Ruto Reshuffles Principal Secretaries Moving Bitok to Tourism: President William Ruto has reassigned two Principal Secretaries, swapping roles between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Prof. Julius Bitok was moved from the Basic Education docket to lead the Tourism ministry. This marks a significant shake-up in the government's administrative structure. The reshuffle affects two key ministries and represents a cabinet-level adjustment in the Ruto administration. Gachagua Heads to Court of Appeal, Calls Impeachment a Constitutional Coup: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua plans to appeal to the Court of Appeal following a High Court decision that upheld his impeachment by the Senate, labeling the process a "constitutional coup." The Kenyan Senate is set to appeal a separate High Court ruling that awarded Sh50 million to Gachagua for an infringement of his right to a fair trial, with the question of where the Senate will obtain 50 million shillings being raised. Speaker Amason Kingi has defended the Senate's impeachment proceedings, asserting that the process was conducted properly despite the High Court finding. Opposition and lawyers are challenging the recent verdict regarding Gachagua's ouster, citing significant flaws, while Former Chief Justice David Maraga has publicly questioned the High Court ruling, asserting that the impeachment should have been annulled. Daniel Nduva Stages Back Nine Comeback to Win NCBA Royal Classic in Nairobi: Daniel Nduva achieved a remarkable victory at the NCBA Royal Classic in Nairobi, staging a dramatic comeback on the back nine to secure the win, marking his first-ever SDT golf title. Emmanuel Wanyonyi is set to compete in the Oslo Diamond League following his second-place finish in Rabat. Kenya has announced its squad for the upcoming Davis Cup Africa IV tournament scheduled to be held at the Nairobi Club, with the team aiming for promotion in the tournament. The Shah brothers also emerged victorious at the Padel Open, securing a significant win in the sport's growing presence. Kenyans Face Immigration Challenges Amid Global Policy Shifts: Kenyans residing in the United States now face increased deportation risks due to a new federal directive mandating stricter enforcement against non-citizens accused of illegal voting and immigration violations. Separately, the U.S. administration explained the denial of entry for Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, stating he was deemed inadmissible due to alleged associations with suspected terrorist organizations. Additionally, Kuwait has banned the recruitment of domestic workers from Kenya and 26 other countries, significantly impacting thousands of Kenyan nationals already working in the Gulf nation. Police Probe Mass Graves While DCI Arrests Ex-MP in Fraud Case: Authorities in Kitui County have uncovered a suspected mass grave in Mwingi Town, following a series of grim discoveries that have alarmed residents and local leaders. Police have launched an investigation into these discoveries. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested former Tigania East MP and ex-chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Josphat Gichuge Mwirabua (known as Kabeabea), over alleged land fraud totaling Sh56 million. Anti-narcotics detectives in Nairobi also arrested four individuals, including a Serbian man and a Tanzanian woman, during an intelligence-led raid on an apartment suspected of being a drug distribution hub. One Killed as Police Confront Residents Opposing Planned Quarantine Center in Laikipia: Tensions flared in Laikipia when police confronted residents opposing the establishment of a planned quarantine center, resulting in one fatality. One person was fatally shot during an Ebola awareness march in Nanyuki, and over 50 protesters have been arrested amid ongoing demonstrations against the proposed construction of an Ebola quarantine facility for U.S. citizens in Laikipia County. Ministry Forms Team to Probe School Unrest Amid Disciplinary Incidents: Education official Julius Ogamba addressed the media regarding a string of disciplinary incidents and fires affecting the education sector, following a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls' Secondary School in Gilgil that resulted in student fatalities. The Ministry of Education will form a multi-stakeholder team to probe the unrest in schools. The Woman Representative for Machakos County, Joyce Kamene, has called for a thorough investigation into indiscipline in schools. World Bank Intervenes as Youth Payments Delayed, Audit Reveals Housing Levy Gaps: The World Bank met with officials from Kenya's National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project to review its progress and address challenges, particularly concerns over delayed Ksh25,000 payments to beneficiaries. The Auditor-General separately identified significant revenue shortfalls in the Affordable Housing Levy collection, with the Kenya Revenue Authority failing to onboard all eligible taxpayers. This comes as lawmakers scrutinize the Finance Bill, 2026. The Central Organisation of Trade Unions also insists that enhanced National Social Security Fund deductions remain valid despite ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the NSSF Act, 2013. Nationwide Matatu Strike Disrupts Transport as Fuel Prices Protests Continue: Kenya is experiencing a nationwide matatu strike as operators protest against escalating fuel prices, causing significant disruption across the country. Protest victims have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government for the release of their Sh2 billion compensation, threatening nationwide protests if their demands are not met. Meanwhile, despite the ongoing strikes, football fans in Mombasa are embracing World Cup fever, flocking to purchase jerseys and memorabilia. Additionally, two Multimedia University students remain hospitalized after a police shooting during protests that are part of the wider nationwide matatu strike.
