Former President Uhuru Kenyatta met briefly with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi in Uganda on Monday, May 11.
In photos shared on his official account, Uhuru had a brief chat with CS Mbadi ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration ceremony.
The two leaders were received by Kenyan Ambassador Kipkosgei Toroitic and Ugandan envoy, Ambassador Katureebe Tayebwa at the Entebbe Airport.
“H.E. President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta, the 4th President of the Republic of Kenya, has arrived in Kampala to join fellow leaders, government officials, and dignitaries for the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“President Museveni was re-elected during Uganda’s General Elections held on 15th January 2026. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow, 12th May 2026, in Kampala,” the statement read in part.
A phile photo of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Uganda.
Kenyatta enjoys a cordial relationship with President Museveni, having worked together in the East African Community. This will be the second inauguration he has been invited to.
On the other hand, CS Mbadi was in the country to represent President William Ruto, who was among the dignitaries invited for the swearing-in ceremony.
Ruto is in the country handling several official duties. Earlier, he hosted a delegation from the United Nations for the inauguration of the UN Nairobi Expansion Project in Gigiri.
He also hosted several African heads of state for the Africa Forward Summit, graced by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Ruto and Macron held bilateral talks and signed 11 agreements worth Ksh129 billion at State House, Nairobi, including the modernisation of the Nairobi Central Station to the Embakasi Rail Line 5.
Other areas include promotion of Kenya’s premium purple tea, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the Masinga Dam project development, and modernisation of meteorological services.
Kenya and France also signed deals on sustainable aviation fuel production, digital transformation, expansion of container terminal capacity at our ports, and the blue economy and fisheries.
French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his visit to Kenya with a series of cultural and sporting engagements, blending diplomacy with local experiences in Nairobi.
As the 2-day Africa Forward Summit, begins in Kenya on Monday, May 11, Macron joined Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge for a morning jog.
Kipchoge, a double Olympic champion and one of the most celebrated distance runners in the world, accompanied the French leader during the run in Nairobi.
Notably, Macron’s interactions with Kenyan culture began a day earlier.
On Sunday, May 10, Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza was invited to an exclusive private dinner hosted by the French president.
The private dinner also brought together former rugby player and celebrity chef Dennis Ombachi.
During the gathering, Ombachi and Macron shared time in the kitchen, preparing a meal together.
File image of the dinner between Dennis Ombachi and Bien-Aime Baraza and others
The Africa Forward Summit, themed Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth, will be co-hosted by President William Samoei Ruto and Macron.
It is expected to highlight Africa’s innovation capacity while advancing shared solutions built around multilateral cooperation and transformative partnerships between African nations and France.
Speaking on the event, Ruto said Kenya was honoured to host the gathering.
“Kenya, the cradle of humankind, is proud to host you once again on African soil, a place where history began, and where the future is being actively shaped,” he said.
On his part, Macron described the summit as a landmark moment in relations between France and African countries.
“The Africa Forward Summit will be a significant milestone in that endeavour. For the first time, France and an English-speaking African country will co-chair this event, symbolizing an open and future-focused relationship,” he stated.
Macron added that long-term partnerships would be shaped by people driving innovation and enterprise across the continent.
“The relationship between France and Africa cannot merely be declared, it must be built on the ground by innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives,” he added.
As he landed in Nairobi, Macron described the gathering as an opportunity to deepen ties and build practical partnerships between France and African countries.
“So much enthusiasm as I arrive in Kenya, on the eve of the Africa Forward summit. The summit of a renewed and win-win partnership. In Nairobi, let’s give it all our strength! We have so much to do together,” he said.
Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga has fiercely responded to National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi following alleged attacks during an ODM meeting in Kilifi on May 4.
Among leaders who attended the meeting included Mbadi, the former party national chairman, who reportedly grabbed his opportunity to attack the Odinga family.
According to Ruth, Mbadi appeared to insult her and the former prime minister Raila Odinga at the event, which the party leader, Senator Oburu Odinga, missed due to unavoidable circumstances.
“He said the ODM party does not belong to the Odingas. That it is not family property and therefore nobody should feel entitled because they carry the Odinga name. He stated further that Raila Odinga was already dead and buried, and even if he were to be alive, he wouldn’t do much because he (Mbadi) and others have heavily invested in the ODM party,” Ruth claimed in a now-deleted post.
