The death toll from the floods that struck on Friday evening has risen to 43, as heavy rains continue to cause widespread destruction across several parts of the country.
Across at least 16 counties, families are counting losses after floodwaters swept away homes, farms and roads, leaving many people displaced and struggling to cope with the aftermath.
In Nairobi’s Grogon garages, more than 30 vehicles have remained stranded since Friday after floodwaters overwhelmed underground parking areas. Owners have been forced to tow out their cars as mechanics begin assessing damage and repairs.
“We are trying to remove them and fix them… many have been damaged. My car is about Ksh90,000,” said an affected owner, Abdala Weke.
Mechanic Wachira Zakayo said repairs could be costly, asking motorists for patience. “The cost is high… we tell them pole, they should not blame us because these are acts of God,” he said.
In Hazina estate, South B, hundreds of residents were left homeless after flash floods swept through the neighbourhood, destroying houses and washing away property. One resident, Angela Penina, said she was left without shelter and her belongings, including clothes for her one-week-old child.
“I have no place to stay, I have a one-week-old baby and the house has been swept away by water… I don’t have clothes for the baby,” she said.
A similar situation was reported in Kinoo, where some families could not access homes that remain submerged. Residents said at least five churches and several schools were affected.
“Every year we have a perennial issue of flooding here… today some cannot even worship. Many families are trapped inside their houses,” said Richard Migwi.
Government figures show the floods have affected more than 10,000 households, with 4,845 people displaced and forced to seek shelter in safer areas.
Kenya and the United Kingdom continue to unlock new economic opportunities under the Strategic Partnership Framework signed in July 2025, driving stronger trade, investment and green growth.
During a bilateral engagement on the margins of the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in London, I briefed the Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper, MP, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on progress in tendering for the Nairobi Central Station under the flagship Nairobi Railway City Project. Our partnership is already yielding results, with bilateral trade surpassing £2 billion (KSh 340 billion).
We also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including support for respective candidatures to the International Court of Justice, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration within international and multilateral frameworks.
I invited UK firms to explore investment opportunities in Kenya’s expanding electric mobility sector and encouraged the UK’s participation in the Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, which Kenya will host in July this year.
Amb. Maurice Makoloo, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, joined me in the engagement.
The death toll from Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 394, including 83 children and 42 women, while 1,130 others have been wounded, Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine said Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference, Nasreddine said the wounded include 254 children and 274 women, adding that many of the strikes have hit residential neighborhoods and civilian facilities.
He said several deadly incidents were recorded in the past 48 hours in southern and eastern Lebanon. In one strike in the Bekaa Valley, six members of the same family—four children and their parents — were killed, while other attacks in towns and villages left multiple casualties.
Kenya Airways has warned passengers travelling between Nairobi and Mumbai of possible baggage delays following operational challenges linked to regional airspace restrictions and adverse weather conditions.
In a customer advisory issued on March 8, the airline said the restrictions have forced aircraft to carry additional fuel to accommodate longer or altered flight paths.
The airline said the change has reduced available capacity for checked baggage on some flights.
“The additional fuel required to meet these requirements has had a direct impact on our baggage uplift capability; some bags may be misconnected and/or delivered on a later flight,” the airline said in the notice.
The carrier noted that the airspace limitations are a result of an ongoing regional conflict affecting certain flight corridors, which has complicated normal operations for aircraft travelling to and from Mumbai.
Kenya Airways apologised to passengers for the disruption, stating that teams in both Nairobi and Mumbai are working to reunite travellers with delayed luggage as quickly as possible.
“Our teams in Mumbai and Nairobi are doing everything possible to reconnect the delayed bags with you as quickly as possible,” the airline said.
Affected passengers have been advised to contact the airline’s customer support team for assistance.
The airline provided customer service contacts, including a call line, WhatsApp support, and its social media support handle.
The advisory comes as airlines globally continue to adjust flight operations due to changing airspace conditions and weather disruptions, which can affect routing, fuel requirements and cargo capacity.
Kenya Airways thanked passengers for their patience and understanding as it works to manage the situation.
Opposition leaders have vowed to take legal action against the government after claiming police officers blocked them from attending a church service in Meru County on Sunday.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the opposition coalition – now calling itself the United Alternative Government – would pursue constitutional and legal avenues following what they termed an unlawful move to bar them from worship at the Methodist Church of Kenya (MCK) Kaaga Church.
The leaders had planned to attend the induction ceremony of Bishop Muthuia Mwiti but were allegedly denied entry by police officers.
