00:06 (21:06 in your timezone)
THE
HEAR
This page is an archive of main headlines from Kenya for 21.01.2026.
It displays 122 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
21.01.2026 ⇢ The Day of the Jirongo Death Investigation
⌨Morning editorial priority was dominated by the deepening DCI probe into the death of Cyrus Jirongo, with Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senator George Khaniri among 28 individuals summoned to record statements. This investigative focus coincided with reports of structural failures in the education sector, as editors highlighted a 70% gap in Grade 10 transition rates between Mandera and Turkana counties, alongside the government's plan to devolve national schools to address the crisis.
By early afternoon, attention shifted to administrative reshuffling and corporate transparency. President Ruto nominated former NTSA boss Francis Meja to chair the Public Service Commission, while the National Assembly announced public hearings across 30 counties regarding the controversial sale of Safaricom shares. Simultaneously, the media reported on a viral CCTV clip of a fatal police shooting in Karatina, intensifying scrutiny of law enforcement conduct.
The evening cycle focused on the formalization of the UDA-ODM alliance. Editors highlighted Junet Mohamed’s defense of Oburu Odinga’s rapid installation as party leader and the announcement of a special UDA meeting to kickstart official coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.
By early afternoon, attention shifted to administrative reshuffling and corporate transparency. President Ruto nominated former NTSA boss Francis Meja to chair the Public Service Commission, while the National Assembly announced public hearings across 30 counties regarding the controversial sale of Safaricom shares. Simultaneously, the media reported on a viral CCTV clip of a fatal police shooting in Karatina, intensifying scrutiny of law enforcement conduct.
The evening cycle focused on the formalization of the UDA-ODM alliance. Editors highlighted Junet Mohamed’s defense of Oburu Odinga’s rapid installation as party leader and the announcement of a special UDA meeting to kickstart official coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.
21.01.2026
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05:59
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05:59
KULIKUWA na kioja Kaunti ya Kericho afisa wa ngazi ya juu kwenye idara ya polisi alipoamua...
2 mins ago
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06:08
The clan has criticised Raila Odinga’s children, Winnie and Raila Junior, for actions seen as disrespectful to their uncle, Senator Oburu Oginga.
06:08 (03:08 in your timezone)
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06:42
President Peter Mutharika, who returned to power last year, has been trying to revive Malawi's ailing economy.
06:42 (03:42 in your timezone)
06:42
Eastleigh Voice
Ogamba noted that as of January 20, 2026, over 900,000 out of the more than one million students expected to transition had reported.
06:42 (03:42 in your timezone)
06:42
06:42 (03:42 in your timezone)
06:59
MBUNGE wa Embakasi Mashariki Babu Owino amekana madai ya kumtafuta aliyekuwa Naibu Rais Rigathi...
4 mins ago
06:59 (03:59 in your timezone)
07:25
KAWU maintained that unless urgent intervention is made, the planned industrial action would lead to a total shutdown…
07:25 (04:25 in your timezone)
07:34
Those charged are former Homa Bay County Assembly clerk Daniel Odhiambo, Faith Odhiambo, Japhet (Patrick) Tonui, Mary Oyuka, Roseline Odhiambo, and Hartland Enterprises Limited.
07:34 (04:34 in your timezone)
07:36 (04:36)⇢The Uneven Path to Grade Ten
⌨Kenyan editors are prioritizing administrative and political accountability, specifically highlighting corruption in Homa Bay and the DCI's investigation into Speaker Wetang'ula (Capital FM, Standard Media). Concurrently, the education sector's transition to Grade 10 remains a critical focus, with papers reporting on the devolution of national schools to counties and significant regional disparities in student enrollment rates (People Daily, Eastleigh Voice).
07:52
The new traffic lights have been mounted on three busy roundabouts, a move aimed at easing congestion, improving road safety, and modernising traffic control...
07:52 (04:52 in your timezone)
07:52
The Kenyan community in Rwanda this week gathered at the prestigious Kigali Paramount Hotel to witness a unique partnership between the industry and academia—more specifically Mount Kigali University-Rwanda (MKUR). During…
07:52 (04:52 in your timezone)
08:01
Nairobi Leo
Oketch Salah has broken his silence to address accusations and speculation surrounding his relationship with the late Raila Odinga....