She expressed disappointment that Mbadi could demonize the Odinga name and legacy.
She asserted that there are some elements within the party who think that some of them, ‘entitled people,’ have been clinging to the Odinga name for political survival.
In a message addressing Mbadi, the politician informed Mbadi that Raila’s prominence stemmed from the people’s support for his principles, which ultimately gave birth to the ODM party.
She cited the 10-point agenda, the basis of the broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto, stating that inheriting Raila’s legacy requires earning the support of his followers.
“Yes, he is dead and buried, like Mbadi said. But his followers are not dead, nor is his ideology. It is easier to inherit the party or anything else Raila Odinga left behind, but you have to earn the support of his followers, not by coercion and other forms of inducements,” Ruth stated.
She also recounted how carrying the Odinga name deeply affected Raila’s close relations in 1982 following the abortive coup.
Ruth detailed how she went into exile in Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe and later to Norway, recalling a time when a Norwegian businessman and a friend helped her bypass immigration officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“John Mbadi has seen life in exile in the movies. I lived the experience, and it is not something you would wish for your worst enemy. Travelling to Kenya with the Odinga name on my passport was such a nightmare,” she explained.MP Ruth Odinga claims CS John Mbadi only watches exile stories in movies. Photo: John Mbadi. Source: Facebook
Ruth further discussed how she shelved her political ambitions to protect her late brother’s interests in the presidency in the 2013 and 2017 general elections.
“When in 2022 several leaders were being handed direct party tickets, I refused. Because of the Odinga name I carry, I knew that a direct party ticket would be the end of my political career. So I went to the party primaries, made a spirited campaign, and won. Then I faced other candidates at the general election,” she said.
She stressed that she seeks no preferential treatment due to her name and will instead take her agenda directly to the public.
The late Raila’s sister added that she knows where to find her brother’s genuine allies should she require political support.
Ruth maintained that the ‘Odinga name will not be the punching bag’ and urged Kenyans to trash Mbadi’s misleading entitlement narrative.
Further, she reminded the public that several families paid what she termed as ‘blood tax’ for the democracy the current leaders enjoy.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has linked the deadly attack in Mandera County that left six people dead to the alleged presence of Jubaland forces inside Kenyan territory.
In a statement on Monday, May 11, Gachagua claimed that the killings reflected a wider security problem that he had previously warned about in the region.
“Two days ago, we witnessed and received sad news from Northern Kenya, where we lost patriotic Kenyans in an act of aggression and incursion by Jubaland forces who continue to be on the Kenyan soil illegally,” he said.
Gachagua also conveyed his condolences to the families affected and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“I send my deepest condolences to the families of the six innocent Kenyans who were brutally killed in Arabia Sub-County, Mandera County. I also wish the seven injured a quick and full recovery,” he added.
Gachagua further said he had previously raised concerns over what he described as the presence of foreign forces in the area.
“Last year, I warned about the serious security threat posed by the presence of illegal foreign Jubaland forces in the territory of the Republic of Kenya when they had occupied almost the entire Mandera Town,” he continued.
The former deputy president condemned the killings and called for immediate action to remove the alleged forces from Kenyan soil.
“I strongly condemn this heinous act and demand the immediate removal of all illegal foreign forces from the area. The safety, sovereignty, and dignity of Kenyan citizens must be protected at all costs,” he further said.
Gachagua also argued that Kenya’s territorial integrity should not be compromised for political or commercial interests.
“We cannot trade the territorial integrity of our nation for cheap business and political gains of a few individuals at the helm of our nation,” he concluded.
On Saturday, May 9, six people were killed and several others seriously injured after unknown gunmen attacked a vehicle they were travelling in at Umar Jilo in Mandera.
County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa confirmed the incident, saying the victims were travelling in a vehicle when the assailants opened fire.
Reacting to the killings, Lafey MP Mohamed Abdikheir said the incident had left families and the wider community in mourning.
“It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the six innocent travellers on a mini-bus who were brutally killed by unknown gunmen on the outskirts of Arabia,” he said.
