William Ruto
Coverage of William Ruto in the Nexus archive.
- Kenya: Kenya Journalist Escapes Abduction After Criticism of President, Says CPJ
A senior journalist in Kenya escaped an attempted abduction following angry criticism of his newspaper by President William Ruto. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for an investigation into the incident.
- Kenya: Kenya Journalist Escapes Abduction After Criticism of President - CPJ
The Committee to Protect Journalists called for an investigation into the attempted kidnapping of a senior journalist in Kenya following angry criticism of his newspaper by President William Ruto.
- Kenya: Widowers of Female MPs to Receive Spousal Pension Under New Law
Kenya's new Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Act, assented to by President William Ruto, ensures female Members of Parliament receive the same pension, gratuity, and dependent coverage as their male counterparts. Widowers of female MPs will now be eligible for spousal pensions under the law.
- World Bank lends $750 million to Kenya
The World Bank approved a $750 million loan to Kenya to support economic investment and fund a $37 billion budget, part of which addresses Kenya’s $100 billion debt. The lender commended Kenya’s government for financial reforms and anti-corruption efforts but emphasized the need for continued fiscal discipline. The World Bank also announced a $1.25 billion partnership with Nigeria to boost economic growth.
- Kenya: High Court Upholds Ruto's Reappointment of Fired Cabinet Secretaries in Split Ruling
The High Court in Kenya upheld President William Ruto's reappointment of Cabinet Secretaries who were dismissed during the 2024 Cabinet shake-up, ruling their removal did not disqualify them for future appointments.
- Kenya: Court Gives President Ruto 120 Days to Fix Gender Imbalance in Cabinet
Kenya's High Court ruled that President William Ruto's Cabinet does not comply with the constitutional two-thirds gender principle and has ordered him to correct the imbalance within 120 days.
- Kenya: Ngong-Naivasha Road Flyover Commissioned to Ease Traffic Congestion
President William Ruto is commissioning the Ngong Road-Naivasha Road Flyover at Junction Mall to address traffic congestion.
- Kenya: President Ruto Assents to County Allocation of Revenue Bill 2026
President William Ruto has signed the County Allocation of Revenue Bill 2026, which aims to ensure equitable revenue sharing among Kenya's county governments.
- Kenya: Nyanza Leaders Defend Ruto Alliance, Reject Return to Opposition Politics
Leaders from the Nyanza region in Kenya are defending the broad-based government arrangement and urging residents to cooperate with President William Ruto's administration instead of returning to opposition politics and street protests.
- Hundreds arrested as Kenyans mark the anniversary of deadly protests in 2024
Police in Kenya arrested hundreds and used tear gas as families of 2024 protest victims demanded compensation and justice. The 2024 protests, triggered by tax increases, resulted in 60 deaths, with families criticizing the government's compensation process for lack of transparency.
- #Kenya marks second anniversary of deadly 2024 #protests
Kenya is marking the second anniversary of deadly 2024 protests, where demonstrators stormed parliament amid youth-led protests against economic hardship and corruption. An annual march is held on June 25 to honor those killed, as public frustration with President William Ruto continues to grow.
- Kenyan police block roads around the country’s capital ahead of anti-government protest
Kenyan police blocked roads around Nairobi ahead of an anti-government protest marking two years since at least 60 people died in 2024 protests. Families of victims demanded justice and criticized delays in government compensation, while officials emphasized preventing criminal infiltration and protecting public order.
- Kenya police violence victims say compensation promise a 'smokescreen'
Kenya police violence victims criticize government compensation promises as a 'smokescreen,' citing lack of justice and ongoing impunity. Protests in 2024 and 2025 resulted in 127 deaths, with only four cases reaching court and no convictions. President William Ruto announced 2 billion shillings for 1,100 affected individuals but avoided apologizing for the violence.