“This morning, the United Alternative Government was denied the opportunity to worship at Methodist Church of Kenya Kaaga Church and to witness the induction of Bishop Muthuia Mwiti,” Kalonzo said.
“The police, acting under direct instructions from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, physically blocked our entry.”
Kalonzo read a joint statement on behalf of the opposition on Sunday during a church service at East Africa Pentecostal Church in Njotene Parish, Buuri Constituency, where the leaders later worshipped after being turned away.
The former Vice President was accompanied by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, as well as several senators, MPs and MCAs.
Kalonzo described the incident as a violation of constitutional rights, citing provisions that guarantee freedom of worship and assembly.
“Article 32 of our Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the freedom of conscience, religion, belief and opinion. Article 36 guarantees freedom of association while Article 37 guarantees the right to assemble,” he said.
“When Kindiki directs the police to stop Kenyan citizens from entering a place of worship, he is not enforcing the law, he is breaking it.”
He insisted the opposition had no dispute with the Methodist Church but with what he termed political interference by the government.
“We wish the MCK Kaaga faithful God’s richest blessings and we hold no grievance against the congregation, the clergy or the Methodist Church Kenya,” Kalonzo said.
“Our dispute is with those who wielded political power to close the doors.”
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi criticized the heavy police deployment, saying security officers should instead focus on tackling insecurity in the region.
“We have over the years experienced cases of cattle theft in parts of Meru County and police have failed to curb the vice,” said Muturi, a former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and former Attorney General.
“But today a contingent of police officers who outnumbered worshippers was deployed to block us from attending a church service.”
Muturi accused President William Ruto of turning against leaders who supported him during the 2022 elections.
“Ruto is harassing the same leaders who assisted him during the 2022 campaigns to win and clinch the presidency,” he said.
“He has made history as President for curtailing leaders from attending a church service.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also condemned the police presence, saying places of worship should remain neutral spaces.
“A church is a sanctuary where the faithful go to worship God. There is no need to deploy all those police officers who should be responsible for curbing crime and protecting citizens,” Gachagua said.
He warned against the use of security agencies to intimidate political opponents.
“When you find yourself using the police to rule, then your era has come to an end,” he said.
Gachagua also urged leaders to stop attempts to divide the Mt Kenya region politically.
“The mountain is one. Our vote is only meaningful when it is one,” he said.
The opposition leaders insisted they would continue mobilizing their supporters across the country despite what they described as growing political pressure from the government.
Championship side Southampton reached the FA Cup quarter-finals with a shock 1-0 win against Fulham on Sunday.
Ross Stewart’s ice-cool penalty in stoppage-time at Craven Cottage sealed Southampton’s fifth-round upset.
It was an embarrassing loss for Fulham manager Marco Silva, who paid the price for a selection gamble that backfired.
Silva made nine changes following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against West Ham in the Premier League earlier this week, but his switches failed to produce the desired result.
Southampton won it in the first minute of stoppage-time when Finn Azaz was fouled by Fulham defender Joachim Andersen and Stewart drilled his spot-kick past Benjamin Lecomte.
Relegated from the Premier League last season, they are through to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2022.
Southampton’s success served as a fitting tribute to the greatest day in the club’s history.
Their players wore a yellow commemorative kit to mark 50 years since they wore the same shirts when Bobby Stokes’ sealed then second-tier Southampton’s shock 1976 FA Cup final win against Manchester United at Wembley.
Southampton’s current crop still has a way to go to emulate the achievement of Lawrie McMenemy’s men.
But Tonda Eckert’s side are unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions as they chase FA Cup glory and a place in the Championship play-offs.
Later on Sunday, Sunderland travel to Port Vale, who sit bottom of League One, and Leeds host second-tier Norwich, while West Ham meet Brentford on Monday.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have already booked their places in the quarter-finals.
Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani attended a Quran recitation competition held at Makorokoroni Village in Pongwe Kikoneni Ward, Lungalunga Sub-County.
The competition, organised by the Anas Bin Maalik Foundation, brought together participants who competed in various categories including Juzuu 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 15 and 30.
Speaking during the event, Governor Achani commended the organisers for promoting Islamic teachings and nurturing young talents in Quran recitation.
“Such competitions play an important role in strengthening faith, instilling discipline among our youth and preserving the teachings of the Holy Quran within our communities,” said Achani.
The Governor noted that religious institutions and community organisations play a key role in shaping moral values and promoting unity in society.
