Kenya’s opposition accused President William Ruto of using public funds to influence church leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. In Machakos, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures warned clergy against political involvement, alleging bishops received vehicles. They criticized Ruto for unfulfilled promises and attempts to weaken the opposition. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemned the alleged church funding as disrespectful to Kenyans.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the Social Health Authority (SHA) would expand to cover more vulnerable Kenyans. The plan targets 30 million enrollments by Dec. 2025, 45 million by 2026, and 55 million by 2027. Speaking in Tharaka Nithi, he said 26.4 million people were already registered and credited 107,000 Community Health Promoters with delivering primary care. Kindiki outlined plans to modernize hospitals, digitize records, and extend coverage to 1.5 million vulnerable citizens.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto of disrespecting the Ukambani community after the dismissal of former Ketraco CEO John Mativo. Gachagua criticized Ruto’s immediate visit to Machakos following the sacking, calling it tribal bias that undermines unity. He urged the President to distribute resources fairly and deliver development to the region, and questioned Ruto’s anti-tribalism stance, citing contradictions and alleged misuse of power.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said chiefs in terror-prone counties will receive firearms by December. Officials without firearm experience will undergo training and trained chiefs will receive weapons immediately. The government will recruit and equip more National Police Reservists, improve officer mobility with leased vehicles, and strengthen cross-border security with Ethiopia and Somalia.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga criticised opponents of the cancelled KSh 637 billion Adani deal to upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Speaking at an ODM parliamentary meeting, he said critics paid to damage Adani’s reputation and had vested interests in the project. Odinga warned that cancellation denied Nairobi the chance to be a regional hub, contrasting Kenya’s loss with Rwanda’s decision to partner with Adani on Kigali International Airport.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said it lacked funds to conduct eight of 24 by-elections scheduled for Nov. 27, citing an additional KSh 258 million shortfall. Chairperson Erastus Ethekon told MPs the commission had secured KSh 788 million of the KSh 1.046 billion needed. He confirmed IEBC would hold 16 polls and described the elections as a test for 2027, targeting 6.3 million mostly youth voters.

President William Ruto urged African leaders to push together for reforms to the UN Security Council, including permanent African representation. Speaking during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, he called on leaders to uphold the Common African Position, prepare for the responsibilities of permanent membership, and strengthen Africa’s influence in global forums. He highlighted Africa’s role in peacekeeping and said the UN must become more inclusive.

Ryan Injendi, son of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi, lost the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) by-election nomination to Kabras West MCA David Ndakwa. He received 6,262 votes and alleged rigging and violence. Injendi vowed to remain in UDA and support President William Ruto. He pledged to contest the Malava seat in 2027 and urged the IEBC to run a fair by-election.