Secondary School in Turbo constituency, Uasin Gishu county. Emergency services were on-site responding to the situation. In a separate incident, a matatu driver has been charged with causing the deaths of three people in a crash on Enterprise Road in Nairobi on June 3, 2026, accused of dangerous driving in a style known as 'Manyoka'.
Ida unveils committee to steer Raila's first anniversary commemoration - September 2026
Ida Odinga has unveiled a national steering committee, led by Professor Adams Oloo, to coordinate the commemoration of her late husband Raila Odinga's first anniversary. The committee will organize a week-long series of national events, including the launch of a democracy centre and a leadership academy in his honour. Ida emphasized that the celebrations belong to all Kenyans. Organizers have issued a stern warning that "goons" will not be permitted at the national events. Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025.
More from Friday:
Saturday
September 19
Mt Kenya Elders Endorse Kindiki as Region's Spokesman - September 2026
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been officially endorsed as the Mt Kenya region’s spokesman by over 50,000 elders who gathered at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County on September 19, 2026. The endorsement was marked by a ceremonial handover of power instruments to him by elders. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku officially relinquished the symbolic "axe" representing division within the Mt Kenya Region, embracing a new mandate focused on reconciliation and national unity. Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua's plan to vet President William Ruto's loyalists after a significant victory in the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election appears to have collapsed, marking a shift in the region's political dynamics.
Helicopter Struck Rock Near Mount Ololokwe Summit - September 2026
A preliminary investigation into the August 19 helicopter crash in Samburu County has revealed the aircraft struck a rock near Mount Ololokwe's summit, leading to the deaths of all seven people on board. The investigation confirmed the aircraft was flying at low level before the crash. This was a tragic accident that claimed the lives of all occupants when the helicopter struck a rock formation near the summit.
U.S. Announces New Immigration Rules Affecting Kenyans - September 2026
The Trump administration has implemented a new rule tightening U.S. green card eligibility by broadening the scope of public benefits considered in immigration officer assessments, with Kenyans among foreigners affected. The United States has also warned foreign students, including those from Kenya, that engaging in political activities on behalf of foreign governments or organizations without proper disclosure could lead to deportation. Additionally, the U.S. is proposing to introduce advanced extraction and refining technologies to Kenya's critical minerals sector, aiming to boost local value addition rather than direct U.S. involvement in mining operations.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
September 20
Ruto departs for New York to attend 81st UN General Assembly - September 2026
President William Ruto has departed for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, aiming to bolster Kenya's investment drive and enhance Africa's global economic standing. He heads to UNGA with a significant investment agenda, aiming to attract partnerships across key sectors worth Sh2.2 trillion. At the same time, President Ruto will meet Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote at the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the proposed KSh2.2 trillion Lamu oil refinery. Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has questioned international financing restrictions for African energy projects, specifically mentioning a Kenyan coal-fired power plant that has struggled to secure funding.
UDA Politician Counts Losses After Goons Torch Vehicle - September 2026
The UDA Homa Bay Town Constituency chairperson, Franklin Oluoch, was attacked and his official vehicle torched by unknown individuals on Saturday night in Homa Bay Town. Meanwhile, leaders from Isiolo, affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), are threatening to withdraw their support for President William Ruto in 2027 due to escalating insecurity and banditry in the region. Additionally, Nairobi activists plan to march to the President's Office demanding answers regarding the alleged abduction and transfer of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Kenya in November 2024.
CS Explains Why Some Kenyans Face High Water Bills - September 2026
Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has explained that some Kenyans are facing high water bills from the Water Resources Authority (WRA) due to incomplete water abstraction permit applications. Separately, the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi has ruled that residents must provide concrete proof of excessive noise before suing establishments like churches and bars. Further, the Elimu Bora Working Group is urging the Ministry of Education to expedite the release of funds from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund to first-year students facing uncertainty regarding financing.