Abdikheir also wished the injured a quick recovery while condemning the violence, describing it as a senseless act that had claimed innocent lives.
“My prayers to the injured, who are fighting for recovery amid this senseless violence. I strongly condemn this barbaric act of cowardice, which has robbed lives. Such atrocities have no place in our modern society,” he added.
Abdikheir called on security agencies and the government to move with speed to investigate the attack, identify those responsible and strengthen security in the area.
“I urge the government to launch a swift, thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice, and enhance security measures to prevent future tragedies,” he further said.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has announced a four-month closure of part of Eldoret Road in Nairobi to allow construction of a vehicular bridge across the Nairobi River.
The closure will take effect from 6:00 am Monday, May 18, 2026, and remain in place until September 18, with motorists urged to use alternative routes during the works.
The Authority said the temporary closure is aimed at allowing contractors to undertake the bridge construction project across the Nairobi River.
“We wish to notify the general public that a section of Eldoret Road, Nairobi, will be closed as from 6:00 am Monday, May 18, 2026 till 6:00 pm Friday, September 18, 2026 (four months),” reads the notice.
“This is to allow the contractor to undertake the construction of a Vehicular Bridge across the Nairobi River. We urge motorists to use alternative routes as shown in the sketch and to follow guide by traffic police and marshals.”
KURA said both motorists and pedestrians will be redirected during the construction period, with temporary arrangements put in place to manage movement around the working area.
KURA also apologised for the inconvenience likely to be caused during the four-month exercise.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused as we endeavour to Transform Urban Mobility,” the notice added.
Kenya and France have signed 11 agreements aimed at deepening cooperation across strategic sectors.
The agreements were signed at State House Nairobi following bilateral talks between President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron of France.
President Macron is in the country for the Africa Forward Summit, which begins tomorrow.
President Ruto said one of the key agreements signed is the rehabilitation and modernisation of the KSh 12.5 billion Nairobi Commuter Rail project, which will serve as a central pillar of Kenya’s urban transport modernisation programme.
The President said Nairobi Commuter Rail Line 5 will expand and upgrade key commuter rail corridors linking Nairobi to satellite towns such as Syokimau, Embakasi, Ruiru, and Kikuyu.
“New extensions, including the Riruta-Ngong line currently under construction, will further improve connectivity across the metropolitan area,” he added.
The President said Kenya and France also signed an agreement establishing a joint venture to develop and finance logistics and port infrastructure, an investment of about KSh 104 billion.
Further, he said, the two countries signed an agreement to facilitate the purchase of premium purple tea varieties and promote Kenyan speciality teas across French retail networks, creating opportunities for value addition and higher incomes for farmers.
The President pointed out that another agreement signed today supports Kenya’s digital transformation and connectivity enhancement agenda.
“Kenya is building a dynamic digital economy that is driving innovation, competitiveness, and regional integration through flagship initiatives such as Konza Technopolis and the Digital Superhighway,” he said.
The President said he discussed with President Macron opportunities to deepen collaboration in digital infrastructure, digital public services, cybersecurity, data systems, and artificial intelligence, as Kenya continues to strengthen its position as a leading technology and innovation hub for East and Central Africa.
President Ruto said Kenya seeks to leverage France’s technology in the development of safe nuclear energy to support the country’s ambitious target of generating 10,000 megawatts of power.
“Kenya is going to benefit from France’s understanding of nuclear energy,” he said.
Additional bilateral agreements signed today cover cooperation in the blue economy and fisheries, financing for the raising of Masinga Dam and the modernisation of Kenya’s climate and weather services, production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Kenya, collaboration in agri-food systems transformation, and the expansion of the Kipeto Wind Energy Development Project by an additional 100 megawatts at a cost of KSh 32.5 billion.
President Ruto also said Kenya is keen on enhancing air connectivity between Kenya and France to support growing trade, tourism, and business engagement.
“At present, limitations in frequency, capacity, and routing constrain the full potential of direct air links between our two countries,” he said.
The President said he also agreed with President Macron to strengthen cooperation in digital health, laboratory systems, and epidemic preparedness, including the improved use of real-time data for early detection and response.
“This will enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to future outbreaks,” he said.
