President William Ruto of UDA and Raila Odinga of ODM sing a agreement to work together at KICC. [Emmanuel Wanson]
2025 in pictures: How the year unfolded in Kenya and beyond
National
By
Esther Nyambura
| Dec 25, 2025
2025 was marked by several political shifts, public protests, leadership transitions and sporting milestones in Kenya and beyond.
From Washington to the Vatican and from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, the year captured moments that defined governance, faith, democracy, and national identity.
January: Trump sworn in for a second term
United States President Donald Trump was sworn into office on January 20, returning to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term after winning the 2024 presidential election.
The inauguration, held in Washington, DC, marked the start of his second term as president, drawing global attention both at home and abroad.
February: African Union Commission chairperson election
Africa's Heads of State and government gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the African Union Commission chairperson election. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was a candidate but lost to Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who was elected chairperson.
March: Formation of the broad-based government
President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga formalised a broad-based government arrangement that brought several opposition figures into the administration, among them Johm Mbadi, the Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
According to President Ruto, the move was an effort to stabilise governance amid economic pressure and political tension.
April: Pope Francis’ death
Pope Francis died at the Vatican on April 21 at the age of 88. His papacy was widely recognised for its focus on the poor, climate justice and reform within the Catholic Church.
May: White smoke at conclave
On May 8, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, announcing the election of a new pope after days of deliberations by Catholic cardinals.
May: Coronation of Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope and took the name Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born pontiff in history. His election drew global attention and speculation over how he would lead the Church amid contemporary challenges.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. [AFP]
June: Anti-government protests in Kenya
Protests erupted across Kenya in June as many young people demonstrated against high taxes, cost-of-living pressures and governance concerns, escalating concerns that had started in 2024.
July: Saba Saba protests
On July 7, Kenyans marked Saba Saba Day with nationwide protests that turned violent in some areas, leading to clashes with police. Human rights monitors reported dozens of deaths, hundreds of arrests and widespread unrest as demonstrations spread across major towns and cities.
August: CHAN tournament and athletics milestones
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) took place in August, featuring national teams composed of locally based players.
CHAN 2024 Finals at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi on August 30, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]
Meanwhile, Kenyan athletes excelled on the global stage at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Kenya finished second overall on the medal table, with multiple gold medal performances by stars such as Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon.
September: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s Death
Renowned Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o died in September, marking the loss of one of Africa’s most influential literary voices.
Widely celebrated for works such as Petals of Blood and Devil on the Cross, Ngũgĩ’s legacy spanned decades of writing, teaching and activism, particularly his advocacy for African languages, decolonisation and freedom of thought.
Tributes poured in from across the world, hailing him as a giant of global literature.
October: Raila Odinga’s death
Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died in October while receiving treatment in India. Odinga was celebrated as a national figure who shaped Kenya’s multiparty politics for decades.
October: Tanzania elections and protests
Tanzania held its general elections in October, followed by significant protests and unrest over disputed results, drawing regional and international attention to concerns about transparency and democracy.
November: By-Elections
The country conducted by-elections across various constituencies and wards to fill vacant seats. These polls were seen as an early indicator of shifting voter attitudes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
December: Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) served as a major sporting highlight to close out the year, bringing together Africa’s top national football teams.
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