Also present were, CECM for Environment Saumu Beja, CECM for Public Service Karua Tsiwezi, CECM for Water Hemedi Mwabudzo, County Attorney Salim Gombeni, Chief Officer for Health Kitsao Mjimba, directors and other county officials.
The chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Gladys Wanga has praised the partnership between the Kenya Kwanza government and the party under the broad-based agreement.
Wanga, who is the governor for Homa Bay county, said the Luo Nyanza region has benefited greatly in the one-year period since the agreement was signed by President William Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“There are many things to show for this partnership,” she said during a church service in Bondo, Siaya County.
“Today we are talking about the Rironi-Mau Summit dualling, we are talking about the SGR coming to Kisumu, we are talking about the Jaramogi Odinga Odinga hospital being a level 6 facility.”
The party leader, Oburu Oginga, added that the agreement has secured development of the region, asserting that ODM intends to remain in the partnership to bolster the growth of the region through government’s support.
“We are ahead of leaders. Leaders are still procrastinating and we are in this broad-based arrangement where Raila left us and we are not going to leave it soon,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi who said the region is behind President Ruto to ensure his re-election in next year’s general election.
However, the partnership has faced contention by rival members of the ODM party, among them Nairobi Senator Ewin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who want ODM to reassert an independent opposition identity.
President Ruto has declared that he is targeting a decisive victory in the 2027 polls, saying he wants to win by a margin of between two and three million votes through a possible coalition with ODM.
DP Kithure Kindiki has warned against incitement and divisive politics, saying leaders who come to Meru to cause chaos will be dealt with.
Speaking in Meru County on Sunday, shortly after attending the induction of Bishop David Mwiti, the new Bishop of Kaaga Synod of the Methodist Church in Kenya, Kindiki urged residents to reject “kiherehere”, noise and unrest, saying visitors should come to the county with discipline.
“Wageni wanakaribishwa Meru lakini wakuje na nidhamu… fujo na fitina. Wasipoacha fitina tutawashughulikia vibaya sana. Watu wa Meru ni wastaarabu, hatupendi fujo na kelele,” he said.
Kindiki also took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespecting leaders and failing to deliver development for the region while in office.
“Lazima uheshimu watu wa Meru, lazima uheshimu viongozi. Hakuna kitu ulileta hapa in terms of development… unakuja hapa na kiherehere ya one term kudanganya watu,” he said.
He further alleged that Gachagua, who he said served one term as an MP after previously working as a district officer, was given the deputy president’s job but later fought the President and sabotaged government programmes.
“Wewe Rigathi ulikuwa tu DO na MP one term, na ulipopewa kazi ya naibu rais ukaiharibu kwa kupigana na rais na kusabotage maendeleo ya serikali. Hatutakubali uharibu nchi yetu kwa kuchochea watu,” he said.
In another statement, Kindiki said the government had a “solid plan” and challenged critics to list projects they lobbied for Meru County, the Mt Kenya region and Kenya when they were in office.
“The difference between us and those characters roaming around inciting the people is like day and night. We have a solid plan… We dare them to table the projects they lobbied for Meru County, Mt Kenya Region and Kenya at large when they were in office,” he said.
President William Ruto on Sunday implored the Kenyan youth to desist from being used by politicians who only seek to advance their personal interests.
Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County during the launch of a digital hub, President Ruto intimated that the vice of the political class manipulating the youth to settle political scores needs to be nipped in the bud and can only be achieved through empowerment.
He urged the youth to instead take advantage of the opportunities created by his administration, a move he believes will help solve the deeply-rooted ill culture.
“For a very long time the young people of our nation have been used as political tools, goons, bloggers and supporters for politicians. They deserve better. Do not accept anything less,” he said.
“Do not allow any politician to use your brains and energy to fight and secure votes. Use the opportunities given to you to advance yourselves so that you depend on yourselves.”
President Ruto said that his government has introduced a plethora of interventions to give the young people opportunities that will advance their financial resources.
He stated that these opportunities are provided through his ambitious housing plan, creation of ICT hubs, exporting labour to other nations among others.
“We have 540,000 youths who work abroad and they are advancing their lives,” he added.
“About 263 MPs are building ICT hubs in the republic of Kenya because in the ICT sector we can create jobs for young people and they sustain themselves as they contribute to the economy.”
The Head of State also urged the youth to take advantage of the creative economy and use social media platforms to upscale their artistic skills.
“I want every young person to pay attention to what we are doing to take advantage of the opportunities we are creating to help themselves and help the country in growing,” he said.
“Let nobody use you to cause chaos or do blogging for them or any political work. You also have children and your own life.”
