00:04
THE
HEAR
This page is an archive of main headlines from Kenya for 12.01.2026.
It displays 130 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
12.01.2026 ⇢ The Day ODM Aligned with UDA
⌨
Morning editorial priority was dominated by Eliud Owalo’s formal resignation from State House to pursue a 2027 presidential bid, a move framed by editors as a rupture within President Ruto’s executive office. While the media followed the viral Nairobi-to-Maasai Mara tour of American streamer iShowSpeed, political coverage quickly pivoted to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) management meeting in Kilifi. By midday, editors highlighted a deepening rift within ODM as key figures like Edwin Sifuna boycotted the session. However, the afternoon headlines shifted to a definitive realignment, as the ODM leadership formally endorsed structured coalition talks with Ruto’s UDA for the 2027 elections. This development effectively overshadowed the morning’s focus on Owalo’s defection. The evening cycle consolidated this theme of shifting loyalties, reporting on the UDA’s immediate scheduling of a National Executive Committee meeting to ratify the new pact with their former rivals.
12.01.2026
00:04
04:10
A fierce legal battle looms as Nakuru governor Susan Kihika threatens to sue Senator Tabitha Karanja for defamation over alleged comments made during church service.
04:10
06:01
Political commentators say Mr Owalo's move appears to signal a vote of no confidence in his boss President Ruto.
06:01
06:01
VITA vikali vinavyoendelea kushuhudiwa ndani ya ODM vimekilazimisha chama hicho kuandaa mkutano wa...
5 mins ago
06:01
06:07
06:07
07:00
TEHRAN, IRAN
TEHRAN ilitishia Jumapili kulipiza kisasi dhidi ya ngome za kijeshi za Israel na...
5 mins ago
07:00
07:12
Tourism CS Rebecca Miano has hailed iShowSpeed’s Kenya visit as a major win after the YouTube star recorded his biggest-ever subscriber surge during a...
07:12
07:12
Earlier on Sunday, the former CS publicly declared his interest in the country's top seat while attending a church…
07:12
07:20
07:25
07:45
07:46⇢Owalo Defects for 2027 Ambition
⌨Kenyan media focus has shifted to Eliud Owalo's resignation from State House to pursue a 2027 presidential bid, an act interpreted by editors as a rupture in President Ruto's administration (Daily Nation, Kenyans, Citizen, TV47 Digital). Simultaneously, newspapers highlight the government's strategic distribution of resources in the Mt. Kenya region and the commercial success of YouTuber iShowSpeed's visit (People Daily, Capital FM, YNews Digital).
07:57
MVUTANO umeibuka kati ya viongozi wa Kaunti ya Kwale na Serikali ya Kitaifa kuhusu mipango ya...
2 mins ago
07:57
07:57
07:57
08:03
JSC has started interviews for thirty-five candidates seeking fifteen Court of Appeal judge positions as Judiciary moves to bolster the court's capacity.
08:03
08:03
Political commentators say Mr Owalo's move appears to signal a vote of no confidence in his boss President Ruto.
08:03
08:03
Nairobi Leo
American streamer IshowSpeed is set to visit the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok County on Monday, January 12....
08:03
08:10
08:16
A Powwater tanker overturned on Nairobi’s Red Hill Road Monday morning, partially blocking traffic toward Limuru Road and Gigiri. No injuries reported, but motorists...
08:16
08:23
08:23
08:29
American content creator IShowSpeed whose real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr. lit up Nairobi on Sunday January 11, 2026 as part of his ambitious 28-day livestreaming expedition across Africa. What…
08:29
08:36
Approximately 1.13 million students across the country will begin studies in the newly introduced STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports pathways, ushering in a skills-focused learning era.
08:36
08:36
American streamer IShowSpeed was fined $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million) to name and adopt a baby rhino at the Nairobi National Orphanage, naming it “Rhinaldo.” The moment went viral, but behind the…
08:36
08:49
Eliud Owalo has resigned from his position as President William Ruto’s Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, citing his intention to run for the Presidency…
08:49
08:56
American YouTube star iShowSpeed is set to visit Kenya’s Maasai Mara, capping a viral tour that has drawn record crowds, boosted his subscribers, and...
