May
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Labour Day dominated coverage, with President Ruto announcing a 12% minimum wage increase for general workers and 15% for agricultural workers during celebrations in Vihiga, the first time the event was held outside Nairobi. The wage hike fell short of union demands, drawing criticism from COTU's Atwoli. Earlier in the day, flash floods paralyzed Nairobi's Mombasa Road, prompting the Nairobi Expressway to suspend tolls. The Treasury proposed a Ksh4.82 trillion budget for 2026/27 and moved to cut fuel levy allocations. Other developments included the Supreme Court suspending a ruling on TSC internships, Purity Ngirici's ouster from Kenya Seed Company after leaving UDA, and the death of veteran gynaecologist Dr. Job Obwaka.
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The day began with reports that Millicent Omanga had been removed from the Kenya Shipyards board, days after joining the Wantam movement. By early afternoon, the government officially revoked her appointment, citing fallout with UDA. Meanwhile, former President Uhuru Kenyatta dominated coverage by defying calls to retire and publicly criticizing President Ruto, referencing Moi and Kibaki. In the afternoon, the death of veteran gynaecologist Dr. Job Obwaka at 83 led to a woman's arrest. The Treasury submitted a Sh4.82 trillion budget proposal, and 10 Kenyan truck drivers were detained in South Sudan. By evening, political infighting in ODM was exposed by Sifuna's fallout, and a new highway linking Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan was announced.
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The day's dominant story was Governor Irungu Kang'ata's exit from President Ruto's UDA party, announced in the afternoon and covered by multiple outlets. Kang'ata said he would not defend his seat on a UDA ticket in 2027, citing lost popularity. Earlier, the morning focused on flood deaths rising to 18, with the government mapping 59 flood-prone areas in Tana River. The interception of a bus carrying ammunition along the Thika–Garissa Highway was reported by several sources around midday. In the evening, Gachagua defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta amid renewed attacks from Kenya Kwanza allies, and said the opposition is ready to 'call Uhuru' if needed.
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The day's dominant story was President Ruto's state visit to Tanzania, where President Samia Suluhu publicly rebuked him over the Tanga refinery announcement, marking a rare diplomatic rift. Earlier, Governor Irungu Kang'ata's exit from UDA continued to dominate, with multiple outlets covering his announcement not to seek re-election on the party ticket and his potential move to DCP. In the morning, Babu Owino admitted he should be in jail for the 2020 shooting of DJ Evolve, revealing he spent Sh70 million on medical bills. By midday, Senator Cherargei filed a motion to withdraw former President Uhuru Kenyatta's retirement benefits, drawing sharp responses from Jubilee leaders. Tomato prices soared to Sh25 per fruit, pricing out many Kenyans.
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The dominant story was President Ruto's state visit to Tanzania, where President Samia Suluhu publicly reprimanded him over the Tanga refinery announcement, though eight MoUs were signed and Ruto received a standing ovation in Tanzania's Parliament. Former CJ Maraga accused Ruto and Suluhu of creating an 'axis of tyranny' against Gen Zs. Meanwhile, Senator Cherargei's motion to withdraw former President Uhuru Kenyatta's benefits advanced, with a petition filed to block it. The ODM internal rift deepened as Linda Mwananchi issued conditions for a ceasefire with the Sifuna-led faction. Education data revealed 151,691 pioneer CBE learners dropped out before Grade 10. In the evening, Uhuru warned that trust deficit is Africa's biggest threat to peace.
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The day's dominant story was the confusion in the Trump administration over the Strait of Hormuz, with the military declaring wins while the president halted operations, and Rubio stating US offensive operations against Iran had ended. Domestically, the fuel shortage dominated morning coverage, with CS Wandayi attributing it to a technical hitch. By midday, the focus shifted to the Linda Mwananchi rift, as Sifuna and Orengo differed on Uhuru's involvement, and youth arrests in Kisumu. In the afternoon, President Ruto appointed Justice Warsame to the Supreme Court. Gachagua insisted the opposition would field a single candidate against Ruto in 2027. The day also saw the revelation of Ruto's phone call to Gachagua's doctor, proving Gachagua was medically unfit for his ouster trial.