- Kenya halts US Ebola facility, health minister tells court
Kenya has halted preparations for a U.S.-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base after the health minister was held in contempt for ignoring a court order. The facility, opposed by locals due to fears of Ebola and colonial overtones, was nearly completed with 50 isolation beds for U.S. citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Somalia: Somali, Kenyan Presidents Hold High-Level Talks On Regional Security
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Kenyan President William Ruto in Narok, Kenya, to discuss regional security and strengthen bilateral ties, according to officials.
- Kenya: Fabricated Quote Used to Claim Trump Warned Kenyan President Ruto Over 'Oppressing Kenyans' At G7 Summit
A fabricated quote was used to falsely claim that former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Kenyan President William Ruto about 'oppressing Kenyans' during the G7 summit. The claim originated from an article by Africa Check, which identified the quote as false.
- Kenya's Ruto says country nearing US mineral deal
Kenya's President William Ruto announced the country is nearing a critical minerals deal with the US during the G7 summit, emphasizing local processing of minerals like copper, graphite, lithium, and nickel. The agreement aligns with Washington's goal to counter China's dominance in mineral supply chains, though Ruto's Western ties have sparked domestic criticism, including over a US Ebola quarantine facility.
- At G7 summit, Kenya calls for better recognition of Africa by international institutions
Kenya's President William Ruto attended the G7 summit following an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron after the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi. Ruto called for improved recognition of Africa by international institutions.
- Thomas Partey denied entry into Canada and sidelined for sexual abuse allegation
Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada, and a Canadian court dismissed his visa appeal. Kenyan President William Ruto attended the G7 summit, and a training program in Northern Benin addresses men's roles in improving women's health and social conditions.
- Kenya to pay compensation to almost 2,000 victims of violent protests
Kenya will compensate almost 2,000 victims of protest-related human rights abuses, with payments starting next week after vetting by a state-funded human rights commission. President William Ruto emphasized this as a non-judicial reparations process, noting the $15 million payout is not an admission of guilt but a recognition of harm caused by violent protests linked to an Ebola quarantine dispute and anti-tax demonstrations.
- Kenya: Ruto Signs Division of Revenue Act, Securing Sh428bn Equitable Share for Counties
President William Ruto has signed the Division of Revenue Act, 2026 into law, allocating Sh428 billion in equitable share funding to county governments for the 2026/27 financial year. The act aims to ensure equitable distribution of resources among Kenya's counties.
- Kenya: Gachagua Demands Media Access to Laikipia Air Base Over Disputed Ebola Facility Construction
Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President, has challenged President William Ruto's administration to grant journalists access to Laikipia Air Base to verify the status of a controversial Ebola quarantine and isolation facility.
- Kenya: Ruto Defends Fuel Prices Strategy Amid Geopolitical Oil Market Pressures
President William Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to stabilizing fuel prices following an Energy Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announcement of a Sh10 diesel price reduction supported by a Sh10 billion subsidy.
- Kenya: Ruto Defends Foreign Trips and County Tours, Says Hard Work Key to Kenya's Economic Transformation
President William Ruto defended his frequent foreign trips and local county tours, stating that his busy schedule aims to accelerate Kenya's economic transformation and elevate the country to a position among the world's leading economies.
- Kenya: Mbadi Links 2026/2027 Budget to Ruto-Raila Dream of Prosperous Kenya
John Mbadi unveiled the Sh4.84 trillion 2026/27 Budget, linking it to the political ideals of President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga as a blueprint for Kenya's prosperity.
- Kenya: Ruto Launches Kenya-Benelux Chamber to Boost Trade, Investment
President William Ruto launched the Kenya-Benelux Chamber of Commerce in Brussels to strengthen trade and investment ties between Kenya and the Benelux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
- Kenya: President Ruto Begins Europe Tour Focused On Trade, Investment and Export Growth
President William Ruto has departed for an official tour of Europe focused on attracting foreign investment, expanding export markets for Kenyan products, and strengthening bilateral partnerships.