He welcomed the deepening cooperation in education and skills development, particularly in STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The President said the state-of-the-art University of Nairobi Engineering and Science Complex project, valued at KSh 5.6 billion, is now moving into the implementation phase.
On regional and global issues, President Ruto said they reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, climate action, and reform of the global financial architecture to ensure fair and predictable access to financing for developing countries.
“President Macron and I agreed that the Africa-France Summit must move beyond dialogue to implementation, with a clear focus on investment, innovation, and partnerships that deliver measurable results,” he said.
The President observed the decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, for the first time in a non-Francophone country, is a strong affirmation of the growing ties between the two countries.
“Kenya is deeply honoured to host this summit, the first to be held outside France or a Francophone African country in more than five decades,” he said.
He said the summit marks a significant step towards a more balanced, action-oriented, and results-driven partnership between Africa and France.
President Ruto said Kenya will continue working with like-minded countries to advance the country’s development agenda.
He explained that Kenya will not look East or West.
“We are looking forward,” he said.
On his part, President Macron said France is committed to building wider partnerships and expanding French investment in Africa.
On the multilateral level, he said the Africa Forward Summit will seek to reform the international financial architecture and defend the reforms at the G7 Summit to be hosted in France next month.
“We will try and speed up the reform of the African Financial Infrastructure with the African Development Bank,” he said.
The French President said hosting the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya does not alienate West African countries.
He explained West African countries will be represented at the meeting.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has received ballot papers and statutory forms for the Thursday, May 14, by-elections.
In a statement, the commission said the ballot papers and statutory forms arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in three pallets on Monday, May 11, morning.
“IEBC today morning received three pallets containing ballot papers and statutory forms at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, ahead of 14th May 2026 By-elections for Member of National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County and Member of County Assembly: Porro Ward in Samburu County and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County,” read the statement in part.
Upon arrival, the pallets were ferried to IEBC’s warehouse in Nairobi Industrial area, awaiting dispatch to constituency tallying centres.
IEBC noted that the ballot papers and statutory forms were printed by Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA in Athens, Greece.
File image of ballot papers at JKIA.
At the same time, the electoral body said preparations for the Thursday by-elections, including security and dispatch of materials, are at an advanced stage.
“The Commission is currently training polling officials, after which all trainees will take the Oath of Secrecy.
“Campaigns end today at 5 pm. With all systems in place, the Commission is fully prepared to conduct the by-elections,” IEBC added.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to face off with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party in the Emurua Dikirr by-election.
David Kipsang Keter, who will be flying the UDA ticket, will face off with Vincent Kibet Rotich of DCP.
Rotich was unveiled by Gachagua on Tuesday, April 7, at the DCP party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
Speaking during the unveiling, Gachagua described Rotich as a promising leader capable of representing the constituency effectively.
“I wholeheartedly accept your candidate, an inspiring, young, and ambitious leader dedicated to serving the people – Hon. Vincent Kibet Rotich – as the DCP Party flag bearer,” he said.
The Emurua Dikirr parliamentary seat became vacant following the demise of the late Johana Ng’eno in a plane crash.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has faulted Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka after he dismissed the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday, May 10 night, Mudavadi said he was surprised by Kalonzo’s remarks.
The Prime CS noted that Kalonzo, having served as a Foreign Affairs minister, ought to understand the importance of diplomacy.
“I am hard pressed to understand him because he was a diplomat, he is a diplomat; he understands all these matters, he was one of the longest serving foreign ministers of this country.
“I am astounded that he would speak like that. Diplomacy is about engaging, and he did it for so many years. It is unfortunate that he would assume that this summit is of no consequence,” said Mudavadi.
File image of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Speaking during a church service in Donholm on Sunday, Kalonzo said Kenya was only picked to host the Africa Forward Summit due to divisions among Francophone countries.
“Ideally, that summit used to happen in French West Africa, but because of the global situation, the realignment and alignment in the west African coast, the French president decided to convince President William Ruto to host the summit in Nairobi,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice President said there was nothing to celebrate about the summit, adding that Kenya should not pretend to be a fully democratic nation.
“There would be a presence that we are a cohesive nation, that we are democratic and a nation at peace with itself, while we know that it is far from the truth,” he added.
