Footage from the capital showed groups of protesters marching through central Nairobi as police vehicles moved in and several people were detained. Residents said the anger was being driven by record pump prices and the wider cost-of-living squeeze, with transport costs rising sharply for ordinary Kenyans.

Many businesses remained open, but there were reports of blockades and clashes in parts of the central business district before police dispersed the crowds. The demonstrations came despite President William Ruto’s recent insistence that protests would not lower prices and that the focus should be on finding practical solutions.

The protests unfolded against the backdrop of a wider global energy shock linked to the war in the Middle East and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The International Energy Agency has described the disruption as “the greatest threat to global energy security in history,” with oil supply and tanker movements severely affected.

President William Ruto has made a passionate appeal to Kenya’s young population, urging them to take an active role in shaping the country’s future by registering as voters ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a national youth forum, Ruto emphasised that the youth form the largest demographic block and, therefore, have the power to redefine Kenya’s political destiny. He highlighted that political apathy among young people undermines their ability to influence governance and economic policy. The President encouraged youth to rise above frustration and scepticism, asserting that meaningful change can only come through democratic participation. He also promised to address the systemic barriers preventing youth registration, such as limited access to national identification cards and logistical challenges in remote areas.

Matiang’i now formally declares joining Jubilee Party

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has formally joined the Jubilee Party, marking his official entry into partisan politics after months of speculation. Matiang’i’s move is seen as a significant development in Kenya’s evolving political landscape, especially given his past reputation as a technocrat and public service reformer. During his declaration, he expressed his commitment to revitalising Jubilee’s grassroots structures and contributing to national unity through policy-based politics. His entry has been welcomed by sections of the party leadership who view him as a capable organiser with a strong administrative background. Political analysts, however, note that his decision may also be a strategic step toward positioning himself for a larger political role in the run-up to the 2027 elections. Matiang’i assured supporters that his focus remains on governance, integrity, and service delivery.

Kenya losing billions annually to graft and state capture, says AfDB

A new report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) has revealed that Kenya continues to lose billions of shillings annually to corruption and entrenched systems of state capture. The findings paint a grim picture of systemic inefficiencies, fraudulent procurement practices, and misuse of public funds that have eroded economic progress. The AfDB warned that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to sustainable development and foreign investment in Kenya. It urged the government to strengthen institutional accountability, improve transparency in public spending, and enforce anti-graft laws with greater consistency. The report further recommended empowering oversight bodies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and enhancing judicial independence to ensure that corruption cases are prosecuted effectively. The revelations have reignited public debate about governance reforms and the government’s political will to address corruption at the highest levels.