Kenya’s former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has died in Kochi, India, at age 80. Indian authorities said Odinga suffered cardiac arrest on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital. The former opposition leader served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under President Mwai Kibaki. Odinga, a veteran politician and son of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, had been receiving treatment for undisclosed health complications.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pledged to support Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka if the opposition unites behind him as its joint presidential candidate in the 2027 election. Speaking at the Wiper National Delegates Conference in Nairobi, Gachagua said he would campaign more actively than he did for President William Ruto in 2022. Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i also promised to back Kalonzo if the opposition endorses him as flagbearer.

Kenya has converted $3.5 billion of outstanding Chinese railway loans from U.S. dollars to yuan, cutting annual debt-servicing costs by $215 million. Treasury Secretary John Mbadi said the move diversifies currency exposure and could halve the loans’ interest rates. Analysts note the shift may set a precedent for other African countries seeking cheaper financing. The conversion aligns with China’s broader goal of expanding yuan internationalisation while reducing Kenya’s reliance on dollar-denominated debt.

Gideon Moi announced that Kenya African National Union (KANU) will work with Kenya Kwanza Alliance after a meeting with William Ruto in Kabarak. Ruto said the arrangement seeks to expand government cooperation on development programmes. Moi stated the party will support completion of stalled infrastructure projects. The announcement follows earlier talks at State House, Nairobi, and brings KANU into the government’s broad-based framework.

Kenya’s public debt rose by KSh 1.04 trillion between January and August 2025, reaching KSh 11.97 trillion, or 67.4% of GDP, Treasury CS John Mbadi reported. Domestic debt accounted for KSh 6.57 trillion, while external debt stood at KSh 5.40 trillion. The government raised USD 1.5 billion through its latest Eurobond, using part to repay an earlier bond. Mbadi said debt-management measures aim to reduce repayment pressure and safeguard fiscal stability.

Kenya is participating in the 2025 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., from October 13–18. The country aims to advance economic reforms, strengthen debt sustainability, and secure development financing, including concessional loans and grants. Delegates will discuss climate finance, regional integration, and private-sector investment, while engaging in bilateral talks to support Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and long-term growth objectives.

Western Kenya leaders welcomed the cooperation between President William Ruto and KANU chairman Gideon Moi, urging local officials to back government-aligned candidates. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, presidential aide Farouk Kibet, and MPs Bernard Shinali and Titus Khamala called on voters to support UDA’s David Ndakwa in the November 27 Malava by-election. They criticized Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale for endorsing an opposition candidate and said regional unity would advance development and complete ongoing projects.

Delays in approving genetically modified maize, cotton, and potato cost Kenya over KSh 20 billion in five years. Regulatory hurdles, misinformation, and ongoing court cases have slowed adoption, reducing crop yields, raising pesticide costs, and limiting food security. Experts warn that immediate commercialisation could generate more than KSh 60 billion over 30 years, cut pesticide use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and protect biodiversity.

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) will suspend sea exports of avocados from Oct. 20, 2025, citing insufficient volumes and the need to ensure only mature fruit is shipped. Air exports of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties will continue under mandatory inspections. The closure also affects avocado oil exports processed after this date. AFA will review crop maturity trends in January 2026 and enforce strict compliance, including penalties for violations.