The Online Kenyan

National Treasury CS John Mbadi has defended the government's economic reform agenda, particularly the newly enacted Sovereign Wealth Fund, asserting it will secure Kenya's future. Treasury also justified scrapping the original Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway contract, opting for a new toll-based model to improve fiscal sustainability. Separately, Mbadi appointed six members including Lawrence Kibet and James Mworia to the National Infrastructure Fund Board, signaling progress in operationalizing the new fund. Additionally, a constitutional lawyer has given President Ruto a one-week ultimatum over the proposed Ksh2.59 trillion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, demanding public participation before construction proceeds.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested four individuals suspected of running a fake recruitment scam, conning job seekers out of Ksh600,000 by promising them positions within the National Intelligence Service. In a separate development, a former KTN and NTV journalist and his wife face 12 charges for allegedly orchestrating a Ksh1.17 billion land fraud in Syokimau. Additionally, the Kenya Police Service has arrested 25 foreign nationals in Kisumu County as part of an intensified crackdown on human smuggling operations.

The High Court has prohibited National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from utilizing their official capacities for partisan political activities. In a separate ruling, the High Court ordered the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to pay advocate Abdinoor Maalim Ismail KSh6.9 million in damages for prosecuting him without sufficient evidence in relation to the 2019 DusitD2 terror attack. Additionally, the High Court has ruled that a second wife, whose marriage was legally invalid because the deceased was already married, is entitled to inherit from his estate under Kenya's succession laws, upholding inheritance rights despite the invalid marriage.

The High Court has issued conservatory orders prohibiting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from using their official capacities to engage in partisan political campaigns. A Kenyan lobby group Vocal Africa has filed a petition to stop the speakers from engaging in partisan political campaigns while holding their respective Speaker positions. Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has strongly refuted opposition claims that the Affordable Housing Program will be scrapped if they form government, calling such talk nonsense and selfish.

The Kenyan opposition is facing significant internal conflict as they struggle to select a unified flagbearer for the 2027 general elections to challenge President William Ruto. Multiple potential candidates including Sifuna, Kalonzo, Matiang'i, and Gachagua are in contention. Meanwhile, the National Council of Churches of Kenya survey shows Kenyans increasingly fear that money, rather than merit, will decide the outcome of the upcoming 2027 General Election. Mass defections are rock major parties as elected leaders seek new platforms for 2027, with the ruling UDA, ODM, Jubilee Party, and DAP-K among the hardest hit.

The upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16 has exposed deep divisions within the Kenyan opposition, highlighting a lack of unity despite stated intentions for a united front in 2027. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has indicated the by-election might be postponed due to persistent violence and electoral code violations. Meanwhile, the contest is shaping up to be one of Nyandarua's most expensive, with leading contenders from UDA and DCP parties heavily investing in cash handouts, gifts, and voter mobilization. The election is being closely watched as a significant test for both voters and the opposition.

A bodyguard attached to Youth and Sports Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has been released on bond as investigations continue into a fatal shooting incident. The Makadara Law Courts has extended the inquiry into the fatal shooting involving the bodyguard. Separately, the late Mzee Mark Too's two widows are embroiled in a legal dispute over his multi-million shilling properties in Kenya.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is set to launch a significant political tour of the Western region this month to promote his 2027 presidential aspirations, visiting Trans Nzoia and Bungoma. Former Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has also officially declared his intention to run for President in the August 2027 election, vowing to lead Kenya's Third Liberation and promising free education and healthcare. Presidential hopeful Jimi Wanjigi of the Safina party is diverging from typical early campaign tactics by hosting town hall meetings nationwide to develop his 2027 General Election manifesto.

The High Court in Kisumu has ordered top government officials to account for Kenya's duty-free rice importation program within seven days after Ahero rice farmers challenged the policy. Meanwhile, Kenyan miraa exports to Somalia have significantly declined in the first quarter of 2024, with Ethiopian suppliers capturing a larger market share. Separately, Kenyan exporters have urged the government to address high energy prices, costly freight, and trade barriers that are hindering the country's export competitiveness.