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The day was dominated by the ongoing impeachment battle of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In the morning, Gachagua returned to court to challenge his impeachment, listing 11 prayers in his petition. By midday, his legal team challenged the Senate's impeachment procedure and sought removal of his supplementary affidavit. In the afternoon, a push for a fresh medical exam emerged, and the court adjourned after respondents declined to proceed. Meanwhile, President Ruto ordered full digitisation of education data to eliminate ghost learners, and the Kenya Met warned of intensified heavy rains and flood risk in Nairobi and 30 counties. The TV47 crew was attacked while covering a disputed land in Runda. Former CS Matiang'i blamed Ruto for failing to challenge Tanzanian President Samia over her Gen Z remarks.
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The day's dominant story was the government's discovery of over 800,000 ghost learners in a schools audit, with disciplinary action against 30 principals, as reported by Citizen. This followed President Ruto's order on May 7 to digitize education data. In the morning, the Kenya Times reported TSC lowering teacher training entry grades from C+. By midday, the focus shifted to the West Pokot gold mine collapse killing 15, covered by multiple outlets. In the afternoon, Nairobi County won a legal battle against KRA's Sh8.3 billion tax claim, a story that gained traction across Citizen, TV47, and Kenyans. Meanwhile, Oburu Odinga resurfaced after a two-week absence, addressing health concerns. The US-Iran conflict in the Strait of Hormuz continued to affect global markets and local food prices, with food prices rising for the third consecutive month.
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The day began with reports of a building collapse in Oloolua/Ngong', trapping several people, which remained a focus throughout the day as rescue efforts continued. By midday, the dominant story shifted to a deadly attack in Mandera, where gunmen ambushed a matatu, killing six and leaving four missing. This attack, covered by multiple outlets, underscored ongoing insecurity in the region despite a reported decline in terror incidents in 2025. In the afternoon, President Ruto announced a Sh767 billion education budget and appointed nine individuals to government, including a new ambassador to the Vatican and NCIC members. The day also saw the Treasury explaining proposed KRA return deadline changes under the Finance Bill 2026, and activist Boniface Mwangi rallying Gen Z voters for his 2027 presidential bid.
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The day was dominated by the arrival of French President Macron and other heads of state for the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, with road closures and security preparations. Kenya and France signed 11 cooperation agreements, including a Ksh12.5 billion commuter rail expansion. Meanwhile, the building collapse in Ngong' continued to draw rescue efforts, and the Mandera matatu attack aftermath saw police manhunts. Political developments included DP Kindiki seeking to cross-examine a doctor in Gachagua's impeachment case, and Ruth Odinga publicly criticizing John Mbadi over ODM internal tensions. Aliko Dangote's interest in a Sh2.2 trillion refinery deal in Kenya also emerged.
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Editors prioritized the outcomes of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, with the arrival of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a Sh44 billion UNON expansion and President Ruto’s multi-billion infrastructure deals with Emmanuel Macron dominating the morning headlines. Concurrently, Deputy President Gachagua shifted the security narrative by blaming Jubaland forces for the recent Mandera attack, marking a strategic development from the previous day's reporting on the massacre itself.
By midday, attention moved toward economic policy as Treasury CS John Mbadi defended the Finance Bill 2026. Outlets highlighted his justifications for a 25% levy on imported phones and the reintroduction of taxes on second-hand clothes (mitumba), while addressing criticisms regarding PAYE tax relief. This coverage reflected an editorial focus on the tension between government revenue needs and public concern over the cost of living.
The day’s narrative concluded with Macron’s cultural engagements in Nairobi and his public scolding of summit attendees over noise. Late reports focused on the government’s response to the West Pokot mine collapse and the IEBC’s distribution of ballot papers for upcoming by-elections.