- Kenya: Ruto Begins Europe Tour to Woo Investors, Expand Kenya Exports
President William Ruto has embarked on a week-long tour of Europe to attract foreign investment, expand market access for Kenyan products, and strengthen economic ties with European partners.
- Kenya: Ruto Names Major General John Nkoimo New Deputy Army Chief
President William Ruto has reshuffled the Kenya Defence Forces, appointing Major General John Maiso Nkoimo as the new Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army. The reshuffle includes promotions, appointments, and tenure extensions across top military ranks.
- Kenya: Ruto Extends Navy Commander Maj Gen Paul Otieno's Tenure By One Year
President William Ruto has extended the tenure of Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno by one year as part of a reorganization of the Kenya Defence Forces leadership. Major General John Maiso Nkoimo was also appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army.
- Kenya: President Ruto's Ties to Controversial Tycoon Chivayo Irks Kenyan Opposition
Kenya's President William Ruto's regular guest at State House, Wicknell Chivayo, has caused opposition anger due to the Zimbabwean businessman's ties to the Kenyan presidency.
- Kenya: President Ruto's Ties to Controversial Tycoon Chivayo Irks Kenyan Opposition
President William Ruto's frequent guest at State House, Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial Zimbabwean businessman, has drawn opposition anger due to his connections to the Kenyan presidency.
- Kenyan president defends US Ebola facility amid deadly protests
Kenyan President William Ruto defended the construction of a US Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya amid deadly protests. He described the facility as the 'right thing.'
- Kenyan president defends US Ebola quarantine center amid protests
Kenyan President William Ruto defended a U.S.-funded Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base amid public protests and a court order suspending its construction. The U.S. plans to quarantine American Ebola patients in Kenya, citing a $13 million partnership, while opponents argue Kenya's health system cannot handle foreign patients. The court extended a suspension of the project, and protests reportedly resulted in two deaths.
- Kenyan president defends US Ebola quarantine center amid protests
Kenyan President William Ruto defended the U.S.-established Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base amid protests and a court order suspending its construction. The U.S. plans to invest $13 million in the partnership, but opposition groups argue Kenya's health system cannot handle foreign patients. A court extended a suspension on the facility, citing concerns over Kenya's capacity.
- Official in Kenya says 16 students killed in an overnight fire at a girls’ school
At least 16 students died and 79 were injured in an overnight fire at Utumishi Girls School in Gilgil, Kenya. The government-owned school, managed by the Kenya Police Service, is investigating potential fire safety violations. This incident adds to Kenya's history of deadly school fires, including a 2024 event that killed 21 students.
- Kenya’s mobile money tax plans threaten M-Pesa growth
Kenya’s proposed 16% VAT on mobile money services like M-Pesa and Airtel Money, along with a 25% excise duty on mobile phones, risks slowing fintech growth and financial inclusion. Experts warn the taxes could push users back to cash, harm diaspora remittances, and undermine Kenya’s leadership in mobile money innovation.
- Kenya cuts fuel prices after deadly protests
Kenya's government cut diesel prices following deadly protests against fuel hikes triggered by the Iran war, costing the government nearly $21 million in lost revenues. The move mirrors similar actions by Comoros and reflects broader economic pressures across Africa as countries struggle with fuel import costs and inflation.
- Africa-France summit unlocks $50B in investments
The inaugural Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi announced nearly $50 billion in investment commitments, including Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote's $16-20 billion East African oil refinery project backed by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosted the summit with Kenya's President William Ruto and announced $27 billion in French and African company projects across energy, AI, agriculture, and logistics.
- Flaws in Kenya’s AI-driven health reforms driving up costs for the poorest
Kenya's AI-driven health reforms are increasing costs for the poorest due to flaws in the system. President William Ruto promised universal healthcare access, but the algorithm favors the rich. The system was launched in October 2024 to replace Kenya's national insurance system.