The Online Kenyan

Equity Bank Group announced a 24 percent increase in its profit after tax for the first quarter of the year, reaching 19.1 billion shillings. This latest earnings report highlights the bank's robust growth and strong market position. The balance sheet of Equity Group reached a significant milestone, hitting KSh2.04 trillion. This financial achievement comes amidst ongoing developments in Kenya's banking sector.

The Kenyan government announced that nearly 97,000 new individuals have contributed revenue within a four-month period, paying Sh7.8 billion. The government is signaling a significant shift in its approach to funding major infrastructure projects, moving away from heavy reliance on borrowing toward private capital and pensions. The Kenya Revenue Authority is intensifying its efforts to combat illicit cross-border trade. Separately, Shelter Afrique Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to boost affordable housing and urban development funding across Africa.

Kenya has been drawn to compete against South Africa, Eritrea, and Guinea in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. This marks the first time the nation will host the continental tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda. The Harambee Stars learned their opponents for the 2027 AFCON following updates on a nationwide matatu strike due to rising fuel prices. The Junior Starlets, Kenya's under-17 women's national football team, arrived in Uganda for a series of build-up matches ahead of their 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers. Junior stars are also set to compete in a U-17 World Cup qualifier.

Matatu operators suspended their nationwide strike for seven days following discussions with government officials. The strike, which began earlier this week, was a protest against rising fuel prices that caused significant disruption to public transport across Kenya. At least 12 people died during protests against the rising cost of fuel, with reports indicating 20 injuries. A 22-year-old engineering student was shot dead in Kakamega during the protests. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki praised matatu operators for heeding the government's call to end their strike over high fuel prices. However, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused unnamed senior government officials of offering bribes to matatu operators to call off their planned strike.

Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo discussed the concerning rise of goonism in Homa Bay politics and its implications for national security. The interview highlighted the challenges faced in maintaining order and ensuring a secure environment. A Tuesday afternoon sitting at the Narok County Assembly descended into chaos as Members of the County Assembly engaged in fistfights over an ouster motion. The mystery surrounding the arrest and subsequent unconditional release of the Officer in Charge of Central Police Station, Chief Inspector Dishon Angoya, deepens.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has announced a reduction in diesel prices by Ksh10.06 per litre, while increasing kerosene prices by Ksh38.60 per litre. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has capped new pipeline transport tariffs for the Kenya Pipeline Company, shielding consumers from potentially higher fuel prices. Kenyan Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi explained that Tanzania's fuel is cheaper than Kenya's due to the timing of imports, not a significant pricing gap. The Law Society of Kenya is demanding an audit of Kenya's government-to-government oil importation arrangement and full disclosure of the fuel pricing formula. Kenyan energy officials have defended the country's high electricity costs, asserting that a reliable power supply is paramount for economic growth, even if it means higher tariffs.

Nationwide protests over soaring fuel costs on Monday resulted in the deaths of four people and the arrest of 348 individuals, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Four people have been confirmed dead and over 30 others injured following protests that erupted in Kenya, with journalists also looted during the violence. Protests against fuel price hikes in Kitengela, Kajiado County, turned violent as unidentified individuals reportedly took control, leading to widespread destruction and looting. The Machakos and Kitui counties became a scene of cat-and-mouse games between police and protesters. Nairobi was engulfed in chaos following nationwide protests by matatu operators against soaring fuel prices, with several shops in Westlands forced to close. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations launched an investigation after a United Democratic Alliance politician's car was torched along Thika Road.

The Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group are demanding an investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority into alleged intimidation and the arrest of Nairobi Central Police Station commander Chief Inspector Angoya, who reportedly released 64 protesters on police bond. The Officer Commanding Station at Nairobi's Central Police Station, Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya, was arrested for allegedly releasing 64 fuel protest suspects without authority. The OCS has been hospitalized after his arrest concerning the release of fuel protest detainees. Kibera Law Courts have released 220 suspects arrested during recent fuel price protests on a Sh5,000 cash bail each, charged with obstructing traffic after allegedly barricading Moi Avenue on May 18. Several youths have been arrested in connection with recent protests.