By midday, attention moved toward economic policy as Treasury CS John Mbadi defended the Finance Bill 2026. Outlets highlighted his justifications for a 25% levy on imported phones and the reintroduction of taxes on second-hand clothes (mitumba), while addressing criticisms regarding PAYE tax relief. This coverage reflected an editorial focus on the tension between government revenue needs and public concern over the cost of living.
The day’s narrative concluded with Macron’s cultural engagements in Nairobi and his public scolding of summit attendees over noise. Late reports focused on the government’s response to the West Pokot mine collapse and the IEBC’s distribution of ballot papers for upcoming by-elections.
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The day's editorial focus was on Deputy President Gachagua's multi-front legal battle to halt his impeachment appeals, moving to the Supreme Court (Capital FM) and seeking UN intervention against President Ruto (Nairobi Leo), while the Senate rejected illness claims for his absence during trial (TV47 Digital). Morning coverage was dominated by the Africa Forward Summit's second day, with Presidents Ruto and Macron rallying African youth on digital economy (Eastleigh Voice) and Ruto approving Dangote's East African refinery in Mombasa (The Kenya Times). Protests near the summit led to 11 arrests (Capital FM). By afternoon, attention shifted to election preparations: Gen Zs innovated to independently tally the 2027 presidential poll (Daily Nation), while IEBC warned of a Sh33.4 billion funding gap (Eastleigh Voice). Late reports included doctors' strike notices in Meru and Isiolo (Citizen) and anti-France protests in Nairobi (Eastleigh Voice).
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The day's editorial focus was on Deputy President Gachagua's impeachment trial, with The Kenya Times reporting President Ruto's frantic phone call to Dr. Gikonyo during the proceedings, while Citizen covered National Assembly lawyers rejecting Gachagua's fair hearing claims. Dr. Gikonyo testified, confirming he treated Gachagua but denying hiding him. Morning coverage was dominated by the Africa Forward Summit aftermath, with 153 arrests (Citizen) and Ruto's diplomatic wins: the Court of Appeal upheld the Kenya–US health deal (The Kenya Times), and UN chief Guterres responded to Ruto's reform demands (Kenyans). By afternoon, attention shifted to Justice Njoki Ndung'u's ICC candidature launch (Citizen) and the LSK moving to the Supreme Court over surveillance (TV47 Digital). Late reports included KRA's sweeping powers in the new Finance Bill (Daily Nation) and IEBC warnings on ballot photo fines (Capital FM).
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The day's dominant story was the sharp fuel price hike announced by EPRA, with diesel crossing Sh240 per litre and petrol rising by Sh16.65, marking the third increase in a month. This overshadowed the Emurua Dikirr by-election, where voting proceeded amid minor clashes. In politics, a TIFA poll showed Ruto leading the 2027 race at 24%, with Kindiki as preferred running mate, while Gachagua's DCP gained ground. The Gachagua impeachment aftermath continued, with a court warned that quashing his ouster could create a two-DP crisis. Other developments included the University of Nairobi appointing Prof. Ayub Gitau as VC, and the government proposing a stipend increase for village elders.
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The day was dominated by the fallout from the fuel price hike announced the previous day. Morning coverage focused on the government's defense, with Energy CS Wandayi blaming the Middle East crisis, while the Law Society of Kenya called for more subsidies. By early afternoon, matatu operators announced a 50% fare increase and a nationwide strike, drawing widespread attention. Political figures weighed in: MP Ndindi Nyoro proposed a VAT exemption to cut prices by Sh26, while Deputy President Gachagua accused President Ruto of profiteering from fuel imports. The business community, through KNCCI, demanded a review of fuel taxes. The Emurua Dikirr by-election win by UDA's David Keter, reported the previous evening, continued to receive coverage but was overshadowed by the fuel crisis.
