The Online Kenyan

The 26th Lewa Safari Marathon is set to take place on Saturday at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, attracting global runners for a unique sporting and conservation event. The Lewa Marathon successfully attracted 1,500 athletes in a race focused on conservation and talent development. Kenya's sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala is aiming to defend his Commonwealth Games title following a dominant performance at the national championships. Kenya is gearing up for the Glasgow games, with the SJK foundation stepping in to sponsor paralympic athletes to provide crucial support for athletes with disabilities.

Matatu operators across Kenya have launched a nationwide strike to protest against escalating fuel prices. The industry is demanding immediate action to stabilize costs and this action has disrupted public transportation services throughout the country. Two years after the KTN matatu strike brought the country to a standstill, Gen Z activists are still demanding justice and reforms following the initial strike that was called to protest rising fuel prices. The economic impact of these protests that occurred on Thursday, stemming from a nationwide matatu strike initiated by transport operators, is being discussed. Government leaders are accusing opposition figures of inciting youth into disruptive protests, claiming these actions are politically motivated due to a lack of a development agenda.

ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga is defending the government's compensation program for victims of political violence, viewing it as a crucial acknowledgment of their suffering. Oburu Oginga stated that Kenyans chose peace over confrontation during the June 25 anniversary demonstrations. Over 100 protest suspects have been arraigned at the Kajiado Law Courts following arrests made in Kitengela on Wednesday and Thursday during the protest anniversary period.

The Safaricom Chapa Dimba football tournament has seen an overwhelming response, with over 3,100 teams registering nationwide. The Western region leg of the competition has now officially commenced, kicking off in Western Kenya starting Saturday with the aim of discovering and nurturing young talent across the region. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) football team has successfully advanced to the next stage of the top-tier league after a dominant 3-0 victory over KAPU.

Two young individuals have tragically lost their lives after a building collapsed in Gikomba. The National Construction Authority has initiated a significant crackdown on construction sites in Mombasa due to a rise in unauthorized building alterations, highlighting concerns for public safety. The National Construction Authority (NCA) is cracking down on illegal skyscraper expansions in Mombasa with intensified enforcement to curb unauthorized construction and ensure adherence to building regulations. The Kenyan government is under fire for proposing to alter flight paths near Wilson Airport rather than demolishing encroaching commercial buildings.

Samson Lemayan and debutant Lydia Simiyu successfully defended their titles at the 26th Lewa Safari Marathon held at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Meru County on Saturday. Kenyan distance runner Kibiwott Kandie achieved a historic feat by smashing the half marathon world record at the 2020 Valencia 21km race. Leila Said Iddi has become the first female boxing referee/judge in East Africa to achieve IBA Star 3-Referee status, a significant accomplishment in a male-dominated field.

Ousmane Dembele delivered a career-best World Cup performance, scoring a first-half hat-trick in France's dominant 4-1 victory over Norway on June 26, 2026. Belgium secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 32 with a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, topping Group G. Senegal secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I match, powered by a stellar performance from substitute Pape Gueye, who scored twice. World Cup debutants Cape Verde extended their fairytale run to reach the knockout rounds, where they will face reigning champions Argentina.

Spain secured the top spot in Group H, advancing to the knockout stages of the World Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay. The win was decided by a goalkeeper error, leading to Uruguay's premature exit from the tournament. Egypt secured the runners-up position in World Cup Group G after a 1-1 draw against Iran, with the match taking place in Seattle on June 26, 2026. Iran had a dramatic late goal disallowed by VAR, which would have secured their place in the World Cup last 32, leading to a disbelieving draw against Egypt.