The Trending news in Kenya this week "16th March to 21st March 2025"

Here’s a summary of trending news in Kenya this week, based on recent developments as of March 16, 2025 to March 21, 2025

Violent Incidents and Protests: Several alarming events grabbed attention. A man set himself on fire outside the Supreme Court in Nairobi, highlighting public desperation. Clashes in Transmara and Kisii left three dead amid ongoing community conflicts, with sugarcane farms torched and police deployed to restore order. In Likuyani, Kakamega, protests turned deadly, with houses burned and two people shot during confrontations with police

Church Donation Controversy: President William Ruto’s donation of 20 million shillings ($155,000) to the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, sparked protests. Demonstrators, frustrated by economic hardships, attempted to occupy the church, leading to police firing tear gas to disperse them. This reflects broader tensions over the cost of living and perceived political influence in religious institutions.

Economic and Political Struggles: The “Ruto Must Go” sentiment has been trending, fueled by accusations of corruption, economic woes, and youth unemployment.  reports suggest frustration with governance, including claims of funds misappropriation and state intimidation. President Ruto’s promises, like distributing chapati-making machines, have met with skepticism amid these challenges.

Social Media and Exploitation Concerns: A BBC investigation revealed that TikTok is profiting from sexual livestreams in Kenya, some involving children as young as nine. Young women reported earning money through suggestive content, raising alarms about exploitation and the role of widespread internet access.

These stories reflect a mix of social, political, and economic unrest dominating conversations in Kenya this week. Sentiments on social media suggests a populace grappling with governance issues, safety concerns, and moral dilemmas tied to technology.

State Visit by Dutch Royals Amid Human Rights Concerns: Kenya hosted King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands for a state visit this week. The visit, which included a meeting with President William Ruto in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 18, has been overshadowed by allegations of human rights abuses in Kenya. Reports highlight ongoing issues such as political violence and state overreach, drawing attention to the contrast between the diplomatic engagement and domestic challenges.

U.S. Report on Money Laundering: A U.S. State Department report released this week identified Kenya as a hub for money laundering, sparking significant discussion. The report pointed to vulnerabilities in the financial system, adding pressure on the government to address corruption and illicit financial flows, a topic that has resonated widely in local media and public discourse.

Mexican Drug Cartel Operating in Kenya: A striking revelation from the Daily Nation on March 19 indicated that a Mexican drug cartel had been running a drug lab in Kenya. This exposé has raised alarms about transnational crime and security, with authorities facing questions about how such operations went undetected.

Human Trafficking Exposé: Another major story this week was an investigation into human trafficking, particularly involving women and girls forced into sex slavery. Published on March 20, this report has fueled outrage and calls for stronger protections and enforcement, highlighting a grim aspect of crime in the country.

Press Freedom Under Threat: The Standard newspaper’s headline “Enemy of the Press” on March 19 reflected growing concerns over press freedom. A directive from Broadcasting Principal Secretary Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani has been criticized as an attempt to curb media independence, a story that has trended amid broader debates about governance and civil liberties.

Social Health Authority Challenges: The Social Health Authority (SHA) has been in the spotlight due to operational difficulties, with only 4 million Kenyans reportedly covered under the new health scheme as of March 19. This has led to public frustration over healthcare access and government accountability.

These stories reflect a mix of international diplomacy, crime, governance, and social issues dominating conversations in Kenya this week. For the most current updates, ongoing developments might be further explored through local news outlets or social media platforms where sentiments and reactions are actively shared.