SBM Bank Unveils Rewards, Platinum Saver; KBA Advocates PAYE Cut: SBM Bank Kenya has launched the Platinum Saver Account offering high interest rates to help customers grow their savings efficiently. The bank also introduced the SBM Rewards program via its Mfukoni app, allowing customers to earn redeemable points on everyday card spending. Meanwhile, the Kenya Bankers Association is advocating for a uniform Pay As You Earn tax cut across all income brackets, arguing that targeted relief for low-income earners will have limited economic impact. Additionally, Airtel Kenya opened four new customer care centres in Nairobi to address increasing demand for mobile connectivity, digital, and financial services. Seven OPEC+ Countries to Raise Oil Output in July: Seven member countries of the OPEC+ alliance have agreed to increase their oil production by 188,000 barrels per day starting in July following a virtual meeting to review global market conditions. Oil prices experienced an increase as Iran launched missiles at Israel, potentially jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire agreement. The production increase comes amid these geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Eric Omondi Released On Ksh100,000 Bond Following Recent Dramatic Arrest: Firebrand comedian and activist Eric Omondi was released on Ksh100,000 bond on June 8, 2026, after his arrest on June 5 and subsequent arraignment on charges of unlawfully obstructing motorists. Former Chief Justice David Maraga was also arrested on Monday morning during a protest against the allocation of 76 acres of Nairobi National Park land for the Bomas of Kenya expansion project, with the demonstration taking place along Lang'ata Road. Separately, veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machokaa detailed his decades-long career in a defamation lawsuit against Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, who allegedly claimed Machokaa has HIV/AIDS, with the case proceeding through the legal system.

Wetang'ula Tells Western Residents to Back Ruto for Development Projects: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has urged residents of the Western region to support President William Ruto's re-election to ensure the continuation and completion of development projects. Meanwhile, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has also urged leaders from the Western region to aim for the presidency in 2032 rather than seeking the Deputy President position in 2027, citing the region's benefits from its partnership with Ruto's government. Wetang'ula is simultaneously consolidating his political influence in Western Kenya, positioning himself as a key figure in the region while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi appears less active locally. These three stories highlight the coordinated push for Ruto's support among Western Kenya political leaders. Karua Accuses Govt of Over-Taxing Kenyans: Martha Karua, leader of the People's Liberation Party, has accused the government of overtaxing Kenyans due to corruption and wasteful spending. She unveiled a "Rescue Budget" as an alternative fiscal framework. Separately, former East Africa Community Chief Administrative Secretary Ken Obura has declared he will run for Kisumu governor as an independent candidate, bypassing the ODM party nominations. Additionally, Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has publicly denied reports of a disagreement between himself and party leader Rigathi Gachagua. These three stories represent distinct political positioning outside the main ruling coalition.

Ederson to replace injured Wesley in Brazil World Cup squad: Brazil has been forced to make a change to their World Cup squad due to an injury sustained by full-back Wesley. At the same time, Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 will feature key winger Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who have recovered from hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, Florentino Perez has been overwhelmingly re-elected as the President of Real Madrid, securing 65% of the vote, clearing the path for Jose Mourinho's anticipated return as the club's new manager.

Kenya Power Moves More EV Owners Onto Its Cheaper Charging Tariff: Kenya Power is actively transitioning electric vehicle owners to its dedicated e-mobility tariff, aiming to lower charging costs for users and provide the utility with accurate data on EV energy consumption. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority announced significant partial road closures in Nairobi impacting daily commutes for several months, extending into 2027. Kenya's gambling regulator is developing a system for real-time monitoring of betting transactions to enhance oversight by directly accessing data as it occurs, moving away from reliance on operator-submitted reports.