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The day was dominated by the ongoing fuel price crisis, with EPRA's latest hike pushing diesel to Sh242.92 per litre and petrol to Sh214.25. Matatu operators announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, calling for EPRA's disbandment. Political fallout continued: Ida Odinga hit back at CS Mbadi over remarks on Raila, while DP Kindiki appealed a ruling admitting an affidavit in Gachagua's impeachment case. In the afternoon, Ruto and Mbadi scheduled emergency talks to avert mass protests. Meanwhile, the government indefinitely halted plans to reopen the Kenya-Somalia border, citing security concerns. The death of Rwandan genocide suspect Félicien Kabuga in The Hague was confirmed by the UN tribunal. Other developments included a suicide crisis in Mt Kenya region (680 deaths) and heightened Ebola surveillance after a DR Congo outbreak.
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The day was dominated by the fuel price crisis, with transporters declaring a nationwide strike from midnight (Daily Nation, Citizen, Eastleigh Voice). Political figures reacted: Oburu Oginga urged government intervention (TV47 Digital), while Kalonzo hit out at Ruto (Citizen). A legal challenge against the new prices was filed (Taifaleo). Meanwhile, the Mt Kenya succession battle between Uhuru and Gachagua over Matiang'i's activities continued (Daily Nation). Orengo declared his 2027 presidential bid (Taifaleo), and Gachagua rallied the diaspora against Ruto's cost of living (Eastleigh Voice). Violence also featured: a woman died from an acid attack in Mbeere (Tuko), and police condemned a petrol attack on a woman in Kasarani (Citizen, TV47 Digital). EPRA added new charges to power bills (Kenyans).
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The nationwide matatu strike over fuel prices, announced the previous day, paralyzed transport from early morning, stranding commuters across Kenya. Protests escalated throughout the day, turning violent by midday: a vehicle was set ablaze in Githurai, one person was shot in Kakamega, and an MP was attacked in Makutano. By evening, Interior CS Murkomen confirmed four dead and 348 arrested nationwide. Government talks with matatu operators failed, with operators rejecting a deal live on camera and vowing to continue the strike. Amid the crisis, EPRA announced a diesel price cut of Sh10.06 but raised kerosene by Sh38.60. Separately, ex-CS Adan Mohamed was appointed KRA Commissioner General.
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The day began with the nationwide transport strike entering its second day, paralyzing Nairobi as matatus and bodabodas stayed off roads. Embassies shut offices, and protests turned violent with vehicles torched. By mid-morning, the government met stakeholders, and around 10 AM, the strike was called off for one week to allow negotiations. EPRA had cut diesel prices overnight but raised kerosene, yet operators initially rejected the deal. Later, Governor Sakaja sought loan amnesty for operators, and services gradually resumed. Meanwhile, President Ruto arrived in Kazakhstan for a state visit, and MPs summoned CS Mbadi over unauthorized transfers to the National Investment Fund. The death toll from protests rose to 12, and the Law Society challenged EPRA's price hike in court.
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The day opened with the aftermath of the fuel strike: traders counted losses, matatus returned to roads, and Super Metro announced fare adjustments after a diesel price drop. By mid-morning, the High Court declared Aisha Jumwa's appointment as Kenya Roads Board chairperson unconstitutional, a blow to Ruto. Adan Mohamed was sworn in as KRA Commissioner General despite a petition challenging his age. In the afternoon, Parliament began reviewing Ndindi Nyoro's proposal to cut fuel taxes, while President Ruto received Kazakhstan's Order of Dostyk during his state visit. Former CS Fred Matiang'i urged Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026, drawing a sharp rebuke from CS Mbadi. The day also saw a Grade Six pupil murdered in Nakuru, and a taxi driver arrested for killing gospel singer Racheal Muthoni over a Ruto tattoo.
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The day's coverage was dominated by the Finance Bill 2026, with bankers and accountants pushing for lower PAYE rates and the United Opposition considering demonstrations. President Ruto's coast development tour included issuing 33,000 title deeds and promising a new Likoni ferry, while he also summoned matatu leaders to address fuel price tensions. The murder of gospel singer Rachel Wandeto remained in focus, with the taxi driver detained and Ruto vowing action. Court rulings upheld Wamuthende's by-election win and allowed the auction of Tuju's Dari Business Park. The fuel strike's impact on Mombasa's food supply was highlighted, and the government launched a crackdown on milk hawking.