08:56
09:02
GAVANA wa Homa Bay Gladys Wanga anakabiliwa na mtihani mkali kisiasa akisaka muhula wa pili 2027...
7 mins ago
09:02
09:09
A modern international airport is a magnet for airlines, conferences, tourism, perishable exports, e-commerce logistics, aircraft maintenance, and the wider ecosystem of jobs that follow connectivity.
09:09
09:28
Last Friday in Alego, Oburu said the party would soon establish a committee to spearhead coalition negotiations with President Ruto’s UDA party.
09:28
09:34
House Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo dismisses former Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo’s 2027 presidential bid as a “fool’s errand.”
09:34
09:34
The FA Cup third round wrapped up Sunday January 11, 2026 with the kind of drama that makes England’s oldest tournament special every year. Arsenal cruised past Portsmouth 4-1 despite…
09:34
09:41
The reality is that Kenya’s aviation demand will grow, competition will intensify, and the cost of inaction will be paid in lost routes, lost cargo opportunities, and lost tourism receipts.
09:41
09:42⇢Owalo Defects for 2027 Ambition
⌨Kenyan editors are focusing on Eliud Owalo’s resignation from State House and his 2027 presidential declaration, framing it as a challenge to President Ruto. While Daily Nation and Kenyans interpret the move as a loss of confidence in the executive, ODM-aligned voices like Millie Odhiambo dismiss the bid as futile (Capital FM, People Daily). Concurrently, regional friction in Homa Bay and Nakuru underscores an early onset of electioneering (Taifaleo, Tuko).
09:47
House Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo dismisses former Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo’s 2027 presidential bid as a “fool’s errand.”
09:47
09:47
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who also serves as the Western Region Presidential Re-Election Coordinator, has declared that the two term Brigade will comb every village across the region to secure…
09:47
10:00
MWALIMU aliye na wito wa kufundisha na mapenzi ya dhati kwa taaluma yake ana jukumu zito la...
5 mins ago
10:00
10:19
In a dramatic dawn raid that exposes the brazen underbelly of Kenya’s illicit alcohol trade, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has smashed a…
10:19
10:32
According to AECAS, initial observations point to buckling and shear failure in isolated columns measuring approximately nine metres in height.
10:32
10:32
Leaders allied to President William Ruto’s re-election bid on Sunday took their campaign to Trans Nzoia County, mounting a scathing attack on Governor George Natembeya over what they termed stalled…
10:32
10:45
10:57
JUMLA ya wanafunzi milioni 1.13 wanajiunga na Shule za Sekondari Pevu leo huku nyingi za shule hizo...
1 min ago
10:57
11:03
A member of iShowSpeed’s production team sustained a spinal injury while executing a rally car and helicopter stunt in Nairobi, as the influencer’s Kenya...
11:03
11:03
11:10
Tuko
Nairobi's tragic building collapse in Karen led to two fatalities, revealing poor workmanship and substandard materials, as confirmed by city officials.
11:10
11:16
Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba that she is being coerced into joining the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)....
11:16
11:16
11:16
11:16
11:23
Without funds, top-performing learners’ places in senior school may vanish, leaving bright futures locked out by soaring fees.
11:23
11:36
The Commission says the current framework leaves it powerless to impose intermediate sanctions, forcing a binary choice between dismissal or exoneration that undermines judicial oversight.
11:36
11:42
US President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to “own” Greenland have triggered criticism from European allies, raising concerns about NATO, Arctic security, and US-EU strategic...
11:42
11:42
11:42
12:09
The luxury boutique cruise ship Azamara Journey docked at Mombasa with 690 passengers on a 16-day East African cruise visiting Madagascar, Mayotte, Zanzibar, Seychelles,...
12:09
12:09
Residents of Archers Post criticised the alleged KSh 15 million statue of MP Jackson Lekumontare at Uaso Girls Secondary School, sparking calls for investigations.