08:01 (05:01 in your timezone)
08:01
Mohamed Salah rejoined Liverpool first-team training on January 20, 2026, following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The 33-year-old forward was included in the 20-man…
08:01 (05:01 in your timezone)
08:10
08:10 (05:10 in your timezone)
08:18
Daily Nation
The clan has criticised Raila Odinga’s children, Winnie and Raila Junior, for actions seen as disrespectful to their uncle, Senator Oburu Oginga.
08:18 (05:18 in your timezone)
08:18
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has reaffirmed her administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment by waiving business permits for NYOTA-supported start-ups in the county, a bold move aimed at removing barriers…
08:18 (05:18 in your timezone)
08:36
08:36 (05:36 in your timezone)
08:45
University and college students from Siaya County have thrown their weight behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid, vowing to shun street protests and instead pursue constructive engagement with the government.…
08:45 (05:45 in your timezone)
08:53
TV47 Digital
Kenyan influencer Pritty Vishy has sparked fresh conversation online after teasing that she will be launching a bold 100-hour tree-hugging challenge, linking it directly to the ongoing war of words…
08:53 (05:53 in your timezone)
09:02
MAJAJI wa Mahakama ya Juu wanatafakari kuhusu kesi mpya iliyowasilishwa kuirai ifute marufuku...
7 mins ago
09:02 (06:02 in your timezone)
09:11
The footage captures an altercation between the officers and the businessman at his premises before he collapsed from…
09:11 (06:11 in your timezone)
09:11
TV47 Digital
Kimilili MP and Bungoma County gubernatorial hopeful Didmus Barasa has criticized the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in the county, saying years of under-development have denied young learners…
09:11 (06:11 in your timezone)
09:11
CCTV revealed how Constable Peter Mwangi allegedly shot dead businessman George Matheri at Karatina Petrol Station, sparking outrage among Kenyans.
09:11 (06:11 in your timezone)
09:11
Y News Digital
09:11 (06:11 in your timezone)
09:20
Eastleigh Voice
In Mukuru kwa Njenga, businesses along Tecla Lorupe Road, stretching to Kobil North Airport Road, came to a standstill as residents feared forced evictions.
09:20 (06:20 in your timezone)
09:20
Y News Digital
09:20 (06:20 in your timezone)
09:39
Moses Kuria said he spent long hours with Odinga during the last three years of his life, engaging in what he described as intense...
09:39 (06:39 in your timezone)
09:39
09:39 (06:39 in your timezone)
09:49
KenGen reiterated its commitment to high health and safety standards across all its operations.
09:49 (06:49 in your timezone)
09:49
09:49 (06:49 in your timezone)
09:51 (06:51)⇢The Karatina Petrol Station Shooting
⌨Kenyan media is prioritizing police brutality and the lack of institutional accountability, following CCTV footage of a businessman's shooting in Karatina (Kenyans, Tuko). Simultaneously, editors are highlighting internal friction within the Odinga family and the broader ODM political structure, focusing on generational disrespect and external interference in the late Raila Odinga's legacy (Daily Nation, Nairobi Leo).
09:59
MMOJA wa wafuasi sugu wa Kiongozi wa Kanisa tatanishi la Good News International Ministries Paul...
3 mins ago
09:59 (06:59 in your timezone)
09:59
More than 150 pupils at Oron Primary School in Alale Location, Kacheliba Constituency, West Pokot County, have been left without classrooms after a powerful windstorm blew off the roofs of…
09:59 (06:59 in your timezone)
10:08
The Standard
10:08 (07:08 in your timezone)
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10:09
Police officers in Pangani, Nairobi, have arrested several TikTok content creators following complaints of public harassment and illegal recording of pedestrians along busy streets in Eastleigh on Tuesday, January 20,…
10:09 (07:09 in your timezone)
10:09
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10:17
The KNEC CEO's clarification comes amidst pressure from a section of Kenyans for the review of the 2025 KCSE…
10:17 (07:17 in your timezone)
10:17
CCTV revealed how Constable Peter Mwangi allegedly shot dead businessman George Matheri at a Karatina petrol station, sparking outrage among Kenyans.
10:17 (07:17 in your timezone)
10:17
TV47 Digital
Chief Justice Martha Koome has designated four Magistrates’ Courts as Special Magistrates’ Courts to hear and determine cases involving the possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with…
10:17 (07:17 in your timezone)
10:27
A World Bank delegation met with Central Region Director of Education, Sabina Aroni, who highlighted the transformative impact of this joint initiative.