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President Ruto dominated the day with a series of directives aimed at quelling transport unrest: ordering a KSh 10 diesel price cut, waiving duty on the first 100,000 electric vehicle imports, and halting the NTSA ban on matatu graffiti and tinted windows. The matatu strike was called off after talks with Ruto, though operators later accused leaders of betrayal. Meanwhile, the Gachagua impeachment case was set for June 8, and the DCI launched a manhunt for suspects linked to fuel protest violence. A plane crash at Wilson Airport and continued Ebola surveillance rounded out the day.
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The day opened with news of a foiled terror plot along the Garissa–Dadaab Road, where police recovered an IED and arrested a suspect. This was followed by reports of fuel shortages across East Africa, attributed to the Middle East crisis, which dominated afternoon coverage. The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo remained a concern, with Uganda confirming three new cases and WHO raising the cross-border alert. In the evening, opposition leaders called on Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill amid high fuel prices. The day also saw the dropping of contentious tax proposals, including the mitumba tax, from the Finance Bill 2026, and a rise in femicide cases highlighted by Standard Media.
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Morning reports focused on a security incident at the White House and a deepening regional fuel crisis affecting East African neighbors. In Kenya, editors initially prioritized the government's plan to promote 50,000 teachers and the death of sports commentator Diblo Kaberia. However, the narrative shifted abruptly following a security breach at a presidential event in Kilifi, where a man carrying a Bible bypassed security to reach President Ruto.
By afternoon, this breach dominated the news cycle, leading to the immediate replacement of the Presidential Escort Unit Commandant and a wider police reshuffle ordered by IG Douglas Kanja. Simultaneously, coverage addressed the apology of UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar for ethnically sensitive remarks and the murder of former MP David Were’s son in Kisumu. The evening concluded with celebrations across major towns as Arsenal fans marked a Premier League title win, juxtaposed against news of a looming Sh2.7 billion state request for AI-driven social media surveillance.
By afternoon, this breach dominated the news cycle, leading to the immediate replacement of the Presidential Escort Unit Commandant and a wider police reshuffle ordered by IG Douglas Kanja. Simultaneously, coverage addressed the apology of UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar for ethnically sensitive remarks and the murder of former MP David Were’s son in Kisumu. The evening concluded with celebrations across major towns as Arsenal fans marked a Premier League title win, juxtaposed against news of a looming Sh2.7 billion state request for AI-driven social media surveillance.
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The day opened with continued fallout from the previous day's security breach at President Ruto's Coast rally, where a man walked onto the stage. Multiple outlets reported on the incident, the subsequent investigation, and the appointment of a new Presidential Escort Unit commander. By mid-morning, the focus shifted to the Finance Bill 2026, with CS Mbadi accusing opposition leaders of misleading the public, while MPs warned of economic strain. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized the government over fuel prices and the cost of living, dominating afternoon coverage. In the evening, the declaration of a public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha by Murkomen was widely reported. The security story took a twist when The Kenya Times reported that the man behind the breach had landed a job at KPA. Meanwhile, political jostling for the DP slot in Ruto's 2027 coalition intensified, and Iran's removal of the Strait of Hormuz toll with hidden charges drew attention.
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Editors led with the Finance Bill 2026's impact on family incomes and the private sector's warnings of job losses and closures. The morning saw Daily Nation and Eastleigh Voice detailing proposed tax hikes, while manufacturers pushed for excise overhauls. By midday, Standard Media and Capital FM reported manufacturers' threats of closures and MPs returning to tackle budget bills. The afternoon shifted to political reactions: CS Mbadi defended the bill against opposition criticism, and UDA launched a scathing attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his renewed criticism of the government. The IEBC's warning against premature 2027 election rigging claims also featured prominently, alongside the swearing-in of Emurua Dikirr MP David Keter. The day's narrative was dominated by the economic strain of the Finance Bill and the escalating political rhetoric between the government and its critics.