12:09
12:11⇢Gachagua Left Without Guards
⌨Kenyan editors are pivoting to the education sector's logistical and financial crisis as students transition to Grade 10, with warnings that high fees are excluding top-performing learners (Daily Nation, Taifaleo). Simultaneously, the escalating security concerns of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remain a high priority, following reports of the withdrawal of his official security detail (People Daily, YNews Digital, Nairobi Leo).
12:15
12:22
The Sessional Paper notes that Safaricom’s volume-weighted average share price in the six months to December 2, 2025, was about Sh27.50, giving the company...
12:22
12:22
The High Court has issued interim orders barring the national government and public entities from procuring private advocates and law firms to represent them in court, pending the hearing and…
12:22
12:28
YouTube star iShowSpeed has arrived in the Maasai Mara as his Kenya tour delivers record-breaking views, massive crowds and a global tourism boost.
12:28
12:29
Kenyans.co.ke
The former deputy president said on Monday, January 12, that Kenyans should boycott some matatu saccos.
12:29
12:29
A group of Congolese doctors working in Kenya has moved to the High Court to challenge what they term an arbitrary and unlawful decision by the Ministry of Health that…
12:29
12:35
12:41
Kenyans.co.ke
The notice also affects other entities, such as stockbrokers, dealers, investment banks, fund managers, investment…
12:41
12:54
Kenyans.co.ke
The 20-year-old American streamer livestreamed his entire first day in the country, from his arrival at the airport to…
12:54
13:00
MCSK has called out former CEO Ezekiel Mutua for masquerading as the society’s boss, warning the public he has no authority.
13:00
13:00
Daily Nation
National, extra-county and high-end private schools were among the best performing.
13:00
13:00
The Standard
13:00
13:06
The 20-year-old American streamer livestreamed his entire first day in the country, from his arrival at the airport to…
13:06
13:06
The ODM Party leadership has held high-level consultative talks as the party reflects on its political priorities amid evolving national developments....
13:06
13:19
13:19
13:25
Mume wangu analala na simu chini ya mto. Hata bafuni anaingia nayo. Nikimuuliza ananiambia nina...
2 mins ago
13:25
13:38
Oburu Odinga chairs ODM Central Management Committee in Vipingo amid internal disputes, emphasizing membership engagement, dialogue, and party unity.
13:38
13:38
13:51
13:51
13:57
13:57
14:00⇢ODM Internal Frictions Surface in Vipingo
⌨Kenyan editors have pivoted to the internal governance of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as Oburu Oginga chairs a management committee meeting to address disputes and party direction (People Daily, Capital FM, Nairobi Leo). Simultaneously, the legal system is a focal point as the High Court halts the hiring of private lawyers for public entities and foreign doctors litigate against license freezes (YNews Digital, Citizen, TV47 Digital).
14:10
Eastleigh Voice
Yusuf explained that there will be major realignments as Somalia is receiving global support, highlighting support for Somalia's sovereignty across the East African Community, throughout the Middle East and the Arab world.
14:10
14:23
Eastleigh Voice
Yusuf explained that there will be major realignments as Somalia is receiving global support, highlighting support for Somalia's sovereignty across the East African Community, throughout the Middle East and the Arab world.
14:23
14:23
14:29
American streaming sensation IShowSpeed, continues to make waves in Kenya as his Speed Does Africa tour reaches the Maasai Mara National Reserve on January 12, 2026. His visit comes on…
14:29
14:35
14:42
Reverend Lucy Natasha, the founder of Empowerment Christian Church (ECC) in Nairobi, has announced the indefinite closure of her church’s physical location at Biashara Plaza Rooftop. The move that was…
14:42
14:48
14:48
14:49
Kenyans.co.ke
The doctors want the court to issue orders of prohibition against CS Duale, the Ministry of Health, and other state…
14:49
14:49
15:00
TV47 Digital
A Milimani magistrate’s court has granted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) 14 days to detain two police officers suspected of fatally shooting a man in Nairobi’s Mukuru Kwa Njenga…
15:00
15:20
The six are accused of trafficking 1,036.044 kilograms of methamphetamine seized in October 2025 during a coordinated multi-agency operation in the Indian Ocean.
