Tag: President Ruto news

President William Ruto’s development tour of Murang’a County took an unexpectedly comedic turn on Saturday when a light-hearted slip of the tongue left residents in stitches. While addressing a crowd in Gatanga, the President momentarily stumbled over his words while discussing local market projects.

“Hapa tuko na soko zenu. Hapa Gatanga tuko na soko mara tatu, tuko na Kasongo…” Ruto remarked, before quickly catching himself and correcting it to “soko.” The accidental mention of “Kasongo” triggered immediate laughter from the audience. The President paused, joined in the laughter, and smiled before regaining his composure to finish his speech.

Delivering on Infrastructure Pledges

The humorous moment provided a brief reprieve from an otherwise serious agenda focused on long-standing development demands. Addressing residents in Gatura, the President reaffirmed his commitment to completing infrastructure projects that have been pending since 2021.

He specifically pledged to finish the critical road link between Gatura and Njambini, asking the residents, “Isn’t everyone judged by the work they do?” He assured the community that he would personally oversee the delivery of all roads mentioned by local leaders during the forum.

Boosting the Dairy and Trade Sectors

The two-day tour was heavily focused on empowering local farmers and small-scale traders through various handovers and inspections:

• Dairy Support: Ruto handed over two 5,000-litre milk coolers to the Kigoro and Gatanga Highlands cooperatives, followed by a 10,000-litre cooler for Kangari United in Kigumo. These are part of a larger plan to install 12 bulk coolers across the county to serve over 3,600 farmers.

• Modern Markets: In Kandara, the President laid the foundation stone for the Kabati Modern Market, which will house 1,000 traders. He also inspected the Sabasaba Modern Market in Maragua, designed to accommodate 200 vendors.

• Road Connectivity: Beyond the Gatura-Njambini stretch, Ruto officially launched the construction of the Kangari-Gacharage road.

Agricultural Reforms and Global Markets

Turning to the region’s economic backbone, the President highlighted significant progress in the coffee sector, noting that farm-gate prices have seen a marked increase. He also shared optimistic news regarding international trade, revealing that Kenya has successfully secured access to the Chinese market. This opening is expected to create new export pathways for central Kenya’s primary exports, including tea, macadamia, avocado, and dairy products.

While the tour was packed with policy announcements and project launches, the “Kasongo” mishap remained the most talked-about highlight, reminding Kenyans of the human side of the presidency during an intensive working tour.

In a decisive move to streamline Kenya’s legal system, President William Ruto has officially appointed 37 new judges to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court (ELC). The appointments, aimed at tackling a massive backlog of cases, were formalized through a gazette notice on April 24, 2026.

The President exercised his authority under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution to finalize the slate of judicial officers following a rigorous year-long recruitment process.

Expanding the High Court Bench

A total of 24 judges have been added to the High Court. This group includes seasoned legal minds such as Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, and Paul Kipkosgei Rotich.

The full list of new High Court judges also features Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku, Martha Wanzila Mutuku, Benard Wafula Murunga, Francis Nyungu Kyambia, and Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga. They are joined by Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, Richard Kipkemoio Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, Dominic Kipkemoio Rono, Winnie Narasha Molonko, and Judith Chelangat Mutai.

Rounding off the High Court slate are Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo, Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi, Abdi Mohamud Hassan, Nabil Mokaya Orina, Patricia Naeku Leparashao, and Catherine Akaigwa Kassim.

New Appointments to the Environment and Land Court (ELC)

The President also appointed 13 judges to the Environment and Land Court to address critical land-related disputes. The new ELC judges include John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Cyprian Mugambi Ngyathari, and Charity Chebii Oluoch.

Further appointments to this specialized court include Elena Gathoni Nderitu, Gerhard Gitonga Muchege, Charles Nchore Ondieki, Dr. Robert Omondi Owino, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Ben Mark Ekhubi, and Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni.

A Highly Competitive Selection Process

These appointments are the culmination of a marathon recruitment drive initiated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on June 9, 2025. The vacancies sparked immense interest across the legal profession, resulting in hundreds of applications:

• High Court: Received 377 applications, with 100 candidates shortlisted.

• ELC: Received 243 applications, with 50 candidates reaching the interview stage.

• Court of Appeal: Received 95 applications, with 35 making the shortlist.