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The day was dominated by two escalating stories: the US plan to send Ebola-exposed Americans to Kenya for quarantine, and the internal fracture within the ruling UDA party over ethnic remarks by Secretary General Hassan Omar.
Early reports focused on Trump's quarantine plan, with Eastleigh Voice and Kenyans detailing the proposal and the government's confirmation of talks with the US. By midday, Standard Media and Citizen raised hard questions about the health security implications, while Health CS Duale assured intensified surveillance. The government later confirmed negotiations, fueling public uproar.
Simultaneously, the UDA crisis deepened. Morning coverage of Omar's apology gave way to afternoon demands for his resignation by Mt. Kenya MPs, who threatened to leave the party. Citizen and Eastleigh Voice reported the ultimatum, linking it to broader tensions with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The day's editorial priorities reflected a dual focus on external health threats and internal political instability.
Early reports focused on Trump's quarantine plan, with Eastleigh Voice and Kenyans detailing the proposal and the government's confirmation of talks with the US. By midday, Standard Media and Citizen raised hard questions about the health security implications, while Health CS Duale assured intensified surveillance. The government later confirmed negotiations, fueling public uproar.
Simultaneously, the UDA crisis deepened. Morning coverage of Omar's apology gave way to afternoon demands for his resignation by Mt. Kenya MPs, who threatened to leave the party. Citizen and Eastleigh Voice reported the ultimatum, linking it to broader tensions with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The day's editorial priorities reflected a dual focus on external health threats and internal political instability.
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The Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire dominated editorial priorities throughout the day, with the death toll rising from 10 to 16 students. Morning coverage focused on the initial tragedy and delayed emergency response, while midday updates brought school closure, government psychosocial support, and calls for Education CS Ogamba's resignation. By afternoon, the narrative shifted to forensic identification of victims, the arrest of six girls, and a parent dying en route to the school. The US Ebola quarantine plan in Kenya remained a secondary but persistent story, with KMPDU issuing a 48-hour strike ultimatum. President Ruto's tax relief announcement and his statement that God would decide the 2027 election outcome received attention but were overshadowed by the school fire's unfolding aftermath.
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The Utumishi Girls Academy fire dominated editorial priorities for a second day, with the government dissolving the school board and ordering disciplinary action against teachers who ignored prior unrest warnings. Eight students were arrested on suspicion of arson, and parents threatened to storm the school as DNA identification began. The US Ebola quarantine plan remained a secondary but persistent story: the High Court halted the Laikipia facility, while Mudavadi defended the government's proactive stance and Laikipia MPs opposed it. Uganda confirmed two new Ebola cases, and WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain. Inflation rose to 6.7%, and the court blocked the Southlands affordable housing project.
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The US Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia dominated editorial priorities, with the US breaking silence and expressing readiness for talks after a court halt. Morning coverage focused on the legal challenge and US engagement, while midday reports highlighted Kenya extending Ebola screening to 10 neighboring states and KMPDU urging the facility be set up in DRC instead. By afternoon, Health CS Duale defended the facility, and IPOA launched a probe into deaths during fuel protests. The Utumishi Girls fire aftermath continued with tributes for a heroic student and emotional body identification, but the Ebola facility dispute was the day's primary editorial focus.
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The Utumishi Girls Academy fire continued to dominate editorial priorities, with the investigation advancing through CCTV evidence. Morning reports detailed how detectives identified suspects via footage, while by midday DCI had named seven students linked to the blaze and launched a manhunt for one who fled home. Survivor accounts and forensic findings added detail. The day saw a secondary focus on safety reforms, with Murkomen and Wetang’ula calling for CCTV and crackdowns on schools ignoring rules. The Ebola facility dispute resurfaced through a Kenya-US biosecurity deal and an EAC emergency meeting, but remained overshadowed. Madaraka Day preparations in Wajir and the Finance Bill’s excise tax warnings also featured.
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