Kenya Minute.
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Politics

President's graffiti directive contradicts High Court ruling

The News

President William Ruto ordered police to allow matatus bearing graffiti to operate unmolested, effectively overriding a High Court ruling by Justice Bahati Mwamuye that dismissed a petition challenging the National Transport and Safety Authority's ban on graffiti and decorative artwork on public service vehicles.

Why it matters

The President's directive overriding a High Court ruling on matatu graffiti raises constitutional accountability questions about executive power versus judicial independence.

26 May 2026 · The Standard →

Politics

  1. President's graffiti directive contradicts High Court ruling

    President William Ruto ordered police to allow matatus bearing graffiti to operate unmolested, effectively overriding a High Court ruling by Justice Bahati Mwamuye that dismissed a petition challenging the National Transport and Safety Authority's ban on graffiti and decorative artwork on public service vehicles.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Uhuru criticises Ruto administration over cost of living, tribal politics

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has sharply criticised President William Ruto's administration, urging it to listen to Kenyans' grievances instead of engaging in political distractions.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Western Kenya leaders demand Deputy President slot for 2027

    Leaders from Western Kenya have formally demanded the Deputy President position in President William Ruto's 2027 re-election campaign, triggering a political battle within the ruling coalition that is expected to reshape coalition negotiations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

  4. Security blunders led to removal of Ruto's chief bodyguard

    A series of blunders that compromised the safety of President William Ruto resulted in the removal of his trusted security chief, Noah Maiyo, the former Presidential Escort Unit commandant.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

Business

  1. Treasury considers cutting 4.8 trillion shilling budget

    Kenya's Treasury is re-examining the 2026-27 budget of 4.8 trillion shillings amid challenging global economic conditions, with tax increases remaining a potential policy option.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

Mining & Energy

  1. Ruto commissions Mariakani substation to ease coastal power pressure

    President Ruto commissioned the 400/220KV Mariakani substation in Kilifi County, developed by KETRACO, which links the Coast to Nairobi through the national transmission grid. Since its energization in December 2025, thermal power generation at the Coast has reduced from 100MW to 35MW, a 65 percent reduction in fossil-fuel reliance.

    26 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Society

  1. MPs question Sh300m consultancy costs in wildlife compensation scheme

    A parliamentary committee has raised concerns over the expenditure of Sh300 million on consultancies under a digital wildlife compensation programme and is calling for a special audit into the spending.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Matatu operators strike over fuel prices in Nyeri, Murang'a

    Transport in Nyeri and Murang'a counties was severely disrupted on Monday as matatu operators struck over rising fuel prices, with commuters stranded and highways deserted. Operators demanded petrol be reduced to Sh170 per litre and diesel to Sh150, threatening to intensify the strike if the government does not act.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

Sport

  1. Gor Mahia clinch record-extending 22nd league title

    Gor Mahia secured the 2025–2026 SportPesa Premier League title with a four-point lead over second-placed AFC Leopards and one match remaining. The club reached 68 points through resilience and a 16-match unbeaten streak between December and April that proved decisive after early-season defeats.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

Opinion

  1. Budget protest seeds germinate amid fuel crisis fallout

    An opinion piece argues that while last week's fuel strike has settled, public submission deadline on May 25 for the 2026/27 Estimates and Finance Bill signals potential budget protests. The author questions unresolved aspects of the fuel crisis, including sub-standard oil imports, arrested officers, and seized millions.

    26 May 2026 · The Standard →

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