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A somber farewell was held for 15 girls who died in a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls, as Parliament considers a return to caning due to rising school unrest. Western Kenya politicians are strategizing for a 2032 presidential bid, while activist Boniface Mwangi has launched Ukweli Party aiming for a 2027 presidential run. The Junior Starlets have arrived in Tanzania for the CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship. The Kenya Revenue Authority is seeking powers to freeze employer assets over unremitted pension contributions. Former Kilgoris MP Gideon Konchellah has died. A budget analysis forum at All Saints Cathedral was disrupted by gunfire, leading to one arrest. Kenyatta National Hospital has opened a new isolation unit amid Ebola preparedness efforts. The NCCK condemned the disruption of a post-budget forum, while civil society groups have rejected the Sh4.8 trillion budget.

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NCCK condemns disruption of post-budget forum at All Saints Cathedral by 'state-sponsored goons'

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has strongly condemned the violent disruption of a post-budget dialogue forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, describing the perpetrators as 'state-sponsored goons'. The incident occurred during a discussion about the Sh4.84 trillion national budget. Civil society groups have rejected the Sh4.8 trillion national budget estimates presented to Parliament, citing a lack of public consultation. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has pledged to relentlessly pursue sponsors of political violence and hold financers, directors, and facilitators of such acts accountable, regardless of their position. Meanwhile, President William Ruto's administration is projected to borrow a record Sh1.03 trillion from local sources in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

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Sombre farewell for 15 girls who perished in dormitory blaze

A somber memorial service was held at Gilgil Stadium in Nakuru County for 15 girls who tragically died in a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Senior School on May 29. The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education has announced a comprehensive inquiry into the escalating school fires and student unrest across Kenyan learning institutions. Members of Parliament are reportedly considering a return to caning in schools as a measure to address rising student unrest. Primary school administrators are urging secondary school leaders to bolster learner support systems to prevent unrest, following a wave of disruptive incidents in senior institutions.

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Former MP & Minister Gideon Konchellah dies after cardiac arrest

Former Kilgoris MP and Cabinet Minister Gideon Sitelu Konchellah has passed away following a cardiac arrest on Saturday, June 13, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital. Former Kibaki-era cabinet minister and longtime Kilgoris MP Gideon Sitelu Konchellah had served the nation in various capacities. His death has sent shockwaves across Narok County and the nation. Tributes are also pouring in for the late H.M. ole Lempaka, a veteran Kenyan politician, businessman, and former public administrator, celebrated for his courageous leadership across politics, business, and governance.

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KRA Seeks Power to Freeze Employer Assets in New Crackdown

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is seeking new powers to freeze the assets of employers who fail to remit deducted pension contributions through the KRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening revenue collection. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is warning employers against continuing to deduct higher National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions, following a court ruling that suspended the NSSF Act, 2013. Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a specialized training program to combat money laundering and sophisticated financial crimes, targeting illicit financial flows, criminal networks and asset recovery.

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Wetang'ula says Western Kenya preparing to produce next president in 2032

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has announced that Western Kenya is strategically preparing to produce the country's next president in 2032, urging the region to support President William Ruto's re-election in 2027. Ukweli Party has elected activist Boniface Mwangi as its new leader, signaling his intent to run for president in the 2027 General Election. Meanwhile, Kenya Kwanza leaders are endorsing President William Ruto's re-election bid for 2027 and expressed their commitment to rallying the Mulembe community behind a presidential bid in 2032 during a Kericho tour.

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Ruto's Allies Defend Sh4.8 Trillion Budget

President William Ruto's allies have defended the proposed Sh4.8 trillion national budget for 2026/27, highlighting its focus on key sectors and job creation. Separately, President Ruto has defended his frequent international trips, asserting his role as Kenya's chief diplomat rather than a tourist. Earlier, President William Ruto criticized the opposition, stating they lack a concrete plan for Kenya and engage only in making noise while highlighting various government development projects.

Politics & Governance

Backlash as Mbadi presses for KRA sweeping powers on asset seizures

A proposal by the National Treasury to grant the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) sweeping powers to seize assets, even during tax disputes, has sparked significant backlash from tax experts and the private sector. The High Court has ruled that credit notes and assessor reports are sufficient proof of loss, a decision that will significantly aid insurance companies seeking compensation for damages. Separately, developers of Kenya's affordable housing program are facing increased construction costs as the VAT exemption on related goods has been removed, shifting them to standard-rated supplies.

Business & Economy

Junior Starlets arrived in Tanzania ahead of the CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship

The Junior Starlets have arrived in Tanzania to participate in the CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship. The team is ready to compete in the CECAFA U-17 tournament and set to showcase their talent on the regional stage. Separately, Kenya is set to host the Davis Cup, a major international tennis tournament, attracting eight nations for the upcoming competition. The Ministry of Defence is also set to take over the stalled 64 Stadium project in Eldoret, a significant development aimed at reviving the long-delayed infrastructure.

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KNH establishes 8-bed isolation and treatment unit in Kenya's preparedness strategy against Ebola

In a proactive measure for Kenya's health security, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has unveiled a new 8-bed isolation and treatment unit. Kenya has also launched new national guidelines for physical activity aimed at fostering healthier lifestyles across the country. Additionally, an article provides a look inside an MSF Ebola treatment facility, highlighting the critical work being done to combat the disease.

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Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia terms the 2026/27 budget as deceptive

Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament (MP) John Kaguchia has cautioned Kenyans against celebrating the Ksh4.8 trillion 2026/2027 budget, describing it as deceptive. Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has also criticized the 2026/27 National Budget, stating it fails to address the pressing needs of Kenyans and that public views were disregarded during its formulation. Experts forecast that Kenya's 2026/2027 National Budget could potentially increase the cost of doing business and raise consumer prices. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is set to present the KSh 4.8 trillion spending plan.

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USA Defeats Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles

The United States kicked off their World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. This win marked a strong start for the USA as co-host of the tournament. Co-host Canada secured their first point of the tournament with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium on June 12, 2026. The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened with the Group B match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium on June 12, featuring both co-host nations in action during the opening matches.

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