15:20
15:20
15:32
The dramatic incident occurred during a live-streamed safari experience at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where the popular streamer—whose real name is Darren Jason...
15:32
15:51
In the heart of Kisumu County, a tale of triumph and caution unfolds as secondary school principals reflect on the recent Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results. While some…
15:51
15:56
The appearance follows a search operation conducted by EACC officers at Telewa’s residence and office last week on Thursday as part of ongoing investigations...
15:56
15:57
15:57
WIKI jana aliyekuwa Naibu wa Rais Rigathi Gachagua alizua cheche kali kwa kudai kwamba baadhi ya...
1 min ago
15:57
16:02
More than 500 families from Barigoni and Mswakini villages in the Boni Forest, Lamu County, have received government-provided food aid, bringing much-needed relief to communities facing acute food shortages. Residents,…
16:02
16:08
They say the decision, which halted the issuance of letters of no objection required for foreign doctors, effectively bars them from practising medicine in...
16:08
16:10⇢Congolese Doctors Challenge Duale
⌨Kenyan editors are prioritizing legal and political frictions. A coordinated legal challenge by over 20 Congolese doctors against the Health Ministry and CS Duale over licensing freezes highlights systemic professional disputes (Capital FM, Kenyans). Simultaneously, the ODM party leadership is holding consultative meetings in Kilifi to address evolving internal priorities and the party’s future direction (Citizen, Nairobi Leo).
16:15
Environmental expert Daniel Wanjuki explained that gases produced during waste decomposition, including methane, settle near the ground instead of dispersing, killing vegetation and degrading...
16:15
16:21
16:21
WIKI jana aliyekuwa Naibu wa Rais Rigathi Gachagua alizua cheche kali kwa kudai kwamba baadhi ya...
25 mins ago
16:21
16:27
The UN is urging donors to boost funding for Kenya, warning that deep global cuts are undermining support for more than 800,000 refugees and the country’s flagship Shirika integration plan.
16:27
16:33
During a visit to a Maasai village near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Speed challenged some of the tribe’s best jumpers—and emerged victorious.
16:33
16:33
When IShowSpeed’s helicopter soared over Nairobi and Talanta Stadium came into view, his reaction was unmistakable: sheer awe. But the moment, broadcast to millions, was more than just a viral…
16:33
16:46
In a single afternoon, the Kenyan segment of his audience contributed over 360,000 new subscribers—a record for his continental tour.
16:46
17:10
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome in Nairobi on Monday.
17:10
17:29
TV47 Digital
President William Ruto on Monday, January 12, 2026 presided over the official launch of the NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital disbursement for Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a counties, disbursing a…
17:29
17:41
Six Iranian nationals have pleaded guilty in a Mombasa court to trafficking over one tonne of methamphetamine worth Sh8.2 billion. They remain in custody as the case proceeds to sentencing on January 30, 2026.
17:41
17:41
Journalist Waihiga Mwaura has earned international recognition after being named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans of 2026....
17:41
17:47
In this first phase, 6,982 successful applicants will receive Sh25,000 each, with Sh22,000 credited to Pochi La Biashara for business operations and Sh3,000 channeled...
17:47
17:53
According to the statement, the talks are intended to be structured and deliberate, focusing on shared interests and…
17:53
17:59
Daily Nation
ODM CENTRAL Management Committee gives go-ahead to party leader Oburu Oginga to officially start negotiations with UDA ahead of 2027 election, the senator and brother of late Raila Odinga...
17:59
17:59
Capital FM
Muturi said the debate sparked by Gachagua’s comments highlighted the “quiet architecture of privilege” that continues to influence access to elite schools and future...
17:59
17:59
17:59
18:05
At Kisii School, only 300 students had reported by mid-morning, although the school expects to admit about 820 students allocated by the Ministry of...
18:05
18:05
ODM's Central Management Committee met in Kilifi
18:05
18:11
The committee also reviewed ODM’s performance in the November 2025 by-elections, where the party won all three parliamentary seats it contested, and expressed satisfaction...