This recruitment follows the earlier appointment of 15 Court of Appeal judges in January 2026. Those promotions created a “domino effect,” as several High Court and ELC judges were elevated to the superior court, necessitating this latest batch of appointments to fill the resulting vacancies and maintain the momentum of judicial reform.

President William Ruto has broken his silence on the growing disparity between fuel prices in Kenya and its East African neighbors. Speaking during a church service in Karen on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the President argued that Kenya’s status as a middle-income economy and its superior road network necessitate a different pricing structure compared to Tanzania and Uganda.

The Head of State sought to justify the higher costs by highlighting the financial demands of maintaining a modern infrastructure that outpaces the rest of the region.

Middle-Income vs. Least Developed Status

President Ruto dismissed direct price comparisons with neighboring countries, asserting that such comparisons are fundamentally flawed due to varying economic classifications.

“Many people keep asking why prices in Kenya differ from those in our neighboring countries,” the President stated. “It is important to clarify that Kenya is a middle-income country, while many of our neighbors are classified as least-developed countries, and that creates a significant difference.”

He urged critics to benchmark Kenya against other middle-income nations to get a more “accurate” picture of global energy costs.

The Price of World-Class Infrastructure

A major driver of the high pump prices, according to the President, is the Road Maintenance Levy. He noted that the taxes embedded in every liter of fuel are directly channeled into the country’s massive road network, which he claims is unrivaled in the East African Community (EAC).

By the Numbers:

• 20,000 km: The current network of tarmac roads Kenya maintains.

• 6,000 km: The length of tarmac roads currently under construction.

• 28,000 km: The government’s ambitious goal for additional tarmac roads over the next seven years.

Ruto pointed out that Kenya’s 20,000 kilometers of paved roads exceed the combined tarmac networks of all other EAC member states. “Kenyans need to understand that the taxes are designed to support transport infrastructure that benefits the economy through improved connectivity,” he added.

The Price Gap: Kenya vs. Neighbors

The President’s explanation arrives at a time of intense public scrutiny following the latest Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) review. While local prices have seen a slight downward revision from their mid-April peak of over Ksh 206, the gap between Kenya and its neighbors remains stark.

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the commitment of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to work together under the “Broad-Based Government” to accelerate national transformation.

Speaking on Monday during the second day of his four-day development tour in Kisii and Nyamira counties, the President described the political partnership as the primary engine for unity and development.

Infrastructure: SGR Extension and the Ikonge Station

Addressing concerns from Nyamira residents, President Ruto dismissed rumors that the county had been sidelined in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Kisumu. He announced a significant investment to ensure the region remains a logistics hub:

• New Hub: A KSh 300 million SGR station will be constructed at Ikonge.

• Economic Impact: The facility is designed to streamline the transport of regional produce, including tea, bananas, and macadamia, to both domestic and international markets.

• Regional Connectivity: The extension through Nyamira, Kisumu, and Malaba is expected to stimulate trade across East Africa.

Education: Nyamira University College Takes Shape

The President laid the foundation stone for the Nyamira University College, an initiative he noted was previously met with skepticism. To ensure its completion, the government has ramped up funding:

• Funding Boost: An initial KSh 200 million allocation has been bolstered by an additional KSh 300 million.

• Housing: A further KSh 300 million has been set aside for the construction of student hostels.

• Community Support: The President thanked North Mugirango MP Joshua Nyamoko for relocating a secondary school to create space for the campus, pledging KSh 20 million to help re-establish the school.

Health and Sports Developments

The President outlined several large-scale projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the region:

• Healthcare: Negotiations are underway with the county government to build a new KSh 1 billion hospital.

• Sports: A total of KSh 950 million has been allocated for a new stadium in Nyamira, with Governor Amos Nyaribo tasked with identifying suitable land for the project.

A Swipe at the Opposition

President Ruto took a firm stance against critics, accusing opposition leaders of relying on propaganda and hatred rather than a clear agenda.

“We cannot allow a few people to destroy our country. Our destiny will be determined by 60 million of us and not two or three people,” the President stated.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed these sentiments, warning that “characters” seeking to incite chaos and violence would not be tolerated. He emphasized that the President’s tour is strictly about “development, not politics,” focusing on unlocking stalled roads, markets, and schools.