Kenya is set to host the Africa Forward Summit on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The summit, which will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), is expected to be attended by more than 30 African heads of state.
The Africa Forward Summit, themed Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth, will be co-hosted by President William Samoei Ruto and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
President Macron arrived in the country on Sunday evening and was received by Mudavadi before meeting President Ruto at State House.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is expected in Nairobi for an official visit that will include engagements at the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
In an update on Sunday, May 10, the United Nations Information Service in Nairobi said the visit will focus on the expansion of UN infrastructure in Kenya.
“On Monday, he will join the President of Kenya, William Ruto, for the inauguration of new UN offices and the groundbreaking of a new conference facility at UNON,” the statement read.
The planned conference facility is expected to significantly expand the venue’s capacity while improving accessibility for delegates and visitors.
“Once complete, the conference facility will be accessible to people with disabilities and increase the seating capacity from 2000 to 9000 delegates,” the statement added.
File image of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres
Elsewhere, this comes a month after Kenyan Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Mama Ida Odinga, made her maiden visit to the United Nations offices in Nairobi.
Mama Ida was accompanied by her children, Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Junior, and Winnie Odinga to the UN complex.
The newly appointed Kenyan Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP was warmly received by staff as she officially assumed office.
In a statement, Winnie said she was honoured to have escorted her mother to the UN offices on her first day.
“First day in office with Dr. Ida Odinga. Honored to have escorted her as a family to the UN offices. A proud moment grounded in service, legacy, and purpose,” she stated.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party also wished Mama Ida well as she takes up her new responsibilities in UNEP.
“Well in Mama Amb. (Dr) Ida Odinga on your assumption of office at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi. We are proud of you. Go and serve our motherland with pride, honor, and dedication,” the party stated.
President William Ruto nominated Mama Ida to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP on January 23, 2026.
The President forwarded Mama Ida’s nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
Mama Ida appeared before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on February 20 for vetting.
The National Assembly approved Mama Ida’s appointment on February 25, 2026, after Belgut MP Nelson Koech presented the vetting report in the house.
Citizen TV Kiswahili news anchor Mwanahamisi Hamadi has given all indications that she will be foregoing the newsroom for politics.
Addressing a gathering in Likoni on Saturday, May 10, the veteran journalist hinted at going for the area MP seat in the 2027 general election.
She called out the current leadership for apparently neglecting the constituents and failing to address the challenges bedevilling the Likoni people.
Referring to her political debut as a ‘new dawn’, Hamadi suggested she would treat all equally regardless of their ethnic extractions.
According to her, the current leaders had made it a habit to misuse the lowly for political gain and then dumping them long after they get into office.
“In Likoni, we are being seen as uncivilised people. Our friends from upcountry come to Likoni, but whenever they are here, they are misused during political campaigns. I have come, and you will have a voice. Don’t be misused again. They use you for voting, and thereafter they dump you,” she said.
Mwanahamisi Hamadi.
Hamisi further promised to include the non-natives in her agenda, stating that there would be no discrimination.
“They use you during campaigns, but when it comes to development, you are discriminated against. A new dawn is here in Likoni, even for those who have come. They are our fellows, and we should not leave them out of development. We, those who are born and bred here, will welcome those who come here from other areas. Many will come to sell their agenda, but let us be keen,” she said.
Should she make good her bid, she will be facing off with the current MP, Mishi Mboko.
She would not be the only media personality eyeing a political seat.
A few weeks back, a Radio Citizen presenter joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with whose ticket she will be debuting in politics.
Ogal eyes the Embakasi East parliamentary seat.
Also on the list of political entrants is Lulu Hassan, another Citizen TV news anchor.
Lulu is rumoured to be eyeing the Mvita MP seat.
Elsewhere, former Citizen TV news anchor Willis Raburu is eyeing the Kisumu senatorial seat.
Should the foregoing succeed in their bids, they will be joining a list of other former media personalities who ditched their careers for politics.
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and Lang’ata MP Jalang’o, alias Phelix Odiwuor, are some of the parliamentarians who came from the media.
MP Ruth Odinga claims CS John Mbadi only watches exile stories in movies. Photo: John Mbadi.
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