The year 2010 was significant in Kenya’s political, social, and economic history, marked by notable events, challenges, and achievements. From political developments to sports victories, the year shaped the country’s future trajectory.
Incumbents
- President: Mwai Kibaki
- Vice-President: Kalonzo Musyoka
- Chief Justice: Johnson Gicheru
Notable Events
- January
- January 8: Kenya gazetted a new media law, which faced criticism for restricting press freedom.
- January 21: Jamaican Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdullah al-Faisal was deported from Kenya after clashes with protesters.
- January 26: Traffic accidents in Nairobi and Bungoma resulted in multiple fatalities, highlighting ongoing road safety issues.
- February
- February 1: A quarry collapse in Mukangu village led to the deaths of five workers.
- February 5: Minister of Transport Chirau Ali Mwakwere lost his Matuga Constituency seat due to election irregularities.
- February 13: Several government officials were suspended over corruption allegations, including Education PS Karega Mutahi.
- February 14: Prime Minister Raila Odinga suspended two ministers, William Ruto and Sam Ongeri, over corruption allegations.
- March
- March 11: Seven taxi drivers were shot dead by police in Dagoretti, Nairobi, following tensions between authorities and drivers.
- March 16: A matatu and lorry collision resulted in six deaths along the Sagana-Makutano road.
- April
- April 1: Kenya’s parliament passed a draft constitution, setting the stage for the 2010 constitutional referendum.
- April 16: Juja Constituency’s George Thuo lost his seat due to election irregularities.
- April 23: A bus collision with a trailer on Naivasha-Mai Mahiu Road killed 12 people.
- June
- June 10: Manson Nyamweya won the South Mugirango Constituency by-election, defeating James Omingo Magara.
- June 13: A bomb blast at Uhuru Park targeted a “No” campaign rally for the referendum, killing six and injuring over 100.
- July
- July 12: Chirau Ali Mwakwere won back his Matuga parliamentary seat after a court ruling.
- August
- August 4: A referendum on the Proposed Constitution of Kenya was held, with 68.55% voting in favor, leading to the promulgation on August 27.
- September
- September 20: Parliamentary by-elections in Starehe, Juja, and Makadara led to several political shifts.
- October
- October 19: Minister William Ruto was suspended amid corruption allegations.
- October 22: Kirinyaga Central MP John Ngata Kariuki lost his seat after a court ruling.
- November
- November 6: Peter Karanja, an Administration Police officer, killed 10 people in a shooting spree in Siakago.
Deaths
- January 10: Wilfred Mang’era Apencha, politician, was shot dead.
- February 6: Kipkemboi Kimeli, an Olympic runner, died of pneumonia and tuberculosis.
- March 7: Newton Kulundu, former minister, passed away due to illness.
- April 27: William Odongo Omamo, former minister, died of illness.
Sports
- February 1: Kenyan footballer McDonald Mariga moved from Parma to Inter Milan.
- March 28: Kenya dominated the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, winning gold in both individual and team categories.
- July 28 – August 1: Kenya hosted the 2010 African Championships in Athletics at Nyayo Stadium, winning a record 10 gold, 7 silver, and 8 bronze medals.
- August 14–26: Kenya participated in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, winning 3 gold and 3 bronze medals.
