5 Things You Must Know This Morning — Sunday, 13 September 2026 - Livenow Breaking news, Kenyan News, World News. Videos

Good morning. Kenya wakes up to a politically charged Sunday, with President William Ruto beginning a high-stakes tour of Nyanza while the Linda Mwananchi movement holds a major rally in Nairobi. Away from politics, a deadly livestock disease is spreading across several counties, regulators are warning Kenyans about suspected investment scams, and fresh rains are expected across large parts of the country.

Here are the five biggest stories to start your Sunday.

1. Ruto begins high-stakes Nyanza tour with Sh220bn projects in focus

President William Ruto begins a multi-day tour of Nyanza today, taking his campaign for political support into a region that has historically been an opposition stronghold.

The President is expected to visit Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori, with the government highlighting projects worth more than Sh220 billion across roads, housing, markets, health, water and other infrastructure. His programme begins with a church service in Kisumu and engagements with regional leaders.

Among projects expected to feature are the Sh1 billion Usenge Pier, Muhuru Bay Pier, Kabonyo-Kanyagwal aquaculture project and the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway towards Kisumu and Malaba.

The visit has a major political dimension. Ruto is attempting to consolidate support gained through the broad-based government while opposition politicians argue that development projects should not shield the administration from scrutiny.

What to watch today: Ruto's political message in Kisumu, the reception he receives and what commitments he makes on the SGR extension, sugar industry, roads, jobs and Lake Victoria economy.

2. Police restrict Nairobi CBD access as Sifuna allies hold Linda Mwananchi rally

At the same time Ruto heads into Nyanza, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi allies are preparing for a major political rally at Jacaranda Grounds today.

Police say they will provide security for the rally but have declared the Nairobi CBD off-limits to participants, citing intelligence that groups of youths could be mobilised to confront rival supporters.

The planned procession is expected to begin around All Saints Cathedral before supporters proceed towards Jacaranda Grounds.

Linda Mwananchi has been gaining political attention through rallies around the country, with Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and other opposition figures among its prominent faces.

What to watch: Whether the rally proceeds peacefully, turnout at Jacaranda and whether Sifuna and his allies provide more clarity on their relationship with the wider opposition ahead of 2027.

3. African Swine Fever spreads as 1,470 pigs die in Kiambu

Kenya is battling a serious outbreak of African Swine Fever, with more than 1,470 pigs reported dead across more than 20 farms in Kiambu since mid-May.

The government says significant outbreaks have also been reported in Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Kakamega, Busia, Homa Bay and Migori, prompting increased surveillance and disease-control measures.

The disease is highly contagious among pigs and can devastate entire herds. Importantly, African Swine Fever does not infect humans.

The economic consequences, however, could be substantial for pig farmers and the pork value chain if the outbreak continues spreading.

What to watch: Livestock movement restrictions, further county outbreaks and whether the government announces compensation or additional containment measures for affected farmers.

4. CMA warns Kenyans against 15 alleged illegal investment schemes

Kenyans looking for quick returns from forex, cryptocurrency and online investment schemes have received a fresh warning.

The Capital Markets Authority has identified 15 entities it says are unlawfully soliciting money from the public without the required licences. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is investigating alongside the regulator and other agencies.

The warning comes amid growing promotion of investment platforms through social media, WhatsApp and other digital channels, often promising unusually high or guaranteed returns.

What to watch: Further enforcement action and possible arrests. Before sending money to an investment platform, investors should verify whether it is licensed by the relevant Kenyan regulator.

5. Rains return today as Kenya Met forecasts wetter five days

Umbrellas may be needed across parts of Kenya from today.

The weather service forecasts rainfall between Sunday, September 13 and Thursday, September 17, affecting parts of Nairobi and Central Kenya, the Coast, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley and some northern areas.

Western and Lake Victoria counties including Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori are among areas expecting rainfall during the first part of the week.

The forecast is particularly important after drought concerns in several parts of the country, although heavy rainfall can also create flash-flood and drainage risks.

What to watch: Localised heavy rainfall, flooding in vulnerable urban areas and whether the rains provide meaningful relief in drought-affected agricultural areas.

Global headlines to watch

Another vessel reportedly attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities received a report early Sunday that a projectile struck a ship moving through the strategic waterway. The extent of the damage and condition of the crew were initially unclear.

The incident follows Saudi Arabia's temporary shutdown of its crucial East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack. The pipeline had been carrying about four to five million barrels per day while Hormuz traffic remained heavily disrupted.

Oil remains the global economic story Kenya cannot ignore. Brent crude has surged above $100 a barrel amid attacks on tankers, disruption around Hormuz and growing instability around Red Sea shipping routes. If these conditions persist, Kenya faces increased exposure through imported petroleum products, transport costs and inflation.

Ukraine hit by massive Russian drone assault. Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 10 people and injured dozens, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying Russia deployed nearly 500 drones against Ukrainian targets from Saturday morning. Infrastructure and residential areas were hit across several regions.

LiveNow Africa morning line: Today is shaping up as a major political Sunday in Kenya. Ruto is attempting to make deeper inroads into Nyanza while Sifuna and Linda Mwananchi test their mobilisation strength in Nairobi. But beyond politics, watch the spreading African Swine Fever outbreak and the Middle East energy crisis: both could ultimately translate into real economic losses for Kenyan households and businesses.