Local Leadership Support

The “Broad-Based” arrangement received strong backing from local governors:

• Kisii Governor Simba Arati (ODM): Defended his decision to work with UDA, stating that the engagement has led to rapid national development and better service delivery for Kisii residents.

• Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo: Expressed his gratitude for the university, hospital, and road projects, stating that the President’s record in the region speaks for itself.

The tour also saw the launch of the Bobaracho-Ting’a road and access roads to the Gianchore Tea Factory, a move expected to significantly reduce transport costs and difficulties for local tea farmers.

President William Ruto has issued a forceful condemnation of the expanding wave of missile and drone strikes across the Middle East, warning that the regional spillover now poses a “grave threat to international peace and security.” In a state address on Monday, March 2, 2026, the President called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged “longstanding multilateral institutions” to intervene before the crisis spirals into a total global catastrophe.

The President’s remarks follow a weekend of unprecedented military violence that has fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical landscape. The current firestorm was ignited in the early hours of February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched a massive joint offensive codenamed “Operation Genesis” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S. Department of Defense. This coordinated campaign targeted Iranian military infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and the upper echelons of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Most significantly, the strikes resulted in the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, marking a dramatic shift from decades of proxy warfare to direct, large-scale combat within Iranian territory.

State vs State

In a swift and violent response to the “decapitation strike,” Iranian forces and their allies launched a retaliatory barrage of hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles. This counter-offensive has rapidly regionalized the conflict, drawing in states far beyond the original borders of the Iran-Israel confrontation. President Ruto specifically singled out the strikes on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, emphasizing that such “tit-for-tat” aggression endangers innocent civilians and migrant workers across the Arabian Peninsula.

The impact of the war has already reached Kenyan soil through significant economic and logistical disruptions. The targeting of strategic sites and civilian hubs in the Gulf has forced widespread airspace closures, leading Kenya Airways to suspend all passenger and freighter flights to Dubai and Sharjah until further notice. This suspension is a major blow to the thousands of Kenyans who rely on the Nairobi-Dubai corridor for trade, particularly the export of perishables and the import of electronics and textiles.

Furthermore, the conflict has ignited dormant proxy fronts. On Monday, March 2, the Iranian-aligned group Hezbollah launched a volley of rockets from Lebanon toward northern Israel, prompting heavy Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on positions in Beirut. Simultaneously, the IRGC moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for 20% of the world’s oil and gas, sending shockwaves through global energy markets.

Standing at State House, President Ruto stressed that military might alone cannot resolve the underlying crisis. With over 400,000 Kenyans currently living and working in the Gulf, the President emphasized that the safety of the diaspora is a top priority. He urged all Kenyans in the region to register with the nearest embassy and remain vigilant as the situation remains “fluid and unpredictable.” “Longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for resolving the crisis,” Ruto stated. “The regionalisation of this conflict poses a grave threat… we need urgent and coordinated diplomatic engagement to avoid further escalation.”

President William Ruto has issued a stern condemnation of the recent wave of Iranian military strikes targeting several Gulf nations, warning that the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East poses a “grave threat to international peace and security.” In a statement released on Monday, March 2, 2026, the Head of State reacted to a massive retaliatory barrage launched by Tehran following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory over the weekend. Singling out attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, the President emphasized that the regionalization of the conflict risks sabotaging global stability and called for an immediate return to multilateral diplomacy. “At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis,” Ruto stated, urging an urgent de-escalation of hostilities.

The scale of the offensive, which began on Saturday, February 28, has seen hundreds of missiles and drones targeting multiple Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, disrupting major global hubs and causing casualties. In the UAE, the Ministry of Defense reported the launch of 165 ballistic missiles and over 540 drones; while most were intercepted, impacts were recorded at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. In Kuwait, authorities reported the interception of nearly 400 projectiles over a two-day period, though tragic reports confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed following an impact at the Camp Arifjan military facility. Meanwhile, Bahrain reported a significant blaze at the Salman Port U.S. naval base, and Qatar confirmed missile impacts within industrial zones in Doha.

