Kenya: 5 Major Events That Took Place in 2023

2023 has been a busy and eventful year with a series of activities shaping news headlines for days.

In this article, Nairobi Leo looks at five key events that dominated in 2023.

1. Shakahola Massacre

The Shakahola massacre caused astonishment across the country in April after Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church preached to his followers, directing them to fast until death to meet Jesus before the end of the world in August 2023.

The cult claimed 429 lives with their bodies being discovered in shallow graves in Shakahola forest.

Mackenzie was arrested on April 15 and is facing charges of terrorism, murder, counselling and aiding suicide, abduction, radicalization, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering.

2. Azimio Anti-Government Protests

The Azimio la Umoja coalition led by former Prime Minister Raila in march called for nationwide anti-government demonstrations over the high cost of living and 2022 presidential election results, reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and marginalization of some regions in government appointments.

Raila called off the protests for the first time on April 2 to give room for bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

He however called for another round of demonstrations in July after the bipartisan team failed to agree in their negotiations.

The protests however turned violent and led to the death of over 100 Kenyans. Some of the protestors deviated into looting sprees, especially in Nairobi and attacks on private property.

Raila called off the demos in August after he reached a deal with President William Ruto to return to bipartisan negotiations.

The former Prime Minister held a secret meeting with President William Ruto in Mombasa which was attended by former Nigerian President Olegun Obasanjo.

“We sanctioned a meeting between our leadership and that of Kenya Kwanza, under the facilitation of H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo. This initial meeting was to prepare ground for honest discussions of the issues we have been raising and those that Kenya Kwanza feels like raising. The meeting was therefore a talk about envisaged talks,” Azimio said in a statement.

3. Finance Bill 2023

The Finance Bill 2023 sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans with the majority opposing the new taxes that were proposed in the bill.

The bill proposed an increase of different taxes including the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel, digital tax, betting and insurance withholding tax and the Housing Levy.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly amid a heated debate between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza legislators. 184 MPs voted in favor of the bill while 88 opposed it.

President Ruto signed the bill into law in June 2023 but was briefly suspended after Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah and the Law Society of Kenya moved to High court.

The orders suspending the implementation of the Finance Act 2023 were lifted by the Court of Appeal on July 28.

“We have no doubt in our mind that the Finance Act and the Appropriation Act are interdependent. While the former provides for generation of the funds, the latter provides for the expenditure. There can be no expenditure where the mode of generation of the funds has not been provided for,” a three judge bench comprised of Justices Mohammed Warsame, Kathurima M’Inoti and Hellen Omondi ruled.

4. AFCON 2027

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on September 27 granted Kenya the rights to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

The announcement was made by CAF president Patrice Motsepe after the CAF Executive Committee’s meeting in Cairo Egypt.

The three East Africa countries beat Senegal, Egypt, and Botswana which had also bid to host the tournament.

Speaking after the announcement President Ruto said the government will mobilize resources and personnel to make sure the 2027 AFCON tournament is successful.

“We will now mobilize every resource, person, and sector to make sure we deliver a world-class football event in 2027. We will make sure that whatever infrastructural facilities are required will be made available to make sure Kenya moves to the next level in our sports industry,” he stated.

5. Cabinet Reshuffle

President Ruto on October 4 reshuffled his cabinet and moved Moses Kuria from the Trade Ministry to Public Service, performance, and Delivery Management.

The Foreign Affairs docket which was initially under CS Mutua was moved to the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

CS Mutua was moved to the Tourism docket while CS Zacharia Njeru was moved to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation replacing CS Alice Wahome who was deployed to the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.

In other changes, Ruto transferred Peninah Malonza to the Ministry of East Africa Community, the ASALS, and East Africa Development and CS Aisha Jumwa to the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Heritage.

6. Wells Fargo Heist

Two Wells Fargo employees on November 6 disappeared with Ksh 94.9 million that was set to be moved to the Family Bank Kenyatta in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

The duo were reported to have left the company offices before the police escort arrived. They dumped the Wells Fargo vehicle near Dafam area in South C next to the southern bypass and went missing with the money.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested eight suspects in connection with the heist and recovered Sh9 million at a house in Roysambu.