18:11
18:18
BAADA ya uvamizi wa Amerika uliomwondoa mamlakani Rais Nicolas Maduro, raia wanaamini kuwa...
5 mins ago
18:18
18:20⇢ODM Embraces Ruto's Political Fold
⌨Kenyan editors have pivoted to the formalized political realignment between the Orange Democratic Movement and the UDA, highlighting the endorsement of structured talks for the 2027 elections (People Daily, Daily Nation, Capital FM, Kenyans). While ODM celebrates recent by-election victories, internal rifts regarding this alliance persist. Concurrently, media coverage focuses on the judiciary as six Iranians plead guilty to a Sh8.2 billion drug trafficking charge in Mombasa (Eastleigh Voice, Citizen).
18:25
BAADA ya uvamizi wa Amerika uliomwondoa mamlakani Rais Nicolas Maduro, raia wanaamini kuwa...
13 mins ago
18:25
18:57
Eastleigh Voice
ODM’s Central Committee met in Vipingo, Kilifi, to plan for the 2027 General Election, endorse talks with UDA, defend cooperation with Kenya Kwanza and stress party unity amid internal tensions.
18:57
19:04
The move comes shortly after the ODM Central Management Committee, chaired by Oburu Odinga, approved the commencement of immediate coalition talks with UDA, mandating...
19:04
19:16
19:16
Residents of Karatina, Mathira Constituency, in Nyeri County have lauded President William Ruto for his commitment to the bottom up economic model following the completion of the Karatina Marigiti ESP…
19:16
19:23
Ogamba described the reporting of Grade 10 learners as a historic milestone in Kenya’s education reforms, marking the official entry of the pioneer CBE...
19:23
19:23
ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has explained why Senators Godfrey Osotsi and Edwin Sifuna missed the ODM Central Management Committee in Kilifi County....
19:23
19:30
MANCHESTER United walibanduliwa nje ya mashindano ya Kombe la FA Jumapili usiku, baada ya kichapo...
5 mins ago
19:30
19:58
The led by Agnes Zani said that the consultations are intended to broaden stakeholder participation and ensure that citizens’ priorities are reflected in the...
19:58
20:04
Scientists in Sweden report ATR-258, an experimental pill that lowers blood sugar and boosts fat burning via muscle, without appetite loss or muscle wasting, offering a potential new option for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
20:04
20:40
Omanyala made it clear that his decision was rooted in professionalism rather than disrespect.
20:40
20:46
County Governments have mounted a strong legal and political pushback against ex-parte conservatory orders issued by the High Court at Nakuru, warning that the directive could paralyse public litigation across…
20:46
21:12
MADAKTARI zaidi ya 50 kutoka nchini ya DR Congo wamemshtaki Waziri wa Afya Aden Duala kwa kutoa...
3 mins ago
21:12
21:20
Safaricom clarified M-Pesa deductions by SHA, explaining auto-debits without PINs following a customer's complaint on the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo service.
21:20
21:27
21:27
22:05
EACC is investigating NGAAF CEO Roy Sasaka Telewa over alleged KSh1 billion in unexplained wealth and past procurement dealings, following searches at his home and office in Kenya.
22:05
22:55
According to the Auditor General, Sh6.2 billion of this is owed to just four advocates in Nairobi County, representing 29 per cent of the total debt.
22:55
23:08
KTB Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that adventure sports, such as mountain trail running, mountain biking,...
23:08
23:08
The Kenya Meteorological Department warned of scattered showers and thunderstorms, alongside sunny conditions across most regions. Strong winds are expected.
23:08
23:14
People Daily
23:14
23:16⇢The ODM Internal Resistance
⌨Kenyan editors are documenting the widening fracture within the Orange Democratic Movement as key figures like Edwin Sifuna boycotted a strategic meeting in Kilifi (Standard Media, Daily Nation, Nairobi Leo). While the party leadership explains these absences as logistical, media coverage frames it as resistance to a formalized pact with the UDA (Kenyans, Standard Media). Simultaneously, county governments are increasingly litigating against judicial orders and high legal fees (Eastleigh Voice, TV47 Digital).