Ruto Appoints Former MP to Prestigious Govt Role: President William Ruto has appointed Abdul Bahari Ali, a former Member of Parliament for Isiolo South, as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) Board. This appointment comes weeks after gospel artist Paul Waiganjo was appointed as an Advisor on Development Affairs to President William Ruto, following his decision to ditch DCP for UDA. President William Ruto has also pledged Sh10 million to football club Gor Mahia for their upcoming continental campaign, following their victory in the 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation Premier League. The President also embarked on a multi-nation European tour to Belgium, Norway, and Finland, aiming to boost trade and attract investment. Gliding Dolphins swimmers successfully defend their title at the Madaraka Swimming Championship: Gliding Dolphins swimming club has successfully defended their title at the Madaraka Swimming Championship. Kenyan rally legend Carl "Flash" Tundo has been appointed as the new CEO of the WRC Safari Rally project. Football club Gor Mahia was honoured at State House following their historic achievement of clinching a record 22nd FKF Premier League title. Iran's national football team has arrived in Mexico City, Mexico, in preparation for their upcoming World Cup campaign. Norway has intensified its World Cup preparations by holding its first training session in Greensboro, North Carolina, marking their return to the tournament for the first time since 1998. National Security Team to Discuss Wave of School Fires and Student Protests: The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) is convening on June 8 to address a concerning wave of school fires and student protests across Kenya. Several students at Bishop Sulumeti Girls' School in Kakamega were hospitalized after police used teargas to quell unrest, with students protesting water shortages. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has rejected proposals to alter the current second-term school calendar despite rising student unrest across numerous institutions. Over 60 schools have been temporarily closed due to ongoing instability within the institutions. The family of Zuhura Rama, a Grade 10 student who tragically died in the Utumishi Academy fire, has laid her to rest in Kwale amidst ongoing investigations into the devastating incident that claimed 16 lives. Former CJ David Maraga Arrested: Former Chief Justice David Maraga was reportedly arrested on Monday, June 8, while protesting the construction of infrastructure, including a parking lot, within Nairobi National Park. Nairobi police have dismantled a narcotics network in Kibra following an intelligence-led operation and sting, with several key suspects arrested. A man suspected of impersonating a Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) member was arrested with a loaded pistol at the Sony Green Stadium in Migori County. Comedian Eric Omondi was charged with obstructing motorists and subsequently released on a Sh100,000 personal bond after denying the charges. Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Kawaya has strongly condemned the recent mob killing of three young men in Machakos county and is demanding stricter regulations for the boda boda sector. Three-Judge Bench to Rule on Constitutionality of Gachagua Impeachment: A three-judge bench will rule on Monday regarding the constitutionality of the impeachment proceedings against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with the judgment expected to shape the country's political and constitutional landscape. Today marks a crucial day for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as he faces a significant legal challenge in the High Court. A decision regarding the potential impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President is expected on Monday. Nyandarua County Assembly has impeached Governor Ndegwa Muhoro following accusations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Israel Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes on Iran After Missile Attacks: Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes on military targets in Iran early Monday following a missile barrage from Tehran toward northern Israel, further escalating regional tensions. A powerful earthquake, estimated to be between 7.8 and 8.1 magnitude, struck off the southern coast of the Philippines early Monday, prompting widespread tsunami warnings and evacuations. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced significant immigration reforms aimed at tightening border controls and addressing undocumented migration, affecting foreign nationals including Kenyans. Three-judge bench declines to halt delivery of judgement in Gachagua impeachment case: A three-judge bench has declined a request to halt the delivery of a judgement concerning the impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua. The court's decision means the judgement will proceed as scheduled. Today is a crucial day for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as he faces a significant legal challenge in the High Court. A decision regarding the potential impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President is expected on Monday. High Court Justice Eric Ogolla revealed specific demands made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in a court petition, detailing the extensive list of entitlements Gachagua sought from the government including requests for cooks. Family lays Utumishi Academy fire victim to rest amid ongoing investigations: The family of Zuhura Rama, a Grade 10 student who tragically died in the Utumishi Academy fire, has laid her to rest in Kwale. This event comes amidst ongoing investigations into the devastating incident that claimed 16 lives. The community mourns the passing of Zuhura Rama, who was laid to rest following a fire at Utumishi Girls High School. Over 60 schools have been temporarily closed due to ongoing instability within the institutions, forcing a halt to learning. Unrest is spreading across Kenya as more schools are forced to send learners home due to a nationwide matatu strike, which is a protest against rising fuel prices.