10:27 (07:27 in your timezone)
10:27
In what comes as a historic public offer, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is now inviting Kenyans to invest by buying shares in the company. The historic move aimed at…
10:27 (07:27 in your timezone)
11:04
VIONGOZI katika Kaunti ya Mombasa wamehimiza wanasiasa na raia kuepuka siasa za ukabila.
Kwa miezi...
9 mins ago
11:04 (08:04 in your timezone)
11:04
The Kenya Met Department warns of localised heavy rains in several regions this week even as high temperatures above 35°C persist in arid counties.
11:04 (08:04 in your timezone)
11:12
Samuel Ngungi Hlutwa is at Athi River Police Station, while the girlfriend is at large.
11:12 (08:12 in your timezone)
11:12
His comments come at a time when the performance of sub-county schools has come under scrutiny, following reports showing that many candidates from these institutions recorded mean grades of C and D.
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11:12
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11:21
The giraffes, aged between 2 and 3 years, were relocated to enhance genetic diversity, prevent inbreeding, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s Nubian...
11:21 (08:21 in your timezone)
11:31
11:31 (08:31 in your timezone)
11:39
PS Oluga said Universal Health Care (UHC) remains a constitutional right and a central pillar of the government’s Taifa Care programme and the Bottom-Up...
11:39 (08:39 in your timezone)
11:56
The ceremony, led by NEDP party leader Mike Sonko, marked the party’s formal entry into Kenya’s by-election race and signaled its readiness to test...
11:56 (08:56 in your timezone)
11:56
11:56 (08:56 in your timezone)
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11:56
Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent nation has been described as historic by Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. He framed the December 2025 declaration as the first decisive…
11:56 (08:56 in your timezone)
11:58 (08:58)⇢The Examination Council Deflects Scrutiny
⌨Kenyan editors are pivoting toward the integrity of the 2025 KCSE examinations as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) defends the performance of sub-county schools against public scrutiny (Eastleigh Voice, Kenyans). Concurrently, the media is tracking the fragmenting political landscape, highlighting internal power struggles within the ODM party and the emergence of Mike Sonko’s NEDP in upcoming by-elections (People Daily, Capital FM, Nairobi Leo).
12:05
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12:05
Kenyan artist and entrepreneur Akothee has fired back at social media users who questioned her after she shared photos of herself playing golf alongside a white male companion. In a…
12:05 (09:05 in your timezone)
12:13
When full payment was demanded, the defence was that no valid agreement existed because nothing had been put in writing.
12:13 (09:13 in your timezone)
12:13
Currently, promotions in the public service are largely based on merit, performance appraisals, and length of service.
12:13 (09:13 in your timezone)
12:22
Water is a vital resource. Life on earth, as we know it, is impossible without access to safe drinking water. Concerns over declining quality and consistency of municipal drinking water…
12:22 (09:22 in your timezone)
12:31
Kibagendi is accused of assaulting Enock Moriasi on November 27, 2025, at a Java House restaurant in Kisii town, allegedly causing bodily harm.
12:31 (09:31 in your timezone)
12:50
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12:59
Gikomba Market is the largest open-air market in Kenya and the East African region, hosting over 100,000 traders daily and attracting about 200,000 shoppers and service providers.
12:59 (09:59 in your timezone)
13:08
The former Interior CS said the manner in which the arrest was conducted raised serious concerns about respect for the rule of law, due...
13:08 (10:08 in your timezone)
13:09
Gikomba Market is the largest open-air market in Kenya and the East African region, hosting over 100,000 traders daily and attracting about 200,000 shoppers and service providers.
13:09 (10:09 in your timezone)
13:18
A Kenyan woman stranded in Cambodia has made a desperate appeal to the government, claiming she and more than 100 other Kenyans are being held in dangerous conditions and face a ri...
13:18 (10:18 in your timezone)
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13:28
Capital FM
Nancy Akinyi, a resident of Kibra in Nairobi, said the situation facing the group is deteriorating rapidly, with restricted movement, intimidation, and growing threats...
13:28 (10:28 in your timezone)
13:28
TNX Africa
13:28 (10:28 in your timezone)
13:28
In a recent assessment of the African Cup of Nations, football legend Thierry Henry offered a candid critique of the tournament’s dramatic conclusion, specifically addressing Senegal’s near-walkout in the final.…
13:28 (10:28 in your timezone)
13:37
UHASAMA katika familia ya Jaramogi Oginga Odinga umechukua mwelekeo mpya baada ya ukoo wa Kawuor...