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This volatility is of particular concern to Nairobi given the massive Kenyan workforce currently stationed in the region. According to the latest data from Diaspora Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, over 400,000 Kenyans are living and working across the Gulf. In response to the escalating violence, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs issued an emergency travel and safety advisory on the evening of Saturday, February 28. PS Njogu has urged all Kenyans in the affected regions to remain vigilant and immediately register with the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate. Furthermore, citizens are advised to update their next-of-kin details via the official diaspora website as the government closely monitors the “fluid and unpredictable” situation to ensure the safety of its nationals abroad.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Peter Maingi Kimani, also known as Menelik Kimani, in Gachage, Kiganjo, within Gatundu South Sub-County, after a viral video surfaced in which he allegedly issued threats against President William Ruto.

The arrest took place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, and was confirmed by several media outlets.

Viral Clip Triggers Probe

According to investigators, Kimani recorded and posted a video on his TikTok account earlier in the week that authorities described as containing direct threats toward the President and other government officials.

The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting the DCI to launch an investigation. Detectives traced his digital activity and later tracked him down to a location where he was allegedly hiding after publishing the video.

In the footage, Kimani is said to have addressed President Ruto with the warning: “President William Ruto; ignore me at your own risk.”

He also questioned the President’s democratic legitimacy, claiming that “a real king doesn’t come through the ballot box, a real king comes from the battlefield.”

Claims of Lineage and Ultimatum

Kimani reportedly asserted royal and biblical ancestry, referring to himself as “Menelik, son of King Solomon, son of King David,” and argued that leadership should be obtained through force rather than elections.

Investigators further allege that he issued a seven-day ultimatum, calling on the President to assemble an “army for war” and warning that failure to respond would lead him to “visit State House” and determine the President’s fate.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges he may face as investigations continue.

President William Ruto has ushered in the new year with a bold vision, labeling 2026 as the definitive year for Kenya’s transition from economic stabilization to full-scale growth. Delivering his New Year’s address from the State Lodge in Eldoret, the President emphasized that the country is no longer “guessing or gambling” with its future, but is instead operating on a firm foundation designed to move the nation from promise to prosperity.

Economic Wins and Social Progress

Reflecting on the progress made in 2025, the President noted that government policies in the agricultural sector have begun to pay off. He cited record-breaking maize production, surging tea earnings, and a near-doubling of coffee prices as evidence of a revitalized economy.

On the social front, Ruto highlighted the success of the Universal Healthcare program, revealing that 29 million Kenyans are now registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA). He also pointed to the Affordable Housing program as a dual-purpose success, providing both dignified living conditions for low-income earners and thousands of jobs for the youth.

Ambitious Targets for Poverty and Jobs

Acknowledging that nearly 40% of Kenyans still live below the poverty line, the President set two aggressive, measurable goals for the coming years:

• Halving the poverty rate.

• Cutting unemployment by 50%.

To achieve this without increasing the debt burden, Ruto announced that the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund will be operationalized in January 2026. these funds aim to mobilize domestic resources and attract private capital, reducing the nation’s reliance on external borrowing.

A Massive Infrastructure Wave

The President unveiled a high-priority “to-do list” for 2026, featuring several multi-billion shilling projects:

• Transport: Launching the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension and constructing a modern airport terminal at JKIA.

• Roads: Tarmacking 6,000 kilometers of roads currently under contract.

• Sports & Tourism: Completing the Talanta Sports Complex for AFCON 2027 and building the Bomas International Convention Centre.

• Water Security: The commencement of the Galana-Kulalu Dam project.

National Security: War on Drugs and Unity

In a significant policy shift, President Ruto declared alcohol and drug abuse a national development and security emergency. With over 4.7 million Kenyans affected by substance abuse, the President announced:

• Expanding the Anti-Narcotics Unit from 200 to 700 officers.

• Aggressive asset seizures of traffickers and the potential establishment of specialized courts.

• A “zero-tolerance” policy for government officials found colluding with traffickers.

Finally, addressing the political climate following the unrest of 2025, Ruto called for national unity and responsible exercise of constitutional rights. He concluded by promising a new era of accountability, stating that his administration will be judged strictly by “results rather than promises.”

