In 2025, Kenya was shaped by major political change, nationwide protests, economic pressure, and the death of longtime opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The year also saw new political alliances, major financial challenges, and social issues that sparked national debate.
Major Political and National News
Death of Raila Odinga
Kenya lost one of its most iconic and influential political figure, when former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, in India at the age 80. His death left a major political gap and forced the opposition to look for new leadership after decades of his dominance in Kenyan politics which he was later succeeded by his brother Oburu Odinga.
Youth-Led Protests Return
In June and July 2025, a new wave of Gen Z-driven protests spread across the country after the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Demonstrations focused on:
- the high cost of living
- governance concerns
- police brutality
- corruption
At least 65 people were killed and more than 1,500 were arrested, reviving debate about policing and human rights in Kenya.
Hotly Contested Parliamentary Race
One of the most closely watched political
events of late 2025 was the Mbeere North by-election, which attracted national attention due to its high political stakes.
The seat became vacant earlier in the year, when the sitting Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Kariuki Kiringa Ruku, resigned his seat after being appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes by President William Ruto, triggering a fresh parliamentary vote.
Major political parties treated the race as a test of their strength ahead of the 2027 elections, deploying senior leaders to campaign in the constituency including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The contest highlighted local concerns such as development, infrastructure, and representation, while also reflecting broader national debates about party loyalty and governance. Voter turnout was closely monitored, and the election was seen as a key indicator of shifting political support in Mount Kenya East.
Political Realignment Under President Ruto
President William Ruto formed what he called a “broad-based government”,
bringing former rivals such as Gideon Moi (KANU) and senior ODM politicians into his administration. At the same time, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
officially launched his 2027 presidential bid after a political tour of the United States, reshaping succession politics.
Death of Cyrus Jirongo
Former Lugari MP and cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo died in a head-on crash along the Nakuru–Naivasha Highway on December 13, 2025. Political big wigs demanded an independent investigation, saying questions remained about the fatal collision.
Economic and Business Headlines
Kenya Shifts SGR Loan Repayments
Kenya announced that repayment of the $5 billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) loan to China would now be made in Chinese Yuan instead of US Dollars a move aimed at cutting exchange-rate costs.
Debt Pressure Intensifies
By September 2025, the government’s pending bills reached KSh 525 billion. The IMF warned that Kenya would continue borrowing due to high debt levels and limited revenue options.
Femicide Crisis Deepens
Kenya recorded 129 femicide cases in just the first quarter of 2025. The crisis led to the creation of the National Gender Research Agenda 2025–29 to coordinate policy and protection strategies.
Health Sector in Turmoil
The transition from NHIF to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF/SHA) faced criticism over:
- corruption claims
- rising hospital debts
- service delays
- Hospital debt had reached KSh 76 billion by late 2025.
CBC Students Transition to Senior School
The first group of CBC students joined Senior School (Grade 10). The rollout faced challenges, including:
- school placement disputes
- infrastructure shortages
- parent complaints
International and Security
Kenya Leads Haiti Security Mission
Kenya continued to lead the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, sending an additional 230 specialist officers in late 2025.
US–Kenya Health Deal
Kenya signed a $2.5 billion health partnership with the United States, though a Kenyan court later paused the deal over data privacy concerns.
The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in Kenya’s recent history marked by leadership change, rising civic activism, and political realignment as the country moves toward the 2027 elections.