7 seconds ago
13:37 (10:37 in your timezone)
13:55
TV47 Digital
A Kenyan rights group has moved to court seeking urgent intervention to enforce a Cabinet resolution waiving interest and penalties on loans for low-income settlers across the country. The application…
13:55 (10:55 in your timezone)
14:04
The Standard
14:04 (11:04 in your timezone)
14:04
MUUNGANO wa wataalamu kutoka jamii ya Waluo wamewataka viongozi wa chama cha ODM kudumisha umoja...
6 mins ago
14:04 (11:04 in your timezone)
14:06 (11:06)⇢The ODM-UDA Coalition Deepens
⌨Kenyan editors are highlighting the deepening integration between the UDA and ODM through a new joint committee meeting with President Ruto (Standard Media, Taifaleo). This shift toward a broad-based government is meeting internal ethnic pressure from Luo professionals demanding party unity (Taifaleo, People Daily). Simultaneously, the media is sounding the alarm over a group of Kenyans trapped in human trafficking networks in Cambodia (Capital FM, Nairobi Leo).
14:13
Kenyans.co.ke
His name has been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and subsequent approval as Ruto reshapes the…
14:13 (11:13 in your timezone)
14:13
14:13 (11:13 in your timezone)
14:23
NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 21- President William Ruto has nominated Francis Meja, the former Director-General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), to serve...
14:23 (11:23 in your timezone)
14:24
To avoid falling prey to such frauds, the taskforce urges Kenyans to avoid unscrupulous and unregistered agents and verify details on the NEA’s website for fees and available jobs.
14:24 (11:24 in your timezone)
14:32
A prosecution witness has told a Nairobi court that more than Sh51 million was paid to an individual who allegedly posed as a Canadian Embassy official to process visas that…
14:32 (11:32 in your timezone)
14:41
14:41 (11:41 in your timezone)
14:41
A prosecution witness has told a Nairobi court that more than Sh51 million was paid to an individual who allegedly posed as a Canadian Embassy official to process visas that…
14:41 (11:41 in your timezone)
14:50
Dr Ali is being scrutinised by US lawmakers.
14:50 (11:50 in your timezone)
14:50
TV47 Digital
Musician and enterprenuer, Esther Akoth popularly Akothee has publicly defended East African Legislative Assembly member and last born daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Winnie Odinga, against a wave…
14:50 (11:50 in your timezone)
15:08
15:08 (12:08 in your timezone)
15:08
Nairobi Leo
President William Ruto has nominated Francis Meja as the new Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC)....
15:08 (12:08 in your timezone)
15:08
15:08 (12:08 in your timezone)
15:18
TV47 Digital
Controversial Nairobi-based preacher Apostle James Ng’ang’a of the Neno Evangelism Centre, has dismissed widespread claims that his church was demolished, calling the reports misleading and unfounded. Speaking during a recent…
15:18 (12:18 in your timezone)
15:26
15:26 (12:26 in your timezone)
15:26
As wrangles and internal differences within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party continue to intensify, members of the clergy from the Luo community have called on the party leadership to…
15:26 (12:26 in your timezone)
15:44
15:44 (12:44 in your timezone)
16:20
The hearings will begin in Nairobi, Mandera, Machakos, and Nyandarua on February 3, followed by Nakuru, Wajir, Kitui, and Nyeri on February 4.
16:20 (13:20 in your timezone)
16:20
Drama ensued in a village in Ahero, Kisumu County, after officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) raided and dismantled a sophisticated counterfeit…
16:20 (13:20 in your timezone)
16:30
16:30 (13:30 in your timezone)
16:30
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Vihiga Senator George Khaniri are among 28 individuals who have recorded statements at the DCI as part of investigations into the accident that claimed…
16:30 (13:30 in your timezone)
16:31 (13:31)⇢Francis Meja Tapped for PSC
⌨Kenyan media are prioritizing President William Ruto’s administrative reshuffling, specifically the nomination of former NTSA Director-General Francis Meja to lead the Public Service Commission (Capital FM, Nairobi Leo, Citizen, Kenyans). Concurrently, editors are tracking the widening DCI investigation into Jirongo’s death, involving high-ranking figures like Speaker Moses Wetang’ula (TV47 Digital, Capital FM). Public participation regarding the Safaricom stake sale remains a persistent secondary theme (Eastleigh Voice).