The High Court has issued significant conservatory orders, effectively suspending the component of the recently signed health cooperation agreement between Kenya and the United States that governs the transfer of sensitive health and personal data.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the ruling, which immediately halts the implementation of the data sharing mechanism until a legal review is completed. The order restrains the government from moving forward with the most contentious aspect of the Ksh$200$ billion deal, which was signed in Washington on December 4 by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, staying, and restraining the respondents… from implementing or giving effect to the Health Cooperation Framework executed between the Government of Kenya and the Government of the United States of America,” Justice Mwamuye ordered.

“This suspension applies insofar as the agreement provides for or facilitates the transfer, sharing, or dissemination of medical, epidemiological, or sensitive personal health data.”

COFEK’s Data Privacy Challenge

The legal challenge was mounted by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), which argued in court that the agreement violates the Constitution and relevant health laws, claiming the deal was done discreetly without adequate public consultation.

COFEK warned the court that transferring citizens’ medical and epidemiological data abroad would lead to “permanent and irreversible” harm. The lobby group contended that once the data is transferred, neither the court nor Kenyan regulators would possess the power to recall, restrict, or oversee how the information is used overseas, exposing citizens to lasting privacy violations.

The case has been scheduled for mention on February 12 next year before Justice Lawrence Mugambi to confirm compliance with the orders and to set directions for the expedited hearing of the main petition.

President Ruto Defends the Pact

The court’s ruling comes despite recent efforts by President William Ruto to quell intense public debate and fears over data safety within the partnership. Speaking at the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit in Nairobi, Ruto clarified that it was the Kenyan government, not Washington, that initiated the negotiations.

The Head of State affirmed that U.S. State Department officials had visited Nairobi for extensive negotiations under a framework proposed by Kenya. He also assured the nation that Attorney General Dorcas Oduor was fully briefed on the progress and had legally cleared the deal, guaranteeing that the agreement contained no loopholes concerning data privacy.

President William Ruto has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, insisting the legislation was amended for the benefit of all Kenyans.

Speaking on Thursday, October 23, at the burial of Inspector General Douglas Kanja’s father, the Head of State accused a section of political leaders of trying to fuel political tensions by deliberately spreading false information about the Act.

Clarifying the Law’s Origin and Purpose

President Ruto clarified that the core Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act has been in existence since 2018 and only underwent “slight readjustments” in 2024. He noted that the Act is crucial for tackling several online challenges negatively affecting Kenyan youth, specifically:

• Cyberbullying
• Hate speech
• Access to explicit content

“Those who run such businesses of bullying other Kenyans, you now find that a lot of youths are committing suicide because of terrorism that is on the online platforms,” Ruto stated, emphasizing the urgency of regulating digital spaces.

He pushed back against critics, saying, “There are people who are out to cause tension by all means. This law has been in existence since 2018, and the amendments began in 2024 and it was done by the Members of the National Assembly.

Dismissing Allegations of Exploiting Raila’s Death

Addressing leaders and residents in Laikipia, the President also dismissed allegations that he took advantage of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death to swiftly sign the crucial bill into law.

“It is my constitutional duty to sign bills into law, and that day, I had already prepared to sign the bill when I received news about the passing of the former Prime Minister. It was impossible to stop the process,” the President reiterated, clarifying the timing of the assent.

The President’s comments come hours after the High Court temporarily suspended the Act, stopping its enforcement and operation pending the full hearing and determination of the matter.

President William Ruto has announced the immediate waiver of all fees for replacing national identification (ID) cards, a policy that will remain in effect until after the 2027 General Election.

The President stated that the move is designed to ensure that no Kenyan is denied the opportunity to register as a voter simply because they cannot afford to replace a lost or damaged ID card.

Speaking on Saturday during the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) centenary celebrations in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County, President Ruto explained the rationale behind the original fee and the new waiver.

“We will make sure no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter because of a lack of an identification card,” Ruto affirmed.

He noted that the replacement fee had initially been introduced to discourage abuse by citizens who would repeatedly lose their free IDs and request replacements. The waiver temporarily overturns this requirement.

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New Financial Funds Announced

During the same event, which was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Governors Ken Lusaka and Wilber Otichilo, President Ruto also unveiled plans to establish two significant new financial instruments: the Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The President explained that the Infrastructure Fund will be dedicated to financing agricultural transformation, including irrigation, agro-processing, and value addition. It will also support key areas like industrialization, manufacturing, and increasing power generation capacity across the country.