Kenya in May 2026: the most important developments in politics
In Kenya in May 2026, domestic politics revolved around President William Ruto's standing in the Mt Kenya region and the rivalry with Rigathi Gachagua. Early in the month Ruto faced growing challenges there, with allies defecting and calls for a one-term presidency intensifying. On 10 May Gachagua outlined a plan to lock Ruto out of 1.3 million votes in Kiambu, and his DCP faction outperformed Ruto's UDA in a contest in Ol Kalou. On 12 May Gachagua and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki clashed publicly over a phone call from Ruto, disagreeing on the nature and implications of the conversation. On 13 May a court battle deepened over evidence relating to Gachagua's hospitalisation, with lawyers arguing over the admissibility of medical records and witness testimony. In Nairobi, the city government was seeking its 11th county secretary.
The second theme was diplomacy around the summit in Nairobi. Macron began a four-day tour of Egypt and Kenya on 9 May, and on 10 May Kenya and France signed several areas of cooperation ahead of the Africa Forward Summit. On 12 May 32 African leaders met in Nairobi ahead of the G7 summit in France. Ruto and Macron called for reforms at the United Nations, and Kenya demanded a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council. African leaders pressed for credit reforms, focusing on debt restructuring and fairer lending terms. Macron faced criticism from attendees and observers after interrupting a panel at the summit.
Egypt was also active in Nairobi. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi represented Egypt at the summit and on 12 May discussed bilateral ties with Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Deby. On 13 May he returned from visits to Kenya and Uganda, ending a tour aimed at strengthening regional ties.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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