16:38
The report revealed the formula used in ranking the universities, with factors such as the institution's…
16:38 (13:38 in your timezone)
16:38
The Kenya Lionesses have stepped up their preparations for the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 with a high-performance training camp scheduled for Spain later this month. The national…
16:38 (13:38 in your timezone)
16:47
The Standard
16:47 (13:47 in your timezone)
17:17
Citizen TV
17:17 (14:17 in your timezone)
17:27
The debate sorrounding the publishing of the nude viral video of a 22-year-old Marion Naipei is still raging on, with Kenyans split on whose side to be—that of Naipei, or…
17:27 (14:27 in your timezone)
17:37
SHA covers less than 15 per cent of actual treatment costs, forcing patients to pay the majority of medical expenses…
17:37 (14:37 in your timezone)
17:37
Kenyans have taken to social media to express concern after a video circulated online showing a police officer in Kendu Bay, Homa Bay County, appearing visibly intoxicated while on duty.…
17:37 (14:37 in your timezone)
17:47
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully completed the translocation of three young Rothschild giraffes from Soysambu Conservancy in Naivasha to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, marking a major step…
17:47 (14:47 in your timezone)
18:06
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18:06
Ninety-six Kitui Village households remain displaced after a January fire destroyed wooden and iron-sheet homes, forcing families to shelter in a church-school hall as they struggle to rebuild with limited aid.
18:06 (15:06 in your timezone)
18:06
Digital creator Lydia Wanjiru has sparked widespread conversation online after publicly announcing her decision to remain both marriage-free and child-free in a deeply personal video shared on her Instagram page.…
18:06 (15:06 in your timezone)
18:44
Kenya Power has announced scheduled power interruptions in six counties on Thursday....
18:44 (15:44 in your timezone)
18:44
18:44 (15:44 in your timezone)
20:08
TV47 Digital
Governor Johnson Sakaja on Wednesday, January 21 toured Wakulima and Muthurwa markets, just a day after meeting traders alongside President William Ruto at State House Nairobi, signaling rapid action to…
20:08 (17:08 in your timezone)
20:26
A French woman has been reported dead after succumbing to severe injuries sustained after falling from a parachute on the outskirts of Iten Town, Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County.…
20:26 (17:26 in your timezone)
21:30
Pastor Kanyari publicly embraced Marion Naipei at his church, Salvation Healing Ministry, today Wednesday 21st January, 2026, following the leak of her intimate video, which led to widespread online criticism…
21:30 (18:30 in your timezone)
21:39
Y News Digital
21:39 (18:39 in your timezone)
21:48
MFANYABIASHARA wa Nakuru, Harriet Akinyi, 28, aliposambaza video halisi zikionyesha alivyokuwa...
1 min ago
21:48 (18:48 in your timezone)
21:48
The government has failed to achieve its much-publicized target of 100 per cent transition to senior secondary school, despite extending the Grade 10 admission deadline by five days, a spot…
21:48 (18:48 in your timezone)
22:05
According to the Ipsos audience measurement report, the trip generated “93.1 billion potential impressions” from 44,510 online and social media mentions, and peaked at...
22:05 (19:05 in your timezone)
22:05
Eastleigh Voice
The programme, part of the National Products Industry (NPI) initiative, seeks to promote local cottage industries, preserve traditional knowledge and create new economic opportunities for communities across the country.
22:05 (19:05 in your timezone)
22:07 (19:07)⇢UDA and ODM Formalize Alliance
⌨Kenyan media is prioritizing the evolving political realignment between the ruling UDA and the opposition ODM, focusing on formal coalition talks and leadership consolidation (Citizen, People Daily). Concurrently, editors are highlighting structural failures in the health and education sectors, reporting on missed school transition targets and the financial limitations of the new Social Health Authority (TV47 Digital, Kenyans, Standard Media).
22:14
Tuko
Kenya Power announces planned electricity outages on January 22 in Nairobi, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Kirinyaga counties due to maintenance.
22:14 (19:14 in your timezone)
22:23
22:23 (19:23 in your timezone)
22:32
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed defends ODM’s swift move to appoint Oburu Oginga as chair after Raila Odinga’s death, insisting the party remains stable and is not aligning with UDA.
22:32 (19:32 in your timezone)
23:09
Senior government officers on Wednesday, January 21 evening attended the 3rd Thanksgiving Service for Public Servants, a forum that highlighted the importance of integrity, accountability, and principled service in public…
23:09 (20:09 in your timezone)
23:18
Eastleigh Voice
The MP stressed that he focused on attending rallies and organising field activities rather than office-based campaign work.
23:18 (20:18 in your timezone)
23:37
23:37 (20:37 in your timezone)